Diggers train at volcanoes DPR/TV/1537

Forty soldiers from the Sixth Task Force, Brisbane, Qld, are nearing the end of a seven week training visit to Hawaii. The troops were able to take in such sights as the famous Kilauea volcano, (Pronounced: Kill-uh-way-uh) but the main purpose of the visit was to train alongside American troops. A quick tactics discussion and then down to business. On this operation the troops were practising the establishment of defensive locations. Most of the conventional war training for the forty strong Australian platoon was conducted through countryside flooded with solidified lava from the volcanoes on Hawaii Island. The Diggers are taking part in exercise Pacific Bond, an inaugural exchange operation between armies of the United States and Australia. An American platoon is currently training in Queensland. The training finishes this week and after a short stay at Waikiki Beach the Australian troops will return home on Friday November 24 1972. Also identified: Private (Pte) Graham Russ of Springvale, Vic; Lance Corporal (L/Cpl) Peter Mowles, 20, of Wilston, Qld; L/Cpl David Hall of Adelaide, SA; Pte Peter Cameron of Melbourne, Vic; Captain David Crittenden of Ohio; Pl Comd Lieutenant Wally Arndt of Chermside, Qld; Pte John Sullivan of Windsor Gardens, SA; 217749 Sergeant Trevor Robert Whitton of Orange, NSW, Pl Sgt; Hawaiian (a native) Sgt Larry Bueno.