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Command of the ADF’s contribution to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan has officially changed hands.
Colonel Mark Coyle has handed over command of Operation Aslan, Australia’s contribution to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), to Colonel Tom Nairn.
COL Nairn will now be responsible for up to 20 personnel from the Navy, Army and Air Force who fill key military liaison, operations, aviation and logistics support positions.
Personnel supporting UNMISS are tasked with monitoring and protecting human rights, and delivering humanitarian aid to those in need.
“It is an extraordinary privilege to be able to command a dedicated group of Australians who have made, and continue to make, a significant commitment to building peace and stability in a fragile and complex region,” COL Nairn said.
“I’m also looking forward to working not just with Australians, but a committed multi-national team of military, civilian and police members to address the challenges that South Sudan faces.”
COL Nairn thanked COL Coyle for his 12 months of leadership.
“Colonel Coyle and his team have clearly achieved a great deal and made a truly significant contribution,” COL Nairn added.
South Sudan achieved nationhood in July 2011 after a six-year peace process, which brought an end to over 20 years of conflict between the government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement.
COL Coyle said he was proud to have contributed to peace efforts in the war-torn region.
“While any deployment is rewarding, this deployment has special meaning,” COL Coyle said.
“Serving in the youngest nation in the world to help them realise the dream of independence and democratic rule cannot be understated.”
COL Coyle noted the importance of the UN’s mission, adding that those who wore the UN blue beret shared a common bond.
“What they do is made extraordinary by the fact they volunteer for something that others either cannot do or will not do. It's truly amazing,” COL Coyle said.
“For those who served in UNMISS, they can all leave with a sense of accomplishment and with full knowledge that their actions, either as a staff officer or a military observer, saved countless lives and forged a foundation on which the fledgling country is building a true democracy.”
Operation Aslan commenced in September 2011, with ADF personnel transitioning from Operation Azure, the United Nations’ former mission in Sudan.
[Related: Command of ADF operations in the Middle East handed over]
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