Australian Soldier Farewelled From Afghanistan

Australian Soldier Farewelled From Afghanistan

Fellow Australian Defence Force personnel, members of the Afghan National Army and Dutch Forces have solemnly farewelled their comrade Lieutenant Michael Fussell, who was killed by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Afghanistan on Thursday 27 November.

Lieutenant Fussell, 25, was a member of the Sydney-based 4th Battalion (Commando) and was conducting a dismounted patrol when he and his team were struck by the IED.

His return to Australia began on Sunday with a memorial service and ramp ceremony at Camp Holland, the Australian and Dutch military base in Tarin Kowt, Southern Afghanistan.

The service was held in the Australian Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) compound where an outdoor chapel was set up to accommodate the large gathering of Lieutenant Fussell’s comrades from Australia’s SOTG, the Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force One (MRTF-1), the Afghan National Army and Dutch Forces.

The Commanding Officer of the SOTG, Lieutenant Colonel Paul Kenny, described Lieutenant Fussell as a highly regarded and respected officer who served with distinction during his short career.

“He lived and died for the enduring Australian values of freedom and justice,” Lieutenant Colonel Kenny said.

Following the service, Lieutenant Fussell’s casket was placed aboard a SOTG vehicle for a final procession to a waiting RAAF C-130J Hercules aircraft.

The route to the airfield was lined by a guard of honour comprising Australian personnel from MRTF – 1, their Afghan and Dutch counterparts and other personnel from the International Security Assistance Force.

As the C-130J departed, it was escorted by a Dutch Apache helicopter until shortly after take off, marking the beginning of Lieutenant Fussell’s return journey to Australia.

ENDS

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