Middle East ADF Logistic Unit Comes Home

Middle East Logistic Unit Comes Home

The second rotation of the Middle East Area of Operations Force Level Logistic Asset (FLLA) is returning to Australia following an extremely successful six-month deployment.

The main role of the FLLA has been to provide the major distribution nodes for all personnel, stores and equipment coming into and out of the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO). The FLLA operates from a range of supporting locations in the Middle East.

A key task for the FLLA is the conduct of Reception, Staging, Onward Movement and Integration (RSO&I) activities for all deployed Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel. RSO&I activities include a familiarisation briefing, issue of equipment and range practices to ensure that all ADF personnel moving into Iraq and Afghanistan are acclimatised and ready to complete their missions. As such, the main FLLA base has become known as the ˜home of the ADF in the Middle East™ and has supported over 2500 ADF personnel on their way into the Middle East in the last six months.

Other key achievements include supporting over 680 C-130 Hercules movements, moving in excess of 2 million kilograms of freight on a variety of aircraft, distribution of over 200,000kg of mail, coordinating increased civilian contracting support across the area of operations and receiving and dispatching strategic freight to and from Australia by road, sea and air.

While a majority of the contingent is drawn from 1 Combat Support Supply Battalion based in Darwin, the FLLA comprised about 140 personnel from all three services and over 40 different Units across Australia.

The Commanding Officer, LTCOL Paul Nothard is proud and privileged to have led the contingent.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the men and women that have formed part of a very successful tour. They have shown that they are true professionals and should all be very proud of our achievements in supporting our fellow ADF personnel,” LTCOL Paul Nothard said.

“I am pleased to be able to return to Darwin with such a highly capable group of individuals that have faced a multitude of challenges and extreme weather conditions, often in the range of 50 degrees during their tour. It was often mentioned that it was like living in a fan forced oven with sand. They have succeeded in every way a΅d provided the best possible support to all those transiting through this region, he said.

Additionally, the FLLA Regimental Trust Fund has raised approximately $6000 through raffles and a variety of activities that will be donated to charity of the Commanding Officers choice, Legacy Australia. LTCOL Nothard will present a cheque to Legacy, a worthwhile
charity dedicated to the task of caring for the widows and dependants of ex-service men and women.

The personnel of the FLLA will now return home to Australia to spend some well earned time with family and friends before returning to their normal work routines.

As this rotation of the FLLA heads home a new group of logistic professionals has taken the reigns in the Middle East and will continue their important work.

ENDS

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