More Defence news: 14 April - 20 April 2008
| Task Forces reconstruct and rotate in Afghanistan | Hamish and Andy unleash Operation Radio Storm | Moving service honours HMAS Sydney II | Army tangles with Darwin crocs | Navy life online with 'webisodes' | |
Task Forces reconstruct and rotate in Afghanistan
The incoming task force (RTF-4) consists of more than 400 combat engineers, infantry, cavalry and support staff, the majority based in Brisbane and Sydney. The Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, today congratulated the Commanding Officer of RTF-3, Lieutenant Colonel David Wainwright, and his men and women, after completing a demanding deployment in Afghanistan. “The Reconstruction Task Force successfully built patrol bases and check-points in the previous Taliban strong-holds of the Chora Valley and Dorafshan. These efforts alone have brought security and stability to the local people,” Mr Fitzgibbon said. “Australia’s reconstruction efforts in the region, the security partnership we share with our Dutch colleagues and the Afghan security forces, and the constant pressure applied by our Special Forces is eroding Taliban resolve.” However, Mr Fitzgibbon said despite the advances made by the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), Oruzgan and southern Afghanistan remained dangerous. “My thoughts remain with the families of Sergeant Matthew Locke, Private Luke Worsley and Trooper David ‘Poppy’ Pearce who were killed in the line of duty last year in Afghanistan. With ANZAC Day a week away, it’s fitting for Australia to remember the contribution these service personnel, and those who serve and have served on overseas duty, make in the nation’s interest.” The civil works program has also continued with the ongoing construction of the Eastern Causeway (US$1.2M), Tarin Kowt Provincial Hospital (US$1.25M), Afghan Health and Development Training Centre (US$1.66M), Yaklengah Health Centre (US$322,000), Tarin Kowt Waste Management (US$420,000), Tarin Kowt Primary School (US$1.59M) and Tarin Kowt Boys’ High School (US$280,000). Mr Fitzgibbon also expressed his best wishes to the Commanding Officer of RTF-4, Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Yeaman, and his personnel, who are about to embark on an equally challenging time in Afghanistan. “RTF-4’s mandate will continue with reconstruction of local infrastructure and community-based projects to assist the Afghan Government achieve a stable and secure future for its people.” The Townsville, Sydney and Brisbane-based soldiers of RTF-3 will return home throughout April and early May. More: Imagery of handover | Imagery of RTF-4 farewell from Australia |
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Hamish and Andy unleash Operation Radio Storm
Dubbed Operation Radio Storm, the comedic DJs are now broadcasting their show each day from 4-6pm from the Australian operating base in Afghanistan, where more than 1000 Australian Defence Force personnel are based in the Oruzgan Province. The show is also providing an opportunity for off-duty soldiers to watch the show go live to air, while also get in a quick message to loved ones back home. More details and imagery of the troops is available at Hamish and Andy's website, at the link below. More: Imagery | Hamish and Andy's Operation Radio Storm | Operation SLIPPER |
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Moving service honours HMAS Sydney II
The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon; the Hon. Bob Baldwin, MP (representing the Federal Opposition Leader); and the Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Russ Shalders joined a small group in HMAS Anzac for the commemorative service, including a number of relatives of HMAS Sydney II’s crew. Among them was Commodore Rory Burnett (rtd), son of the Commanding Officer of HMAS Sydney II at the time of her loss, Captain Joseph Burnett. “It is with deepest respect that today we remember and honour the sacrifice of these brave young men made in the defence of our nation,” said Mr Snowdon. Today’s service included the laying of wreaths and a 4.5-inch brass shell, inscribed with the names of all 645 men lost over the wreck site, approximately 112 nautical miles off the Western Australian coast. “The discovery of Sydney’s final resting place means an enormous amount to the Royal Australian Navy,” said Vice Admiral Russ Shalders. “Today is a sad day however it is the first real opportunity we have had to commemorate the loss of the Sydney since its discovery last month,” he said. Following the service, HMAS Anzac sailed to the site of the HSK Kormoran where the German Ambassador, His Excellency Mr Martin Lutz, also laid a wreath and plaque to commemorate the 81 German sailors lost in the battle. HMAS Anzac is expected to arrive back at Geraldton early on 17 April. A national memorial service on 24 April at St Andrew’s Cathedral, Sydney, will provide an opportunity for other relatives to commemorate the tragic loss of HMAS Sydney II and her crew. The service will also be open to the public. More: Imagery |
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Army tangles with Darwin crocs
The exercise uses the infamous inhabitants in a uniquely ‘Darwin way’ to introduce soldiers to real and perceived risk under trained supervision. This great character-building opportunity will foster initiative, resourcefulness and stamina in demanding conditions, while providing a physical and psychological challenge to participants. Lieutenant James Tewes from the unit's 104 Signal Squadron used the activity as part of the troop's adventure training schedule, providing a physical and psychological challenge whilst introducing the members to real and perceived risk under trained supervision. "You can't do this type of activity by yourself, so it's a great exercise to emphasis the Army value of working as a team," Lieutenant Tewes said. More: Imagery |
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Navy life online with 'webisodes'
The campaign uses ‘webisodes’ or mini-movies on the web to tell personal stories of the initial training program being undertaken by New Entry Officers. “This new site gives potential recruits a taste of life as a Naval Officer,” Minister for Defence Science and Personnel the Hon. Warren Snowdon said. “We want people to see what a highly desirable career choice being an Officer is, and why the RANC is a great place to start your Navy career.” Mr Snowdon said the webisodes show viewers Navy values, culture, lifestyle and Officer attributes, and showcase the College, situated on the shores of Jervis Bay. The webisodes track the experiences of eight trainees during their initial training period at the RANC. Minister Snowdon said Navy wants to attract the attention of young men and women who want to embark on an adventurous, fulfilling career. “You will earn nationally recognised qualifications and get to work alongside people you admire and respect, some of whom will become like a second family,” Mr Snowdon said. “Importantly, you will be a professional – a highly trained expert in your field; you will be given tremendous leadership opportunities and the chance to make a real difference,” he said. More: View Webisodes | Imagery | For information about a job as an Officer in the Navy, log on to defencejobs.gov.au or call 13 19 01. |
