Military comms on the bushfire grounds

The Australian Defence Force is assisting in the recovery process following the tragic bushfire disaster that has befallen several states. This support includes providing a multitude of different communications services.

The photos below capture just some of the ways in which members of the ADF are employing different modes of communication to enable liaison between civil authorities and ADF forces themselves.

From handheld radios to satellite communications, and even transportable air traffic control towers, the ADF has a wide range of communications abilities that it can bring to bear in times of both peace and war.

Above, and main image: SES Operations Officer Justin Navas hands over radios to Lieutenant Lawson Smart of 108th Signals Squadron at Bairnsdale.

Australian Army Signalman Cody Shelby establishes communications with HMAS Adelaide from the town of Towamba, NSW.

Australian Army Communication Systems Operator Corporal Jacob Smith, of HMAS Adelaide, sets up a satellite antenna at the Old Bega Racecourse.

Evacuees from Mallacoota step off HMAS Choules' landing craft as they arrive at HMAS Cerberus.

Flight Lieutenant Ben Young, air traffic controller with the Royal Australian Air Force, with the Mobile Control Tower that has been placed at Bairnsdale Airport to assist with air movement control.

Flight Lieutenants Ben Young and James Kenna (background) work inside the Mobile Control Tower.

Images ©Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence. Photographers include ABIS Thomas Sawtell, Private Michael Currie, POIS Nina Fogliani and SGT Bill Solomou.