Five navy ships to dock in Darwin for Defence training

FIVE Royal Australian Navy ships are expected to dock in Darwin Harbour this week, as Defence training activities get underway. HMAS ships Canberra, Hobart, Stuart, Arunta and Sirius of the Royal Australian Navy are due to arrive by Wednesday. A Defence spokeswoman said HMAS Canberra is part of a five-ship task group containing around 1,350 personnel. “They will be in Darwin for around one week before continuing with training activities at sea,” she said. “Following the initial impacts of COVID-19 on planned training activities it is important that Australian Defence Force units continue to train and operate together to maintain their readiness to respond to a range of contingencies. “The visit to Darwin is be strictly limited to essential logistics and resupply functions and embarking personnel. “Ship’s company will not be permitted to take leave within the community. Ship’s company and embarked forces have been undertaking a period of self-isolation prior to departure.” She said no air force aircraft will be visiting Darwin as part of these training activities. Amazing new NT News subscription offer: $1 a week for the first 12 weeks It comes after major RAAF military exercise Pitch Black, which was set to go ahead in August, was cancelled this year due to compliance with COVID-19-related restrictions.