ADF SUPPORT TO HAITI
Thursday, 28 January 2010 08:03
DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
MSPA 022/10Â Â Â
Wednesday, 27 January 2010
The Australian Defence Force's contribution to the relief effort in Haiti commenced today with the initial deployment of Royal Australian Air Force Air Traffic Controllers (ATC).
Two RAAF ATC officers, including the contingent commander Flight Lieutenant Matthew Ferguson-McLellan, departed Sydney this afternoon for Miami and will be joined later this week by three more officers. The group will conduct pre-deployment training in Miami then move forward to Haiti.
Group Captain Forster Breckenridge, Officer Commanding Number 44 Wing, where the ATC are drawn from, said the team is eager to get to Haiti, wanting to help those suffering from the effects of the disaster.
'We want to get on the ground and start working to get the relief flights into those who so desperately need it,' he said.
'The Air Traffic Control Officers will be embedded with a US Air Force team to provide specialist duties including tower and approach control in Haiti', Group Captain Breckenridge said.
'This deployment will build on the experience gained by the RAAF performing similar duties in Iraq.
'We have worked closely with our US air traffic control counterparts in the Middle East so the skill sets and methods of operations are well known and understood by both forces.
'These officers will help alleviate the pressure and improve safety at the main airport in Haiti where much of the air traffic for this aid operation is arriving.'
The highly trained RAAF ATCs will provide integrated civil/military Air Traffic Services to support humanitarian assistance operations, using skills honed in Baghdad, Sinai, Somalia, East Timor, Solomon Islands, Banda Aceh and Sudan.
The five officers will deploy to Haiti for up to two months, subject to regular reviews of the situation.
Media note: Imagery is available at: http://www.defence.gov.au/media/download/2010/Jan/20100127c/index.htm
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NORTHERN COMMAND HQ TO REMAIN IN DARWIN
Thursday, 28 January 2010 08:01
Wednesday, 27 January 2010
007/2010
Defence Minister, Senator John Faulkner, today announced that the Australian Defence Force's Northern Command (NORCOM) Headquarters would remain in Darwin.
Senator Faulkner made the announcement at the opening of the Pacific 2010 International Maritime Congress in Sydney.
The Government has considered the roles and functions of NORCOM Headquarters within the context of previous border protection reviews and has directed that NORCOM is to be retained in Darwin.
Senator Faulkner said in considering the range of Defence, border protection and whole of government priorities the Government had formed the view that the retention of NORCOM in Darwin was in Australia's best interests.
"Given the strategic importance of the north of Australia and its approaches and the important role that NORCOM plays across a number of Defence tasks, I have decided that NORCOM should be retained in Darwin.
"NORCOM has served the ADF and the people across the north of Australia for over 21 years, making a very significant contribution during that time."
NORCOM commands and coordinates Australian Defence Force (ADF) activities across the north of Australia. This includes ADF operations in the north, controlling Defence's contribution to border protection operations on behalf of Commander Border Protection Command, ADF disaster and emergency management response, major ADF deployments through Darwin and representing Defence's interests and engaging with the communities of the Northern Territory and the Kimberley.
Senator Faulkner said with retaining NORCOM in Darwin he has asked Defence to examine any opportunities to make savings in support of Defence's Strategic Reform Program.
ADFA WELCOMES NEW CADETS
Wednesday, 20 January 2010 19:47
Wednesday, 20 January 2010
004/2010
Today 264 high school graduates from across Australia have been appointed as Midshipman and Officer Cadets in the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, congratulated the new ADF members and wished them every success.
'The young men and women being appointed across the nation today have been through a highly competitive application process and have proven that they have potential to become future leaders in the ADF,' Mr Combet said.
'Not only have they been accepted into the ADF, but also into the University of New South Wales at the Australian Defence Force Academy (UNSW@ADFA).
'They are about to embark on exciting and challenging careers, where over the next three to four years they will undertake a challenging program of military training, leadership development and academic studies.
'I offer my congratulations and best wishes to all the ADFA appointees across Australia today and during the next week,' he said.
ADFA offers an exciting, rewarding and challenging experience to Year 12 graduates. As Midshipmen and Officer Cadets they undertake a three year military and leadership training program while studying undergraduate degrees in Arts, Business, Science, Engineering or Technology through UNSW@ADFA.Â
They are paid to study, have their tuition fees and textbooks paid for by the ADF, enjoy a fantastic lifestyle, and graduate with a guaranteed job in the Navy, Army or Air Force.
Across Australia this week around 320 young men and women will be appointed to the Navy, Army and Air Force as Midshipman and Officer Cadets, with further appointment ceremonies being conducted on the 22 and 25 January 2010.
For information about a place at ADFA and a career in the Navy, Army or Air Force, log on to defencejobs.gov.au or call 13 19 01.
Media Note: Imagery will be available at: http://www.defence.gov.au/media/download/2010/Jan/index.htm
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1000 TROOPS FAREWELLED IN BRISBANE
Wednesday, 20 January 2010 19:49
Wednesday, 20 January 2010
005/2010
Around 1000 troops about to deploy on operations to Afghanistan, the Middle East and East Timor were farewelled this afternoon at a parade in Brisbane's Gallipoli Barracks.
Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, told the troops that Australia was proud of them and that they and their families would be at the forefront of thoughts while they were serving their country overseas.
"The Government and the people of Australia are proud of the work that you will be doing overseas and you should be as well. The work that you will be carrying out in your country of deployment will benefit many people over many generations," Mr Combet said.
Mr Combet also thanked the family and friends of the deploying troops.
"The support provided by you is invaluable, and can not be underestimated. I am sure that the period ahead will be filled with some apprehension and anxiety, but I also know that you are proud of all of those on parade for what they have achieved so far and the tasks they will soon undertake."
The deploying personnel are drawn from a range of units from across Australia but are predominantly from units of the South Queensland-based 7th Brigade.Â
The troops are deploying as part of the Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force, Timor Leste Task Group Seven, Force Support Unit Three and Force Communications Element Three.Â
"There are approximately 3300 Australian Defence Force personnel deployed to 13 operations overseas and within Australia to protect Australia and its national interests.
"Additionally, approximately 500 ADF members are actively protecting Australia's borders and offshore maritime interests."
AUSTRALIAN SOLDIER WOUNDED BY IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICE
Monday, 04 January 2010 19:03
DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
MSPA 002/10Â Â Â Monday, 4 January 2010
An Australian soldier from the 2nd Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force was wounded 30 December 2009, when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated during the conduct of operations in southern Afghanistan.
The Australian soldier received shrapnel wounds and was aero medically evacuated to Tarin Kowt for further treatment.
The soldier is in a satisfactory condition and is being treated in the ISAF medical facility in Tarin Kowt. The soldier's family has been notified of the wounding and has spoken to the member. There were no other casualties as a result of this incident.
In an IED incident from 12 December 2009 in which no injuries were originally reported, a soldier has since presented with a delayed hearing impediment which is now being treated.
97 Australian Defence Force members have been wounded since Operation SLIPPER began.
37 ADF members were wounded during 2009.
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