Around 220 Australian Defence Force (ADF) members serving with the Australian-led International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in East Timor have started returning home to Australia.
The departing personnel, who are from various units within the ISF, have completed between six and eight month rotations in East Timor and will be replaced by approximately the same number of ADF personnel.
Commander ISF (CISF), Lieutenant Colonel Mick Sasse, said the number of ADF personnel operating in East Timor would remain the same.
“The rotation of personnel will not affect the ability of the ISF to carry out its role of assisting the East Timor security sector to maintain a stable and secure environment,” Lieutenant Colonel Sasse said.
Prior to their departure, the Australian personnel were awarded the Timor Leste Solidarity Medal for their contribution towards the consolidation of security and stability in East Timor.
Lieutenant Colonel Sasse said the ISF personnel rotating home would remember their service in East Timor with pride.
“The servicemen and women of the International Stabilisation Force have performed exceptionally well and can be justly proud of their accomplishments during their service in East Timor,” he said.
“They have set a high standard for the new rotation of International Stabilisation Force troops to aspire to and can return home knowing they have served with distinction and have my sincere thanks and appreciation for all their efforts.”
The departing ISF personnel include members from 4 Brigade (Victoria), 7 Brigade (Brisbane), 17 Signals Regiment (Sydney).
They will be replaced by personnel drawn from elements of the Army Reserve, primarily 5 Brigade (New South Wales) and 1st Signals Regiment.
The ISF is in East Timor at the invitation of the Government of Timor Leste to support local security forces to maintain a secure and stable environment.
Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999
