Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation Exercise

An Army unimog is loaded onto HMAS Balikpapan.

04 June 2010 -- As part of the Minor War Vessel Concentration Period, two Royal Australian Navy ships, HMAS Balikpapan and HMAS Betano took part in a Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation exercise.

A Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) is an amphibious operation conducted to relocate threatened non-combatants to a place of safety in a foreign country.

The simulated amphibious operation involved the Australian Army’s 2nd Cavalry Regiment loading an Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV), a General Motor Vehicle and three Unimogs onto HMA Ships Balikpapan and Betano.

HMAS Betano lowers her bow door on approach to the boat ramp.

An Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV) is loaded onto HMAS Betano.

Petty Officer Boatswain Sam Perez stands guard as HMAS Betano loads Army vehicles onboard.

Australian DoD