Australian Navy Trains For When Disaster Strikes

A recent humanitarian and disaster relief (HADR) training exercise demonstrated HMAS Choules' readiness to respond to crises at home and abroad.

The exercise simulated evacuating Australian citizens from a remote location, who were safely transported to the Choules to receive medical care, food, and temporary shelter.

The crew formed specialist teams responsible for quarantine, security, identification, medical, hydration and accommodation. The ship’s maritime logistics department oversaw and coordinated the exercise. 

Choules’ Executive Officer Lieutenant Commander Shaun Baldwin said the drill demonstrated the ship’s readiness to respond to any humanitarian mission.

“Today’s exercise shows that we can respond quickly and effectively to an emergency, ensuring the safety and security of those affected,” he said.

“This kind of training allows us to refine our techniques and make sure our crew is ready for any situation, when and where we’re needed.

“With the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters in Australia and the Pacific, our HADR response is critical to national and regional security.”

At the time of the exercise, Choules was Navy’s designated HADR response unit, required to remain ready to respond at short notice to crises in the region, including natural disasters and civil unrest.

The training exercise was part of a south-west Pacific regional presence deployment aimed at strengthening Australia’s relationship with Pacific neighbours.

Read the full release at www.defence.gov.au