Navy Demonstrates New Expeditionary Logistics Team Concept During Exercise Kakadu
HMAS Warramunga arrives at Port Melville, Melville Island, Northern Territory, where the Expeditionary Logistics Team – Maritime provided food and fuel to the ship before returning to the sea phase of Exercise Kakadu. Photo: Warrant Officer Shane Cameron
The Royal Australian Navy recently enhanced its supply chain operations, successfully testing the Expeditionary Logistics Team – Maritime (ELT-M) concept during Exercise Kakadu. This milestone involved deploying the ELT-M to Melville Island, located in the Tiwi Islands off the Northern Territory coast, where the team provided essential stores and fuel to a ship operating nearby.
During the exercise, HMAS Warramunga docked at Port Melville to receive 11 pallets of dry and refrigerated food supplies, along with approximately 250 cubic meters (cz) of maritime diesel fuel. The operation, led by Lieutenant Commander Michael Dunstan, took about six hours and showcased the Navy’s ability to streamline logistics in challenging environments.
Lieutenant Commander Dunstan described the event as a significant advancement for the Navy’s logistical capabilities. “The ELT-M demonstrated a ‘push logistics’ model, where orders were raised by the Fleet Logistics Directorate, submitted to suppliers, and then delivered by the ELT-M directly to the ship,” he said. The concept aims to provide scalable, forward-deployed logistics support to ships in remote locations.
To ensure the quality of the provisions, the team used temperature data loggers to monitor and maintain optimal conditions for frozen and chilled goods throughout the supply chain. The operation underscored the ELT-M’s ability to resupply vessels in isolated regions where traditional contractors are unavailable.
The success of this logistics effort was bolstered by cooperation with several Navy and Army units, including Joint Logistics Unit – North, 1 Combat Service Support Battalion, and 36 Water Transport Troop.
Commander Dylan Phillips, the Commanding Officer of HMAS Warramunga, emphasized the importance of this capability for maintaining the ship’s operational readiness. “Modern ships are complex, with thousands of parts. When something breaks or wears out, having the ability to get replacements delivered to remote locations at short notice is critical – and the ELT-M makes that possible,” he said.
Established in 2023, the ELT-M is based at Fleet Headquarters and consists of two maritime logistics officers and two logistics sailors. When activated, it can be supplemented by personnel from other fleet battle staff and force commands, including medical, communications, and transport specialists.
