More Defence news: 20 October 2008 - 26 October 2008
| Diggers Return Home From Afghanistan | Navy Cadet parade a ‘sea of white’ | Senate Estimates | ADF East Timor deployment to reduce | New role for diggers in Afghanistan | Wallaby management at RAAF Tindal | Navy Searches Jervis Bay | Lead Role for Royal Australian Navy in Middle East | |
Diggers Return Home From Afghanistan
23 October – Reconstruction Task Force 4 (RTF 4) soldiers have begun returning home to Australia after a six-month tour battling heat and dust, while working with the local community to improve vital infrastructure. The Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, said the soldiers’ efforts in such difficult and dangerous conditions were greatly appreciated. During the tour, which began in April this year, RTF 4 pushed deep into the former Taliban stronghold of the Baluchi Valley, denying the area to the Taliban and building a major patrol base – Patrol Base Qudus. The RTF also deployed on an 800km, short notice operation to re-open the Highway 1 from Kandahar to the capital Kabul, countering a Taliban ambush on the way, and creating the conditions for a major ISAF operation to install a new turbine at the Kajaki Dam. The Engineers, with Infantry and Cavalry support, carried out $9.1 million worth of major and minor projects in the Tarin Kowt area, including Patrol Base Qudus and an all weather river crossing, school and bazaar in the Baluchi Pass. RTF 4 has handed over responsibility for its area of responsibility to the 1st Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force (MRTF 1) which began its eight month tour on 16 October. More: Operation Slipper | Media release | Image Gallery |
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Navy Cadet parade a ‘sea of white’
22 October – Last Sunday the waterfront at Naval Headquarters South Queensland at Bulimba Barracks in Brisbane was transformed into a sea of white, with 300 Australian Navy Cadets and their unit leaders converging for a ‘divisions’ parade. The review was the largest gathering of Navy Cadets anywhere in Australia in several years, with 19 ‘Training Ships’ (units) in attendance. It was also attended by Navy Systems Commander, Rear Admiral Steve Gilmore, Head of Cadet Policy, Rear Admiral Karel De Laat, regional Naval Cadets director, Commander Martin Blume, as well as VIP guest and Victoria Cross recipient, Warrant Officer Keith Payne VC (Retd). The review was also an opportunity to announce the top Navy Cadet units in South Queensland. Training Ship Toowoomba was named most outstanding cadet unit. The RSL Shield for Outstanding Achievement was presented to Training Ship Walrus, while the Naval Headquarters South Queensland was shared between Training Ships Diamantina, Gladstone and Maryborough. More: Image Gallery |
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22 October - The Chief of Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston has tabled a report into the death of Rozi Khan in Afghanistan. CDF presented the document to Senators during his open remarks this morning. |
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ADF East Timor deployment to reduce 22 October - The Australian Defence Force will reduce its total force presence in East Timor to approximately 650 personnel by early next year. The reduction in the total number of deployed personnel under Operation ASTUTE is appropriate given improvements in the security situation in East Timor. The Minister for Defence, The Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP said the Australian Government was encouraged by the growing ability of the East Timorese security agencies, with support from the United Nations, to deal with security. More: Media release |
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New role for diggers in Afghanistan
22 October - The latest rotation of Australian soldiers in Afghanistan have begun operations in Uruzgan Province. The 1st Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force (MRTF 1), formed by the Darwin-based 7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment Battle Group, took over from the 4th Reconstruction Task Force (RTF 4) in Tarin Kowt on 16 October 2008. The handover will bring a new focus for the Australian Defence Force in Afghanistan, building infrastructure and increasing the capacity of the Afghan National Army. More: Media release | Image gallery |
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Wallaby management at RAAF Tindal 21 October - Defence recognises the potential hazard posed by overabundant wallabies at RAAF Tindal and the importance of the airfield to military and civil aviation. In October 2007, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) warning of the “increased animal hazard (wallaby) exists at night and dawn/twilight”. Defence continues to review the risk to aviation safety. Defence, in consultation with the Northern Territory Government and RSPCA Australia, is undertaking a responsible animal management program to reduce wallaby numbers from within the perimeter fence. This plan has a number of components including habitat alteration, trapping, translocation and culling. More: Media Release |
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21 October – Yesterday, the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) Clearance Diving and Mine Countermeasure Task Group descended on Jervis Bay, New South Wales, to conduct the Fleet Training Activity Dugong 08. HMA Ships Gascoyne and Diamantina, along with Clearance Diving Teams One and Four are taking part in the annual training activity aimed at refining the RAN’s mine hunting procedures and techniques. As an integrated force, they will be tasked to search the local waters for simulated mine-like objects and implement measures to dispose of them safely and efficiently. More: Media Release |
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Lead Role for Royal Australian Navy in Middle East
21 October - a Royal Australian Naval officer has assumed command of one of the most senior Coalition navy positions in the Northern Persian Gulf. |
