DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Coordination and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6265 3343, Fax: 02 62656946
CPA 169/08
Tuesday, 10 June 2008
ALOHA RIMPAC
The Royal Australian Navy’s ‘Faithful and Strong’ Landing Ship, HMAS Tobruk
sailed from Sydney today, en-route to Hawaii where she will take part in the largest
maritime exercise in the world.
This year marks the 21st iteration of the biennial RIMPAC series; with Tobruk joining
HMA Ships Anzac and Success, the Collins class submarine HMAS Waller, two
embarked Navy helicopters, Clearance Diving Team Four and Fleet Battle Staff.
“Tobruk’s ship’s company is looking forward to engaging with other Pacific Rim
nations as we combine forces to improve interoperability in the full spectrum of war-
fighting activities,” said Commanding Officer of HMAS Tobruk, Commander Brett
Wolski, RAN.
“While we will be one of many ships involved, Tobruk will play a pivotal support role
in this dynamic environment,” said Commander Wolski.
The Commander Amphibious Task Group, Captain Peter Laver, RAN will command
the amphibious assaults in Hawaii during the exercise.
RIMPAC 08 is comprised of force elements from Australia, Canada, Chile,
Netherlands, Japan, Peru, Singapore, Republic of Korea, United Kingdom and the
United States of America.
35 surface vessels including a US carrier battle group, six submarines, more than 100
aircraft, and 20,000 personnel will represent the 10 participating Pacific Rim
countries.
HMAS Tobruk is a multi-purpose troop and roll-on/roll-off, heavy vehicle carrier
built by Carrington Slipways Pty Ltd at Tomago, NSW. The design includes facilities
for bow and stern loading, beaching, a drive-through capacity and inter-deck transfers
via ramps. The amphibious role is enhanced by forward and aft flight decks, able to
operate heavy-lift and troop-carrying helicopters.
Tobruk can accommodate up to 300 troops for an extended duration. In a maximum
capacity state, the ship can provide accommodation for up to 520 troops for short
periods of time.
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison (02) 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
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