Publication:The Fearless Times Issue 3 2009/Message from the Editor - Chaplain Steve Gunther
G‘day to all our families and friends,
As I write this it is ‗outchop‘ day. This is the day that we officially cease from taking part in Operation Slipper. We are currently headed out of the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) on our way to Mumbai in India for national tasking and where the will send out this the 3rd and final edition of 'The Fearless Times'.
It certainly has been an event filled six month deployment for us. Together with the busy pre-deployment work-up period, it has also been a long time away from home and loved ones. A lengthy deployment too for those keeping the home fires burning. Separation is never an easy thing but is a fact of life in Navy service. Being away from the ones we love certainly has its stresses, however it is not without its rewards, often serving to focus one in on what is truly important in life, not taking those things or should I say people for granted. Absence does tend to make the heart grow fonder. For all of us in Toowoomba the deployment has also definitely served to remind us that Australia is the best country in the world to live in.
And now we are well and truly on our way home and the final countdown has begun. There is less than a month to go and by the time that you receive this, well not long to go at all, just a few days really. It is an exciting time as we look forward to reuniting with the ones we love. No doubt there will some degree of nervousness as well, but all of this is natural in the circumstances. After the initial euphoria, it might take a little bit of time for some of us to get to know one another again, to get used to each other's particular ways. This too is only natural. The old take a deep breath and count to 10 is always a good idea!
Thank you for your support and for the words of encouragement received throughout our time up here. We do hope that you have enjoyed our little newsletter. That in some small way it has even eased the pain of separation by keeping you informed and connected with the ones you love, even if just by a few words and photographs. For those who are able to make it, we look forward to seeing you on the wharf on 7 December. For those of you who can‘t be there, we know that you will be with us in spirit.
May God bless you and yours and may you have a very blessed Christmas and a happy and prosperous new year.
