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More Defence news: 07 July- 13 July 2008

Ramp ceremony for fallen Australian soldier | HQJOC construction completed | Australian soldier killed in Afghanistan | Protected Construction in Afghanistan | Burden of the many falls on the shoulders of the few | World Youth Day meets the ADF
Ramp ceremony for fallen Australian soldier

13 July - Australian soldier Signaller Sean McCarthy has been farewelled by his comrades during a solemn ceremony in Afghanistan.

Signaller McCarthy, from the Perth based Special Air Service Regiment (SASR), was serving with the Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) when he was killed in a road-side bomb attack in Oruzgan Province, in southern Afghanistan.

More: Media Release | Audio of media conference | Vale | Images | Ramp Ceremony | Audio | Video
HQJOC construction completed

11 July - Today it was announced that the new Headquarters Joint Operations Command facility at Bungendore in NSW, has been delivered to Defence on time and on budget.

Praeco Pty Ltd has built a facility that is both environmentally friendly and sustainable, particularly in terms of water use and power.

The new facility will eventually provide the Chief of the Defence Force with a world class platform for the command and control of the Australian Defence Force on operations around the world and within Australia.

The next phase of the Project is the installation of all the information and communication systems by Defence into the facility.

More: Media release
Australian soldier killed in Afghanistan

 It is with deep regret the Australian Defence Force announces the death of Signaller Sean McCarthy during operations in Afghanistan.

Signaller Sean McCarthy was killed in a road-side bomb attack in the Oruzgan Province on Tuesday 8 July 2008.

25 year old Signaller McCarthy was from the Perth based Special Air Service Regiment.

More: Media Release | Audio of media conference | Vale
Protected Construction in Afghanistan

Corporal Glen Barton (Right) and Lance Corporal Christopher, Reconstruction Task Force 4, help build one a bunker at a patrol base in Oruzgan Province, Afghanistan.
7 July - Protected construction is a truly combined arms operation. Australian infantry, artillery, armour and engineers supported by aviation and intelligence are a potent force in the Afghan desert. Construction, such as the Baluchi ford, provides access to health care and markets, and this is something that the Taliban cannot compete with. Patrol bases and Police stations for the Afghan National Security Forces also allow the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to provide security for its citizens, which in turn sets the conditions for development in terms of schools and health centres. Security, governance and development are closely intertwined and all three require the construction of infrastructure.

The RTF runs a Trade Training School in Tarin Kowt that conducts courses in carpentry, plumbing, and allied trades. Tradesmen work alongside Afghan instructors to teach construction techniques and transfer their skills. The school’s students are recognised in Tarin Kowt by the local contractors for their abilities. The RTF Works Team mentors local contractors and is increasing the capacity of the local building industry.
Burden of the many falls on the shoulders of the few

Leading Aircraftwoman (LACW) Trudi Lines, a member of the Air Force Air Load Team and Private (PTE) Linda Daniels, Joint Movements Co-ordination Centre (JMCC) discuss cargo movement as Leading Aircraftsman (LAC) Andrew Fleming begins to move pallets.
7 July - A small group of Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel are working hard to maintain the flow of much needed cargo and personnel moving in and around the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO).

The “Movers” are the middleman between the task groups being moved and the carriers needed to move everything between Australia and around the MEAO. They are based at a location known as “Billabong Flats” tirelessly working to satisfy the demands placed on them.

It is high pressure work at this logistics and movements hub with the dedicated team of Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force personnel work behind the scenes 24 hours a day, seven days a week, attempting to squeeze as much as they can in.

These Movers provide a cornerstone to the success of operations CATALYST and SLIPPER, professionally managing tasks and avoiding chaos.

With a responsibility that falls across all three services, the team at the Joint Movement Coordination Centre are justifiably proud of their part in the success of the ADF in the MEAO.
World Youth Day meets the ADF

7 July – Almost one hundred military pilgrims will soon start to arrive to attend World Youth Day, later this week. Recently World Youth Day 08 (WYD08) Coordinator Bishop Anthony Fisher met senior members of the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) Operation Testament to discuss Defence support.

Pope Benedict XV1 is travelling to Australia for his first official visit and will be the main feature of the event.

Operation TESTAMENT is the ADF’s commitment to the whole-of-government support to the Catholic Church’s 23rd World Youth Day. Defence has established a Joint Task Force to provide security and general support to the New South Wales Government’s World Youth Day Coordination Authority, as well as hosting participating ADF and foreign ‘military pilgrims’ from around the World.

The ADF is providing more than 230 personnel to assist the NSW Police Force with event security. WYD08 will take place from 15 July and culminate with the Final Mass with the Pope at Randwick Racecourse on 20 July. Participating ADF pilgrims are also assisting to host more than 90 of their foreign military counterparts coming from Columbia, Germany, France, UK, USA, Canada and New Zealand.