Adelaide participates in ASWEX 2007

28 November 2007

For the past two weeks Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) units have been participating in ASWEX 2007, the RAN's annual Anti-Submarine Warfare Exercise.

In uncharacteristically calm weather for the Western Australian Exercise Area (WAXA), HMAS Adelaide (II) led HMA Ships Perth, Parramatta and Sirius, and HMNZS Te Kaha in the exercise against HMA Submarines Collins, Waller and Rankin.

The entire exercise was skilfully supported by air assets from the RAN's 816 Squadron (S-70B Seahawks); the Royal Australian Air Force's 92 Wing (AP3C Orions) and the RNZN's 5 Squadron (P3K).

This year, ASWEX consisted of two one-week phases. The first week saw the participants 'brushing-up' on their Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) skills, or Anti-Surface Warfare skills (ASuW) in the case of the submariners.

Highlights of the first week were a harbour break-out and minefield transit by the surface units against the 'enemy' submarines. Additionally, Collins managed to successfully complete her Unit Readiness Evaluation and Weapons Certification.

The second week was the warfare phase, which saw the 'enemy' submarines trying to stop the Australian and New Zealand Force (ANFOR) 'good guys' from successfully undertaking a Non-combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO). Adelaide and Perth were able to safely escort Sirius, against a cunning submarine force, into 'safe-waters', while completing the NEO of 47 Australian civilians. The ANFOR units won the war and saved the day!

ASWEX 2007 was the final exercise for Adelaide prior to decommissioning in January 2008. The RAN's Premier Warship led her Task Group with zeal, not at all showing her 27 years of service and still demonstrating to everyone that the Adelaide spirit lives on.