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Celebrate! Deployed Coalition servicemembers enjoy Australian Day

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Spencer Gallien
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Deployed Australian servicemembers celebrated a national holiday at a non-disclosed Southwest Asia location Tuesday.

Jan. 26 is the anniversary of the arrival of the first fleet of 11 ships from Great Britain, and the raising of the Union Jack at Sydney Cove by the commander, Capt. Arthur Phillip, in 1788, said Flight Lt. Jacquelene Hatch, Royal Australian Air Force.

Today, Australia Day reflects the diverse society, landscape and achievements they've made since the first settlers arrived at Sydney Cove, she added. "It's an opportunity to reflect on our nation's history, and consider how we can make Australia an even better place in the future."

Australia Day is filled with barbeques and fireworks, starting in the early morning and lasting well into the evening, said Pilot Officer Gene Elliott, RAAF Combined Air and Space Operations Center watchkeeper.

"It's very similar to America's Independence Day," he said. "Being able to celebrate here, while deployed, reminds me of home. In Australia, everyone has a day off and it's usually a barbeque and a few beverages with your mates...and the cricket is usually on."
The deployed Australians enjoyed barbecue and cricket games on the television as they were granted a reprieve from their day-to-day deployed duties.

The RAAF contingent at this Southwest Asia location is made up of roughly 30 servicemembers supporting Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, as well as, missions in the Horn of Africa.

"It's important while deployed overseas, we represent our contingent here," said Maj. Gus Walker, Royal Australian Army liaison officer. "We may be here; (but) we're still celebrating with everyone at home.

"We've invited some of our Coalition partners and some Host Nation representatives that we work with to celebrate this day with us and have a fun, relaxing and enjoyable day," Major Walker added.

One thing the deployed RAAF members have in common is a sense of pride in their country, as well as serving overseas, said Major Walker.

"It's really good being over here, especially in this coalition environment--we are given the opportunity to work with some fantastic people, learn invaluable tools we can bring home with us, and just to be serving overseas--It's just a great experience."