HMAS Choules returns from humanitarian partnership deployment

HMAS Choules has returned to Australia following a 60-day deployment supporting Exercise Pacific Partnership 2026, a United States-led multinational activity focused on strengthening humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities across South East Asia. Since departing in July, HMAS Choules visited Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia, where Australian Defence Force personnel worked alongside regional and international partners to enhance interoperability, strengthen relationships, and improve disaster preparedness and response planning. Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Anita Williams, said the deployment highlighted the value of trusted partnerships across the Indo-Pacific. “Exercise Pacific Partnership reinforces our shared commitment to strengthening regional resilience and supporting communities in times of need,” Rear Admiral Williams said. “By working alongside our partners, we have enhanced our collective preparedness and reinforced the relationships that enable effective humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.” Commanding Officer HMAS Choules, Commander Paul Hardman, said the success of the deployment reflected the professionalism of the ship’s company and the support of families at home. “Our people have represented Australia with professionalism and dedication throughout this deployment, building lasting relationships with our partners and the communities we visited,” Commander Hardman said. “I am incredibly proud of the crew’s efforts and grateful to the families and loved ones at home whose support enables our sailors to serve away from home.” Established following the international response to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, Exercise Pacific Partnership remains the Indo-Pacific’s largest multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission. The exercise supports key objectives of the 2026 National Defence Strategy by strengthening regional partnerships, improving preparedness for humanitarian and disaster response, and enhancing the capability and readiness of Defence personnel to contribute to a secure, stable and resilient Indo-Pacific. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]