There was heated competition in HMAS Sydney’s Combat Information Centre as the combat systems operators participated in a PUBEX, also known as publication exercise.
During a PUBEX, each ship studies a common publication, in this case NATO ATP-1. One person then logs into the chat room with other participating ships.
The ships or units then take turns quizzing each other with pre-written questions, and the ship with the most correct answers wins.
Leading Seaman Django Scott-Cowling said his favourite part was seeing his junior operators genuinely excited about studying and learning.
“It’s a lot of fun to talk to sailors from other countries and the competition aspect is great,” Leading Seaman Scott-Cowling said.
“Winning the first PUBEX was awesome. We went into it just hoping to get some training value out of it, but once the competition heated up, everyone got really into it.
“We got congratulated by the other ships, and the captain was super happy to hear about it.”
The PUBEX took place during Exercise Pacific Dragon, during which Sydney also conducted link exercises (LINKEX).
A LINKEX is where the tactical data link (TDL) equipment and procedures are tested with different countries.
“Being a NATO partner nation means that we share a lot of commonality in terms of TDL equipment and procedures with many of the countries participating in Pacific Dragon,” Leading Seaman Scott-Cowling said.
“We use LINKEXs to test these TDL connections and to practise fighting off the same tactical picture.”
During Pacific Dragon, each LINKEX was successful, with multiple serials conducted using TDLs with many different nations’ ships and aircraft.
“This has resulted in a cohesive exercise that proves the RAN’s capability to fight alongside friendly nations in high-end warfare,” Leading Seaman Scott-Cowling said.
Leading Seaman Scott-Cowling said Pacific Dragon provided a rare chance to exercise with countries outside Australia’s immediate backyard.
“Working with countries like Italy or the Netherlands is an opportunity that doesn’t present itself often,” he said.
