16 September 2024
Wide smiles and enthusiastic greetings flooded the decks of warships from Japan, Canada and Malaysia as they sailed into Darwin Harbour.
They’re here to participate in Exercise Kakadu, the Royal Australian Navy’s largest and most significant multi-national maritime warfare activity.
While greeting Japanese warfare destroyer JS Ariake and crew at Kuru Wharf in HMAS Coonawarra, Commodore Flotillas Commodore Paul O’Grady underlined the importance of this year’s exercise theme: ‘regional cooperation through trusted and proven partnerships’.
“It’s a pleasure to welcome these nations to Darwin, and we look forward to engaging with all our regional partners, building relationships and working to strengthen friendships both on land and at sea,” Commodore O’Grady said.
Ariake, Canada’s general purpose frigate HMCS Vancouver and Malaysia’s general purpose corvette KD Lekir have joined ships from seven other countries, aircraft from five countries, and more than 3000 uniformed personnel from more than 30 nations.
Meeting people from other countries has been really cool, comparing stories and seeing similarities in how we do things. It’s been really fun to learn about other people’s cultures.
Vancouver and its 240-person crew are supported by a complement of Canadian Pacific Fleet command and staff.
Vancouver departed its home port of Esquimalt, British Columbia, in June, and Sailor 1st Class (S1) Josephine Huberdeau was enthusiastic to incorporate some of the observations and skills she’s learned since leaving home, as well as develop new friendships.
“This is my first deployment and I’m most looking forward to building relationships with the other countries that are here, as well as learning and seeing their ways of operating as a navy,” S1 Huberdeau said.
For S1 Kira Bennett, a financial services administrator, it’s their first time participating in Kakadu and so far the highlight has been the people.
“Meeting people from other countries has been really cool, comparing stories and seeing similarities in how we do things. It’s been really fun to learn about other people’s cultures,” S1 Bennett said.
During Kakadu, Vancouver will participate in several scenarios from humanitarian assistance to maritime security response, as well as engage in task group manoeuvres, anti-submarine warfare and gunnery exercises.
While the Canadian sailors are excited to integrate with other navies and forge new friendships, there are some things they aren’t so thrilled about.
“Before I came to Australia, I was warned that wildlife can kill you everywhere,” S1 Bennett said.
S1 Huberdeau said she was “excited to see the crocodiles, but a bit worried about the giant spiders”.
Kakadu runs from September 9 to 20, with the at-sea program supported by an action-packed harbour phase comprising briefings, a fleet commanders’ and senior leaders’ conference, ceremonies, and cultural, social and sporting events.
