Royal Australian Air Force and Queensland Fire Department (QFD) joined forces to certify the QFD Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) to deploy from RAAF Base Amberley under a joint emergency response plan.
The simulated QFD activity, supported annually by 23 Squadron Air Movements Section, replicates real-world humanitarian mission sets from civilian and military aircraft from a Defence embarkation point.
The integration of Air Force personnel ensures that the training best prepares civilian teams for the unique requirements of Defence operations, coordinating Defence-specific passenger-handling briefs, dangerous goods checks, and coordination with logistics staff to ensure cargo is packed to Defence requirements.
Air Movements Section lead Sergeant Jacquelyn Nelson said the exercise highlighted the importance of familiarisation and shared practices among key response agencies.
"It is always an honour to provide assistance and support to DART in their training," Sergeant Nelson said.
"We come together in sometimes tough and high-pressure circumstances and this training opportunity ensures that when both Air Movements and DART are called forward for a disaster or humanitarian relief operation, we work together flawlessly, safely and meet our objectives."
The exercise also included several other representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and humanitarian logistics partners, reinforcing the collaborative approach to disaster response.
Superintendent Graeme Hall, from DART, said the mutual benefits were seen when it mattered most.
"Working closely with the teams from RAAF Amberley means we can hit the ground running wherever we're needed," Superintendent Hall said.
With RAAF and QFD frequently working together in support of disaster relief and humanitarian assistance missions, as well as regional emergency responses across Queensland and the wider region, these joint preparation exercises ensure both military and civilian responders are ready to operate together in support of communities in need.
