SENATOR JOHN FAULKNER
Minister for Defence
Friday, 4 December 2009
052/2009
DEFENCE MINISTER FAREWELLS COMMUNICATION
CONTINGENT AND VISITS 2ND COMMANDO REGIMENT
The Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner, today farewelled two
Australian Defence Force (ADF) elements, the Force Communications Unit 3
(FCU 3) and the Force Communications Element 3 (FCE 3), from their training
base at Holsworthy, as they deploy as part of OPERATION Slipper and
OPERATION Astute.
The combined contingent of 140 men and women were farewelled in a military
ceremony by the Minister and Commander Forces Command, Major General
David Morrison, AM, alongside the many proud family and friends in
attendance.
FCU 3 will be based in the Middle East providing communications and
information systems to all deployed forces as part of OPERATION Slipper –
the ADF's contribution to the international campaign against terrorism.
FCE 3 will undertake their tasks to deliver communications and information
systems in East Timor as part of OPERATION Astute - the ADF's contribution
to support stabilisation operations in the new nation.
In all, 22 units were represented on parade with all three services. The
contingent members are aged between 19 and 55 years of age.
Senator Faulkner congratulated the Commanding Officer of FCU 3, Lieutenant
Colonel David Hay, for overseeing a comprehensive training program which
was designed to fully test those deploying. The contingent is now well
prepared for their tasks.
“There will be many challenges that you face in providing our people with
robust communication and information systems to do their job. This will
demand that you are adaptable and agile and I am sure that you will meet and
exceed these expectations,” Senator Faulkner said.
Senator Faulkner also thanked the many family members present, and the
sacrifices they make in supporting the deployed soldiers,
The Minister also visited the Sydney-based 2nd Commando Regiment to see
demonstrations of commando capability and meet with soldiers.
The Commandos’ skills were showcased to the Minister in a domestic counter
terrorism demonstration, followed by a demonstration of the commando war
role.
Senator Faulkner recognised the unit’s special role as an essential element of
the Government’s commitment to defeating the threat of terrorism both
domestically and abroad.
“The Commando war roles and domestic counter terrorism capability
demonstrations I have seen here today certainly highlight their critical role and
unique capabilities,” Senator Faulkner said.
“The 2nd Commando Regiment’s contribution to Afghanistan is well
understood by me and the Government, as is their role protecting Australia
domestically.
“Their contributions to the Coalition efforts against international terrorism play
an important part in setting the conditions required for stability and
reconstruction in Afghanistan.”
Media contacts:
Colin Campbell (John Faulkner):
02 6277 7800 or 0407 787 181
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
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