Total devastation
By SGT Pete Barrass
Operation Fiji Assist was the New Zealand Defence Force support provided to Fiji in response to being hit by Cyclone Tomas, mid-March 2010. Military Working Dog Coordinator, Sergeant Pete Barrass—experienced in operational taskings—led the Air Security (ASY) team that was there.
At 1600 hours on 16 March, I was about to commence the feeding routine for the Military Working Dogs at Base Auckland when I received a call to literally drop everything—dog food included—and report to my Section Commander for a briefing. I received instructions to set up an ASY team, to support Operation Fiji Assist. I had 12 hours notice to make it happen.
Bearing the load
This was where the flexibility of ASY came to the fore. Within minutes of receiving my call, personnel engaged in a variety of different activities within ASY gathered for our initial briefing. The team—Corporal Northover, Leading Aircraftman Mulligan, LAC Turei and myself—soon completed our first task, the Air Transport Security pack-up. This involved gathering all equipment to support the security of the aircraft during our time in the operational ‘field’.
The next morning at 0500 hours, we reported to Air Movements to await departure. Armed with briefings from the Aircraft Captain, Loadmaster, and Senior National Officer; Major McColl, we were ready to deploy. With the plane full of emergency aid—temporary shelters, water containers, water purification tablets and various other supplies—we found what little space was left and settled down for the five hour flight to Fiji.
Sorting aid supplies
At 1030hrs the aircraft landed at Nasouri Airport, 50 kms north east of the capital, Suva. On arrival, we ensured that no unauthorised access was gained to the aircraft while the cargo was unloaded. Within the hour, the aircraft was reloaded with emergency supplies and tasked to carry out aerial reconnaissance of the affected outlying islands. With cargo still on the ground at Nasouri Airport, we maintained security of the Royal New Zealand Air Force assets, while the crew departed on their task.
The aircrew returned from their reconnaissance tasking to bleak weather conditions, but managed to successfully land the aircraft. With the aircrew safely on the tarmac, they headed off for a much deserved rest period. From that point, our ASY team hit our straps. We immediately took over the responsibility of securing the aircraft. This included constant eyes-on security with regular two-man patrols of the aircraft and its surrounds.
Lending a hand
As the crew departed Nasouri Airport our Anzac cousins arrived and parked their C-130 on the adjacent aircraft pan. After the initial liaison and banter, each team settled in for the long, security nightshift ahead. CPL Northover and LAC Turei commenced the first night duty, with nothing to report except the constant attack from the local mosquitoes!
The following day, the aircraft was again tasked with relief aid delivery and further reconnaissance flights to the outlying islands. With the aircraft away on task, the ASY team was placed on standby awaiting the next guarding task. On return, we once again took over the responsibility of securing the aircraft.
Aid supplies
A long, 12 hour nightshift night lay ahead for LAC Mulligan and I. Fortunately, the Aero Med Team offered assistance with the use of their Mosquito Dome, so we had some protection from the ‘mozzies’!
Next morning, on completion of our 12 hour nightshift, we received instructions from the aircrew to collect all personal equipment and be ready to move out before midday. We responded quickly and met up with the aircrew at Nasouri Airport to await further instructions. While we waited for departure clearance, the RNZAF contingent was thanked by a delegation from the Fijian Government who produced the traditional Kava Bowl as a symbol of their appreciation for our support. At 1630 hours clearance was received by MAJ McColl to return to New Zealand as Op Fiji Assist was drawing to a close. On arrival at Base Whenuapai we were met by the Officer Commanding ASY, SQNLDR Kevin Shanley, who was glad to see that this short task into Fiji had resulted in a successful outcome for all involved. Following a short debrief the ASY team dispersed.
And yes, the dogs did get their feed in the end!
RNZAF Freight Aid Stats:
- 55,000 lbs of aid was delivered:
- 649 tarpaulins
- 23 water carriers
- 5 oxygen cylinders
- 4 bags of medical gear
- 2 pallets of bottled water
- 1 Red Cross truck (5 tonne)
- 1 carton of water purification tablets
- 3 air delivery flights from Viti Levu to Vanua Levu
- 3 aerial reconnaissance flights of the Northern Fijian Island Group.