CAF Takes Part in OP RENDER SAFE 2016

A member of a Canadian Armed Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal team is shown conducting training in this 2015 file photo. Photo courtesy DND

Canadian Forces personnel are taking part in Australia’s Operation RENDER SAFE 2016 to dispose of explosive remnants of the Second World War in Guadalcanal and the Russell Islands. The operation began today and involves 18 Canadian military personnel.

The Canadians will work under the leadership of the Australian Defence Force and alongside some 180 personnel from New Zealand, Solomon Islands, and the United Kingdom until October 7.

Op RENDER SAFE 2016 is Australia’s enduring biennial operation to dispose of unexploded ordnance in support to the nations of the South West Pacific, according to the Canadian Forces.

This year the operation is taking place from September 7 to October 7, 2016, on Guadalcanal Island and in the Russel Islands.

Approximately 200 personnel from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Solomon Islands, and the United Kingdom are participating.

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is deploying approximately 18 personnel:

• A task force commander;
• A deputy commander;
• A technical advisor;
• A supply technician;
• A team of combat engineers from the Canadian Army;
• A team of clearance divers from the Royal Canadian Navy;
• Two aviation technicians from the Royal Canadian Air Force; and
• Two health services specialists.

The clearance diving team is operating near the Russell Islands with an underwater explosive ordnance disposal team. The combat engineers and aviation technicians are part of a land explosive ordnance disposal team on Guadalcanal Island.