Forces from the U. S. Navy and Royal Australian Navy concluded per week of bilateral operations within the South China Sea, June 11. Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) rendezvoused with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Anzac-class frigate HMAS Ballarat (FFH 155) June 6 to conduct operations within the South China Sea that continued till June 11. Curtis Wilbur and Ballarat started the week of cooperative operations with maneuvering drills and a replenishment-at-sea with USNS Large Horn (T-AO 198).

HMAS Ballarat Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Antony Pisani, was happy to take part within the cooperative operations which reinforce the power of the Australia-U. S. Alliance. “This train builds on the sturdy and enduring mateships that exist between the RAN and U. S. Navy. It additionally reveals that collectively we’re dedicated to a safe and steady maritime setting, and promotes the significance of Navy-to-Navy relationships throughout the area,” stated Pisani.

Commercial

Sailors aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) refuel a MH-60R Sea Hawk assigned to the Royal Australian Navy Anzac-class frigate HMAS Ballarat (FFH 155) on the flight deck. (U.S. Navy picture by Mass Communication Specialist third Class Zenaida Roth)

“I’m extraordinarily excited to work with our Australian allies and HMAS Ballarat who share our frequent values and pursuits, “stated Cmdr. Anthony Massey, Curtis Wilbur’s Commanding Officer. “Our shut coordination and assist for one another demonstrates our continued resolve and dedication to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific, selling safety and prosperity within the area.”

Curtis Wilbur and Ballarat additionally performed cross-deck helicopter operations, be part of live-fire gunnery workouts, and joint maritime operations. The ships honed their superior mariner abilities in a joint setting whereas imposing the normalcy of routine operations all through the area in accordance with worldwide legislation. These workouts additional strengthen interoperability between allied navies, and show the U. S. Navy’s dedication to working with like-minded regional companions to protect worldwide order within the South China Sea.

US Navy USS Curtis Wilbur Conducts Bilateral Operations with Royal Australian Navy HMAS Ballarat
The Royal Australian Navy Anzac-class frigate HMAS Ballarat (FFH 155) steams forward of Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) throughout a joint live-fire train. (U.S. Navy picture by Mass Communication Specialist third Class Zenaida Roth)

These operations are essential to each the RAN and U.S. Navy, and shows their dedication to adherence of worldwide legislation for the good thing about all. The South China Sea is integral to world commerce, and the shared use of the South China Sea without spending a dime and unrestricted worldwide commerce advantages all nations.

USS Curtis Wilbur is at the moment underway conducting operations in assist of a free and open Indo-Pacific, whereas assigned to Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15/Job Pressure 71, the Navy’s largest ahead deployed DESRON and US seventh Fleet’s principal floor pressure. Because the U.S. Navy’s largest numbered fleet, seventh Fleet interacts with 35 different maritime nations to construct partnerships that foster maritime safety, promote stability, and forestall battle.

US Navy USS Curtis Wilbur Conducts Bilateral Operations with Royal Australian Navy HMAS Ballarat
The Royal Australian Navy Anzac-class frigate HMAS Ballarat (FFH 155) steams forward of Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) throughout a replenishment-at-sea with the Navy Sealift Command Henry J. Kaiser Class fleet replenishment oiler USNS Large Horn (T-AO 198). (U.S. Navy picture by Mass Communication Specialist third Class Zenaida Roth)