HMAS Kanimbla transports fire trucks to Samoa
11 Jun 2010
When disaster struck Samoa in the form of an 8.3 magnitude earthquake and devastating tsunami last year, the Melbourne Metropolitan Fire Brigade were generous enough to provide support by donating a fire truck to the Samoa Fire and Emergency Service Authority to replace another destroyed in the tsunami.
HMAS Tobruk was proud to provide support by transporting the fire truck during the humanitarian relief effort, Op Samoa Assist, along with other aid taken to the region.
Once again the Navy has had the opportunity to help the Melbourne Fire Brigade by transporting two more fire trucks to the region.
HMAS Kanimbla craned the two fire trucks onboard on the 7 Jun 10 ready for their departure on 9 Jun 10 where the ship will journey to Ex RIMPAC 10 with a planned stop over in Samoa, allowing the ideal window of opportunity to assist the Melbourne Fire Brigade with transport of the two trucks.
“When the Melbourne Fire Brigade asked Navy for assistance in transporting these fire trucks to Samoa, we were more than willing to help because we appreciate how destructive the tsunami following the earthquake was to the region last year.
“The Navy is pleased to be able to support the ongoing relationship between the Melbourne Metropolitan Fire Brigade and the Samoa Fire and Emergency Service Authority. I know the delivery of these fire trucks will be of great assistance to the local communities,” Commander Byles said.
The fire trucks are expected to be delivered to the Samoa Fire and Emergency Service Authority on 16 Jun 10, with members of the Melbourne Metropolitan Fire Brigade flying to Samoa for the hand over ceremony.
