AP-3Cs are resolute

Volume 48, No. 15, August 24, 2006

SGT Andrew Wood photographs a vessel. Photos by CPL Hamish Patterson

FLTLT Dave Titheridge in control over northern waters.

SGT Ryan Duncis aboard the AP-3C Orion.

AIR Force’s AP-3C Orion crews continue to play an important role in protecting Australian waters as part of Operation Resolute.

Launched last month, Op Resolute consolidates a number of operations, such as Relex II, Cranberry, Mistral, Celesta and the augmented security patrols program, into a single operation. This will streamline Defence’s contribution to whole-of-government efforts to improve Australia’s maritime security.

Commanding Officer 10SQN, WGCDR Craig Heap said his crews, and those from 11SQN, work tirelessly alongside the Royal Australian Navy and Coastwatch to ensure the integrity of the country’s coastline.

The Air Force crews provide a birds-eye view of activities within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), using a comprehensive sensor kit as they patrol the vast expanse of water and various reefs and islands.

“We look at what is going on within the tasked areas, and alert the Navy and Coastwatch if we identify any suspicious craft or people not doing the right thing,” WGCDR Heap said. “For example, foreign vessels have the right to fish in certain regions within our EEZ, so part of our job is to ensure they are abiding by the guidelines, and to communicate any breaches to our colleagues on the water.”

Although the 92WG squadrons’ roles remain the same under Op Resolute, processes have been streamlined, making it less complicated to achieve objectives.

“Op Resolute provides a great opportunity for 92WG crews to work with different government organisations to achieve a single goal — the security of Australia,” WGCDR Heap said.

The operation is commanded by the Joint Offshore Protection Command (JOPC), which has assumed responsibility for operational coordination and control of both civil and military maritime enforcement activities within the EEZ.

Headed by RADM James Goldrick, the JOPC undertakes planning, surveillance, intelligence analysis and deployments to deliver a coordinated, whole-of-government response to illegal fishing in particular, and maritime security more generally.

Defence Minister Dr Brendan Nelson said protecting Australia’s waters is one of the highest priorities for the Australian Defence Force.

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