Media Room: Media Releases

Defence
MEDIA RELEASE

The Australian Defence Force tsunami relief mission, under guidance of Indonesian authorities, in Operation Sumatra Assist, has entered a new phase with the Navy shuttling humanitarian aid further south than ever before.

HMAS Kanimbla's two Sea King helicopters are moving much-needed supplies from Sabang Island, about 25km north of Banda Aceh, up to 200 kilometres south, down the coast of Sumatra. The Sea King's long range makes it an ideal aircraft to use on these operations.

On this particular mission, the Sea King (Shark 21) arrived at Sabang Airport and was loaded up with a cargo of tents, rice and water – the loading completed by members of the Indonesian and United States military, and volunteers from HMAS Kanimblas's crew.

Media Note: New vision of Australian Defence Force support to Operation Sumatra Assist in Indonesia has been sent TV networks via the Press Gallery at Parliament House in Canberra. New still images will also be available from: http://www.defence.gov.au/optsunamiassist/gallery.htm

• Sea King lands at airport, Sabang Island
• loading up Sea King by Australian Navy, Indonesian and US military personnel with tent, rice and water
• Sea King crew distribute aid to locals
• HMAS Kanimbla from helicopter cockpit
• cutaway of Lieutenant Commander Mat Bradley (HMAS Kanimbla Flight
• Commander)
• interview with Lieutenant Commander Bradley
• interview with Sea King pilot Lieutenant Mike "Duck" Waddell

Media Contact: Defence Media Liaison – (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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