More Aid
ADF helps after new quake in Indonesia

By PTE John Wellfare

FLTLT Brett Curr was part of the first phase of Operation Sumatra Assist.

Photo by AB Phillip Cullinan

JUST days after Operation Sumatra Assist ended, ADF personnel have again deployed to Indonesia as part of phase II.

About 50 Air Force personnel left Australia on March 30 as part of Operation Sumatra Assist - Phase II after an earthquake off the coast of Sumatra. The March 29 earthquake killed hundreds of people.

Two C-130Js from No. 37 Squadron departed from RAAF Base Richmond the day after, carrying medical supplies and an aero-medical evacuation team.

Air Command director of operations Group Captain Richard Owen said the aircraft carried humanitarian aid, people and equipment: air load teams from Combat Support Group, medical personnel from RAAF Base Williamtown, a command and control element from different units across Richmond and maintenance people from No. 86 Wing.

A B707 also left Brisbane carrying a medical team on March 31.

 

 

 

More aid for Indonesia in Op Sumatra Assist phase II

HMAS Kanimbla was also diverted back to Indonesia after leaving its waters during Easter – an event that also marked the end of the first phase of Operation Sumatra Assist.

HMAS Kanimbla is also providing additional support to phase II, including helicopter operations, and will be used as a floating medical centre.

GPCAPT Owen said command was conscious of the physical and mental demands of the tasks.

“You wouldn’t just turn around people to go again,” he said.

“Command has tried to ensure everyone has had as much leave as they can ... but as with these natural disasters, the timing does not always give us that luxury. It’s always difficult, but we have processes in place to manage fatigue.

“We’ll have a medical person included in the team to manage the health of people deployed to ensure they are getting adequate rest and are not tempted to over-extend themselves.”

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