COMMANDER David ‘Billy’ Maddison is participating in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC), the world’s largest international maritime exercise, for the fourth time, but it’s his first in command of a Royal Australian Navy ship.
The former Goulburn Valley Grammar School graduate recently assumed command of HMAS Sydney, one of three Hobart-class guided missile destroyers and one of Australia’s most lethal maritime capabilities.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge of leading 200 highly competent Australians through what will be a challenging test of our readiness and preparedness,” said Commander Maddison.
“The purpose of RIMPAC is to encourage interoperability and interchangeability in a highly complex environment with our partners in the Indo-Pacific. That really gets to the theme of RIMPAC – Partners, Integrated and Prepared.
“We are privileged to be working with 29 other countries – both old partners like our Royal New Zealand Navy friends just over the pier from us and some partners from further away, but who value a stable region such as the Netherlands, Germany or Italy.”
Commander Maddison first came to Pearl Harbor on the southern coast of Hawaii for RIMPAC 2010 in HMAS Warramunga when he was a sub-lieutenant officer of the watch. That period saw him participate in two more RIMPACs in 2018 and 2020.
Two years serving as Sydney’s executive officer followed, before assuming command.
Commander Maddison said, in his experience, the best memories of RIMPAC are made ashore, interacting with international colleagues on various topics, ranging from shipborne life, maritime tactics or recent operational experiences.
“My crew and I are looking forward to building and fostering relationships,” Commander Maddison said.
