The Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral David Johnston provides an update on Australian operations in Iraq.

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is assisting residents and fire fighting efforts in Western Australia. The Australian Army’s 13th Brigade has established temporary accommodation for fire-fighters and potential evacuees from areas threatened by the fires currently burning in the state’s south west. A convoy of 10 trucks carrying around 40 soldiers and camp stores travelled to Manjimup today where 13th Brigade established a temporary camp with tents, camp stretchers, tables, chairs and lighting to support up to 200 people. The 13th Brigade has sufficient camp stores and is ready to establish an additional 200 bed camp at a second location if required. While the Army was establishing accommodation with some help from their Navy colleagues, a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-17A Globemaster delivered around 40 tonnes of chemical fire retardant from RAAF Base Richmond near Sydney to RAAF Base Pearce in Western Australia where the Air Force is providing parking, fuel and water support to civilian fire fighting aircraft. The ADF support in Western Australia is provided through the Defence Assistance to the Civil Community program which allows States or Territories to make a request through the Commonwealth for ADF assistance in response to natural disasters or emergencies.

Around 40 skydivers have brightened up the skies around Picton in New South Wales during the annual Australian Defence Parachuting Championships held between 15-19 December 2014. The activity is the culmination event of the year which allows Australian Defence Force parachutists to compete in a variety of sport parachuting disciplines. Participants include both men and women drawn from Army, Navy and Air Force, with some having represented Australia in elite civilian competition, and who have set significant records in the Australian and international civilian skydiving community.

Australia’s Air Task Group (ATG) consisting of six RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornets, an E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft and a KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft continue to support Operation OKRA with missions in Iraq. The ATG comprises nearly 400 RAAF personnel who have deployed to the Middle East. Australia’s efforts are in response to a request for assistance by the Iraqi Government in combating ISIL terrorists. Operation OKRA is the Australian Defence Force's contribution to the international effort to combat the ISIL terrorist threat in Iraq. Australia's contribution is being closely coordinated with the Iraqi government, Gulf nations and a broad coalition of international partners.

The Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon Tony Abbott, MP conducted an official visit to the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) main logistics base in the Middle East Region on 6 January 2015. As part of the visit, the Prime Minister viewed a demonstration of the operational familiarisation training provided to ADF members upon arriving into theatre and was able to interact with personnel at a BBQ breakfast. Accompanying the Prime Minister was the Minister for Defence, the Hon Kevin Andrews, MP and the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, AC. Commander Joint Task Force 633, Rear Admiral Trevor Jones, AO, CSC, RAN was the official host on base for the visit.

The Prime Minister of Australia, the Honourable Tony Abbott, MP, has visited Royal Australian Air Force personnel assigned to the first Australian Air Task Group (ATG) in the Middle East Region who are approaching the end of their deployment on Operation OKRA and preparing to return to Australia. Approximately 400 ADF personnel are deployed with the ATG operating RAAF F/A‑18F Super Hornets, E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control and the KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft. Since October 2014, Australian and Coalition air strike operations have supported Iraqi Security Force ground operations against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

The ADF has provided logistic support to South Australia’s Country Fire Service’s fire fighting aircraft at RAAF Base Edinburgh following the outbreak of devastating bushfires. The fire fighting aircraft included a C-130Q Hercules - Air Tanker, an Avro RJ-85 - Air Tanker and a Gulfstream Aero Commander AC690 - Air Attack aircraft. The task, which commenced on from Sunday, January 4th 2015, followed a formal request facilitated by Emergency Management Australia (EMA), which manages and coordinates national support provided to the States and Territories.

On Monday, 22 December the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) operated national Sail Training Ship (STS) Young Endeavour set sail at the start of an extraordinary 12-month circumnavigation of the world – the vessel’s first such deployment in more than 20 years. The Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), who is the Patron of the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme, joined the Hon Darren Chester MP, representing the Prime Minister, as well as Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Tim Barrett AO, CSC, RAN, Commander Australian Fleet Rear Admiral Stuart Mayer, CSC and Bar, RAN, the Chair of the Young Endeavour Advisory Board Mr Marshall Baillieu, and family and friends of the Young Endeavour crew to farewell the ship from Garden Island. During the voyage more than 200 young Australians will join the square-rigged tall ship for voyages between 18 and 60 days’ duration. Crews of 24 youth and 12 RAN staff will sail Young Endeavour in the Roaring Forties, across the Atlantic Ocean, through the Mediterranean Sea and the English Channel, into the North Sea, and return via the Cape of Good Hope and the Indian Ocean. A highlight of the program will be the ship’s attendance at Gallipoli during the Anzac Centenary Commemorations in April 2015. The Young Endeavour Youth Scheme provides young Australians aged 16-23 with a unique, challenging and inspirational experience at sea aboard Young Endeavour. Since 1988, more than 12,000 youth completed the internationally recognised youth development program under the guidance of a specially trained RAN crew, and a further 10,000 guests from organisations supporting youth with special needs have joined harbour day sails.