Australia, partners bolster warfare skills in Sulu Sea exercise November 1, 2022, – by Fatima Bahtić

Royal Australian Navy ships from five nations, including HMA Ships Hobart and Stalwart, completed exercise Sama Sama Lumbas in the Philippines in October.

The Royal Australian Navy guided-missile destroyer Hobart and auxiliary oiler replenishment ship Stalwart operated with ships from the Philippine Navy, US Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and Royal Navy, and a variety of aircraft. 

The exercise comprised surface warfare and anti-submarine warfare serials, a search-and-rescue exercise and replenishments at sea.

Hobart Commanding Officer Commander Andrew Pepper said it strengthened practical cooperation and enhanced interoperability.

“We are all now a more effective, stronger team which has combined our knowledge and capabilities towards a common goal,” Commander Pepper said.

A key goal of the exercise was to facilitate a replenishment at sea with the Philippine Navy guided-missile frigate BRP José Rizal.

Stalwart Commanding Officer Commander Steve McCracken said Stalwart and the Sea Training Group combined to support the replenishment. 

A gunnery exercise also demonstrated regional capability and coordination, as ships sailing in formation fired close-range guns at a floating target.

Boatswains Mate Seaman Louie Ford said it was extremely rewarding to fire a Typhoon Mk 25 gun from a console inside Hobart.

The ships participated in Exercise Sam Sama Lumbas as part of a routine regional presence deployment.