17 October 2014

Operation Render Safe to begin removing deadly legacy of World War II munitions in Torokina

A multi-national team of explosive ordnance disposal experts will arrive in Torokina on Wednesday 22 October, at the invitation of the Autonomous Bougainville Government and approval of the PNG Government, to remove explosive remnants of war.

The team led by Australia will arrive on board the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) ship the HMAS Choules to conduct Operation Render Safe 2014.

Operation Render Safe 2014 is a key element of Australia’s enduring commitment to make safe the Explosive Remnants of War in the South Pacific. It involves the removal of bombs, weapons and ammunition remaining from World War Two. Previous Operation Render Safe missions have removed Explosive Remnants of War from Solomon Islands and Rabaul.

This year up to 500 personnel will participate, including around 60 Explosive Ordnance Disposal experts from other nations including New Zealand, Solomon Islands, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Personnel from the Kingdom of Tonga will also observe the operation.

Alongside the personnel on board HMAS Choules will be one RAN MRH90 Helicopter and one LCM-8 Landing craft. There will also be medical and logistics personnel supporting the operation based in Buka. The Operation will run until 8 November.

Commander of Operation Render Safe 2014, Captain Jay Bannister, says his team is looking forward to the task.

“This operation has been months in the planning, involving both the Australian Defence Force, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australian High Commission,” Captain Bannister said.

“The people of Torokina have been most welcoming and we have been working very closely with them to identify explosive remnants of war which pose a threat to local communities. We are particularly grateful for the continuing support we have received from the Bougainville Police Service on building community awareness, and we look forward to their assistance in helping maintain community safety during the operation.”

The focus of Operation Render Safe 2014 will be in Torokina District where grounds, villages and community gardens remain contaminated by unexploded ordnance.

Torokina was the site of fighting between Japanese and Allied forces, and was an air base for the Allies during World War II.

Captain Bannister said his team will be working very hard in the coming weeks to make Torokina a safer place for generations to come.

“This will be hard work but everyone here is well prepared for the task ahead and appropriate safety measures will be used at all times to maximise the impact of the operation.”