A_C

Friday, 18 July 2008

Images From Operation Slipper

07 July 2008
Reconstruction Task Force 4 - latest operations

Reconstruction Task Force 4 is expanding its operations north from its base in Tarin Kowt, building a series of patrol bases for use by ISAF and the Afghan National Police and Army. The Task Force is now operating regularly north of Tarin Kowt, an area of great strategic significance to the Taliban Extremists in Oruzgan Province.

A section of mortars fires on likely enemy positions during a night mission at the new joint patrol base north of Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan.
A section of mortars fires on likely enemy positions during a night mission at the new joint patrol base north of Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan.
Who you gonna call? Corporal Shane Brown mans the radio in a sniper hide at the new joint patrol base north of Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan.
Private Shane Cavagnino maintains security as soldiers from the Reconstruction Task Force searches a deserted building north of Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan.
Lance Corporal Simon Eustace from the Reconstruction Task Force searches an abandoned building whilst on patrol north of Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan.
Soldier from the Reconstruction Task Force search an abandoned building whilst on patrol north of Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan.
Soldiers from the Reconstruction Task Force patrol in the Green Zone north of Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan.
Soldiers from the Reconstruction Task Force patrol in the Green Zone north of Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan.
Corporal Russell Page from the Reconstruction Task Force on patrol in the Green Zone north of Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan.
Private Nicolas Espie provide security as soldiers from the Reconstruction Task Force talk to an Afghan Bedouin north of Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan.
A soldier from the Reconstruction Task Force search an abandoned building whilst on patrol north of Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan.
Soldiers from the Reconstruction Task Force search an abandoned building whilst on patrol north of Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan.
A section of mortars fires on likely enemy positions during a night mission at the new joint patrol base north of Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan.

Wednesday, 9 July 2008

RIP Signaller Sean McCarthy...

These are the posts that no one ever wants to have to write. When I fire up about something a post will flow and be out in 20 mins but these ones, I just never really know what to say.

For Australians, every loss of a Digger is a devestating blow. Many of us can still name every Soldier lost in combat since 2001. The national news still reports on the losses as does our mainstream media. For a country whose very identity was founded on the legend of the ANZACS and our Diggers, we sometimes find it hard to fathom that our Diggers are people just like us. But each loss reminds us they are human, they fall, they bleed and they do die.

THE Australian soldier killed in a roadside bombing in Afghanistan was a "top bloke" who had been looking forward to returning for his second combat tour of the country, close friends say.

SAS Signaller Sean McCarthy, a 25-year-old rugby-mad soldier from the Gold Coast, was killed when a bomb exploded near his vehicle, the Defence department has said.

Two other Australian special forces soldiers were injured, along with a soldier from another country.

Personnel who served with Signaller McCarthy, also known as "Seano", told NEWS.com.au he was a "bloody good bloke" and a talented soldier.

One army mate, Aaron Pearce, said Signaller McCarthy loved a joke, loved taking care of children and would never let down a friend.

"He was a big family dude - he used to play with my kids when they came around to the barracks,” Mr Pearce said.

“He wasn’t a dad himself, but he certainly carried himself like that." He also had a great sense of humour and was very quick-witted, he said.

Another former colleague told NEWS.com.au: "Sean was a great bloke who was very talented, he rarely complained and did his job to the best of his ability."

Pte of Perth said: "It was nice knowing ya Seano, we will continue the struggle and do you proud. RIP mate."

CPL MJP of Canberra said: "Catch you later Seano. All out love. Certa Cito."

Biography - Sean McCarthy

BIOGRAPHY OF SIGNALLER SEAN McCARTHY
- SIG Sean Patrick McCarthy was born on January 5, 1983 in Auckland, NZ.
- He enlisted into the Australian Defence Force (ADF) on July 10, 2001.
- Posted to 7 Signals Regiment on July 14, 2003.
- Posted to (Special Air Service Regiment) SASR on January 15, 2007 and was an active member of the regiment up until his death.

Operational service includes:
- Special Operations Task Group (SOTG V) Afghanistan, 2007
- Operation Astute in East Timor, 2008
- Redeployed to Afghanistan, 2008

Awards and commendation for service:
- SOCAUST commendation
- Australian Defence Medal for service
- International Coalition Against Terrorism Clasp
- Afghanistan Campaign Medal
- NATO Medal

My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sean McCarthy. May they find peace in the knowledge that Sean will not be forgotten.

Rest easy Digger...

AC