Defence News

After a successful four-month deployment on Operation ANODE in the Solomon Islands, more than 80 Australian soldiers are preparing to return home this week.

Primarily from 13 Brigade in Western Australia, the soldiers have been deployed as the 24th rotation of the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) contribution to the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI).

A Transfer of Authority Ceremony was held on 3 August where Rotation 24 was officially replaced by Rotation 25, which comprises approximately 115 soldiers from NSW-based 5th Brigade. 

During the ceremony, the outgoing Commander of Combined Task Force 635 Lieutenant Colonel (LTCOL) Paul Landford handed over command to LTCOL Campbell Smith.

LTCOL Landford said during their deployment the soldiers had successfully engaged with the local people, gaining their trust and confidence.