Indo-Pacific Endeavour arrives home

Australia’s largest annual maritime task group, Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2018 (IPE18), has returned to Australia following a successful three month deployment to the Pacific.

Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, said IPE18 had reinforced the depth of Australia’s commitment to our regional partners and allies.

“During IPE18, Australian Defence Force personnel participated in maritime training with regional security forces, humanitarian and disaster relief planning, community engagement, and held discussions on regional security issues,” Minister Payne said.

This year the Indo-Pacific Endeavour Task Group visited Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, in addition to participating in Exercise RIMPAC in Hawaii during July.

Around 1,000 Australian Defence Force personnel from the Australian Army, Navy and Air Force were involved in IPE18, as well as embarked forces from the United States, Sri-Lanka and Tonga.

“The Indo-Pacific Endeavour is a great initiative that showcases Australia’s new amphibious capabilities and I look forward to seeing it develop in the coming years,” Minister Payne said.

“IPE demonstrates the continuation of our long-standing connection to our region, and adds to the security and resilience of our partners and neighbours,” Minister Payne said.

HMAS Adelaide docked in Townsville this morning to return embarked soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment. Fellow Task Group members HMA Ships Melbourne, Toowoomba and Success are on route to their next ports of call.

Media Note
Imagery is available at the following link : http://images.defence.gov.au/S20181135
Video is available at the following link: https://bit.ly/2nywt2u
 

Media Contacts

Henry Budd (Minister Payne’s office): 0429 531 143
Defence Media: (02) 6127 1999, media@defence.gov.au