AMBERLEY aircrew have been assisting their Pacific partners to detect illegal fishing activity in the waters of Vanuatu recently.
Flight Lieutenant Tyler Rabbett and Corporal Peter Fowler of Amberley RAAF Base’s 35 Squadron were part of a team of 20 who scanned the oceans during 10 missions.
An Amberley C-27J Spartan deployed to Port Vila, Vanuatu, to support the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency’s (FFA) Operation Rai Balang for the first part of Operation Solania.
Flight Lieutenant Tyler Rabbett said the partnership between the nations would enhance security.
“It’s important for us to be here; our crew is supplemented with local Fisheries Enforcement, Vanuatu Police and Vanuatu Mobile Force,” he said.
“This allows us to keep eyes out when conducting our search patterns.
“The C-27J Spartan demonstrated its capability and flexibility and conducted low-level flying so loadmasters could capture high-resolution imagery of vessels believed to be fishing illegally.
“The C-27J Spartan’s low-level component allowed us to fly alongside vessels for around five hours, conducting maritime search and reconnaissance.”
The 35 Squadron personnel later joined the Vanuatu Mobile Force at Independence Park for soccer and touch football games, as well as a ceremonial shell of Kava.
They later visited the Onesua Presbyterian College to discuss their roles and present children with sporting gifts.
Flight Lieutenant Rabbett said the operation was a rewarding experience.
“I know my team and I have had a great time in Vanuatu,” he said.
“The culture, the food and the experience we’ve all had has made for a great deployment.”
