31 December 2019
Fires were burning across every state and territory. The catastrophic 2019–2020 bushfires were truly a national emergency. The scale and speed of the New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory and Victorian fires were particularly severe. Operation Bushfire Assist began on 31 December 2019.
Over the next three months, the Australian Defence Force supported civilians and emergency services across the country. RAN personnel were among the more than 8,200 Defence Force members – including 2,500 reservists – who contributed to Bushfire Assist. These efforts were part of the largest coordinated bushfire relief and recovery operation in Australia’s history.
The Navy applied its specialist capability and assets through Bushfire Assist. These were humanitarian and disaster relief efforts within Australia. The Navy deployed quickly, providing much needed support to emergency services and communities at risk.
HMA Ships Choules and Adelaide delivered a significant number of personnel. They also delivered equipment and stores, and moved a large number of evacuees to safety. In late December 2019, the town of Mallacoota in eastern Victoria was in danger of an enormous fire. Approximately 4,000 residents and tourists gathered at the beachfront. They were protected by local emergency services.
Choules arrived on 1 January, 2020. Choules took in fuel, supplies and equipment. However, it was clear that a major evacuation was necessary. Thick smoke blanketed the area and conditions on the beach were hazardous. Water supplies were running low, and the fire moved into the town’s residential area.
Choules’s landing craft began ferrying evacuees to the ship. Navy personnel worked to keep civilians safe and reassured, while others helped with onshore relief. Across two trips, Choules safely evacuated 1,305 residents and over 150 family pets. They were assisted by the support vessel MV Sycamore and its crew.
The experience forged a lasting bond between Choules and the Mallacoota residents. In March 2021, Mallacoota was announced as the home port for Choules, and her crew were honoured in a ceremony held in the town.