Assistant Minister for Defence – Visit to RAAF Base Tindal
Assistant Minister for Defence, Stuart Robert, today visited RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory where he was briefed on facility upgrades and observed elements of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2015.
Mr Robert praised local personnel during his visit and noted the important role they play in delivering critical Defence capabilities.
“The work carried out by personnel at RAAF Base Tindal is vital to a number of Defence activities, including flying operations in Iraq,” Mr Robert said.
“It was great to see the home base of Number 75 Squadron, which has personnel deployed to the Air Task Group in the Middle East Region along with some of Australia’s F/A-18A Hornets.”
During the tour Minister Robert was briefed on planned upgrades for the arrival of the F-35A Lightning II (Joint Strike Fighter) aircraft and other base upgrade projects.
“Purpose built facilities for the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter will be constructed along with a number of upgrades to existing facilities including to engineering infrastructure; the base warehouse; and counter-measure storage and preparation facilities,” Mr Robert said.
“I was particularly pleased to see refurbishments being carried out to the on-base housing provided to Defence families. Another 50 houses will be constructed on base next year, bringing more housing choice for members and their families along with economic benefits to the Katherine community.”
“RAAF Base Tindal remains an important part of Katherine and I expect support will grow within the community as future developments and upgrades are realised.
Minister Robert also spoke to members from Number 3 Squadron from RAAF Base Williamtown (NSW) who are visiting RAAF Base Tindal, along with their F/A-18A/B Hornets, as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2015.
Talisman Sabre will conclude on 21 July 2015.
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Assistant Minister for Defence – Visit to NORFORCE in Alice Springs
Assistant Minister for Defence, Stuart Robert, today met with officers and soldiers from the North West Mobile Force (NORFORCE) in Alice Springs.
Mr Robert visited the NORFORCE Centre Squadron base and was briefed on the training and operations carried out by the unit.
As part of the briefing, soldiers demonstrated some of the high-tech surveillance equipment used by the Squadron’s patrols, which deploy to some of the remotest parts of Australia.
“NORFORCE is responsible for an area of around 1.8 million square kilometres – that’s roughly twice the size of France and Germany combined. Their area of operations encompasses the Northern Territory and the Kimberley region of Western Australia and is the largest of any Battalion sized military unit in the world,” Mr Robert said.
NORFORCE was formed in 1981 and is one of three Regional Force Surveillance Units (RFSUs) employed in surveillance and reconnaissance of the remote areas of northern Australia.
Australian Indigenous soldiers form approximately 40 per cent of NORFORCE personnel and are predominantly drawn from the areas where they patrol, maximising their superior local knowledge.
“These soldiers, with a combination of their deep knowledge of the region, together with excellent equipment and training carry out vital work in Australia’s north,” Mr Robert said.
“They can operate without resupply for weeks at a time and play an important part in protecting our borders.”
Today, the headquarters of NORFORCE is based at Larrakeyah Barracks in Darwin with elements maintaining a permanent presence in Arnhem Land, Central Australia and the Kimberley.
Cap Badge of the North-West Mobile Force via Wikipedia