Amphibious Exercise Commences In South Australia

Amphibious Exercise Commences In South Australia

The Royal Australian Navy and Australian Army descended upon Whyalla in South Australia yesterday, commencing Exercise Sea Eagle 07. The training exercise, which is taking place at Cultana Range Training Area, will give the Australian Defence Force (ADF) a chance to show off its amphibious capabilities.

The two-week exercise will be conducted from 19 to 30 November 2007, as a part of the ADF's ongoing efforts to develop its amphibious capability for the defence of Australia and its interests. This is the first time Exercise Sea Eagle 07 is to be conducted at Cultana Range Training Area.

Sea Eagle 07 will involve HMA Ships Manoora, Gascoyne, Yarra, Norman and Tarakan. In addition the Army has contributed personnel from 7RAR and 10 Force Support Battalion, as well as two landing craft and their crews. One Sea King helicopter from 817 Squadron will also be embarked on Manoora.

"The exercise will focus on the planning and actioning of amphibious operations, ultimately leading to simulated beach landing and evacuation of 'civilians' from the area," said the Commander of the Australian Amphibious Task Group, Captain Peter Laver, RAN.

"Amphibious operations are amongst the most complex of the ADF's joint capabilities and involve extremely detailed planning and coordination between all participants. Sea Eagle 07 is an important part of the ADF's annual amphibious training cycle and plays a vital part in maintaining our forces at the appropriate levels of readiness."

Sea Eagle 07 will involve a number of amphibious tasks, including beach reconnaissance, emergency scenarios, troop transportation, seamanship evolutions, flying serials, force protection situations and diving operations. The ADF will conduct Sea Eagle 07 within strict environmental, safety and risk management constraints.

ENDS

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