RAAF Personnel to remain in Iraq

[Time Out]

Last Update: Friday, November 14, 2003. 3:25pm (AEDT)

RAAF personnel to remain in Iraq

The Federal Government has extended its deployment of about 160 troops in Iraq for a further six months.

The RAAF Orion detachment was due to return to Australia in January.

But the Defence Minister Robert Hill says its role has been invaluable to the US-led military coalition in the country, and it will now remain in Iraq until the middle of next year.

Opposition Defence spokesman Senator Chris Evans says it is a sign Australia is becoming bogged down in a long and costly battle in Iraq.

"This decision will add to the $280 million bill this year for our deployment inside Iraq," he said.

"Of course Australian forces are at great risk given the heightened security problems there."

About 850 Australian troops are still deployed in Iraq.

Source: ABC Online (http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/s989187.htm)

[Felix Lighter]

Are the P3 crew in Iraq....? Really?

Or are they part of Enduring Freedom and based in BAH, Oman or even Diego?

Not questioning their worth...... just interested in dodgy reporting/govt propoganda.

[robair]

About time those RAAFies did some work.

You know they really hate Wednsdays. What sort of twit would put 1 working day between 2 weekends?:p

Good luck guys come home safe!

[L G Cooper]

Can't comment on the maritime guys but the H model C-130's will be there for a while. That's our offset to keep the troops off the ground.

[Keg]

ATCOs and other support personnel including box packers and so on are on the ground at Baghdad International .

[Buster Hyman]

Yes, stay safe & keep your heads down!

Lets not forget them like most of the media has done!:suspect:

[FishHead]

Felix L: from the Minister's media site...
Not only have the [AP-3C] aircraft been conducting maritime patrols to prevent smuggling, but they have also been conducting intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions over Iraq to directly support land forces

Media statement (http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/Hilltpl.cfm?CurrentId=3268)

Perhaps still propaganda if that's the way you want to take it...

LG Cooper: The Op Slipper web site (http://www.defence.gov.au/opslipper/) says that the Hercs have gone home?

[Pass-A-Frozo]

Op Slipper = Afghanistan

[FishHead]

Damn - I knew that my previous post sounded dodgy...

The Op Catalyst (http://www.defence.gov.au/opcatalyst/) site clears it up. They threw me by still including the AP-3 in the Op Slipper page as well.

[Flight Detent]

Hi to all the AP-3C guys, was one myself for 10 years.
Does this mean that Graeme 'Benny' Bentley is still holidaying in the sun, last I heard he is the Australian Forces Commander in Iraq - imagine that, a Navigator really in charge if somthing!!
An Air Commodore no less, I last knew him as a Flt Lt.

Cheers to all those guys, wish I was there with you.

P3B/P3C flyer.;)

[FishHead]

Benny has just got back from the Sandpit... taken over as CDR MPG again.
Navy dude (Commodore Campbell Darby) has taken over as the Oz Joint Task Force Commander.