Chester visits troops

MINISTER for Defence Personnel Darren Chester ended a visit to the Middle East last week.

In Afghanistan Mr Chester visited personnel providing advice and assistance to Afghan Army trainers at the Marshal Fahim National Defence University, and the Afghan air force at Hamid Karzai International Airport.

“ADF members in Afghanistan are making a significant contribution, alongside our NATO partners, to develop the capabilities of the Afghan National Defence Security Forces,” he said.

When in Iraq he visited Australian and New Zealand troops serving with Task Group Taji and the Australian Special Operations Task Group.

“Task Group Taji, the Special Operations Task Group and the Air Task Group continue to provide vital roles in training and supporting the Iraqi forces, building on the successful outcomes in their fight against Daesh,” he said.

Mr Chester was also able to meet with members of Iraq’s Invictus Games team, who will compete in Sydney later this year.

“It was heartening to meet the members of Iraq’s team,” he said.

“The Australian people can be proud of the outstanding work being done by our navy, army and air force personnel in operations throughout the Middle East Region to support the Afghan and Iraqi forces in their operations.”