Collins Class Submarines training in undersea warfare

• 'The exercise provided appropriate challenge to all who were involved, and was conducted with the utmost professionalism'

(July 7, 2010) -- Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Collins Class submarines have been captured in impressive imagery, whilst exercising off the West Australian coast recently. HMAS Collins, HMAS Dechaineux and HMAS Waller have been involved in an extensive training exercise which has tested both the crews and submarines. Imagery available shows two of the submarines conducting early morning activities just off Garden Island.

The exercise encompassed a number of military assets including RAN Frigate HMAS Anzac, three RAN Seahawk helicopters from the Nowra based 816 Squadron and a Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) P3 Orion. These units were taking part in order to expose all participants to a variety of challenging and complex anti-submarine warfare scenarios.

Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Steve Gilmore said these types of exercises, involving multiple units are vital in ensuring that our war fighting skills and competencies in the under-sea environment are maintained at the highest level.

"The exercise provided appropriate challenge to all who were involved, and was conducted with the utmost professionalism," said Rear Admiral Gilmore.

"Activities such as these ensure our people and platforms remain at the highest level of readiness in the defence of Australia."

Source : MoD Australia