Image Galleries

Herbie finally home to rest in peace
Around 100 engineers and soldiers from the 1st Mentoring Task Force attended the commemorative service for Herbie, the explosive detection dog killed in an IED blast that claimed the lives of two Australian soldiers in the Mirabad Valley Region on 7 June 2010.

RIMPAC opening press conference
The 22nd Rim of the Pacific 2010 (RIMPAC 10) press conference was held in the Lockwood Hall conference centre, Pearl Harbour, Hawaii.

(Date uploaded: 30 June 2010 - 07 images)
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Exercise High Sierra 2010
Exercise High Sierra conducted from 14 June to 2 July represents the last three weeks of the F/A-18 operational conversion course, which converts fighter pilots from the Hawk Mk127 Lead-in-fighter aircraft to the F/A-18 Hornet.

Marine Exercise 10
A major multi-lateral exercise climaxed in East Timor yesterday (25 June 10) when a multinational force raided Manatuto Prison.

Snowy & Smithy Tribute Raises Funds for Families of Fallen
A deep sense of patriotism has spurred an Australian Government civilian working alongside Australian and ISAF soldiers at the Multi-National Base in Tarin Kowt to capture the sentiment of Australian soldiers towards their fallen comrades by writing and producing tributes to the Australian soldiers that have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Multi-national rumble in the jungle
The gift of sight is one of the most important senses we have, and soldiers from the East Timor Defence Force (F-FDTL) have recently shown how effective it can be.

Pacific Partnership 2010
USNS Mercy has arrived in Cambodia, the first time Pacific Partnership has visited the country, to enhance local provision of health and educational services.

(Date uploaded: 29 June 2010 - 24 images)
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ADF Medical Personnel Contribute to Operation Voodoo
As part of Operation Voodoo, the Australian Special Operations Task Group contributes a number doctors, nurses and medics to a U.S. Aero-Medical Evacuation (AME) team based in Tarin Kowt, southern Afghanistan.

The Australian Memorial at Multinational Base Tarin Kowt in Afghanistan
The First Mentoring Task Force (MTF1) have gathered to dedicate memorial plaques for Sappers Jacob "Snowy" Moerland and Darren Smith.

New roof and a brighter future
East Timor's only dairy is closer to producing milk and cheese commercially thanks to the efforts of East Timor Defence Force (F-FDTL) engineers.

2nd Commando Regiment Memorial Service
Commanding Officer of the 2nd Commando Regiment (2 Cdo Regt) has held a memorial service at Tobruk lines at Holsworthy Barracks to observe the deaths of their comrades, killed in Afghanistan last week.

MTF-1 Commander meets his Soldiers
MTF-1 Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Mark Jennings is moving around his command and meeting the soldiers as part of his battlefield circulation tour of the Australian Mentoring Task Force area of operation.

Ships Arrive for Exercise RIMPAC
The Australian Defence Force’s largest international maritime exercise, Exercise Rim-of-the-Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010 is designed to test interoperability with 14 Pacific Rim nations.

(Date uploaded: 28 June 2010 - 15 images)
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Lieutenant Colonel Jason Blain Farewell
The Commanding Officer of the 1st Mentoring Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Jason Blain visited MTF1 soldiers throughout Uruzgan recently as part of his farewell Battlefield Circulation.

Australian Special Operations Task Group soldiers mentor Afghan Provincial Police
The Australian Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) Afghan Task Force (ATF) is responsible for training and mentoring members of the Afghan Provincial Police Response Company (PPRC) in Tarin Kowt.

US Marine Joint Terminal Attack Controllers Practiced Their Trade
US Marine Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC) practiced their trade on a hill in East Timor during MARINE EXERCISE 10 (MAREX10) this week (24 June 10).

Shura to discuss recent events
Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) partnered with Australian Special Forces from the Special Operations Task Group conducted a deliberate operation to clear a Taliban insurgent stronghold in the Shah Wali Kot region of northern Kandahar province.

Exercise High Sierra 2010
Exercise High Sierra conducted from 14 June to 2 July represents the last three weeks of the F/A-18 operational conversion course, which converts fighter pilots from the Hawk Mk127 Lead-in-fighter aircraft to the F/A-18 Hornet.

The return of 2nd Commando Regiment fallen
Private Tim Aplin, Private Ben Chuck, and Private Scott Palmer of the 2nd Commando Regiment (2Cdo) returned home today, met by their respective families and members of their unit, in a solemn and dignified ceremony at RAAF Base Richmond.

Memorial Service in UAE
Australian Service men and women deployed to the Australian Support Base in the United Arab Emirates pause in their duties to pay their respects at a Memorial service held for Private Tim Aplin, Private Ben Chuck and Private Scott Palmer recently killed in Afghanistan.

Defence Families Australia Annual Conference Dinner
The Defence Families Australia National Executive meet annually with senior stakeholders in Canberra.

Change of command at the First Mentoring Task Force
The First Mentoring Task Force has welcomed its new commanding officer during a Commanding Officer (CO) and Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) transfer of authority at Multinational Base Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan.

Launch of new Defence Industry Policy Statement
The Hon Greg Combet MP, Minister for Defence Materiel and Science, launching the new Defence Industry Policy Statement, ‘Building Defence Capability: A Policy for A Smarter and More Agile Defence Industry Base’.

Dili 'City of Peace' Marathon
The Inaugural Dili City of Peace Marathon was held in Dili on June 20, 2010. Starting and finishing outside of the Palacio Governo, the marathon attracted 1100 competitors from around the world and locally.

Dili 'City of Peace' Marathon
The Inaugural Dili 'City of Peace' Marathon was held in Dili on June 20, 2010. Starting and finishing outside of the Palacio Governo, the marathon attracted 1100 competitors from around the world and locally.

Parramatta Promotes Pakistan Engagement
HMAS Parramatta (CMDR Heath Robertson) recently conducted an operational port visit to Karachi in Pakistan.

Memorial Service to Farewell Three SOTG Commandos
Mourners gather to farewell Pte Benjamin Adam Chuck, Pte Timothy James Aplin and Pte Scott Travis Palmer at a Ramp Ceremony held in Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan, to repatriate their remains to Australia 24 June 2010.

ISF Section Challenge
Forces from the far reaches of the Pacific have tested their skills in a corner of East Timor.

RMC Graduation Parade
Since the original class at Duntroon graduated in August 1914, the Graduation Parade has traditionally been the final parade of the senior class as members of the Corps of Staff Cadets.

Three soldiers killed in Afghanistan - Private Tim Aplin

Three soldiers killed in Afghanistan - Private Scott Palmer

Three soldiers killed in Afghanistan - Private Benjamin Chuck

ADF Air Component Task Group Change Of Command
Change of command. Personnel gathered at the C-130 flightline on the Australian Support Base in the United Arab Emirates to see outgoing Commander of Task Group 633.2

Parramatta Supports Karachi Deaf Reach School
During HMAS Parramatta’s recent visit to Karachi in Pakistan, the crew had the opportunity to continue the good work of previous Royal Australian Navy ship visits by hosting the children from the local “Deaf Reach School”.

Three Australian soldiers killed, seven wounded in Afghanistan helicopter incident
The Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner and the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, provide details of an incident in Afghanistan involving the Special Operations Task Group.

Funeral of Sapper Darren Smith
Family and friends of Sapper Darren Smith bid a final farewell at his funeral at the Marist college Chapel, Brisbane.

Changing of the guard at No. 37 Squadron
Wing Commander Matt Hegarty has handed over command of No. 37 Squadron at RAAF Base Richmond to Wing Commander Mark McCallum.

State of Origin OZTAG game 2
The Royal Australian Air Force's passionate obsession with the rugby league State of Origin series spilled onto the footy field at RAAF Base Darwin on Friday the 11th June for game two of the series, where the 'Maroons' hammered the 'Blues' 24-12 in a modified OZTAG match.

Darwin Footpath Construction Team 'Tin City' To Sergeant's Mess
Airfield Engineer and Work Supervisor Warrant Officer Robert ' Bob' Gourley from 1 Airfield Operations Support Squadron led a team of eight personnel through a six week project, constructing new concrete footpaths between 'Tin City' and the Sergeant's Mess at Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Darwin.

HMAS Warramunga Memorial Service for Leading Seaman Andrew Wakely
The ship's company of HMAS Warramunga have remembered and mourned the loss of Leading Seaman Andrew Wakely, at a moving memorial wreath-laying service at sea off the coast of Tonga this afternoon.

Image of Leading Seaman Andrew Wakely
Leading Seaman Andrew Wakely, a member of the ships company of HMAS Warramunga, Royal Australian Navy is missing presumed drowned whilst swimming in Tonga.

Funeral Service for Sapper Jacob Moerland
Family and friends of Sapper Jacob Moerland bid a final farewell at his funeral in Gayndah, Queensland.

HMAS KANIMBLA delivers fire trucks to Samoa
The Royal Australian Navy has arrived in Apia Samoa, carrying two fire trucks donated by the Melbourne Metropolitan Fire Brigade. The vehicles are a gift to the Samoan Fire and Emergency Services Authority.

No.38SQN's King Air
No. 38 Squadron with the King Air interim light transport is providing a responsive air mobility platform for Australian Defence Force operations throughout the region. Operating as 'Dingo Airlines', No. 38 Squadron is continuing to develop the capability, and will receive its eighth and final King Air in July 2010.

Troops entertained at Tarin Kowt
Australian troops based in Afghanistan were treated to great music and plenty of laughs recently thanks to the efforts of Australian entertainers and the Forces Advisory Committee for Entertainment.

HMAS KANIMBLA arrives in Samoa
The Royal Australian Navy has arrived in Apia Samoa, carrying two fire trucks donated by the Melbourne Metropolitan Fire Brigade. The vehicles are a gift to the Samoan Fire and Emergency Services Authority.

(Date uploaded: 16 June 2010 - 07 images)
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Sappers Give Hope to Vietnam
Second Combat Engineer Regiment based at Gallipoli Barracks, Brisbane assisted in the completion of works at the Hope Centre in Quy Nhon, Vietnam during Pacific Partnership 2010.

(Date uploaded: 16 June 2010 - 09 images)
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Shah Wali Kot Offensive
Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) partnered with Australian Special Forces from the Special Operations Task Group conducted a deliberate operation to clear a Taliban insurgent stronghold in the Shah Wali Kot region of northern Kandahar province.

Memorial Service for Sapper Jacob Moerland and Sapper Darren Smith
In remembrance and honour of fallen Sappers, Sapper Jacob Moerland and Sapper Darren Smith, a memorial service is held for the broader military-engineering “family”, military associations and Gallipoli Barracks staff.

(Date uploaded: 16 June 2010 - 08 images)
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ADF medical staff work onboard USNS Mercy
ADF medical staff will work with U.S. military, partner nations and non-government organisations to conduct a range of surgeries onboard USNS Mercy in each host nation visited during Pacific Partnership 2010.

(Date uploaded: 16 June 2010 - 10 images)
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Launch of the Military Health Outcomes Program (MilHOP)
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel, the Hon. Alan Griffin MP and Vice Chief of the Defence Forces LTGEN David Hurley launched the Military Health Outcomes Program (MilHOP) - a joint initiative between the Australian Defence Force and the Centre for Military and Veterans’ Health (CMVH).

First visit to Pakistan by an Australian Defence Minister
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and Australian Defence Minister Senator John Faulkner discuss defence and strategic issues affecting the two nations during Senator Faulkner's visit to Islamabad, the first ever by an Australian Defence Minister.

Transit Security Element 57
Members of Transit Security Element 57, from 1 Platoon 'A' Commpany 8/9 RAR, conduct Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) Training with members of ASSAIL TWO whilst aboard HMAS BROOME during an Operation RESOLUTE Patrol.

MINDEF vists HMAS Parramatta in Karachi - Pakistan
Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner, accompanied by the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston AC, AFC and the Secretary of Defence, Dr Ian Watt, recently completed a visit to HMAS Parramatta (CMDR Heath Robertson, RAN) at the Karachi Naval base in Pakistan.

Hayabusa Deep Space Probe Recovery at Woomera
The Hayabusa spacecraft was launched by the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in 2003. Hayabusa is scheduled to land in the Woomera Prohibited Area. (WPA)

Minister for Defence concludes NATO visit
Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner, has concluded a visit to Brussels on June 10-11, after attending the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Defence Ministers meeting at NATO.

Sapper Jacob Moerland and Sapper Darren Smith, Return Home
Sapper Jacob Moerland and Sapper Darren Smith, from the Brisbane-based 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment return home.

Memorial Service held at HQJTF633 for Sappers Moerland and Smith
Australian Service men and women deployed to the Australian Support Base in the United Arab Emirates pause in their duties to pay their respects at a Memorial service held for Sapper Darren Smith and Sapper Jacob Moerland recently killed in Afghanistan.

Hayabusa Deep Space Probe Recovery
The Hayabusa spacecraft was launched by the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in 2003. Hayabusa is scheduled to land in the Woomera Prohibited Area. (WPA)

Parachute Training School first jump from a RAAF Globemaster
The skies over Nowra were graced with a rare sight on the morning of Friday 4th June 2010, as a Royal Australian Air Force C-17 A Globemaster turned wide circles over the entire region.

Minor War Vessel Concentration Period
The Minor War Vessel Concentration Period (MWVCP) sea phase has commenced in waters off Darwin, with five Royal Australian Navy ships practising general mariner, surface and amphibious warfare skills.

United Nations Military Observers from Observer Group Lebanon
Local civilian UN liaison assistant Eddy gives UN United Nations Unarmed Military Observers Captain Michael Chapman (Australian Army middle) and Major Patrik Fundin (Swedish Army) a tour of the Khiam detention centre. It was bombed and hit by artillery during the 2006 war.

8th/12th Medium Regiment Air Portability Trials with C-17's
Darwin’s 8th/12th Medium Regiment conducts the first air-portability trials with C-17A Globemasters of medium artillery and associated equipment at RAAF Base Darwin.

Fallen Soldiers arrive in the UAE
In a sombre and respectful ceremony held on the hot tarmac at the Australian Support Base in the United Arab Emirates, fellow Australian Service Men and Women paid their respects to fallen soldiers Sapper Darren Smith and Sapper Jacob Moerland.

Fallen Mates Farewelled from Tarin Kowt
More than 1500 ISAF and Afghan National Army troops based at the Multinational Base in Tarin Kowt bid farewell on the 9th of June to Sapper Darren Smith and Sapper Jacob Moerland who were killed in action on the 7th of June.

HMAS Cerberus mourns the tragic loss of Rear Admiral Nigel Coates
Rear Admiral Nigel Coates passed away on 2nd June after a battle with cancer, he was 51.

(Date uploaded: 09 June 2010 - 05 images)
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Our Navy farewells top Admiral with full ceremonial honours in Sydney
The Royal Australian Navy paused today to farewell Rear Admiral Nigel Coates AM, RAN, who died last week.
After a closed service at the historic Garden Island Chapel, the coffin was loaded onto a gun carriage, which carried Rear Admiral Coates in a solemn procession to the gates of Fleet Base East.

(Date uploaded: 09 June 2010 - 08 images)
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PP10 ADF Medical personnel
ADF medical staff will work with U.S. military, partner nations and non-government organisations to conduct a range of surgeries onboard USNS Mercy in each host nation visited during Pacific Partnership 2010.

(Date uploaded: 09 June 2010 - 18 images)
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Two soldiers killed in Afghanistan - Jacob Moerland

Two soldiers killed in Afghanistan - Darren Smith

Medal presentation parade
Approximately 130 soldiers from Alpha Company, 8th/9th Battalion The Royal Australian Regiment presented at East Timor's Presidential Palace on 7th June 2010.

Two Australian soldiers killed in Afghanistan
Two Australian soldiers serving with the 1st Mentoring Task Force in Afghanistan have been killed in action.

(Date uploaded: 08 June 2010 - 04 images)
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45th Birthday Celebrations for 6th Battalion
Around 300 soldiers of the 1st Mentoring Task Force based in Tarin Kowt participated in 45th Birthday celebrations for the 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment on 6 June 2010.

(Date uploaded: 08 June 2010 - 11 images)
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Bomber Command Commemorative Service
The memorial service of Bomber Command was held RAAF Base Amberley.

(Date uploaded: 08 June 2010 - 12 images)
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Defence 2020 - Indigenous Youth Challenge Alice Springs
Around 60 students gathered in Alice Springs from as far as Tennant Creek, 500km north, to the ADF Indigenous Youth Challenge Forum to discuss 'What does the ADF have to do with you?'

(Date uploaded: 08 June 2010 - 06 images)
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Pacific Partnership 2010 in Quy Nhon, Vietnam
One of eight medical and dental clinics held during Pacific Partnership 2010 (PP10) in Vietnam, Nhon Binh school will service approximately 600 patients per day with health personnel from the U.S. military, partner nations and non-government organisations.

(Date uploaded: 07 June 2010 - 20 images)
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Grants round opens for skilling Australia's Defence Industry Program
The Minister for Defence Materiel and Science Greg Combet today announced the opening of the first application round for the Skilling Australia's Defence Industry (SADI) Grants program 2010/11.

(Date uploaded: 07 June 2010 - 04 images)
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Low level flying in around Mount Mitchell
The Block II Super Hornets based at RAAF Amberley practice low level flying in and around Mount Mitchell, Mount Mitchell is located about an hours drive south west of Amberley.

(Date uploaded: 07 June 2010 - 07 images)
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Shangri-La Dialogue - Singapore
The Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner, today addressed the 9th International Institute for Strategic Studies Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on the topic of ‘Alliances and Partnerships in Asia-Pacific Security,’ along with the Minister for National Defence from the Republic of Korea, General Kim Tae Young, and the United Kingdom Secretary of State for Defence, Dr Liam Fox.

(Date uploaded: 06 June 2010 - 16 images)
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Defence Indigenous Development Program - Navy
The hopes and ambitions of Indigenous youth have been given a helping hand with the launch of the Defence Indigenous Development Program – Navy (DIDP-N) at HMAS Cairns.

(Date uploaded: 04 June 2010 - 18 images)
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Bold new approach to dispel military myths
Army’s new online advertising campaign, ‘Under a Rising Sun’ is a bold initiative that aims to correct some ‘military myths’ and assist the recruiting effort, Deputy Chief of Army, Major General (MAJGEN) Paul Symon today announced.

(Date uploaded: 04 June 2010 - 12 images)
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Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation Exercise
As part of the Minor War Vessel Concentration Period, two Royal Australian Navy ships, HMAS Balikpapan and HMAS Betano took part in a Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation exercise.

(Date uploaded: 04 June 2010 - 05 images)
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Chief of the Defence Force Announces Commission of Inquiry
The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, today announced that he would be appointing a Chief of the Defence Force Commission of Inquiry to determine the facts and circumstances that resulted in an Australian soldier being found unconscious in his room in Tarin Kowt on Friday, 28 May 2010.

(Date uploaded: 03 June 2010 - 06 images)
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C-17 Pilots Graduate here in Australia
Flight Lieutenant David Whyte and Pilot Officer Stephen Maunder are the first two Royal Australian Air Force pilots to undertake their conversion course at RAAF Base Amberley.

(Date uploaded: 03 June 2010 - 05 images)
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2CER PT Training on the Flight Deck of USNS Mercy
Australia is participating in the annual US-led humanitarian civic assistance mission Pacific Partnership 2010 (PP10).

(Date uploaded: 03 June 2010 - 07 images)
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2CER commence work at Hope Centre
Australia is participating in the annual US-led humanitarian civic assistance mission Pacific Partnership 2010 (PP10). Twenty two ADF personnel have joined United States Navy Ship Mercy in Guam as the first of three separate Australian contingents to rotate through the region over the next three months.

(Date uploaded: 02 June 2010 - 21 images)
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No. 33 Squadron Consecration Ceremony
On Wednesday 2 June 2010, No. 33 Squadron conducted a parade to consecrate the recently awarded Squadron Standard.

ASM and UNMIS medal presentation ceremony to UN Military Observers of Australian Contingent 10
In a modest ceremony at the Commonwealth War Cemetery in Khartoum, Sudan, six ADF personnel have been recognised for their contribution to the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) over the last six months.

Sarbi Leaves Afghanistan and Arrives in Dubai
After a fourteen month absence in the wilds of Afghanistan, Sarbi the Australian Army Explosive Detection Dog is on her way home.

NCIS Lab Rat Checks Out HMAS Kanimbla
ADF Investigative Services personnel recently came face to face with NCIS’ crime-busting lab technician, Abby Sciuto, on HMAS Kanimbla (CMDR Tim Byles) where they discussed ‘tricks of the trade’.

Operational Mentoring Liaison Team - Hand Over
An official ceremony helped mark May 25 as an important milestone for the 4th Afghan National Army Brigade and the 1st Mentoring Task Force as key mentoring responsibilities transferred from the Dutch to the Australians.

Project Land 112
An Australian Light Armoured Vehicle gathers dust as it climbs a feature north of Tarin Kowt.

(Date uploaded: 01 June 2010 - 03 images)
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