KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – A group of Australian service members held a transfer of authority ceremony at, Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, April 26, 2014, after eight months in Afghanistan during a crucial time.
The service members, commanded by Col. Joel Dooley, were a part of the 205th Coalition Advisory Team, which formed in 2008 and transitioned to an Australian-led team in 2010. Tasked with advising the headquarters of 205th Hero Corps, Afghan National Army, their goal was to provide security assistance to the corps.
Their service included assistance during the elections in April as 205th Corps Soldiers helped give the people of southern Afghanistan an opportunity to vote for their next president.
The new group of Australian service members taking over the mission said they hope to continue the success of their predecessors.
Warrant Officer Class One Ken Bullman, outgoing regimental sergeant major, said he will not soon forget his time in Afghanistan. He said it was an honor working with his Afghan counterparts as well as with coalition partners.
“I’ve enjoyed working with the members of RC-South,” he said, adding that the service members from the different nations, including Afghanistan, all came together for the mission.
Bullman, Dooley, and their team of Australian service members officially transferred authority to Col. Brett Chaloner and his new team during the ceremony at Camp Baker, Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan.
Those who attended the ceremony, including Maj. Gen. Paul J. LaCamera, commanding general, Regional Command (South) and 4th Infantry Division, celebrated the achievements of the outgoing team as the service members received various end-of-tour awards. They also welcomed Chaloner and his team during the ceremony.