Image Gallery 2008
28 March 2008
Medal presentation comes with thanks from Timor
The Acting President of Timor Leste, Fernando Lasama de Araujo, recently thanked the ISF for its contribution to the stability of the country and invited its members to return one day to see a new Timor.
He made the comments during a medal presentation parade for members of the Timor Leste Battle Group 3 where President Lasama presented the Australian Service Medal and clasps to a number of recipients.
Commanding Officer of Timor-Leste Battle Group 3 (TLBG-3), LTCOL Ben James, said the parade marked the beginning of the end for the 88 members as they underwent the final preparations for their return to Australia following a six month deployment to Timor Leste.
With TLBG-3 comprised of personnel from 35 different units across the three Services, LTCOL James took the time to particularly acknowledge the efforts of those in the Combat Support Service Company - Q-store, technical services, medical and clerical areas.
Operation ASTUTE is the Australian Government's response to a request from the Government of Timor-Leste to assist in restoring peace to their country.
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has deployed to Timor-Leste with a mission to assist the Government and the United Nations to bring stability, security and confidence to the Timorese to allow them to resolve their differences democratically and peacefully.
There are approximately 1000 ADF personnel currently serving in Timor-Leste. This force will remain in Timor-Leste continuing to provide a robust response capability to support the Government of Timor-Leste and the United Nations Police force.
Police from Australia and 24 other nations throughout the world provide security in Dili. The ADF provides support to these police operations as required.
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is working alongside the ADF to assist with this mission.
| 20080325adf8239716_185 Timor-Leste Acting President Fernando Lasama (left) greets Commanding Officer Timor-Leste Battle Group 3, Lieutenant Colonel Ben James and International Stabilisation Force Commander Brigadier James Baker (background) at Force Extraction Centre in Dili. President Lasama presented Australian Service Medals (ASM) to the soldiers departing on completion of their six-month rotation. (Date taken: 25 March 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080325adf8239716_197 Timor-Leste Acting President Fernando Lasama presents Private Adams with his Australian Service Medal (ASM) at Force Extraction Centre in Dili after completion of his six-month deployment to Timor-Leste. (Date taken: 25 March 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080325adf8239716_219 Commander Timor Leste Battle Group 3 Lieutenant Colonel Ben James chats with Signaller Sharon Field on parade at the Force Extraction Centre (FEC) after presentation of Australian Service Medals (ASM) marking the completion of their six-month rotation on Operation ASTUTE. (Date taken: 25 March 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080325adf8239716_246 Timor-Leste Battle Group Corporal Stacy Grey stands at attention after recieving his Australian Service Medal (ASM) on the completion of his six-month rotation on Operation ASTUTE. (Date taken: 25 March 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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