Australia Conducts Routine South China Sea Transit 19 February

Department of Defence

HMAS Toowoomba is currently on a Regional Presence Deployment in the Indo- Pacific region.

Quotes attributable to Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones AO CSC RAN: "We have a long history of operating in the South China Sea, which continues to be a vital waterway for the entire international community."

"This deployment demonstrates our commitment to regional security, upholding a peaceful South China Sea."

"Australian vessels and aircraft uphold international law during freedom of navigation and overflight to exercise, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea."

Quotes attributable to Commanding Officer HMAS Toowoomba, Commander Alicia Harrison

"HMAS Toowoomba has contributed meaningfully to Australia's enduring commitment to a secure, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

"This phase of our deployment strengthened cooperation with regional partners and demonstrated our transparent, professional approach to upholding international law.

"The skills developed throughout this phase strengthen our ability to meet future operational demands."

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