ADF in Fiji - has anyone here been affected?

[MilkOnTap]

My girlfriends fiance is on Kanimbla and so far hasn't heard anything from him. They had a whole ship load of army guys from Townsville as well as supplies etc. Newcastle is also up there too. The ninemsn report says there are 3 ships out there - but I only know of these two.

I haven't heard from hubby yet - I'm hoping his ship isn't the third!!!

I receive the ADF media releases which are fantastic to get up to date info on whats going on.

Gosh I hope this rioting all settles down soon. What is the world coming too :no:

http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/showthread.php?t=50915

[mummyof5]

Sometimes they are using all the systems onboard, and they will stock pile any emails and send them on when they get the chance. This works both ways, so write to him anyway, he just might get them a bit later, that's all....love that defence life!!

Ally, is it Success?

[MilkOnTap]

Ally, is it Success?
Yes - HMAS Success is the third ship. I had no idea about this one - It must have been crash posted cause Newcastle and Kanimbla were already just outside Fijian waters incase the coo was called.

Success and Kanimbla are both stores ships and carry army troops as well as supplies. Newcastle is a frigate - so it is a full blown war-ship.

I think the fact that there are more stores and supplies being sent to Tonga is a relief... Imagine if there were 2 frigates! :o

PN - I still haven't heard anything about Kanimbla's movements yet, but as soon as I do I will let you know.

[MilkOnTap]

Update on Tonga


ADF SUPPORT TO TONGA - UPDATE

Australian Defence Force personnel arrived in Tonga at 7.10 pm local time
(5.10pm AEST) yesterday and commenced their mission as part of the New Zealand
led combined military force to support the Tongan Security Forces in stabilising
the situation.

Current reports are that the situation in Nuku’alofa remains calm.

The contingent of around 50 ADF personnel has linked up with their New Zealand
Defence Force colleagues who are providing security to the Fau’amotu
International Airport. Today planning will occur with the Tongan Security
Forces to confirm the way ahead in returning normalcy to Nuku’alofa.

Later today a Royal Australian Air Force Boeing 707 aircraft will provide a
number of seats to support the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
arranged voluntary departure for Australian and other approved foreign
nationals. This aircraft will arrive at the Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport
tonight. Inquiries about this activity and arrival details should be directed
to DFAT.

Defence remains in close consultation with other government agencies with
regards to the situation in Tonga.

Media Note:

Still images of ADF arrival in Tonga are available on the Defence website at
http://www.defence.gov.au/media/download/

[melfunction]

My friends Dh is on Newcastle. He isn't allowed to contact her.
He just recently got back from god knows where and been dragged away from his very sick son to go to Tonga.

[MilkOnTap]

Yeah - Newcastle was just in the gulf and Timor! I was shocked when I heard that they were being sent as well... But their ship is one of the best in the fleet - I guess its an honour (in a twisted kinda way)

[MilkOnTap]

Another Update...


ADF SUPPORT TO TONGA - UPDATE

Australian Defence Force personnel continue their mission as part of the New
Zealand led combined military force that is supporting the Tongan Security
Forces in stabilising the situation.

Current reports are that the situation in Nuku’alofa remains calm. The local
population is now returning to a normal daily routine with markets and stalls
starting to re-open. The Australian and New Zealand troops have been well
received on the streets of Nuku’alofa.

The Commander of the Australian Contingent, Major James Hammett praised the
Tongan Security Forces who remain in control of the security situation. “The
Tongan Defence Services and the Tongan Police have been doing a magnificent
job,” Major Hammett said.

The ADF contingent continues to provide support to the Tongan Defence Service
personnel in Nuku’alofa while other Australian personnel assist with security at
the Fau’amotu International Airport.

Further information can be obtained on the Defence website at
http://www.defence.gov.au/tongarelief/media.cfm

Still imagery and audio grabs can be obtained on the Defence website at
http://www.defence.gov.au/tongarelief/gallery.cfm