Unit Completes Operations In Afghanistan

The Second Force Support Unit Completes Operations In Afghanistan And Returns To Australia

The second rotation of the ADF Force Support Unit (FSU-2) has successfully completed operations in the Middle East and returned to Australia on 17 April 10.

The Force Support Unit provides vital operational logistic support to deployed forces in Afghanistan and the Middle East, including warehousing and distribution, as well as induction training for deploying personnel.

Commander of Australian Forces in the Middle East, Major General John Cantwell, while speaking at the unit's change of command parade, said that the Second Force Support Unit did an absolutely outstanding job in a demanding operational environment.

"I want to thank you for a thoroughly professional and excellent period of service," Major General Cantwell said.

"Every Sailor, Soldier and Airman can go home proud with their heads held high."

FSU-2 comprised approximately 140 Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen from a multitude of bases around Australia. The majority of the force was an Army contingent from the 10th Force Support Battalion in Townsville.

Commander of FSU-2, Lieutenant Colonel Craig Dobson, said that as the unit was a joint unit, it was able to utilise the combined skills and experience of Navy, Army and Air Force personnel to deliver the right support at the right time.

"Having members from all of the services working together provided my unit with a wealth of experience in ground, air and naval support," Lieutenant Colonel Dobson said.

"Our motto is 'anything, anywhere, anytime, bar nothing', and I could not have asked for a better group of men and women to achieve that commitment to those we supported."

The unit operated a large warehouse and distribution system that delivered over 270,000 kg of mail and 3,100,000 kg of stores, equipment, spare parts and explosive ordnance. It also ran a complex and intensive four day induction course for over 3,000 deploying personnel, provided health and psychological support, and facilities maintenance.

The Second Force Support Unit officially handed over control to the Third Force Support Unit (FSU-3) on 11 April 2010 with a transfer of authority parade and ceremony before returning to Australia.

ENDS

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