Friendships a highlight of Sinai deployment
The latest contingent of ADF personnel to support the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) returned home in late July following a six-month deployment to Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula.
CAPTION: Sergeant Vicky Stanford is presented with the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) Medal by Force Commander MFO Major General Michael Garraway during a ceremony at the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. Story by Captain Ewy De Guzman and Lieutenant Jake Rowe. Photos by Sergeant Asela.
The group of around 30 personnel – alongside 12 other troop-contributing nations – aided in supervising security provisions of the Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty.
MFO Clerk Corporal Scott Perkins said a highlight was forming bonds with fellow deployment members.
“The MFO is such a diverse working environment and location where there are plenty of opportunities to develop lasting friendships,” Corporal Perkins said.
“I recommend this deployment to others as you get to work with our international partners and build relationships.”
The Australian contingent included personnel in various roles, including physical training instructor Sergeant Indigo Triggs who enjoyed working with the Fijians, who brought a friendly outlook and energy to gym sessions.
Another was Major Alice Dunn who worked in a liaison/plans role with a team of Canadian, Fijian, Japanese, Norwegian and French personnel.
The contingent commemorated Anzac Day while deployed, with ADF personnel attending services in Sinai, Cairo and Amman.
They also worked alongside MFO dog Sergeant Roo who received the MFO Medal in April, recognising meritorious service and honourable performance of duty.
The contingent took part in competitions and challenges amongst the MFO nations, including the Bledisloe Trophy, Norwegian Foot March and Commonwealth Shooting Competition.
More than 1500 ADF personnel have served in the Sinai Peninsula since MFO’s establishment in 1982.
CAPTION: ADF members on Operation Mazurka Rotation 57A in the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt, on completion of a six-month deployment.
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