DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999, Fax: 02 6265 1545
MSPA 252/10
Thursday, 24 June 2010
Appointment of General Petraeus as ISAF Commander
The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, today welcomed
the appointment of General David Petraeus as Commander of the International
Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan following the resignation of General
Stanley McChrystal.
“I want to express my thanks to General McChrystal for the important and valuable
work he has done as the ISAF Commander. He oversaw a particularly difficult period
in Afghanistan and has been instrumental in driving the revised counter-insurgency
strategy forward, “Air Chief Marshal Houston said.
“I am confident that the mission in Afghanistan will not be affected by General
McChrystal’s departure and I welcome the appointment of General Petraeus.
“I look forward to working again with General Petraeus, who has played a key role in
developing the strategy we are supporting in Afghanistan.
“We have had constructive and effective engagement with General Petraeus over
many years, especially when he was the Commanding General Multi-National Forces
–
Iraq.”
General Petraeus is an outstanding leader. During his time as Commanding General,
Multi-National Force - Iraq, General Petraeus led Coalition Forces in an exceedingly
complex operational environment to great effect.
General Petraeus was last year appointed an Honorary Officer of the Order of
Australia in recognition of his distinguished service in Iraq to the International
Coalition against Terrorism.
“Of note this included driving a very successful counter insurgency operation in -
Iraq,
“I know General Petraeus will vigorously continue to advance the mission in
Afghanistan.” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: (02) 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
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