Adelaide, Jan 14: Australian military air crews were given an official farewell today before they leave for the Persian Gulf as part of the nation's latest commitment to the US-led war on terror. Two P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft and their crews will conduct patrol missions in support of aircraft carrier operations, defense minister Robert Hill said.

He would not give details of their base in the Gulf for security reasons.

At the farewell ceremony at the Edinburgh Air Base in Adelaide, Hill said the Australian government was committed to fighting terrorism. "Despite the public focus on a potential conflict with Iraq, the deployment of our air force personnel this week reminds US that the war against terrorism is ongoing," he said. "All Australians can be grateful for their dedication and support."

The air force has already contributed FA-18s, which fly combat air patrol missions, B707 refuelling aircraft and C-130 Hercules transport aircraft to the war on terror.

Bureau Report