Royal Australian Navy Anzac Class frigate HMAS Ballarat conducted a routine transit through the South China Sea in accordance with international law, with support from a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.
The transit was conducted with the United States Navy's Arleigh Burke Class destroyer USS Dewey on September 15 and 16.
HMAS Ballarat is undertaking a Regional Presence Deployment throughout the Indo-Pacific. These deployments play a vital role in Australia's security and prosperity by protecting our interests, preserving a rules-based international order, enhancing cooperation and relationships with partners and allies, and developing capability and interoperability.
Quotes attributable to Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones AO CSC RAN:
- Australia has a long history of operating in the South China Sea both unilaterally as well as in conjunction with allies and partners.
- Operating alongside regional partners enhances interoperability and readiness to respond to shared security challenges.
Quotes attributable to Commanding Officer HMAS Ballarat, Commander Dean Uren:
- This activity was a component of a planned routine deployment for Ballarat to the region.
- This activity is an important demonstration of the resolve that Australia has to supporting an open, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, where international law is respected.
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