The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has completed its second and final mission into flood affected Burma with a C-17A Globemaster aircraft delivering critical humanitarian aid into Rangoon on Wednesday.
The ADF commenced the Burma relief effort in response to a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) request for assistance on Friday 7 August 2015, with the aircraft and personnel departing Darwin on 9 August.
The aid delivered included four rescue boats, 1860 tarpaulins, 1800 mosquito nets, 1800 jerry cans and 1000 family support kits, which contain blankets, clothing and hygiene equipment.
The quick response time and provision of vital supplies provided a significant and positive impact for those affected by the flood.
The C-17A has once again proven to be a fantastic capability for the ADF, delivering a total of 45 tonnes of aid during two flights from Subang in Malaysia to Rangoon.
The Australian Defence Force’s capacity to deliver vital community and humanitarian assistance will increase further with the delivery of the eighth C-17A to the RAAF planned for later this year. The Government announced the acquisition of two additional C-17A aircraft in April 2015 representing a $1 billion investment in Australia’s security and Defence Force.
There were 21 ADF and three DFAT personnel assigned to the Burma relief effort.
The support Australian personnel have received has been first class, from the staff at the United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot in Malaysia, to the people and agencies on the ground in Burma, who helped load trucks to ensure the aid was distributed to affected communities as quickly as possible.
I (Minister for Defence: Kevin Andrews) extend thanks to RAAF personnel from Amberley’s No. 36 Squadron in Brisbane for their contribution to the Burma relief effort.
All aspects of this mission went very smoothly, it’s what our men and women in uniform train for. To provide assistance to our neighbours in their time of need is one of the most important things we can do as a nation.
The flooding which occurred in the wake of Cyclone Komen, claimed 103 lives and affected more than 1 million people.
We will continue to work closely with Burma and our partners to ensure that Australia’s humanitarian assistance is meeting the needs of the most affected communities.