[Epoch Times, July 11, 2021](Epoch Times reporter Xia Yu reported) Since July 5, naval forces from Australia, Japan, South Korea and the United States have begun to hold cooperative maritime “Pacific Ocean” in the waters off the east coast of Australia. The “Pioneer 2021” (PACVAN 2021) exercise aims to maintain free navigation and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The US Indo-Pacific Command issued a press release on July 9 saying that this year’s exercise was hosted by the Australian Navy, demonstrating the mutual trust and cooperation between the four countries. PACVAN is an opportunity for the four Indo-Pacific naval forces to strengthen their maritime combat skills. Exercises include anti-submarine warfare, air combat, live ammunition missile launches, and advanced maneuver operations.
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Australia is represented by the Royal Australian Navy’s Hobart-class destroyer Brisbane (HMAS Brisbane, DDG 41), the Collins-class submarine “Rankine” (HMAS Rankin, SSG 78) and aircraft of the Royal Australian Air Force.
“The Pacific Pioneer exercise is built on the strong and long-term relationship between the Australian Navy and the U.S. Navy and reflects our shared commitment to a strong naval-navy relationship throughout the region.” Aaron Cock, commander of the USS Brisbane Aaron Cox said, “Our fleet has many opportunities to cooperate with the U.S. Navy this year. The Brisbane crew are eager to test their skills with Rafael Peralta and demonstrate our How abilities fit together.”
Representing the US Navy is the newest member of the Destroyer 15 Squadron (DESRON 15), the latest member of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer Raphael Peralta (USS Raphael Peralta, DDG 115).
“Exercise Pacific Pioneer provides a venue for high-end training for the United States and its allies, which will help us effectively cooperate to deal with current and future threats.” said JJ Murawski, commander of the Rafael Peralta “Developing the ties between each of our navies and our ability to act together will help ensure the stability of the Indo-Pacific region.”
On behalf of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) is the Kobo-class destroyer Tsunami (JS Makinami, DDG 112).
“Pacific Pioneer 2021 is a high-end joint operational exercise against complex and high-risk threats to maintain stability and freedom of access to the global commons.” said Hirai Katsuhide, a commander of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. “It is an honor to be in our host country, Australia. The exercise was carried out with the strong support of the United States. The exercise strengthened the cooperation between all participants and contributed to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and the realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The destroyer ROKS Wang Geon DDH-978 of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy participated in the exercise.
“Our navy participated in the Pacific Pioneer exercise to improve joint maritime combat capabilities and promote goodwill and partnership between our friendly naval forces,” said Lee Jeong-Ho, commander of the Korean Maritime Task Group.
Under the U.S. Pacific Fleet Command, the Seventh Fleet is the largest forward deployment fleet of the U.S. Navy. It often interacts and operates with 35 maritime nations to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Editor in charge: Li Yuan#
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