Minor War Vessels concentrate off Darwin

3 June 2010

The Minor War Vessel Concentration Period (MWVCP) sea phase has commenced in waters off Darwin, with five Royal Australian Navy ships practising general mariner, surface and amphibious warfare skills.

During the week-long activity, HMA Ships Glenelg, Pirie, Bundaberg, Balikpapan and Betano will focus on collective competencies including boarding operations, tactical manoeuvring, and seamanship.

“Darwin based 2nd Cavalry Regiment., with an Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV), General Motor Vehicle and three Unimogs, will join Navy in an amphibious landing, simulating a non-combative evacuation operation. The activity will practise relocating to a place of safety non-combatants threatened in a foreign country,” said Commander Mine Warfare, Hydrography and Patrol Boat Force, CAPT Vaughan Rixon.

“Maritime interception skills will also be honed with boarding operations practiced on the merchant ship MV Sapphire Bay with aerial support provided by a Navy Augusta A109E Power helicopter from 723 Squadron.

“Gunnery shoots will also be conducted against towed air targets.

“This exercise is an important part of Navy’s ongoing training program, aimed at enhancing its capability to protect Australia and its interests,” CAPT Rixon said.

MWVCP is part of ongoing efforts to improve ADF capability to protect Australia and its interests, and enhance interoperability within the ADF and with the many agencies involved in the border protection task. It is a carefully planned activity and will be conducted within strict environmental, safety and risk management constraints.

An Army unimog is loaded onto HMAS Balikpapan.	HMAS Betano lowers her bow door on approach to the boat ramp.	Petty Officer Boatswain Sam Perez stands guard as HMAS Betano loads Army vehicles onboard.
An Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV) is loaded onto HMAS Betano.