HMA Ships Stuart and Sirius have joined the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) corvettes RSS Valiant and Vigour for Exercise SINGAROO, a two day maritime exercise in waters off Singapore.
The biennial exercise aims to develop a better understanding and working relationship between the Royal Australian Navy and the RSN in the conduct of maritime exercises, while providing the opportunity to enhance professional interaction between personnel from the two Navies.
Commanding Officer Stuart, Commander Chris Leece, said the exercise enhanced the professional and personal ties formed during the recent Exercise Kakadu 18, in which both countries participated.
“The training serials tested our warfare skills, enhanced our interoperability with the Singapore Navy and gave us an opportunity to build personal relationships,” CMDR Leece said.
A personnel transfer was conducted on both days of the exercise, allowing ships company of both navies to experience life on board each other’s vessels.
Stuart and Sirius will now proceed to Exercise BERSAMA LIMA as part of the Five Power Defence Agreement (FPDA). The FPDA is a multilateral organisation that fosters interoperability amongst Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom.