Sustaining border security

Personnel from Navy, Army and Air Force deployed as transit security element rotation 119 in Darwin recently to support maritime security operations on Operation Resolute.

Commanded by Leut-Cmdr Stacy Craigie, the team operated alongside Navy and Australian Border Force vessels.

“Operation Resolute brings together an integrated force, providing Army and Air Force members the opportunity to experience life at sea alongside their Navy colleagues,” Leut-Cmdr Craigie said.

“Through targeted training and exposure to real-world maritime operations in support of border protection efforts, we are building our collective ADF warfighting capability and strengthening our ability to operate effectively as a joint team.”

Watch commander Capt Blake Everson said the deployment was valuable for junior leaders.

“TSE is an outstanding opportunity to work in a truly triservice environment,” Capt Everson said.

“Command and leadership experience in a dynamic operational context and making decisions with real outcomes has certainly been a highlight of the deployment.”

All personnel undergo forcepreparation training in maritime skills, boarding operations and defensive tactics before embarking in vessels.

Twenty-five teams were assigned across 11 different vessels, resulting in 93 individual deployments.

As part of the rotation, TSE 119 was visited by the ADF Senior Enlisted Adviser to CDF WOFF Ken Robertson, who travelled to Darwin to meet personnel and hear about their experiences.

“Getting out to see our people and where they’re operating is critical,” WOFF Robertson said.

“It’s important senior leaders take the time to put boots on the ground, listen to deployed members and understand what’s working well and where we can do better. That direct connection ensures the voice of our enlisted workforce is heard at the highest levels.”

For many members, the deployment has been a highlight of their service.

LACW Morgan Wilson-Ward said it was challenging and rewarding.

“Having the opportunity to deploy at sea, strengthen interoperability across all three services and contribute to mission objectives in service of our nation is something I will always take immense pride in,” she said.