Aust/US working HADR together in the NT

Australian Defence Force and Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D) members have completed the humanitarian assistance and disaster-relief (HADR) activity ‘Exercise Crocodile Response’ in the Northern Territory.

CAPTION: A RAAF C-27J Spartan drops Australian Aid onto the Mount Bundey Training Area during Exercise Crocodile Response, NT, Australia. Photo by Staff Sergeant Jordan Gilbert.

The Exercise was held at military bases across Darwin and the Mount Bundey Training Area, providing scenarios that tested how Australia and the United States cooperate in responding to humanitarian crises.

Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said the exercise enhanced coordination between Australia and the United States in responding to natural disasters in the region.

“The presence of the MRF-D in northern Australia better positions both Australia and the United States to respond to crises in the region, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief,” Minister Reynolds said.

“Australian and United States Forces were able to exercise how they operate within a broader multi-national and whole-of-government response to a disaster in the region.”

The exercise was conducted in partnership with other government agencies including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the US Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) and the Australian Medical Assistance Team (AUSMAT).

Officials from the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI), Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), and Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) observed the exercise and shared their significant operational HADR experience.

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