Operation Slipper
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.
Major General Angus Campbell, AM commands all ADF units deployed in the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) assigned to Operation SLIPPER, as well as those forces assigned to Operation KRUGER in Iraq. Major General Campbell assumed command on 13 January 2011.
Under Operation SLIPPER, Australian forces contribute to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) - led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. ISAF seeks to bring security, stability and prosperity to Afghanistan and aims at preventing the country from again becoming a safe haven for international terrorists.
Australia’s military commitment to Afghanistan operates as part of the NATO – led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) as a peace-enforcement mission under Chapter VII of the UN Charter and at the invitation of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA) and under the United Nations Security Council resolution (UNSCR) 1833.
Around 1,550 ADF personnel are based within Afghanistan as part of Operation SLIPPER, while about 800 personnel are deployed across the broader Middle East Area of Operations.
Australia’s military contribution to Afghanistan is part of the Government’s comprehensive approach to supporting global security and Australian national security by countering terrorism and supporting efforts to prevent Afghanistan from being used as a safe-haven and training ground for terrorism.
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Maritime Operations
Since the commencement of Operation SLIPPER in 2001, Australia has maintained a maritime contribution to operations in the Middle East Area of Operations.
Currently this consists of a Major Fleet Unit, the Anzac Class frigate, HMAS Parramatta (Commanding Officer Commander Guy Blackburn), which is flexibly cross tasked between US-led Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) Combined Task Forces (CTFs) 150 (counter terrorism), 151 (counter piracy) and 152 (Gulf maritime security).
CMF patrols more than 2.5 million square miles of international waters to conduct both integrated and coordinated operations with a common purpose: to increase the security and prosperity of the region by working together for a better future.
CMF is working to defeat terrorism, prevent piracy, reduce illegal trafficking of people and drugs, and promote the maritime environment as a safe place for mariners with legitimate business.
HMAS Parramatta is conducting maritime security operations across the Combined Maritime Forces’ area of operations. HMAS Parramatta’s mission allows her to undertake maritime interdictions and counter-piracy operations, including activities under the command of CTF 150. HMAS Parrmatta commenced security operations on 18 October 2011.
Force Support Unit
The Force Support Unit (FSU) is a joint unit providing logistic support, camp maintenance and theatre induction training for Australian Defence Force elements in the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO). The current Force Support Unit Five (FSU-5) is primarily comprised of Army personnel with numerous Navy and Air Force members drawn from various units and bases across Australia.
The tasks of the FSU include the management and distribution of supplies and equipment necessary for the conduct of operations, the provision of postal support throughout the MEAO and base maintenance support in Tarin Kot and Kandahar.
The FSU is also responsible for the provision of MEAO induction training for all personnel entering the Middle East. This training provides acclimatisation and final preparation for personnel before they move forward to their Task Groups. The training consists of operational briefings, equipment issues, weapons handling testing, live firing and engagements, and combat first aid training.
Force Support Unit is in three locations throughout the Middle East including the headquarters of Al Minhad Air Base (AMAB), Tarin Kot and Kandahar.
Links
Combined Maritime Forces (links to a non-Australian Defence Organisation website).
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