Mission accomplished TF-158

Volume 49, No. 22, November 30, 2006

By Michael Brooke

The ability of the RAN to successfully lead complex maritime coalition security operations was demonstrated by CDRE Peter Lockwood and his team of 22 Navy personnel, who enhanced the Navy’s worldwide reputation for excellence while serving as the Task Force 158 (TF-158) command team.

CDRE Lockwood commanded TF-158, which comprised 10 coalition warships and up to 2000 personnel in the Gulf, an appointment that made him the second Australian to lead a combined task group in operations since World War II.

CDRE Lockwood declared mission accomplished when he and his team returned from their five-month deployment to a rousing welcome at Sydney Airport on November 16.
The members of TF-158 were also welcomed home by the Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Senator Sandy McDonald and Maritime Commander Australia RADM Davyd Thomas.

Senator McDonald thanked the members of TF-158 for a job well done as well as their families for supporting the deployment of their loved ones to a potentially dangerous place to do such a vital job for peace and prosperity in Iraq.

RADM Thomas said the achievements of CDRE Lockwood and his command team were something for the nation to be proud of.

“Being given command of the coalition maritime operations in the Gulf is indicative of the coalition’s high regard for the RAN’s professionalism,” he said.

RADM Thomas congratulated CDRE Lockwood and his team on behalf of the CDF and the CN.

“The RAN’s excellent reputation continues in this theatre and you should feel justifiably proud of your command team’s effort in this regard – Bravo Zulu,” CDF ACM Angus Houston said
CN VADM Russ Shalders said “command in the Gulf is the highest level of coalition command provided by the RAN in the Middle East Area of Operations and we should all be very proud of what they have achieved”.

CDRE Lockwood said the appointment of the RAN team was recognition of the level of respect held by the United States Navy towards the RAN and the close association they share.

“This assignment provided a once in a lifetime professional and personal opportunity for the entire Navy team and further builds on the partnership between navies of the coalition forces in Iraq,” he said.

.