Defence Magazine

Members of the Australian Defence Force medical contingent under Operation Pakistan Assist walk out to board their aircraft for return to Australia. In cooperation with the Pakistan Army under Operation Pakistan Assist, the ADF contingent established a base at the remote town of Dhanni, on the Pakistan side of the Kashmir Line Of Control, to provide vital medical assistance to the people of the region.
Photo by LAC Rodney Welch

"It is a privilege to announce the completion of the Australian Defence Force's medical support to the humanitarian mission in Pakistan and welcome them home. Operation Pakistan Assist is an outstanding example of the Australian Defence Force performing at its absolute finest. All Australians can be rightly proud of the efforts of our soldiers, airmen and airwomen. The ADF medical team consisted of around 140 personnel who deployed to provide vital health care assistance to those affected by the earthquake in October last year. Under the command of Colonel Andy Sims, the ADF Primary Health Care Teams provided a critical medical capability in a time of extreme need. They performed over 9500 medical treatments and over 4000 immunisations enabling surviving residents to begin the long process of restoring their lives. A particular highlight for the ADF personnel was the delivery of 5 babies during this time. All Australians should feel proud of our role in assisting Pakistan earthquake relief efforts. I congratulate the ADF personnel on this outstanding deployment and thank them for their commitment and dedication on behalf of the Australian people. To their families, a very special thank you from a grateful nation."

The Special Operations Commander—Australia, Major General Mike Hindmarsh, talks with a commando following the welcome home function for soldiers who served with the Special Forces Task Group in Afghanistan in late 2005. The soldiers were recently welcomed home at a ceremony at Tobruk Lines in Holsworthy Barracks, home of the 4th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (Commando).
Photo provided by Public Affairs

"On several operations, force packages of Special Air Services Regiment, 4 Royal Australian Regiment (Commando) and Incident Response Regiment elements worked closely together to achieve maximum tactical and psychological effect against the anti-coalition militia. The task group approach was highly successful and is a hallmark for future operations not just for Special Operations Command, but the whole Army."

Lieutenant General
Peter Leahy,
Chief of Army

Defence

Chief Joint Operations

Forces welcomed home