On the lookout for fishy business
A RAAF C-27J Spartan, its crew and support personnel from 35 Squadron recently deployed to Suva, Fiji, to support maritime surveillance of the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone during Operation Kuru Kuru.
CAPTION: From left, Warrant Officer Steven Burrows, Leading Aircraftman Kurt Lewis and Sergeant Ben Richardson prepare to take photos of marine traffic during a ramp ride on board a C-27J Spartan during Operation Kuru Kuru, Fiji. Photos by Leading Aircraftman Kurt Lewis.
In cooperation with Fijian-based Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and Republic of Fiji Navy personnel the aircraft scoured the seas in search of suspect vessels in an effort to detect and deter illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing activity.
Ministry of Fisheries Fiji Technical Officer – Enforcement and Surveillance Waisea Ake said the ADF’s support provided the intelligence and deterrence required to keep Fiji’s waters clear of illegal fishing.
“During this operation we are looking at monitoring, recording and reporting of all activities happening within Fiji’s Exclusive Economic Zone including fishing vessels and other vessels as well,” Technical Officer Ake said.
“The C-27 Spartan has a long range and long reach with more space inside compared to civilian aircraft, along with the professionalism of the Australian crew.”
Operation Kuru Kuru in Fiji is part of the wider and more comprehensive Operation Solania, the ADF’s contribution to maritime surveillance within the Pacific region.
ADF assets assigned to Operation Solania provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance through the FFA to several Pacific Island nations, which in turn supports the economic development of countries like Fiji through the protection of fisheries and other resources.
CAPTION: Air Force aviators from No 35 Squadron, Ministry of Fisheries Fiji Enforcement Officer, Torika Keteca (third from left) and Republic of Fiji Navy Ordinary Seaman Tupou Cakacaloa (centre) after conducting a sortie in a C-27J Spartan aircraft during Operation Kuru Kuru.
Detachment commander of the ADF operation in Fiji Squadron Leader Ben Calman, of 35 Squadron, said the working relationship between the ADF and the Fijian agency partners was one of great importance.
“We have been working with Forum Fisheries Agency in Fiji as well as members of the Fijian Navy who have been operating aboard the C-27 in an observational capacity. This has been a fantastic opportunity for them to integrate with us and be part of the crew in the conduct of our operations,” Squadron Leader Calman said.
“35 Squadron has deployed a contingent to Fiji, also with a number of supporting elements for the conduct of the operation. The squadron has developed a strong reputation across the Pacific working with our Pacific partners as being a trusted and reliable partner. The professionalism and commitment of our team in Fiji has further enhanced that reputation.”
Squadron Leader Calman also acknowledged the reliability and performance of the C-27J Spartan deployed throughout the operation.
“The C-27 has flown every day it has been tasked, with the exception of one weather cancel day from the FFA, so we have achieved 100 per cent mission success, and 100 per cent serviceability of the C-27 on this operation,” he said.
CAPTION: Operator Kuru Kuru Detachment Commander Squadron Leader Ben Calman, left, and co-pilot Flying Officer Hayden Bentley manoeuvre a C-27J Spartan to observe maritime vessels of interest in the waters around Fiji.
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