Through its fleet of amphibious ships, helicopters and specialist personnel, the Navy supports communities affected by natural disasters, humanitarian crises and regional emergencies. Whether assisting with bushfires and floods in Australia, responding to tropical cyclones in the Pacific or aiding tsunami recovery in Southeast Asia, the RAN delivers rapid, coordinated and lifesaving assistance wherever it's needed.
Explore the Navy's capabilities and the stories behind its role in crisis response and resilience building via the links below.
Following Cyclone Tracy in 1974, the RAN launched Operation NAVY HELP DARWIN, deploying over 3000 personnel and multiple ships to assist in recovery. Despite major damage to local naval infrastructure, the RAN delivered emergency aid, restored homes and services, and demonstrated its capacity for rapid humanitarian response.