Tarin Kot Base command team returns home from Afghan deployment

An Australian Defence Force (ADF) contingent responsible for managing seven camps in the Multi-National Base Tarin Kot (MNB-TK) Afghanistan is returning home today after a successful six-month deployment.

The team formed the nucleus of the Multi-National Base Command - Tarin Kot (MNBC-TK), which commanded and coordinated force protection, base defences, airfield construction and operations, and infrastructure management in support of the 6,000 personnel based at Tarin Kot.

Commanding Officer MNBC-TK, Wing Commander Paul Aggett, said his team, primarily drawn from the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), responded to several incidents across the base.

“One of our biggest challenges was responding to a vehicle-borne Improvised Explosive Device (IED) that resulted in multiple fuel tanker explosions adjacent to the main entrance of the Tarin Kot base in March,” said Wing Commander Aggett.

“Within a matter of minutes, we were coordinating fire fighting, providing force protection and medical assistance, while undertaking site cordoning and responding to secondary explosions.”

The base command team also coordinated the implementation and operation of the Counter Rocket and Mortar (CRAM) threat warning system at the base during its six-month rotation.

MNBC-TK also managed the emergency response, including facilitating the work of the Explosive Ordnance Demolition and Weapons Intelligence Team.

Other notable incidents at the base requiring a Command response included suspected IEDs, emergency lockdowns as a result of the detection of explosives and motor vehicle accidents.

Wing Commander Aggett believes the MNBC-TK personnel significantly improved the security, logistics support, infrastructure management and amenity support to the base.

“The contribution made by Australian personnel working at Tarin Kot greatly enhanced the reputation of the ADF with our ISAF partners. I would like to acknowledge the great effort from every member of the MNBC-TK team,” Wing Commander Aggett said.

The Australian Rotation 2 contingent has been replaced by a similar number of personnel, all from the RAAF.