Maritime Exercise draws to a close

26 November 2010

Navy and Air Force have today completed a series of maritime exercises and trials off the coast of Western Australia. Anti Submarine Warfare Exercise (ASWEX) 2010 is an important combined exercise for RAN and RAAF maritime and air assets, providing Anti Submarine training and trial opportunities that increase efficiency in these specific skills.

Sikorsky S70B-2 Seahawk helicopters flying in formation whilst preparing to conduct a weapons firing serial off the coast of Western Australia.

The annual maritime exercise was held in the Western Australian Exercise Area off the coast of Perth and adjacent air space from 15-26 November 2010.

HMA Ships Warramunga and Arunta, as well as HMA Submarines Collins and Dechaineux completed the exercise and returned to their home port of Garden Island, Rockingham.

Seahawk helicopters from 816 Squadron, based at Nowra in NSW, and Orion A-P3 maritime patrol aircraft from 92 Wing, based at RAAF Base Edinburgh in SA, also participated in the exercise.

ASWEX 10 successfully practised and evaluated Anti Submarine Warfare concepts, tactics and procedures, as well as assisting in the maintenance of all general maritime warfare skills.

ASWEX 10 is also an important facet of progressing Navy’s trial programs. The exercise trialled a number of weapons, weapons systems, sensors and communications systems for the RAN and RAAF.

The exercise was supported by Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) personnel, Defence Material Organisation (DMO) personnel, Torpedo maintenance specialists, personnel involved in new and enhanced weapons projects as well as operational test and evaluation specialists.

Imagery available in the Navy images gallery