Solomons stable
Volume 11, No. 45, June 15, 2006
OPERATION Anode has been successful enough to allow some elements of the ADF to return home but those left behind continue to work closely with the Participating Police Force to produce good results in stabilising the Solomon Islands.
“Security is very stable, people are very welcoming and supportive of both the Australian military, RAMSI and the overall intent of that operation,” CTF 635 CO Lt-Col Andrew Gallaway said from the Solomons.
On May 28 about 200 ADF personnel were able to return from the Solomons and take leave.
They included about 110 from 3RAR, about 34 ADGs, about 30 from A Sqn, 5 Avn Regt and about 20 soldiers from 3 Bde.
A combined force of about 300 remains in the islands, including about 150 Australians – 130 from 1RAR and other ADF elements – about 125 New Zealanders, about 35 from the Fijian Defence Force and liaison personnel from Papua New Guinea,and Tonga.
“We are not leading this mission but are a supporting effort for the police,” Lt-Col Gallaway said.
He said some of the ADF personnel had previously served in the Solomons and that tour of duty had proved valuable.
“Some are Pidgin speakers and being here before, they were very familiar with the geography and circumstances on the ground, so that allowed us to very quickly understand the latest situation,” he said.
Lt-Col Gallaway said the reaction of the locals to the military presence generally was positive.
“You can go into pretty much 90-95 per cent of villages in the Solomon Islands group and you will always get a very warm greeting.
“On a recent market visit to Tetere, about 20km to the east of Dili and a town basically built around palm oil production, I was met by the market’s security man, Ruben. He gave a two-minute speech on how wonderful RAMSI was and how having the military there enabled them to get on with their lives.
“That is pretty much the kind of welcome everywhere we go.
“Where we don’t get that, we try to break down the barriers in opening up dialogue and communications with village elders.
“Any of the Pacific Islands platoons that have served with the CTF have been very effective in assisting us to break down any barriers to communication. I have been very grateful to the Fijian platoon that is currently serving with us in helping to gain inroads into some of the more troublesome communities within Honiara.”
Lt-Col Gallaway said he was proud of all the ADF members who took part in the mission.
“What stands out for me is the very short notice everyone had to prepare to deploy here, to do their jobs, to be deployed in good order, on the streets, in the air or on the ocean and they have done it with utmost professionalism.
“The ADF elements have performed extremely well together.”
