DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6265 3343, Fax: 02 62656946
MSPA 036/09
Monday, 9 February 2009
NAVY’S FLEET CONCENTRATION PERIOD
SAILS INTO ACTION
The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) will sail into action across the Eastern Australian
seaboard this week, as 21 ships and thousands of Officers and Sailors are put to the
test during the annual Fleet Concentration Period (FCP-09).
FCP-09 is a comprehensive six-week training program which challenges and
enhances RAN mariner and war-fighting skills. This activity also provides an
opportunity for RAN ships to exercise with their Royal New Zealand Navy
counterparts and improve interoperability.
Adelaide Class guided missile frigates and ANZAC Class frigates will sharpen their
fighting skills and tactics through a series of warfare serials. The frigates will be
joined by Collins Class submarines HMA Ships Farncomb and Waller to conduct
anti-submarine warfare exercises, in which Waller will provide a highly capable
adversary. In later exercise scenarios, the frigates will be tasked with asset protection,
attempting to safely escort RAN supply vessels HMA Ships Sirius and Success.
The RAN’s amphibious capabilities will also be honed through exercises Squadex and
Sea Lion, conducted in waters off Townsville, Queensland. In an unprecedented
event, all six of the RAN’s Heavy Landing Craft will exercise together along with
Australian Clearance Diving Team One, HMAS Kanimbla and HMNZS Canterbury.
Exercise Mulgogger will challenge the RAN’s expert mine countermeasure skills.
Mine warfare and clearance diving units will neutralise practice mines in realistic
scenarios held in waters in and around Jervis Bay on the South Coast of NSW and
Garden Island WA. Four Huon Class mine hunters and two Mine Sweeper Auxiliary
vessels will take part, along with Australian Clearance Diving Team Four.
FCP-09 will culminate in a highly realistic Warfare Exercise, in which all
participating units are brought together to play out a large-scale hypothetical scenario.
FCP-09 provides a vital contribution to the maintenance of Australian Defence Force
capability, protecting Australia and its interests. The exercise is a carefully planned
activity and will be conducted within strict environmental, safety and risk
management constraints.
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
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