Royal Australian Navy (RAN) destroyer HMAS Brisbane has made history as the first Hobart-class warship to participate in Exercise Talisman Sabre. Hosted every two years off the coast of Queensland, Exercise Talisman Sabre aims to test Australian interoperability with the US and other participating forces in complex warfighting scenarios. Brisbane is the Air and Missile Defence Commander on Exercise Talisman Sabre 21 (TS21), responsible for defending the multinational task group from enemy aircraft and missiles.
She is also providing significant air-control services to deconflict aircraft movements within the exercise area. Brisbane sailed for TS21 from her home port of Fleet Base East in Sydney on July 14 in company with Japan’s JS Makinami, South Korea’s ROKS Wang Geon and Australian frigate HMAS Parramatta. During the passage, the four ships conducted a string of maritime manoeuvres and replenishment-at-sea approaches (RASAP) to prepare for upcoming replenishments with the United States Navy oiler USS Rappahannock.
Commanding Officer Brisbane Commander Aaron Cox said,” His crew was proud to be aboard the first guided missile destroyer (DDG) to participate in the exercise. As this is the first time that a Hobart-class DDG has conducted Exercise Talisman Sabre, the ship’s company looks forward to showcasing the Navy’s new class of warship. Having just reached final operational capability, the Hobart class is among the most advanced warships operated by the Royal Australian Navy.”
A RASAP is a complicated activity that requires all on-watch personnel to bring their A-game. The crews ensure each ship maintains its individual position, moving forward through the water in close formation with the others. During a RASAP, one ship acted as the guide. Other ships will approach from close astern and settle alongside at 120 to 150 feet from the guide. The approach ship is responsible for matching the course and speed of the guide to ensure fuel lines can be passed across safely.
HMAS Brisbane (III) is the second of three ships of the Hobart Class guided missile destroyers. Her sister ships are HMAS Hobart (III) and HMAS Sydney (V). The keel of Brisbane was laid down on 3 February 2014 and was launched by Mrs Robyn Shackleton on 15 December 2016. HMAS Brisbane commissioned on 27 October 2018. Brisbane is based on the Navantia designed F100 frigate and is coupled it with the Aegis Combat System. Brisbane is currently under construction in Australia by the Air Warfare Destroyer Alliance.
Brisbane will provide air defence for accompanying ships in addition to land forces and infrastructure in coastal areas, and for self-protection against missiles and aircraft. The Aegis Combat System incorporating the state-of-the-art phased array radar, AN/SPY 1D(V), in combination with the SM-2 missile, will provide an advanced air defence system capable of engaging enemy aircraft and missiles at ranges in excess of 150km. The surface warfare function will include long range anti-ship missiles and a naval gun capable of firing extended range munitions in support of land forces.
