Minister For Defence Visits NT Bases
2 October 2009
The Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner, today completed a comprehensive two day visit to Northern Territory Defence bases and facilities.
Senator Faulkner said he was impressed by the capability and commitment of the more than 7000 Defence personnel in the Northern Territory.
During his visit, Senator Faulkner received briefings from Commander Northern Command, Commodore David Gwyther on the ADF's contribution to border protection operations under Operation RESOLUTE.
He also visited Larrakeyah Barracks in Darwin and received briefings on issues affecting Defence and defence families in the north.
The Minister met with Australian Defence Force and Australian Public Service members from Northern Command Headquarters, the Patrol Boat Group, North West Mobile Force, Joint Logistic Unit - North, Defence Material Organisation, Defence Support Group and HMAS Coonawarra. At HMAS Coonawarra, Senator Faulkner toured an Armidale Class Patrol Boat.
At Robertson Barracks, the Minister met Commander of the 1st Brigade, Brigadier Michael Krause and the Brigade commanding officers, as well as Brigade soldiers.
Senator Faulkner also visited RAAF Base Darwin where he was briefed on the capabilities of 396 Expeditionary Combat Support Wing and met 92 Wing detachment personnel.
Yesterday the Minister visited RAAF Tindal to meet the members of 75 Squadron, the F/A-18 Hornet aircraft and 322 Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron.
"Tindal, Darwin and the north of Australia are crucial to Australia's strategic outlook. It is very important to ensure we maintain our capability while working with the NT Government, business and the community to further develop Australia's defence capacities.
"It was also a pleasure to meet the men and women of the ADF and Department of Defence who are doing a great job here in the north. I would like the families to know how much I appreciate them supporting our Defence members. We ask much of them and I thank them for their support," Senator Faulkner said.
