Joint Operations Command

Sister Royal Australian Navy ships HMAS Yarra and HMAS Diamantina have departed Australia to conduct Operation RENDER SAFE.

On the first leg of their transit to Tuvalu, crew members rehearsed man overboard and diving drills to ensure they're mission ready when searching for explosive remnants of war.

The Pacific Response Group's strength is its diversity 🇦🇺 🇫🇷 🇹🇴 🇳🇿 🇵🇬 🇫🇯

Personnel from member nations forge cultural ties across the Pacific, enhancing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief across 33 million square kilometres.

Read more about the PRG here: http://spr.ly/6187BDPmY3

Papua New Guinea Defence Force, NZ Defence Force, FANC Forces Armées en Nouvelle-Calédonie, His Majesty's Armed Forces - Tonga, Republic of Fiji Military Forces

As a child growing up in East New Britain, Papua New Guinea, Captain Jeffrey Sios spent countless afternoons exploring creek beds with his cousins, climbing through bushland and playing in waterways that cut through the province’s volcanic landscape.

He never realised unexploded bombs were scattered beneath his feet.

Read CAPT Sios' story here: https://www.defence.gov.au/news-events/news/2026-06-15/deployment-png-brings-soldier-full-circle

For the first time, a Role 2 (R2) deployable military hospital has been established and operated out of a hotel room during Operation RENDER SAFE 26 in Papua New Guinea.

Personnel from the 3rd Health Battalion - Australian Army transformed a hotel space into a functioning deployable medical facility, recently conducting minor surgical procedures on two multinational personnel injured by sea urchins during the deployment.

Capable of providing advanced healthcare and surgical support in austere environments, the R2 demonstrates the adaptability and readiness of health teams supporting operations across East New Britain.

HMAS Sydney has departed Sydney Harbour for the third Regional Presence Deployment of 2026.

Sydney will take part in Exercise RIMPAC 2026 in the United States before continuing Indo-Pacific engagements with our allies and partners, strengthening regional security.

Fair winds and following seas, HMAS Sydney.

Defence Australia, Papua New Guinea Defence Force, Canadian Armed Forces and HM Armed Forces personnel participating in Operation RENDER SAFE 2026 recently rehearsed aeromedical evacuation procedures with a simulated casualty in East New Britain, Papua New Guinea.

Medics, doctors, and nurses completed multiple winch serials, practicing ascent and descent procedures in environments where dense jungle and limited access can restrict conventional helicopter landings.

The training enhances the force’s ability to safely move personnel and casualties in complex operational environments, ensuring greater flexibility and responsiveness during missions.

Operation RENDER SAFE 2026 brings together multinational partners to reduce the threat posed by World War II explosive remnants of war across East New Britain.

Working together to protect Pacific fisheries.

identified 12 vessels of interest in the waters of the Cook Islands and Tonga as part of a multinational effort to combat illegal fishing and transnational crime.

Under Operation SOLANIA, a Royal Australian Air Force C-27J Spartan worked alongside a Royal New Zealand Air Force MC-12K King Air in support of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, FFA’s Operation Tui Moana.

It was the first time Operation SOLANIA operated in the Cook Islands, working closely with local agencies and integrating Ministry of Marine Resources Cook Islands personnel into airborne missions.

Together with partners, the ADF is helping protect vital fisheries, support regional stability, and build enduring partnerships.

A message on the 30th anniversary of the Black Hawk accident.

Lest we forget 🌹

The Royal Australian Air Force has a long history with JMSDF Iwakuni Air Base in Japan, and are building relationships to work together in future.

Recently RAAF P-8A Poseidons deployed to Iwakuni, providing aviators with the chance to conduct engagements with local 防衛省　海上自衛隊　(Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force) units specialising in Search and Rescue (SAR) and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR).

Historical RAAF connections to Iwakuni date back to No 77 Squadron Mustangs flying missions at the outbreak of the Korean War.

Contemporary engagements with Japan improve interoperability, deepen understanding and help us strengthen our ability to operate across the Indo-Pacific.

In March, our Australian Defence Force members were on the ground at the United Nations Command Headquarters taking part in Exercise Freedom Shield 26 in the Republic of Korea.

Working alongside 🇰🇷, 🇺🇸 and other UNC Member States, our personnel enhanced their professional skills and relationships in a complex, large-scale command post exercise.

This crucial exercise strengthens combined defensive capabilities and readiness, reinforcing our shared commitment to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.