Why the Orlandos operated independently

How did the Orlando class normally operate?

Mostly independently, because the China and Australia stations had little supporting infrastructure.

The class generally operated independently because the China and Australia stations lacked supporting infrastructure. These cruisers had to maintain a presence across great distances without the support available to a concentrated battle fleet. Their independence followed from the logistical geography of imperial stations. It was a practical requirement of the mission rather than an incidental operating preference.