Our People in WA
Steve Johnson - DIANELLA SOLDIER DOING HIS BIT FOR TIMOR-LESTE
These days Steve, a former student of Morley Senior High School, is a Lieutenant with the 2nd Battalion Royal Australia Regiment which is based out of Lavarack Barracks in Townsville.
The 22 year old is now a platoon commander with the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in the fledgling nation.
“I’m in charge of about thirty soldiers in Viqueque, south east of Dili. We’re there to support the local authorities and United Nations Police,” said Steve.
This is his first deployment overseas since joining Army in 2004.
“I’ve enjoyed the autonomy and responsibility of commanding a platoon on its own, away from everything,” he said.
“My most memorable moment in Timor-Leste was getting off the plane with the platoon because it was our first deployment together after training all year,” Steve said.
When he’s not trying to improve the lives of our closest overseas neighbours, Steve enjoys rugby union, sailing and shooting.
“I’m really looking forward to having steak and beer when I get home as well as catching up with my family and friends.” He said.
He’s one of about 850 Australian Defence Force personnel currently serving in Timor Leste as part of Operation Astute, the Australian Government response to the Timorese Government request for assistance in restoring peace to their country.
The Australians, as part of the International Stabilisation Force, are assisting the Government of Timor Leste and the United Nations Police to provide a secure environment for all East Timorese.