All friends on deck in the Indo-Pacific

A walk through the main living areas of HMA Ships Adelaide and Anzac during Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2022 (IPE22) quickly revealed a vast array of partner nations on board.

CAPTION: Representatives from Australia, United States, United Kingdom, New Zealand and Canada work together as part of Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2022. Story by Flight Lieutenant Brent Moloney. Photo by Leading Seaman Nadav Harel.

Mixing alongside the grey, green and blue ADF uniforms were those from some of Australia’s oldest partners and closest neighbours.

Each worked within their specialisations, including in operations, communications and information systems, marine systems, electrical systems, galley services, logistics, bridge watchkeeping, task group HQ and amphibious planning.

After departing Darwin in early September, Adelaide was joined by representatives from the United States, Malaysia, New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom, Philippines, Germany, Singapore and Indonesia.

The opportunity to experience life on board an Australian ship was valuable for all, including Royal Navy Leading Seaman Carl Tester.

“IPE22 was an excellent opportunity to earn Royal Australian Navy qualifications and gain insight into how HMA Ships operate, which is similar but slightly different to what we are used to,” Leading Seaman Tester said.

“We also participated in a joint amphibious operations activity, which was definitely the highlight of the trip.”

Canadian Navy officer Lieutenant Matt Baker highlighted some of the most valuable activities conducted by his team on IPE22.

“We’ve done so much, like participating in a WW2 memorial service in Sri Lanka for Canadian servicemen, volunteering with differently-abled children and engaging with non-traditional partner nations,” Lieutenant Baker said.

“There have also been plenty of fun activities, like performing with the Australian Army Band and travelling overland from Malaysia to Singapore between port visits.”

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