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HMS Spey joins multi-national exercise in Indonesia
28 February 2025
Patrol vessel HMS Spey showcased the UK’s commitment to promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific by working closely with ships from a dozen nations off the coast of Indonesia.
The Royal Navy River-class Batch 2 vessel took part in Exercise Komodo near Bali, joining international allies and partners for a week of training, talks and humanitarian work hosted and led by the Indonesian Navy.
The ship also took on conservation activities shoreside and members of the ship’s company attended a symposium on maritime security.
They also tested their skills and knowledge in sailing close-by in formation with other ships, and training for emergency scenarios.
Held for the fifth time since 2014, Exercise Komodo saw more than 20 nations take part and kicked off with an International Fleet Review.
The KRI Dr Radjiman Wedyodiningrat acted as the flagship for the Indonesian Navy, taking the salute during the sail past.
After coming alongside, sailors from HMS Spey got to meet personnel from other nations with a series of games and activities. They finished runners-up in the tug-of-war and sack races.
Meanwhile, the ship’s Executive Officer and Navigator attended the International Maritime Symposium with a theme of “addressing maritime security challenges through cooperation and technology”.
Key note speakers included the Chief of Indonesia Navy Admiral Muhammad Ali, on the complex threats to the oceans and sea lanes and the Indonesian Minister of Defence,Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin on strengthening the region’s maritime security maritime security architecture, and the importance of humanitarian disaster response transcending diplomatic formalities.
They also got to hear from the Joint Commander of the French Armed Forces in the Asia-Pacific, Rear Admiral Guillaume Pinget on their use of technology to support Maritime security in French waters.
For many of the Spey’s sailors, a highlight of Exercise Komodo was helping return baby turtles back to sea while they also learnt about the importance of coral reef planting and the role mangroves play in the eco-system.
Volunteers from different nations and the local communities took part in the conservation efforts which also included clearing vital turtle nesting sites of litter and other waste.
With the exercise drawing to a close and Spey due to sail from Bali, there was a chance for one final interaction with allies and partner navies.
More than a dozen ships from Indonesia. Malaysia, Singapore, the United States, the Philippines, Thailand, France, Australia, India, South Korea, Vietnam and Italy sailed together in formation for a photo opportunity.
It also gave the bridge teams the chance to practice being in close formation to other navies and utilising their skills and knowledge to ensure safe sailing.
One final training serial saw a search and rescue scenario played out before a final sail past saluting KRI Dr Radjiman Wedyodiningrat.