02 April 2005
ADF personnel and Indonesian Officials arrive onboard HMAS Kanimbla

Prime Minister John Howard announced on 30 March that Australia would respond to the Indonesian Government request for humanitarian relief assistance following the 29 March earthquake which affected a large area of Sumatra devastated by the Boxing Day 2004 tsunamis.

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) contribution forms part of the Australian Government’s response to this latest incident to affect Indonesia and has been named Operation Sumatra Assist - Phase II.

Defence Minister Robert Hill said that ADF planners have prepared ADF personnel and assets to provide emergency assistance, primarily in the form of medical support, in close cooperation with Indonesian authorities.

The initial response is being delivered by C-130 Hercules aircraft and by the Australian Navy amphibious transport ship, HMAS Kanimbla, which carries onboard medical and helicopter supply and transport capabilities.

20050401ran8107930_006 Indonesian Liaison Officers arrive aboard HMAS Kanimbla by Sea King helicopter as the ship sails to contribute to earthquake relief under Operation Sumatra Assist Phase 2. (Date taken: 02 April 2005) Low-Res | Hi-Res	20050401ran8107930_008 Australian Defence Force doctors, nurses, medics, divers and hydrographers arrive aboard HMAS Kanimbla by Sea King helicopter as the ship sails to contribute to earthquake relief under Operation Sumatra Assist Phase 2. (Date taken: 02 April 2005) Low-Res | Hi-Res
20050401ran8107930_016 Australian Defence Force doctors, nurses, medics, divers and hydrographers arrive aboard HMAS Kanimbla by Sea King helicopter as the ship sails to contribute to earthquake relief under Operation Sumatra Assist Phase 2. (Date taken: 02 April 2005) Low-Res | Hi-Res	20050401ran8107930_018 Australian Defence Force doctors, nurses, medics, divers and hydrographers arrive aboard HMAS Kanimbla by Sea King helicopter as the ship sails to contribute to earthquake relief under Operation Sumatra Assist Phase 2. (Date taken: 02 April 2005) Low-Res | Hi-Res
20050401ran8107930_051 Commander George McGuire is the commanding officer of HMAS Kanimbla at the inception of earthquake relief assistance under Operation Sumatra Assist - Phase II. (Date taken: 02 April 2005) Low-Res | Hi-Res	20050401ran8107930v020 Australian Defence Force doctors, nurses, medics, divers and hydrographers arrive aboard HMAS Kanimbla by Sea King helicopter as the ship sails to contribute to earthquake relief under Operation Sumatra Assist Phase 2. (Date taken: 02 April 2005) Low-Res | Hi-Res