Handover ensures logistics support

Operation Accordion and Joint Task Force 633’s Force Support Element 12 (FSE-12) handed its responsibilities to Force Support Element 13 (FSE-13) in the Middle East during a transition-of-authority parade on October 3.

Force support element’s provide theatre logistics support for ADF operations in the region.

Officer Commanding FSE-12 Major Dominic Tracey said the ceremony topped a successful six-month deployment. 

“I am proud of FSE-12 as an organisation because we collectively built upon the legacy of previous support elements, improved what was already here and did more with less,” Major Tracey said.

Major Tracey said the team was confronted by the challenges of COVID-19 and FSE-12 operated without respite.

“The team rose to the challenges placed before them, demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity and always remained positive in spite of working incredibly hard,” Major Tracey said.

“It was an absolute privilege to command and share this deployment with them and I am sure they are as pleased as I am of what they have accomplished.”

Officer Commanding FSE-13 Major Peter McAuley said personnel from FSE-13 were privileged to step in. 

“The entire team is eager to build on the work of FSE-12 and continue the exceptional level of support to Australia’s Middle East operations,” Major McAuley said.

“We are ready to action the plans they have created to deliver the logistics support our people need to remain an effective enabler for our national commitments.”

Chief of Joint Operations Lieutenant General Greg Bilton was in theatre for the transition parade.

Operation Accordion is the ADF’s overarching support mission to Operations Highroad, Okra, Manitou and other activities in the Middle East region and enables contingency planning and enhancement of regional relationships.