After the end of Exercise Malabar 2020, the helicopter supported United States Ships Nimitz, guided-missile destroyer Sterett and guided-missile cruiser Princeton while embedded in Carrier Air Wing 17.

Commanding Officer HMAS Ballarat Commander Antony Pisani said the Australian and US ships and aircraft operated together for several days, illustrating their maritime capabilities and promoting a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

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"This activity was a highlight for the 187 men and women in Ballarat. For many, it was the first time they had seen a US Navy aircraft carrier," CMDR Pisani said.

"It was a delight watching the team's awe as fighter jets were launched from the carrier, illustrating to many the precision of carrier based air operations.

"The participation of Ballarat's embarked MH-60R helicopter, callsign 'Convict, which was operating within the Strike Group, demonstrates our shared mutual trust and respect, and the close bonds between our navies and nations."

The Australian helicopter, of 816 Squadron Flight 3 from HMAS Albatross, operated with US Navy MH-60R and MH-60S helicopters.

Operations Officer for Flight 3 Lieutenant Patrick McGuire said these exercises validated the interoperability of Australian MH-60R flights within a Carrier Strike Group.

"Our daily exercise tasking, to defend the carrier through airborne force protection sorties, demonstrates the trust the Carrier Strike Group Commander has placed in our aircraft, aircrew and technical sailors to maintain the recognised maritime picture in all weather, day and night," LEUT McGuire said.

Ballarat's MH-60R contributes to surface and sub-surface surveillance, which enhances the tactical picture beyond the visual horizon, compiling data from active and passive sensors for the Carrier Strike Group and the Australian frigate.

"The surveillance serves to locate, identify, track and investigate potential threats to maritime security," LEUT McGuire said.

"The MH-60R is a force multiplier and provides a crucial link between the Carrier Strike Group assets, such as their fighter jets, maritime patrol aircraft, airborne early warning aircraft and surface units.

"MH-60R Flights will continue to be an integral capability within the task group construct and joint operations."

Senior Maintenance Sailor for Flight 3 Chief Petty Officer Aaron Fields said the maintenance team worked tirelessly during the deployment to ensure that Ballarat's helicopter was available to carry out any mission required by Command.

"I am proud of the maintenance Flight 3 team and their efforts in tough working conditions during what has been not only a challenging deployment, but a challenging year," CPO Fields said.

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