Navy backs up Deluge

21 September 2007 By LEUT Kris Gardiner

Code named Operation Deluge, the ADF's Joint Task Force (JTF) 634 was tasked by the Chief of the Defence Force to provide support to New South Wales Police security operations at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings in Sydney from August 29 to September 10.

With planning starting two years ago and led by BRIG Andrew Smith, veteran commander of Operation Acolyte for the Melbourne Commonwealth Games, JTF 634 was well prepared and positioned, ready to coordinate significant Navy, Army and Air Force assets including about 1500 personnel.

In the waterways of Sydney Harbour the Navy's Minehunter HMAS Yarra, using its vast array of mine detection technology, scanned the bottom for suspicious objects.

"Below the surface, HMAS Yarra's equipment can detect softdrink-can-sized objects at depth of 300 metres and at a range of 1000 metres, offering a level of accuracy only her sister ships can match," Executive Officer of HMAS Yarra LEUT Andrew McLachlin said.

Australian Clearance Diving Team One and Four were tasked to clear the Harbour of possible underwater hazards. Objects were detected by sonar. "It's painstaking work, but every critical area of the harbour floor needs to be inspected physically," Dive Master PO Troy Eather said.

Boulders, drums, tyres, high heel shoes, even a Coca-Cola vending machine were found as they scoured the bottom.

"That's probably one of the more unusual items," AB Clearance Diver James "Sonic" William's said. "We also find hundreds, probably thousands, of champagne bottles on the bottom, the legacy of many New Year's eves probably."

The divers descended as far as 15 metres in water that was quite cold and murky.