Operation Harris
At the request of the South Australia Government, Disaster Relief Australia has deployed volunteers to assist with the removal of marine and beach debris caused by the Algal Bloom event.
The Algal Bloom event is impacting marine, estuarine, and coastal waterways and killing marine species, discolouring water and disrupting ecosystems.
The story behind the name
Operation Harris is named in honour of Able Seaman (AB) James Coleman Harris.
Able Seaman Harris was born on 28 March 1922 in Hindmarsh, South Australia and was promoted to Able Seaman and posted to HMAS Canberra on 29 April 1942.
On 17 June 1942, HMAS Canberra began patrols in the Coral Sea and later joined Operation Watchtower, the Guadalcanal campaign. On 9 August, during the Battle of Savo Island, the cruiser was heavily damaged by Japanese forces, immobilised, and scuttled. Of the 819 crew, 84 were killed, 109 wounded, and the rest rescued by US destroyers. Among the fallen was AB Harris, aged 20.
Get involved
Planning for upcoming operational deployments is now underway. If you are keen to participate or find out more, express your interest today.