Defence News
Nations unite to render Solomons safer
Eight nations partnered to support the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) to remove more than 3,200 Second World War-era explosive remnants across 217 sites in the largest land-based Operation Render Safe. The western province of Solomon Islands was the location of one of the hardest fought battles of the Pacific campaign – the Battle for Munda Point – and the munitions and equipment from the battle continue to pose a danger to local communities.
In its 20th year, the operation included personnel from the ADF, Canadian Armed Forces, New Zealand Defence Force, United States Army and United States Marine Corps. They were joined by observers from the British Army, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and South Korean Navy.
Commanding Officer of 6th Engineer Support Regiment and the operation, Lieutenant Colonel Fabian Harrison, said one of the most rewarding aspects of the mission was the integration of the partner nations. ‘It’s a really meaningful outcome to make the community safer and leave it in a better place than we found it,’ he said.
Director of RSIPF Explosive Ordnance Device Inspector Clifford Tunuki said he was thankful for the support. ‘Operation Render Safe allows us to not only strengthen our relationships with our partner nations, but to share knowledge and skills that allow us to remove these explosive threats more safely and efficiently,’ he said. ‘In 2 weeks we have removed more explosive remnants of war than the RSIPF would be able to in 6 months.
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A picture of courage and sacrifice
Coinciding with it’s 50th anniversary, 8th/9th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment (8/9RAR) has acquired the Bunker Assault painting, which marks a seminal moment in the battalion's history. The painting, donated by the 9th Battalion Association, serves as a reminder of the courage and sacrifice of soldiers who fought in Vietnam.
The painting commemorates a defining moment in 9RAR’s tour in Vietnam. Veteran Dan Penman said after returning home, the soldiers unanimously agreed that the most significant part of their experience was the number of lives lost during the bunker assaults.
‘You need to know the past to help you see the future,’ Mr Penman said. ‘We commissioned a local painter to depict the bunkers because it was our most pivotal point and where we lost most of our guys. The soldiers in the Bunker Assault painting had hard feet, strong backs, and were able to shoot straight. Those requirements haven’t changed.’
Later this year, the battalion plans to reopen its museum to further preserve the legacy of 8RAR, 9RAR, and 8/9RAR, ensuring veterans, young and old, have a place to reflect on their shared history.
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Blasting in from the past
The skies of Temora echoed with aviation from the past and present, with the Air Force supporting the Warbirds Downunder Air Show from October 19 to 20. The Temora Aviation Museum celebrated its long-standing connection with the ADF, with the return of one of the nation’s biggest gatherings of historic military aircraft.
Showcasing 40 aircraft over the two-day event, the air show highlighted the then, now and everlasting in Australian aviation.
Air Force planes first took to the Temora sky in 1941 with the establishment of 10 Elementary Flying Training School. At its peak, the unit managed 97 de Havilland Tiger Moth aircraft, graduating 2,400 pilots during its 5 years of operation. The Temora Aviation Museum was opened in 1999, with the Air Force taking ownership of 11 of the museum’s heritage aircraft in 2019.
The Warbirds Downunder Air Show is just one of the opportunities for the Air Force to put its heritage fleet on show – flying platforms such as the CT4A, Spitfire Mk VIII, CAC Winjeel, Lockheed Hudson, Ryan STM-S2 and Tiger Moth in varying formations, in an ode to Australian aviation history.
Also putting on a spectacle for the 15,000-strong crowd were fan favourites including the Roulettes aerobatic display team, C-130J Hercules and F-35A Lightning II.
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Career highlight for Fed Guard members
Australia’s Federation Guard was part of the Royal Guard that welcomed Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla, and members of the Australian Government to Parliament House on October 21.
As the reviewing officer, King Charles walked along the ranks of the servicemen and women, stopping to speak to personnel as he inspected their dress and bearing. The Federation Guard also fired M2A2 Howitzer ceremonial guns during a 21-gun salute to mark the King’s first royal visit as sovereign and the first visit from a reigning monarch since 2011.
Royal Guard member, Federation Guard Sergeant Major Warrant Officer Class Two Damien Timms, was in London for King Charles’ coronation last year. This year, he got to stand face-to-face with the monarch.
‘His first comment was about how I seemed to be the man with all the medals,’ Warrant Officer Timms said. ‘Getting to meet the King up close, rather than giving him a hip-hip-hooray in London, was the highlight of my career and probably my life.’ One medal in particular caught King Charles’ eye. ‘We talked about the Coronation Medal and he was glad that I’d finally received it.’
The Federation Guard led a contingent of Commonwealth nations from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace for the King’s coronation last year. The 60 ADF servicemen and women who took part were awarded the King’s Coronation Medal.
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