The Turkish Navy’s Ada-class anti-submarine warfare corvette TCG Buyukada (F-512) has, along with international naval forces from Japan, Australia, Korea and Oman, participated in a range of exercises for Nato’s Ocean Shield counter-piracy operation.
Nato Allied Maritime Command deputy commander vice-admiral Bruno Paulmier said: "Exercising with international forces while patrolling the joint area of operations enhances our interoperability and cooperation with our maritime partners.
"These opportunities also prove valuable tests of the skills among these forces."
As part of the exercise, the vessel conducted replenishment at-sea training with the Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Success (OR 304), in addition to exercises with the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force ship JS Harusame (D-102).
TCG Buyukada also took part in passing exercises, which involved manoeuvring training and formation events with the Korean vessel Roks Dae Jo Yeong in the Arabian Sea, followed by fire-fighting training with the Royal Omani Navy.
TCG Buyukada commander lieutenant commander Ali Tuna Baysal said: "Exercising with the Australian, Japanese, Korean and Omani navies over the course of a very busy week was highly beneficial for this crew; a contribution to strengthen cooperation among navies committed to counter-piracy.
"This deployment has provided us an excellent opportunity to work together with our partners, demonstrating the flexibility we are able to reach operating side-by-side."
Image: HMAS Success (right) conducts a replenishment at-sea evolution with TCG Buyukada. Photo: courtesy of MARCOM Public Affairs Office.
