Cuppa, thanks and autographs

FANS: CPO Roland Biswas of HMAS Kanimbla meets the PM in Canberra.

Photo: ABPH Kade Rogers

By ABPH Kade Rogers

Prime Minister John Howard has described Operation Sumatra Assist as “one of the proudest moments” in the Australian post-war era.

He made the comment during a morning tea for personnel involved in the operation, which was held at Parliament House in Canberra last Monday.

“The response to the tsunami was one of the proudest moments in Australia’s post-war experience as a nation.” Mr Howard said.

“We responded speedily, we responded generously and we responded effectively. And the effectiveness of the response and the speed of the response was really the work of so many men and women who are gathered here today.”

Mr Howard reflected on the nine service personnel who lost their lives during the operation, and paid special tribute to CMDR George McGuire, Commanding Officer of HMAS Kanimbla and his crew.

Following the PM’s address ABBM David Gates of HMAS Kanimbla remarked, “It’s good to be recognised for what we’ve done.”

Confronted with the horrors of the tsunami’s aftermath, determination and an unwavering sense of teamwork bonded those who contributed to the operation..

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