On 6 January the destroyer HMAS Brisbane returned to Sydney after a five-month deployment, which included the successful launch of Australia’s first-ever Tomahawk cruise missile off the US coast.
The deployment also included joint exercises with the US Navy and scheduled maintenance at the US Naval Base in San Diego, overall marking a significant milestone in strengthening the Australian Defence Force’s capabilities.
Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Chris Smith said the activity was a demonstration of Australia’s commitment to allies in support of a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.
“Australia is now one of only three nations alongside the United States and United Kingdom to acquire, and fire, Tomahawk cruise missiles…The achievements by HMAS Brisbane’s personnel has helped deliver a significantly advanced long-range missile capability for the Australian Defence Force.”
Brisbane sailed over 17,000 nautical miles (32,000 km) since departing Sydney in August 2024. The deployment included familiarisation with US Naval maintenance processes, warfare training and valuable knowledge exchange in advanced technologies shared by the two nations.
Brisbane’s Commanding Officer, Commander Bernard Dobson said the ship’s achievements would not have been possible without the support of family and friends. “It is a significant challenge to be away from home for months at a time and to miss the Christmas holidays with family…I couldn’t be prouder of the resilience and professionalism of the men and women in Brisbane in delivering a game-changing military capability for Australia.”
Source: RAN
