The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has continued its successful support to surveillance operations in the Pacific region.
Under Operation Solania, the ADF assisted the Solomon Islands through the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) to safeguard their marine resources by monitoring vessels suspected to be involved in illegal fishing.
As part of the FFA's Operation Island Chief, the ADF deployed a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-27J Spartan aircraft and aircrew from No. 35 Squadron to the Solomon Islands to conduct aerial surveillance patrols detecting and deterring illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing threats. Operation Island Chief is one of four annual multilateral FFA operations funded by Defence through the Pacific Maritime Security Program.
The Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones, said the latest iteration of Operation Solania was the third for the year, highlighting Australia's ongoing commitment to Pacific partners.
"This year, ADF actions in support of the FFA and its members have been conducted across four Pacific nations, including the Republic of Marshall Islands, Tonga, Fiji and the Solomon Islands," he said.
"The FFA brings together a number of likeminded nations in support of their Operations and the ADF is proud to contribute.
"Operation Solania contributes to a secure Pacific and supports a sustainable future in the region," Vice Admiral Jones said.
Detachment Commander and C-27J Spartan captain, Squadron Leader James Champness of RAAF 35 Squadron said the crew were actively engaged with instances of illegal and suspicious activity.
"The aircraft travelled more than 22,413 kilometres during Operation Solania patrols in the Solomon Islands' Exclusive Economic Zone, identifying potential threats to their marine resources," he said.
"We identified 65 vessels of interest, and documented suspicious activities at sea, providing crucial information to the FFA.
"35 Squadron continues to deliver a capability that contributes strongly to Pacific security," Squadron Leader Champness said.
Australia remains committed to working with Pacific partners against the threat to territorial sovereignty and economic development caused by transnational crime and the illegal, unreported, and unregulated exploitation of natural resources.
