DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999, Fax: 02 6265 1545
MSPA 369/09
Friday, 30 October 2009
AUSTRALIANS BUILD PATROL BASE IN MIRABAD VALLEY
Australian
and Afghan soldiers have worked together to establish a permanent security
presence in the Mirabad Valley, Afghanistan.
As part of Operation Baz Panje, soldiers from the Townsville based Mentoring and
Reconstruction Task Force 2 (MRTF 2) and Afghan National Army (ANA) constructed a new
patrol base enabling soldiers to maintain a permanent security presence in the region.
Planning for this operation commenced
shortly after the MRTF 2 arrived in Afghanistan
earlier this year. The combat teams inserted into the area via a coalition air mobile operation
which disrupted the insurgents’ ability to mount an effective response
“This was one of the largest air mobile operations involving Australian conventional forces
since Vietnam and was highly successful in forcing the insurgents out of the area and creating
a secure environment.” Major Trotter of the MRTF 2 said.
Construction of the new patrol base commenced after consultation with local leaders to best
determine their security needs. The construction team included Australian Defence Force
tradesmen and plant operators, working alongside ANA engineers.
The base, with amenities and hardened accommodation, will cater for ANA soldiers. Also
included are facilities for coalition mentoring elements as well as joint headquarters to
develop the ANA, in accordance with Australia’s objective to train and mentor the ANA.
Lieutenant Porter said the new patrol base was the first of its kind in this area.
“The establishment of this base allows the coalition and ANA to further demonstrate their
ability to protect the Afghan population and provides opportunities for more development in
the region. This base will show the benefits of a permanent security presence,” Lieutenant
Porter said
MRTF 2 is part of Operation Slipper, Australia’s contribution to coalition efforts against
international terrorism. Interviews can be arranged by contacting Defence media and imagery
is available at
m
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
