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Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail and KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft will return to Australia following the final mission of a successful year-long deployment.
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The aircraft have been operating in the Middle East region as part of Australia’s Air Task Group 630, performing airborne command and control and air-to-air refuelling.
Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said she was extremely proud of the contribution made by the Australian Defence Force as part of the coalition to defeat Daesh in Iraq.
"Australia is a strong and consistent contributor to the Coalition, and has been engaged since 2014 as part of our global responsibility to support peace and security operations," Minister Reynolds explained.
Commander of Joint Task Force 633, Major General Susan Coyle, said the deployment of the aircraft provided key capabilities to Coalition forces in the region.
"We have been able to provide increased situational awareness across the battlespace and provide air-to-air refuelling to enable Coalition aircraft to continue the fight against Daesh," MAJGEN Coyle said.
The aircraft, aircrew and support staff will commence the return journey to Australia from the Middle East in the coming days.
Minister Reynolds added, "As the year-long deployment comes to an end, I commend the crews, personnel and supporting Defence staff for their dedication, resilience and ongoing professionalism, as we work with our global Coalition partners."
All Defence personnel returning to Australia will isolate for 14 days to eliminate the risk of spreading COVID-19 and in line with Australian government requirements.
MAJGEN Coyle said, "Ongoing support for the coalition continues through Australian Defence Force personnel embedded in the coalition headquarters in the Middle East."
