HMAS Brisbane and USS Preble conducting Officer of the Watch Manoeuvres. Credit: © Royal Australian Navy.

The Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) Hobart-class air warfare destroyer, HMAS Brisbane, is ready to undergo combat system trials in the US.

The build-up to the trials involved a training period and months of combat system preparation.

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Personnel from the US worked on HMAS Brisbane in coordination with the ship’s company to optimise its combat system and perform operator training.

The Hobart-class air warfare destroyer participated alongside US Navy Destroyer Squadron 31 in Hawaii during the transit.

HMAS Brisbane commanding officer commander Josh Wilson said: “Having the US Navy Project Team onboard and working with Destroyer Squadron 31 in Hawaii provided an excellent opportunity for the crew to be exposed to complex training scenarios that have enhanced our knowledge of the Aegis Combat System.

“With the introduction of Aegis, we will be able to work closer and better integrate into joint exercises and operations.”

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Brisbane is the second in the Hobart-class of destroyers. HMAS Hobart and Sydney are the other two vessels in the class. ASC is the primary shipbuilder for the A$9bn Hobart-class programme, while Navantia is the designer.

Commissioned in October last year, the 140m-long ship can provide an air defence system that can engage enemy aircraft and missiles at ranges exceeding 150km.

Deputy electrical engineering officer Lieutenant Michael Whanslaw said: “Since forming the crew in early 2017, the test and trials of the combat system have been our ultimate goal to progress the Destroyer capability.

“It is exciting that we have reached the culmination of 12 months of planning and hard work.”

HMAS Brisbane completed seaworthy assurance trials in March and will return to Australia in December.

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