Navy ships arrive in Darwin for Exercise Kakadu 2024
An international fleet of warships is descending on Darwin to prepare for a large-scale navy exercise, with boaties warned to stay clear of a live fire trace especially drawn up for the event.
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An international fleet of warships is descending on Darwin to prepare for a large-scale navy exercise, with Territorian boaties warned to stay clear of a live fire trace that has been especially drawn up for the event.
This week, Exercise Kakadu, a biennial military activity, will launch from the waters of HMAS Coonawarra, with more than a dozen warships and 3500 sailors expected to participate.
A total of 20 nations will take part in the exercise, with some nations opting to participate in an observer or headquarters capacity.
Pilots and submariners have also been organised for the exercise, with an Australian Collins-Class submarine and a team of F-35 stealth jets committed to the activity’s war gaming phase.
At HMAS Coonawarra on Sunday, exercise director Captain David Tietzel said crews would undergo a series of different tests.
“There will be maritime domain awareness training, some maritime interception and also humanitarian assistance training,” he said.
“We’ll also do tactical anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare with aircraft and helicopters.”
Notable warships include guided missile destroyed USS Dewey and Japanese anti-submarine warfare destroyer JS Ariake.
Making its Exercise Kakadu debut is the Vietnam Peoples Navy, with VPN corvette 18.
Ahead of the large naval presence, the NT Government issued a coastal notice for mariners this week, warning boaties the Port of Darwin would become more congested from September 12-19.
“Vessels should expect that live firing will take place within the NAXA during the period of the exercise at any time,” the notice read.
“Merchant traffic may be invited to alter course to facilitate naval training manoeuvres.
“Vessels transiting the area during the exercise period are advised to navigate with caution, monitor VHF Channel 16, and ensure their vessels Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) is activated.”
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Originally published as Navy ships arrive in Darwin for Exercise Kakadu 2024
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