Welcome home, Diamantina

HMAS Diamantina has returned to Cairns after her six-week contribution to Operation Render Safe.

Render Safe is the ADF-led multinational commitment to reducing the danger posed by WWII-era explosive remnants of war (ERW) in Pacific island countries.

Operating in Tuvalu’s Nanumea Lagoon, the Huon-class minehunter conducted a technical reconnaissance survey to identify the location and extent of ERW, supporting the Government of Tuvalu’s future risk mitigation and deliberate disposal planning. 

CO Diamantina LCDR Samuel Mairs said Render Safe was the culmination of extensive preparation and teamwork.

“The successful completion of Operation Render Safe is the culmination of 18 months of hard work by everybody on board HMAS Diamantina,” LCDR Mairs said.

Building on a reconnaissance survey conducted in 2022, the operation identified additional ERW within Nanumea Lagoon, including 500-pound and 100-pound US bombs, together with several .50 calibre small arms ammunition crates submerged beneath the lagoon.

The operation was conducted in close partnership with the Government of Tuvalu and Pacific security partners. 

Among those deployed were RAN clearance divers, whose specialist skills were critical to locating ERW in challenging underwater conditions. 

LSCD Bradley Fox said making a tangible difference for local communities was one of the most rewarding aspects of the deployment.

“This is why I joined the military, to give back to communities like this and make an active difference for people who aren’t able to undertake that effort themselves,” LS Fox said.

Following their return to Cairns, the crew welcomed hundreds of local visitors on board Diamantina during a record-breaking HMAS Cairns open day as part of Cairns Defence Week. 

Families and children flocked to the ship, met the sailors behind the mission and learned more about Australia’s contribution to regional security in the Indo-Pacific.

Reflecting on the deployment, LCDR Mairs said Render Safe was ultimately about protecting people and strengthening the safety and security of Pacific communities. 

“Operation Render Safe speaks to the values we all share for our families and friends,” LCDR Mairs said. 

“At the end of the day, knowing our efforts give families the same comfort and sense of safety we would want for our own is something Australians should be immensely proud of.”

As Tuvalu’s primary security partner, Australia has been working closely with the Government of Tuvalu for more than 20 years, underpinned by the Defence Cooperation Program and Pacific Maritime Security Program.