Annual Report 2014–15

Programme 2.1
Operations Contributing to the Security of the Immediate Neighbourhood

Defence undertakes a variety of operations in order to preserve the security and stability in our region.

Operation Gateway, which occurs up to eight times a year, is an ongoing maritime surveillance operation conducted in the north-eastern Indian Ocean and the South China Sea to contribute to the stability of important sea lanes.

Operation Solania is an ongoing maritime surveillance operation to support Pacific Island countries in fisheries law enforcement in the South-West Pacific. There are up to four AP-3C Orion aircraft deployments per year to the region, to coincide with operations led by the Forum Fisheries Agency, which is based in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

Operation Render Safe is an enduring operation to dispose of explosive remnants of war in Pacific island nations. In November 2014, there was a significant operation on Bougainville, which disposed of more than 16 tonnes of explosives.

Operation Pacific Assist was an ADF deployment supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in Vanuatu and Solomon Islands following Cyclone Pam. A significant Defence contribution included a major Navy ship, a number of Air Force transport and surveillance aircraft, Army rotary wing aircraft, and personnel from the three Services providing a Joint Task Force and heavy engineering support in disaster-affected areas.

Operation Nepal Assist was an ADF deployment supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in Nepal following the earthquake in April 2015. ADF involvement included a strategic airlift of humanitarian aid stores, evacuation of affected Australian and approved foreign nationals and a small team deployed in support of the Australian Embassy.

Table 4.5: Programme 2.1 key performance indicators