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Australian Soldiers disembark from a Blackhawk Helicopter (file photo) |
One hundred and five soldiers, predominately from Queensland’s 11 Brigade have been farewelled by family and friends today at a parade at Lavarack Barracks, Townsville.
The soldiers are deploying to Operation Anode in the Solomon Islands. Operation Anode is the Australian Defence Force contribution to the Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI).
Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Senator David Feeney, has praised the deploying soldiers and acknowledged their commitment to community and country.
“This current deployment of Reserve soldiers continues Australia’s commitment to the development and security of the Solomon Islands,” Senator Feeney said.
“Our soldiers epitomise many of the values that the Australian community holds dear.
“The most prominent one is their commitment to serving their country by getting in there and making a positive difference to their community and more broadly to the international community,” Senator Feeney said.
“We are extremely proud of the Reservists deploying today.
“These fine young men and women supported their community during the recent natural disasters in Queensland and now they are deploying in service of their country,” Senator Feeney said.
“They are a credit to our nation,” the Senator said.
The purpose of RAMSI is to assist the Solomon Islands Government in restoring law and order and economic governance.
The military component of RAMSI is comprised of personnel from four troop-contributing nations: Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Tonga.