Operation KIRIBATI ASSIST
25 August 2008
JTF 637 move onto Butaritari Island as part of the second phase of Op Kiribati Assist
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.
| 20080816adf8239716_054 Joint Task Force 637 members drag stores onto the beach at Butaritari, as part of the second phase of Operation Kiribati Assist. (Date taken: 16 August 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080816adf8239716_061 Navy Clearance Divers Leading Seaman Robert Court (standing) and Able Seaman Josh Thornhill place a motor onto the Zodiac, from the Republic Kiribati Ship Teanio on the waters off the island of Butaritari. (Date taken: 16 August 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080816adf8239716_065 Joint Task Force 637, Navy Clearance Divers Able Seaman Rosco Fernanez (centre) and Able Seaman Scott Brossman (right) are assisted by Kiribati Maritime Police in preparing for the Task Force to move onto Butaritari Island. (Date taken: 16 August 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080816adf8239716_075 (L-R) Joint Task Force 637 Commander, Lieutenant Commander Etienne Mulder and Navy Clearance Dive Team One, Able Seaman Josh Thornhill, Able Seaman Rosco Fernandez, Able Seaman Aodh McHugh and Leading Seaman Robert Court place their Zodiac into the water. (Date taken: 16 August 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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