29 December 2004
Operation Tsunami Assist

The first group of Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel has arrived in Indonesia to provide humanitarian assistance following the tsunami that swept through the region on Boxing Day. ADF personnel touched down in Medan, on the northeast coast of the Indonesian island of Sumatra mid afternoon on Dec 28, 2004.

The assistance being provided 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 have been provided.

1JPAU28DEC04BM007 Warrant Officer (WOFF) Paul Lemarshall meets an Indonesian aircraft assistant on arrival at Medan International Airport. Paul Lemarshall is a load master on the first of four Australian C-130 Hercules to arrive on the island of Sumatra to provide emergency aid. (Date taken: 28 December 2004) Low-Res | Hi-Res	1JPAU28DEC04BM020 Wing Commander Greg Norman is met by Customs Indonesia Officer Mr Sutrusdo at Medan International Airport after the first Royal Australian Air Force C-130 Hercules landed with emergency aid supplies on board. (Date taken: 28 December 2004) Low-Res | Hi-Res
1JPAU28DEC04BM039 Flight Lieutenant Edgar Gonzalez, Royal Australian Air Force, check navigates with Group Captain John Oddie, second in charge of the Australian joint task force providing tsunami relief support, looking on as the C-130 prepares to land in Medan, the capital city of North Sumatra, Indonesia. (Date taken: 28 December 2004) Low-Res | Hi-Res