To our Australian, British, and Canadian brothers-in-arms, America thanks you for your service in the war against the radical Islamists.  We thank you for your support and sacrifice.  I'm sure PM Howard's visit was appreciated by the troopers in Afghanistan.

MG

Photo Gallery [Australian Prime Minister] Howard's secret Afghanistan visit
The Age (Melbourne) ^ | 22nd November 2005

Prime Minister John Howard meets the crew of an Australian C-130 Hercules aircraft en route to visit the Australian Special Forces Task Group in Afghanistan.

Prime Minister Howard in the cockpit of an Australian C-130 Hercules aircraft en route to visit the Australian Special Forces Task Group in Afghanistan.

Prime Minister John Howard meets soldiers of the Australian Special Forces Task Group deployed on Operation Slipper in Afghanistan.

Prime Minister John Howard meets soldiers of the Australian Special Forces Task Group deployed on Operation Slipper in Afghanistan.

Prime Minister Howard meets soldiers of the Australian Special Forces Task Group deployed on Operation Slipper in Afghanistan.

Prime Minister Howard meets soldiers of the Australian Special Forces Task Group deployed on Operation Slipper in Afghanistan.