Command of Operation SLIPPER transitions to new Commander Joint Task Force

Commander of Australian Forces in the Middle East Area of Operations, Major General Michael Crane, has officially handed over responsibility to his replacement, Major General Craig Orme.

The Transfer of Authority took place on 17 September 2013 at Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates which is home to the Australian Headquarters of Joint Task Force 633.

Major General Crane offered his final farewells following a presentation of the command pennant, which flew over his headquarters for almost 12 months.

“There is no greater privilege than to be given command of ADF personnel on operations and I am certainly thankful for that,” he said.

“We are here to defeat the scourge of international terrorism and to help the Afghan people build a better day, a better future for themselves and their families. We are contributing to history, and it is most certainly worth it.

“The past year has not been without its sacrifices, including two Australian soldiers killed and many more wounded. We will never forget their service.”

The new Commander Joint Task Force 633, Major General Orme, shared his simple expectations with the Joint Task Force headquarters staff.

“Be brilliant at the basics, know your job. Work as a team and see the bigger picture,” he said.

“Australia has been in the Middle East under many different guises for decades, basically since World War 1 with Australian troops in Palestine and that history is set to continue as we transition from warfighting to training, advising and assisting the people of Afghanistan.”

Major General Orme’s appointment has come at a significant time for both the ADF and the people of Afghanistan as Uruzgan province moves toward Afghan full security responsibility. But the new Commander Joint Task Force is quick to point out Operation SLIPPER has been critical since its inception.

“Every day is critical for the people of Afghanistan and we have made a commitment to support and assist them in these foundation years as they emerge as a modern nation.”

Major General Orme’s biography is available at: http://www.defence.gov.au/vcdf/ADC_bio.html

Imagery is available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/S20131443

Media contact:

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999