Exercise Sea Eagle

05 December 2007

After the waters in and around Whyalla, South Australia, were successfully swept clean of simulated enemy mines in Exercise Dugong, the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) demonstrated their amphibious capability in Exercise Sea Eagle.

Conducted for the first time in the vicinity of the Cultana Range Training Area (CUTA), the RAN joined forces with Australian Army personnel from 7RAR and 10 Force Support Battalion, as well as two landing craft and their crews.

The two-week long exercise which commenced on November 19 saw RAN assets HMA Ships Manoora, Gascoyne, Yarra, Norman and Tarakan with a Sea King helicopter from 817 Squadron embarked on Manoora.

Lead by the Commander of the Australian Amphibious Task Group, CAPT Peter Laver, RAN, Sea Eagle saw Manoora conduct a simulated beach landing at high tide, followed by a successful evacuation of 'civilians' from the area.

Additional elements conducted within the strict environmental, safety and risk management constraints were emergency scenarios, troop transportation, seamanship evolutions, flying serials, force protection situations and diving operations.

"Despite adverse weather conditions that delayed the simulated beach landing, Sea Eagle ultimately achieved all of its core objectives, fulfilling its vital role in maintaining force readiness" said CAPT Laver.

"Amphibious operations are amongst the most complex of the ADF's joint capabilities and the success of Sea Eagle 07 is testament to the detailed planning and coordination between all participants."