21 April 2023
The ADF has wrapped up Operation Vanuatu Assist, having delivered more than 100 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including food, shelter and medical supplies, to the country in the wake of Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin.
As part of the Australian Government's response to the disaster, Defence initially deployed Air Force aircraft to conduct aerial damage assessments, transport a multi-agency rapid assessment team and deliver emergency supplies.
The deployment of HMAS Canberra followed, with further humanitarian stores, helicopters and engineering personnel.
More than 600 ADF personnel were deployed in general duties, engineering, aviation, geospatial, amphibious and logistics roles.
Commander of ADF Operations in the South West Pacific Major General Scott Winter said a significant amount was achieved in working with Vanuatu after the cyclones.
“Our people proudly worked alongside Ni-Vanuatu authorities to deliver a range of emergency assistance as well as the transportation and distribution of humanitarian aid,” Major General Winter said.
“Army, Air Force and Navy personnel, using our amphibious capabilities and fixed-wing airlift support, have joined together and worked side-by-side with Vanuatu authorities to get aid to the areas of most need.”
In addition to humanitarian aid, support to Vanuatu included hydrographic reconnaissance, route clearance, emergency medical evacuations, transport of local government officials, and clean-up and remediation of local infrastructure, including Vila Central Hospital, two schools and the Maternity and Child Health Clinic.
