Rainbow Beach to Host Surfing Penguin
LARC-V and their inflatable companion the F470 Zodiac on a previous training exercise here in Rainbow Beach. Catch them in action again this month.
From 4 August 2024, the 10 Force Support Battalion; the 35 Water Transport Squadron, will be conducting their annual exercise Surfing Penguin from Rainbow Beach to Inskip Point.
Soldiers will be conducting surf negotiation training and certification in preparation for the High Risk Weather Season (Oct–Mar). This mandatory training is carried out in preparation for any humanitarian aid or disaster relief that the Australian Defence Force is called upon to support.
The LARC-V can operate in surf conditions of up to 2m carrying supplies or personnel across the surf zone and beach head. LARC-Vs will be operating in and out of the water in various locations progressing to larger surf conditions around Pacific Boulevard.
Further training will be conducted utilising the F470 Zodiac (inflatable boat) in order to familiarise soldiers operating in surf conditions.
There will be ‘Military Activity in Progress’ signage clearly visible when training is being conducted and the Department of Defence asks that all residents and visitors to please stay clear of the designated areas that are marked with signage and where there is active training occurring.
However, the public are welcome to interact with soldiers on the beach when LARCs are not moving in and out of the water.
Article and photos approved/provided by ADF.
| LARC-V (Lighter Amphibious Resupply Cargo, 5 (V) ton), is an aluminium-hulled amphibious cargo vehicle capable of transporting 5 tons.
Operational range: 402.3 km Maximum speed: Land: 48 km/h Water: 15.3 km/h |
LARC-V on a previous training exercise here in Rainbow Beach.
