ADF gets new commander in Baghdad

BRIG Peter Hutchinson has assumed command of Joint Task Force 633 (JTF 633) in Baghdad.

He replaced Cdre Campbell Darby who had commanded the ADF contingent since November last year.

Brig Hutchinson, pictured, now commands about 850 ADF personnel in support of Coalition stabilisation and reconstruction efforts in Iraq and the war against terrorism.

The main ADF elements under his control include HMAS Stuart - on patrol in the Persian Gulf - the Army Security Detachment (SECDET) - providing security to the Australian Representative Office - the Air Force's Air Traffic Controllers at Baghdad International Airport (BIAP) and the Air Force's C-130 Hercules and P3 Orion aircraft, the latter of which are operating over the Persian Gulf and Iraq undertaking intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

Brig Hutchinson has previously served overseas with the UNTSO in Israel and Golan Heights, and assumes command of JTF 633 at a crucial stage of the rebuilding of Iraq as Coalition forces continue in their efforts to assist Iraq's transition to self-government.

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