Whose Name We Share

58 Operation Anode 2006 Unresolved issues of land alienation from the era of colonialism continued to be felt in the Solomon Islands despite having achieved independence from the UK in 1978. This eventually lead to disputes over traditional owners demanding compensation over the use of land which eventually escalated to violence between 1998 and 2003. On the island of Guadalcanal, leaders wanted to secure the return of all land titles to the traditional owners which was alienated by government action or otherwise claimed illegally. They also demanded the establishment of a state government in order to have control over the sale and use of the previously mentioned land as well as payment for the murder and disruption of the way of life for indigenous peoples. This lead to a very large international security contingent to be established in 2003, which was lead by both the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Defence Force under Operation Anode, which saw six other Pacific Nations join in on the efforts. The structure consisted of up to 2,200 personnel, comprised of soldiers and police officers whose commitments began on 24 th July 2003. They were well equipped, utilising vehicles and support elements from across the Pacific. This included the use of HQ Elements from 2 RAR, eight Iroqouis Helicopters from 3 rd Squadron Royal New Zealand Air Force and 171 Operational Support Squadron Australian Army. There were also support elements from the use of UAVs. Figure 1. Combat TeamSphinx ready to deploy to the Solomon Islands. Courtesy of the 103rd