Image Gallery 2008
18 April 2008
Handover of RTF-3 to RTF-4 in Afghanistan
A parade has been held in Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan, to mark the Transition of Authority (ToA) from Reconstruction Task Force Three (RTF-3), led by Lieutenant Colonel David Wainwright, to Reconstruction Task Force Four (RTF-4), commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Yeaman.
Speaking prior to handing over command, Lieutenant Colonel David Wainwright wished the soldiers of RTF-4 well for their tour before paying tribute to his own soldiers and to the memory of Trooper David ‘Poppy’ Pearce who died on patrol in Afghanistan on the 8th of October 2007.
"Poppy paid the ultimate sacrifice here and I believe that has inspired all in RTF-3 to give of their best and make a difference for the people of Afghanistan - every member of the taskforce can be proud of what they’ve achieved," he said.
On assuming command Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Yeaman recognised the achievements of RTF-3 and stated that his troops were well prepared to assume responsibility for the mission. "We’ve trained hard, we’re ready and we’re up to the challenge," he said.
RTF-4’s mandate will see it continue with reconstruction and improvement of provincial infrastructure and community based projects to assist the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA) achieve a stable and secure future for its people. The incoming task force consists of approximately 400 combat engineers, infantry, cavalry and support staff, the majority based in Brisbane and Sydney.
The Townsville, Sydney and Brisbane based soldiers of RTF-3 will return home throughout April and early May.
| 20080414adf8252964_014 Commanding Officer Reconstruction Task Force Three (RTF-3) Lieutenant Colonel David Wainwright speaks to the men and women of RTF-3 and RTF-4 during a handover ceremony held in Camp Holland, Afghanistan. (Date taken: 14 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080414adf8252964_016 Men and women from Reconstruction Task Force Three (RTF-3), RTF-4 and the Dutch Task Force Uruzgan assemble during a ceremony held in Camp Holland to mark the handover of command from RTF-3 to RTF-4 (Date taken: 14 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080414adf8252964_030 The Reconstruction Task Force Three (RTF-3) flag is lowered for the last time by Regimental Sergeant Major RTF-3 Warrant Officer Class One Terry McKeown. The flag is being lowered during a ceremony held in Camp Holland to mark the end of operations for RTF-3 and the begining of RTF-4's tour of duty. (Date taken: 14 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080414adf8252964_043 The Reconstruction Task Force Four (RTF-4) flag prepares to be hoisted for the first time by Regimental Sergeant Major RTF-4 Warrant Officer Class One Steven Di Tullio. The flag will be raised during a ceremony held in Camp Holland to mark the end of operations for RTF-3 and the begining of RTF-4's tour of duty. (Date taken: 14 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080414adf8252964_046 Commanding Officer Reconstruction Task Force Four (RTF-4) Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Yeaman speaks to the men and women of RTF-3 and RTF-4 with the Australian Ambassador to Afghanistan, Mr Martin Quinn and other Senior Officers in attendance, during a handover ceremony held in Camp Holland, Afghanistan. (Date taken: 14 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080414adf8252964_047 Regimental Sergeant Major of Reconstruction Task Force Three (RTF-3) Warrant Officer Class One Terry McKeown shouders the RTF-3 flag after lowering it on parade for the last time. The flag was lowered and replaced by the flag of the incoming Reconstruction Task Force Four during a handover ceremony held in Camp Holland, Afghanistan. (Date taken: 14 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080414adf8252964_052 Commanding Officer Reconstruction Task Force Four (CO RTF-4) Lieutenant Colonel (LTCOL) Stuart Yeaman takes over from CO RTF-3 LTCOL David Wainwright. Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) RTF-4 Warrant Officer Class One (WO1) Steven Di Tullio replaces RSM RTF-3 WO1 Terry Mckeown during a handover ceremony held in Camp Holland, Afghanistan. (Date taken: 14 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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