27 June 2012

AUS: Western Australia farewells soldiers bound for the Solomon Islands


Soldiers, predominately from Western Australia’s 13 Brigade, were farewelled by family and friends this week at a parade at Irwin Barracks in Karrakatta, Western Australia.

The 111 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). 

The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Senator Feeney, expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the professionalism, courage and dedication shown by the men and women as they prepare to serve on overseas operations. 

“I know the soldiers of the 13 Brigade will proudly represent our nation and serve with utmost distinction and dedication,” said Senator Feeney.

Commander 13 Brigade and host officer of the parade, Brigadier Stephen Coggin, CSC, praised the deploying soldiers for their commitment to the mission.

“This current deployment of Reserve soldiers continues Australia’s dedication to the ongoing development and security of the Solomon Islands,” Brigadier Coggin said.

“I’m really proud of the young men and women here today and would also like to extend my gratitude to families, friends and regular employers for their ongoing support.” 

The highly-trained Reserve soldiers take leave from their civilian jobs for the duration of the deployment to offer their specialist skills to the local community.

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 five troop-contributing nations: Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Tonga.