Disaster relief scenario exercise begins

Exercise Suman Warrior, a Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) desk top exercise, began in Townsville today to rehearse possible military responses to a disaster relief scenario.

Hosted by the Australian Army’s 17th Combat Service Support Brigade (17 CSS Bde), the exercise aims to improve interoperability with the armed forces of Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom – under the FPDA.

17 CSS Bde Chief of Staff and Commander for Exercise Suman Warrior, Colonel Ed Smeaton, said the exercise is important preparation for future disaster relief operations.

“The scenario is based on a military response to a cyclone that has caused destruction to the Australian mainland and is representative of a natural disaster in the region.

“Military officers from each FPDA nation will plan support to a relief operation as part of a Combined Joint Interagency Task Force,” Colonel Smeaton said.

The exercise will also see Townsville local government authorities, in cooperation with local and district disaster management agencies, get involved and provide additional support to the exercise.

“These agencies will be engaged in response planning and will provide expert support through disaster recovery experience briefs which demonstrate their capabilities,” Colonel Smeaton said.

Colonel Smeaton said the FPDA remained a crucial forum to promote dialogue and interoperability between the members.

“Australia, the UK, New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore share common interest in the security and stability of the region. Exercises such as Suman Warrior prepare us to work together to keep the region safe.”

Exercise Suman Warrior runs until 25 October at Lavarack Barracks.

Media note: Imagery from Exercise Suman Warrior 2013 will be available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/S20131704

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