NAVY News :: Features

CN – VADM
Chris Ritchie

CN CADM Chris Ritchie

Everyone in the RAN can look back at 2003 as a year of great achievement. During the many operations, exercises and activities that the Royal Australian Navy has been involved in, you worked with vigilance, determination and dedication to achieve the many objectives required of us by Government.

The breadth of our engagements this year ranged from war-fighting to peacekeeping to border protection and throughout this busy schedule, you once again illustrated to the world that the RAN is a professional force of some standing.

This year we found ourselves operating in an international security situation that is much less certain and stable than before, and I was very proud of the way we adapted to these new and unpredictable circumstances.

At the same time I am pleased to tell you that the challenges we will undoubtedly face in the future operational environment are well catered for in the changes planned for our force structure contained in the recently announced Defence Capability Review.

These new acquisitions and upgrades are outstanding for Australia’s naval capability and will provide us with a balanced force in the short and long-term future.

As this year draws to a close, I would like to thank the men and women of the Royal Australian Navy, as well as the numerous civilian and contracted personnel who work alongside us.

I also include in my thanks the families and friends who support us and take on great responsibility in our absence. To those of you who are still away on operations, I want you to know that your dedicated service is reflected in the high esteem in which Navy is held internationally and at home.

I know from experience the challenges of being away from your family and friends at this time of year. Rest assured that you are in the thoughts of those of us fortunate enough to be at home this Christmas.

Merry Christmas to you all, wherever you are, and best wishes for an equally successful 2004.

CDF
GEN Peter Cosgrove

CDF GEN Peter Cosgrove

At the end of one of the busiest years I can remember for our Defence Force, I want to send you my best wishes for the festive season and a heartfelt ‘well done’ to all of you for your terrific work this year, whether deployed on operations or providing vital support at home.

Let me assure you that both the Defence leadership and our Government appreciate the effort you have all put in this year supporting our thousands of colleagues scattered around the world in more than 10 operations.

The dedication, skill, flexibility and professionalism you have displayed and continue to display contributing to our operations has enhanced the ADF’s excellent reputation.

These areas of operation include: the Middle East, the Solomon Islands, East Timor, around Australia’s coast, in the Southern Oceans, Europe, Africa, Afghanistan and in various coalition headquarters and diplomatic missions around the world.

One aspect I want to congratulate you all on is the marvellous way all three Services work together, particularly in combined units – and with the civilian staff of both Defence and a range of other Government agencies.

At this special family time of year, I am very grateful for the sacrifices both you and your families are making for Defence. Both the Australian community and the Defence leadership know that your work, and the back-up that all your families provide, is in a very good cause.

As most Australians celebrate, those of you not on leave continue to do your duty, vigilant, professional and tireless.

I am very proud of you all. Merry Christmas. Stay safe.

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Minister for Defence
Senator Robert Hill

Minister for Defence Senator Robert Hill

We have asked a lot from the Australian Defence Force this year – and again you have delivered in spades.

On behalf of the Government and all Australians, I would like to thank you for your professionalism and dedication to defending our national interest at home and in operations abroad.

I would particularly like to acknowledge your families and friends and the wider Defence community.

I know from my visits to deployed personnel in the Middle East and the Solomon Islands during 2003 that while separation from family and friends is difficult, the support of their loved ones is integral to morale and therefore to the success of any mission.

My very best wishes for Christmas and a safe New Year.

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WO-Navy
David Turner

WO-Navy David Turner

No matter which way you look at it, our Navy has had a very successful year.

We have been busy both in Australia and in distant waters in regional engagement, training and most importantly, in operations directed by Government. Each of our activities can only be judged as successful ones by any measure.

There is no indication that our rate of effort will fall and as the world continues to be an unpredictable place, there is every reason to believe that we will be asked to keep doing the things that we have proven to do so well.

In fact we do these things better than any other Navy in the world and we can be immensely proud of that.

The Defence Capability Review, was an excellent outcome for Navy. This review maintains our capability in the short term, plugs some capability gaps in the medium term and ensures the Royal Australian Navy will stay ahead of the technology game and be a very capable force indeed in the longer term.

Our recruiting figures have not looked better for a number of years and our retention is trending in the right direction. There is more work to be done in this field and the work that commenced in 2003 will go on through 2004.

Importantly, a number of our people will be away from their families this Christmas. Please be aware that Navy leaders do not take these decisions lightly and if you or your loved ones are busy on operations then you can be sure that they are doing these important things for the right reasons.

I hope you are all proud of your achievements this year, as proud as I am to be the Warrant Officer of your Navy. From my family and I to you and yours, I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a prosperous and successful New Year.

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Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence
Fran Bailey

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence – Fran Bailey

With professionalism and dedication, Defence has overcome the challenges in the Middle East, the Solomons, across our northern border and many other areas during 2003.

The Australian community is very proud of the men and women of our Defence Forces. People often stop and tell me how impressed they are with our Defence Force, as well as how appreciative they are of a job well done.

I would like to pass on my thanks for all of your efforts in 2003. I would particularly like to thank all the ADF members who served with distinction on active service.

My best wishes and thanks to all of those who will be on active service over Christmas, as well as to their friends and family.

We have achieved a great deal this year and have established firm groundwork for continuing our work next year.
With best wishes for a safe and happy Christmas.

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Minister Assisting Minister for Defence
Mal Brough

Merry Christmas and all the best for a fantastic 2004 to every member of the Australian Defence family, no matter where you may be on December 25.

While there would be nothing better than having our troops home for Christmas, we should bear in mind how these men and women are helping provide peace and a chance to celebrate Christmas in safety for many who have never experienced this basic right.

To the partners and families, my particular thanks for your vital and ongoing support to the ADF. For those fortunate to have spouses, parents, brothers and sisters at home this festive season, please enjoy the break and savour the rare opportunity for quality time together.

For those with loved ones still overseas, be assured that our thoughts are with you and we hope you can still make the best of the festive season.

I know the Prime Minister, the Government and a grateful nation join me in congratulating you all on your collective effort and we wish you a joyful and festive Christmas and a prosperous and happy New Year. Well done.

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