Operation KIRIBATI ASSIST
25 August 2008
Traditional Butaritari Island welcome for Joint Task Force 637
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has deployed a small Joint Task Force to the small Pacific Island nation of Kiribati to commence Operation Kiribati Assist.
Operation Kiribati Assist is the ADF contribution to Australia's response to a request from the Government of Kiribati to assist in the disposal of World War II unexploded ordnance (UXO) from locations throughout Kiribati. The ADF has world class skills, expertise and capability in conducting explosive ordnance disposal and is happy to be assisting our regional neighbour in clearing the threat posed by unexploded ordnance. The JTF comprises of 22 people and includes a Command Group, a Royal Australian Navy Clearance Diving Team to handle underwater UXO, Army and RAAF EOD teams who will handle land based UXO, including air delivered items and a medical team. The 33 atolls of Kiribati are scattered across 3.5 million square kilometres of the Central Pacific and is the site where the Battle of Tarawa was fought in November 20th, 1943. Most UXO encountered in Kiribati are remnants from this conflict and include military ordnance such as artillery projectiles, aerial bombs, rockets, mortars and mines.
| 20080819adf8239716_017 Medics from Operation Kiribati Assist, Royal Australian Air Force Warrant Officer Ian Swney and Lance Corporal Kaye Buchanan (Army) chat with local villagers. (Date taken: 19 August 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080819adf8239716_054 Operation Kiribati Assist Joint Task Force 637 (L-R), Lieutenant Commander Etienne Mulder, Warrant Officer Ralph Dunn and Lieutentant David Dawes wear traditional head dress made by the people of Butaritari Island at a traditional welcome and blessing. (Date taken: 19 August 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080819adf8239716_056 Traditional dancers from the island of Butaritari perform for members of Operation Kiribati Assist. (Date taken: 19 August 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080819adf8239716_062 Traditional dancers from the island of Butaritari perform for members of Operation Kiribati Assist. (Date taken: 19 August 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080819adf8239716_087 Traditional dancers from the island of Butaritari perform for members of Operation Kiribati Assist. (Date taken: 19 August 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080819adf8239716_089 Butaritari Island local residents invited the Joint Task Force 637 for a traditional welcome and blessing, where many local dishes are prepared. (Date taken: 19 August 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080819adf8239716_100 Butaritari Island local residents invited the Joint Task Force 637 for a traditional welcome and blessing, where it is customary for the invited guest to dance (foreground). Navy Medical Officer Sarah Lockley (centre), Corporal Mick Taylor and Lieutenant David Dawes are the first up to shake the dance floor. (Date taken: 19 August 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080819adf8239716_110 Butaritari Island local residents invited the Joint Task Force 637 for a traditional welcome and blessing, to thank them for their efforts in removing the remnants from World War II. Royal Australian Air Force Sergeant Justin Poole shows his best dance moves for the local elders. (Date taken: 19 August 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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