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Second evacuation by ‘Mallacoota Ferry’ complete

This article has photo gallery Published on by LCDR Des Paroz (author), POIS Helen Frank (photographer)

An LCM8 transits from HMAS Choules to HMAS Cerberus to disembark evacuees from Mallacoota during Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20 as the ship takes on supplies via the ship's MRH-90 Maritime Support Helicopter. (photo: POIS Helen Frank)

An LCM8 transits from HMAS Choules to HMAS Cerberus to disembark evacuees from Mallacoota during Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20 as the ship takes on supplies via the ship's MRH-90 Maritime Support Helicopter.

With the national bushfire emergency still ongoing, the Royal Australian Navy amphibious ship HMAS Choules - dubbed by many on social media as the ‘Mallacoota Ferry’ - has completed a second evacuation from Mallacoota in Victoria’s East Gippsland region.

Young fire evacuee celebrates 12th birthday with new Navy family

Published on by LEUT Ben Robson (author and photographer)

Bushfire evacuee Tiffany Bragg celebrates her 12th birthday with members of her family (and new Navy family) at HMAS Harman. (photo: LEUT Ben Robson)

Bushfire evacuee Tiffany Bragg celebrates her 12th birthday with members of her family (and new Navy family) at HMAS Harman.

There may have been some dark days to the start of her year, but the candles on bushfire evacuee Tiffany Bragg’s birthday cake have shed a little light onto a special day - even if in a temporary home called HMAS Harman.

Embarked medical team inspired by personal links to bushfire-affected communities

This article has photo gallery Published on by LEUT Anthony Martin (author), ABIS Thomas Sawtell (photographer)

HMAS Adelaide's embarked nursing officers, Lieutenant Commander Thomas Miller, front, and Lieutenant Travis Robinson in the treatment room during Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20. (photo: ABIS Thomas Sawtell)

HMAS Adelaide's embarked nursing officers, Lieutenant Commander Thomas Miller, front, and Lieutenant Travis Robinson in the treatment room during Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20.

Two members of the medical team embarked in HMAS Adelaide have direct links to the bushfire-affected communities they are helping.

HMAS Adelaide demonstrates capability during crisis

This article has photo gallery Published on by LEUT Anthony Martin (author), ABIS Thomas Sawtell (photographer), POIS Tom Gibson (photographer)

Petty Officer Marine Technician Brendan McDermott assembles stretcher beds onboard HMAS Adelaide in response to Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20. (photo: ABIS Thomas Sawtell)

Petty Officer Marine Technician Brendan McDermott assembles stretcher beds onboard HMAS Adelaide in response to Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20.

The Royal Australian Navy’s largest ship, Landing Helicopter Dock HMAS Adelaide has joined HMAS Choules and MV Sycamore in support of Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20.

Choules prepares for return to Mallacoota

This article has photo gallery Published on by LCDR Des Paroz (author), POIS Helen Frank (photographer)

HMAS Choules leaves Western Port, Victoria to sail back to East Gippsland area in support of Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20. (photo: POIS Helen Frank)

HMAS Choules leaves Western Port, Victoria to sail back to East Gippsland area in support of Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20.

HMAS Choules has now returned to Mallacoota, Victoria, to provide more support to the fire-ravaged coastal town from which she evacuated more than a thousand people and 140 pets just days ago.

Choules makes first delivery of evacuees to Western Port

This article has photo gallery Published on by LCDR Des Paroz (author), POIS Nina Fogliani (photographer), POIS Helen Frank (photographer)

Lieutenant Harry Rees escorts an evacuee from Mallacoota, Victoria as she disembarks HMAS Choules with her baby at Western Port. (photo: POIS Nina Fogliani)

Lieutenant Harry Rees escorts an evacuee from Mallacoota, Victoria as she disembarks HMAS Choules with her baby at Western Port.

The Royal Australian Navy amphibious ship HMAS Choules arrived in Western Port, Victoria on 4 January 2020, having evacuated 1117 residents and holidaymakers from Mallacoota, following the devastating New Year’s Eve bushfires.

Sycamore delivers first wave of evacuees to safety

This article has photo gallery Published on by LEUT Ben Willee (author)

Defence and SES Members help evacuees disembark MV Sycamore at Bluescope Wharf in Hastings, Victoria. (photo: )

Defence and SES Members help evacuees disembark MV Sycamore at Bluescope Wharf in Hastings, Victoria.

The first 58 evacuees-by-sea from the fire-affected Victorian seaside town of Mallacoota arrived at the Bluescope Steel Wharf in Hastings this morning, delivered to safety by the Royal Australian Navy training ship MV Sycamore.

Details of the Mallacoota evacuation by sea

This article has photo gallery Published on by LCDR Des Paroz (author), POIS Helen Frank (photographer), LSIS Shane Cameron (photographer)

Evacuees from Mallacoota, Victoria are transported by landing craft to MV Sycamore. (photo: LSIS Shane Cameron)

Evacuees from Mallacoota, Victoria are transported by landing craft to MV Sycamore.

Evacuation of residents and visitors of Mallacoota, Victoria, has commenced with over 1000 civilians embarking in HMAS Choules and MV Sycamore on 3 January.

Navy Task Group sails to support bushfire relief efforts

This article has photo gallery Published on by LCDR Des Paroz (author), POIS Helen Frank (photographer), ABIS Benjamin Ricketts (photographer)

HMAS Choules' enhanced medical team disembarks a MRH-90 Taipan Maritime Support Helicopter as the ship prepares to provide support to the communities affected by bushfires. (photo: POIS Helen Frank)

HMAS Choules' enhanced medical team disembarks a MRH-90 Taipan Maritime Support Helicopter as the ship prepares to provide support to the communities affected by bushfires.

A Navy task group departed from their Fleet Base East homeport early on New Year’s Day, in support of multi-agency efforts to provide assistance to communities affected by bushfires on the Australian east coast.

An exemplary service career honoured

This article has photo gallery Published on by LEUT Jessica Craig (author), ABIS Jarrod Mulvihill (photographer)

Reverend Collin Acton, RAN leads mourners at Garden Island Chapel in remembering the distinguished life and career of Vice Admiral David Willoughby Leach AC, CBE, LVO, RAN (Ret'd), a former Chief of Naval Staff. (photo: ABIS Jarrod Mulvihill)

Reverend Collin Acton, RAN leads mourners at Garden Island Chapel in remembering the distinguished life and career of Vice Admiral David Willoughby Leach AC, CBE, LVO, RAN (Ret'd), a former Chief of Naval Staff.

A funeral with full military honours was held for Vice Admiral David Willoughby Leach AC, CBE, LVO, RAN (Ret’d), who served as Chief of Naval Staff from 1982 to 1985, on 31 January 2020 at the Garden Island Chapel.