Australia’s Helicopter Carrier the HMAS Canberra Arrives in Phuket

PHUKET – Australia’s Helicopter carrier the HMAS Canberra has brought over 1,000 Australian soldiers to Patong Bay to participate in activities and military cooperation missions in Phuket this week.

The HMAS Canberra arrived in Patong Bay yesterday morning (April 27). It is the largest ship built for the Australian Navy at 230 meters long and weighing 27,000 tons.

The ship is able to carry out extensive humanitarian and disaster relief missions. It houses a medical service center with two operating rooms and pharmacists. It is capable of carrying 18 helicopters, vehicles and other equipment.

The visit is aimed at strengthening good military and intergovernmental cooperation in the region, and with Australia.

The Thai military staff will participate in an exercise and simulated search and rescue operation with Australian soldiers on Monday. They will also participate in beach cleaning activities on the island of Siray and marine life-saving competitions. The visiting Australian soldiers will also help complete the construction of the Cornerstone Learning Center.

The joint ad hoc forces under the Indo-Pacific Endeavor program will visit India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam.

By Supawadee Wangsri