The next phase of partnership

On July 20, HMAS Choules arrived offshore of Sibolga in Indonesia to deliver more than 100 multinational military personnel for the US-led mission, Exercise Pacific Partnership.

Established 20 years ago as a response to the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, Pacific Partnership allows supporting nations to learn more about local natural disaster response methods.

RAAF LAC Peter Debeljakovic assisted the Mission Commander, US Navy CAPT Robert Reyes, as an Indonesian linguist.

LAC Debeljakovic found the experience rewarding and was proud of his role in the mission.

“It's been great going around to all the outreach events to meet representatives from various organisations, from the Indonesian National Armed Forces to the local government,” LAC Debeljakovic said.

“It's been a privilege and honour to use my skill set to support Pacific Partnership.”

LAC Debeljakovic was one of only a few ADF members deployed in Sibolga.  

The ADF also contributed an imagery specialist, as well as two gender, peace and security advisers to take part in local outreach events and ceremonies.

Choules brings considerable experience in supporting regional disaster relief operations, and crew members had the opportunity to come ashore and engage with the community.

Commander of the Australian contingent, CMDR Eddie Piekusis, RAN, was glad to see ADF members being employed throughout the mission.

“Though there’s only a handful of our people on the ground in Sibolga, I believe exercises such as this provide an opportunity to show our partners and the local population the commitment the ADF has to our regional partners,” CMDR Piekusis said.

The Indonesian phase of the exercise was only one of a number of port visits for Choules during Pacific Partnership.

After the 10-day visit in Sibolga, Choules set sail for the next phase, with the ADF also deploying a contingent of Australian Army engineering specialists to support activities at a future port visit.