ADF Personnel celebrate Christmas on operations

Around 1,880 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel serving their nation on operations overseas will celebrate Christmas away from their families and friends this year.

ADF personnel are deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, the broader Middle East Region and South Sudan, as well as in our northern waters, as part of Australia's ongoing commitment to regional and global stability and security.

Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral (VADM) David Johnston, said the ADF would continue serving on operations over a time more often reserved for holidays and festive celebrations.

"Christmas is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by the men and women of the ADF, as well as their family and friends back home who support them," VADM Johnston said.

"I remain incredibly proud of the professionalism and contribution made by all Defence personnel who supported operations throughout the year.

"Thank you to those who deployed this year and their loved ones at home who support you.

“To those away this Christmas, take time to celebrate with your ADF colleagues and our Coalition partners,” he said.

Media Note:

Pre-recorded Christmas messages from deployed ADF members will be fed to the Press Gallery at Parliament House later today. Regional television networks can obtain footage from their national affiliates.

Vision and audio of the messages can also be downloaded from the following link at: https://goo.gl/x3uYRg

On Boxing Day (Tuesday, 26 December 2017) broadcast quality video of Christmas activities on ADF operations will be fed to the Press Gallery at Parliament House. Regional television networks can obtain footage from their national affiliates.

Stills images will be available at: https://images.defence.gov.au/S20172780

Media Contact:

Defence Media 02 6127 1999, media@defence.gov.au