Trooper Pearce Begins Long Journey Home

Trooper Pearce Begins Long Journey Home

Reconstruction Task Force soldiers will form a guard of honour as they farewell a fallen comrade, Trooper David Pearce, from their Tarin Kowt base later this evening.

Trooper David Pearce is farewelled by his comrades from the Reconstruction Task Force (RTF) during a 'Ramp Ceremony' at their base at Tarin Kowt, Southern Afghanistan. A bearer party consisting of his comrades from the 2/14th Light Horse Regiment bore the body of Trooper Pearce onto to the aircraft.

Trooper Pearce's coffin and escort will move through the honour guard and then be placed in a RAAF C-130 Hercules during a solemn activity known as a 'ramp ceremony'.

Defence spokesman Brigadier Andrew Nikolic said the ceremony was a fitting tribute to a fallen warrior.

"Ramp ceremonies provide a last opportunity for soldiers to farewell a mate before they return to the task at hand," Brigadier Nikolic said.

"RTF soldiers will be joined by other members of International Security Assistance Force, particularly Dutch troops from Task Force Uruzgan, to honour their fallen comrade."

It is currently anticipated that Trooper Pearce will arrive in Australia aboard a RAAF C-17 Globemaster this weekend. Defence will provide specific details of the Australian repatriation ceremony once flight arrival times and locations are confirmed.

Trooper Pearce was killed as the result of an Improvised Explosive Device attack on the Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV) vehicle he was driving.

Defence continues to provide support to the family of Trooper Pearce through the Defence Community Organisation. The family has requested that the media respects its privacy during this difficult time.

ENDS

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