05 January 2005
Colin Powell sees first hand the work of Australian Medical Teams in Sumatra.

The Australian Defence Force Aero Medical Evacuation team at Banda Aceh is handling the care and evacuation by air of patients who were badly injured as a result of the Boxing Day 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel are supporting Indonesian Government authorities in providing humanitarian assistance following the Boxing Day tsunami. At the request of the Indonesian Government, they have been working in North Sumatra and Aceh Provinces since 28 December 2004.

Tsunami relief assistance being provided by Australia is part of a co-operative effort involving the ADF, DFAT (AusAID), and Emergency Management Australia. Water, tentage, medical supplies, blankets and other emergency provisions, and logistical support have been provided.

Read release: Colin Powell sees first hand the work of Australian Medical Teams in Sumatra

JPAU05JAN05BM001 The US Secretary of State, Colin Powell, speaks with an Indonesian patient under care of the Australian Defence Force Aero Medical Evacuation (AME) team in tsunami-ravaged Banda Aceh, Indonesia. Mr Powell is accompanied by AME commanding officer Wing Commander Bill Griggs (wearing Red Cross brassard) and Royal Australian Navy interpreter Lieutenant Commander James Crouch (right foreground). (Date taken: 5 January 2005) Low-Res | Hi-Res