Australia and Thailand participate in combined war game

10 September 2009

HMAS Darwin, a Royal Australian Navy Adelaide Class Frigate has today commenced Austhai 09, a combined maritime exercise with the Royal Thai Navy in the Gulf of Thailand.

The exercise, taking place in waters off Sattahip, will see Darwin operate with Thai missile corvette, HTMS Rattanakosin and the frigate HTMS Kririrat.

During the week long exercise, core mariner and warfare skills will be practised including seamanship, Anti-Submarine Warfare, Anti-Air Warfare, Maritime Interdiction Operations and Anti-Surface Warfare.

"Darwin is proud to be representing the RAN in this iteration of Austhai, an important exercise in the Royal Australian Navy's exercise calendar," said Commanding Officer of HMAS Darwin, Commander Christopher Smith, CSM, RAN.

"Austhai 09 will enhance proficiency in core mariner skills, professional standards and safety while promoting a shared understanding of procedures for operations between the maritime forces of Australia and Thailand."

"During the harbour phase we will provide practical demonstrations on fire-fighting techniques, casualty handling and first aid. During the sea phase Darwin will mentor our Thai counterparts in a boarding exercise and provide lessons learnt from Royal Australian Navy deployments to the Middle East Area of Operations."

"Mutual understanding will be enhanced with personnel from both nations taking part in an exchange program," said Commander Smith.

Austhai 09 is the fifth iteration of the exercise, recognising that Australia and Thailand share a common interest in the security and stability of the Southeast Asian region.