Image Gallery 2009
27 October 2009
New International Stabilisation Commander Takes the Helm in East Timor
Commodore Stuart Mayer from the Royal Australian Navy has taken command of the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) that is working to maintain security and restore normality in East Timor.
Commodore Mayer is the first naval officer to command the ISF. He assumes responsibility from the outgoing ISF Commander, Brigadier Bill Sowry, today at a handover ceremony in Dili.
Brigadier Sowry, who was recently bestowed the Timorese Government’s highest honour of Medal of Merit, says economic stability and community confidence in East Timor has been moving in a positive direction.
“While there is still work to be done, the improvements in East Timor’s social and economic stability are apparent,” Brigadier Sowry said and the handover ceremony.
“The streets are busy, marketplaces are open and employment opportunities are being created.
“In the past year these improvements have enabled ISF troops to reduce their presence on the streets while still being on-hand to provide a rapid response if called.
“Importantly we are seeing provincial policing responsibilities passed from the UN to East Timorese police units.
“I welcome Commodore Mayer and know his leadership of the ISF will be of great benefit to East Timor as the nation moves forward,” Brigadier Sowry said.
Commodore Mayer has held numerous command positions at sea and at Maritime Headquarters in Australia since joining the Royal Australian Navy as a Seaman Specialist in 1984. CDRE Mayer is a recipient of the Conspicuous Service Cross and served in multiple theatres of operation.
The ISF is comprised of approximately 650 Australian and 140 New Zealand Defence Force personnel tasked with assisting the government of East Timor and the United Nations to maintain stability and foster peaceful development.
| 20091023adf8114832_002 The outgoing Commander International Stabilisation Force (ISF), Brigadier Bill Sowry, symbolically passes Commander's mobile phone and the workload that comes with it to the incoming ISF Commander, Commodore Stuart Mayer, at the handover ceremony in Dili. (Date taken: 23 October 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20091023adf8114832_003 The outgoing Commander International Stabilisation Force (ISF), Brigadier Bill Sowry, symbolically passes Commander's mobile phone and the workload that comes with it to the incoming ISF Commander, Commodore Stuart Mayer, at the handover (Date taken: 23 October 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20091023adf8114832_006 Commanding Officer of the Battle Group Headquarter Lieutenant Colonel David Smith on parade, during the Commander's handover for the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in Dili. (Date taken: 23 October 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20091023adf8114832_023 Commodore Stuart Mayer from the Royal Australian Navy makes his address to the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) at the handover parade at Camp Phoenix, Timor Leste. (Date taken: 23 October 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20091023adf8114832_028 The new Commander of the International Stablisation Force, Commodore Mayer on parade during the official handover ceremony at Camp Phoenix, Dili Timor Leste. (Date taken: 23 October 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20091023adf8114832_032 Corporal David James prepares to raise the new flag at the hand over ceremony for the new Commander of the International Stabilisation Force, Commodore Stuard Mayer, at Camp Phoenix Dili, Timor Leste. (Date taken: 23 October 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20091023adf8114832_051 Members from the International Stabilisation Force on parade at Camp Phoenix, for the Commanders hand over ceremony. (Date taken: 23 October 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20091023adf8114832_053 Brigadier Bill Sowry gives his farewell speech during the hand over ceremony of International Stabilisation Force Commanders at Camp Phoenix, Dili Timor Leste. (Date taken: 23 October 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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