15 June 2005
Activities from Operation Spire end of mission in Timor-Leste

The handover of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Moleana signifies the end of Australia’s peacekeeping involvement in Timor Leste (formerly East Timor).

The last of Australias' peacekeeping forces depart Timor-Leste on 24 Jun 05 signifying the end of OPERATION SPIRE. The Australian Defence Force (ADF) coordinated and led the original United Nations mandated multi-national INTERFET mission to restore law and order in September 1999.

This involved the deployment of over 5000 ADF personnel. The Australian Government continues to support the United Nation (UN) mission in Timor-Leste.

As part of that continuing support, the ADF remains engaged in Timor-Leste as part of the ongoing Defence Cooperation program by supplying 24 personnel to provide training and advice to the Timor-Leste Defence Force.

20050611adf8163792_010 Activities from Operation Spire end of mission in Timor-Leste. Lieutenant Colonel Brian Cox, Australian National Commander Timor-Leste (left) with Warrant Officer Class 2 Leon Pennington the Ammunition Technician of 10 FSB (Force Support Base). Warrant Officer Pennington prepares ammunition for disposal prior to the end of Operation Spire. (Date Taken: 11 June 2005) Low-Res | Hi-Res	20050611adf8163792_014 Activities from Operation Spire end of mission in Timor-Leste. Warrant Officer Class 2 Leon Pennington (right) the Ammunition Technician of 10 FSB (Force Support Base) oversees Corporal Jeff Vince also of 10 FSB during the destruction of ammunition prior to the end of Operation Spire. (Date Taken: 11 June 2005) Low-Res | Hi-Res
20050611adf8163792_013 Activities from Operation Spire end of mission in Timor-Leste. Warrant Officer Class 2 Leon Pennington (right) the Ammunition Technician of 10 FSB (Force Support Base) directs Corporal Jeff Vince also of 10 FSB in the destruction of ammunition prior to the end of Operation Spire. (Date Taken: 11 June 2005) Low-Res | Hi-Res