SENATOR JOHN FAULKNER
Minister for Defence
Thursday, 11 February 2010
014/2010
Australian troops return home after successful
Afghanistan tour
730 members of the Second Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force
(MRTF-2) are returning home following an intensive eight month deployment
to Afghanistan as part of the International Security Assistance Force.
These Australian soldiers have made important progress in Oruzgan
Province. They have helped to expand our mentoring and training effort of the
Afghan National Army, build the security capacity of the Afghan Government,
and delivered more reconstruction activities for the local community.
“The MRTF-2 expansion of the training effort is a key achievement,” Minister
for Defence, Senator John Faulkner said.
“This progress was made in a difficult and challenging environment. Our
troops worked under the threat of road-side bombs and attacks by insurgents.
“We must never forget the sacrifice of Private Benjamin Ranaudo, a member
of the MRTF-2, who was killed in action and the courage of others from
MRTF-2 who were wounded in action.”
The efforts of the members of the MRTF have paid dividends. Alongside the
Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF), the MRTF confiscated 90 weapon
caches, provided security support for the Afghan National Elections, and
expanded the security presence in the Mirabad Valley, Baluchi Valley, and the
Chora district.
“Australia’s focus remains on mentoring the ANSF in order to build their
capacity to take responsibility for the security in Oruzgan province. This work
is proceeding well,” Senator Faulkner said.
The mostly Townsville-based MRTF-2 is being replaced with Brisbane
soldiers from the Army’s 7th Brigade.
A welcome back ceremony for MRTF-2 will be held in Townsville on 10 April
2010.
Media contacts:
Colin Campbell (John Faulkner):
02 6277 7600 or 0407 787 181
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
