More than 300 Australian Defence Force personnel deployed to Solomon Islands to support the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force deliver a safe and secure election period.
The operation was a multinational effort with support from police and military personnel from Fiji, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand.
The majority of the Australian Army personnel are from the 7th Brigade, based at Enoggera, while the majority of the Royal Australian Air Force personnel are from RAAF Base Amberley and RAAF Base Townsville.
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, assisted by Australian Federal Police, led the security operation.
Australian Army Zodiac small-boat crews from the 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment have also used the opportunity to rehearse their manoeuvres and train some Fijian soldiers in the process.
The boats allow them to rapidly move personnel on the sea and up rivers, throughout the day or night, should roads become unusable.
Australian soldiers have received a warm welcome from local residents when visiting villages, markets, schools and churches.
Lieutenant Colonel Ben Watson, the Commanding Officer of the 8/9th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment says Australia has a long, lasting and trusted connection with Solomon Islanders.
"It's been really great, whenever they see our uniform they've always smiling and waving and really happy to talk to us," Lieutenant Colonel Watson said.
Warrant Officer Class One Craig Borserio, the Logistics Warrant Officer for the deployment, said the occasional purchase of local supplies also helps contribute to the local economy.
"It's nice to get out to the markets to meet shop owners and buy a few pieces of great local fruit to give deployed ADF members some variety," Warrant Officer Class One Borserio said.
