Australian KIA, others WIA Afghanistan - Just in

[1feral1]

Sadly its our turn today. Link: www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,23992478-421,00.html

Shared IAW the usual....

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Jul 09, 2008 07:43am
Article from: AAPFont size: + -
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AN Australian soldier has been killed in a roadside bomb attack in Afghanistan.

Defence chief Angus Houston today said Signaller Sean McCarthy, 25, was from the Perth-based Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) and had been on his second tour of Afghanistan.

He was killed by an improvised explosive device (IED) which also injured two other Australian soldiers and a soldier from another country at 3pm (AEST) yesterday.

He is the sixth Australian soldier to die in Afghanistan since 2002, and the second this year.

Air Chief Marshal Houston said the three soldiers and the other coalition national were evacuated to coalition medical facilities immediately after the incident.

"Despite receiving the best possible medical attention, Signaller McCarthy succumbed to his wounds," he said.

"The injuries to the remaining two soldiers do not appear to be life-threatening. However they and the coalition national who was seriously wounded continue to be closely monitored."

Air Chief Marshal Houston said that because the injured soldiers were special forces their personal details would not be made public.

New Zealand-born Mr McCarthy, who was not married, joined the Australian Defence Force in 2001. He was described today as an “avid rugby union supporter”.

On his previous tour in Afghanistan, he was recognised by the special operations commander for his courage and mission focus, including a specific commendation for "maintaining his presence of mind and excellent soldier's skills while in contact with the enemy," Air Chief Marshal Houston said.

"Signaller McCarthy was an experienced, highly skilled and professional soldier.

"He was very well respected by his comrades and will be sorely missed by his many friends."

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OWDU

 

[The Bread Guy]

Highlight mine....

SPECIAL OPERATIONS SOLDIER KILLED - THREE WOUNDED
Austrailan Defence Force news release CPA 211/08, 9 Jul 08
News release link - Download MS Word version

An Australian soldier serving with the Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) in Afghanistan has been killed in a road-side bomb attack in Afghanistan.

Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus (ACM) Houston said the soldier was killed Tuesday afternoon (AEST) when Australian soldiers were conducting a patrol in southern Afghanistan.

“Signaller Sean McCarthy, who was 25 years of age and from the Perth based Special Air Service Regiment, was killed yesterday afternoon when the vehicle he was travelling in was struck by a road-side bomb,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.

Two other Australian soldiers were also wounded by the Improvised Explosive Device (IED). Their condition is assessed as serious but stable. Due to the nature of wounds, a medical assessment has not yet been concluded to determine whether they will be required to return to Australia for further medical treatment.

In accordance with Defence policy, their names will not be released.

A third Coalition national who was working with the Australian patrol was also wounded in the IED strike.  His condition is assessed as serious but not life threatening.  He is currently being treated at a medical facility in Afghanistan. Defence will not provide further information on this person.

The wounded soldiers and Coalition national along with the body of Signaller McCarthy were immediately evacuated by helicopter to a medical facility at Tarin Kowt.

ACM Houston said repatriation planning for Signaller McCarthy’s body has begun.

“This is a tragic day for the ADF and, on behalf of the entire Defence Organisation I extend my deepest sympathies to the family, colleagues and friends of Signaller McCarthy. At times like these we need to be strong and to offer our full support to his family and friends.  Our best wishes are also with the wounded soldiers in the hope that they make a speedy recovery.”

ACM Houston said he also expressed his best wishes to the Coalition national who was also wounded in the attack.

Defence has notified the immediate families of all soldiers involved and is providing assistance to them during this very difficult time.

“Our soldiers continue to acquit themselves magnificently. However, due to the nature of special operations, no further details can be released at this time,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.

Signaller McCarthy’s death marks the sixth fatality since Australia commenced operations in Afghanistan in 2002.

A copy of Signaller Sean McCarthy’s biography and picture will be available from the Defence website.

Information on the ADF’s commitment to Afghanistan can be found at: http://www.defence.gov.au/opslipper/default.htm

Media Note: Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston’s media statement will be available at: http://www.defence.gov.au/media/download/audio/index.cfm

Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664


BIOGRAPHY OF SIG SEAN McCARTHY

SIG Sean Patrick McCarthy was born on 5 January 1983 in Auckland, NZ.

Sean enlisted into the Australian Defence Force on the 10 July 2001.  After initial recruit training and completion of mandatory courses, Sean posted to 7 Sig Regt on the 14 July 2003.

Sean posted to SASR on the 15 January 2007 and has been an active member of the Regiment ever since.

Sean’s Operational service includes deploying as part of the Special Operations Task Group (SOTG V) in 2007; Operation Astute in East Timor in 2008 before redeploying to Afghanistan as part of his most recent deployment.

For his service in East Timor and Afghanistan, Sean was awarded the Australian Defence Medal, the International Coalition Against Terrorism Clasp, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the NATO Medal and the Return from Active Service Badge.

Sean was the recipient of a SOCAUST commendation awarded on the 20 June 2008 for his actions in Afghanistan in 2007 as part of SOTG Rotation V.  Sean was awarded this for his excellent application of battle craft in a complex, dangerous and confusing situation.

Sean was an avid rugby union fan. He was a respected member of his Troop and well liked by his colleagues.

 

[tomahawk6]

My sympathies to Signaller McCarthy's family and friends.

"Forever Grateful......Never Forgotten!"

 

[tomahawk6]

A few pic's from the ramp ceremony.

Canadian piper CPL Steven Marti from the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) plays in honour of fallen soldier Signaller Sean McCarthy during a ramp ceremony in Oruzgan Province, Southern Afghanistan.

Regimental Sergeant Major Task Force 66 and Padre Task Force 66 say goodbye to Signaller Sean McCarthy as his casket is brought onboard a C-130 Hercules aircraft following a memorial in Oruzgan Province, Southern Afghanistan.

 

[1feral1]

Thanks for the pics (which Defence has blocked - so I can't see 'em). His funeral is on the Gold Coast this Friday.

Although he is Australian, he is also a Queenslander!

OWDU

 

[ENGINEERS WIFE]

Great pics.  Very moving. Too bad we have to do this at all.  I wish that everyone came home safe and sound when there job was finished.  RIP

 

[Good2Golf]

Rest in peace, Sig. McCarthy.  Thoughts and prayers for his family, friends and comrades.

 

[geo]

Rest in Peace Signaller McCarthy

My condolences to the family, friends and comrades

 

[manhole]

Condolences to his family and friends.   

 

[TheNomad]

RIP lad.