BY LORETTA B MANELE
The navy crew of Australia’s HMAS Yarra visited the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Hell’s Point Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) facility last month.
A statement from the Australian High Commission (AHC) said the Royal Australian Navy sailors and officers spent the day learning how the RSIPF EOD unit identifies and disposes of unexploded ordnance (UXO) before concluding the visit with friendly games of soccer and touch football.
AHC said Solomon Islands has one of the highest concentrations of Explosive remnants of war (ERW) in the Pacific leaving RSIPF EOD personnel disposing hundreds of UXO items every year.
The visit catered to the crew observing RSIPF’s procedures of identifying, assessing and disposing UXO.
“The demonstration included the use of portable X-ray equipment to assess munitions in the field, as well as a remote EOD cutting tool used to safely cut munitions before disposal,” the statement said.
Lieutenant Alastair Wyatt, HMAS Yarra Clearance Diving Officer said the visit highlighted RSIPF EOD unit’s depth of expertise and pointed out that Solomon Islands is home to one of the busiest EOD communities in the world.
“The opportunity to observe them operating in their own environment and learn from their experience was invaluable for me and my team,” he said.
Meanwhile, Inspector Clifford Tunuki, RSIPF Director of EOD welcomed the HMAS Yarra delegation and said he looked forward to strengthening cooperation with Australian EOD personnel.
Inspector Tunuki was presented with a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion from HMAS Yarra Commanding Officer Lieutenant Commander Andrew Penfold.
Lieutenant Commander Penfold said the opportunity to learn from EOD specialists who deal with unexploded ordnance on a daily basis provided valuable professional development for his crew.
“The knowledge and experience shared by the RSIPF team reinforces the importance of strong regional partnerships and helps ensure our people remain ready to support future operations together,” he said.
Photo credit: AHC
For feedback, contact: [email protected]
Editor: [email protected]
