|
“United
and Undaunted” AUSCDT THREE deploy
 |
|
Chief
of Navy and CDF meet the media scrum at HMAS Waterhen.
|
CN,
VADM Chris Ritchie, in response to the controversy surrounding the
anthrax vaccine given to personnel deploying to The Gulf, said,
“share it with your families let them know the vaccination
is necessary, let them know it is safe and let them know it is effective.”
His remarks followed the issue of a Navy-wide signal on the matter
and were directed to the 25 men of Australian Clearance Diving Team
Three (AUSCDT THREE) who stood before him being publicly farewelled
at a ceremony at HMAS Waterhen on February 14.
VADM Ritchie said AUSCDT THREE would live up to its motto United
and Undaunted.
The combination of the anthrax controversy and the divers’
departure saw more than 50 media representatives including six television
crews at HMAS Waterhen.
Joining the divers and CN, were the Defence Minister Senator Robert
Hill, CDF GEN Peter Cosgrove, Member for Chifley Mr Roger Price
(representing the ALP opposition) and Maritime Commander RADM Raydon
Gates.
CN reminded the departing officers and sailors, drawn from diving
teams across Australia, that the Defence Community Organisation
stood behind them and that their families should not hesitate in
seeking support from the Organisation.
GEN Cosgrove described the divers as “some of the fittest men
in the ADF.”
|
From
the Chief of Navy
|
You
should advise your families and loved ones that they
can obtain comprehensive information from the National
Welfare Coordination Centre (NWCC).
NWCC is staffed 24 hours 7 days by service personnel.
Their primary job is to provide support for families
of deployed Defence members. They can be contacted
toll free on: 1800 801 026. |
|
He suggested
they already demonstrated courage simply by accepting the hazards
of their “ordinary work” such as working in confined spaces
and in murky water.
“God bless, successful mission and a safe return,” GEN
Cosgrove said.
Defence Minister Hill said AUSCDT THREE was the last of the Australian
groups to be pre-deployed to The Gulf.
|
