Chief of Air Force visits
deployed RAAF personnel in Middle East
Chief of Air Force,
Air Marshal (AIRMSHL) Mark Binskin, has praised the tireless efforts of
deployed RAAF personnel who continue to play a crucial role in the ADF’s Middle East operations.
AIRMSHL Binskin has just completed a visit to RAAF elements in Afghanistan and at Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates.
Air Force has more than 400 people deployed to the Middle East Area of
Operations.
“The Air Force team is working day and night in the Middle
East to get the job done professionally. Our air and ground crews
continue to impress with their ability to overcome challenges and dedication to
duty in the high tempo environment. I’m extremely proud of what they’re
achieving,” AIRMSHL Binskin said.
“I attended the Remembrance Day ceremony at Tarin Kot. This was a time to
reflect on the recent operational deaths and injuries the ADF and its partners
have suffered in southern Afghanistan and a reminder of the continuing
challenges in conducting operations there.”
AIRMSHL Binskin also visited the Heron Remotely Piloted Aircraft detachment
while in Afghanistan.
“RAAF has flown more than 2,500 Heron hours since January 2010. The Heron is an
important component to the modern battlefield, providing vital situational
awareness for troops on the ground. It has assisted in saving lives by
identifying threats,” he said.
“Air Force Orion crews are also working hard to support soldiers on the ground,
through their wide-area intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance
capabilities. In addition, our Orion crews are conducting maritime patrols in
the Arabian Sea and counter-piracy tasks off the Horn of Africa.”
“RAAF’s giant C-17s and C-130 Hercules play a crucial role in the ADF’s
Middle East operations carrying troops, vehicles and essential supplies in
often very difficult operating conditions. And none of RAAF’s operations could
occur effectively without the hard work of our Combat Support Unit personnel at
Al Minhad and bases in Afghanistan.”
AIRMSHL Binskin also met with his United Arab Emirates counterpart,
Major General Mohammed bin Suwaidan Saeed Al-Qamzi, Chief of Air Force and Air
Defense.
“The excellent
working relationship between the RAAF and the UAE Air Force has proved to be an
important element in the ADF's ability to conduct successful operations from Al
Minhad Air Base.” AIRMSHL Binskin said.
Images of AIRMSHL Binskin’s visit to the Middle East Area of Operations are
available at:
http://www.defence.gov.au/op/afghanistan/gallery/2010/20101117/index.htm
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