Change of command in Baghdad

AIRCDRE Greg Evans in Iraq.

AIR Commodore Greg Evans, Commander of the Australian Forces in Iraq, is returning home after more than six months on the job.

He will hand over the reigns to Navy Commander Geoff Ledger, currently Commander Australian Navy Aviation Group, HMAS Albatross.

Based in Baghdad, AIRCDRE Evans has led more than 900 ADF personnel on active service in the Middle East in support of coalition rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in Iraq.

Defence Minister Robert Hill praised him for his command and leadership since assuming the position last November.

“AIRCDRE Evans has done a good job under very trying conditions during a period when insurgent attacks were becoming a regular occurrence,” Senator Hill said.

“The ADF continues to make a substantial commitment to coalition operations ... to date, C-130 Hercules transport aircraft have maintained an effective air bridge within the Middle East. On nearly 900 missions, these aircraft have carried over 7,800 tonnes of cargo, more than 23,000 passengers and over 1300 aero-medical evacuations.

“Our maritime patrol aircraft continue to provide invaluable support undertaking intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions over the Persian Gulf.”

AIRCDRE Evans will take up his new appointment of Director General Capability Management at Air Force Headquarters in July.

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