Chief proud of work in Timor

CAF airborne with Commander Australian Contingent, COL David Chalmers, and Principal Air Chaplain, AIRCDRE Royce Thompson. Photograph by SGT W. Guthrie

Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Angus Houston, visited East Timor to see as many Air Force people as possible before Christmas.

CAF flew to see the Military Working Dog handlers attached to 2nd Battalion Group at Balibo before returning to Dili to meet ASNCE and PKF personnel.

He then visited the UN Military Hospital, currently staffed by members of 6 Hospital from Melbourne, working alongside personnel from the Egyptian and Singapore contingents.

AIRMSHL Houston addressed members of 6 Hospital on areas of concern, including their future as the Request For Tenders for the civilianisation of 6 Hospital functions progresses.

CAF has undertaken to keep members of the Unit fully informed of developments during the coming year, and to start this process; representatives from DPO and DPA accompanied CAF on his visit, spending the day with 6 Hospital to begin personnel management aspects for affected members.

While circumstances dictated a short visit, the Chief's message that he was very proud of the job being done by RAAF people in East Timor rang loud and clear.

'Air Force people continue to play a major role in East Timor and they are all doing a fantastic job and are highly regarded by the other Australian and UN personnel,' he said.

'6 Hospital in particular is providing an essential service to the military and civilian population in East Timor and I am proud of their continued effort.'

Story by Paul Lineham