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The Australian Defence Force has formally concluded Operation ASTUTE in Timor-Leste and has redeployed all troops and equipment to Australia.
Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General (LTGEN) Ash Power said a small number of Australian Defence Force personnel returned home to Australia on 27 March 2013 marking the end of the Australian-led International Stabilisation Force.
The last commander of Joint Task Force 631, Lieutenant Colonel Mick Sasse, flew into Australia after the final handover of Australian bases to the Government of Timor-Leste.
Lieutenant General Power said the latest mission in the fledgling nation started on 25 May 2006 in response to a request from the Government of Timor-Leste and had been a success in restoring public order and stability.
“Personnel from Australia and New Zealand are proud of the part they have played in assisting the Timor-Leste security forces efforts to restore stability to their nation,” LTGEN Power said.
“Overall, the ADF is proud to have assisted the Timorese people in the quest for self determination and governance. We all look forward to continued strong relationships with Timor-Leste defence personnel into the future.
“Approximately 29,000 deployment orders have been issued to personnel, some multiple times, to Timor-Leste since operations in the young nation started with International Force East Timor (INTERFET) in 1999.
“Our personnel have done an outstanding job to build relationships based on mutual respect and have maintained a strong rapport with the people of Timor-Leste throughout our involvement since the first deployment to the country in 1999.”
The end of the operation was declared after the Helicopter Point of Disembarkation became the final base to be handed over this year to the Government of Timor-Leste [25 March 13].
Other bases to be handed over include the Aircraft Point of Disembarkation at Dili Airport on 18 March 2013 and the Forward Operating Base “Camp” Phoenix on 21 February 2013.
Australia’s three Army Black Hawk helicopters, four infantry platoons, 102 vehicles and more than 50 shipping containers of equipment have been returned to Australia since November 2012.
Other items including infrastructure and some vehicles have been gifted to the Government of Timor-Leste following significant consultation.
Australia will continue its strong security relationship with Timor-Leste through the Defence Cooperation Program, which will continue its mission to support the development of the Timor-Leste Defence Force.
A team of 24 Australian military and civilian personnel will remain in Timor‑Leste to provide training and mentoring support to the Timor-Leste Defence Force and the Secretariat of Defence.
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| Stephen Smith: Minister for Defence |
Minister for Defence – Australian personnel complete Timor-Leste operation
Today marks a significant milestone for the Australian Defence Force (ADF), with the successful conclusion of Operation ASTUTE.
Operation ASTUTE was the ADF’s contribution to the maintenance of peace and stability in Timor‑Leste, particularly through the United Nations mandated Australian-led International Stabilisation Force (ISF).
Today sees the return of the last ADF personnel deployed on Operation ASTUTE, and marks the end of the ISF, which has supported peace and stability in Timor-Leste since 2006.
The ISF ceased its security operations on 22 November 2012, and commenced withdrawal from Timor-Leste.
I extend my thanks to all ADF personnel who have served under Operation ASTUTE for the contribution they have made in assisting Timor-Leste to establish a peaceful and independent nation.
I also extend my appreciation to Australia’s ISF partner, New Zealand, for its invaluable contribution throughout the life of the ISF.
In recent years, Timor-Leste has seen its economy grow and institutions strengthen. The 2012 national elections clearly demonstrated the ability of Timor-Leste security forces, both military and police, to manage domestic security.
Australia’s defence engagement with Timor-Leste will continue through our Defence Cooperation Program.
A team of 24 ADF and civilian personnel will remain in Timor-Leste to provide training and mentoring support to the Timor-Leste Defence Force and the Secretariat of Defence.
I look forward to the strengthening and maturing of the bilateral defence relationship between Australia and Timor‑Leste in the years to come.