KONNICHIWA: ABCSO Kristy Rodda met Prime Minister John Howard in Aichi Japan this year, as HMAS Canberra completed her final deployment.

Photo: LSPH Phillip Hunt

I admire you all greatly.

I have worked very hard in the time I have been Prime Minister to give strong support to the men and women of the ADF.

You are held in very high esteem in the Australian community.

You should ignore unjustified criticism directed at you from time to time - the average Australian can see through that and the average Australian is very supportive of you.

I think you have every reason to feel proud of what you are continuing to do.

Over the past few years, you have had a very high profile - I expect that is likely to continue.”

John Howard, Prime Minister of Australia

.