More Defence news: 28 January - 03 February 2008
| Middle East Task Force command team returns home | Pacific 2008 Congress and Maritime Exposition | Forces face up for 12th tour | Iraq troop numbers clarified | Baker takes the reins in Timor-Leste | Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao visit Timor troops | Army Black Hawks to support Queensland flood relief | |
Middle East Task Force command team returns home
Commander of TF158 Commodore Allan du Toit and his 30 staff will be welcomed home by the Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Honourable Mr Warren Snowdon, MP; Deputy Chief of Joint Operations, Air Vice Marshal Gregory Evans; Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Nigel Coates; and proud family and friends. Commodore du Toit assumed duties as Commander Task Force 158 on 26 September 2007. Since that time he has been in tactical command of Coalition personnel and ships conducting maritime security operations in the North Persian Gulf. This is the third occasion that a Royal Australian Navy officer has been given the responsibility for the important command and is indicative of the Coalition’s high regard for the Royal Australian Navy’s professionalism. Task Force 158 comprises approximately eight Coalition ships (including HMAS Arunta) and 800 personnel. The role of the Task Force is to maintain security in Iraqi territorial waters, safeguard critical oil infrastructure and assist with the development of Iraq’s maritime forces. More: Imagery |
|
| Pacific 2008 Congress and Maritime Exposition 31 January - The Pacific 2008 Congress and International Maritime Exposition, winds up today in Sydney, after having showcased some of the world’s leading naval and maritime experts. In his first major speech as Minister for Defence to open the conference, Mr Fitzgibbon outlined the important work being undertaken by members of the ADF around the globe. He also highlighted some of the global security challenges being faced, particularly in the maritime environment. Also participating in the Conference this year are senior Naval officers from the United States, the United Kingdom, India, Pakistan and Singapore – each presenting their own perspective on maritime security issues. More: Sea Power 2008 website | Minister for Defence's opening speech | Chief of Navy's speech |
|
Forces face up for 12th tour
Entertaining the troops of the International Stabilisation Force was all-female rock band Legless, comedian Mr Fred Lang, Country singer and Golden Guitar nominee Paul Costa and Zoo magazine pin-up girl Krystal Forscutt. The tour will be travelling throughout the districts performing for the soldiers over a week-long period. The Entertainment Tours are organised by the Forces Advisory Council on Entertainment whose patron “Little Pattie” first sang for Diggers overseas during the Vietnam War. Headliners in previous tours have included Kylie Minogue, James Blundell, Yothu Yindi, Russell Crowe, Merrick and Rosso, Killing Heidi and Missy Higgins. Recent tours have entertained ADF personnel in Iraq, the Sinai peninsula in Egypt, the Solomon Islands and Afghanistan. More: Imagery | Operation ASTUTE | Forces' Entertainment |
|
| Iraq troop numbers clarified 30 January - The Department of Defence has corrected a media article regarding the ADF's troop withdrawal from Iraq, which contained inaccurate information. The Australian Government has announced the withdrawal of approximately 550 troops from southern Iraq to commence by the middle of 2008. This follows the generation of capable Iraq security forces (ISF) and the transfer of provincial security control to ISF in Al Muthanna and Dhi Qar Provinces. Australia will maintain the following security forces in the Arabian Gulf region:
|
|
Baker takes the reins in Timor-Leste
Brigadier Baker assumes responsibility for close to 1000 Australian and New Zealand military personnel currently deployed on Operation ASTUTE. Based in the capital, Dili, their role is to help the Timor-Leste Government and United Nations restore peace and stability to the country, following civil unrest in 2006. The security situation in Timor-Leste has improved dramatically as a result of the ISF’s efforts. In addition to its security overwatch role, the international force is now able to assist communities across the fledgling nation through regional medical clinics and joint engineering projects with the Timorese military. Brigadier Baker joined the Australian Army in 1981 as a signals officer. He has served in the Middle East, and has also commanded the Australian Army School of Signals and instructed at the Australian Command and Staff College. He holds a Bachelor of Social Science in Human Resource Development, a Graduate Diploma in Engineering, a Diploma in Management, and is finalising the requirements for a Master of Arts in Strategic Studies. More: Brigadier Baker's biography | Operation ASTUTE |
|
| Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao visit Timor troops 30 January - Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao has thanked Australian and New Zealand soldiers during a tour of their camp in Dili. The Prime Minister paid tribute for their continuous efforts in assisting with the stabilisation of Timor-Leste. While there, Prime Minister Gusmao personally greeted many of the soldiers and also dined with them for lunch. More: Images | Operation ASTUTE |
|
Army Black Hawks to support Queensland flood relief
The Black Hawks will join civilian aircraft in a large scale air operation taking place over the next 4 to 5 days to provide emergency fodder drops to cattle stranded by floodwater. This additional assistance follows recent ADF support with the deployment of 2 C-130 Hercules to deliver emergency supplies to flood affected areas. More: Images | Video | Read media release |
