SENATOR JOHN FAULKNER
Minister for Defence
Tuesday, 8 December 2009
053/2009
MINISTER FOR DEFENCE VISITS TOWNSVILLE ADF
ESTABLISHMENTS
The Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner, today visited Lavarack
Barracks and RAAF Base Townsville on a familiarisation tour of the two
military establishments.
At Lavarack Barracks, Senator Faulkner met with members of the First
Battalion the Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR) Band. Officer Commanding
1 RAR Band, Major Daniel Hiscock and members of the band were rehearsing
to present a concert to troops who are away from their families on operations
over the Christmas period.
As well as its official role in support of the First Battalion, the 1 RAR band
travels extensively throughout the region entertaining the public at civic
festivals and shows from Rockhampton to Port Douglas and as far afield as
Mt Isa. It helps raise money for a number of charities and performs regularly
at major community events such as Townsville’s ‘Carols on the Strand’.
At the 4th Field Regiment Gun Park, Senator Faulkner observed soldiers
training to refine their artillery skills. The Gun Park was constructed as part of
the Lavarack Barracks Redevelopment Project Stage 4, and enables artillery,
mortars, fast air, armed helicopters and naval fire for the two Battle Groups in
Townsville.
At RAAF Base Townsville, Senator Faulkner met with members of Number 1
Airfield Operations Support Squadron (1AOSS), the largest operational unit in
the RAAF with detachments at every major operational Air Force Base.
RAAF Base Townsville is in the middle of a busy exercise period with three
simultaneous exercises going on. During these exercises, the Base is
supporting an additional 700 Air Force personnel and four additional aircraft
platforms - F/A-18, PC-9s, C-130 Hercules and AP-3C aircraft.
Senator Faulkner also visited the Combat Survival Training School (CSTS)
which provides tri-service aircrew training to increase survivability in the event
the crew crash, or are forced to make an emergency landing.
At Number 44 Wing Detachment, Senator Faulkner met air traffic controllers
who provide services to both military and civil aircraft 16 hours a day, seven
days a week.
Media Note:
Imagery is available at:
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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