Operation Yasi Assist
Encyclopedia
Operation Yasi Assist is a multi-Service activity by the Australian Defence Force
(ADF) as a contribution to the response to Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasi. Coordinated to aid civilian emergency response efforts, at Federal inter-departmental level it is managed by Emergency Management Queensland. It comprises units and personnel from the Royal Australian Navy
(RAN), Australian Army
, and Royal Australian Air Force
(RAAF) operating as Joint Task Force 664 (JTF 664). The operation was initially commanded by Brigadier Stuart Smith, based at Lavarack Barracks
in Townsville
.
as the largest aeromedical evacuation in Australia's history.
By 9 February, one week after the cyclone, the ADF had deployed 1,200 personnel to affected regions with another 400 outside those regions providing air transport and aerial survey. An AP-3C Orion configured for Defence Imagery and Geospatial Organisation
aerial survey mapped the damage across a wide area of Queensland. The Army Aviation Corps deployed eight S70A-9 Black Hawk
, three CH-47D Chinook and three NH90 helicopters. Army engineers deployed to coastal towns by LCM-8
and LARC-V
landing craft as roads were blocked by debris. Engineers cleared 230km of roads in the first week.
The hydrographic survey ship HMAS Benalla
surveyed the Port of Townsville for submerged debris, allowing the port to reopen 3 days after the cyclone.
The heavy landing ship HMAS Tobruk, in dry dock for heavy repairs, was rushed back into service to assist in logistic support.
Australian Defence Force
The Australian Defence Force is the military organisation responsible for the defence of Australia. It consists of the Royal Australian Navy , Australian Army, Royal Australian Air Force and a number of 'tri-service' units...
(ADF) as a contribution to the response to Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasi. Coordinated to aid civilian emergency response efforts, at Federal inter-departmental level it is managed by Emergency Management Queensland. It comprises units and personnel from the Royal Australian Navy
Royal Australian Navy
The Royal Australian Navy is the naval branch of the Australian Defence Force. Following the Federation of Australia in 1901, the ships and resources of the separate colonial navies were integrated into a national force: the Commonwealth Naval Forces...
(RAN), Australian Army
Australian Army
The Australian Army is Australia's military land force. It is part of the Australian Defence Force along with the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force. While the Chief of Defence commands the Australian Defence Force , the Army is commanded by the Chief of Army...
, and Royal Australian Air Force
Royal Australian Air Force
The Royal Australian Air Force is the air force branch of the Australian Defence Force. The RAAF was formed in March 1921. It continues the traditions of the Australian Flying Corps , which was formed on 22 October 1912. The RAAF has taken part in many of the 20th century's major conflicts...
(RAAF) operating as Joint Task Force 664 (JTF 664). The operation was initially commanded by Brigadier Stuart Smith, based at Lavarack Barracks
Lavarack Barracks
Lavarack Barracks is a major Australian Army base located in Townsville, Queensland. Lavarack Barracks is currently home to the Army's 3rd Brigade and 11th Brigade. Elements of the 3rd Brigade based at the Barracks include the Combat Signals Regiment, 3rd Combat Services Support Battalion and the...
in Townsville
Townsville, Queensland
Townsville is a city on the north-eastern coast of Australia, in the state of Queensland. Adjacent to the central section of the Great Barrier Reef, it is in the dry tropics region of Queensland. Townsville is Australia's largest urban centre north of the Sunshine Coast, with a 2006 census...
.
Activities
JTF 664 was established on 2 February 2011 to command the ADF units responding to the cyclone. The RAAF provided aeromedical evacuations for 255 patients in Cairns Base Hospital and Cairns Private Hospital on the night of 1-2 February. The operation was described by Queensland Premier Anna BlighAnna Bligh
Anna Maria Bligh is an Australian politician and the Premier of Queensland since 2007. The 2009 Queensland state election was the first time a female-led political party won or retained state or federal government in Australia...
as the largest aeromedical evacuation in Australia's history.
By 9 February, one week after the cyclone, the ADF had deployed 1,200 personnel to affected regions with another 400 outside those regions providing air transport and aerial survey. An AP-3C Orion configured for Defence Imagery and Geospatial Organisation
Defence Imagery and Geospatial Organisation
The Defence Imagery and Geospatial Organisation is an Australian government intelligence agency responsible for the tasking , exploitation , and dissemination of geospatial intelligence...
aerial survey mapped the damage across a wide area of Queensland. The Army Aviation Corps deployed eight S70A-9 Black Hawk
Sikorsky S-70
The Sikorsky S-70 is a medium transport/utility helicopter family manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft. It was developed for the U.S. Army in the 1970s, winning a competition to be designated the UH-60 Blackhawk and spawning a large family in U.S. military service...
, three CH-47D Chinook and three NH90 helicopters. Army engineers deployed to coastal towns by LCM-8
LCM-8
The LCM-8 is a river boat and mechanized landing craft used by the United States Navy and Army during the Vietnam War and subsequent operations. They are currently used by governments and private organizations throughout the world. The acronym stands for "Landing Craft Mechanized, Mark 8...
and LARC-V
LARC-V
LARC-V , is an aluminium-hulled amphibious cargo vehicle capable of transporting 5 tons. It was developed in the United States during the 1950s, and is used in a variety of auxiliary roles to this day....
landing craft as roads were blocked by debris. Engineers cleared 230km of roads in the first week.
The hydrographic survey ship HMAS Benalla
HMAS Benalla (A 04)
HMAS Benalla is Paluma class survey motor launch of the Royal Australian Navy .-Design and construction:The Paluma class vessels have a full load displacement of 320 tonnes. They are long overall and long between perpendiculars, have a beam of , and a draught of...
surveyed the Port of Townsville for submerged debris, allowing the port to reopen 3 days after the cyclone.
The heavy landing ship HMAS Tobruk, in dry dock for heavy repairs, was rushed back into service to assist in logistic support.