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15th December 2011 First female Admiral for the Royal Australian Navy

The Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs, has today promoted Commodore Robyn Walker to the rank of Rear Admiral in the Royal Australian Navy. Admiral Walker is the first female in the Navy to attain the rank of Rear Admiral and to take on the job of Surgeon‑General for the Australian Defence Force.

“This is an outstanding achievement personally for Admiral Walker,” Vice Admiral Griggs said.

“Her promotion reflects her outstanding service and dedication to Defence health services, the Royal Australian Navy and the Australian Defence Force.”

Admiral Walker’s promotion is especially timely with 2011 being the centenary year of the Navy and emerging changes to policies regarding women in the Australian Defence Force.

“Admiral Walker’s achievements as Director-General of Health for the Navy with broader responsibilities to the ADF in leading a $270 million dollar revamp of the ADF’s health capability, and her previous role in supporting the health of operational Defence personnel in Iraq and East Timor, have been recognised in the decision to promote her,” Vice Admiral Griggs said.

“She is an exceptional role model for all women in Defence,” Vice Admiral Griggs said.

Admiral Walker joined the Royal Australian Navy from Brisbane as a Direct Entry Lieutenant in 1991, and has continued to work in the field of medicine ever since. Admiral Walker has served in HMA Ship Westralia and with the Sea Training Group, and has been involved in the planning of health support for several military operations.

Some of the highlights of the Admiral’s career include leading the health planning and assembly for Australia’s military medical response to the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, leading further developments to the Australian Defence Force’s Mental Health Strategy between 2005 and 2008, and receiving the Telstra ACT Business Woman of the Year Award this year.

Admiral Walker said she is honoured and humbled by her promotion.

“Navy and Defence have provided me with every opportunity to learn and develop as an individual; and if you take the opportunities that are provided and work hard, your efforts will be noticed and rewarded,” Admiral Walker said.

“I am looking forward to the challenges that I will face and continuing to make a positive difference in my new role.”

Vice Admiral Griggs said that Navy has been hard at work developing and implementing a number of initiatives to support the leadership development of Navy women, and to improve Navy’s workforce gender balance.

“I am proud of the efforts of our people in encouraging and mentoring women in key leadership roles,” he said.

Media Note: Imagery from the Promotion Ceremony will be available at http://images.defence.gov.au/fotoweb/Grid.fwx?archiveId=5003=&search=11121608

from 6pm.

Media Contact: Defence Media Operations - 02 6127 1999

Tour of Duty: Australia’s Secret War – Monday November 28th 7:30pm Ten

SPECIAL FORCES GRANT TEN NEWS EXCLUSIVE ACCESS For the first time ever, Australia’s most secretive soldiers, the Special Forces, have invited a TV crew to document them in action in Afghanistan. This exclusive TEN documentary, over three years in the making, follows investigative journalist and four time Walkley winner Chris Masters as he goes deep into the field with the Special Air Services Regiment, the SAS. The most comprehensive account of these elite forces in action, TEN cameras accompany the Special Forces on several missions inside enemy lines, including night raids on Taliban hotspots, to a high risk undercover operation to destroy a multi-million dollar Taliban drug lab. Australian Special Forces soldiers, some of whom have been wounded in action, talk candidly of their experiences, about the dangers of working with allies who can turn on them, and on their views of progress in Afghanistan, as the transition phase evolves towards local control. TEN cameras are there on a key date in this conflict, that of the tenth anniversary of September 11th, the day that changed the world and marked the start of this war on terror. On making the documentary, Chris Masters says: “This program is a first in many ways. It is the first time news cameras were allowed to follow Australian Special Forces into action; the first time we see the Afghanistan war from their perspective and talk to the normally secretive SASR, Commandos and IRR at what passes for a front line. It is also the first time in my view, that at last in Afghanistan we see the fight being taken to the enemy.” TEN’s interim Head of News Dermot O’Brien says: “This must-see documentary is a significant effort by Chris Masters, one of Australia’s leading investigative journalists, which delivers a rare insight into Australia’s elite forces fighting in Afghanistan. Though not fought on our shores, this conflict affects the lives of Australian’s every single day, and it’s a privilege for TEN to be able to share the stories and unique experiences of the special forces soldiers who put themselves on the line for their country.”

Tour of Duty: Australia’s Secret war is on: Monday 28th November at 7.30pm on TEN An extended 90 minute version on Monday 5th December at 9.30pm on ONE

Preview at: http://soldiersystems.net/2011/11/23/oreview-tour-of-duty-australias-secret-war/

Date: Fri, Sep 9, 2011 Army Airborne Insertion Capability

The responsibility for maintaining the Airborne Insertion (Parachute) Capability has transfered from Army Forces Command to Special Operations Command.

The transfer marks a significant milestone in the history of Army’s parachute capability.

The Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison recognised that the Army has raised, developed and maintained a conventional parachute capability over the past 31 years.

“I acknowledge the fine efforts of all those who have served as part of, and in support of the parachute capability,” Lieutenant General Morrison said.

Initially raised and based on a company in the 6^th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (6 RAR) in 1980, the parachute capability was enhanced and the responsibility transferred to the 3^rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (3 RAR) in 1983. During its time as a Parachute Battalion, 3 RAR was ably supported by a wide range of units from the 1^st and 3^rd Brigades, the Parachute Training School and 176^th Air Dispatch Squadron.

“I also acknowledge the ongoing support of the Royal Australian Air Force in maintaining the parachute capability.”

“The parachute capability has been important part of the ADF’s contingency force since its inception, and will continue to be into the future. However, times have changed and there is a need to re-balance Army to meet the challenges of the future,” Lieutenant General Morrison said.

“3RAR now faces many new challenges including the move to Townsville, deployment to Afghanistan and playing its part in Army’s future.”

The transfer of the parachute capability to Special Operations Command means that the ADF maintains a robust and flexible entry capability while ensuring that Army is better able to meet the challenges of the future.

Media contact:

Defence Media Operations 02 6127 1999

23 August 2011 Private Matthew Lambert

It is with deep regret the Australian Defence Force announces the death of Private Matthew Lambert during operations in Afghanistan on 22 August 2011. Private Lambert was a member of the Mentoring Task Force - Three and was from the 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (2RAR) based in Townsville, North Queensland.

Private Lambert is survived by his spouse, parents and family.

Private Lambert was born in Kogarah, NSW, in 1985. He joined the Army from southern Queensland enlisting in the 9th Battalion, Royal Queensland Regiment in August 2005, transferring to the Australian Regular Army in February 2007 and posted to 2RAR in Townsville.

Private Lambert is described as a well respected soldier who excelled in any task he was assigned, and was looking forward to serving his country in Afghanistan.

Private Lambert has been awarded the following honours and awards: Australian Active Service Medal with clasp International Coalition Against Terror, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Australian Service Medal with clasp Timor - Leste, Australian Defence Medal and the Timor – Leste Solidarity Medal.

During Private Lambert’s service in the Australian Army he deployed on the following operations:

OPERATION ASTUTE (East Timor) - June 2009 – November 2009.

OPERATION SLIPPER (Afghanistan) – June 2011 – August 2011.

A portrait of Private Lambert is available from:

http://images.defence.gov.au/fotoweb/Grid.fwx?archiveId=5003=&search=11120508

Media Contacts:

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

15th August 2011 Two Mentoring Task Force soldiers wounded in Uruzgan IED strike

Two Australian soldiers serving with Mentoring Task Force – 3 were wounded overnight (Australian Eastern Time) when the Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle they were travelling in struck an insurgent-laid Improvised Explosive Device.

The blast left one Australian soldier with serious wounds and another suffering minor wounds.

Acting Chief of Joint Operations Rear Admiral David Johnston said the wounded soldiers were treated by their patrol mates at the scene before being quickly evacuated by helicopter for specialist care.

“Both soldiers have received immediate trauma care in the Role 2 Medical Facility at Multi-National Base Tarin Kot and both were later moved to Kandahar for further treatment,” Rear Admiral Johnston said.

“The seriously wounded soldier will move to the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany for specialist assessment in the coming days, and we will have a clearer understanding of his prognosis for recovery after that.”

The incident occurred during a routine Mentoring Task Force activity in the Mirabad Valley region of Uruzgan province yesterday afternoon (local time).

Both soldiers were travelling in the Bushmaster when the Improvised Explosive Device detonated and they suffered wounds consistent with the concussive force of an explosive blast.

The families of both soldiers have been notified and are receiving support from Defence.

Rear Admiral Johnston said the incident came a short time after another Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle struck a separate insurgent-laid Improvised Explosive Device in the same general area.

“No soldiers have been reported wounded in the initial strike although the Bushmaster did sustain some damage,” Rear Admiral Johnston.

Both damaged vehicles have been recovered to a nearby patrol base.

This incident increases the number of soldiers wounded in action in Afghanistan this year to 19.

184 soldiers have been wounded in Afghanistan since 2001.

Media contact:

Defence Media Operations - 02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664

10th August 2011 Insurgent Commander captured in Shah Wali Kot operation

The Afghan Police Provincial Response Company - Uruzgan and Special Operations Task Group have continued their recent operational successes, detaining another key insurgent commander.

The insurgent commander was detained during a partnered operation in the Shah Wali Kot area of Northern Kandahar on the 29^th of July.

A highly skilled bomb maker and distributor of improvised explosive device components, it is believed the insurgent commander was also involved in the illicit drugs trade in the region.

The commander of Australian Defence Force personnel deployed in the Middle East, Major General Angus Campbell said the continued pressure against the insurgency and constant removal of insurgent leaders was degrading the insurgency’s operations in and around Uruzgan.

“These targeted operations are opening a noticeable void in the insurgent command structure and continue to deny insurgent’s sanctuary in southern Afghanistan,” Major General Campbell said.

Thirteen insurgent commanders have been detained or killed during deliberate operations over the past three months.

The insurgent commander, who posed a serious threat to coalition forces and the security of the local population, has been transferred to the Detention Facility in Parwan in accordance with Australia’s detainee management framework.

Media contact: Defence Media Operations 02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664

4th August 2011 Afghan led security operation in Uruzgan completes first phase

The Afghan National Army (ANA) continues to expand its security footprint in Uruzgan, successfully completing the first phase of Operation ROSHAN - aimed at allowing basic services to be introduced in the Charmestan region in the east of the province.

Operation ROSHAN is an ANA-planned and led security operation involving the 3^rd Kandak of the 4^th Brigade, with mentoring support from the Australian Mentoring Task Force – Three (MTF-3).

The aim is to disrupt insurgent movement and their ability to conduct operations in the Charmestan region.

Commanding Officer of MTF-3 Lieutenant Colonel Chris Smith said the success of the first phase had set the scene for the Provincial Government’s expansion deeper into the eastern reaches of the Mirabad Valley.

“Uruzgan’s Provincial Governor, Governor Shirzad, said he could not send government workers into the area unless their security could be guaranteed. Our purpose is to mentor the 3^rd Kandak into the Charmestan Valley to help them establish and maintain security in the area,” Lieutenant Colonel Smith said.

“Insurgent action against people associated with the Afghan Government has been holding back local development and the reaction to the 3^rd Kandak and MTF-3 partnered operation had been very positive.

"Just like Australians, locals want access to doctors, schools and decent roads.

"The first step in providing this is to stop insurgents from violently opposing even basic improvements to quality-of-life.”

A new security base will be constructed at the main Charmestan Valley intersection to provide Afghan security forces with a permanent local presence and the ability to maintain security.

“We will continue to work with the ANA by helping to construct the security base and to make sure they have the skills to keep insurgents from returning and attacking civilians, including those providing critical health and medical services,” Lieutenant Colonel Smith said.

Media note: Imagery is available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/fotoweb/Grid.fwx?archiveId=5003&search=11120354

2 August 2011 - Victoria Cross action

The citation for his VC was gazetted on 6 September 1945, and read:

War Office, 6th September, 1945.

The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the VICTORIA CROSS to:-

No. VX.102142 Private Edward KENNA, 2/4 Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Military Forces.

In the South West Pacific at Wewak on 15th May, 1945, during the attack on the Wirui Mission features, Private Kenna's company had the task of capturing certain enemy positions. The only position from which observation for supporting fire could be obtained was continuously swept by enemy heavy machine gun fire and it was not possible to bring Artillery or Mortars into action.

Kenna during his military service

Private Kenna's platoon was ordered forward to deal with the enemy machine gun post, so that the company operation could proceed. His section moved as close as possible to the bunker in order to harass any enemy seen, so that the remainder of the platoon could attack from the flank. When the attacking sections came into view of the enemy they were immediately engaged at very close range by heavy automatic fire from a position not previously disclosed. Casualties were suffered and the attackers could not move further forward.

Private Kenna endeavoured to put his Bren gun into a position where he could engage the bunker, but was unable to do so because of the nature of the ground. On his own initiative and without orders Private Kenna immediately stood up in full view of the enemy less than fifty yards away and engaged the bunker, firing his Bren gun from the hip. The enemy machine gun immediately returned Private Kenna's fire and with such accuracy that bullets actually passed between his arms and his body. Undeterred, he remained completely exposed and continued to fire at the enemy until his magazine was exhausted. Still making a target of himself, Private Kenna discarded his Bren gun and called for a rifle. Despite the intense machine gun fire, he seized the rifle and, with amazing coolness, killed the gunner with his first round.

A second automatic opened fire on Private Kenna from a different position and another of the enemy immediately tried to move into position behind the first machine gun, but Private Kenna remained standing and killed him with his next round.

The result of Private Kenna's magnificent bravery in the face of concentrated fire, was that the bunker was captured without further loss, and the company attack proceeded to a successful conclusion, many enemy being killed and numerous automatic weapons captured.

There is no doubt that the success of the company attack would have been seriously endangered and many casualties sustained but for Private Kenna's magnificent courage and complete disregard for his own safety. His action was an outstanding example of the highest degree of bravery.^[2]

Three weeks later he was shot in the mouth and spent more than a year in hospital before being discharged from the AIF in December 1946. The following year he married Marjorie Rushberry, a nurse who had cared for him at Heidelberg Military Hospital.

Tuesday, 26 July 2011 VA058

ANZAC DAY HONOURS TO SCHOOLS ACROSS THE NATION

A South Australian primary school and a West Australian high school have been awarded top honours in this year’s Anzac Day Schools’ Awards, announced today by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon.

The annual Anzac Day Schools’ Awards encourage students to learn about Australia’s wartime history and develop relationships with their local veteran and current serving communities.

Mr Snowdon said this year 18 winners across the country shared in $20,000 of prize money, funded by the Australian Government’s Saluting their Service commemorations program.

“This year’s entries showed exceptional commitment to commemorating the service and sacrifice of Australia’s veterans and current serving members.

“It is great to see the effort, thought and planning that schools have put in to remembering our wartime history and ensuring the commemorations of the Anzacs live on,” he said.

“I congratulate the national winners, Compton Primary School from South Australia and Merredin Senior High School from Western Australia, who showed outstanding initiative in their commemorations,” Mr Snowdon said.

Compton Primary School students captured the history of their town by developing a Trail of Honour commemorating 67 local Second World War veterans. The school held a special service which was well attended by students, families and the wider Mount Gambier community.

Merredin Senior High School students conducted an exceptional research project on former Australian Prisoners of War (POWs). Students studied POWs, including some from their local area, and created an excellent display to tell their stories.

“I strongly encourage all Australian primary and secondary schools to consider sharing how they commemorate and learn about Australia’s wartime history and enter the Anzac Day Schools’ Awards in 2012. The sharing of our veterans’ stories is becoming increasingly important as we look towards the Centenary of the First World War from 2014 to 2018.

“Congratulations to those who entered this year’s competition and I challenge you to think about what you can do next year to increase your learning and build on the relationships with your local veteran and current serving communities,” Mr Snowdon said.

Editors note: A full list of all secondary and primary school winners is attached, more information on the Anzac Day Schools’ Awards can be found at www.dva.gov.au.

Media inquiries: Minister Snowdon: Alice Plate 0400 045 999

Department of Veterans’ Affairs Media: 02 6289 6203

2011 Anzac Day Schools’ Awards

NATIONAL WINNERS	STATE	$PRIZE
Compton Primary School	SA	$2,000
Merredin Senior High School	WA	$2,000
STATE WINNERS - Secondary Schools	STATE		$PRIZE
Singleton High School	NSW		$1,000
Katherine School of The Air	NT		$1,000
Ayr State High School	QLD		$1,000
Kildare College	SA		$1,000
Lyndhurst Secondary College	VIC		$1,000
Merredin Senior High School	WA		$1,000
STATE WINNERS - Primary Schools	STATE		$PRIZE
Harrison Primary School	ACT		$1,000
St Therese School	NSW		$1,000
Bradshaw Primary School	NT		$1,000
West Moreton Anglican School	QLD		$1,000
Compton Primary School	SA		$1,000
Albuera Street Primary School	TAS		$1,000
Diamond Creek East Primary School	VIC		$1,000
Kingston Primary School	WA		$1,000
SPECIAL CATEGORIES	STATE		$PRIZE
Best innovative activity – Playford Primary School	SA		$500
Best local history research – Bloomsbury State School	QLD		$500
Best veteran and community involvement – Giralang Primary School	ACT		$500
Best commemorative art – St Ursula’s College	QLD		$500
TOTAL PRIZE MONEY			$20,000

Tuesday, 26 July 2011 VA060

REMEMBERING AUSTRALIA’S KOREAN WAR VETERANS

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, urged all Australians to take the time to remember the men and women who served in the Korean War tomorrow on Korean Veterans’ Day.

Mr Snowdon said the Korean War is often referred to as the forgotten war.

“Australian troops fought bravely to bring peace to the people of South Korea. More than 17,000 Australians, including around 50 nurses, served from June 1950 to July 1953 and in the post-Armistice period,” he said.

“Some 340 Australians were killed including 43 whom to this day remain listed as missing in action. More than 1,200 were wounded and nearly four million Korean and Chinese soldiers and civilians also lost their lives.”

Mr Snowdon said the contribution of those who served in Korea will never be forgotten.

“This year marks the 60^th anniversary of the Battle of Maryang San – the greatest single feat of the Australian Army during the War,” he said.

“At 4am, on 5 October 1951, under heavy mist, the Australians fought through rugged terrain to capture the Chinese frontline. After three days of fierce fighting and against superior enemy numbers, they were able to gain and secure the Maryang San hills. The two previous attempts from American forces had failed.

“In that battle alone, Australian casualties were 20 killed and 104 wounded,”

Mr Snowdon said the battle was significant as it was thought to be the last chance for the UN forces to establish strong defensive positions before the ceasefire and armistice negotiations.

“Australian soldiers distinguished themselves in this battle, as they did throughout the War - showing courage and tenacity despite the very difficult situations they were in.

“The Australians fought with great courage and resolve in helping to ensure the freedom of the South Korean people. It is important we remember those who served, especially those who lost their lives,” Mr Snowdon said.

Editor’s note: Images of the Korean War are available at www.dva.gov.au/media

Media inquiries: Minister Snowdon: Alice Plate 0400 045 999

Department of Veterans’ Affairs Media: 02 6289 6203

Tuesday, 26 July 2011 VA059

NEW PROJECT TO RETRACE THE ANZACS FROM ALBANY’S SHORES

Retracing the stories and experiences of Australians who left our shores to fight in the First World War will be part of a new interactive centre in Western Australia being supported today by the Australian Government.

In Albany, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on the Centenary of Anzac, Warren Snowdon announced the Australian Government would provide $250,000 for a scoping study to help develop an Anzac Interpretive Centre in Albany.

“This is the first project we’ve announced support for in the lead-up to the Anzac Centenary, and we’ve chosen Albany in Western Australia because it holds great significance in our wartime history – and that’s not well known by many Australians.

“The first convoy that departed for the First World War left from Albany in November 1914 and included ships carrying thousands of our soldiers, seamen, airmen and nurses from the eastern states as well as our friends from New Zealand.

“The ships converged on King George’s Sound on the south coast of Western Australia before assembling with vessels carrying troops from the west. Together the convoy of 36 ships then sailed overseas for training exercises and onto the shores of Gallipoli and later the Western Front.”

Mr Snowdon said the Anzac Interpretive Centre will capture the history of the town with the stories of Australians who left on the Australian Imperial Force convoys.

“For many, leaving the shores of Australia was part of a great adventure into the unknown and a journey full of exhilaration to fight for the British Empire and its allies.

“It was a journey that would be bitter sweet, with many leaving families and loved ones behind, never to see them or the shores of Australia again,” he said.

Once developed, the Anzac Interpretive Centre will be a place of education for all Australians and in particular our future generations.

“The interactive technology of the Centre will allow visitors to the centre – either online or in person - to retrace the story of an Australian digger or nurse from the moment they left Australian shores to where their First World War experience took them to.

“I’d like to thank the people of Albany for their commitment to this project and I look forward to hearing of the progress made as we head towards 2014,” Mr Snowdon said.

The Centre in Albany was a key focus in the National Commission on the Commemoration of the Anzac Centenary’s report to the Government.

“As we approach the Anzac Centenary the Australian Government is focused on developing educational projects that are accessible to all Australians and building awareness of our wartime heritage,” he said.

Today’s announcement follows the recent appointment of Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston AC, AFC (Ret’d) as Chair of the Anzac Centenary Advisory Board who will progress further development of the centenary planning.

For more information on plans to mark the Anzac Centenary visit www.anzaccentenary.gov.au.

Editor’s note: Images of the Minister’s visit to Albany in April and on this occasion will be available in the Image Gallery at: http://minister.dva.gov.au/

Media inquiries: Minister Snowdon: Alice Plate 0400 045 999

Department of Veterans’ Affairs Media: 02 6289 6203

NINE Australian soldiers have been injured, one seriously, during a training exercise on the central Queensland coast.

Defence Department spokesman Brigadier Bob Brown said an Armoured Personnel Carrier rolled down an embankment and landed on its turret during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011 overnight.

The vehicle was carrying nine soldiers when it rolled at Shoalwater Bay training area, north of Rockhampton.

"Emergency medical assets were notified and after initial medical care, eight of those injured have been treated and released," Brigadier Brown said.

"One ADF member has been transferred to Brisbane Hospital for specialist care."

Brigadier Brown said the soldier was expected to make a full recovery.

A Defence Department spokeswoman said the nature of the hospitalised soldier's injuries were "not known at this stage."

An investigation will be held into the accident.

Tuesday, 19 July 2011

14 AUSTRALIAN WW1 SOLDIERS HONOURED IN FRANCE

The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon, today honoured 14 Australian World War One soldiers at a headstone dedication ceremony in Fromelles, France.

Mr Snowdon marked the 95^th anniversary of the Battle of Fromelles and joined relatives of the men as named headstones were unveiled at the Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery.

“These men died during the bloodiest 24 hours in Australia’s military history—and almost a century on, we can finally give them, and their families, the dignity of a known grave,” Mr Snowdon said.

“I am heartened to be able to share this moment with family members of Australian soldiers—it is proof that no matter how many years have passed, Australians do not forget those who have sacrificed their lives in times of war,” he said.

The 14 Australian soldiers from across New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia, Victoria and South Australia were identified by name in April this year. [see list attached]

When added to the 96 Australians identified in 2010 this brings the total named soldiers to 110, all of them Australian, and a further 100 soldiers have been identified as serving with the Australian forces.

Two soldiers have been identified as serving with the British forces and 38 soldiers remain ‘known unto God’.

The project to recover, reinter, identify and commemorate 250 soldiers discovered in France in 2009 continues until 2014 and relatives of soldiers who died in the battle are encouraged to contact Army, in efforts to identify the remaining 140 men.

Editor’s note:

· Names of 14 Identified soldiers – are listed in the attachment

· Photos of soldiers: A small number of images are available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/fotoweb/Grid.fwx?archiveId=5003&search=20112231

· Contacting relatives - Media wishing to contact the relatives of the soldiers should contact Defence Media Operations on contacts below

· Photos of the ceremony will be available at:
http://images.defence.gov.au/fotoweb/Grid.fwx?archiveId=5003&search=20112231

For more information, visit www.army.gov.au/fromelles or call 1800 019 090.

Further Information:
Minister Snowdon’s office: Alice Plate 0400 045 999
Army Headquarters Media: Rukshan Abeyaratne 0417 280 274 (In country)
Defence Media Operations: 02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664

FROMELLES PROJECT - LIST OF 14 AUSTRALIAN SOLDIERS

Service Number	Rank	Given Names	Surname	Unit	Enlisted
4811	Private	Percy	Geason	55th Battalion	Merewether, NSW
1390	Private	Herbert James	Haslam	29th Battalion	North Carlton, VIC
4744	Private	Albert Clive	Bromley	53rd Battalion	Brewarrina, NSW
	Captain	Thomas Francis	Sheridan	29th Battalion	Prahan, VIC
4420	Lance Corporal	William Andrew	Craigie	54th Battalion	Nyngan, NSW
1590	Corporal	Charles William	Murray	30th Battalion	Auburn, NSW
3310	Corporal	Frederick	Fletcher	55th Battalion	Oakley Bay, NSW
3256	Private	Maurice Leslie	Reid	32nd Battalion	Woods, SA
4299	Private	Arthur	Russell	54th Battalion	Kellyville, NSW
3327	Private	George	Hungerford	53rd Battalion	Toowoomba, QLD
1168	Corporal	David Frederick	Livingston	29th Battalion	East Melbourne, VIC
2056	Private	Matthew	Hepple	30th Battalion	Cessnock, NSW
743	Private	Daniel Bernard	Ryan	30th Battalion	Goulburn, NSW
311	Private	Leslie Gordon	Walsh	31st Battalion	Casino, NSW

uesday, 19 July 2011 VA054

WESTERN FRONT PROJECTS HONOUR AUSTRALIAN SERVICE

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, today announced Australian Government funding to further honour Australian service on the Western Front during the First World War.

Whilst visiting the site of one of the key battles of World War One at, Passchendaele in Belgium, Mr Snowdon said the Australian Government will provide A$270,000 to help enhance the ‘Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917’ in Zonnebeke, Belgium.

The existing museum will be expanded to house exhibitions from nations which took part in the Battle of Passchendaele and display artefacts linked to nearby battlefields and interpretive displays.

Mr Snowdon said Australia’s most significant contribution to victory in the First World War was made on the Western Front, and in particular at Passchendaele.

“In eight weeks of fighting in and around Passchendaele the Australian Army suffered around 38,000 casualties including more than 11,200 who were killed in action or died of wounds. To this day, that period remains Australia’s most costly experience of war.

“I’m pleased to announce funding today for a key project that will increase the understanding of our involvement here in the lead-up to the Centenary of the First World War in 2014 to 2018.

“It will help honour the service of more than 290,000 Australians who served on the Western Front and the 46,000 who died,” he said.

The enhanced museum will form part of the Australian Remembrance Trail along the Western Front, which is being established by the Australian Government in conjunction with French and Belgian communities, and local Governments.

The Remembrance Trail will link sites of the most significant Australian battles of the First World War including Ypres and Zonnebeke in Belgium, and Fromelles, Bullecourt, Pozières, Mont St Quentin, Le Hamel and Villers-Bretonneux in France.

For more information on the Trail visit www.dva.gov.au/media.

While in France, Mr Snowdon also met with representatives from the Department of the Somme for discussions on Trail projects in the region and visited several other former battlefields.

He also laid wreaths at the Australian National Memorial, Villers-Bretonneux, the site of annual Anzac Day commemorations, the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial to the Missing, and at Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in the world.

Media inquiries: Minister Snowdon: Alice Plate 0400 045 999

Department of Veterans’ Affairs Media: 02 6289 6203

Editors note: Images of Mr Snowdon’s visit to the Western Front are available at www.dva.gov.au/media or by emailing dvamedia@dva.gov.au

2 July 2011 MTF-2 hands over reins to MTF-3 in Afghanistan

Australian Defence Force members of Mentoring Task Force – Two (MTF-2) are arriving home to Australia this week after making significant gains in improving security and expanding the Afghan National Security Force’s (ANSF) presence in Uruzgan Province during its eight month deployment to Afghanistan.

A handover parade was held in Uruzgan Province on Saturday, 25 June 2011, with official duties for the Darwin-based 1 Brigade personnel, who made up MTF-2, passing to the Townsville-based Mentoring Task Force – Three (MTF-3).

Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Ash Power said it had been a high tempo rotation, with the Task Force conducting numerous successful joint operations with the ANSF.

“Through its partnering with the 4th Afghan National Army (ANA) Brigade, MTF-2 contributed markedly to improved security in the Uruzgan Province,” Lieutenant General Power said.

“The Task Force conducted more than 2,500 patrols, locating approximately 130 improvised explosive devices (IED) and more than 380 weapons and explosive caches.”

While there were numerous successes the rotation wasn’t without tragedy, with the deaths of three soldiers, two from the Darwin-based 1^st Combat Engineer Regiment, and a member of the Force Support Unit working in support of MTF-2.

Corporal Richard Atkinson was killed in an IED strike on 2 February 2011, and Sapper Jamie Larcombe was killed during an engagement with insurgents in the Mirabad Valley region on 19 February 2011.

On 30 May 2011, Lance Corporal Andrew Jones was killed by a rogue ANA soldier at a Patrol Base in the Chora Valley region.

Nine other soldiers from MTF-2 were wounded in action during the eight-month rotation.

“Despite these casualties, the Task Force displayed remarkable endurance and courage in its pursuit of mentoring the ANA to build positive relationships with the local Afghans and tribal leaders,” Lieutenant General Power said.

The handover marks the start of the tour for MTF-3, led by 2nd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, and will see the Australian soldiers moving from partnering Afghan patrols to mentoring Afghan Commanders.

Media contact: Defence Media Operations: (02) 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664

29th JUNE 2011 Subject: Fair Indexation Bill

Afternoon Senator Lundy,

My name is Ian McManus, a retired NSW Labor MP and Vietnam Veteran.

It has come to my notice that you may have voted in in the negative recently on a motion, supported by the "peoples" house, against the above bill.

If correct, this is a shameful act against veterans of the past, present and future, who have supported and continue to support the wishes if the governments at every turn.

We, as veterans are being encouraged to fight your decision for the benefit of our young comrades and I find myself at odds ,with a difficult decision--

Do I continue to support the Labor principles instilled in me by my working class family, or do I stand with the veterans I proudly fought alongside and continue to assist where possible, in helping them cope with the traumas, brought about by combat and the failure of the Labor government the recognize them on return to Australia ..

The decision has, in fact been made for me!

In 30 years, as a member of the Labor Party, I continually found greed ,corruption, self-interest,branch stacking and elected representatives who often scoffed at the plight of their constituents . In contrast, I continued to meet with veterans who continue to help each other find peace in their troubled lives.

So Minister, since you have given up on helping these people, who fought to ensure you an exalted position as a Minister of the Crown, I am giving up on the once great ALP.

Countless Millions of taxpayer dollars is pouring out of this country every day to placate countries who have little regard for our way of life, seemingly in a vain effort to win their governments over,at the expense of people like our returned servicemen and women. Please do not reply that financial considerations were at the forefront of your decision given the waste I have outlined

It is hoped that a reflection of this matter may prove to have a reversal of your vote and more in keeping with the views of the elected representatives in the other place. If this decision is not reversed I will take every action possible, to generate a vote which may assist in the government's defeat at the next election.

The veterans of our society need representatives who appreciate and value their service.

Please feel free to forward this email to your colleague Senator Penny Wong

respectfully

Ian McManus

COUNSELLING RECORDS USED AS EVIDENCE IN A PROSECUTION CASE MAY DETER FUTURE SOLDIERS FROM SEEKING COUNSELLING

AUSTRALIAN special forces soldiers fighting in Afghanistan could shun counselling after the psychological records of two commandos cleared over the deaths of civilians were taken by Defence prosecutors for use as evidence against them.

The Herald believes Defence Force investigators seized records of counselling the two men received before and after the event, in which six Afghan civilians - including five children - were killed during a disastrous night raid on a compound in February 2009.

Manslaughter charges against the two soldiers were thrown out by a military judge last month, and the military prosecutor announced last week that she would not lay further charges.

A number of Defence sources have told the Herald that special forces soldiers have been horrified to hear that the records were handed over, and that some have since said they will not see psychologists, in case their records are also used against them.

Civilian psychologists and medical doctors are obliged to hand over patient records when there is a legal obligation to do so, but they must be subpoenaed by the court. It is unclear what the process is within Defence.

It is understood that the prosecutors had the mens' psychological records for a year before telling the Defence Forces, but there was nothing the prosecution deemed relevant enough to use as evidence.

''If you come back from operations and you're feeling uncomfortable, you will hold that in, rather than go to the psychologists,'' one source said.

''That could be a problem, because you could be deployed on future operations without being counselled. If you don't report it, you could also have problems later making a claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs.''

Special forces troops - predominantly Special Air Service troopers and commandos - spend weeks on end operating in the mountains of southern Afghanistan. They are fighting battles against insurgents, and two SAS troopers have won Victoria Crosses in Afghanistan.

The average number of Afghan deployments among them is five or six, but some have done up to 10, leading to concerns that they are becoming mentally and physically worn out as the war approaches its 11th year. ''Unlike after Vietnam, the army will retain these personnel and have to deal with it in-house,'' a source said. ''The US indicators are that we will have huge mental health issues.''

Sources have also said there has been alarm within the Defence Force about the fact a newspaper was able to obtain the Army record of Queensland Liberal National Party leader Campbell Newman under freedom of information laws.

The newspaper then published excerpts, including unflattering assessments of his leadership abilities.

The decision by the military prosecutor to charge the two commandos caused anger within the Defence Force, particularly as the charges were dismissed before they even went to trial. A lieutenant colonel in overall command of the operation has also been charged with offences linked to the raid.

In a statement released by the regimental association last week, the two soldiers said they would carry the burden of the deaths for the rest of their lives.

''We need no reminding that our actions contributed to the death of five innocent children,'' the two soldiers said.

Defence was asked to comment for this story, but did not respond by deadline.

16th July 2011 More women at sea in submarines

Minister for Defence Science and Personnel Warren Snowdon has cleared the way for more women to serve in Navy submarines by formally approving shared female and male accommodation on board every boat.

Mr Snowdon said the move, which was a recommendation of the previous Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Russ Crane, is a major step forward for women in the Australian Defence Force and has the full support of new Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Ray Griggs and his leadership team.

“This move will ensure that our female submariners access the same training and career-progression opportunities as their male crewmates.

“The Australian Government believes it is important that the nation’s defence forces be representative of the community it serves and it’s committed to ensuring that female military personnel have opportunities for career progression and development.”

Mr Snowdon said women had been serving onboard Australian Navy submarines since 1998 but, until now, females had to sleep in female-only six-berth cabins.

“A lack of dedicated bunk space on board has occasionally led to female submariners missing out on postings because of bunk limitations, which has, in turn, denied the submarine force qualified specialists.

“These limitations have also meant that only two of our three operational submarines have been able to accommodate females,” Mr Snowdon said.

Successful trials have already been conducted over several years across the submarine force with officers and senior sailors.

Strict rules apply to maintain the dignity and privacy of all people involved.
Currently 44 of the Navy’s 560 submariners are female, which equates to 7.8 per cent.

A submarine community forum will be held on 23 June in Rockingham, Western Australia, to inform the broad submarine family of the implementation plan for the initiative and gather feedback on its implementation. This will provide opportunity for families and spouses to gain more information and to have their questions answered.

The first fully integrated junior sailor messes will begin in July 2011 on board all commissioned submarines.

Of the three services, Navy has the largest percentage of women serving in its ranks at 18 per cent.

"It should be pointed out that 97 percent of Navy positions, including combat-related positions, are already open to females, but this latest measure is a significant step in the right direction,” Mr Snowdon said.

“At this stage, only clearance diving remains a restricted employment category.”

Media contact:
Minister Snowdon: Alice Plate 0400 045 999
Defence Media: 02 6127 1999

13 June 2011 Fallen Engineer returns home to his family

Sapper Rowan Robinson, the Incident Response Regiment Combat Engineer who was killed in Afghanistan last week, has arrived at RAAF Base Amberley to his waiting family.

The Royal Australian Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft was met by Incident Response Regiment soldiers who formed an honour guard and bearer party to escort Sapper Robinson’s casket to his family.

The Chief of Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston; the Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie and Special Operations Commander Australia, Major General Gus Gilmore and the Commanding Officer of the Incident Response Regiment (IRR) attended the Ramp Ceremony.

Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie, spoke of Rowan’s Combat Engineer role within the Special Operations Task Group (SOTG).

“Every time he was outside the wire, he was alongside his SOTG colleagues. As a Sapper, he led from the front, looking for threats and disabling those devices to keep his mates safe,” Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie said.

“Our thoughts remain with his family at this very difficult time as they prepare to receive and farewell their beloved son and brother.”

Special Operations Commander, Major General Gus Gilmore, described the highly specialised work of the Regiment and the loss felt by the entire Command.

“The work of the IRR is at the top end of their game. It is hugely important and dangerous work that contributes enormously to the protection of our troops in Afghanistan,” said Major General Gilmore.

“Sapper Robinson loved this work and was held in high esteem by all who worked with him in Special Operations Command. He was highly regarded for the way he approached each mission with courage and conviction. His death is felt by the entire command.”

The 23-year-old Combat Engineer was killed during a small-arms engagement with insurgents in southern Afghanistan on 6 June 2011. He was part of an Afghan National Police and Special
Operations Task Group patrol when they uncovered one of the largest insurgent caches found by Australian Special Forces this year.

The Incident Response Regiment is made up of highly trained combat engineers who employ their unique skills in direct support of Commandos and Special Air Service Regiment to assist in enabling operations in Australia and overseas.

Media note:

Imagery is available at:
http://images.defence.gov.au/fotoweb/Grid.fwx?archiveId=5003&search=20113057

Media contact:

Defence Media Operations: (02) 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664

8th June 2011 Personal details of Australian soldier killed in Afghanistan

Sapper Rowan Jaie Robinson

It is with deep regret the Australian Defence Force announces the death of Sapper Rowan Jaie Robinson during operations in Afghanistan.

Sapper Robinson was serving with the Special Operations Task Group when he was tragically killed in action on Monday 6 June 2011 (Afghanistan time).

Twenty-three year old Sapper Robinson was from the Sydney based Incident Response Regiment (IRR).

Sapper Robinson leaves behind his loving mother, father, sister and two brothers who are currently receiving support from Defence.

Sapper Robinson was born in Wahroonga, NSW in 1987. He joined the Army in 2006 and after his initial recruit training joined the 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment. After four years of service he was posted to the Incident Response Regiment at the start of 2010 where he completed his reinforcement cycle.

This was Sapper Robinson’s second deployment to Afghanistan, having deployed on Operation Slipper in 2007.

His colleagues described him as a superb young man who was fit, happy go lucky and a great team member. Sapper Robinson was a dedicated and professional soldier whose skill belied his youth. Those who had the pleasure of meeting him instantly warmed to him and his easy going nature made him popular with his peers and chain of command alike.

Sapper Robinson was awarded, the Australian Active Service Medal with clasp: International Coalition Against Terrorism (ICAT), Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Australian Defence Medal and the NATO ISAF Medal. He has also been awarded the Army Combat Badge and the Return from Active Service Badge.

During Sapper Robinson’s service in the Australian Army, he deployed on the following Operations;

a. OPERATION SLIPPER (Afghanistan) – Sep 2007 – Apr 2008.

b. OPERATION SLIPPER (Afghanistan) – Mar 2011 – Jun 2011.

Media note:

Imagery is available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/fotoweb/Grid.fwx?archiveId=5003&search=20113012

Media contact:

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664

HMAS Stuart hands over maritime operations in the Middle East to HMAS Toowoomba

The 190 men and women of HMAS Stuart are returning to their home port in Sydney, after a successful six-month deployment to the Middle East conducting maritime operations as part of Operation SLIPPER.

HMAS Stuart has handed over her responsibility for maritime operations in the Middle East to Western Australia-based HMAS Toowoomba, who commenced security operations on 2 June 2011. HMAS Toowoomba’s deployment marks the 26^th rotation by a Royal Australian Navy ship to the Middle East Area of Operations since 2001.

The Commanding Officer of HMAS Stuart, Commander Brett Sonter, said during her deployment, Stuart provided maritime security around the Horn of Africa, conducted counter-piracy and anti-smuggling operations in the Gulf of Aden and supported counter-terrorism activities of coalition partners.

“I am extremely proud of the professionalism and commitment that the Ship’s Company demonstrated over the past six months,” Commander Sonter said.

“They have exceeded expectations and presented Navy as highly skilled and an essential coalition partner.”

Over the past six months, Stuart responded to more than 300 maritime enquiries and conducted 19 anti-piracy and verification boardings. She also undertook 11 approach and assist visits, participated in search and rescue operations and helped numerous vessels requiring medical or engineering assistance.

Commander Sonter said among the more notable achievements, was Stuart’s rescue of three Yemeni fishermen held hostage by Somali pirates off the Horn of Africa, and the disabling, by live-fire, of an unoccupied skiff being towed by the pirated ship, Merchant Vessel Sinar Kudus.

“This is an extremely volatile maritime environment and without the unrelenting commitment of my crew, we would never have been able to successfully complete these demanding missions,” Commander Sonter said.

“I would also like to acknowledge the invaluable support of family and friends we received over the past six months. This was vital to the success of our deployment.”

HMAS Stuart will arrive back at Fleet Base East, Garden Island in Sydney on 30 June 2011.

02 June 2011 Stuart Robert MP

Federal Member for Fadden

Shadow Minister for Defence Science, Technology and Personnel

**MEDIA RELEASE**

WATERSHED MOMENT IN MILITARY SUPERANNUATION REFORM

All 150 Members of the House of Representatives have today supported the Coalition’s plan for fairer indexation of military superannuation pensions.

Shadow Minister for Defence Science, Technology and Personnel, Stuart Robert MP, today said that the House of Representative’s support for the Coalition’s Private Member’s Motion was very welcome news and cemented the willingness of this Parliament to legislate for the fairer indexation of military superannuation pensions.

‘All Members of the House of Representatives today agreed on the voices with the Coalition’s motion to support the concept of the unique nature of military service and to support the Coalition’s policy to more fairly index military superannuation pensions,’ Mr Robert said.

‘I am very pleased that all Members of the Lower House, including Government, Greens and Independent Members, supported the Coalition’s motion.’

‘This is a watershed moment in the Coalition’s long fight to ensure Australia’s service personnel, past and present, after giving so much to their nation, are able to live out their lives in the knowledge that they have financial security.’

Mr Robert also said that given the strong show of support from all Members of the House of Representatives that he expects the Government, The Greens and Independent Senators would be consistent in their support for the Coalition’s Fair Indexation Bill currently before the Senate; and which calls for the same outcome as contained in this motion.

‘In the face of the overwhelming support expressed by the House of Representatives today, I expect the Gillard Labor Government to drop their petty opposition to the Coalition’s Bill currently before the Senate and vote with their colleagues in the House,’ Mr Robert said.

‘I also again urge all Greens and Independent Senators to vote in support of the Coalition’s Bill given the huge showing of support the Coalition’s policy received today from Lower House MPs.’

Media enquiries: Richard Briedis – 0401 056 054

Address: Parliament House Canberra ACT 2600 Phone (02) 6277 2106 Email: richard.briedis@aph.gov.au

TRANSCRIPT: PRESS CONFERENCE WITH MINISTER FOR DEFENCE STEPHEN SMITH AND CHIEF OF THE DEFENCE FORCE AIR CHIEF MARSHAL ANGUS HOUSTON

TRANSCRIPTION: PROOF COPY E & OE

DATE: 31 MAY 2011

AIR CHIEF MARSHAL ANGUS HOUSTON: Ladies and Gentlemen, good morning. The Australian Defence Force had a very bad day in Afghanistan yesterday and it is with immense sorrow that I'm here this morning to announce the death of two Australian soldiers in Afghanistan in two separate incidents overnight.

In the first incident, which occurred early yesterday evening, a member of the Mentoring Task Force, while undertaking guard duty at patrol base MASHAL in the Chorah Valley was shot by an Afghan National Army soldier who was also manning the security guard tower.

Despite receiving substantial medical treatment at the base and being airlifted very quickly to a nearby ISAF medical facility at Tarin Kot in well under an hour, the Australian soldier died from his wounds.

The Afghan National Army soldier who fired his weapon fled the scene of the incident. Another Afghan National Army soldier who had discovered what had happened, but was not in the area during the incident fired upon the offending ANA soldier as he was fleeing. Additionally a security operation was launched in an effort to impede the suspected gunman's escape. However, the perpetrator was not apprehended, but he was identified. Like the death of all our soldiers in Afghanistan, the death of this soldier is both sad and tragic. Of course, the particular circumstances of this incident are also disturbing given that the perpetrator in question was thought to be our partner and was the recipient of our mentoring and training.

Though we have the broad detail of what occurred, I'm sure you will understand that I can't speak today about the motivation of this Afghan National Army soldier, nor any associations he may have or the amount of planning that did or didn't go into the attack.

The entire event is under investigation and we're obviously going to take a very close look at how this occurred, why this occurred, and what, if anything, could have been done to prevent it. Today, to the family of the Australian soldier who have been notified about this soldier's death overnight, on behalf of all the men and women of the Australian Defence Force, I offer my condolences for their loss. While I can't ease their grief at this very sad time, I want them to know the Australian Defence Force will be there to provide comfort and support as their loved one is laid to rest.

I'm not in a position to share his name with you this morning but I can share a little bit about his experience and what kind of soldier he was.

This young man was 25 years old and at the rank of Lance Corporal. He had served in the Army for seven years. He had previous operational experience in East Timor and started his rotation in Afghanistan in November last year. I'm told he was a loyal, reliable, and very trusted member of his unit.

He was promoted last year to his current rank and displayed great leadership potential. Though he was quiet and reserved, he enjoyed a joke with his mates and was always the first among them to volunteer when work was required to be done.

He will be very sadly missed by his many Army mates. This will also be a tough time for the Mentoring Task Force. Not only have they lost a mate, but they have also had to deal with this perpetrator. They will be experiencing a myriad of emotions, grief and anger, foremost among them.

But I know that they will also want to reaffirm their commitment to the Afghan partners with whom they do enjoy a productive, trusting and close relationship. They will not want this one terrible incident to damage the outstanding progress made by many rotations of mentors and their Afghan partners.

We remain committed to our mentoring role and I can't stress highly enough the importance of the Mentoring Task Force to achieving our mission in Afghanistan.

The relationship between the Afghan National Army soldiers of the 4^th Brigade is one of the longest running in Afghanistan and there is a genuine bond between the forces. The 4^th Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Mohammed Zafir Khan has expressed his shock and outrage at the attack and he and his soldiers are actively seeking to apprehend the suspect.

That said, I understand this incident is obviously going to quite rightly raise some very serious questions about the security measures we have in place and I can assure you we'll be looking very closely at the outcomes of the investigations and any necessary changes that may be required to enhance the protection of our people.

In the second and separate incident, which occurred a few hours after the shooting, just after 9pm last night, Australian Eastern Standard Time, an Australian Officer was killed when an Australian Chinook helicopter, which was undertaking a re-supply mission, crashed 90 kilometres east of Tarin Kot, in Zabul Province.

An American Chinook was in close proximity and the crew on board witnessed the crash. They landed and provided immediate medivac assistance for the most seriously wounded soldier to the Role II facility in Qalat, 70 kilometres to the south of the crash site. Unfortunately, despite this immediate medical assistance, the Officer could not be saved.

The other five Australians on board the crashed helicopter were subsequently evacuated to the Role III medical facility at Kandahar and I'm pleased to say are in a satisfactory condition.

The Chinook helicopter could not be recovered and was destroyed in place.

The family of this soldier were notified of his death this morning. I'm not able to release his name at this stage, however, I can share that he was 27 years old and a Lieutenant in the Army. He was a qualified pilot who had provided sterling service in Afghanistan since he deployed a short time ago.

He had previously served in East Timor and had been part of Operation FLOOD ASSIST in Queensland, coming to the assistance of his fellow Australians who found themselves in need in January.

Though this incident has not long happened, already his comrades are saying what a keen, motivated and driven young officer he was, committed to serving our nation and excelling as a pilot.

To this Officer's large and close-knit family, I offer my deepest sympathy and assure them we will provide we will provide whatever assistance we can. I hope they are able to draw some comfort from the knowledge they are in the thoughts and prayers of so many Australians today that are grateful for their loved one's service to our nation and the sacrifice he has made on our behalf.

Minister.

STEPHEN SMITH: Thanks Angus.

Well, this tragic news will be a devastating blow to two Australian families, but also a devastating blow to our nation and this sad news will reverberate throughout Australia in the course of today. It will reverberate in that devastating and tragic way, because it follows so soon and so quickly after the death of Sergeant Wood and his ramp ceremony yesterday.

It will reverberate because this is the first time in almost a year where we have had to regrettably advise Australia that we've had more than one casualty on the same day.

The Chief of the Defence Force has outlined in general terms the two separate instances. We are unable at this stage to identify the two men concerned as a result of requests by families for further time to inform loved ones and I know that people will respect that privacy.

Can I, at the outset, express on behalf of the Government, on behalf of the Parliament our condolences to those two families.

Because of the difficult circumstances of the first instance, where the death of an Australian soldier has been caused by the actions of an ANA member, that will also bring with it special issues and special circumstances which will need to be carefully examined as the Chief of the Defence Force has outlined.

But, given these two fatalities follow so closely on from Sergeant Wood's death, given the difficult circumstances of the first instance, this will be a significant and devastating blow to Australia, to Australians and, of course, to our Defence Force personnel.

This brings to 26 the number of fatalities in Afghanistan since our operation in Afghanistan commenced almost a decade ago. With the injuries, we also see our casualty list go to over 170.

On a day like today, it's important to reflect upon why we are in Afghanistan and the basis on which we are there.

I've seen in recent days a suggestion that the main or the only reason we are there is to support our alliance partner, the United States. We are in Afghanistan for more than that reason. We continue to very strongly believe that it is in Australia's national interest to do our bit to help stare down international terrorism and yes, we work very closely with our alliance partner, the United States in that effort. But our mission in Afghanistan continues to be, as it has since day one, authorised by United Nations mandate, which has been renewed successively over a decade.

So, in the face of these devastating announcements today, tragic news that will reverberate throughout the Australian community, we remain very strongly of the view that our resolve in Afghanistan must continue. We continue to do our work to transition security responsibility in Uruzgan Province and Afghanistan generally to the Afghan national security forces.

Angus and I are happy to respond to your questions.

JOURNALIST: Mr Smith, could you qualify the nature of the international terrorist threat that we're staring down in Afghanistan, please?

STEPHEN SMITH: In Afghanistan we know that the Afghanistan-Pakistan border area has for a long period of time been a breeding ground for international terrorism and very many of the attacks by international terrorists, not just on Australian citizens, whether that's in south-east Asia or the United States or Europe, can be traced back to this area.

And whilst some may argue that the death of bin Laden significantly - significantly denudes al-Qaeda in Afghanistan or Pakistan, al-Qaeda is not the only terrorist group in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border area and all of our analysis, all of our view is that we continue to need to play a role to protect our national security interests, to protect our regional security interests, to protect the international community's security interests by playing our part as one of 48 nations involved in the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan authorised, as we are, by a United Nations mandate.

JOURNALIST: The shooting - I know you said it's early days but do you have any understanding at the moment whether or not it was an actual attack or whether it was just the result of some sort of argument in the guardhouse or something like that, a personal dispute between these two men?

AIR CHIEF MARSHAL HOUSTON: We simply don't know. That's why it's so important to do the investigation. What happened, there were three people who were manning the guardhouse: one Australian, two Afghans, and one of the Afghans departed to attend to a personal matter and it was during his departure that the incident occurred. Shots rang out and the Afghan who was attending to his personal matter came back and found our member obviously badly wounded and obviously applied first aid and raised the alarm and also fired at the absconding Afghan National Army member.

So that's essentially what happened. We need to investigate it closely and that's all I'm able to say at this time.

JOURNALIST: Was our soldier shot more than once? You mentioned wounds. Another question, the helicopter, is there any suggestion that enemy action might have brought it down? And, sorry, one other. The - often the inquiries take some time, are there any immediate steps being taken to protect soldiers in those forward operating bases from similar incidents?

AIR CHIEF MARSHAL HOUSTON: Well, to the first question, he sustained three wounds so that's - that's the only - the only thing we've got at the moment which might suggest three shots but, you know, until we do the investigation I wouldn't - I wouldn't confirm that.

In terms of the Chinook, the Chinook was operating in daylight in company with another helicopter and at this stage we simply do not know what happened. We're very eager to know if there was any enemy action involved or whether there was some other problem with the helicopter but at this point I stress we do not know and, hopefully, as time goes on, in the short term, we'll have some indication where we can give you a little bit more information on that, noting that we need to investigate it in the normal way. We'll get an accident investigation team involved in this. If enemy was involved, it will probably be investigated in the first instance by an ISAF team that is in-country.

In terms of if it was some sort of mechanical problem, or other problem, we'll send our own team.

Either way we will be involved in both investigations.

STEPHEN SMITH: Angus and I thought it very important, whilst we are the bearers of terrible news, to bring this news as quickly as we could. We could have waited until more was known or until such time as family circumstances were able to be detailed. We haven't done that. In the face of such terrible news we thought it was important to bring that to the Australian people as quickly as we were able to, which is now. That's the first point.

Secondly, we should very carefully understand that the reason there are often official inquiries into the circumstances leading to the death of an Australian soldier are - are more than one and they are very important.

Firstly it gives the family the certainty of the best effort to analyse what occurred and that is very important to the family and that's been the experience in recent times. Secondly, it enables us to very carefully assess whether there are any additional force protection measures that we should take or whether there's a need to change procedures or change techniques or change approaches. So I'm not going to be one who will apologise for the time it takes to do that exhaustive and official investigation, in this case in respect of two terrible incidences.

But as the Chief has said, if and when we are in a position to provide any further preliminary information which might better explain the circumstances of these incidences, then we will but the official investigations will take place in the usual way, putting us in the best position to learn any lessons from them but also to give the families of the Australian soldiers concerned the best analysis we can as to the cause of the death of their loved ones.

JOURNALIST: I wasn't suggesting that the inquiry should be rushed, I was just wondering whether there was any steps that needed to be put in place-

STEPHEN SMITH: No, I wasn't reflecting in any way on your question, Brendan, nor on you, which I wouldn't do.

AIR CHIEF MARSHAL HOUSTON: There have been - can I just respond to the third part of Brendan's question. Essentially all soldiers that are recruited into the ANA are biometrically enrolled and they are all vetted by NATO Training Mission Afghanistan.

We obviously work very closely with them, we observe them, and we're always on the lookout for anybody who behaves in a strange way. So, I guess they are the sorts of protections that we have in place and obviously we will have another look at those sorts of things as we - as we conduct this investigation.

JOURNALIST: Can you completely rule out it was an accident? Is there any chance that maybe it wasn't deliberate?

AIR CHIEF MARSHAL HOUSTON: We need to - again, we need to have a look at this but the fact that multiple shots were fired suggests that, you know, it was - it was more - more than that.

JOURNALIST: Do you know if any shots were fired from the Australian victim's weapon?

AIR CHIEF MARSHAL HOUSTON: Not as far as I know but, again, all this will be subject to investigation.

JOURNALIST: MASHAL is a small base, are there tensions now between the Australian troops and the ANA?

AIR CHIEF MARSHAL HOUSTON: No, not as far as I know. It was the Afghan National Army that mounted the security patrol immediately after the incident and obviously it was an Afghan soldier that fired at the individual as he absconded so I think all of that is going to assist in maintaining the relationship at the patrol base.

JOURNALIST: You mentioned that you couldn't identify the soldier but can you give us some indication of where they might be from in Australia and their families [indistinct].

AIR CHIEF MARSHAL HOUSTON: Look, I think at this stage, as the Minister said, this is very early on in the process. All I will say is that one individual, the soldier that was shot, was based in Queensland. The member who was aboard the Chinook basically I believe was a Victorian but I'll leave it at that.

JOURNALIST: Do we know any other details of the service record of this ANA soldier, how long he'd been qualified for, what his rank was at all?

AIR CHIEF MARSHAL HOUSTON: Yes, there is - we know, in fact this morning I saw a narrative on the individual. We have his name, we have his service number and we have a record of his service. So this was not an imposter. This was somebody who'd been in the ANA for a while and I would characterise him as - as a rogue soldier - which is what other coalition members have described people who take these sorts of actions as.

JOURNALIST: There have been a few other incidents of rogue soldiers, not attacking Australians but particularly Americans. What have they done to ease concerns about this and will you be taking any guidance from what the Americans have done previously?

AIR CHIEF MARSHAL HOUSTON: Well, the first protection is the way people are enrolled into the ANA. I think General Caldwell's biometric enrolment, the vetting is an important part of that. We'll clearly have a look at how the Americans have responded to similar incidents that they've experienced but let me stress, we've been in Afghanistan now for - on this particular mission for six years. We've worked with thousands and thousands of Afghans through those six years, right from the outset, and this is the first incident that we've had of this nature.

JOURNALIST: Did the record say where he was from, elsewhere in Afghanistan or was he local?

AIR CHIEF MARSHAL HOUSTON: I must say, I didn't focus on those sorts of detail and I'm not - I can't respond to that at the moment.

JOURNALIST: The man who died in the Chinook, was he flying the Chinook at the time?

AIR CHIEF MARSHAL HOUSTON: No, he was not.

JOURNALIST: Was he the co-pilot or-

AIR CHIEF MARSHAL HOUSTON: He was a passenger. He was an aviator but he was not a member of the Chinook crew.

JOURNALIST: Where was the Chinook going to and from?

AIR CHIEF MARSHAL HOUSTON: It was on a resupply mission into the province of Zabul. I imagine the mission originated out of Kandahar.

Thank you very much.

Personal details of Australian Soldier killed in Afghanistan

Lance Corporal Andrew Gordon Jones

It is with deep regret the Australian Defence Force announces the death of Lance Corporal Andrew Gordon Jones during operations in Afghanistan on 30 May 2011.

Twenty five year old Lance Corporal Jones was from the 9^th Force Support Battalion in Amberley. Lance Corporal Jones was serving with the Force Support Unit. This was his first deployment to Afghanistan.

Lance Corporal Jones leaves behind his loving parents, two younger siblings and girlfriend, who are receiving support from Defence.

Lance Corporal Jones was born in Melbourne, Victoria in 1986. He joined the Army in 2004. After recruit training, he completed his initial employment training as a cook and was posted to the Catering Platoon of the 1^st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment. He was posted to the 9^th Force Support Battalion in 2008.

Lance Corporal Jones’ first operational deployment was to East Timor in 2008. His second, to Afghanistan, commenced in November 2010.

Lance Corporal Jones was a loyal, reliable and trustworthy soldier who was dedicated to serving his country. He was a team player who loved his job. He had a quiet personality but enjoyed a joke with his mates.

He was a skilled cook who was the first to volunteer to go on the road or on exercise. In 2010, he was promoted to Lance Corporal upon completing his Junior Leader Course. He displayed definite leadership potential.

His interests included chess, reading, computers, drawing and soccer.

Lance Corporal Jones was awarded the Australian Service Medal with clasp Timor–Leste, and Australian Defence Medal. Lance Corporal Jones will be presented with the Australian Active Service Medal with ICAT Clasp, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the NATO ISAF Medal.

During Lance Corporal Jones service in the Australian Army, he deployed on the following Operations:

OPERATION ASTUTE (East Timor) – Jul 2000 – Oct 2000.

OPERATION SLIPPER (Afghanistan) – Nov 2010 – May 2011.

Images of Lance Corporal Jones are available at:

http://images.defence.gov.au/fotoweb/Grid.fwx?archiveId=5003=&search=20112926

Media contact: Defence Media Operations: (02) 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664

Personal details of Australian Soldier killed in Afghanistan

Lieutenant Marcus Sean Case

It is with deep regret the Australian Defence Force announces the death of Lieutenant Marcus Sean Case during operations in Afghanistan on 30 May 2011.

Lieutenant Case was deployed to Afghanistan as a Heron Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operator. This was his first deployment to Afghanistan.

Twenty-seven year old Lieutenant Case was from Sydney-based 6^th Aviation Regiment.

Lieutenant Case leaves behind his parents and five siblings. He was the youngest of six children. His family is receiving support from Defence.

Lieutenant Case was born in Melbourne, Victoria in 1984. He enlisted in the Active Army Reserves on 25 June 2002 and was posted to 5^th/6^th Royal Victorian Regiment.

In 2003, he commenced the Commando selection and training process with the 1^st Commando Regiment (1Cdo Regt). He was posted to 1Cdo Regt, which included an operational tour to East Timor in 2007.

On 19 March 2008, Lieutenant Case transferred to the Australian Regular Army, undertaking pilot training at the Army Aviation Training Centre, Oakey. On 10 December 2009, he was posted to the 6^th Aviation Regiment, Sydney.

Lieutenant Case’s first deployment was in July 2005, when he deployed as an infantryman to Malaysia with Rifle Company Butterworth. In January 2011, he was part of the Aviation Battle Group deployed to Queensland to provide assistance as part of the Australian Defence Force flood relief Operation.

Lieutenant Case was keen and motivated, and was excelling as a pilot. Lieutenant Case lived life to the fullest, taking every opportunity that was given to him and making the most of it. He was always the go-to-man who was able to get the job done.

Lieutenant Case has been awarded the Australian Service Medal with Clasp Timor-Leste and the Australian Defence Medal. Lieutenant Case will be presented with the Australian Active Service Medal with ICAT Clasp, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the NATO ISAF Medal.

During Lieutenant Case’s service in the Australian Army, he deployed on the following Operations:

OPERATION ASTUTE (East Timor) (Jun 2007– Sep 2007)

OPERATION Queensland FLOOD ASSIST (Queensland) – Jan 2011

OPERATION SLIPPER (Afghanistan) - May 2011

Imagery of Lieutenant Case is not yet available. Imagery will be posted to the Defence website when it becomes available.

Media contact: Defence Media Operations: (02) 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664

30 May 2011                   Sergeant Brett Wood returns home to his family

What:              The repatriation of Commando, Sergeant Brett Wood.
When:             Monday 30 May, 2011 (please note amended date).
Where:           RAAF Base Richmond, NSW.

A Ramp Ceremony will occur to honour the return to Australia of Sergeant (Sgt) Brett Wood of Sydney-based 2^nd Command Regiment (2 Cdo Regt) at RAAF Base Richmond.

Sergeant Wood was killed in action as a result of the explosion of an Improvised Explosive Device on Monday 23 May 2011. He was serving with the Special Operations Task Group.

Due to the protected identity status of the personnel involved in the ceremony, media will not be able to participate in this activity.

Media note:

A military camera team will provide pool vision to metropolitan television stations after 5pm. Please contact Regional Public Affairs Manager – NSW, Ben Wickham (02) 9359 2785 or 0411 203 579 for details on accessing the vision.

Imagery will be available from the Defence website.

Media contact:

Defence Media Operations: (02) 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664

This is the speech given at Ft Rucker when they retired the last Huey:

CW4 Lawrence Castagneto, 17 May 2011

"Thank you Sir"

As a Vietnam Veteran Army Aviator, I would like to thank everyone for coming to this special occasion, on this to be honest...very sad day, the end of a era. An era that has spanned over 50 years. The retirement of this grand old lady "OUR MOTHER" ... the Huey.

I would like to thank, MG Crutchfield for allowing me to speak at this event and try to convey in my own inadequate, meager way.. what this aircraft means to me and so many other Vietnam veterans.

First a few facts:

It was 48 yrs ago this month that the first Huey arrived in Vietnam with units that were to become part of the 145th and the 13th Combat Aviation Battalions; both units assigned here at Ft Rucker today. While in Vietnam, the Huey flew approximately 7,457,000 combat assault sorties; 3,952,000 attack or gunship sorties and 3,548,000 cargo supply sorties. That comes to over 15 million sorties flown over the paddies and jungles of Nam, not to include the millions of sorties flown all over the world and other combat zones since then ....what a amazing journey.... I am honored and humbled to have been a small part of that journey.

To those in the crowd that have had the honor to fly, crew, or ride this magnificent machine in combat, we are the chosen few, the lucky ones. They understand what this aircraft means, and how hard it is for me to describe my feelings about her as a Vietnam combat pilot.... for she is alive... has a life of her own, and has been a life long friend.

How do I break down in a few minutes a 42 year love affair, she is as much a part of me, and to so many others,,,as the blood that flows through our veins. Try to imagine all those touched over the years ...by the shadow of her blades.

Other aircraft can fly overhead and some will look up and some may not; or even recognize what they see but, when a Huey flies over everyone looks up and everyone knows who she is... young or old all over the world she
connects with all.

To those that rode her into combat... the sound of those blades causes our heart beat to rise... and breaths to quicken... in anticipation of seeing that beautiful machine fly overhead and the feeling of comfort she brings. No other aircraft in the history of aviation evokes the emotional response the Huey does... combat veteran's or not... she is recognized all around the world by young and old, she is the ICON of the Vietnam war, U.S. Army Aviation, and the U.S. Army. Over 5 decades of service she carried Army Aviation on her back, from bird dogs and piston powered helicopters with a secondary support mission, to the force multiplier combat arm that Army Aviation is today.

Even the young aviators of today, that are mainly Apache pilot's, Blackhawk pilot's, etc., that have had a chance to fly her will tell you there is no greater feeling, honor, or thrill then to be blessed with the opportunity to ride her thru the sky... they may love there Apaches and Blackhawks, but they will say there is no aircraft like flying the Huey " it is special". There are two kinds of helicopter pilots: those that have flown the Huey and those that wish they could have.

The intense feelings generated for this aircraft are not just from the flight crews but, also from those who rode in back ...into and out of the "devils caldron". As paraphrased here from "Gods own lunatics", Joe Galloway's tribute to the Huey and her flight crews and other Infantry veterans comments:

Is there anyone here today who does not thrill to the sound of those Huey blades?? That familiar whop-whop-whop is the soundtrack of our war...the lullaby of our younger days it is burned in to our brains and our hearts. To those who spent their time in Nam as a grunt, know that noise was always a great comfort... Even today when I hear it, I stop...catch my breath...and search the sky for a glimpse of the mighty eagle.

To the pilots and crews of that wonderful machine ...we loved you, we loved that machine.

No matter how bad things were...if we called ... you came... down through the hail of green tracers and other visible signs of a real bad day off to a bad start. I can still hear the sound of those blades churning the fiery sky ....To us you seemed beyond brave and fearless... Down you would come to us in the middle of battle in those flimsy thin skin -chariots ...into the storm of fire and hell,.....we feared for you, we were awed by you. We thought of you and that beautiful bird as " God's own lunatics"... and wondered ...who are these men and this machine and where do they come from ...... Have to be "Gods Angels".

So with that I say to her, that beautiful lady sitting out there, from me and all my lucky brothers, that were given the honor to serve their country, and the privilege of flying this great lady in skies of Vietnam - Thank you for the memories...Thank you for always being there...Thank you for always bringing us home regardless of how beat up and shot up you were...,Thank You!!!!.

You will never be forgotten, we loved you then..... we love you now... and will love you till our last breath ...

And as the sun sets today, if you listen quietly and closely you will hear that faint wop wop wop of our mother speaking to all her children past and present who rode her into history in a blaze of glory ...she will be saying to them: I am here... I will always be here with you.

I am at peace and so should you be ... and so should you be.

External legal review of allegations of abuse in Defence

The Minister for Defence, Stephen Smith MP, announced on 11 April 2011 an external legal review of the large number of allegations of sexual or other forms of abuse that have been raised since the recent Australian Defence Force Academy incident.

The external legal review is being conducted by the law firm DLA Piper (formerly DLA Phillips Fox). The Review team is led by DLA Piper Special Counsel, Dr Gary Rumble, assisted by former Commonwealth Ombudsman and DLA Piper Special Counsel, Professor Dennis Pearce AO, and by partner Melanie McKean.

The Review team will make an initial legal assessment of all complaints and allegations raised with the office of the Minister for Defence, the Department of Defence, or reported in the media since 1 April 2011 to put the Government in a position to make further decisions about how to deal with these matters.

The Attorney General’s Department and the Ombudsman’s office support this process.

Current and former Defence personnel (including members of the Australian Defence Force) may make or refer allegations relating to sexual or other forms of abuse in Defence to the review until 17 June 2011.

The Minister also requests community associations and Australian media outlets that may have been notified of complaints or allegations to provide any information about those matters which they can reveal to the review by 17 June 2011.

To lodge an allegation for review, contact DLA Piper on 1800 424 991 Monday to Friday between 2 pm and 9 pm (AEST) or email gary.a.rumble@dlaphillipsfox.com or melanie.c.mckean@dlaphillipsfox.com.

Media Contact:
Defence Media Operations: (02) 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664

New Chief of Joint Operations announced

The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, today announced the appointment of Major General Brian (Ash) Power to the position of Chief of Joint Operations effective from 20 May.

Major General Power will be promoted to Lieutenant General tomorrow prior to taking up the role.

“I am delighted to announce the appointment of Ash Power to this very important and demanding position,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.

“Major General Power has held several key operational and senior staff appointments including: Commander of the 1st Brigade; Commander of the 1st Division; Director, Coalition Planning Group at Central Command in the USA; and Head of Military Strategic Commitments.

“His active service deployments have included Colonel Operations, Headquarters International Force East Timor (INTERFET); Chief of Staff Headquarters Peace Monitoring Group in Bougainville; and most recently in Afghanistan as the Deputy Chief of Staff, Strategic Partnering (Ministry of Defence), Kabul.

“I know all our military operations will benefit from the experience Ash brings to this position. I congratulate him on his appointment and wish him well in his new role.”

Air Chief Marshal Houston also thanked the outgoing Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Mark Evans, for his work in the position over the past three years.

“Mark has done a remarkable job and deftly led ADF operations throughout his tenure,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.

“He oversaw the implementation of our new command and control arrangements with the opening of the integrated Headquarters Joint Operations Command organisation at Bungendore.

“As a result, we now have a much more effective and efficient operational level command and control capability for all ADF operations and major exercises around the world.

“Mark is also a former Commander of Australian forces in the Middle East; Head Personnel Executive; Deputy Chief of Joint Operations; and Commander of the 1^st Division. I wish him all the very best for the future and I pass on my gratitude for a job well done.”

Imagery can be found at:
http://images.defence.gov.au/fotoweb/Grid.fwx?archiveId=5003=&search=20112714

Media Contact:
Defence Media Operations: 02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664

Monday, 2 May 2011 MECC 168/11

Australian Herons achieve record flying hours

The fourth rotation (ROT 4) of Australia’s Heron Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Detachment in Kandahar, Afghanistan, has set a unit record for monthly flying hours. Commanding Officer Heron RPA Detachment - ROT 4 Wing Commander Greg Wells said his personnel had achieved 475 hours during April.

"This exceeds the efforts of previous Heron rotations and means we have reached a point where we are able to achieve a significant amount of time on station providing an all-important ‘eye in the sky’ for our troops,” Wing Commander Wells said.

“One of the advantages of Heron is it can stay airborne for a very long time. We deliver enhanced situational awareness to our soldiers, which is vital in helping them achieve their mission on the ground.”

“The success of Heron is a combination of both smart technology and people. A typical Heron mission involves a lot of work from a very small team of specialists, ranging from engineers to intelligence officers, imagery analysts and pilots.”

The Heron team comprises 28 Australian and New Zealand Defence Force personnel. The tri-service unit has logged more than 4600 total flight hours since beginning operations in January last year.

Dubbed ‘Bluey’ by the Australians, the Heron can fly for up to 24 hours and is a key asset in the conduct of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions in the Afghanistan theatre of operations. It helps to protect Australian and Coalition forces, as well as Afghan civilians, from insurgent activity, including the laying of improvised explosive devices.

Information collected by the Heron is analysed and processed in real time. This means the commander has the benefit of having eyes on a target to build a more accurate picture of the battlespace.

Heron are operated from a ground base, controlled by trained pilots and can withstand a range of weather conditions.

“Every suspicious activity we investigate and every improvised explosive device activity we identify is potentially a life saved,” Wing Commander Wells said.

“We are very proud of the record-breaking milestone the team has achieved this month, and we will continue to push our performance to exceed this in the future.”

Heron ROT 4 currently operates three airframes forming part of a larger International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) RPA capability in Afghanistan. The Australian Heron RPAs are unarmed.

Media note: Imagery is available at http://images.defence.gov.au/fotoweb/Grid.fwx?archiveId=5003&search=20112372

Saturday, 30 April 2011 MECC 166/11

Insurgent commander killed attempting to shoot Australian troops

On 29 April 2011, Australian Special Forces killed a prominent Uruzgan insurgent during an Afghan National Police-led operation in Tarin Kot in Uruzgan province.

Hayat Ustad, a known insurgent leader, drew a pistol and attempted to shoot members of the Australian Special Forces. Acting in self defence, the Australian Special Forces then shot and killed the insurgent.

Commanding Officer of the Special Operations Task Force Lieutenant Colonel G (who cannot be named for security reasons) said Ustad was a key insurgent leader in Uruzgan.

“He was a highly influential insurgent and key logistician with links to other senior insurgent leaders in southern Afghanistan,” Lieutenant Colonel G said.

“Ustad was responsible for arms smuggling, transporting weapons and fighters, and improvised explosive device construction. He was also heavily involved in the coordination, direction and planning of suicide-bomb attacks.”

The death of Ustad marks the latest successful operation in which a key insurgent leader has been killed or captured by Provincial Response Company–Uruzgan officers and their SOTG partners since their concerted offensive campaign began last month.

The operation was conducted with strict adherence to Australian rules of engagement, and, as a result, there were no civilian casualties or collateral damage.

Provincial Response Company - Uruzgan (PRC-U) and Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) continue to attack the command and control networks of insurgent groups preparing for operations as the weather improves in Uruzgan.

Targeted operations are focused on insurgent networks known to be operating in Uruzgan province and along key access routes into the region. Operations are specifically designed to disrupt insurgent spring-time fighting preparations.

This recent series of successes was specifically designed to unhinge insurgent spring-time fighting preparations and has directly impacted on two district-level cells and a larger regional-level insurgent group.

Friday 29th April 2011 When trained by the best ,this happens.

Artillery training team hits mark

The Afghan National Army (ANA) Artillery Training School in Kabul has reached an important milestone with its first graduates joining Afghan and ISAF combat elements in Kandahar Province.

Commanding Officer of the International Artillery Training Team – Kabul (ATT-K), Lieutenant Colonel (LTCOL) Kane Mangin said that the school’s first intake had been a success.

“This is an important month for the school because our first group of graduates has been formed into the first of the newest batteries of the ANA artillery,” LTCOL Mangin said.

“The graduates deployed to Kandahar in early April and with a bit of extra training they will be into the fight later this year.”

The school, mentored by the Australian led ATT-K, prepares Afghan soldiers to become skilled artillerymen and is an important step towards Afghan security forces taking full responsibility for security in the coming years.

“The ATT-K comprises six member nations and our collective task is to implement and develop the school of artillery for the ANA,” LTCOL Mangin said.

“Our mission is to spread the capability of the ANA Artillery Branch across Afghanistan.”

Australia currently has 20 artillery trainers mentoring Afghan instructors at the school, which officially opened in October 2010.

Although training includes live firing of the ANA’s D-30 Howitzer guns and rigorous gun drills, an important aspect of the school curriculum is to teach basic literacy and numeracy skills.

The national literacy rate in Afghanistan is around 28% but for recruits it is only 14%. Therefore, these skills are key to professionalising the Afghan National Security Forces, and are highly valued by the students.

The ANA Artillery Training School was the first military school in Afghanistan to develop and run a literacy program for its students.

“Most of the soldiers we receive come straight off the street and cannot read or write,” LTCOL Mangin said.

“Artillery is a technical trade requiring literacy and numeracy skills so we implemented a literacy program which gives our trainees basic fundamentals to do the job.”

At any one time, the school typically has 440 students attending one of nine different courses.

The goal for the school is to provide artillery training to approximately 2100 officers and soldiers over the next twelve months, which translates to approximately 23 artillery batteries for the ANA.

The creation of these newest batteries indicates progress is being made and the future for the ANA Artillery branch is looking positive.”

Media note: Imagery is available at http://images.defence.gov.au/fotoweb/Grid.fwx?archiveId=5003&search=20112314

Monday, 25 April 2011 Speech

MINISTER SNOWDON’S ANZAC DAY LONE PINE ADDRESS

Fellow Australians, veterans, visitors from around the world, distinguished guests and

particularly those in uniform.

The Lone Pine memorial where we are gathered today is Australia’s memorial to the missing.

Almost half of the Australians killed at Gallipoli - over four thousand men - have no known grave.

The wall behind me lists the names of those men.

Seven hundred of our New Zealand brothers, who fought with us in the battles of August 1915, are also commemorated here.

It is a solemn reminder of the great cost of war, for two small nations from across the globe fighting on Turkish soil.

And what a cost it was.

The four day battle of Lone Pine saw more than 2000 Australian casualties with more than 6900 Turkish losses.

Those losses sustained for the Anzacs to gain ground of little tactical value.

Ultimately the sacrifice, the suffering, the losses were futile.

My grand father's brother, Thomas Ernest Snowdon, was one of the Anzacs here.

He was a member of the 8th Infantry Battalion, which landed at Gallipoli as day was breaking on the 25th of April, 1915.

They were involved in what became known as the 'Battle of the Landing'---the period of fighting that lasted from the first day until early May.

They were also engaged here at the attack on Lone Pine.

During the fighting on 7th August, Tom’s mates were holed up in an underground tunnel, camouflaged by bushes.

Tom was standing on the ladder at the opening to the tunnel, watching the 3rd wave of Anzacs advancing into Lone Pine as three large calibre Turkish shells exploded.

The first two landed nearby.

The third shell landed right on target.

His mates were buried, with only three pulled alive from the rubble.

Tom suffered a head wound, burst ear drum and a few broken ribs.

He was evacuated to Egypt, where he recovered and returned to Gallipoli in October, as the campaign here was coming to an end.

It is hard to imagine the intensity of the fight, or the brutality and devastation of those few days in early August.

Wave after wave of men were sent ‘over the top’ in broad daylight to charge enemy trenches less than one hundred metres away.

Thousands went to their death.

Pompey Elliott, the commander of the Seventh Battalion at Lone Pine wrote of the battlefield:

When anyone speaks to you of the glory of war, picture to yourself a narrow line of trenches two and sometimes three deep with bodies mangled and torn beyond descriptions…

"Live amongst this for days…

This is war and such is glory –

Whatever the novelists may say"

In the days that followed the attack on the 6th of August Lone Pine was besieged by the sight and smells of death.

Bodies were lying everywhere, in places piled on top of one another.

As one soldier wrote:

"Right beside me, within a space of fifteen feet I can count fourteen of our boy’s stone dead...

Men and boys who yesterday were full of joy and life, now lying there, cold-cold-dead- their eyes glassy, their faces sallow and covered with dust

Soulless-gone- somebody's son,

Somebody’s boy--now merely a thing.

Thank God their loved ones cannot see them now"

His was a shocking picture of the horror and inhumanity of the campaign on the Peninsula.

It was bloody and relentless.

Many of those Anzacs who survived the eight month long campaign here at Gallipoli were only to perish later on the Western Front.

For them Gallipoli had only been the beginning.

They travelled to a new theatre, to fight a different foe.

And there to suffer enormous casualties and loss of life from among their number.

Today we recall the great bravery, the sheer determination and the tragic sacrifice of these great Australian sons.

The Battle of Lone Pine was fought bravely by all involved.

The Anzacs held this place against great odds.

But our young nations would come to realise that that this brief victory was too costly, too devastating.

We pause at this time for reflection and for remembrance.

We honour those courageous young diggers, those heroes.

And we learn from them.

The service and sacrifice of those that have gone before have helped us better understand the conditions and effects of battle.

So that we might better look after our people that we put in harm’s way.

Today, our forces wherever they are across the globe, carry with them the Anzac spirit so proudly displayed on these bloodied battlefields.

They serve and fight for us in the hope of making this world a better place.

For those who fought so bravely here at Lone Pine and to all those who have worn our uniform over the last century...

In so many places, in so many battles...

Including those who now proudly wear it.

We salute you.

We thank you for your service, for your determination;

For your courage;

For you commitment and for your sacrifice.

And we celebrate the loyalty, the love you have for one another.

And our hearts cry for those who have fallen.

We forever honour their memory, and proudly pay tribute to their sacrifice.

Lest we forget.

Media inquiries: Minister Snowdon: Alice Plate – alice.plate@dva.gov.au

Wednesday 6th April 2011

Largs Bay acquisition

Minister for Defence Stephen Smith and Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare today announced that Australia has been successful in its bid to acquire the United Kingdom’s Bay Class amphibious ship Largs Bay.

The Government has previously announced that it had asked Defence to develop new and comprehensive options to ensure transition to Australia’s Canberra Class amphibious Landing Helicopter Dock ships, which become operational from 2014, including the lease or purchase of a Bay Class Ship from the UK Government.

Today, the Government is confirming that Australia has been successful in its bid to acquire a Bay Class ship, Largs Bay.

Largs Bay is a Landing Ship Dock (LSD) which was commissioned into service in 2006. It became surplus to United Kingdom (UK) requirements as a result of the UK Government’s 2010 Defence Strategic Review.

The ship weighs 16,000 tonnes. It is 176 metres long and 26 metres wide. Its flight deck has room for two large helicopters and can also carry around 150 light trucks and 350 troops.

Its cargo capacity is the equivalent of the Royal Australian Navy’s entire amphibious fleet.

Largs Bay is a proven capability having provided humanitarian relief as part of the international response to the Haiti earthquake in 2010.

Largs Bay will help ensure that the Royal Australian Navy has the amphibious capability it needs for operation and humanitarian support in our region in the period leading up to the arrival of the Landing Helicopter Dock Ships.

The ship has been acquired for £65 million (approximately $100 million).

Teekay Shipping Australia has thoroughly inspected the ship and found that: “The ship presents very well, and from a technical point of view, there are no major defects.”

Before the acquisition is finalised, Defence and the Royal Australian Navy will conduct sea trials to confirm the material state of the ship.

The ship is expected to arrive by the end of the year in time for it to be operational in early 2012.

The Government will announce further details of the transition plan for Australia’s amphibious ship capability to provide this essential capability until arrival of the Canberra Class in due course.

Saturday, 26 March 2011

VA020

AUSTRALIAN WWI SOLDIERS TO BE HONOURED IN FRANCE

Today in France a plaque dedicated to the Australian soldiers who were killed in Bapaume in the First World War will be unveiled.

On the night of 25 March 1917, the Town Hall of Bapaume was destroyed by a bomb left by the retreating occupying German forces. About 30 men were sleeping in the building at the time. Twenty-five men were killed in the explosion – 19 of them were Australians.

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, said he was pleased the Australian Government was able to contribute €1000 (A$1420) to the installation of the plaque through the Overseas Privately-Constructed Memorials Restoration Program.

“The unveiling of this plaque in Bapaume is a tribute to the fine Australian soldiers who lost their lives that night in 1917. The plaque will be affixed to the outside of the new Town Hall, where there is also a tribute to two French parliamentarians who were killed in the same explosion.”

Mr Snowdon said he was touched by the ongoing affection the people of France have for Australians, as demonstrated by this tribute.

“The Australians who fought with the Allies along the Western Front in the First World War created a strong impression on the local people and Australia continues to enjoy the support of many communities. An example of this is the school in Fromelles called ‘Ecole des Cobbers’ whose emblem is a kangaroo.

“In the lead-up to Anzac Day – a time of importance to all Australians – it’s important to remember our Allies in the First World War, many of whom also mark Anzac Day. In France, Anzac Day is commemorated with a full day of services including a dawn service at Villers-Bretonneux, which is only 50 kilometres from Bapaume,” Mr Snowdon said.

The Overseas Memorials Restoration Program also recently contributed funds to improve Second World War memorials in Indonesia and Malaysia.

A grant of A$2,400 was made to clean, paint and reseal plaques on the Tarakan War Memorial that commemorates the Tarakan campaign in Indonesia. A further A$7,520 funded a new fence around the commemorative area of the Last Camp Memorial in Malaysia, which is believed to be the last camp site of the survivors of the Sandakan-Ranau Death Marches.

More information about Anzac Day commemorations and Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ grants is available from the website: www.dva.gov.au

Media inquiries: Minister Snowdon: Alice Plate 0400 045 999

Department of Veterans’ Affairs Media: 02 6289 6203

Thursday, 24 March 2011

Navy opens high-tech warship simulator

Junior officers in the Royal Australian Navy will learn to pilot the next generation of warships, in an upgraded $10m training facility at HMAS Watson, Sydney, which will be officially opened tomorrow.

The new high-tech simulator uses computerised virtual-reality software to simulate a working warship's bridge, complete with a 240-degree view of a computer generated 2D scene through the bridge windows.

The bridge training faculty, one of the most advanced simulators in the world, will be opened by Commander Australian Fleet Rear Admiral Steve Gilmore.

“This facility is at the cutting edge of simulator technology and provides junior Seaman Officers with very realistic training so they will be capable of carrying out the duties of the Officer-of-the-Watch before heading out to sea,” Rear Admiral Gilmore said.

“Our Navy is the first in the world to use multi flex touch screens in a warship bridge simulator, which increases functionality without cumbersome hardware,” Rear Admiral Gilmore said.

The simulators replicate the full range of maritime operations likely to be experienced while on the bridge of a warship and can be reconfigured to match most classes of ship in the RAN’s current fleet. New functionality includes boat operations, interdiction, and docking and beaching evolutions pertinent to the new Landing Helicopter Dock ships, the first of which is due to enter service in 2014.

“An example of a complex scenario is manoeuvering a 3500-tonne warship within 2000 yards of a number of other ships while under air attack, or ships within 50m of each other conducting replenishment-at-sea approaches” Rear Admiral Gilmore said.

With two full-mission simulators and four part-task simulators, the facility allows up to six warship bridge teams to train for specific scenarios in a joint exercise environment or, conversely, run six independent scenarios.

The graphics system can replicate different environmental conditions, from a clear day through to a raging storm, detailed land-and sea-scape features as well as dynamic models of aircraft, tugs and other ships, including the Canberra Class LHDs and Hobart Class AWDs.

A dedication ceremony will also be held for the combined navigation and bridge training faculties, which was renamed the Taylor Building, after former Chief of Navy (1994-97), the late Vice Admiral Rod Taylor AO, a specialist navigation and operations officer.

The ship bridge simulation system was delivered to the Navy by the Defence Materiel Organisation on time and under budget. The system was provided by Kongsberg Maritime Simulation & Training, Norway.

Friday, 4 March 2011

Australian Government accepts offer of Japanese War Records

The Australian Government welcomes Japanese Foreign Minister Maehara’s apology to Australian Prisoners of War (POWs) for the horrors they endured under Japanese control in World War II.

Foreign Minister Maehara’s apology was made in a spirit of reconciliation during the visit to Japan of five former Australian POWs and their carers under the auspices of the Japan-POW Friendship Group.

Foreign Minister Maehara also announced Japan would return to Australia historical records of former Australian POWs held by Japan during World War II.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kevin Rudd and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon, thanked the Japanese Government.

“I welcome their offer which is made in the spirit of cooperation. These index cards were originally offered to Australia by the Japanese Government in 1953, but the Australian Government of the time chose not to take up the offer, believing that they would not contain any new information,” Mr Rudd said.

Minister Snowdon said the Japanese records may shed light on the fate of the members of Lark Force, many of whom were lost when the Japanese transport Montevideo Maru was sunk by a US submarine in 1942.

“The Government recognises that there are families who remain uncertain about the fate of those captured by the Japanese during World War II," said Mr Snowdon.

“In recent years, the Rabaul and Montevideo Maru Society have maintained interest in the fate of Australian prisoners of war and have pressed the Australian Government to seek access to the card system."

The records are expected to be housed in the Australian War Memorial.

Media Contact:
Minister Rudd: Kate Sieper 0466 745 615
Minister Snowdon: Alice Plate: 0400 045 999

Wednesday 23rd February 2011

THE HON. WARREN SNOWDON MP

Minister for Defence Science and Personnel

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs

SENATOR DAVID FEENEY

Parliamentary Secretary for Defence

Australian Government supports veterans to attend Long Tan Medal ceremonies

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, and Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, David Feeney, today clarified information about support provided to veterans to attend two medals ceremonies related to the Battle of Long Tan.

Minister Snowdon said ‘It has been alleged the Commonwealth did not provide support to relevant veterans to attend individual awards which were invested in Canberra on 17 August last year.

‘Let me set the record straight. The Australian Government offered to fly veterans and a guest to Canberra for their individual medal ceremonies. Two of the three participants chose not to attend and their medals were then forwarded at their request.’

‘Furthermore, a second ceremony will take place for the presentation of the Unit Citation for Gallantry to 6RAR at their base at Enoggera Barracks in Brisbane in August this year. The Australian Government will also fund reasonable transport costs of relevant veterans involved in the ceremony.’

‘These awards should be a cause for great satisfaction to the ex-service community, and to Vietnam veterans in particular,’ Minister Snowdon said.

Senator David Feeney, Parliamentary Secretary for Defence said ‘The government has the greatest respect for all our Vietnam veterans, including the veterans of Long Tan.

‘I particularly recognise the great gallantry shown by Lieutenant Colonel Smith, who was Officer Commanding D Company, 6RAR, at Long Tan. I welcome the fact that after independent investigations it has been decided to upgrade the honours awarded to these veterans and to 6RAR as a unit,’ Senator Feeney said.

In August 1966 the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, (6RAR) fought a major engagement near Long Tan in South Vietnam, in which 18 Australians and a large number of Vietnamese communist troops were killed.

Long Tan veterans campaigned for many years for greater recognition both for individuals who took part in the battle and for 6RAR as a unit. After a long investigation, and two independent reviews, the Government announced in August 2008 that four Long Tan veterans would be offered individual medals, and that 6RAR would be awarded the Unit Citation for Gallantry. The individual veterans were Lieutenant Colonel (ret) Harry Smith, Major (ret) Geoff Kendall, 2^nd Lieutenant (ret) Dave Sabben, and the late Flight Lieutenant Cliff Dohle.

Media Contacts:

Minister Snowdon’s office: Alice Plate 0400 045 999
Senator Feeney’s office: Lorna Clarke 0408 345 730

20th February 2011

Australian soldier killed in Afghanistan

An Australian Army combat engineer serving with Mentoring Task Force – Two (MTF-2), Sapper Jamie Larcombe, was killed in action during an engagement with insurgents in the Mirabad Valley region of Uruzgan Province overnight (Australia time).

An Afghan local national employed as an interpreter was also killed in the exchange of fire.

The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, said Sapper Larcombe was 21 years old and from the Darwin-based 1^st Combat Engineer Regiment.

“Sapper Larcombe had just passed the third anniversary of his enlistment into the Army, which was on the 18^th of February. In that time, Jamie had served on Operation Padang Assist and this was his first tour to Afghanistan,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.

Sapper Larcombe is survived by his parents, three younger sisters and his partner. They are a very close family, and can be very proud of Jamie.”

Air Chief Marshal Houston said the soldiers were patrolling in area to the South East of Patrol Base Wali when they were engaged by an insurgent group.

“Unfortunately both our soldier and his interpreter comrade were struck by gunshots in that engagement and despite immediate first aid were unable to be saved,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.

“A coalition helicopter was launched to evacuate the two men but on arrival at the Multinational Base – Tarin Kot medical facility they were declared deceased.

“Our thoughts are with Sapper Larcombe’s family and friends.

“This is also another tragic day for the ADF, for the Army, our personnel in Afghanistan and especially, our sapper community.”

Defence is now focused on supporting Sapper Larcombe’s family.

Defence will not release further personal details at this time.

Twenty-three soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan since the ADF commenced Operation SLIPPER.

Four Australian soldiers have been wounded in Afghanistan this year, with 168 ADF personnel wounded in action since 2002.

Media contact: Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664

Minister for Veterans' Affairs Media Release

Monday, 14 February 2011

VA008

HONOURING OUR NASHOS ON NATIONAL SERVICE DAY – 14 FEBRUARY

Today the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, encouraged Australians to honour the more than 280,000 young men who were conscripted for military service between 1951 and 1972.

“Today is National Service Day, and every year, on the 14^th of February we honour the role of the young men known as ‘Nashos’, who were called up in two different service schemes.

“In particular, we honour the more than 200 conscripts who gave their lives while serving Australia in Borneo and in Vietnam, in battles such as Long Tan and the Battle of Coral and Balmoral.

“National Servicemen were not volunteers, but when called on they performed their duties with courage and commitment. The Servicemen could request not to be sent overseas, but most chose to deploy with their mates when their units were sent to Borneo or Vietnam. Australia owes them a great debt of gratitude,” Mr Snowdon said.

In September last year, Australia formally recognised the contribution of national servicemen when the Governor-General, Ms Quentin Bryce AC, dedicated the new National Service Memorial at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Some 4,000 former national servicemen and their families attended the opening of the memorial fountain. The Government contributed $250,000 towards the cost of the memorial and the dedication reception at Parliament House.

The National Servicemen’s Association of Australia conducts services in capital cities and regional centres on National Service Day, 14 February, or on the closest weekend to that date.

For information about national service, go to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Media Centre at www.dva.gov.au and look for Media Backgrounders.

Media inquiries: Minister Snowdon: Alice Plate 0400 045 999

Dept of Veterans’ Affairs Media: 02 6289 6203

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Monday 14th February 2011

THE HON. WARREN SNOWDON MP
Minister for Defence Science and Personnel
GEOFF LYONS
Member for Bass

NEW FOOD INNOVATION CENTRE ON DEFENCE MENU CARD

The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel Warren Snowdon today foreshadowed a new partnership focused on establishing a joint Research Centre in Food Innovation.

The Research Centre will draw on facilities and expertise from the University of Tasmania, CSIRO’s Division of Food and Nutritional Sciences and the Defence Science & Technology Organisation (DSTO).

"The Research Centre in Food Innovation would be able to support and enhance the research activities at DSTO Scottsdale which provides a dedicated food science and technology capability for Defence," Mr Snowdon said.

"The new centre, together with the redevelopment of the Scottsdale facility, is expected to significantly enhance DSTO’s ability to provide the ADF with state-of-the-art support on nutrition and feeding strategies."

"It will draw on the synergies between DSTO, CSIRO and UTAS to develop novel approaches to nutrition and food science that will benefit the performance of ADF personnel as well as the needs of the wider Australian community."

Mr Snowdon was speaking at the opening of the International Symposium on Defence Nutrition in Scottsdale (northern Tasmania) where experts from Australia, USA, Norway, New Zealand and Singapore have gathered to discuss strategies for the future development of military nutrition and food science.

"This symposium provides an opportunity to address critical nutrition issues such as the potential for high pressure processing to produce safe, long-lasting, tasty and nutritious foods for combat rations, and the use of nanotechnology for ‘smart’ packaging of ration items," Mr Snowdon said.

Outcomes from the symposium will inform the program of the proposed food innovation centre.

Mr Snowdon said the new centre could allow Scottsdale to grow research capabilities in food science and technology, provide access to a broader pool of experts, and foster an enriched science environment for staff.

"The Australian government is fully committed to the growth of DSTO Scottsdale as a modern food science facility for the benefit of the Australian Defence Force," he said.

"On a broader level, the new centre could provide significant benefits for the local agricultural industry, local manufacture of ingredients, small business development in Tasmania and employment opportunities.

"It is likely to be a win-win result for the three organisations involved, but also for industry and the Tasmanian economy," said the Member for Bass, Geoff Lyons.

Media Contacts:
Alice Plate (Minister Snowdon): 0400 045 999
Carmen Eastley (Geoff Lyons) 0400 551 940
Steve D’Arcy (DSTO) 0419 991 909
Defence Media Operations: 02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664

An Australian soldier serving with Mentoring Task Force -2 (MTF-2) was killed in an Improvised Explosive Device strike yesterday afternoon (Australia time).

A second soldier was seriously wounded in the blast which occurred during the partnered Afghan National Army and MTF-2 patrol as it moved through the Tangi Valley in the Deh Rawud region.

Acting Chief of the Defence Force Lieutenant General David Hurley said the death of the soldier would heavily impact on the predominantly Darwin-based unit.

“Immediately after the blast Australian and Afghan soldiers moved to secure the scene and do everything they could to help their mates,” Lieutenant General Hurley said.

Weather conditions in Uruzgan at the time of the incident were extremely poor.

"Rain, low cloud and large dust storms significantly reduced visibility. This created some initial difficulty launching the aero medical helicopter, but the US air crew persevered in the dangerous conditions to get the aircraft off the ground within a few minutes.

"The aircrew's actions meant the wounded Australians reached medical care within an hour" said Lieutenant General Hurley.

Corporal Richard Edward Atkinson was 22 years old and from the Darwin based 1st Combat Engineer Regiment (1CER). He is survived by his fiancé, parents and brother.

This was Corporal Atkinson's first deployment to Afghanistan. He had previously deployed with 1CER to Indonesia on a humanitarian assistance mission, Operation Padang Assist.

Defence is now focused on supporting the families of those involved in the incident.

"In the past few weeks Australian soldiers have been working with their Afghan partners from a new patrol base (Patrol Base Qarib) in the Tangi Valley. They have successfully discovered several insurgent caches, including large amounts of explosives.

"Despite these small but significant successes, we must not forget that our soldiers are undertaking a difficult and dangerous mission. Corporal Atkinson's mates face some difficult days ahead as they prepare to send him home to his family" Lieutenant General Hurley said.

Twenty-two soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan since the ADF commenced Operation SLIPPER.

Four Australian soldiers have been wounded in Afghanistan this year with 168 ADF personnel wounded in action since 2002.

MSPA 334/10 Monday, 2 August 2010

ISAF-led multinational effort in Uruzgan
The ISAF-led multinational Combined Team-Uruzgan took command of International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops in Uruzgan Province on Sunday 1 August, after four years of Dutch command.
Combined Team-Uruzgan Commander, Colonel Jim Creighton (US Army), led a ceremony at the Multi-National Base Tarin Kowt attended by the Acting Governor for Uruzgan, Khodai Rahim Kahn and Commander of Australia’s Joint Task Force, Major General John Cantwell.
During his address to around 250 ISAF and Afghan National Army personnel, Colonel Creighton (US Army), praised the Dutch and Australian efforts under Task Force Uruzgan to improve the living and security conditions for the local people.
“The expansion of roads and bridges, the effectiveness of the Afghan National Security Forces, and enhanced security are examples of the improvements made by the hard work and efforts of Dutch and Australian personnel working with the Uruzgan leaders and people,” Colonel Creighton said.
Colonel Creighton said that the ceremony ushered in an increased presence of American forces in the region, who will build upon the stable foundation the Dutch created over the past four years.
“I am looking forward to building on the exceptional work that the Dutch and Australians have undertaken so far in Uruzgan.” he said.
Combined Team-Uruzgan includes around 1800 US, Australian, Singaporean, Slovakian, New Zealand, and French personnel.
Taliban Insurgent Leader killed in Uruzgan
Soldiers from the Afghan National Security Forces and Australian Special Forces have significantly disrupted insurgent operations after killing a Taliban insurgent leader in the Deh Rafshan region of Uruzgan Province.

Mullah Dawood, who was responsible for coordinating small arms and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attacks on Coalition forces in central Uruzgan, was killed on 14 July 2010.

No Afghan or Australian soldiers were wounded or killed in the incident.
Commander of the Australian Special Operations Task Group, Lieutenant Colonel P, said Australian Special Forces, partnered with Afghan National Security Forces, will continue to conduct disruption operations against the insurgent leadership in Uruzgan Province as long as they continue to play an active part in the Taliban insurgency.

“Mullah Dawood was a Taliban insurgent leader who coordinated the production of IEDs and the targeting of Coalition forces in attacks in the Deh Rafshan region,” Lieutenant Colonel P said.

Australian Special Forces are working with, and training elements of the Afghan National Security Forces in Uruzgan to disrupt Taliban insurgent operations in the region and to build the capacity of the Government of Afghanistan to provide protection for the local population.

IEDs continue to pose a significant threat to Coalition and Afghan National Security Forces and the people of Uruzgan.

So far this year three ADF personnel have been killed and 34 have been wounded by IED attacks in Uruzgan.

Australian soldier wounded in Afghanistan
An Australian Special Forces soldier was slightly wounded in Afghanistan on the 26th of July.
The soldier, who cannot be named, received immediate first aid before being moved back to his base for further medical treatment. Commander of Australian operations in the Middle East, Major General John Cantwell says the soldier is now back on duty after a brief period of rest.
“The soldier is in good spirits and has now returned to duty,” Major General Cantwell said.
The wounded soldier has contacted his family. Due to the nature of Special Forces operations, no further information will be provided.This casualty brings the number of Australians wounded this year to 45. To date, 145 Australians have been wounded since Operation SLIPPER began.

MSPA 331/10 Saturday, 31 July 2010

Aussie soldiers help Afghan victims of Taliban bomb attack
Australian soldiers rushed to the aid of four Afghan civilians and an Afghan soldier after a Taliban bomb exploded at a local market place in the southern Baluchi Valley, Uruzgan, Afghanistan on the 23rd of July.
The soldiers, from Australia’s 1st Mentoring Task Force (MTF-1), launched a quick reaction force from the nearby Australian patrol base following the blast, which caused extensive damage to the markets.
The bomb, which instantly killed an Afghan soldier, a shop owner and two young children aged two and three, was believed to be targeting the soldier who was buying goods at the market.
Another local man who suffered severe injuries was given immediate first aid before being aero-medically evacuated to the International Security Assistance Force medical facility at Multi National Base Tarin Kot for further treatment.
Commanding Officer of MTF-1, Lieutenant Colonel Mark Jennings, said the carnage caused by the bomb, especially the deaths of the two young children has been tough for the MTF-1 personnel.
“Scenes such as this one are challenging to the hardest of soldiers,” Lieutenant Colonel Jennings said.
“But our soldiers provided much needed medical help,” he added.
The incident highlights the techniques of harm and intimidation used by insurgents against innocent civilians and Afghan soldiers.
“We are anticipating more insurgent activity in the lead up to the Afghan parliamentary election in mid September,” Lieutenant Colonel Jennings added.