DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999, Fax: 02 6265 1545
MSPA 440/09
Friday, 18 December 2009
FOOD-FEST FOR AUSTRALIAN TROOPS IN AFGHANISTAN
Australia has taken responsibility for the provision of meals to the Diggers deployed to
Tarin Kowt and surrounding bases in Oruzgan Province, southern Afghanistan.
The Australian Defence Force catering contract with Supreme Global Service Solutions
commenced on the 1st of December, with the new arrangement to transition over the next
six weeks.
Under the watchful eye of an Australian Defence Force catering officer, the contracted
staff and Australian cooks are already serving up a select number of fresh dishes at
breakfast, lunch and dinner to meet the dietary preferences of the Australian and Dutch
soldiers.
Historically, Australian ration requirements have been provided for under the existing
Dutch arrangements, as the Netherlands is the lead nation in Oruzgan.
While the contract is now under Australian management, the needs (and tastes) of the
Dutch have not gone unnoticed and there remains a distinctly European flavour to some
of the dishes provided through the mess.
The Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Mark Evans, said the menu that was
designed and developed by the Australian catering staff would ensure the Australian
forces and other coalition troops that were catered for within the Camp Holland mess
would be able to feast on an assortment of foods that would suit most tastes.
“The final catering arrangements will ensure the Australian and coalition soldiers are able
to enjoy freshly prepared and cooked meals on a regular and routine basis,” Lieutenant
General Evans said.
“The Napoleonic adage that an Army marches on its stomach continues to ring true for all
militaries. If our soldiers are eating well, they will perform well in the field and have the
stamina to maintain the high operational tempo that this environment demands.”
Lieutenant General Evans said the move to completely fresh rations would occur
progressively, and was a positive addition to the coalition’s catering service provided at
Camp Holland.
“Importantly, with 13 cooks deployed to the region, Defence will also continue to offer
fresh food on a regular basis to the remote outposts and patrol bases of Oruzgan
province,” Lieutenant General Evans said.
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: (02) 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
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