Christmas Celebrated Australian-Style On Operations
From snow and sub-zero temperatures to monsoon rains and tropical humidity, approximately 3,800 Australian Defence Force
personnel deployed overseas and conducting border protection operations will be spending Christmas this year far from
home and family.
Afghanistan
Winter in Afghanistan can be harsh, with temperatures in Tarin Kowt frequently below freezing but a traditional
Christmas roast lunch prepared by Australian cooks will no doubt warm up those deployed.
Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force-2 Regimental Sergeant, Major Warrant Officer Class One (WO1) Darren Murch said
the lunch will bring soldiers together to share a meal and swap a few stories. He said a church service and a concert
conducted by the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment band will be the highlights of the day.
"The Christmas parcels have been flooding in and the telephones and internet will be well used on the day to offer best
wishes to family and friends back home," WO1 Murch said.
While it will be business as usual for the Special Operations Task Group, a Santa suit may be put into action. The
Special Forces soldiers will celebrate the day with a traditional Christmas lunch and they already have their Christmas
decorations in place in the mess.
Australian personnel in Kandahar will celebrate with a Christmas lunch with their British counter-parts followed by an
Aussie barbecue dinner. On Boxing Day, the Afghanistan version of "The Ashes" will be played out when they take on the
Brits in a game of cricket.
In the neighbouring Helmand Province, Australian gunners attached to the British Army will also celebrate with their
British hosts. Theirs will be a day spent in Spartan surrounds, and while the team will enjoy the celebrations they will
be ever poised to provide immediate artillery support to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).
Middle East
An Aussie-style barbecue breakfast will be on offer at the Middle East location affectionately known as "Billabong
Flats" for personnel serving with the National Headquarters, the C130 Hercules and AP3 Orion aircraft detachments, the
Force Communications Unit and the RAAF Combat Support Unit. The troops will join their US colleagues for Christmas lunch
at the American mess before returning for a traditional Christmas dinner back at "Billabong Flats".
HMAS Stuart will be continuing operations in the Gulf of Aden conducting counter terrorism operations. In line with
Royal Australian Navy tradition, the officers will help serve the sailors a Christmas meal on board.
As well, a team of 25 Royal Australian Navy officers and sailors will spend Christmas coordinating maritime security
operations throughout the region. Commander of the Combined Task Force 150, Commodore Richard Menhinick has tactical
control of Coalition ships and aircraft from many nations.
Meanwhile, in Iraq, members of the ADF Security Detachment (SECDET) protecting the Australian Embassy in Baghdad will
spend Christmas on duty maintaining security and ensuring the success of the diplomatic mission. The Australian
Ambassador, Robert Tyson, and his staff will join Officer Commanding SECDET, Major Nigel Earnshaw and Company Sergeant
Major Stephan McCaig in cooking a BBQ lunch for the diggers as they rotate off security shifts and return from escort
tasks.
The Commander of Australian troops in the Middle East, Major General Mark Kelly thanked the Australian public for their
ongoing support of the troops in the region and their generosity of spirit.
"This time of year is especially difficult for all deployed personnel - separated from their families and loved ones.
However, we can all be comforted by the knowledge that our people are working hard, for a good cause," said Major
General Mark Kelly.
Sudan
In Khartoum, most of the 17 Australian personnel serving with the United Nations Mission in Sudan will also be gathering
around a barbecue for their Aussie Christmas lunch.
Solomon Islands
For the troops in the Solomon Islands and Timor, the tropical monsoon is the setting for Christmas festivities.
About 80 Australian Army soldiers and Australian Police in the Solomon Islands will be sharing Carols by Candlelight
with the local community. A Christmas Day lunch with all the trimmings will uphold the tradition with the officers
serving the enlisted men. An ANZAC cricket team will also take on the Police in the traditional Boxing Day cricket
match.
The Commander of the Combined Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel David Thompson said the Reserve soldiers from Australia
will join soldiers from New Zealand and Papua New Guinea as well as police officers from Australia and the Pacific
region.
"Christmas in the Solomon Islands, like in Australia, is traditionally a time for celebrating with family and close
friends, but for those of us on mission while celebrating together we will, of course, be with our loved ones in
spirit," Lieutenant Colonel Thompson said.
East Timor
The sporting theme prevails in East Timor, where members of the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) will have two
days of sports.
The Commander of the ISF, Commodore Stuart Mayer said personnel at each of the three bases around Dili will join sport
with festivities on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
"We wanted to make sure that no-one missed out on hitting a cricket ball or playing some footy before eating a big
lunch, so we have spread Christmas festivities over two days", Commodore Mayer said.
Border Protection
As well, off Australia's northern coast-line, up to 500 personnel will be conducting border-protection operations as
part of Operation RESOLUTE - and will continue operations alongside their Customs colleagues during the festive season.
Message from the Chief of Joint Operations
The Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Mark Evans said the Australian public holds a deep respect for its
deployed people.
"Christmas Day is an important time to reflect on the year that has passed and the challenges that lay ahead. We have
personnel deployed on 13 operations, working in important roles from border protection and peace keeping missions to
counter-piracy and combating terrorism," he said.
"Our personnel deployed on operations share a common bond and while the presence of families and loved ones cannot be
replaced, I am sure the mateship of colleagues will provide support."
ENDS