Exercise Kakadu participants drop by Darwin Waterfront ahead of military exercise

To the tune of AC/DC’s Highway to Hell, locals watched as a mob of sailors, armed with an inflatable croc, were seen slipping and sliding through the Darwin Waterfront’s obstacle course.

The Darwin Waterfront obstacle course was put to the test by sailors involved in Exercise Kakadu 2024.

To the tune of AC/DC’s Highway to Hell, locals watched as a mob of sailors, armed with an inflatable croc, were seen slipping and sliding through the Darwin Waterfront’s obstacle course.

Less than 24 hours before the commencement of Exercise Kakadu, hundreds of sailors gathered at the lagoon to complete an icebreaker event with the aim to build relations between the sailors who will learn to fight alongside each other at sea in the coming weeks.

The goal was to complete the obstacle as fast as they could, with the inflatable crocodile in tow.

The inflatable croc has never had a busier day. Picture: Harry Brill.

With language and cultural barriers to hurdle, physical training instructor Warrant Officer Corey Short said the fun and games was a form of building international relations.

“While there’s a winner at the end, the main aim is to get each other,” he told the NT News.

“Hopefully create some lifelong friends and enjoy a memorable experience.”

The Vietnamese were the first out of the gate.

As for who the most boisterous participants were, Warrant Officer Short said the Malaysian and Indian sailors were particularly competitive.

Commanding officer of the Indian contingent, Captain Ajay Kanwar, said the trip had been a hoot for his sailors and aviators.

“It’s been lovely, very nice and beautiful,” he said.

“It’s the first time many of us have to Australia – including myself – and we are enjoying it.”

Commanding officer of USS Dewey, Commander Nicholas Maruca, said the US sailors, who could be seen kicking a footy off to the side, were lapping up the experience.

“It’s really great, coming out here in a casual, open environment and enjoying the weather.”

The Darwin Waterfront obstacle course was put to the test by sailors involved in Exercise Kakadu 2024.

Indonesian sailors also brought the energy.

Originally published as Exercise Kakadu participants drop by Darwin Waterfront ahead of military exercise