Multinational Naval Forces Collaborate in Philippine Waters and Beyond

Military forces from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, the Philippines, and the United States recently conducted joint maritime operations within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The collaborative effort, held on September 28, featured the Australian Hobart-class guided missile destroyer HMAS Sydney and a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.

This operation highlights the shared commitment of Australia and its international allies to uphold key principles of international law, such as freedom of navigation, overflight, and other lawful uses of international seas and airspace. These principles are particularly underscored by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Beyond the Philippines, HMAS Sydney also concluded its participation in Operation Argos in the Yellow Sea, which is focused on monitoring and deterring illegal ship-to-ship transfers of sanctioned goods. The Sydney’s MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, known as “Phoenix,” played a crucial role in this mission.

Leading Seaman Aircrewman James Neville, a member of the MH-60R Seahawk’s flight crew, played an essential role in tracking vessels of interest during Operation Argos. Meanwhile, the ship’s combat system operators in the Combat Information Centre monitored both surface and subsurface activities, providing key intelligence to the US Indo-Pacific Command’s Enforcement Coordination Cell.

Leading Seaman Combat System Operator Dion Dodd leads the team responsible for compiling and transmitting real-time tactical data from the Sydney to command headquarters. “My job is to ensure that what we observe here is communicated back to HQ,” Dodd explained. “This allows our commanders to make informed decisions on asset deployment during operations like Argos.”

The Sydney’s efforts were part of a broader multinational initiative embedded in the US Navy’s 7th Fleet. The primary goal of the collaboration is to support United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea by monitoring illicit maritime activities.

Commander Grant Coleman, the Commanding Officer of HMAS Sydney, expressed pride in his ship’s accomplishments. “Sydney’s operational success in Operation Argos follows a series of international engagements that have strengthened our relationships with allies and regional partners,” said CMDR Coleman.