Members of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and Australian Defence Force (ADF) have been undertaking a vehicle maintainers course as part of Exercise Coastwatchers, the main training exercise between the ADF and RSIPF.
The course brought together personnel from both organisations to develop practical skills in vehicle maintenance, fault finding and repairs.
The training helps ensure vehicles remain safe, reliable and ready to support operations.
Vehicle maintainers play an important role in keeping people, equipment and supplies moving.
Their work helps both organisations operate effectively and respond when needed.
Defence Adviser to Solomon Islands, Captain Emma Griffiths, said the training showed the value of practical cooperation between the ADF and RSIPF.
“Exercise Coastwatchers gives us the opportunity to work together and learn from each other through practical, hands-on training.”
“It’s this kind of behind the scenes work that keeps operational organisations like the RSIPF and ADF running, and ready to respond to any situation.”
“Good vehicle maintenance is essential. It helps ensure our people can get where they need to go safely and reliably, whether they are supporting operations, training activities or assisting the community.”
“This course is about working as true partners. ADF and RSIPF personnel each bring valuable skills and experience, and everyone benefits from sharing that knowledge.”
The course was not just theory.
RSIPF and ADF members have used the extra sets of hands to work on the fleet of RSIPF vehicles, including getting some vehicles which needed deeper maintenance back on the road.
Exercise Coastwatchers continues to strengthen the partnership between Australia and Solomon Islands by developing practical skills, building people-to-people connections and improving the ability of both organisations to work together.
The exercise responds to the needs and requests of the RSIPF to both build the skills of the RSIPF and share knowledge between the two organisations.
This is the second Exercise Coastwatchers of the year, and runs until 23 September