The successful INTERFET deployment from September 1999 to February 2000 constituted crisis intervention rather than outright conflict; its aim was to provide a peaceful and secure environment in which the UN could conduct humanitarian assistance and nation building. However, for the ADF it became a watershed moment, marking not only the largest single deployment of Australian military forces overseas since World War II, but also the first time that Australia had provided the core for a UN-mandated peace enforcement operation. This paper examines the vital role multi- national sea power played in Operation STABILISE. In regard to logistics support, multinational sea power provided the essential foundation that allowed the remainder of INTERFET to function as a credible military force.
For more information on the Sea Power Centre (Australia) and its publications please visit the following website: http://www.navy.gov.au/Sea_Power_Centre_-_Australia