Australian Navy Crew Visit Hells Point

-

The crew of HMAS Yarra traded the open ocean for the football field during a visit to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Hells Point Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) facility in Honiara last month.

Royal Australian Navy sailors and officers spent the day learning how the RSIPF EOD unit identifies and disposes of unexploded ordnance (UXO) before finishing with friendly games of soccer and touch football.

Chief Petty Officer Matthew Brooke and Royal Solomon Islands Police Force personnel discuss munitions disposal on a tour of Hells Point Explosive Ordnance Disposal facility in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

The Solomon Islands has one of the highest concentrations of explosive remnants of war in the Pacific, with RSIPF EOD personnel disposing of hundreds of UXO items each year.

During the visit, the crew observed the RSIPF's procedures for identifying, assessing and disposing of 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.

HMAS Yarra Clearance Diving Officer Lieutenant Alastair Wyatt said the visit highlighted the depth of expertise within the RSIPF EOD unit.

Able Seaman Jacob Ives, from HMAS Yarra, in a game of soccer with RSIPF Police Constable Jonax Koloni at the Hells Point Explosive Ordnance Disposal facility.

 

"The Solomon Islands is home to one of the busiest EOD communities in the world," Lieutenant Wyatt said.

"The opportunity to observe them operating in their own environment and learn from their experience was invaluable for me and my team."

RSIPF Director of EOD Inspector Clifford Tunuki welcomed the HMAS Yarra delegation and said he looked forward to strengthening cooperation with Australian EOD personnel.

During the visit, HMAS Yarra Commanding Officer Lieutenant Commander Andrew Penfold presented Inspector Tunuki with a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion.

HMAS Yarra crew and personnel from Royal Solomon Islands Police Force after a playing soccer at Hells Point Explosive Ordnance Disposal facility in Honiara, Solomon Islands. 

Lieutenant Commander Penfold said the opportunity to learn from EOD specialists who deal with unexploded ordnance every day 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.

Media Release | AHC


  

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Benjamin Afuga’s Journey as a Social Media Influencer

-
Image
Benjamin Afuga, a digital activist and community engagement leader in Honiara, Solomon Islands, inspires young people to leverage social media for positive change. As the founder and chief administrator of the Yumi Toktok Forum, Afuga’s journey from a passionate young man to a leading social media influencer showcases the potential for individuals to shape their communities using digital platforms. Benjamin Afuga, a digital activist and community engagement leader in the  Solomon Islands Afuga’s early life was deeply rooted in the rich culture and supportive community of the Solomon Islands. Influenced by the teachings of his parents, the church, family, friends, and the local community, he developed a passion for humanity and community engagement that set the stage for his future endeavors. “My journey into social media began with a desire to promote and share our wealth, unique culture, and voice with a wider audience. I realized the power of social media as a tool for posit...
Read more

Wendy Kealau: Bringing Global Insights Home from China’s E-Commerce Frontier

-
Image
For Wendy Kealau, a young Solomon Islands entrepreneur and the proud owner of Wendy’s Delicacy’s catering business, attending an international e-commerce seminar in Qingdao, China, was more than just a professional trip, it was a transformative journey that expanded her vision for local entrepreneurship. As a financial member of the Young Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands (YECSI), Wendy has been steadily carving out a name for herself in the local business scene. But her recent trip to China opened her eyes to new possibilities and offered powerful lessons in innovation, resilience, and the power of global thinking. “I wanted to understand how one of the world’s largest economies fosters innovation, scales businesses, and builds resilient infrastructure,” Wendy explained. “Being surrounded by entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders from all over the globe gave me a broader perspective on what’s possible for us here at home.” A Global View, A Local Heart Wendy’s exposure to Ch...
Read more

๐Ÿญ๐Ÿฏ ๐—ฌ๐—ผ๐˜‚๐—ป๐—ด ๐—˜๐—ป๐˜๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ฝ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐—ฒ๐˜‚๐—ฟ๐˜€ ๐—˜๐—ป๐—ต๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ฐ๐—ฒ ๐—–๐˜‚๐˜€๐˜๐—ผ๐—บ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ ๐—ฆ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜ƒ๐—ถ๐—ฐ๐—ฒ ๐—ฆ๐—ธ๐—ถ๐—น๐—น๐˜€ ๐˜„๐—ถ๐˜๐—ต ๐—”๐—ฃ๐—ง๐—–

-
Image
Thirteen young entrepreneurs from the Young Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands (YECSI) have strengthened their business and customer service skills after completing a Collaborative Customer Care course with the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC). The training, facilitated by APTC and organized by YECSI, aimed to equip young business owners with essential customer service strategies. Nine young women business owners were among the 13 participants, reflecting the program’s commitment to inclusivity and empowerment. The two-day intensive training gave participants valuable insights into effective communication techniques, conflict resolution, and customer loyalty strategies—all crucial for delivering high-quality service and enhancing customer satisfaction. Wendy Kealau, owner of Ezen’s Catering, Fashion, Entertainment, and Tiamaria Pub (Red Door), highlighted the vital role YECSI plays in supporting young entrepreneurs and how the training has positively impacted parti...
Read more