Volume
49, No. 9, June 1, 2006
In response to a request from the East Timorese Government, the
Royal Australian Navy has deployed the largest amphibious task
force in its history and the first deployment of the Amphibious
Ready Group (ARG) HMA Ships Manoora, Kanimbla, Tobruk, Success,
Tarakan, Balikpapan and Adelaide are joined by RAAF Hercules aircraft
and more than 1300 Australian Army personnel as they deploy on
Operation Astute, the mission to assist in the restoration of
law and order in Dili.
Navy embarked forces in Darwin and Townsville and will disembark
them on arrival in East Timor.
The ARG will also provide critical functions such as provision
of afloat medical facilities, command and control and helicopter
support capabilities.
Deputy Maritime Commander Australia, Commodore Ray Griggs spoke
highly of the performance of the Navy people involved.
“The swift response to the call out at such short notice
is a reminder of just how good our people are at what they do,”
CDRE Griggs said.
“I am extremely proud of them, and their performance under
pressure was just as I expected – outstanding.”
CDRE Griggs said the deployment highlighted the value of amphibious
training exercises, such as Croix du Sud, a combined force non-combatant
exercise evacuation operation conducted in New Caledonia recently.
“The ships were extremely well prepared for the operational
roles they will be required to conduct,” he said.
