Stopping Weapons of Mass Destruction

20 November 2007 By LEUT Robert McGrath

One of the emerging threats to national security is asymmetric warfare and the use of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). The threat poses unique problems to military and law enforcement agencies who need to work together to stop their trafficking and use. The Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) is a cooperative arrangement between like-minded nations to halt the spread of WMD. PSI exercises are conducted all over the world, and this year the government of Japan and the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) hosted Exercise Pacific Shield to demonstrate the determination of regional countries to counter the proliferation of WMD. The RAN (represented by HMAS Perth) and an Australian Customs Service team joined together along with other participants from seven countries and observers from over 40.

The exercise involved an underway boarding at sea of a suspect vessel, and then a thorough search to locate and remove the WMD. Unlike teams from other nations, the RAN integrated with Customs to create a single Australian boarding team. Combining the Navy's wide experience in boarding and apprehension of vessels on the high seas, with Customs' expertise in searching and identifying suspicious cargo proved to be a very effective package.

The Australian team came together quickly over a few days of training, and was able to conduct at-sea interdiction and harbour inspections with ease. The versatility and adaptability of the Australian boarding team clearly impressed many observers.

The conduct of exercises such as Pacific Shield are invaluable for the professional development of boarding parties and improving co-ordination between Australian government agencies as well as multi-national task groups.