EXERCISE HARII HAMUTUK 2015

EXERCISE HARII HAMUTUK 2015

01 September 2015

Engineers from F-FDTL and the militaries of Australia, the United States and Japan are preparing for Exercise Harii Hamutuk to be held from 5 October to 6 November 2015. This joint exercise will undertake key infrastructure development projects at Hera and Metinaro military bases as well as in the Hera community. Working together, the engineers will boost F-FDTL’s military capability and construct and develop facilities for the community.

The exercise has grown significantly from 75 personnel in 2014 to 100 personnel in 2015. This year, personnel from Australia’s 1st Combat Engineer Regiment, United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and Japanese Ground Self Defence Force will participate.

A key success last year was the planning and construction of two accommodation blocks at Hera Naval base (which now houses 90 naval personnel) as well as the refurbishment of the Hera Community Centre. These projects were just two of a dozen infrastructure developments over the course of the exercise. The engineers exchanged trade skills including bricklaying, carpentry, electrical work, plumbing and conveyancing.

This exercise remains an essential part of the long-standing partnership between Timor-Leste, Australia and the United States to build capacity within the F-FDTL and Ministry of Defence to independently provide for Timor-Leste’s security needs. The exercise also demonstrates cooperation between Australia, the United States, Japan and Timor-Leste to support peace, stability and prosperity in the region.