1 Apr 2025
On Boxing Day 2004, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) sprang into action to join a global humanitarian effort following a 9.2 Richter scale earthquake which caused a series of tsunamis that devastated the Indonesian island of Sumatra, killing 230,000 people.
In response to the crisis, the ADF was immediately deployed to assist.
Force elements included the Royal Australian Air Force’s air lift, Air Operations Centre, aeromedical evacuation and air load teams, as well as the Royal Australian Navy and Australian Army.
A clear demonstration of strategic shaping being achieved through well-orchestrated tactical actions, the ADF’s humanitarian assistance through Operation Sumatra Assist undoubtedly saved many lives.
To read more, download the knowledge article Operation Sumatra Assist: An air operations view by Squadron Leader Martin Copland.