An LCM8 approaches HMAS Choules during Exercise Sea Lion 2013, far north Queensland. *** Local Caption *** The first Major joint amphibious exercise for the year, Exercise Sea Lion, will be conducted in and around centres in North Queensland from 10-28 June 2013

The exercise is part of the Australian Defence Force’s enhanced amphibious capability development as the transition to operations with the Canberra Class Landing Dock (LHD) continues.

The exercise will include personnel from the Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Choules, Landing Craft Heavy (LCH), a multi-Role Helicopter (MRH-90) and a Royal Australian Air Force AP3-C Orion. The Australian Army will contribute troops from the 3rd, 6th, 16th and 17th Brigades to make the Amphibious Ready Element (ARE) based on 2nd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (2RAR).

Exercise Seas Lion is an annual joint exercise conducted in North Queensland and will lead up to the next level of training on Exercise Talisman Saber in July 2013.