TROOPS departed from Williamtown RAAF Base on Sunday for deployment to the Middle East. At the same time alert levels at the base were raised.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
About 600 Australian Defence Force personnel will join international efforts to disrupt the Islamic terrorist group known as ISIL.
The extremists have been in the media lately for a series of beheadings of foreign hostages.
The group has rapidly moved to control Iraq, causing countries such as Australia and the USA to commit troops to the area.
The main contingent of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) personnel and aircraft left for the Middle East on Sunday.
The Williamtown base is playing a crucial role in the movement of troops and resources, prompting a visit from Prime Minister Tony Abbott on Thursday, September 18.
He said ISIL "hate our freedom, our tolerance, our democracy" and labelled the troops the "long, strong arm of Australia".
The Williamtown base is sending its Surveillance and Response Group and the E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft, which will join forces with the F/A-18F Super Hornets and a KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport.
Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Geoff Brown, AO, said Sunday was the main departure date for most deployed RAAF personnel hence it required a lot of preparation at the Williamtown base.
"The large amount of preparation conducted to deploy such a potent and capable force in a relatively short time is testament to the professionalism and skill of our air force," he said.
The Australian Defence Force also increased security levels at the Williamtown base, raising the alert condition and reportedly briefing non-defence staff employed at the site.
The main impact on defence families is likely delays when entering the base and an increased need to always carry an ID card and/or photo identification.
■ If you see something around the base, or anywhere in Port Stephens, that makes you feel concerned or uncomfortable, report it by calling the national security hotline on 1800 123 400.
