The first phase of the Australian-led mission to restore law and order in the Solomon Islands is underway, with HMAS Manoora departing Townsville this afternoon. The ship will arrive in the Solomons at the same time as Australian Federal Police officers who will fly out on Thursday as part of the multinational mission to restore law and order. Commander Martin Brooker says the crew will play a key support role in the operation. "The Manoora's got a lot of capabilities and our primary role over there is going to be logistic support to the police forces and military elements that are there, to support them on the ground," he said.
Personnel have spent today loading police and military vehicles and equipment. "It's about being prepared and right to go once the formal decision is made," Commander Brooker said. "Manoora is a key part of the logistic support, as evidenced today by the embarkation of police vehicles and stores to enable them to perform the important work once the formal approval is given." The Federal Government is expected to give the official go-ahead for the operation at a Cabinet meeting tomorrow. The intervention force will include Australian soldiers and Australian Federal Police alongside New Zealand and Fijian military personnel. |