DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999, Fax: 02 6265 1545
MSPA 298/09
Thursday, 10 September 2009
AUSTRALIA AND THAILAND PARTICIPATE IN COMBINED
WAR GAME
HMAS Darwin, a
Royal Australian Navy Adelaide
Class Frigate
has today
commenced Austhai 09, a combined maritime exercise with the Royal Thai Navy in
the Gulf of Thailand.
The exercise, taking place in waters off Sattahip, will see Darwin operate with Thai
missile corvette, HTMS Rattanakosin and the frigate HTMS Kririrat.
During the week long exercise,
core mariner and warfare skills will be practised
including seamanship, Anti-Submarine Warfare, Anti-Air Warfare, Maritime
Interdiction Operations and Anti-Surface Warfare.
“Darwin
is proud to be representing the RAN in this iteration of Austhai, an
important exercise in the Royal Australian Navy’s exercise calendar,” said
Commanding Officer of HMAS Darwin, Commander Christopher Smith, CSM,
RAN.
“Austhai
09
will enhance proficiency in core mariner skills, professional standards
and safety
while promoting a shared understanding of procedures for operations
between the maritime forces of Australia and Thailand.”
“During the harbour phase we will provide practical demonstrations on fire-fighting
techniques, casualty handling and first aid. During the sea phase Darwin will mentor
our Thai counterparts in a boarding
exercise and provide lessons learnt from Royal
Australian Navy deployments to the Middle East Area of Operations.”
“Mutual understanding will be enhanced with personnel from both nations taking part
in an exchange program,” said Commander Smith.
Austhai 09
is the fifth iteration of the exercise, recognising that Australia and
Thailand share a common interest in the security and stability of the Southeast Asian
region.
Media contact:
Defence Media Liaison (02) 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
