A multinational operation led by the Australian Defence Force has seen thousands of dangerous explosives and ammunition from World War II being disposed of in the Solomon Islands.
Six Engineer Support Regiment from RAAF Base Amberley joined military personnel from Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the UK and US for Operation Render Safe.
Personnel dug up ordnance out of the ground and in the sea as part of the operation.
Major Joshua Vogel who’s the Officer Commanding EOD Task Unit said that they’ve retrieved thousands of pieces of ammunition that have either mis-fired or not detonated.
“Operation Render Safe Tac 2 here in the Solomon Islands has achieved outstanding success with the reduction of over 3000 individual items of UXO (Unexploded Ordnance) across 180 sites across the Western Province.
“Most importantly whilst the number tells a story, we focus on those individual items of UXO that pose a threat and require a Render Safe within the communities,” he said.
Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones said that ammunition and explosives from World War II continue to pose a real danger to local communities in the Pacific, including Solomon Islands.
“The safe disposal of explosive remnants of war provides communities with access to more land for agriculture and infrastructure, and helps to improve the conditions for economic development in the future,” he said.
Operation Render Safe is considered the largest ever land based operation with 250 personnel from seven countries involved including Australia.
The operation occurs annually, or in response to an urgent request from a Pacific Island nation.
