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| Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon |
The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon, yesterday completed a two-day visit to meet with deployed personnel at Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates and Tarin Kot in Afghanistan. He also met with senior Afghan officials in Uruzgan Province. The Minister was accompanied on the visit by Major General Michael Crane, Commander Joint Task Force 633.
Mr Snowdon paid tribute to the ADF personnel currently serving in the Middle East, noting that the Australian contribution has been important in stabilising Afghanistan.
“The Australian forces in Afghanistan continue to do a tremendous job and deserve congratulations on their professionalism and commitment.
Mr Snowdon met with members of the units at Tarin Kot including the recently deployed 2nd Cavalry Regiment Task Group from Darwin.
During a meeting with the Special Operations Task Group, Mr Snowdon reaffirmed Australia’s support for the vital contribution that SOTG makes in disrupting the insurgency and mentoring the Afghan National Police.
Mr Snowdon also congratulated the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) and all contributing nations to the International Security Assistance Force, on the fifth and final tranche of Afghan provinces transitioning to ANSF control.
“This is a clear indication of the increasing strength and capability of the ANSF, who will take full security responsibility at the end of 2013,” Mr Snowdon said.
“I also heard from ADF Commanders and saw for myself the progress made in remediating the Australia base at Tarin Kot, and preparing for the redeployment of ADF personnel and assets to Australia. This is a crucial component of Australia successfully concluding its mission in Uruzgan at the end of this year.”
Mr Snowdon told the troops that they had made a tangible and meaningful contribution to the security and future of Afghanistan and that all Australians should be rightfully proud of the outstanding work done by our servicemen and women on this mission of such importance.
“Although Australia is close to completing a successful mission in Afghanistan, we remember that 39 young Australians made the ultimate sacrifice and many more have been wounded or otherwise injured. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” Mr Snowdon said.