DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999, Fax: 02 6265 1545
MSPA 471/10
Wednesday, 06 October 2010
Chief of Air Force visits Operation Pakistan Assist II
Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Mark Binskin, AO, has travelled to Pakistan to get a
first hand look at Australian relief efforts in the flood affected country.
Joined by Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan,
Mr Tim George,
and Deputy
Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Davyd Thomas, Air Marshal Binskin took time to speak
to the Defence and civilian personnel deployed on Operation Pakistan Assist II.
Almost 100 Air Force personnel have deployed to Pakistan as part of Australia’s
efforts to support Pakistan during its time of need.
Air Marshal Binskin was given a tour of the Camp Cockatoo health facility at Kot
Addu,
including
visiting the day wards, pathology, pharmacy and the new Air Force
Digital Imaging X-Ray system - the first deployment of this system overseas, which
has greatly enhanced the capability to produce better quality imaging for patients.
The Chief of Air Force said the visit was an excellent opportunity to view the Air
Force’s deployable health capability in action and to personally thank the Air Force-
led military team for their efforts.
“The personnel of the Australian Medical Task Force are providing an enormous
helping hand to local residents who have lost so much”, Air Marshal Binskin said.
“The victims of this disaster have time and again shown their gratitude to our people
through their smiles and tears.”
“Each member of the Op Pakistan Assist II should be proud as I am of their efforts –
well done.”
During the visit to Pakistan, Air Marshal Binskin also met Air Chief Marshal Rao
Qamar Suleman HI(M), S Bt, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force and Chief of
Naval Staff (CNS), ADML Noman Bashir NI(M).
“The success of Operation Pakistan Assist II is due to the close cooperation with the
Pakistan Armed Forces,” Air Marshal Binskin said.
Media Note:
Imagery is available at
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
