Australian Defence Force: El Ingham take over in pictures

The 1300 troops first landed by sea at Forrest Beach before pushing inland to secure El Ingham.

North Queensland Warfighter multi-nation military exercises in the Ingham region. Soldiers at the 'El Ingham' aerodrome. Corporal Zoey Plater with Buddy from the 1MP Battalion. Picture: Evan Morgan

The fear and angst is over for residents of ‘El Ingham’ because for the first time in months they can sleep soundly in their beds knowing there will not be a terrifying midnight knock on the door with loved ones dragged outside.

A beach and aerial landing of ADF troops and their allies earlier this week has driven away the ‘insurgents’ who had taken control of the region.

Led by 3rd Brigade Commanding Officer Brigadier Ben McLennan the troops first landed by sea at Forrest Beach before pushing inland to secure El Ingham.

North Queensland Warfighter multi-nation military exercises in the Ingham region. Australian Army soldiers from the 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment conduct a clearance at a night raid during the North Queensland Warfighter Exercise in Ingham. Picture: Supplied

The town’s aerodrome was a priority target and once secured further troops where flown in with US Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft.

An overnight raid on an insurgent stronghold near Halifax, led to some ‘casualties’ but ADF-led forces remain in strong control of the region.

The hamlets of Halifax, Lucinda and Forest Beach were liberated by a 315-strong contingent from the Japanese Ground Self Defence Force including four Type 16 Combat Manoeuvre Vehicles from the 1 Tank Platoon.

North Queensland Warfighter multi-nation military exercises in the Ingham region. An Australian Army soldier treats a simulated combat casualty during the North Queensland Warfighter Exercise in Ingham, Queensland. Picture: Supplied

The ADF forces are expected to gain further control of the region by the weekend as they push the insurgency troops back towards Charters Towers and inland of Townsville.

This is the ongoing scenario for this year’s annual North Queensland Warfighter exercise which is expected to culminate next week at the Townsville Field Training Area at High Range.

Speaking from his HQ at the ‘El Ingham’ aerodrome, Brigadier McLennan said 1300 troops were on the ground in the ‘El Ingham’ region with in excess of 3500 from seven nations taking part in the overall exercise.

“We are taking over the township of Ingham, but in the scenario, we would do it very closely with the legitimate authorities to establish security here for subsequent operations,” the Brigadier said.

North Queensland Warfighter multi-nation military exercises in the Ingham region. Japanese Self Defence Ground Force soldiers in Lucinda. Crew members from a Type 16 Combat Manoeuvre Vehicle. Picture: Evan Morgan

“The forces here are really to create a footprint. To get our foot in the door on this fictitious island that we’re fighting on, and to build up all of our supplies, to build up all of our equipment, and then to go and fight the enemy that’s located outside of this security bubble that we’re creating right now.”

He said as part of the scenario there had been raids on insurgent strongholds in the region.

“The security situation here (in the scenario) is on a knife edge, and that’s a really good challenge for us.

“Because it’s not just that need to deal with the security situation, to deal with the adversary forces, but it’s (also) to work to build trust with the local population, with the local authorities, and actually get them on our side to help us to establish the security in the area,” he said.

North Queensland Warfighter multi-nation military exercises hit the streets of Ingham. Lance Corporal Luke Podd from 1MP Battalion in Lucinda. Picture: Evan Morgan

The Brigadier praised the community of Ingham and surrounding townships with a large contingent of residents taking an active role in scenario.

“Not only do the soldiers have to deal with the environmental conditions, but they’re dealing with role players that are provided by the general public here – its fantastic training.

“It’s the type of training we need to do, thanks to the people of Ingham, thanks to the people of Halifax in the broader region, allowing us to come in here and impose on them, because it gives us a training opportunity that you just might get in our normal defence training.

“We’re here to regain their trust and to re-establish their normal way of life that in this scenario, existed before they were illegally invaded by an opposing enemy force.

“So we’ll continue to work with real local authorities. The (Hinchinbrook) mayor, and other key leaders in the community to gain trust, and through that trust, gain control of this area, and through that control, establish that security.

North Queensland Warfighter multi-nation military exercises in the Ingham region. A United States Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey prepares to land during the North Queensland Warfighter Exercise in Ingham, Queensland. Picture: Suppied.

“That security will enable the people of this fictitious island and El Ingham itself to get back to their normal way of life as quickly as possible.”

He said the Japanese Self Defence Force had the largest area of operations in the current exercise scenario.

“The Japanese impress me every day with their outstanding professionalism. I’m sure they’re up to the task, and I know that they’ll deliver the result we need in their area of operations very, very quickly.”

He said the next stage of the operation was to break out of Ingham in the coming days.

“We will break out, advance south to take the fight to the enemy that are located in and around Harvey’s Range and as far south as Charters Towers,” he said.

Originally published as Australian Defence Force: El Ingham take over in pictures