In the deep waters near Guam, RAAF deployed a P-8A Poseidon and 50 aviators to Andersen Air Force Base for Exercise Sea Dragon 2026.
Hosted annually by the United States Navy, the anti-submarine warfare (ASW) training gathers Australia's defence partners from the Royal New Zealand Air Force, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and Indian Navy.
Crew members from the recently re-formed 12 Squadron joined this year's activity with one focus: to enhance essential ASW while showcasing the Air Force's war-fighting capabilities.
Sea Dragon challenges crews with complex missions that require quick, coordinated problem-solving to classify and track underwater targets.
These high-end scenarios challenge RAAF aviators by refining skills and strengthening teams, thereby enhancing the strategic readiness of Australia's maritime surveillance fleet.
Exercise Detachment Commander Squadron Leader Bryce Martin said it was important for Air Force to be involved in these exercises.
"Exercises like Sea Dragon elevate the readiness and lethality of the Poseidon fleet," Squadron Leader Martin said.
On Sea Dragon, aircrews also refine their tactics, improve coordination and benchmark their performance against partner nations through friendly competition.
'Winning the Dragon Belt last time was a huge moment for our team.'
While the scoring contributes to the exercise's atmosphere, the focus is shared learning. Post-mission reviews and collaborative discussions enable participants to benefit from each nation's experience, improving the ASW proficiency of each crew involved.
"Exercise Sea Dragon strengthens our anti-submarine warfare skills, but it also focuses on forging relationships and partnerships with the nations we rely on to support regional security," Squadron Leader Martin said.
While the training element of the exercise is important, the pursuit of the coveted Dragon Belt - awarded to the top-performing ASW crew - is one of Sea Dragon's most recognisable elements. Australia has claimed the belt twice, and joined the exercise this year as the reigning champion, with several members returning to defend their title.
One such member was Corporal Isabelle Main.
"Winning the Dragon Belt last time was a huge moment for our team," she said.
Fellow returning crew member Corporal Rupert Freeman knew the competition this year was going to be tough.
"We're proud to represent Australia, and we're ready to give it everything again," he said.
The competition during this iteration of the exercise was characteristically fierce, with Japan Air Self-Defense Force claiming the Dragon Belt for 2026.
Exercise Sea Dragon ran from March 9 to 25.
