24 June 2005
The last of Australia’s peacekeeping forces depart Timor-Leste

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 last of Australia’s peacekeeping forces depart Timor-Leste on 24 Jun 05 signifying the end of operation Spire and the completion of the mission for the ADF. The Australian Government continues to support the UN mission in Timor-Leste. The ADF will continue to provide twenty four personnel to furnish training and advice to the Timor-Leste Defence Force as part of Australia’s ongoing Defence Cooperation Program.

20050624adf8163792_003 Group photograph of last peace-keepers about to leave Timor-Leste. (Date Taken: 24 June 2005) Low-Res | Hi-Res	20050624adf8163792_005 Lieutenant Colonel Brian Cox (left) presents Lieutenant Hobbs (right) with a Australian National Commanders' commendation. (Date Taken: 24 June 2005) Low-Res | Hi-Res
20050624adf8163792_009 Mr Geodino Lapina farewells Lieutenant Colonel Brian Cox at Dili Airport on his departure to Australia. (Date Taken: 24 June 2005) Low-Res | Hi-Res	20050624adf8163792_010 Lieutenant Colonel Brian Cox is farewelled at Dili Airport by Timor-Leste VIPs. (Date Taken: 24 June 2005) Low-Res | Hi-Res
20050624adf8163792_012 Lieutenant Colonel Brian Cox departs Dili Airport for Australia. (Date Taken: 24 June 2005) Low-Res | Hi-Res	20050624adf8163792_014 Lieutenant Colonel Brian Cox departs Dili Airport for Australia. (Date Taken: 24 June 2005) Low-Res | Hi-Res
20050624adf8163792_015 Lieutenant Colonel Brian Cox is farewelled as he departs Dili Airport for Australia. (Date Taken: 24 June 2005) Low-Res | Hi-Res	20050624adf8163792_016 Lieutenant Colonel Brian Cox departs Dili Airport for Australia. (Date Taken: 24 June 2005) Low-Res | Hi-Res
20050624adf8163792_018 Lieutenant Colonel Brian Cox departs Dili Airport for Australia. (Date Taken: 24 June 2005) Low-Res | Hi-Res