Part of KAKADU involves building relationships and friendships at all levels. Some of the shore events for our sailors involves friendly competition. Though normally focused on soccer, baseball etc, here it’s Aussie “Whipeout”. It’s harder than it looks. Go Team VANCOUVER!!!

It’s a beautiful morning for some pre-dawn boat work. Seen here is KD LEKIR transferring a few sailors for a day exchange with HMCS VANCOUVER during Ex KAKADU 24 taking place just off Darwin Australia.

5 Sept 2024, #HMCSYellowknife and a U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment seized more than 3100 kg of cocaine while on #OpCARIBBE. Op CARIBBE contributes to the US-led mission to suppress drug trafficking in international waters.

Nothing like a little Naval Remote Weapon System (NRWS) vs a small boat threat to start your morning. GP 1 & 5 - threat high speed boat at 2000yds, ENGAGE!

Way to go HMCS Yellowknife - now that’s some great news. bc.ctvnews.ca/canadian-warsh… Royal Canadian Navy CDR CDN Naval Review Go Bold Lookout Navy News Esquimalt MFRC

Are you ready? 📣 The Exercise Kakadu fleet have departed, ready to commence the Ex Kakadu sea phase! 💪 #KA24 #ExKakadu Andrew Goledzinowski 🇦🇺 Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Royal Malaysian Navy

The ships of TG 628.1 and 628.2 slipped and proceeded to sea. The TF Commander and two TG Commanders observed the departure of VPN 18, which was followed by HMCS VANCOUVER, JS ARIAKE, USS DEWEY, KD LEKIR, RSS SUPREME, HMAS WARRAMUNGA, FS AUGUSTE BENEBIG and KRI GUSTI NGURAHBRAI.

Some of my TG 628.2 ships (USS DEWEY and KD LEKIR) manoeuvring closer in this evening. Having completed a day of gunnery, helicopter x-deck operations, force protection and air defence exercises, it’s time to settle into a comfortable night screen and manoeuvre around the clock.

Lots of fun this AM during EX KAKADU, as the two Task Groups came together into our TF for a Photo Ex. Under the leadership of HMAS WARRAMUNGA, our 10 ships came together. Great to see the Vietnamese corvette VPN 18 in the formation - may be an operational first for Canada.

We’re now making battle plans in the pre-ops phase of Ex KAKADU. I took the opportunity to visit USS DEWEY to discuss the plan. Great meeting Cdr Maruca (CO) and chatting with his Officers and crew. I know that DDH 105 “Fight” is ready to go. Thanks to their Air Det for the lift.

Full steam ahead 🚢 Working together to integrate adaptable and state-of-the-art technologies with our partner nations 🤝 #KA24 #ExerciseKakadu U.S. Navy Royal Malaysian Navy IN Royal Canadian Navy Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force

My COS and I took a quick trip to our Malaysian ship KD LEKIR (Cdr Rashid - CO). I received a CONOP brief, we confirmed plans, ate some wonderful food, and hoisted off using VAN’s helo Grizzly. Thanks for the great hospitality LEKIR. Here’s to Mission Command and EMCON silent.

Well, thank goodness it’s only an exercise. These definitely were not Hawkers and Lear’s. I think the F-35’s had the upper hand (this time). Damn stealth!

Making the most of your space and growing some fresh greens for your salad while at sea. I must admit that I have not seen this before. #navylife #greenhouse #outofthebox #eatyourveggies

Always working to keep our skills sharp, a few days ago our TG conducted RAS approaches and a light line transfer. Seen here is KD LEKIR and HMCS VANCOUVER alongside each other, with USS DEWY in lifeguard station. It was a hot day, so as the saying goes “sun’s out…guns out”.

EX KAKADU 24 has now ended. It was a wonderful opportunity to work with other Pacific Navies to enhance our interoperability, build friendships, and improve readiness. #BZ to the RAN for executing a wonderful exercise, and to all participants. Thanks for the great support VAN.