On November 6, Australian vessels joined nearly 40 other ships and submarines in a ceremonial formation near Tokyo. The event commemorated the 70th anniversary of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
With the a snow-capped Mount Fuji in the background, HMA Ships Hobart, Stalwart and Arunta, and HMA Submarine Farncomb, led the foreign warship divisions for the International Fleet Review 2022. The international fleet in Sagami Bay ranged from the US Navy aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan to the Royal New Zealand Navy sustainment ship HMNZS Aotearoa and the Royal Thai Navy frigate HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej.
HMAS Stalwart III sails past Mt Fuji in preparation for the International Fleet Review
Further, three Indigenous sailors from HMAS Hobart opened an official reception on board the ship in Yokosuka, Japan as part of the International Fleet Review Week. The sailors performed Indigenous dances from the NSW South Coast and Queensland.
A showcase of indigenous culture during the opening ceremony. Nearly 5% of HMAS Hobart's crew identify as Indigenous.
In attendance included Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, as well as admirals from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and US Navy.
(Soure: https://news.defence.gov.au/international/indigenous-sailors-showcase-culture-japan and https://news.defence.gov.au/international/ships-and-subs-form-international-fleet-review)
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