Port visit allows Kanimbla to take on supplies

7 October 2009 By LEUT Gary McHugh

The Australian Defence Force’s contribution to the relief effort in Indonesia stepped up a level yesterday when HMAS Kanimbla embarked two Sea King helicopters, landing craft, engineering equipment and Army personnel on a brief stopover at Townsville.

Kanimbla, one of two Navy amphibious transport ships, left Fleet Base East in Sydney last Saturday as part of Operation Padang Assist, the Australian Government's humanitarian aid response to the earthquakes that hit Sumatra.

Commanding Officer Commander Timothy Byles said the ship would make one additional port visit to embark further supplies, and then steam to Padang, the city closest to the earthquakes' epicentres.

"Once we get to Padang we want to be able to hit the ground running," he said.

"That's why it's imperative that we have the correct equipment and most suitable personnel to be able to work closely and effectively with the local authorities."

Kanimbla has the Navy's most comprehensive onboard medical facility, and is also carrying the Primary Care Reception Facility (PCRF), a team of highly-qualified medical specialists.

The PCRF will provide vital support to local doctors in the effort to minimise the loss of life in Padang and surrounding areas.

"HMAS Kanimbla has significant experience in working with the PCRF and the various other specialist teams we have onboard to offer vital humanitarian assistance in times of crisis," CMDR Byles said.

While at Townsville the ship also embarked two Navy Sea King helicopters to allow air operations to be undertaken in Padang.

Many of the regions roads remain impassable so the helicopters will be used to allow remote villages to have access to medical aid.

While at Townsville, Kanimbla also took onboard two 65-tonne LCM8 landing craft which will ferry equipment ashore from the ship when it gets to Padang.

The total Australian Defence Force commitment to Operation Padang Assist is about 500 personnel.