More Defence news: 12 November - 18 November 2007
| Sergeant Lyddiard returns to Australia | New Deputy Commander of Australian forces in Iraq | HMAS Arunta departs for Middle East deployment | |
| HMAS Arunta departs for Middle East deployment 12 November - The ship's company of 183 sailors from Royal Australian Navy Anzac-class Frigate, HMAS Arunta, departed today for a six-month deployment to the Middle East. Arunta will be stationed in the Middle East Area of Operations as part of Operation CATALYST until mid-2008. Arunta will contribute to the protection of Iraqi oil platforms, security boardings of all vessels proceeding to the platforms and training of the Iraqi Navy. In addition to the many families and friends gathered on the wharf, the ship’s company were farewelled by representatives of the Arrernte nation from central Australia, for whom the ship is named. A traditional smoking ceremony was performed prior to the departure to ward off evil spirits and keep the ship and her personnel safe. “We look forward to building upon the fine reputation that the ADF has established in the Middle East Area of Operations and justifying the faith that the families and friends that have gathered here today have placed in us,” said Commander Timothy Brown. More: Operation CATALYST |
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New Deputy Commander of Australian forces in Iraq
Brigadier Dawson also assumes the role of Deputy Commander Joint Task Force 633-Iraq and commands some 1500 Australian Defence Force personnel assigned to Operation CATALYST, the Australian contribution to the Multi-National Force helping to develop a secure and stable environment in Iraq. Overall command for all Australian troops assigned to the Middle East, including Afghanistan (Operation SLIPPER), remains with Major General Mark Evans. More: Read Brigadier Dawson's biography | Operation CATALYST |
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| Sergeant Lyddiard returns to Australia 12 November - Sergeant Michael Lyddiard, who was very seriously injured last week whilst on operations in southern Afghanistan, is now making good medical progress in his recovery at a NATO hospital in Germany. Sergeant Lyddiard is awake, eating and conversing with his wife and parents who flew to Germany to be at his hospital bedside. The latest medical report says Sergeant Lyddiard is now in a satisfactory condition and is undergoing minor surgery to his wounds. Sergeant Michael Lyddiard returned to Australia on Sunday, 11 November for further treatment and to recover from his wounds. "On behalf of the ADF in the Middle East, our best wishes go to Sergeant Lyddiard for a speedy recovery," said Commander of Australian forces in the Middle East Major General Mark Evans. More: Operation SLIPPER | Read initial media release |
