Australia, France, and the United States operate together in South China Sea [Image 2 of 4]

The image depicts a trilateral military exercise involving the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), French Navy, and the United States Navy (USN) in the South China Sea on April 9, 2024. The three nations' naval forces are working together to enhance interoperability and strengthen their partnership.

The Royal Australian Navy's MH-60R "Mayhem" helicopter is shown approaching the RAN's frigate HMAS Warramunga (FFG 152). The French Navy's Floréal-class frigate FS Vendémiaire (F 734) is seen trailing behind. The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Mobile (LCS 26), which is part of Destroyer Squadron 7, is leading the formation.

The USS Mobile is on a rotational deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. The U.S. Navy's 7th Fleet is responsible for maintaining the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific region. The deployment of the USS Mobile is aimed at enhancing interoperability with allies and partners like Australia and France and serving as a ready response force to ensure freedom of navigation and overflight in the region.

The RAN's HMAS Warramunga is a Perth-class guided-missile frigate, commissioned in 2006. It is equipped with a range of sensors and weapons systems, including a vertical launching system for missiles and a helicopter deck for rotary-wing aircraft.

The French Navy's FS Vendémiaire is a Floréal-class frigate, which is a modern multi-mission frigate designed for anti-submarine warfare, anti-air defense, and anti-surface warfare. It was commissioned in 2016 and is equipped with a range of weapons systems, including Exocet anti-ship missiles and Crotale surface-to-air missiles.

The USS Mobile is an Independence-variant littoral combat ship, which is a relatively small and agile warship designed for operations in shallow waters. It is equipped with a modular design that allows it to be configured for different missions, such as mine countermeasures or surface warfare.

Trilateral exercises like this one are important for building strong military relationships between nations. They provide opportunities for navies to learn from each other and practice working together in a multinational environment. The South China Sea is a strategically important region due to its rich natural resources and its location as a major shipping lane. The presence of multiple naval powers in the region underscores the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the area.