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Top job: Commander 2 Div Maj-Gen Ian Flawith visits Reserve members of the Transit Security Element 43. The members served onboard HMAS Perth for three months on Op Resolute.
Photo by Michael Brooke |
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RESERVISTS found the challenge they were looking for when they boarded foreign fishing vessels apprehended by the Navy for illegal activities in Australian waters during deployment on Operation Resolute.
The 2 Div reservists performed the task of Transit Security Element 43 from November 6 to February 7, which gave them the opportunity to test their individual soldier skills while assisting to protect our borders.
The members of TSE43, which primarily comprised reservists from 5 Bde supported by personnel from 4 and 8 Bdes, spent three months at sea on major fleet units and Armidale Class patrol boats. They performed an array of tasks, including boarding foreign fishing vessels operating illegally in Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
Sgt Pat Doherty, TSE43 Pl Sgt, said the reservists responded well to the challenge of boarding fishing vessels.
Pte Nick O’Brien, 1/19RNSWR, said the operation taught him the value of training.
“When we boarded our first vessel in the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone my mind went back to the boarding serials we conducted at the [training simulator], which shaped my understanding and application of the rules of engagement and orders for opening fire on operations,” Pte O’Brien said.
He said he was so enthralled by his first operation that he had applied to join the regular army.
“There are a number of us who deployed as TSE43 who have decided to go ARA because of the sense of pride and accomplishment from contributing to national security,” he said.
Pte Daniel Sarri, 4/3RNSWR, said the training and the experience he gained from the operation helped him significantly develop his soldier skills.
The members of TSE43 were welcomed home on February 6 by Commander 2 Div Maj-Gen Ian Flawith, who applauded their exemplary conduct.
“Your conduct on Op Resolute has demonstrated how the Reserve can contribute operational capability and support the ADF at a time of high operational tempo,” he said.
Commander 5 Bde Brig Craig Williams said his soldiers’ next opportunity to demonstrate operational capability would be when 5 and 8 Bdes deployed a company group as part of RAMSI in a few months time.
“This deployment certainly sets the scene for future challenges such as operational deployments, maintaining the ready reaction force capability, and raising, training and sustaining the High Readiness Reserve Combat Team capability,” he said.
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| Made up: LCpl Alan Akhurst is promoted on board HMAS Perth by Cmdr Simon Gregg. |
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Op Resolute lands hook for private
PTE Alan Akhurst couldn’t believe his ears when he heard he would be promoted at sea.
It was something to remember when the soldier was promoted within sight of Christmas Island during a patrol as part of Operation Resolute.
LCpl Akhurst, B Coy 4/3RNSWR, said it was a surprise to be promoted, but an even greater shock to be “made up” by the CO of HMAS Perth, Cmdr Simon Gregg.
“I suppose it’s quite unusual but it’s probably a sign of the times given the joint nature of ADF operations,” he said.
LCpl Akhurst joined the Reserve in 2002 and served on CFTS as a member of the Transit Security Element on Op Resolute
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