HMAS Labuan (L128)

HMAS LABUAN sails for Cairns after participating in the Minor Warship Concentration Period off the Queensland coast. (Photo: RAN)

HMAS Labuan (L128)

HMAS Labuan, approaches Turtle Beach in Cairns to conduct a beach landing as a part of a training exercise during the Minor War Vessel Concentration Period. The Minor War Vessel Concentration Period was held 30 May - 3 Jun 11 in waters off Cairns. During the week long exercise, HMA Ships Launceston, Brunei, Labuan, Wewak, Shepparton and Benalla practiced a range of skills, with escalating levels of difficulty to challenge their capabilities. Squirrel and A109E Augusta helicopters operated by 723 Squadron took part in the exercise, enabling the ship's companies to test their aviation skills. (Photo: RAN)

HMAS Betano (L113)

Trooper Ryan Jordan provides cover as Landing Craft Heavy, HMAS Betano recovers an Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (AUSLAV) during Minor War Vessel Fleet Concentration Period. The Royal Australian Navy and the Australian Army have tested their collective metal in a major exercise near Darwin. The second Minor War Vessel Fleet Concentration Period of 2011 has concluded after a week of joint-service-in -company-training in the Northern Australian Exercise area. (Photo: RAN)

HMAS Betano (L113)

Landing Craft Heavy, HMAS Betano recovers an Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (AUSLAV) during Minor War Vessel Fleet Concentration Period. The Royal Australian Navy and the Australian Army have tested their collective metal in a major exercise near Darwin. The second Minor War Vessel Fleet Concentration Period of 2011 has concluded after a week of joint-service-in -company-training in the Northern Australian Exercise area. (Photo: RAN)

HMAS Betano (L113)

Landing Craft Heavy, HMAS Betano recovers an Army Lighter, Amphibious Resupply Cargo (LARC) during Minor War Vessel Fleet Concentration Period. The Royal Australian Navy and the Australian Army have tested their collective metal in a major exercise near Darwin. The second Minor War Vessel Fleet Concentration Period of 2011 has concluded after a week of joint-service-in -company-training in the Northern Australian Exercise area. (Photo: RAN)

KRI Sultan Iskandar Muda (367)

KRI Sultan Iskandar Muda Three Australian Warships attend the Indonesian Fleet Review in Manado, Indonesia to celebrate the 64th Anniversary of Indonesian Independence. (Photo: RAN)

HMAS Tobruk (L50)

HMAS TOBRUK at sea sailing past the North West Coast of Sumatera, Indonesia, during the ships 2006 South East Asian and South West Pacific Deployment. (Photo: RAN)

HMAS Tobruk (L50)

HMAS TOBRUK at sea sailing past the North West Coast of Sumatera, Indonesia, during the ships 2006 South East Asian and South West Pacific Deployment. (Photo: RAN)

HMAS Tobruk (L50)

HMAS TOBRUK at sea sailing past the North West Coast of Sumatera, Indonesia, during the ships 2006 South East Asian and South West Pacific Deployment. (Photo: RAN)

HMAS Tobruk (L50)

HMAS TOBRUK with two embarked Seahawk helicopters anchored off Nias Island, Indonesia, in support of Operation Peringatan. (Photo: RAN)

HMAS Tobruk (L50)

HMAS TOBRUK with two embarked Seahawk helicopters anchored off Nias Island, Indonesia, in support of Operation Peringatan. (Photo: RAN)

KRI Sultan Nuku (873)

An RAAF AP-3C Orion flies past Indonesian Navy ship KRI Sultan Nuku while departing Darwin for the Australia–Indonesia Coordinated Patrol (AUSINDO CORPAT) 2011. (Photo: RAN)

LNS Aukstaitis (F 12)

The Lithuanian frigate LNS Aukstaitis (F 12) steams through the Baltic Sea during the annual maritime exercise Baltic Operations 2003 (BALTOPS). The United States and 12 other nations are participating in this year's exercise. BALTOPS 2003 is intended to improve interoperability between allies and Partnership for Peace countries by conducting support operations at sea including exercises in gunnery, replenishment at sea, undersea warfare, radar tracking, mine countermeasures, seamanship, search and rescue, maritime interdiction operations, and scenarios dealing with potentially real world crises. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Michael Sandberg)

HMCS Whitehorse (MM 705)

HMCS Whitehorse (MM 705) is a Kingston-class coastal defence vessel that has served in the Canadian Forces since 1998. Whitehorse is the sixth ship of her class which is the name for the Maritime Coastal Defence Vessel Project. She is the first vessel to use the designation HMCS Whitehorse. Whitehorse was laid down on 26 July 1996 at Halifax Shipyards Ltd., Halifax and was launched on 24 February 1997. She was officially commissioned into the CF on 17 April 1998 and carries the pennant number 705. She is assigned to Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) and is homeported at CFB Esquimalt. (Photo: Canadian Navy)

HMCS Whitehorse (MM 705)

HMCS Whitehorse (MM 705) is a Kingston-class coastal defence vessel that has served in the Canadian Forces since 1998. Whitehorse is the sixth ship of her class which is the name for the Maritime Coastal Defence Vessel Project. She is the first vessel to use the designation HMCS Whitehorse. Whitehorse was laid down on 26 July 1996 at Halifax Shipyards Ltd., Halifax and was launched on 24 February 1997. She was officially commissioned into the CF on 17 April 1998 and carries the pennant number 705. She is assigned to Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) and is homeported at CFB Esquimalt. (Photo: Canadian Navy)

HMCS Ville de Quebec (FFH332)

HMCS Ville de Québec (FFH 332) in front of ROCHE PERCE just a few hours before coming alongside Gaspe, Quebec. HMCS Ville de Québec is a Halifax-class frigate that has served in the Canadian Forces since 1993. Ville de Québec is the third vessel in her class which is the name for the Canadian Patrol Frigate Project. She is the second vessel to carry the designation HMCS Ville de Québec. Ville de Québec was laid down on 16 December 1988 at MIL Davie Shipbuilding, Lauzon and launched on 16 May 1991. She was officially commissioned into the CF on 29 March 1993 and carries the hull classification symbol 332. She is assigned to Maritime Forces Atlantic (MARLANT) and is homeported at CFB Halifax. . (Photo: Canadian Navy)

HMCS Nanaimo (MM 702)

HMCS Nanaimo (MM 702) is a Kingston-class coastal defence vessel that has served in the Canadian Forces since 1997. Nanaimo is the third ship of her class, which is the name for the Maritime Coastal Defence Vessel Project. She is the second vessel to use the designation HMCS Nanaimo. Nanaimo was laid down on 11 August 1995 at Halifax Shipyards Ltd., Halifax and was launched on 17 May 1996. She was officially commissioned into the CF on 10 May 1997, and carries the pennant number 702. She is assigned to Joint Task Force Pacific (formerly Maritime Forces Pacific) and is homeported at CFB Esquimalt. (Photo: Canadian Navy)

HMCS Nanaimo (MM 702)

HMCS Nanaimo (MM 702) is a Kingston-class coastal defence vessel that has served in the Canadian Forces since 1997. Nanaimo is the third ship of her class, which is the name for the Maritime Coastal Defence Vessel Project. She is the second vessel to use the designation HMCS Nanaimo. Nanaimo was laid down on 11 August 1995 at Halifax Shipyards Ltd., Halifax and was launched on 17 May 1996. She was officially commissioned into the CF on 10 May 1997, and carries the pennant number 702. She is assigned to Joint Task Force Pacific (formerly Maritime Forces Pacific) and is homeported at CFB Esquimalt. (Photo: Canadian Navy)

HMCS Nanaimo (MM 702)

HMCS Nanaimo (MM 702) is a Kingston-class coastal defence vessel that has served in the Canadian Forces since 1997. Nanaimo is the third ship of her class, which is the name for the Maritime Coastal Defence Vessel Project. She is the second vessel to use the designation HMCS Nanaimo. Nanaimo was laid down on 11 August 1995 at Halifax Shipyards Ltd., Halifax and was launched on 17 May 1996. She was officially commissioned into the CF on 10 May 1997, and carries the pennant number 702. She is assigned to Joint Task Force Pacific (formerly Maritime Forces Pacific) and is homeported at CFB Esquimalt. (Photo: Canadian Navy)

ARC Pijao (SO 28)

Crew members assigned to USS Underwood (FFG 36) assist the crew of the Colombian Navy submarine Pijao (SO 28) to pull in on board Naval Station Mayport, Fla. Pijao will participate in Exercise Smart Search, along with U.S. surface ships, aircraft and submarines off the coast of Florida. The exercise is designed to test the fleet's anti-submarine tactics and capabilities against Type 209 diesel submarines. Underwood is assigned to host Pijao and ensure that the Colombian Navy crew enjoys their stay in Mayport. U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Ligia Cohen

Qingdao (DDG 113)

The Chinese Navy destroyer Qingdao (DDG 113) transit through the Pearl Harbor channel while being escorted by a harbor patrol boat as it arrives for a routine port visit. Two ships representing China’s Navy, the destroyer Qingdao (DDG 113) and the oiler Hongzehu (AOR 881) arrived in Pearl Harbor. During their visit, China’s Sailors will have the opportunity to interact with their U.S. counterparts and experience the unique culture of Hawaii. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ben A. Gonzales)

NRP Corte Real (F 332)

The Portuguese frigate NRP Corte Real (F 332) transits the Mediterranean Sea during Phoenix Express (PE 08). PE-08 is the third annual exercise in a long-term effort to improve regional cooperation and maritime security. The principal aim is to increase interoperability by developing individual and collective maritime proficiencies of participating nations as well as promoting friendship, mutual understanding and cooperation. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class James C. Davis)

NRP Corte Real (F 332)

The Portuguese ship NRP Corte Real (F 332) transit the Mediterranean Sea during Phoenix Express (PE 08). PE-08 is the third annual exercise in a long-term effort to improve regional cooperation and maritime security. The principal aim is to increase interoperability by developing individual and collective maritime proficiencies of participating nations as well as promoting friendship, mutual understanding and cooperation. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class James C. Davis)

NRP Corte-Real (F332)

The Portuguese Navy frigate NRP Corte-Real (F332) participates in a pass and review during the North Atlantic Council at Sea Day. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Shonna Cunningham/Released)

HNLMS Tromp (F803)

The Royal Netherlands Navy ship, HNLMS Tromp (F803), arrives at Naval Station Pearl Harbor. The Air Defense and Command Frigate has a crew of approximately 170. The crew is scheduled to participate in a wreath laying ceremony at the USS Arizona Memorial and visit various sites throughout Oahu. It is scheduled to sail back to the Netherlands following a circumnavigation around the world. This is the first Dutch navy ship to visit Hawaii in more than 50 years. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist David Rush)

HNLMS Jacob Van Heemskerck (F 812)

The Royal Netherlands Navy frigate HNLMS Jacob Van Heemskerck (F 812) sails past Manhattan while taking part in a "Parade of Ships." Heemskerck is currently taking part in NATO Standing Naval Force Atlantic (SNFL) 2004 exercises. SNFL is a permanent peacetime multinational naval squadron composed of destroyers and frigates from the navies of various NATO nations. The exercises are designed to test readiness, improve communication and diplomacy between member countries and promote interoperability between navies. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Steven J. Weber)

HNLMS Witte de With (F 813)

The Royal Netherlands Navy frigate HNLMS Witte de With (F 813), flagship for NATO's Standing Naval Force Atlantic (STANAVFORLANT) is assisted by a tugboat while mooring at Naval Station Norfolk, Va. A total of six STANAVFORLANT ships pulled in for a port visit following multinational exercises along the East Coast of the United States. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Greg Roberts)

USS Cushing (DD 985)

The Spruance Class destroyer USS Cushing (DD 985) returns to her forward deployed operating base, Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, after a regularly scheduled underway period. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Alan Warner)

USS Cushing (DD 985)

The Spruance Class destroyer USS Cushing (DD 985) returns to her forward deployed operating base, Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, after a regularly scheduled underway period. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Alan Warner)

USS Cushing (DD 985)

The Harbor Tug Massapequa (YTB 807) assists the Spruance-class destroyer USS Cushing (DD 985) as it returns to its forward deployed operating base at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, after a regularly scheduled underway period. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Alan Warner)

USS Cushing (DD 985)

The Spruance-class destroyer USS Cushing (DD 985) cruises the Arabian Gulf prior to conducting an underway replenishment. The Norfolk, Va. based destroyer is on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 1st Class Brien Aho)

USS Cushing (DD 985)

Aerial view of the U.S. Navy Spruance class destroyer USS Cushing (DD 985) which is homeported in Yokosuka, Japan. (U.S. Navy Photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Dennis Cantrell)

USS Fife (DDG 991)

The guided missile destroyer USS Fife (DDG 991) leaves to begin the Pacific Phase of the annual UNITAS exercise held in the waters near South America. UNITAS (Latin for “unity”) involves warships from six countries participating in ten days of intense wargames designed to build multinational coalitions while promoting hemispheric defense and mutual cooperation. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 1st Class Shane T. McCoy)

USS Fife (DD 991)

The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Fife (DD 991) is the U.S. Task Group flagship for the Pacific Phase of the annual UNITAS exercise conducted between June 27 and July 11, 2002, with naval forces from five nations off the coast of Chile. The ships five-month deployment to the Eastern Pacific Ocean for Counter-Drug Operations and the UNITAS exercise is the final deployment for the Spruance-class destroyer, which is scheduled to be de-commissioned in February 2003. (U.S. Photo by Lieutenant Corey Barker)

USS Spruance (DD 963)

The destroyer USS Spruance (DD 963) cruises the Atlantic Ocean preparing for an early underway replenishment with the fast combat support ship USS Seattle (AOE 3). Spruance is currently involved in a joint exercise, known as Combined Joint Task Force Exercise. The exercise allows all services and several countries to train the way they fight - in a joint environment. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Michael Sandberg)

USS Spruance (DD 963)

The destroyer USS Spruance (DD 963) is escorted by tugs as she arrives for a port visit at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece. Spruance is homported in Mayport, Fla., and is currently on a routine deployment. Spruance-class destroyers, the first large U.S. Navy warships to employ gas turbine engines as their main propulsion system, are undergoing extensive modernizing. The upgrade program includes addition of vertical launchers for advanced missiles on 24 ships of this class, in addition to an advanced Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) system and upgrading of its helicopter capability. Spruance-class destroyers are expected to remain a major part of the Navy's surface combatant force into the 21st century. (U.S. Navy photo by Paul Farley)

USS Spruance (DD 963)

The destroyer USS Spruance (DD 963) is escorted by tugs as she arrives for a port visit at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece. Spruance is homported in Mayport, Fla., and is currently on a routine deployment. Spruance-class destroyers, the first large U.S. Navy warships to employ gas turbine engines as their main propulsion system, are undergoing extensive modernizing. The upgrade program includes addition of vertical launchers for advanced missiles on 24 ships of this class, in addition to an advanced Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) system and upgrading of its helicopter capability. Spruance-class destroyers are expected to remain a major part of the Navy's surface combatant force into the 21st century. (U.S. Navy photo by Paul Farley)

USS Thorn (DD 988)

The Spruance class destroyer USS Thorn (DD 988) arrives for a brief port visit in Souda Bay. Thorn is homeported in Norfolk, Va., and is currently on her final Mediterranean deployment before being decommissioned in August after 23 years of fleet service. (U.S. Navy photo by Paul Farley)

USS Thorn (DD 988)

USS Thorn (DD 988) sails in the Atlantic Ocean as it conducts work ups before an upcoming scheduled six-month deployment. Thorn is part of the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Aaron Peterson)

USS Briscoe (DD 977)

The Spruance class destroyer USS Briscoe (DD 977) underway. Briscoe is homeported in Norfolk, Va., and is conducting missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Operation Iraqi Freedom is the multinational coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction, and end the regime of Saddam Hussein. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Journalist Alan J. Baribeau)

USS Briscoe (DD 977)

The Spruance class destroyer USS Briscoe (DD 977) underway. Briscoe is homeported in Norfolk, Va., and is conducting combat missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Operation Iraqi Freedom is the multinational coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction, and end the regime of Saddam Hussein. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Journalist Alan J. Baribeau)

USS Deyo (DD 989)

The Spruance Class destroyer USS Deyo (DD 989) conducts underway operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Deyo was one of many U.S. Navy surface combatants to fire Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAMs) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the multi-national coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction, and end the regime of Saddam Hussein. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Journalist Alan J. Baribeau)

USS Deyo (DD 989)

USS Deyo (DD 989) pulls alongside the pier at Naval Station Norfolk. USS Deyo returned to Norfolk after a six-month deployment with USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Carrier Strike Group in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Marthaellen L. Ball)

USS Arthur W. Radford (DD 968)

The Arthur W. Radford steams through the Mediterranean Sea as the Spruance-class destroyer nears the end of a regularly scheduled deployment with the Washington Battle Group in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Southern Watch. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Summer M. Anderson)

USS Arthur W. Radford (DD 968)

USS Arthur W. Radford (DD 968) arrives for a brief port visit. The Norfolk-based Spruance-class destroyer is on a regularly scheduled deployment-conducting missions as part of the USS George Washington (CVN 73) battlegroup in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Navy photo by Paul Farley)

HMAS Sirius (O 226)

HMAS Sirius at anchor in Jervis Bay during the Fleet Concentration Period. Departing Jervis Bay to continue the Fleet Concentration Period between participating units. (Photo: Australia DoD)

HMAS Sirius (O 226)

Aerial photograph of HMAS Sirius during Triton Storm 2 Royal Australian Navy ships and submarines and Royal New Zealand Navy ships with over 1300 sailors and officers are participating in a comprehensive maritime training exercise called Exercise Triton Storm 2 off the coast of Western Australia. (Photo: Australia DoD)

HMAS Sirius (O 226)

HMAS Sirius conducts a Replenishment at Sea with HMAS Warramunga during Exercise Kakadu 2010. Deep Caption Exercise Kakadu 2010 is the largest international maritime exercise in Australia for 2010. Ships from Thailand, Singapore, Japan joined eight Royal Australian Navy vessels in Exercise Kakadu which aims to build interoperability and international operations between Navies. (Photo: Australia DoD)

HMAS Sirius (O 226)

HMAS Sirius takes station in turbulent seas, as HMAS Anzac prepares to conduct a Replenishment at Sea during the Fleet Concentration Period. The Royal Australian Navy Fleet Concentration Period (FCP 10-1) is a fleet training activity conducted in the East Australian Exercise Areas, in the vicinity of Jervis Bay and in waters off Newcastle and Eden on the NSW South Coast, the Shoalwater Bay Training Area and Townsville, Queensland during the period 8 February to 12 March 2010. (Photo: Australia DoD)

HMAS Sirius (O 226)

HMAS Sirius takes station in turbulent seas, as HMAS Anzac prepares to conduct a Replenishment at Sea during the Fleet Concentration Period. The Royal Australian Navy Fleet Concentration Period (FCP 10-1) is a fleet training activity conducted in the East Australian Exercise Areas, in the vicinity of Jervis Bay and in waters off Newcastle and Eden on the NSW South Coast, the Shoalwater Bay Training Area and Townsville, Queensland during the period 8 February to 12 March 2010. (Photo: Australia DoD)