Op Christchurch Assist
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) formally concluded Operation CHRISTCHURCH ASSIST on Friday 18 March 2011, as the immediate rescue and relief operation in Christchurch transitions to one of long-term recovery and reconstruction.
Operation CHRISTCHURCH ASSIST was the ADF contribution to the Whole of Government response to the devastating earthquake which rocked Christchurch on Tuesday 22 February 2011.
The ADF responded to all tasks it received from the Australian Government, in response to requests from the Government of New Zealand.
Over the month of the operation, RAAF C-17A Globemasters and C-130 Hercules carried out heavy air lift and transportation tasks between Australia and Christchurch, New Zealand. This included the transport of emergency services personnel and associated equipment, the delivery of a field hospital and a Disaster Victim Identification Trailer, and the transport of a water desalination unit.
The RAAF aircraft transported almost 500 passengers and nearly 290,000 pounds of cargo to assist our closest neighbours in their time of crisis.
The ADF remains postured to respond to any tasks it receives through the Australian Government at the request of the Government of New Zealand in response to the Christchurch earthquake.