Joint operations between U.S. Navy and Royal Australian Navy in South China Sea


The Royal Australian Navy guided-missile frigate HMAS Parramatta (FFH 154), left, along with the U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) and the Arleigh-Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) for operations in the South China Sea starting April 13.


Joint operations between U.S. Navy and Royal Australian Navy in South China Sea 925 001 The America Expeditionary Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region (Picture source: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nicholas Huynh/Released)


HMAS Parramatta (FFG 154) began sailing with Ticonderoga-class guided missile-cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) then rendezvoused with amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) an Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) April 18. Their combined operations started with force integration training and manoeuvring exercises between Parramatta and Bunker Hill.

Operations with USS America started with a precision manoeuvre that included Barry in the South China Sea.

Operations with Parramatta have included integrated live-fire exercises, coordinated helicopter operations, small boat force protection drills, command and control integration, and manoeuvring interoperability.

The events gave both navies the opportunity to integrate all warfare areas, and further strengthen the bond between both countries.

The U.S. and Australia share a long history of integrated military exercises. Over 3,000 U.S. Sailors and Marines had the opportunity to observe or participate in the combined exercise.

U.S. 7th Fleet conducts forward-deployed naval operations in support of U.S. national interests in the Indo-Pacific area of operations. As the U.S. Navy’s largest numbered fleet, 7th Fleet interacts with 35 other maritime nations to build partnerships that foster maritime security, promote stability, and prevent conflict.