Australian Defence Force secures North Western Australia

The Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) rapid deployment exercise, Exercise Northern Shield 16, has concluded today in the township of Derby in North West Australia, with over 1200 troops and millions of kilograms of cargo commencing their return to home bases all over Australia.

Exercise Northern Shield 16 was the latest major military activity to be held in the remote north-west region within the last 12 months, and practised the ADF’s ability to decisively respond to land and sea-based threats to Australia.

Ships, troops, vehicles and aircraft converged on the Kimberley region from as far as Brisbane, Sydney, Darwin, Tindal and Canberra.

Chief of Joint Operations (CJOPS) Vice Admiral David Johnston, said the exercise had been a success and had demonstrated the ADF’s ability to plan and execute major missions to ensure the security of North West Australia.

“The ADF is a highly capable and agile force. We practice and demonstrate our ability to deploy to any location across the continent whenever the need arises,” Vice Admiral Johnston said.

“The exercise has reinforced that the ADF can move forces quickly, including to remote areas, in the event of any threat or natural disaster.”

Exercise Northern Shield 16 involved a wide range of capabilities and equipment from different areas of Defence, working together in a joint environment to defeat a simulated enemy threat.

“The ADF routinely has a strong presence in northern Australia and can quickly escalate the military presence when required.”

Exercise Northern Shield 16 was conducted from 29 August to 09 September 2016.

Media note:

Imagery is available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/S20162216

Further information on Exercise Northern Shield 16 is available at:http://www.defence.gov.au/Exercises/NorthernShield16/