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Photographer: LAC Leigh Cameron

Caption: The new International Stabilisation Force Commander, Colonel Mick Reilly and the Deputy Commander International Stabilistaion Force, Commander Tony Miller exchange a Hongi during the traditional Powhiri ceremony held in east Timor.

Mid Caption: The new Commander of the International Stabilisation Force in East Timor, COL Mick Reilly, has been welcomed by the force’s New Zealand contingent with a traditional Powhiri, a Maori welcoming ceremony for important people, featuring speeches, singing and the rousing haka.

Operation ASTUTE is the ADF’s continuing contribution to the maintenance of peace and stability in East Timor. The operation commenced in 2006 following a request from the Government of Timor-Leste to the Australian Government for the creation of a multi-national security force to assist with stability operations within Timor Leste.

The force, called the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in East Timor, has evolved over time and currently consists of approximately 475 personnel from the Australian and New Zealand Defence Forces.

The current rotation of troops is lead by an Australian Army officer Colonel Mick Reilly, with Royal New Zealand Navy officer Commander Anthony Millar serving as the Deputy Commander.