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Australian Navy Joins Indonesian Independence Celebrations |
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Thursday, 20 August 2009 |
A contingent of Royal Australian Navy ships, led by the Frigate HMAS Darwin, is taking part in celebrations to mark the 64th Anniversary of Indonesian Independence.
HMAS Darwin, the Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment vessel HMAS Success, and the Hydrographic Survey vessel HMAS Leeuwin were among 38 participating ships in the Indonesian Fleet Review, a centrepiece of the celebrations. Heads of State have undertaken ceremonial inspections of their fleets of warships for centuries. The display of sea power is steeped in history and underpinned by tradition and pageantry.
Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Russ Crane, joined his Indonesian hosts and regional counterparts for the Fleet Review, which took place on Wednesday, 19 August.
“Taking part in the Fleet Review is also a great opportunity for our sailors to meet and interact with sailors from around the world,” Vice Admiral Crane said.
Vice Admiral Crane said maintaining Australia’s strong ties with Indonesia were vital and that the RAN’s participation in this event was an example of the strong naval cooperation between our nations.
“More than 45 per cent of our trading volume is exchanged through the Indonesian archipelago,” he said.
“This highlights the need for an ongoing strengthening of ties and understanding between our nations, and to continue working together to provide a stable maritime security environment in our region.”
Following the Fleet Review, Success and Darwin will depart in company to participate in Exercise Mastex, followed by various port visits and exercises in Asia.
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