6 May 2025
Exercise Coastwatchers, the little-known but significant triannual training exercise between Australia and the Solomon Islands, has successfully completed rotation 11.
Defence adviser to the Solomon Islands, Navy’s Captain Emma Griffiths, said Exercise Coastwatchers, delivered under the Defence Cooperation Program, was the premier bilateral activity between the ADF and Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF), and paid tribute to the nation’s history.
“The exercise was named after the Coastwatchers of World War 2 who worked alongside the heroic Solomon Scouts,” Captain Griffiths said.
“We’re really proud to have trained over 1000 officers from the RSIPF, corrections, customs and immigration, and national disaster management through the delivery of 63 specialist courses under Coastwatchers since 2021.”
The exercise has expanded over the years and continues to evolve to include whole-of-government agencies, delivery of courses across the nation, and preparation for upcoming events – including the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum in late 2025.
Captain Griffiths said the current program was bigger than ever before and would continue to be developed with the RSIPF to meet their evolving requirements.
“We’re extremely proud to deliver Exercise Coastwatchers. It’s a wonderful opportunity not only for the RSIPF but also [for] ADF personnel,” Captain Griffiths said.
Leading rotation 11, Contingent Commander Captain Hayden Wearne, of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, said it had been a great experience and learning opportunity for all the instructors involved.
“Our guys are learning different approaches to conducting training. Everyone who participates as part of Coastwatchers will be a better instructor when they return to their home unit and deliver training in the future,” Captain Wearne said.
The contingent included instructors from Townsville’s 2nd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment and 4th Health Battalion, delivering 11 separate courses including low-risk search, tactical first aid, small boats maintenance and operation, and .50cal machine gun instruction and maintenance.
'We’re extremely proud to deliver Exercise Coastwatchers. It’s a wonderful opportunity not only for the RSIPF but also [for] ADF personnel.'
Developing their skills and experience as instructors, the soldiers also gained a first-hand understanding of how best to operate within such an intricate region.
“Being in this environment with nine different provinces, some separated by only a few hundred meters, some by tens of kilometres, gives us a really good perspective of the region, specifically the logistics chain and personnel movement requirements,” Captain Wearne said.
Remnants of war are strewn across the Solomon Islands and its famous ‘Iron Bottom Sound’, where ordnance, shipwrecks and downed aircrafts still lay as a clear reminder of the nation’s history and the bravery of the Solomon Scouts.
“Seeing the history across the Solomon Islands dating back to World War 2 and understanding the history of the Coastwatchers and Solomon Scouts was a deeply humbling experience that will stick with us for a really long time,” Captain Wearne said.
“Operating in the Guadalcanal there’s a huge range of war museums and historical sites with tank relics and shipwrecks … being Cavalry, seeing the remnants of tanks and armoured vehicles is really eye-opening.”
Immersing themselves in the culture and environment of the Solomon Islands had been a highlight for many, an experience Captain Wearne said the contingent would love to repeat.
“I would definitely come back again, everyone on this rotation would jump at the opportunity to come back for another Coastwatchers,” Captain Wearne said.
Captain Wearne said the strong relationship between Australian soldiers and the RSIPF, and the local community, was clear and would continue to grow with each rotation.
“I see the bonds and memories being forged between the two nations. RSIPF officers ask about instructors from previous rotations and when we walk around Honiara, the community here remembers and welcomes us,” Captain Wearne said.
Rotation 12 will be conducted in November of 2025, with members of the 3rd Brigade and supporting elements fulfilling the rotation once again.
