Joint Operations Command

Defence Australia, Papua New Guinea Defence Force, Canadian Armed Forces and HM Armed Forces personnel participating in Operation RENDER SAFE 2026 recently rehearsed aeromedical evacuation procedures with a simulated casualty in East New Britain, Papua New Guinea.

Medics, doctors, and nurses completed multiple winch serials, practicing ascent and descent procedures in environments where dense jungle and limited access can restrict conventional helicopter landings.

The training enhances the force’s ability to safely move personnel and casualties in complex operational environments, ensuring greater flexibility and responsiveness during missions.

Operation RENDER SAFE 2026 brings together multinational partners to reduce the threat posed by World War II explosive remnants of war across East New Britain.

HMAS Toowoomba completed its Regional Presence Deployment on May 29 after sailing 52,700km and visiting six countries in four months 🇯🇵 🇰🇷 🇮🇩 🇸🇬 🇵🇭 🇻🇳

Amongst its accomplishments were conducting United Nations Security Council sanctions enforcement missions against North Korea under Operation Argos; training with 防衛省　海上自衛隊　(Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force) in Exercise Nichi Gou Trident 26; and working with the Philippine Navy and other regional allies and partners at Exercise Balikatan 26.

HMAS Toowoomba also conducted training with the Royal Canadian Navy and U.S. Navy in the South China Sea, continuing Royal Australian Navy's longstanding practice of maintaining a deployed presence in the Indo-Pacific,; reinforcing our status as a reliable and transparent security partner in our region.

LSIS Zac Di**le was on board HMAS Toowoomba II to document the deployment as the ship's Imagery Specialist, and shared this selection of his favourite shots here 📸

Defence Australia

Locked on, dialed in, and in company.

Last month, Royal Australian Navy HMAS Toowoomba and Royal Canadian Navy HMCS Charlottetown conducted joint live fire training in the South China Sea, demonstrating the precision and combined firepower of partner navies.

Using systems including the Phalanx CIWS, 5-inch Mk 45 gun and M2HB-QCB, the crews worked in unison to engage a maritime target in a complex surface engagement

The exercise strengthened interoperability and operational readiness, highlighting the value of training alongside close partners. As part of Australia’s 2026 Regional Presence Deployment, these activities ensure sailors remain capable, connected, and ready to contribute to collective security across the Indo-Pacific.