DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6265 3343, Fax: 02 62656946
MSPA 236/09
Tuesday, 28 July 2009
CDF RETURNS FROM THE MIDDLE EAST AND AFGHANISTAN
The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, yesterday returned from
a visit to the Middle East and Afghanistan where he met with Australian Defence Force
(ADF) personnel and conducted key meetings with coalition partners.
During the visit, Air Chief Marshal Houston met with Australian force elements, including
members of the deployed unit of Private Benjamin Ranaudo, who was tragically killed on
active service in Afghanistan on 18 July.
“I was able to express my sympathies to Private Ranaudo’s mates, who continue to mourn his
loss and are determined to continue their mission in Ben’s memory,” Air Chief Marshal
Houston said.
“Our people in the Middle East and Afghanistan are doing excellent work and I ask all
Australians to keep them in their thoughts.
“Again during this visit, I saw first hand the level of commitment and professionalism of our
ADF people in the Middle East and Afghanistan. I was most impressed with the Operational
and Mentoring Liaison Team (OMLT) training and visited one of the forward operating bases
in the Chora Valley.
“Recently, an additional 120 Australian troops arrived in Afghanistan to help provide security
to the Afghanistan Presidential and Provincial Council elections next month.
“Our people are serving our nation with great distinction away their families and friends in
order to protect our national interests.”
During the visit, Air Chief Marshal Houston also met with the Commander of the
International Security Assistance Force, General Stanley McChrystal, Commander Regional
Command South, Major General Martin de Kruif and the US Ambassador to Afghanistan,
Lieutenant General Karl Eikenberry (Retired).
“I welcome the determined leadership of the International Security Assistance Force under
General McChrystal. His clear vision and understanding of what is needed to succeed in
Afghanistan is making a tangible difference,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.
“My meetings with General McChrystal and other senior officials were very productive and
again underscored to me the high regard in which the men and women of the ADF are held.
“These meetings also enabled us to discuss our contribution to Afghanistan and the strategic
way forward.”
Imagery of the Chief of Defence Force’s trip is available at:
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
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