Diggers in Hawaii [Exercise Pacific Bond] DPR/TV/1525

A team of Australian soldiers, in holiday mood, is soaking up the sunshine of Hawaii. But the soldiers have work to do, as well as sightseeing. They form a composite platoon from 6 Task Force, based at Enoggera, Qld. They have been exchanged with a platoon from the United States 25th Infantry Division, Hawaii, for about two months. The exchange training is aimed at further strengthening existing ANZUS links and follows previous exchanges between the forces of Australia and New Zealand. In Hawaii, the Australians are training on the island of Oahu. Their American hosts are making sure spare time is well utilised. Tourist attractions that others spend freely to visit are part of the routine guided tours for the Australians. Early in their visit, the platoon was taken from the magnificent Hanauma Bay and its shoreline Blow Hole to Sea Life Park. There they saw some of the sea life that abounds in the waters of Hawaii while a beautiful young Hawaiian girl put whales and porpoises through a jumping and dancing exhibition. The same girl, when not paddling with her dog around her hand made island paradise, feeds animals and birds near her "island hut". Bus tours, barbecues and sporting activities have also been arranged for rest periods. Another of the major drawcards has been a visit to the Polynesian Cultural Centre, sponsored by the Mormon church in Hawaii. The centre shows the traditional life styles of Samoa, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, Hawaii and Tonga. From the husking of coconuts to native dancing in the Pageant of the Long Canoes, the Australians were able to glimpse Polynesia in miniature. But there is more hard work than play on the exchange program. The men from Enoggera have been attached to an American infantry battalion during its efficiency training tests and adventure training. The visit will culminate next month in the annual battalion test exercises. Already, the 40 Australians, under Major Ian Power, have had familiarisation sessions in American individual and crew served weapons, grenades and mines - a number of which are part of the Australian Army's own armoury. They have also watched an American firepower demonstration. The visitors have also taken part in a field exercise at the Kuhuku Training Area, involving an assault on a defended hill. Also identified: Corporal Parry.