ADF contribution
Australia's contribution to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan is an important component of the Australian Government's commitment to working together with the international community to help prevent acts of terrorism around the world.

Major General Mike Hindmarsh commands all ADF units deployed in the Middle East Area of Operations including all elements assigned to Operation Catalyst and Operation Slipper.

Brigadier Wayne Thomas Bowen is the Deputy Commander of Australian forces in Afghanistan.

The total Australian commitment in Afghanistan is now 1080.

HERCULES C130-H ACHIEVEMENTS

• The 8th of June 2008 marks the completion of a rotational deployment for the Hercules C130 H.

• With the last of the recently deployed H models returned home for a well deserved rest, the air crew, maintainers and other staff of 37 Sqn can be justly proud of the enormous contribution made to operations within the middle east area of operations.

• The flying personnel, air crew and maintainers were from 37 Sqn with the majority of supporting elements being drawn from the Expeditionary Combat Support Squadrons and the Combat Support Group from across the Air Force.

• During their 445 mission the aircraft have moved over 7 000 000 lbs of cargo and just over 20 000 passengers.

• "I think that with over 7 million lbs of cargo moved in 445 missions over the last 10 months, the success of this Task Group has been easy to measure. What is a little harder to measure is the reason for our success and I think it has to come down to the people. Everyone, Pilot to Pay CLK and Maintainer to Medic, has put in a fantastic effort over each of the rotations that have supported the H Models and it is their individual efforts that have that have come together to achieve this success. Every one of them should be proud of what they've done here”

02 July 2008
WGCDR Pete Ward
Commander Task Group

Operation Slipper fact sheet

Australia's commitment to Operation Slipper currently includes:

National command, liaison and embedded personnel element of approximately 125 Defence Force members.

Reconstruction Task Force 4: Reconstruction Task Force 4 (RTF4) is Australia's contribution to the Netherlands-led Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Afghanistan's Oruzgan Province. RTF4 is comprised of engineers, mechanised infantry and cavalry from the Brisbane-based 6th Engineer Support Regiment, 6th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment and 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment, and soldiers from the Sydney-based 3rd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment.

Special Operations Task Group (SOTG): The Task Group of up to 300 personnel operates in support of ISAF security operations and provides security and force protection for the RTF in Oruzgan Province. The SOTG consists of Commandos, members of the Special Air Service Regiment and enabling and support personnel.

Air Force Control and Reporting Centre (CRC): The CRC of up to 75 personnel is operating from Kandahar Airfield. The CRC controls a portion of the Afghan operational airspace and RAAF personnel are responsible for air space management and air surveillance tasks over southern Afghanistan. Air space management involves aircraft coordination and de-confliction, in support of Coalition air operations protecting troops on the ground.

Force Level Logistic Asset: ADF operations in Afghanistan are sustained and supplied by a national logisitics asset located in Kandahar, consisting of approximately 60 personnel.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Detachment: A UAV detachment of 30 personnel from 20th Surveillance Targeting Acquisition Regiment operating the SCANEAGLE UAV

Rotary Wing Group: Australia’s Rotary Wing Group (RWG) operates two CH47D Medium Lift Helicopters (MLH) from Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan. Approximately 90 personnel are deployed in support of Australian helicopter operations.

The CH47D is a tandem rotor cargo helicopter with a maximum all up weight of 50,000lbs (22,727kg). The aircraft provides significant lift capability in high density-altitude conditions, making it well suited to operations within Afghanistan’s traditionally harsh environment.

Australian CH47D’s perform combat support, quick response force and medical/casualty evacuation missions.

Artillery: 15 soldiers from the Darwin-based 8/12 Medium Regiment have deployed as part of the United Kingdom’s Task Force Helmand. The Australian gunners are with the UK task force under a bilateral arrangement to further enhance the training and experience of the Australian Army’s offensive support capability.

 Other ADF support to Afghanistan

One ADF officer is provided to the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan to maintain contact and liaison with all military forces throughout Afghanistan.

Some ADF assets and personnel assigned to Operation Catalyst (ADF contribution to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq) are dual-assigned and also support Operation Slipper. These assets include:

• An Australian National Headquarters - Middle East Area of Operations, located in Baghdad to exercise command and control of deployed Australian Defence Force units;
  


• HMAS STUART, under the command of Commander Nick Woodley RAN, is currently deployed to the Northern Persian Gulf as part of Operation Catalyst. STUART is tasked to assist in the protection of Iraq's offshore assets such as oil platforms, which allows Iraq to generate much needed funds to support reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts.
  
  STUART also assists with the detection, interception and deterrence of vessels suspected of undertaking illegal activity within Iraqi waters. This is STUART's second deployment to the Northern Persian Gulf and is the 18th rotation of Navy ships as part of coalition operations since 2001.
  
  HMAS STUART is the sixth of the Royal Australian Navy’s eight ANZAC-class frigates, and the third ship of the name.
  


• A small number of ADF personnel are employed with the Coalition Counter Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) Task Force. The CIED Task Force  coordinates Coalition C-IED efforts focused on intelligence collection, material solutions and training for coalition forces throughout Iraq. ADF personnel serving with the Task Force also provide information that assists the Australian Counter IED Task Force that is based in Canberra.
  


• Two Air Force AP-3C Orion Maritime Patrol aircraft, aircrew and support staff to conduct maritime patrol missions in support of maritime interdiction forces in the Persian Gulf.

Information current at 2 June 2008