HMAS Choules training for humanitarian aid and disaster relief missions

A recent humanitarian and disaster relief (HADR) training exercise demonstrated HMAS Choules‘ readiness to respond to crises at home and abroad.

CAPTION: HMAS Choules personnel participate in a humanitarian and disaster relief training exercise on board the ship during a south-west Pacific regional presence deployment. Story by Lieutenant Leesa Maroske. Photos by Leading Seaman Matthew Lyall.

The exercise simulated evacuating Australian citizens from a remote location, who were safely transported to Choules, where they received medical care, food and temporary shelter.

The crew formed specialist teams responsible for quarantine, security, identification, medical, hydration and accommodation. The ship’s maritime logistics department oversaw and coordinated the exercise.

Choules’ Executive Officer Lieutenant Commander Shaun Baldwin said the drill demonstrated the ship’s readiness to respond to any humanitarian mission.

“Today’s exercise shows that we can respond quickly and effectively to an emergency, ensuring the safety and security of those affected,” he said.

“This kind of training allows us to refine our techniques and make sure our crew is ready for any situation, when and where we’re needed.

“With the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters in Australia and the Pacific, our HADR response is critical to national and regional security.”

CAPTION: Petty Officer Robert Stubbs conducts a health check on Seaman Piper Norton during the training exercise.

At the time of the exercise, Choules was Navy’s designated HADR response unit, required to remain ready to respond at short notice to crises in the region, including natural disasters and civil unrest.

The ship gained widespread attention during the 2019-20 bushfires, playing the central role in transporting more than 1300 residents from the rural township of Mallacoota, Victoria, in Australia’s largest-ever maritime evacuation.

Choules also supported Operation Vanuatu Assist in 2017, providing aid to 11,600 residents after a volcanic eruption devastated the small island nation.

The ship is equipped with a range of capabilities to provide rapid and effective relief, including water-making equipment, temporary shelter, as well as cooking and hygiene supplies.

The training exercise was part of a south-west Pacific regional presence deployment aimed at strengthening Australia’s relationship with Pacific neighbours.

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