DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999, Fax: 02 6265 1545
MSPA 199/10
Thursday, 3 June 2010
Minor War Vessels concentrate off Darwin
The Minor War Vessel Concentration Period (MWVCP) sea phase has commenced in
waters off Darwin, with five Royal Australian Navy ship’s practising general mariner,
surface and amphibious warfare skills.
During the week-long activity, HMA Ships Glenelg, Pirie, Bundaberg, Balikpapan
and Betano
will work focus on collective competencies including boarding
operations, tactical manoeuvring, and seamanship.
“Darwin based 2nd Cavalry Regiment., with an Australian Light Armoured Vehicle
(ASLAV), General Motor Vehicle and three Unimogs, will join
Navy in an
amphibious landing, simulating a non-combative evacuation operation. The activity
will practise relocating to a place of safety non-combatants threatened in a foreign
country,” said Commander Mine Warfare, Hydrography and Patrol Boat Force, CAPT
Vaughan Rixon.
“Maritime interception skills will also be honed with boarding operations practiced on
the merchant ship MV Sapphire Bay with aerial support provided by a Navy Augusta
A109E helicopter from 723 Squadron.
“Gunnery shoots will also be conducted against towed air targets.
“This exercise is an important part of Navy’s ongoing training program, aimed at
enhancing its capability to protect Australia and its interests,” CAPT Rixon said.
MWVCP is part of ongoing efforts to improve ADF capability to protect Australia
and its interests, and enhance interoperability within the ADF and with the many
agencies involved in the border protection task. It is a carefully planned activity and
will be conducted within strict environmental, safety and risk management
constraints.
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: (02) 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
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