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Australian Army enhances national security through fuel logistics training at Cowley Beach

Stunning images from a major army exercise offer an insider’s perspective on the large-scale training held this week at Cowley Beach in Queensland, where soldiers honed their skills in handling large volumes of fuel.

Australian Army enhances national security through fuel logistics training at Cowley Beach

A large-scale training exercise held on Cowley Beach in Queensland on Tuesday showcased the Australian Army’s commitment to national security and operational readiness.

Exercise Overland Nautical Petros, led by the 17th Sustainment Brigade, focused on honing soldiers’ skills in managing fuel logistics - crucial for sustaining military operations.

During the exercise, soldiers practiced moving up to 90,000 litres of fuel from the ocean to the shore, simulating real-world scenarios that emphasised the importance of fuel in military effectiveness.

Major Joe Moormann, Officer Commanding the 2nd Combat Supply Company, 10 Force Support Battalion, said the training was essential for enhancing response capabilities in fuel management.

“Exercise Overland Nautical Petros is a vital step in ensuring our soldiers can handle complex logistics in diverse environments,” he said.

Australian Army soldiers setting up fuel deployment from hoses on the ship to the shore. Picture: Supplied.
Australian Army soldiers setting up fuel deployment from hoses on the ship to the shore. Picture: Supplied.
A large-scale training exercise held on Cowley Beach in Queensland on Monday showcased the Australian Army’s commitment to national security and operational readiness. Picture: Supplied.
A large-scale training exercise held on Cowley Beach in Queensland on Monday showcased the Australian Army’s commitment to national security and operational readiness. Picture: Supplied.

Private Matthew McKenna said these types of training operations were important for teamwork.

“Working together as petroleum operators allows us to leverage each other’s unique skills, enhancing our overall capabilities,” he said.

This training not only tests the soldiers’ ability to conduct petroleum operations along the shoreline, but also prepares them to support Australia’s strategic interests in times of need.

Private McKenna explained after the barge landed ashore, the ADF swiftly connected hoses to the onboard fuel, transferring it to a Beach Storage Unit with a collapsible tank that can hold up to 270,000 litres.

The Australian Army conducted a training exercise at Cowley Beach on October 15, 2024, designed to test soldiers in a range of petroleum capabilities including establishing Deployable Bulk Fuel and Inland Pipeline Distribution Systems, as well as firefighting drills. Picture: Supplied.
The Australian Army conducted a training exercise at Cowley Beach on October 15, 2024, designed to test soldiers in a range of petroleum capabilities including establishing Deployable Bulk Fuel and Inland Pipeline Distribution Systems, as well as firefighting drills. Picture: Supplied.

Major Moormann said fuel was integral to the army’s operations.

“Fuel sustains our force; without it, our vehicles can’t move,” he said.

He also highlighted the ADF’s dedication to maintaining high standards in military logistics and operational efficiency, ensuring troops are ready for a wide range of scenarios that could impact national security.

The Australian Army conducted a training exercise at Cowley Beach on October 15, 2024, designed to test soldiers in a range of petroleum capabilities including establishing Deployable Bulk Fuel and Inland Pipeline Distribution Systems, as well as firefighting drills. Picture: Supplied.
The Australian Army conducted a training exercise at Cowley Beach on October 15, 2024, designed to test soldiers in a range of petroleum capabilities including establishing Deployable Bulk Fuel and Inland Pipeline Distribution Systems, as well as firefighting drills. Picture: Supplied.
The Australian Army conducted a training exercise at Cowley Beach on October 15, 2024, designed to test soldiers in a range of petroleum capabilities including establishing Deployable Bulk Fuel and Inland Pipeline Distribution Systems, as well as firefighting drills. Picture: Supplied.
The Australian Army conducted a training exercise at Cowley Beach on October 15, 2024, designed to test soldiers in a range of petroleum capabilities including establishing Deployable Bulk Fuel and Inland Pipeline Distribution Systems, as well as firefighting drills. Picture: Supplied.
The Australian Army conducted a training exercise at Cowley Beach on October 15, 2024, designed to test soldiers in a range of petroleum capabilities including establishing Deployable Bulk Fuel and Inland Pipeline Distribution Systems, as well as firefighting drills. Picture: Supplied.
The Australian Army conducted a training exercise at Cowley Beach on October 15, 2024, designed to test soldiers in a range of petroleum capabilities including establishing Deployable Bulk Fuel and Inland Pipeline Distribution Systems, as well as firefighting drills. Picture: Supplied.
The Australian Army conducted a training exercise at Cowley Beach on October 15, 2024, designed to test soldiers in a range of petroleum capabilities including establishing Deployable Bulk Fuel and Inland Pipeline Distribution Systems, as well as firefighting drills. Picture: Supplied.
The Australian Army conducted a training exercise at Cowley Beach on October 15, 2024, designed to test soldiers in a range of petroleum capabilities including establishing Deployable Bulk Fuel and Inland Pipeline Distribution Systems, as well as firefighting drills. Picture: Supplied.
The Australian Army conducted a training exercise at Cowley Beach on October 15, 2024, designed to test soldiers in a range of petroleum capabilities including establishing Deployable Bulk Fuel and Inland Pipeline Distribution Systems, as well as firefighting drills. Picture: Supplied.
The Australian Army conducted a training exercise at Cowley Beach on October 15, 2024, designed to test soldiers in a range of petroleum capabilities including establishing Deployable Bulk Fuel and Inland Pipeline Distribution Systems, as well as firefighting drills. Picture: Supplied.
The Australian Army conducted a training exercise at Cowley Beach on October 15, 2024, designed to test soldiers in a range of petroleum capabilities including establishing Deployable Bulk Fuel and Inland Pipeline Distribution Systems, as well as firefighting drills. Picture: Supplied.
The Australian Army conducted a training exercise at Cowley Beach on October 15, 2024, designed to test soldiers in a range of petroleum capabilities including establishing Deployable Bulk Fuel and Inland Pipeline Distribution Systems, as well as firefighting drills. Picture: Supplied.
The Australian Army conducted a training exercise at Cowley Beach on October 15, 2024, designed to test soldiers in a range of petroleum capabilities including establishing Deployable Bulk Fuel and Inland Pipeline Distribution Systems, as well as firefighting drills. Picture: Supplied.
The Australian Army conducted a training exercise at Cowley Beach on October 15, 2024, designed to test soldiers in a range of petroleum capabilities including establishing Deployable Bulk Fuel and Inland Pipeline Distribution Systems, as well as firefighting drills. Picture: Supplied.
The Australian Army conducted a training exercise at Cowley Beach on October 15, 2024, designed to test soldiers in a range of petroleum capabilities including establishing Deployable Bulk Fuel and Inland Pipeline Distribution Systems, as well as firefighting drills. Picture: Supplied.
The Australian Army conducted a training exercise at Cowley Beach on October 15, 2024, designed to test soldiers in a range of petroleum capabilities including establishing Deployable Bulk Fuel and Inland Pipeline Distribution Systems, as well as firefighting drills. Picture: Supplied.

emma.cam@news.com.au

Originally published as Australian Army enhances national security through fuel logistics training at Cowley Beach

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Original URL: https://www.ntnews.com.au/news/cairns/australian-army-enhances-national-security-through-fuel-logistics-training-at-cowley-beach/news-story/0de33ac491c53ae78437a957a7052b13