Calm returns after riots in Solomons
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Joining forces: LCpl Daniel Breeze, 1RAR, talks with policemen John Kolopen, Peter Gorek and Jesse Raicebe, who are deployed with the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon islands. Photo by Capt Al Green |
Volume 11, No. 41, April 20, 2006
By Lt Simone Heyer
CALM has been restored in the Solomon Islands after about 500 Australian and New Zealand soldiers deployed there following riots in the country’s capital, Honiara.
Some 220 soldiers from 1RAR and 3RAR are helping the Participating Police Force (PPF).
About 45 personnel and two Iroquois have been deployed from 5 Avn Regt to support the police operations and provide an aeromedical capability.
Airfield Defence Guards (ADGs), logistic support elements and two patrol boats make up the rest of the ADF’s contribution.
As soon as the ground troops touched down, they began patrolling, decked out in body armour and with loaded weapons.
The new Commander of CTF 635 and CO 1RAR, Lt-Col Andrew Gallaway, said after a few days the enhanced task force was completely integrated with the PPF, enabling the police contingents to enforce law and order in the city.
He said the taskforce was spread out in company groups throughout the main Guadalcanal Island.
“Our tasks include the protection of vital assets including public facilities – telecommunications and fuel installations – and providing support to the PPF in conducting presence patrols in the community and protecting key people,” Lt-Col Gallaway said.
Lt-Col Gallaway said while combined PPF and Australian Army patrols were conducted immediately after arrival in the Solomon Islands, the first major combined operation was conducted for the country’s parliament’s first sitting.
“D Coy provided an outer cordon for the parliament house area,” he said. “A battalion tactical headquarters at the scene effectively coordinated command and control liaison with the PPF,” he said.
The soldiers had personal protective equipment stored at the site to ensure their safety if protests erupted.
OC A Coy Maj Terence Cook said his troops were based in quickly assembled tent lines off the airfield.
“Before the Airfield Defence Guards’ arrival, one of A Coy’s tasks was to secure the airfield as a vital asset,” Maj Cook said. “While the ADGs provide tarmac security and security to the aircraft, A Coy still provide perimeter security.”
He said a platoon secured Honiara’s industrial area and another was in reserve. The company conducts VCPs and patrols in their AO.
He said while 17 soldiers had deployed to the Solomons in 2004, it was the first operation for most of the company members.
LCpl Charles Boag, 7 Sect 2IC, said his section had been working hard, with very little rest since arrival. He said they enjoyed being deployed, even at short notice.
“We came here smiling, we’re happy to do the job,” he said.
LCpl Boag said the locals were “so happy to have us here”.
Aviation support arrived within 48 hours of the operation by way of two Iroquois from A Sqn, 5 Avn Regt. OC Maj Sean Leach said the squadron’s role was to provide AME, reconnaissance and troop movement by air.
“The squadron is well adapted to supporting short-notice ADF operations within our local region,” Maj Leach said.
“We envisage providing aviation support for CTF 635 while the enhanced task force is in operation.”
OPSO A Sqn Capt John Wells said the squadron flew its first operational sorties on the Solomon Islands’ parliament’s first sitting. “We did a few shorter sorties to provide support for the ground element and maintain an aviation presence,” Capt Wells said.
Like many other units called up for this operation, it’s the squadron’s third operation this year – it also supported Operations Larry Assist and Acolyte.
The first week of the strengthened ADF deployment passed without significant incident.
Lt-Col Gallaway said it was essential to get out on the ground to gauge the general mood of the people.
“We are well respected, all the ADF elements are performing very well and the mood of the locals is very good,” he said.
