The Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Canadian Navy performed simulated boarding exercises in the South China Sea. Following the conclusion of Exercise Balikatan in the Philippines, the Anzac-class frigate HMAS Toowoomba and the Halifax-class frigate HMCS Charlottetown alternated roles as suspect merchant vessels.
During the bilateral training, boarding parties crossed over to the partner vessels to breach unfamiliar spaces and search for simulated contraband. The warships sailed in company for several days, rehearsing safety drills, communications, and boarding procedures.
The Royal Australian Navy reported that HMAS Toowoomba is currently on a regional presence deployment, while HMCS Charlottetown is operating under Operation Horizon.
According to the respective navies, the training built on prior regional multinational engagements, including Exercise Kakadu and the International Fleet Review.
Communications Operator and Boarding Party Member Able Seaman Michael Cunningham of HMAS Toowoomba highlighted how the exercise provided valuable operational learning. “Both navies operate in very different environments,” Able Seaman Cunningham noted.
Representing the Canadian crew, Sailor First Class Jody-Ann Lafrenière of HMCS Charlottetown explained that boarding a foreign warship presents distinct operational challenges. “On a partner vessel, you don’t know the blind spots, the layouts or the flow,” Sailor First Class Lafrenière stated, explaining that, “Training in that environment forces you to adapt quickly.”