Largest Combat Support Unit in the Middle East Returns Home

Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel in the largest Combat Support Unit deployed to the Middle East Region have returned home following a successful six-month rotation.

192 members of the Combat Support Unit Rotation 13 (CSU-13) provided support to ADF and coalition aviation operations, including the newly established Air Task Group in its fight against Daesh.

Commanding Officer of CSU-13, Wing Commander Robert Graham said the unit rose to a significant challenge.

"The mission to provide combat support to the Air Task Group expanded during the last rotation," he said.

"However, CSU-13 was the first rotation to mount, work up and deploy as a much larger formed body.

"We've moved a phenomenal amount of cargo and passengers and achieved all of our deployment targets in the last six months."

CSU is a key provider in sustaining air operations throughout the Middle East, all the time maintaining support to other ADF units in the region.

Besides supplying material goods, CSU also provides services such as air load teams, aircraft security, airfield engineering, accommodation, medical, welfare and garrison support.

Speaking at a parade to mark the Transfer of Authority from CSU-13 to CSU-14, Commander of the Joint Task Force 633, Rear Admiral Trevor Jones said the CSU's functions are critical to enabling the delivery of air combat power.

"The CSU achieves many things across many areas of endeavour and their efforts are greatly appreciated," he said.

For the duration of their six month deployment, the CSU-13 Air Load Team handled 1,400 pallets, more than 5,000 passengers and nearly 6.5 million pounds of cargo including vehicles.

88.5 million litres of aviation fuel was delivered to ADF and coalition aircraft.

26 airfield and 110 domestic fire response calls were handled by CSU aviation fire fighters, and 27 tactical aero-medical evacuations (AME) were handled by CSU medical staff.

Finally, more than 10,000 items of explosive ordnance were disposed of.

Incoming Commander of CSU-14, Wing Commander Iain Carty said the CSU-13 had performed an outstanding job.

"They have maintained a very high tempo and provided superior combat support to the Air Task Group and the coalition," he said.

"We are hoping to sustain and improve on what they've been able to deliver."