Navy Takes Delivery of Two Fire Trucks Bound for Samoa
2 June 2010
The Royal Australian Navy is proud to support the Melbourne Metropolitan Fire Brigade in the transportation of two (2) donated fire trucks to the Samoan Fire and Emergency Services Authority.
The two fire trucks will be transported by the Landing Platform Amphibious ship HMAS Kanimbla, Commanding Officer, Commander Timothy Byles.
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,” said Commander Byles.
This is the second time that Navy has transported humanitarian aid to Samoa following the 8.3 magnitude earthquake and devastating tsunami which struck Samoa on 30 September 2009. Last year HMAS Tobruk provided transport of one (1) fire truck donated by the Melbourne Metropolitan Fire Brigade which replaced a Samoan fire truck destroyed in the Tsunami.
“As luck would have it Kanimbla had a planned visit to Samoa in any event, so Navy is able to transport these trucks without additional cost.
“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 were farewelled in a special ceremony at Eastern Hill Fire Station attended by MFB CEO/Chief Officer Graham Fountain, Parliamentary Secretary for Police and Emergency Services Danielle Green, Commander Max Speedy DSC RANR and Lemalu Tevaseu, Chairman of the Victorian Samoan Advisory Council.
