General David Hurley completed his final visit to the Middle East Area of Operations as Chief of the Defence Force on 19-20 May.
The CDF visited areas in Kandahar and Kabul where around 400 Australian personnel are currently deployed to train, advise and assist the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF). The CDF also met personnel at Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates.
General Hurley will retire in July after a career in the Australian Army spanning more than 40 years, which includes an operational deployment to Somalia (1993) where he earned a Distinguished Service Cross. He has been awarded a Companion of the Order of Australia and an Officer of the Order of Australia for his long and distinguished service to the ADF.
General Hurley will hand over to the Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, in July.
Major General Craig Orme, Commander Joint Task Force 633, said General Hurley had been a great leader of the ADF and a man who had great respect for all personnel.
