Australia and Korea exercise in troubled waters

Australia and the Republic of Korea participated in Exercise Haedoli Wallaby, a bilateral anti-submarine warfare exercise, from November 1 to 3.

CAPTION: HMAS Melbourne departs Brunei enroute to Korea. Photo by Able Seaman Daniel Cull.

The exercise comes at a time of significantly heightened tension between North Korea and, well, everybody else – especially the USA and her allies, including Australia and South Korea.

A Defence spokesman said the biennial exercise demonstrated a shared commitment by Australia and the Republic of Korea to regional security and security of the Korean peninsula.

Royal Australian Navy frigates HMA Ships Parramatta and Melbourne and a Royal Australian Air Force P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft participated with six ships, a submarine and a maritime surveillance aircraft from the Republic of Korea Navy.

Australian assets are in the region participating in Indo-Pacific Endeavour 17, a joint task group deployment focusing on maritime security and cooperation.

Commander of the Joint Task Group Captain Johnathan Earley said Exercise Haedoli Wallaby reinforced common ideals between maritime nations.

“As two regional middle powers that share common democratic values as well as security interests, Haedoli Wallaby is an important activity for Australia and the Republic of Korea,” Captain Earley said.

“During the exercise, we strengthened our core sea-based maritime skills, while working together on briefings, table-top exercises, and international-engagement activities ashore.

“Australia’s defence relationship with the Republic of Korea is an important component of the broader bilateral relationship, and we welcome the opportunity for further cooperation.”

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