Login
iscover
Command at the ADF’s main operating base in the Middle East has changed hands.
To continue reading the rest of this article, please log in.
Create free account to get unlimited news articles and more!
Australian Army officer Colonel Colin Blyth has replaced Group Captain Jason Bowles of the Royal Australian Air Force, as Commander of Headquarters Middle East in the United Arab Emirates.
GPCAPT Bowles served as the inaugural Commander of Headquarters Middle East, which replaced Headquarters Joint Task Force 633.
GPCAPT Bowles lauded the efforts of personnel across all domains during his tenure.
“I’m very proud of the joint team of Navy, Army, Air Force and Australian Public Service personnel who have worked hard over the past few months to support current operations across the Middle East,” GPCAPT Bowles said.
“We have built on Australia’s proud history in this region, working closely with the host nation, Australian embassy staff and coalition partners to ensure the base can scale its level of support as required into the future.”
Incoming Commander, COL Blyth welcomed the opportunity to continue supporting contingency operations across the Middle East.
“Australia has a proud history of over a century of operations across the Middle East,” COL Blyth said.
“The ongoing collaborative approach shared by our host nation and coalition partners can only serve to make Headquarters Middle East stronger, and ensure the ADF can sustain its regional operations, respond quickly to emerging contingencies, and build on our partnerships in the region.”
The ADF’s presence in the region has dwindled following the withdrawal of personnel and equipment from Afghanistan.
This followed Australia’s significant contribution to the war in Afghanistan for over 20 years, having fought global terror fronts such as al-Qaeda.
Australia lost 41 Defence members while on deployment, with more Defence members lost after returning to Australia.
The ADF’s continued contributions throughout the Middle East region include Operations Okra, Highroad and Manitou.
As part of Operation Accordion, the ADF aims to provide communications, force support, airbase operations, air mobility, movements support, command and control and investigative services.
