von Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Mark Binskin, AO, has travelled to Pakistan to get a first hand look at Australian relief efforts in the flood affected country.
Joined by Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Mr Tim George, and Deputy Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Davyd Thomas, Air Marshal Binskin took time to speak to the Defence and civilian personnel deployed on Operation Pakistan Assist II. Almost 100 Air Force personnel have deployed to Pakistan as part of Australia’s efforts to support Pakistan during its time of need.
Air Marshal Binskin was given a tour of the Camp Cockatoo health facility at Kot Addu, including visiting the day wards, pathology, pharmacy and the new Air Force Digital Imaging X‑Ray system — the first deployment of this system overseas, which has greatly enhanced the capability to produce better quality imaging for patients.
The Chief of Air Force said the visit was an excellent opportunity to view the Air Force’s deployable health capability in action and to personally thank the Air Force-led military team for their efforts.
“The personnel of the Australian Medical Task Force are providing an enormous helping hand to local residents who have lost so much”, Air Marshal Binskin said.
“The victims of this disaster have time and again shown their gratitude to our people through their smiles and tears.”
“Each member of the Op Pakistan Assist II should be proud as I am of their efforts – well done.”
During the visit to Pakistan, Air Marshal Binskin also met Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman HI(M), S Bt, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force and Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), ADML Noman Bashir NI(M).
“The success of Operation Pakistan Assist II is due to the close cooperation with the Pakistan Armed Forces,” Air Marshal Binskin said.
Press release
Ministerial Support and Public Affairs,
Department of Defence,
Canberra, Australia
