More Defence news: 20 July 2009 - 26 July 2009
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Inquiry Officer’s report into the death of Corporal Hopkins released | Private Ranaudo begins his journey home | Pacific Partnership 2009 |
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Inquiry Officer’s report into the death of Corporal Hopkins released
The Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Lieutenant General David Hurley, today announced the findings of the inquiry report into the death of Corporal Mathew Hopkins. Corporal Hopkins was killed by a single gunshot wound during an intense firefight with Taliban insurgents, while conducting a joint patrol with the Afghan National Army on Monday, 16 March 2009. He was a professional and valued member of the Darwin-based 7th battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, who died serving his nation, a sacrifice that will not be forgotten. More: Inquiry Officer’s Report | Media release | Audio | Imagery | Transcript of press conference |
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Private Ranaudo begins his journey home
Private Benjamin Ranaudo began his journey home to Australia, farewelled by friends and colleagues. In an emotional ceremony, soldiers from Benjamin’s 1st Battalion lined the runway at Tarin Kowt where a plane waited to take Private Ranaudo to Australia. Private Ranaudo is remembered by all as a professional and well liked solider who served with distinction. He had been a member of the Australian Army for over three years and had previously served in East Timor before being deployed to Afghanistan with the Force Protection Combat Team. Private Ranaudo was killed by an improvised explosive device on Saturday 18 July 2009. More: Media Release | Personal Statement on behalf of the Ranaudo Family | Image Gallery |
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HMA Ships BETANO and WEWAK have joined Humanitarian Civic Assistance Mission PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP 2009 enabling the delivery of vital medical, dental, engineering and veterinary aid to Tonga and the Solomon Islands from 13 July to 23 August 2009. Capable of moving large amounts of cargo, personnel and equipment from the 23,852 ton light US Merchant Navy vessel USNS RICHARD.E.BYRD to key shore locations, the Australian ships are essential to the success of the mission. HMAS BETANO will transport a multinational team of health professionals and medical supplies to the more remote islands of Tonga, which have populations ranging from 500 to 1000 people. BETANO will deliver primary care providers, a pediatrician, an optometrist and a dentist into the isolated villages HMAS WEWAK will work with the anchored USNS RICHARD.E.BYRD in the Ha’apai Island group providing daily ship to shore logistics. The crew will also help out ashore at a construction site and visit local school children. More: Pacific Partnership | Image Gallery | Media Release |
