Three foreign warships have arrived at Garden Island, Sydney, for a port visit ahead of the regional quadrilateral exercise Pacific Vanguard.
The ships from Japan, South Korea and the United States entered Sydney Heads accompanied by HMAS Brisbane.
Personnel in Japanese Ship Makinami, Republic of Korea Ship Wang Geon and USS Rafael Peralta were able to access a controlled quarantine area beside their ships, but had no interaction with Australian personnel due to COVID-19 precautions.
The three destroyers arrived in Sydney for the cooperative maritime exercise Pacific Vanguard taking place off the east coast of Australia this week. The ships are scheduled to return to Garden Island from July 10-13 for another visit after the exercise concludes.
The exercise is designed to enhance interoperability of high-end warfighting alongside like-minded partners in the region, the Australian defense ministry said.
Taking place annually, the exercise provides an opportunity for the participants to practice a wide range of naval competencies, including combined maneuvers, surface warfare, live fire exercises, anti-submarine warfare, and replenishment at sea.
