145 Signal Squadron officer deploys to Aceh

Lieutenant James Keam (middle) from Holsworthy Barracks was called back to duty on New Year's Eve to begin unit preparations for the deployment to Indonesia

By Major Allan Croft - filed 12 January 2005

A young 20 year-old Australian Army lieutenant from 145 Signal Squadron is the latest addition to the ADF's tsunami relief effort, Operation Sumatra Assist.

Lieutenant James Keam from Holsworthy Barracks was called back to duty on New Year's Eve to begin unit preparations for the deployment to Indonesia.

Graduating from the Royal Military College at the end of 2003, Lieutenant Keam explained that he sought advice from his father who is still in the Army and had been to Bougainville and Timor.

"It's my first deployment and I'm eager to go for the operational experience, but it looks like the work will be challenging," he said.

"We've been told something of what to expect from a psychological, health and environmental viewpoint, but seeing the reality full in the face will be quite a challenge."