Mine Hunter HMAS Yarra on patrol for APEC

6 September 2007

One of the Royal Australian Navy's state-of-the-art Huon Class mine hunters HMAS Yarra, has been on the waters of Sydney Harbour, scanning for possible Improvised Explosive Devices and other water hazards as part of Operation DELUGE, the Australian Defence Force's support to the New South Wales Police Security Task Force for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference.

Using technology that can pinpoint tiny objects at great depth, HMAS Yarra is constantly monitoring the waters of the harbour with its Sonar and a pair of remotely controlled Mine Disposal Vehicles, to visually inspect targets ensuring the waterways are safe to transport visiting dignitaries on during the conference.

The ADF is acting in support of the NSW Police Force and other government agencies as part of the overall security arrangements for the Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Conference 2007 Leaders meetings.

The ADF is providing approximately 1500 people as part of Operation Deluge, which is supporting the security aspects of APEC 07.

A range of capabilities will be in place throughout the period of the meetings to ensure Australia stages a safe, secure and successful event for the delegates.