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ADF: Signaller McCarthy Returns Home To Queensland
Signaller McCarthy returns to family home of Queensland
Signaller Sean McCarthy, who was killed in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) strike in Afghanistan last week, has returned to his family home of Queensland in a solemn ceremony held at RAAF Base Amberley today.
Sean was transported by a C-17 to RAAF Base Amberley after travelling from Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan.
A Guard and Bearer Party of soldiers from the Special Air Service Regiment, the Regiment Sean proudly served, received and carried the casket from the aircraft as his family and friends looked on.
This ceremony provided Sean's family and close friends an opportunity to pay their respects to him in a solemn and dignified manner.
The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon. Dr Mike Kelly MP, the Shadow Minister for Veterans' Affairs, the Hon Bronwyn Bishop MP, the Chief of Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, the Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie and the Special Operations Commander Australia, Major General Tim McOwan attended the ceremony and paid tribute to Sean.
Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie offered his personal condolences and sympathies to Sean's family.
"Sean was a brave soldier who paid the ultimate sacrifice for his service to the nation. His loss is being heavily felt throughout the Army, and we join with his family in mourning his passing as we receive him home in Australia today," Lieutenant General Gillespie said.
Major General McOwan described Sean as a man that others looked up to and were proud to serve with.
"Sean was a 25 year old signaller who had specific skills relating to the force protection of the element in Oruzgan province. Special Operations Command and the Special Air Service Regiment, his parent Regiment, offer their most sincere commiserations to his family and trust we will support them in whatever way we can into the future," Major General McOwan said.
Sean's family continues to request the media respects their privacy as they grieve their loss and prepare to lay Sean to rest in a funeral service this week.
ENDS
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