Media Room: Media Releases

Defence
MEDIA RELEASE

Soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment based in Sydney will deploy to the Solomon Islands on Monday 24 January to reinforce the military component of RAMSI.

The 3RAR soldiers who are part of the 3^rd Brigade will be rotating with soldiers from 1RAR based in Townsville who are currently in Honiara and were deployed on short notice two days prior to Christmas 2004 to the Solomon Islands following the fatal shooting of an Australian police Officer.

Commander of the 3^rd Brigade Brigadier Mick Slater made the announcement this morning saying " The soldiers from 3RAR will strengthen the military presence already in the Solomon Islands as part of RAMSI and will provide added support to the police in enforcing the rule of law and order in the Solomon Islands".

Australia remains determined to ensure that law and order established in the Solomon Islands is maintained.

The 3RAR company of Soldiers consists of approximately 100 personnel. They will provide added support to the police in enforcing the rule of law and order in the Solomon Islands ensuring the safety of Australian and other RAMSI personnel.

Soldiers from the Townsville based 1RAR who are currently deployed in the Solomon Islands will be returning early next week.

CAPT Andrew Bird (07) 4771 7393 or 0407 482 919

Defence Media Liaison (02) 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664