19 September 2024
Eight nations partnered to support the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) to remove more than 3200 World War 2-era explosive remnants of war in the largest land-based Operation Render Safe.
The western province of Solomon Islands was the location of one of the hardest-fought battles of the Pacific campaign – the Battle for Munda Point – and the munitions and equipment from the battle continue to pose a danger to local communities.
In the operation’s 20th year, 3240 items were removed across 217 sites, with 98 per cent of them destroyed. The remaining ordnance has been stored for action by the local police.
Commander of the explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) component of the operation, Major Josh Vogel, said the operation was an outstanding success.
“Whilst numbers tell a story, we are focused on removing the items that pose the greatest threat to the community,” he said.
The operation included personnel from the Australian Defence Force, Canadian Armed Forces, New Zealand Defence Force, United States Army and United States Marine Corps. They were joined by observers from the British Army, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and South Korean Navy.
'It's a really meaningful outcome to make the community safer and leave it in a better place than we found it.'
The joint task force was formed by 6th Engineer Support Regiment (6ESR).
Commanding Officer of 6ESR and the operation, Lieutenant Colonel Fabian Harrison, said one of the most rewarding aspects of the mission was the integration of the partner nations.
“It's a really meaningful outcome to make the community safer and leave it in a better place than we found it,” he said.
EOD teams were spread across three islands. The headquarters was located in Munda with a maritime EOD team searching the waters around New Georgia Island, and three land EOD teams were spread across New Georgia Island, Kohingga and Kolombangara. The task force’s aviation component was based at Honiara, 350km to the east.
Director of RSIPF EOD Inspector Clifford Tunuki said he was thankful for the support.
“Operation Render Safe allows us to not only strengthen our relationships with our partner nations, but to share knowledge and skills that allow us to remove these explosive threats more safely and efficiently,” he said.
“The task group has done an excellent job. In two weeks we have removed more explosive remnants of war than the RSIPF would be able to in six months.”
