Warships from 19 Countries Participate in Exercise Kakadu Fleet Review
Warships from 19 countries participated in the Exercise Kakadu Fleet Review in Sydney Harbour.
The event commemorated 125 years since the establishment of the Royal Australian Navy.
Event Overview
The Exercise Kakadu Fleet Review involved 30 ships from 19 nations, including Japan, the United States, and Papua New Guinea. The event marked the 125th anniversary of the Royal Australian Navy's foundation.
It was characterized as the largest fleet review in Sydney in over a decade and part of Exercise Kakadu, which is described as the largest maritime exercise in the Southern Hemisphere.
Proceedings and Participants
Warships entered Sydney Harbour between 6 AM and midday. While most ships were berthed or anchored, a column of vessels proceeded past HMAS Leeuwin towards the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Defence Minister Richard Marles attended the event aboard HMAS Canberra.
Safety and Cooperation
NSW Police deployed 245 officers and multiple specialist units to ensure public safety throughout the event, with police vessels accompanying the procession.
Superintendent Rohan Cramsie, operation commander, and Captain Tony Raeside, Director-General of the Navy 125 Program, both acknowledged the successful collaboration between various agencies and the respectful conduct of spectators.
The participating warships were scheduled to depart the harbour on Sunday, with marine exclusion zones remaining in effect.