Media Room: Defence Alert

Defence
ALERT

Vision of Australian Defence Force operations in support of Operation Sumatra Assist will be fed to TV networks via the Press Gallery at Parliament House in Canberra this morning at approximately 1000.

HMAS KANIMBLA arrives off the coast of Banda Aceh. The ship commences the task of transporting equipment ashore using the Army LCM8 landing craft and Sea King helicopters. The Commanding Officer, Commander Steve Woodall, explains the difficulties faced with getting equipment ashore.

A New Zealand soldier, who is suffering from critical appendicitis, is airlifted to KANIMBLA for an emergency operation. (The patient is now recovering well).

• CO HMAS KANIMBLA, Commander Stephen Woodall, interview on the difficulties being faced trying to get the equipment ashore.

• A NZ soldier is airlifted to KANIMBLA with critical appendicitis.

• KANIMBLA offload vehicles on to the Army LCM-8 landing craft.

• Sea King helicopter lands onboard KANIMBLA with the sick NZ soldier and medical teams take him to the ship’s hospital. Surgeon prepares to operate.

Defence Media 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664

Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence,
Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999
Fax: 02 6265 6946
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