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FOR. PRESS

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DEFENCE P.R. NO. 247/68

Thursday * September 19th, 6.00,pm E,. S.T.

. MARITIME AMPHIBIOUS EXERCISE

(Statement by the Minister for Defence, Mr, Allen Fairhall, MP)

A large scale maritime amphibious exercise involving units

of the· Armed Services of Britain, Nfew Zealand, Australia and the

United States will take place next month.

The Minister for Defence, Mr. Alien Fairhall, said in

Canberra today that the exercise would take place in waters to the

North East of Australia, and in the Queensland Shoalwater Bay area,

' The exercise will provide training for naval and air

forces in the protection of a force against submarine, surface and.

air attack, and in carrying out an amphibious landing and support

of forces ashore.

Over 50 ships and craft, 90 aircraft and 3500 troops are

t o t ake part.

The landing will be carried out by the 3rd Commando

Brigade Royal Marines in face of opposition provided by the 2/2 .

Gurkhas. The Gurkhas, based in Singapore, will be logistically

supported by Australian Army elements and wil l ■be air lifted to and

from the exercise area. ’

Visits to capital cities and other ports will be made by

fleet units after the exercise. .

FURTHER ENQUIRIES; Director of Public Relations, Department of Defence, . Canberra, A.C.T.

TELEPHONE; 65 2897 (Office) 4 4342 (Home)