The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has led the deployment of hazard disposal units on the Pacific island of Nauru.

The ADF conducted the effort as part of Operation Render Safe, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) mission to remove World War II-era bombs, weapons, and ammunition from Pacific nations.

ADF South West Pacific Operations commander Major General Scott Winter revealed that the mission unearthed 10 identified explosive remnants of war, including six projectiles, one bomb, and three fuse systems.

A Safer Nauru

Other countries took part in the multinational cleanup effort, with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, New Zealand Army, and the US Marine Corps joining the operation.

The US Army, Republic of Korea Armed Forces, and French Armed Forces in New Caledonia also observed the cleanup and retrieval efforts.

Winter shared that the operation enabled the partnering forces to share strategic disposal knowledge in support of the Pacific nations.

“Explosive remnants of war continue to impact the lives of our Pacific family on a daily basis,” he said in a press release. “It is meaningful work which will make a positive impact on families and communities in the region.”

Future Disposals

More deployments are set to be conducted following the ADF’s agreement with the Government of Nauru to support the country’s residential and industrial areas.

Protective barriers, trenches, and security cordons were set up as early as June to ensure safety from explosive munitions that still pose the risk of detonation.

The ADF commits to year-on-year missions for Operation Render Safe, having conducted EOD operations in Pacific nations, including Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.