As the sun set on the dunes behind Camp Baird at Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates, troops from partner forces came together for a night of Australian entertainment, headlined by comedian Anthony 'Lehmo' Lehmann and Human Nature's Phil Burton.
No one was safe from Lehmo's good-natured roasting. Commanding Officer Captain Brett Westcott, RAN, was Lehmo's first target, grilled on where he parked his submarine.
This was Lehmo's eighth trip to the Middle East for the Forces Entertainment Tour, not including his time on Royal Australian Navy ships or trips to East Timor.
"It's a real privilege to be able to just deliver a slice of Australia and a brief bit of respite for them," Lehmo said.
"The greatest compliment I ever got was a bloke who said that for two hours I took him back to Australia."
It was Phil Burton's first Forces Entertainment Tour and he said he jumped at the opportunity after hearing from other artists how rewarding it was.
"Being able to perform for Australian troops on Australia Day is quite emotional as they are all feeling a bit of home sickness," he said before his show.
"It's an honour to be able to be in their environment and eat in a mess with them."
Captain Westcott said having the entertainers come and perform was a morale boost for everyone.
"They are a dedicated bunch of people who give their time to those who are deployed," he said.
"Seeing the reaction and the enjoyment during the events was great. Rotations here are six to seven months long, and small things like this really help."
