Some 300 members of 7th Brigade were welcomed home by friends and loved ones in Brisbane today after returning from deployments in Afghanistan and Timor Leste.
The group included officers and soldiers who served on Operation SLIPPER with Combined Task Force Uruzgan-Three (CTU-3), Force Communications Unit-Seven (FCU-7) and in support of Special Operations Task Group-17 (SOTG-17), and on Operation ASTUTE with Timor Leste Task Group-Four (TLTG-4).
The returning soldiers were greeted by family, friends and VIP guests during a parade and barbecue lunch at Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera.
Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison, AO, said the welcome home ceremony was a chance to show how much the Australian public appreciated the efforts of the Australian Army’s men and women.
“These highly skilled members of the Australian military have been away from their families for extended periods of time assisting people in other countries to achieve a safer and better way of life,” Lieutenant General Morrison said.
“The sacrifices they and their families have made to enable them to achieve these endeavours are something for which we should all be grateful.
“Today’s parade provides us with an opportunity to acknowledge their vital contribution to the security of this nation with their families, friends and members of an appreciative community,” he added.
Lieutenant General Morrison also recognised the loss of soldiers who had been killed on operations in Afghanistan.
Operation SLIPPER is Australia's military contribution to the international campaign against terrorism, maritime security in the Middle East Area of Operations and countering piracy in the Gulf of Aden. Operation ASTUTE is the Australian Defence Force’s continuing contribution to the maintenance of peace and stability in Timor Leste.
Commanding Officer 7 Brigade Brigadier Greg Bilton said he was extremely proud of the professionalism and dedication shown by the soldiers on their deployments.
Media Contact:
Major John McPherson, 7 Brigade Public Affairs Officer, 0477 333 961.
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999
Issued by Ministerial and Executive Coordination and Communication,
Department of Defence,
Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999 Fax: 02 6265 6946
