DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999, Fax: 02 6265 1545
MSPA 010/10
Friday, 15 January 2010
NEW COMMANDER TAKES OVER OPERATION SLIPPER
Australian Defence Force personnel serving in the Middle East Area of Operations have a new
commander. After twelve months at the helm, Major General Mark Kelly has formally handed
the reins over to Major General John Cantwell.
Defence personnel paraded and a ceremony was held at Australia’s main support base in the
Middle East Area of Operations to mark the change of command at the head of Joint Task
Force 633.
The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, said the direction and
professionalism exhibited by Major General Kelly during his tenure was in keeping with the
finest traditions of the ADF.
“I would like to thank Major General Kelly for his leadership and dedication and acknowledge
the outstanding results achieved by the Taskforce under his command,” Air Chief Marshal
Houston said.
“To Major General Cantwell, I offer my best wishes as he assumes command and takes on this
most demanding of operational appointments.”
In his farewell speech, Major General Kelly said the young men and women on parade and
those across the Joint Task Force, including Australian Public Servants and contractors, had
been a constant source of inspiration for him throughout his twelve months as their
commander.
“This is a unique privilege; to command young men and women of the Australian Defence
Force, our soldiers, sailors, airmen and women, whilst serving on operations and I thank you all
for your wonderful contribution to making this year a very positive and memorable experience.
It’s been my honour to serve you during that time,” Major General Kelly said.
During the ceremony, the Commander’s Pennant, the symbol of authority representing his
responsibilities to the organisations within Joint Task Force 633, was lowered and presented to
Major General Kelly.
The two Major Generals then signed a certificate to mark the transfer of authority.
“It’s a significant day today, a change of command, and it’s appropriate that we make the time
to recognise the transition of authority between one commander and the next. On that note I
DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999, Fax: 02 6265 1545
welcome my good friend, Major General John Cantwell, to the Middle East Area of Operations
and congratulate him on his selection to be the commander Joint Task Force 633,” Major
General Kelly said.
Major General Cantwell said there were very few opportunities to serve which provide such
challenges and rewards than to lead one’s countrymen and women on operations.
“There can be no doubt that this period of service will be the pinnacle of my 36 years of service
and I embrace it with great excitement, pride and some foreboding,” Major General Cantwell
said.
“Indeed, the role for the commander in such an appointment is about leadership and it’s about
service and I very sincerely embrace my responsibility to serve the men and women of Joint
Task Force 633 for the year ahead.”
Major General Cantwell also said that like all members of Joint Task Force 633, he was proud
to play a part in furthering Australia’s interests in the region, including the Government’s
commitment to bring security and stability to the people of Afghanistan.
Media note: Imagery can be found at
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: (02) 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
