More Defence news: 30 March 2009 - 05 April 2009
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Senior Taliban insurgent leader killed | Funeral service held for Sergeant Brett Till | Air Force’s 88th birthday | Funeral of Corporal Mathew Hopkins |
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Senior Taliban insurgent leader killed
A senior Taliban insurgent leader, Mullah Abdul Bari, who was known to have facilitated improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and suicide bomb attacks in Uruzgan Province, has been killed in an operation by Australian Special Forces and Afghan National Army troops. Mullah Abdul Bari was known to have controlled suicide bombers, the training of foreign fighters and distribution of weapons. He has also been confirmed to be directly involved in the placement of IEDs which have targeted Australian troops. The operation was approved by the International Security Assistance Force and was conducted in accordance with the Laws of Armed Conflict and Rules of Engagement. “This operation will contribute to a safer, more stable environment for the people of Uruzgan,” Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Mark Evans said. More: Media Release | Audio |
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Funeral service held for Sergeant Brett Till
31 March - A private military funeral service was held to honour the life of the late Sergeant Brett Till, in Sutherland, NSW. The ceremony was attended by the Acting Prime Minister, the Hon. Julia Gillard MP, representing the Prime Minister, the Hon. Kevin Rudd MP; the Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP; the Member for Cook, Mr Scott Morrison MP, representing the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Malcolm Turnbull MP; the Deputy Premier of NSW, the Hon. Carmel Tebbutt MP, representing the Premier of NSW, the Hon. Nathan Rees MLA; the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston; the Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie; and the Special Operations Commander – Australia, Major General Tim McOwan. Sergeant Till was tragically killed last week whilst rendering an improvised explosive device safe during a route clearance task in southern Afghanistan on Thursday, 19 March 2009. More: Media Release | Image Gallery |
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31 March - The Royal Australian Air Force has marked 88 years of proud service to Australia. Throughout the decades, Air Force members have developed a reputation for courage and dedication to duty in conflict, peacekeeping and humanitarian tasks. More than 500 Air Force personnel are currently playing an important role on operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, Sudan, Darfur, East Timor and the Solomon Islands, as well as at home conducting border protection duties in Australia’s maritime domain. The Australian Air Force officially formed on 31 March 1921. Approval to use the ‘Royal’ prefix was granted later that year. More: Media Release | Image Gallery |
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Funeral of Corporal Mathew Hopkins
Corporal Mathew Hopkins was today farewelled by his wife, son, family and friends at a funeral service at Newcastle’s Christ Church Cathedral. Also paying their respects were the Deputy Prime Minister representing the Prime Minister, the Hon. Julia Gillard MP; the Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP; the Shadow Minister for Defence Science and Personnel representing the Shadow Minister for Defence, the Hon. Bob Baldwin MP; the Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP; Member for Shortland, Ms Jill Hall MP; and the Premier of NSW, the Hon. Nathan Rees MLA. The Chief of Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston; the Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie; and Commander 1st Brigade, Brigadier Michael Krause were also present. Corporal Hopkins’ casket was carried into the Cathedral by a Bearer Party mounted by his mates from the 7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment. At the conclusion of the service the bugler played the Last Post in tribute to his passing. More: Media Release | Image Gallery |
