The Australian Defense Force (ADF), Navy Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D) and Indonesian National Armed Forces recently completed Exercise Crocodile to enhance coordinated trilateral response to humanitarian crises and provide disaster relief .

The annual Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise was conducted in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the U.S. Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), and the Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS).

Hosted at Robertson Barracks in Darwin, Crocodile Response deployed HADR capability by air and sea to the Gove Peninsular township of Nhulunbuy, over 600km east of Darwin.

Commander of Northern Command Headquarters Colonel Marcus Constable, who oversaw the exercise, said it was a tangible demonstration of how Australia, the United States and the Indonesia would stand together in times of crisis.

“Working with DFAT, BHA and BASARNAS – the lead crisis agencies – allows us to carry out mission planning and coordination in partnership, establishing and fostering mutual cooperation between our forces and governments to future interoperability,” said Colonel Constable.

“Capability also deployed to Nhulunbuy to perform HADR-related tasks such as landing zone assessments, water purification, establishment of C2 nodes, and distribution support to civilian or non-governmental agencies. ”

The exercise’s chief US planner, Maj. Bret Waters, said the exercise supports the strategic objectives of US forces in the region.

‘MRF-D has deployed a significant and self-sufficient capability in a remote and austere part of Arnhem Land,’ Maj Waters said.

“We were also able to work with the US Navy landing dock USS Ashland to conduct interoperability rehearsals at sea with ADF and USMC assets, an important capability that we would consider using in the event of a real crisis.

“Together with Crocodile Response, we deployed a combat force to Queensland for Exercise Southern Jackaroo alongside our counterparts from the ADF and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.

“As the first Regimental Headquarters to lead MRF-D, we look forward to our other exercises coming this year to integrate two highly capable and interoperable forces, together with our common regional allies and partners, to advance our common goals. , demonstrate the strength and endurance of our alliance and contribute to regional security.”