ADF wraps up Operation Vanuatu Assist after cyclones

Royal Australian Air Force aircraft initially conducted aerial damage assessments, transported a multi-agency rapid assessment team, and delivered emergency supplies at the start of the operation.

More than 600 ADF personnel were deployed alongside humanitarian stores, helicopters, and engineering personnel following the initial response.

Commander of ADF Operations in the South West Pacific Major General Scott Winter said a significant amount from general duties, engineering, aviation, geospatial, amphibious and logistics personnel was achieved in working with Vanuatu after the cyclones.

“Our people proudly worked alongside Ni-Vanuatu authorities to deliver a range of emergency assistance as well as the transportation and distribution of humanitarian aid,” MAJGEN Winter said.

“Army, Air Force, and Navy personnel, using our amphibious capabilities and fixed-wing airlift support, have joined together and worked side by side with Vanuatu authorities to get aid to the areas of most need.”

The ADF was also able to provide Vanuatu with support for hydrographic reconnaissance, route clearance, emergency medical evacuations, transport of local government officials, and clean-up and remediation of local infrastructure, including Vila Central Hospital, two schools and the Maternity and Child Health Clinic.

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.