Operation Astute is an
Australian-led militaryThe Australian Defence Force is the military organisation responsible for the defence of Australia. It consists of the Royal Australian Navy, the Australian Army, the Royal Australian Air Force and a number of 'tri-service' units....
deployment to
East TimorEast Timor, also known as Timor-Leste is a country in Southeast Asia. It comprises the eastern half of the island of Timor, the nearby islands of Atauro and Jaco, and Oecussi-Ambeno, an exclave on the northwestern side of the island, within Indonesian West Timor...
to quell unrest and return stability in the
2006 East Timor crisisThe 2006 East Timorese crisis began as a conflict between elements of the military of East Timor over discrimination within the military, and expanded to general violence throughout the country, centred in the capital Dili...
. It is currently headed by Brigadier Bill Sowry, and commenced on 25 May 2006 under the command of Brigadier Michael Slater. The operation was established at the request of East Timor's government, and continues under an understanding reached between Australia, East Timor, and the United Nations, with the United Nations Integrated Mission in East Timor supporting and helping to develop East Timor's police force.
Operation Astute is an
Australian-led militaryThe Australian Defence Force is the military organisation responsible for the defence of Australia. It consists of the Royal Australian Navy, the Australian Army, the Royal Australian Air Force and a number of 'tri-service' units....
deployment to
East TimorEast Timor, also known as Timor-Leste is a country in Southeast Asia. It comprises the eastern half of the island of Timor, the nearby islands of Atauro and Jaco, and Oecussi-Ambeno, an exclave on the northwestern side of the island, within Indonesian West Timor...
to quell unrest and return stability in the
2006 East Timor crisisThe 2006 East Timorese crisis began as a conflict between elements of the military of East Timor over discrimination within the military, and expanded to general violence throughout the country, centred in the capital Dili...
. It is currently headed by Brigadier Bill Sowry, and commenced on 25 May 2006 under the command of Brigadier Michael Slater. The operation was established at the request of East Timor's government, and continues under an understanding reached between Australia, East Timor, and the United Nations, with the United Nations Integrated Mission in East Timor supporting and helping to develop East Timor's police force. Other countries deploying soldiers to East Timor include
MalaysiaMalaysia is a country in Southeast Asia that consists of thirteen states and three Federal Territories, with a total landmass of . The capital city is Kuala Lumpur, while Putrajaya is the seat of the federal government. The population stands at over 28 million inhabitants...
,
New ZealandNew Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses , and numerous smaller islands, most notably Stewart Island/Rakiura and the Chatham Islands. The indigenous Māori named New Zealand Aotearoa, commonly translated as The Land of the Long White Cloud...
and East Timor's former
colonial powerColonialism is the building and maintaining of colonies in one territory by people from another territory. Sovereignty over the colony is claimed by the metropole...
PortugalPortugal , officially the Portuguese Republic , is a country located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of mainland Europe and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south and by Spain to the north and east...
.
Initial tasks
The initial tasks of the operation were to:
- Allow for the evacuation of foreigners.
- Restore stability and confine conflict to secured areas.
- Assess and locate the weapons possessed by conflicting groups.
- Establish a safe environment for dialogue to resolve the crisis.
Deployment
A forward deployment of approximately 200, including a
commando companyThe name commando has been applied to a variety of Australian special forces and light infantry units that have been formed since 1941–42. The first Australian "commando" units were formed during the Second World War, where they mainly performed reconnaissance and long-range patrol roles during...
from the
4th Battalion of the Royal Australian RegimentThe 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, was an Australian Army infantry battalion and part of the Royal Australian Regiment...
, secured an entry point for follow-on forces centred on
Dili Airport-Airports with paved runways:total: 3
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
1,524 to 2,427 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 1 -Airports with unpaved runways:total: 5
914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 2 -Notes:...
.
The full deployment consisted of a battalion group of about 1,800 personnel drawn from the
3rd Battalion of the Royal Australian RegimentThe 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment 3 RAR is a parachute infantry battalion of the Australian Army, based in Sydney. 3 RAR was initially formed in 1945 as the 67th Battalion and has seen active service in Japan, Korea, Malaya, South Vietnam, East Timor, the Solomon Islands, Afghanistan...
and other Australian and New Zealand Army units. Evacuations were carried out by
C-130 HerculesThe Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft built by Lockheed. Capable of takeoffs and landings from unprepared runways, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medical evacuation, and cargo transport aircraft...
aircraft from the
Royal Australian Air ForceThe Royal Australian Air Force is the Air Force branch of the Australian Defence Force. The RAAF began in March 1912 as the Australian Flying Corps making it the second oldest air force in the world...
, using
RAAF Base DarwinRAAF Base Darwin is a Royal Australian Air Force base located in the city of Darwin, Northern Territory. The base shares its runway with Darwin International Airport.-History:...
as a
forward operating baseA forward operating base is any secured forward position that is used to support tactical operations. A FOB may or may not contain an airfield, hospital, or other facilities. The base may be used for an extended period of time. FOB's are traditionally supported by main operating bases that are...
.
Initial assets deployed included the guided-missile frigate
HMAS AdelaideHMAS Adelaide was the lead ship of the Adelaide class of guided missile frigates built for the Royal Australian Navy, based on the United States Navy's Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates...
, the replenishment vessel
HMAS SuccessHMAS Success is a Durance class multi-product replenishment oiler serving in the Royal Australian Navy . She is the only ship of the class to be constructed outside of France, and the only one to originally not serve in the Marine Nationale .-Construction:In 1977, the Government of France was...
and the amphibious landing/hospital ship
HMAS KanimblaHMAS Kanimbla is the lead ship of the Kanimbla class Landing Platform Amphibious. Laid down in 1969 for the United States Navy as Newport class tank landing ship USS Saginaw, the ship was acquired by the Royal Australian Navy in 1994 for conversion into a amphibious warfare transport ship.Since...
. Landing ships
HMAS TobrukHMAS Tobruk is a Landing Ship Heavy of the Royal Australian Navy , based on the design of the Round Table class of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary....
and
HMAS ManooraHMAS Manoora is a Kanimbla class Landing Platform Amphibious ship currently in service with the Royal Australian Navy ....
were also sent to East Timor with follow-on forces.
Operation Astute was established at the request of East Timor's government. Troops from former
INTERFETThe International Force for East Timor was a multinational peacekeeping taskforce, mandated by the United Nations to address the humanitarian and security crisis which took place in East Timor from 1999–2000 until the arrival of United Nations peacekeepers.The International Force for East...
nations including mostly from
MalaysiaMalaysia is a country in Southeast Asia that consists of thirteen states and three Federal Territories, with a total landmass of . The capital city is Kuala Lumpur, while Putrajaya is the seat of the federal government. The population stands at over 28 million inhabitants...
,
New ZealandNew Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses , and numerous smaller islands, most notably Stewart Island/Rakiura and the Chatham Islands. The indigenous Māori named New Zealand Aotearoa, commonly translated as The Land of the Long White Cloud...
and
PortugalPortugal , officially the Portuguese Republic , is a country located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of mainland Europe and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south and by Spain to the north and east...
have augmented the Australian force. Prior to sending troops, each participating government negotiated a
Status of Forces AgreementA Status of Forces Agreement is an agreement between a country and a foreign nation stationing military forces in that country.-Agreements:...
(SOFA) with the government of
East TimorEast Timor, also known as Timor-Leste is a country in Southeast Asia. It comprises the eastern half of the island of Timor, the nearby islands of Atauro and Jaco, and Oecussi-Ambeno, an exclave on the northwestern side of the island, within Indonesian West Timor...
.
Malaysian ArmyThe Malaysian Army is the land component of the Malaysian Armed Forces. Steeped in British Army traditions, the Malaysian Army does not carry the title ‘royal’ as do the Royal Malaysian Air Force and the Royal Malaysian Navy...
forces began arriving on 26 May, by air.
May 2006
24 May
- 21:59 (Canberra) Acting Prime Minister of Australia, Peter Costello, announced in a press conference that East Timor
East Timor, also known as Timor-Leste is a country in Southeast Asia. It comprises the eastern half of the island of Timor, the nearby islands of Atauro and Jaco, and Oecussi-Ambeno, an exclave on the northwestern side of the island, within Indonesian West Timor...
had requested Australia "send defence forces to East Timor to help in maintaining and re-establishing public order". Australia would send an advance party including the Vice Chief of Defence force to negotiate conditions of the deployment the following morning.
25 May
- 07:00 (Canberra) Prime Minister of Australia John Howard arrives back in Canberra from Dublin early, though not officially because of the East Timor crisis.
- 12:30 (Darwin) A RAAF
The Royal Australian Air Force is the Air Force branch of the Australian Defence Force. The RAAF began in March 1912 as the Australian Flying Corps making it the second oldest air force in the world...
34SQNNo. 34 Squadron is a Royal Australian Air Force transport squadron. It is currently based at Canberra International Airport in the Australian capital Canberra, where it operates two Boeing 737 Business Jets and three Bombardier Challenger 604s....
Challenger 604The Bombardier Challenger 600 series is a family of business jets designed by Bill Lear and produced first by Canadair until that company was bought by Bombardier Aerospace in 1986.-Development:...
(VIP jet) was tasked to fly the Australian Vice Chief of Defence Force from CanberraFairbairn was a base of the Royal Australian Air Force located in Australia's national capital, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. Over the years the name of the establishment, and the use of the land, has changed...
to DiliPresidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport , formerly known as Comoro International Airport, is an airport located in Dili, the capital of East Timor...
via DarwinRAAF Base Darwin is a Royal Australian Air Force base located in the city of Darwin, Northern Territory. The base shares its runway with Darwin International Airport.-History:...
, to negotiate the rules of engagement of the Australian operation, and other conditions of deployment. However on arrival in Darwin the Chief of the Defence Force ordered the aircraft to remain in Darwin, due to a dramatic increase in violence in Dili.
- (Dili) RAAF
The Royal Australian Air Force is the Air Force branch of the Australian Defence Force. The RAAF began in March 1912 as the Australian Flying Corps making it the second oldest air force in the world...
37SQNNo. 37 Squadron is a Royal Australian Air Force transport squadron. It was formed in July 1943 at Laverton, Victoria. It currently operates C-130H Hercules and C-130J Hercules aircraft from RAAF Base Richmond....
C130J Hercules aircraft arrive at DiliPresidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport , formerly known as Comoro International Airport, is an airport located in Dili, the capital of East Timor...
from DarwinRAAF Base Darwin is a Royal Australian Air Force base located in the city of Darwin, Northern Territory. The base shares its runway with Darwin International Airport.-History:...
with 130 commandosThe name commando has been applied to a variety of Australian special forces and light infantry units that have been formed since 1941–42. The first Australian "commando" units were formed during the Second World War, where they mainly performed reconnaissance and long-range patrol roles during...
on board, together with 4 Australian ArmyThe Australian Army is Australia's military land force. It is part of the Australian Defence Force along with the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force. While the Chief of Defence commands the Australian Defence Force , the Army is commanded by the Chief of Army...
Black HawkThe Sikorsky S-70 is a medium transport/utility helicopter family manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft. It was developed for the U.S. Army in the 1970s, winning a competition to be designated the UH-60 Blackhawk and spawning a large family in U.S. military service...
helicopters. The Vice Chief of Defence Force was also on board the C130, after being unable to fly to Dili on the RAAF VIP jet. Dili Airport is now under Australian military control. However the VCDF is unable to leave the airport due to security concerns.
- (Dili) HMAS Adelaide
HMAS Adelaide was the lead ship of the Adelaide class of guided missile frigates built for the Royal Australian Navy, based on the United States Navy's Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates...
arrives in Dili Harbour.
- 18:43 (Canberra) Prime Minister John Howard announces in a press conference that the deployment will "go ahead without any conditionality" and that 1300 troops would be in place "in a very short order", despite a failure to negotiate conditions of the deployment with the East Timorese Government. He explains waiting for signatures could lead to significant further bloodshed and the East Timorese Government is desperate for Australian troops to arrive.
- (Darwin) The Royal Australian Air Force
The Royal Australian Air Force is the Air Force branch of the Australian Defence Force. The RAAF began in March 1912 as the Australian Flying Corps making it the second oldest air force in the world...
commence transporting troops to Dili. A 33SQNNo. 33 Squadron is a Royal Australian Air Force transport squadron. It was formed in 1942 and is currently based at RAAF Base Richmond.-World War II:...
Boeing 707The Boeing 707 is a four-engine commercial passenger jet airliner developed by Boeing in the early 1950s. Its name is most commonly pronounced as "Seven Oh Seven"...
ferries troops between TownsvilleRAAF Base Townsville is, along with RAAF Tindal and RAAF Darwin, one of northern Australia's primary defence installations...
and DarwinRAAF Base Darwin is a Royal Australian Air Force base located in the city of Darwin, Northern Territory. The base shares its runway with Darwin International Airport.-History:...
, whilst 36SQNNo. 36 Squadron is a Royal Australian Air Force transport squadron. It currently operates C-17 Globemaster III aircraft from RAAF Base Amberley. The Squadron has seen active service flying transport aircraft during World War II, the Berlin Airlift, Korean War, Vietnam War and the invasion of Iraq...
C-130Hs and 37SQNNo. 37 Squadron is a Royal Australian Air Force transport squadron. It was formed in July 1943 at Laverton, Victoria. It currently operates C-130H Hercules and C-130J Hercules aircraft from RAAF Base Richmond....
C-130Js transport troops and supplies between Darwin and Dili. The flights also commence evacuations of civilians on the return legs. The flights continue throughout the night and the following day to form an air bridge between Darwin and Dili.
26 May
- (Dili) Malaysian Army soldiers begin arrive in Dili. RAAF aircraft continue to transport troops and equipment.
- United States Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team platoon arrives in Dili to protect the US Embassy.
27 May
- 13:30 (Darwin) A Royal New Zealand Air Force
The Royal New Zealand Air Force is the air arm of the New Zealand Defence Force. It was formed from New Zealand components of the British Royal Air Force, becoming an independent force in 1923, although many RNZAF aircrew continued to serve in the Royal Air Force until the end of the 1940s...
C-130H arrives in Darwin from Townsville, ready to deploy New Zealand soldiers to East Timor.
29 May
- The initial deployment of Australian soldiers is completed.
- A platoon of 42 New Zealand soldiers arrives in Dili to secure the New Zealand embassy.
31 May
- Delta Company, 2/1 Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment of 123 New Zealand soldiers arrives in Dili.
June 2006
2 June
- 8 New Zealand military police
Military police are normally the police of a military organization.Military police may refer to:* a section of the military solely responsible for policing the armed forces...
arrive in Dili.
3 June
- USAF C-17 Globemaster III
The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft. The C-17 was developed for the United States Air Force from the 1980s to the early 1990s by McDonnell Douglas. The aircraft carries on the name of two previous United States military cargo aircraft, the C-74 Globemaster and...
aircraft complete their task of ferrying Australian troops and equipment between Townsville and DarwinDarwin is the capital city of the Northern Territory, Australia. Situated on the Timor Sea, Darwin has a population of 120,652, making it by far the largest and most populated city in the sparsely populated Northern Territory, but the least populous of all Australia's capital cities...
.
7 June
- Australian Defence Minister Brendan Nelson
Brendan John Nelson is a former Australian politician and former federal Opposition leader. He served as a member of the Australian House of Representatives from 1996 federal election until 16 September 2009 as the Liberal member for Bradfield, a northern Sydney seat...
and New Zealand Defence Minister Phil GoffPhilip Bruce Goff , generally known as Phil Goff, is the current Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the New Zealand Labour Party...
and Defence Secretary Graham Fortune visit Dili.
16 June
- Rebel Timorese soldiers begin handing their weapons over to Australian troops.
27 June
- It is announced that a New Zealander soldier fired a warning shot during the week of 18 June-24 June. This is apparently the first shot fired during the intervention.
July 2006
1 July
- 50 soldiers from 2/1 RNZIR and other units fly to Timor Leste to replace members of the initial New Zealand force.
18 July
- Australian Prime Minister John Howard
John Winston Howard, AC was the 25th Prime Minister of Australia from 11 March 1996 to 3 December 2007. He is the second-longest serving Australian Prime Minister after Sir Robert Menzies....
visits Timor Leste. During his visit he announced that the Australian force in the country will be gradually reduced.
19 July
- HMAS Kanimbla departs Timor Leste for Australia carrying 250 soldiers and four S-70A Blackhawk helicopters.
August 2006
3 August
- The Australian Government announces that the ADF has commenced a gradual drawdown of forces in Timor Leste due to the improving security situation. An infantry company, 23 armoured personnel carriers and support personnel are scheduled to depart Timor Leste over the next few weeks.
7 August
- A Company, 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment
1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment is a regular light infantry battalion of the Australian Army. 1 RAR was first formed as the 65th Australian Infantry Battalion in 1945 and since then has been deployed on active service during the Korean War, the Malayan Emergency and the Vietnam War...
returns to Townsville after 71 days in Timor Leste as part of Battle Group Faithful.
14 August
- G Company, 4th Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery
The 4th Field Regiment is an artillery unit of the Australian Army. Currently it provides direct-support to the 3rd Brigade and is based at Lavarack Barracks in Townsville, Queensland. The unit was raised in 1960 and is currently equipped with the L119 Howitzer Field Gun...
returns to Townsville after being deployed since 26 May 2006.
27 August
- D Company, 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment
2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment is a Regular light infantry battalion of the Australian Army. 2 RAR was first formed as the Australian 66th Battalion in 1945 and since then it has seen active service during the Korean War, Malayan Emergency and Vietnam War...
returns to Townsville after being deployed to Timor Leste. Further soldiers from the 3rd Combat Signal Regiment are scheduled to return later in the week.
28 August
- It is announced that 44 New Zealand military personnel will return home from Timor Leste on 31 August.
September 2006
7 September
- It is announced that a rifle company from 1 RAR will be deployed to Timor Leste by 9 September to reinforce the Australian-led force following Alfredo Reinado's escape from prison on 30 August.
19 September
- The final elements of the Australian Army Battle Group Faithful return to Australia having been replaced by the ANZAC Battle Group led by the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment
6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment is a motorised infantry battalion of the Australian Army. It was originally raised in Brisbane, Queensland, on 6 June 1965 and has since then served in a number of overseas deployments and conflicts including South Vietnam, East Timor and Iraq...
.
October 2006
26 October
- Brigadier Mal Rerden takes command of Joint Task Force 631, replacing Brigadier Mick Slater.
December 2006
17 December
- Protests against UN troops intensify after they are accused of being responsible for the killing of a rebel gang member during factional clashes.
January 2007
26 January
- Australia, East Timor, and the United Nations sign a memorandum of understanding under which Operation Astute continues and the United Nations Integrated Mission in East Timor supports and helps to develop East Timor's police force.
March 2007
4 March
- After cornering Reinado at a compound in Same
Same is a city in the interior of East Timor, 81 km south of Dili, the national capital. Same has a population of 25,000 and is the capital of the district of Manufahi, which was known as the district of Same in Portuguese Timor....
, Australian Special Forces enter the town and conduct an assault. Reinado evades capture but five of his men are killed in the Battle of SameThe Battle of Same was fought in the village of Same in Timor Leste, south of the capital Dili, on 4 March 2007 between Australian Special Forces and Petitioner rebels under the command of Alfredo Reinado...
. The Timor Leste government subsequently called off the manhunt, preferring to pursue a dialogue with the rebels instead.
May 2007
9 May
- Australian forces successfully supervise round two elections, with no reports of violence.
10 May
- An unmanned Australian spy plane on operations over East Timor crashes into a house in the densely populated eastern suburb of Becora in Dili. Military helicopters were quickly sent to locate the wreckage, and an investigation was scheduled to begin the next day into whether the crash was due to technical failure or operator error.
January 2008
31 January
- Brigadier James Baker takes over command from Brigadier John Hutcheson.
Military units involved
Operation Astute is an Australian military operation. While the Malaysian and New Zealand contingents operate under overall Australian command, the Portuguese contingent operates under Portuguese national command. The initial Australian units deployed as part of the operation fell under the operational command of Brigadier Michael Slater, the commander of the
Australian 3rd BrigadeThe 3rd Brigade is a combined arms brigade of the Australian Army, based around the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions of the Royal Australian Regiment. It was originally formed in 1914 for service during World War I, taking part in the fighting at Gallipoli and on the Western Front in Europe. During...
. The major unit involved in land operations was the 3rd Battalion under its commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel
Mick MumfordLieutenant Colonel Michael Anthony "Mick" Mumford CSC is a career military officer in the Australian Army.He came to prominence in 2006:*Commanding Officer, 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, from early 2006, with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel;...
. This force was be replaced in early September 2006 by a battalion group based around the
6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment is a motorised infantry battalion of the Australian Army. It was originally raised in Brisbane, Queensland, on 6 June 1965 and has since then served in a number of overseas deployments and conflicts including South Vietnam, East Timor and Iraq...
designated the ANZAC Battle Group.
Australian Army
Australia currently has approximately 850 personnel deployed to Timor-Leste, the majority of whom are formed into the
ANZAC Battle Group, named due to the presence of a rifle company from the New Zealand Army integrated in its structure.
- Headquarters Joint Task Force 631
- Elements, 1st Military Police Battalion
- ANZAC Battle Group
The ANZAC Battle Group is an Australian-led battle group deployed to Timor Leste as part of Operation Astute. The battle group was established in September 2006 and comprises several rifle companies, including a company from the New Zealand Army, and sub-units of other Australian Army units...
: This battle groupA battlegroup , or task force in modern military theory, is the basic building block of an army's fighting force. A battlegroup is formed around an infantry battalion or armoured regiment, which is usually commanded by a Lieutenant Colonel...
includes elements of other units:
- Headquarters, 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment
1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment is a regular light infantry battalion of the Australian Army. 1 RAR was first formed as the 65th Australian Infantry Battalion in 1945 and since then has been deployed on active service during the Korean War, the Malayan Emergency and the Vietnam War...
- B Company, 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment
- C Company, 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment
- Victor Company, 1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
The Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment is the main combat unit in the regular New Zealand Army. It was formed January 9 1947 as the New Zealand Regiment with a single infantry battalion as part of the newly created infantry corps....
- Battery, 16th Air Defence Regiment
The 16th Air Defence Regiment is the youngest regiment of the Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery. As the Australian Defence Force's only Ground Based Air Defence unit the Regiment is responsible for protecting a wide range of military assets during wartime, ranging from Army units in the field...
(operating as infantry)
- Elements, 4th Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery
The 4th Field Regiment is an artillery unit of the Australian Army. Currently it provides direct-support to the 3rd Brigade and is based at Lavarack Barracks in Townsville, Queensland. The unit was raised in 1960 and is currently equipped with the L119 Howitzer Field Gun...
- Elements, 17 Construction Squadron, Royal Australian Engineers
- Elements, B Squadron, 3rd/4th Cavalry Regiment
- Elements, B Squadron, 5th Aviation Regiment
- Troop, 1st Aviation Regiment
The initial Australian Army force consisted of:
- Headquarters elements, 3rd Brigade
The 3rd Brigade is a combined arms brigade of the Australian Army, based around the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions of the Royal Australian Regiment. It was originally formed in 1914 for service during World War I, taking part in the fighting at Gallipoli and on the Western Front in Europe. During...
- 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment
The 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment 3 RAR is a parachute infantry battalion of the Australian Army, based in Sydney. 3 RAR was initially formed in 1945 as the 67th Battalion and has seen active service in Japan, Korea, Malaya, South Vietnam, East Timor, the Solomon Islands, Afghanistan...
(3 RAR) battle group ('Battle Group Faithful'). This battle groupA battlegroup , or task force in modern military theory, is the basic building block of an army's fighting force. A battlegroup is formed around an infantry battalion or armoured regiment, which is usually commanded by a Lieutenant Colonel...
included the following elements of other units:
- Airborne Combat Team Bravo, 3 RAR
The 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment 3 RAR is a parachute infantry battalion of the Australian Army, based in Sydney. 3 RAR was initially formed in 1945 as the 67th Battalion and has seen active service in Japan, Korea, Malaya, South Vietnam, East Timor, the Solomon Islands, Afghanistan...
- A Company, 1 RAR
1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment is a regular light infantry battalion of the Australian Army. 1 RAR was first formed as the 65th Australian Infantry Battalion in 1945 and since then has been deployed on active service during the Korean War, the Malayan Emergency and the Vietnam War...
- C and D Companies, 2 RAR
2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment is a Regular light infantry battalion of the Australian Army. 2 RAR was first formed as the Australian 66th Battalion in 1945 and since then it has seen active service during the Korean War, Malayan Emergency and Vietnam War...
- G (108 Field Battery) Company, 4th Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery
The 4th Field Regiment is an artillery unit of the Australian Army. Currently it provides direct-support to the 3rd Brigade and is based at Lavarack Barracks in Townsville, Queensland. The unit was raised in 1960 and is currently equipped with the L119 Howitzer Field Gun...
(operating as infantryInfantrymen are soldiers who are specifically trained for the role of fighting on foot to engage the enemy face to face and have historically borne the brunt of the casualties of combat in wars. As the oldest branch of the Combat Arms they are the backbone of armies...
)
- B Squadron, 3rd/4th Cavalry Regiment (originally equipped with 33 x M-113 armoured personnel carriers)
- Commando Company Group, 4th Battalion (Commando), Royal Australian Regiment
The 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, was an Australian Army infantry battalion and part of the Royal Australian Regiment...
- Troop, Australian Special Air Service Regiment
The Special Air Service Regiment is a special forces regiment of the Australian Army and is modelled on the original British SAS, while also drawing on the traditions of the Australian 'Z' Special Force commando unit, and the Independent Companies which were active in the South Pacific during the...
- Field squadron, 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment
- 3rd Combat Service Support Group (based around the 3rd Combat Service Support Battalion)
- Aviation element ('Combat Team Vigilance')
- Eight S-70A Blackhawk
The Sikorsky S-70 is a medium transport/utility helicopter family manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft. It was developed for the U.S. Army in the 1970s, winning a competition to be designated the UH-60 Blackhawk and spawning a large family in U.S. military service...
transport helicopters, drawn from B Squadron, 5th Aviation Regiment and the 171st Aviation SquadronThe 171st Aviation Squadron is an Australian Army helicopter squadron. The 171st Aviation Squadron is equipped with S70A Blackhawk helicopters and provides support to Special Operations Command...
(four helicopters since 19 July)
- Four Kiowa
The Bell OH-58 Kiowa is a family of single-engine, single-rotor, military helicopters used for observation, utility, and direct fire support. Bell Helicopter manufactured the OH-58 for the United States Army based on the 206A JetRanger helicopter. The OH-58 has been in continuous use by the U.S....
light observation helicopters, 1st Aviation Regiment
- Detachment, Emergency Response Squadron, Incident Response Regiment
The Incident Response Regiment is an Australian regiment part of the Special Operations Command. Its mission is to provide specialist response to incidents involving chemical, biological and radiological and/or explosive hazards, including other hazardous material and situations including fire...
Royal Australian Navy
- HMAS Adelaide
HMAS Adelaide was the lead ship of the Adelaide class of guided missile frigates built for the Royal Australian Navy, based on the United States Navy's Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates...
(until 28 May)
- One S-70B-2 Seahawk
The Sikorsky S-70 is a medium transport/utility helicopter family manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft. It was developed for the U.S. Army in the 1970s, winning a competition to be designated the UH-60 Blackhawk and spawning a large family in U.S. military service...
helicopter, 816 Squadron RAN816 Squadron is a Royal Australian Navy Fleet Air Arm squadron that started out as a Royal Navy unit 816 Naval Air Squadron.-Current roles:816 is currently active as a helicopter squadron equipped with S-70B-2 Seahawk helicopters...
(until 28 May)
- HMAS Kanimbla
- HMAS Manoora
- HMAS Tobruk (until approximately 8 June)
- HMAS Balikpapan
- HMAS Tarakan
- HMAS Success (until 28 May)
- Two Sea King
The Westland WS-61 Sea King is a British license-built version of the American Sikorsky S-61 helicopter of the same name, built by Westland Helicopters. The aircraft differs considerably from the American version, with Rolls-Royce Gnome engines, British made anti-submarine warfare systems and a...
helicopters, 817 Squadron RAN817 Squadron is a Royal Australian Navy Fleet Air Arm squadron.-Current Roles:817 is currently active as a helicopter squadron equipped with Westland Sea King Mk 50 helicopters. 817 Squadron is a land based squadron operating the Sea King helicopter in Fleet Utility Support roles, including Search...
The
Royal Australian NavyThe Royal Australian Navy is the naval branch of the Australian Defence Force. Following federation of the Australian Colonies in 1901, the former colonial navies merged to become the Commonwealth Naval Forces...
force committed to Operation Astute is apparently the largest amphibious task force in the Navy's history.
Royal Australian Air Force
- Elements, No. 33 Squadron RAAF
No. 33 Squadron is a Royal Australian Air Force transport squadron. It was formed in 1942 and is currently based at RAAF Base Richmond.-World War II:...
(Boeing 707The Boeing 707 is a four-engine commercial passenger jet airliner developed by Boeing in the early 1950s. Its name is most commonly pronounced as "Seven Oh Seven"...
) - Domestic support only
- Elements, No. 36 Squadron RAAF
No. 36 Squadron is a Royal Australian Air Force transport squadron. It currently operates C-17 Globemaster III aircraft from RAAF Base Amberley. The Squadron has seen active service flying transport aircraft during World War II, the Berlin Airlift, Korean War, Vietnam War and the invasion of Iraq...
(C-130H)
- Elements, No. 37 Squadron RAAF
No. 37 Squadron is a Royal Australian Air Force transport squadron. It was formed in July 1943 at Laverton, Victoria. It currently operates C-130H Hercules and C-130J Hercules aircraft from RAAF Base Richmond....
(C-130J)
- AP-3C Orion
The Lockheed P-3 Orion is a maritime patrol aircraft used by numerous navies and air forces around the world, primarily for maritime patrol, reconnaissance, anti-surface warfare and anti-submarine warfare.-Development:...
aircraft, No. 92 Wing RAAFNo. 92 Wing is the maritime patrol wing of the Royal Australian Air Force. It is headquartered at RAAF Base Edinburgh. It is part of the Surveillance and Response Group, and consists of No. 10 Squadron, No. 11 Squadron and No. 292 Squadron. The wing also has a permanent detachment at RMAF Base...
- Detachment, No. 2 Airfield Defence Squadron RAAF
No. 2 Airfield Defence Squadron is an Australian military unit whose primary role is to protect and defend airfields, buildings, equipment, and personnel. The unit was formed on 7 April 1945 in Morotai. It was originally designated as "2 Aerodrome Defence Squadron"...
at Dili airportPresidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport , formerly known as Comoro International Airport, is an airport located in Dili, the capital of East Timor...
.
- No. 382 Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron
382ECSS, being an expeditionary combat support squadron, is a fully deployable unit that provides operational support to a forward operating base. Although its usual role is to supplement base services at Amberley, it has the capability to deploy to a bare base and provide all the services to make...
- RAAF Airload Team at Dili airport.
33SQN are assisting the operation by transporting troops from
RAAF Base TownsvilleRAAF Base Townsville is, along with RAAF Tindal and RAAF Darwin, one of northern Australia's primary defence installations...
to
RAAF Base DarwinRAAF Base Darwin is a Royal Australian Air Force base located in the city of Darwin, Northern Territory. The base shares its runway with Darwin International Airport.-History:...
, however only 36SQN and 37SQN have been flying from Darwin to
DiliPresidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport , formerly known as Comoro International Airport, is an airport located in Dili, the capital of East Timor...
.
Malaysian Army
- 209 parachute special force soldiers from the 10th Paratrooper Brigade
10 Paratrooper Brigade - commonly known as 10 PARA - is an elite airborne brigade-sized unit within the Malaysian Army tasked with being rapidly deployed inside or outside the boundaries of Malaysia...
- Transport aircraft
- Elements, 19th Battalion, Royal Malay Regt (Mechanised)
The Royal Malay Regiment is one of two infantry regiments in the Malaysian Army. The regiment is the premier unit in the Malaysian Army. At its height, 27 battalions of the Malay Regiment were formed. At present, two battalions of the Malay Regiment are parachute trained and form a component of...
- Elements from Grup Gerak Khas
The Grup Gerak Khas is a brigade sized formation that acts as the command element which coordinates and deploys the 3 special forces battalions of the Malaysian Army, conducts special operations missions for the Malaysian government, such as direct action, unconventional warfare, sabotage,...
(Army Special Forces)
Royal Malaysian Navy
- Elements from PASKAL (Navy Special Force)
- Two warships; KD Mahawangsa
KD Mahawangsa is a Royal Malaysian Navy's 4,300 ton multi-role support ship based at Lumut Naval Base in Perak, Malaysia. It was named in honor of Merong Mahawangsa, the founder of the Old Kedah...
and KD Indera SaktiKD Sri Indera Sakti is 4,300-ton, 100-meter multi-role support ship of the Royal Malaysian Navy based in the Lumut Naval Base in Perak, Malaysia.-Service history:...
Royal Malaysian Police
The Malaysian Government currently anticipates replacing the Malaysian military force with
Pasukan Gerakan KhasThe Pasukan Gerakan Khas PDRM is an elite counter-terrorism and special operations tactical unit of the Royal Malaysian Police...
and
General Operations ForceThe General Operations Force is the paramilitary arm of the Royal Malaysian Police. The General Operations Force was established in 1948 during the Malayan Emergency by the Administration when Malaya was a Colony. The Police service was mobilised to the field role, primarily to engage Communist...
operators of the
Royal Malaysian PoliceThe Royal Malaysian Police is a part of the security forces structure in Malaysia. The force is a centralized organization with responsibilities ranging from traffic control to intelligence gathering. Its headquarters is located at Bukit Aman, Kuala Lumpur. The police force is led by an...
at the end of July.
New Zealand
- Delta Company (reinforced), 2/1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
The Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment is the main combat unit in the regular New Zealand Army. It was formed January 9 1947 as the New Zealand Regiment with a single infantry battalion as part of the newly created infantry corps....
(Integrated into ANZAC Battle Group)
- Military police section, 2nd Military Police Platoon
- One Boeing 757-200, No. 40 Squadron RNZAF
No. 40 Squadron RNZAF is a transport squadron in the Royal New Zealand Air Force. It remains on active duty.- Origins :The squadron was formed in the south pacific in 1943 with Dakotas. It also used Lockheed Hudsons and Lockheed Lodestars during World War II...
- One C-130H, No. 40 Squadron RNZAF
No. 40 Squadron RNZAF is a transport squadron in the Royal New Zealand Air Force. It remains on active duty.- Origins :The squadron was formed in the south pacific in 1943 with Dakotas. It also used Lockheed Hudsons and Lockheed Lodestars during World War II...
Portugal
While the Portuguese forces deployed to East Timor are not operating under Australian command, they are acting in cooperation with the Australian, Malaysian and New Zealand forces which are under Australian command.
- Bravo Detachment of the Republican National Guard
The term Republican National Guard may refer to:*Italian National Republican Guard*Portuguese National Republican Guard...
(GNR), initially with 120 soldiers and now with about 200
- 16 officers from the Special Operations Group
Grupo de Operações Especiais - GOE is the Portuguese PSP special operations unit, manned slightly over 200 elements....
(GOE) of the Public Security Police
United States
- Two C-17 Globemaster III
The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft. The C-17 was developed for the United States Air Force from the 1980s to the early 1990s by McDonnell Douglas. The aircraft carries on the name of two previous United States military cargo aircraft, the C-74 Globemaster and...
transport aircraft from the 15th Airlift WingThe 15th Airlift Wing is a wing of the United States Air Force at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. It is the airlift arm of Pacific Air Forces and United States Pacific Command and reports directly to the vice commander, Pacific Air Forces....
- 6 person Combat Mobility Element from the 15th Logistics Readiness Squadron
The two United States aircraft flew transport flights between Australian air bases (mainly
RAAF Base TownsvilleRAAF Base Townsville is, along with RAAF Tindal and RAAF Darwin, one of northern Australia's primary defence installations...
and
RAAF Base DarwinRAAF Base Darwin is a Royal Australian Air Force base located in the city of Darwin, Northern Territory. The base shares its runway with Darwin International Airport.-History:...
) and were not deployed to East Timor. The aircraft did, however, visit the
Solomon IslandsThe Solomon Islands is a country in Melanesia, east of Papua New Guinea, consisting of nearly one thousand islands. Together they cover a land mass of 28,400 square kilometres . The capital is Honiara, located on the island of Guadalcanal.The Solomon Islands are believed to have been...
in order pick up Australian equipment and personnel. The USAF force completed its mission on 3 June.
In addition, a platoon of the
United States Marine CorpsThe United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States armed forces responsible for providing force projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to rapidly deliver combined-arms task forces. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team was flown into Dili by a
United States NavyThe United States Navy is the sea branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. It is one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. As of 31 December 2008, the U.S. Navy had about 331,682 personnel on active duty and 124,000 in the Navy Reserve. It operates 283 ships in active service and more than...
C-40 ClipperThe C-40 Clipper is a military version of the Boeing 737-700C airline transport. It is used by both the United States Navy and the United States Air Force.-C-40A:...
on 26 May to secure the US embassy in Dili. This platoon does not appear to have fallen under Australian command as part of Operation Astute.
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