Australia's biggest naval ship arrives in Fiji to assist disaster relief

HMAS Canberra, the 230-meter flagship of the Australian Navy, arrived in Suva on Tuesday to assist in the relief operation in the cyclone-hit country.

The Australian Navy's largest ship has a hull of 10 meters while places in the Suva Harbor are only 2 meters deep.

Australian Deputy High Commissioner, Karinda D'Aloisio led a team to observe the handover of command of the Australian forces in Fiji, according to reports on Newswire on Tuesday.

The HMAS Canberra which departed Brisbane on Feb. 26 is carrying approximately 60 tonnes of emergency relief supplies on board with family kits which include hygiene, shelter, kitchen and bedding materials that many people in Fiji need right now.

It is also carrying three MRH-90 helicopters (bringing the total number of Australian helicopters in Fiji to seven), water purification equipment and medical and humanitarian supplies.

There are 880 people on board from the Australian Defence Force, including engineers, carpenters, electricians and plumbers.

As agreed with the National Disaster Management Office in Suva, the ship will be deployed initially to the area near Koro Island and will work closely to support Fiji government's efforts to assess and repair critical infrastructure and services.

The HMAS Canberra will assist local officials to clear debris, restore power, purify water and conduct engineering assessments.

This is the first deployment of HMAS Canberra in support of a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operation overseas. Endit