Australian soldier Lieutenant Michael Fussell, killed in a bomb blast in Afghanistan last week, has started his final journey home.
Fellow Australian soldiers, with members of the Afghan National Army and Dutch forces, farewelled their fallen comrade in the traditional ramp ceremony at Camp Holland, the Australian and Dutch base in Tarin Kowt, in southern Afghanistan.
Defence said the service was conducted in the Australian Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) compound.
An outdoor chapel was set up to accommodate the large gathering of Lieutenant Fussell's colleagues from Australia's SOTG, the Australian Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force One, the Afghan Army and Dutch military forces.
SOTG commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Paul Kenny described Lt Fussell as a highly regarded and respected officer who served with distinction during his short career.
"He lived and died for the enduring Australian values of freedom and justice," he said.
Lt Fussell, 25, a member of the 4RAR commando battalion, died last Thursday from the blast of an improvised explosive device while patrolling on foot.
Two other soldiers injured in the blast have returned to duty.
Lt Fussell was the seventh Australian soldier to die in Afghanistan since 2002 and the first officer.
Following the ramp service, Lt Fussell's casket was placed aboard a SOTG vehicle for a final procession to a waiting RAAF C-130J Hercules aircraft.
A guard of honour comprising Australian, Afghan, Dutch and other personnel from the International Security Assistance Force lined the route to the airport.
As the Hercules departed, it was escorted by a Dutch Apache helicopter until shortly after take-off, marking the start of Lt Fussell's return to Australia.
Details about the timing of his return to Australia or his funeral have not been released.
In parliament on Monday, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd paid tribute to the fallen soldier, describing him as a great Australian who died leading Australian soldiers.
"Those of us who have been abroad and met and spent time with our men and women in uniform know the type of bloke this fellow was, a very great Australian," he told parliament.
"His sacrifice will not be forgotten by this house, nor will it be forgotten by the nation."
Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull said Lt Fussell had been described as a talented and experienced soldier and a bright and engaging young man.
"His death is a tragic reminder of the enormous danger our forces face in Afghanistan every day," he said.
"Lieutenant Fussell made the ultimate sacrifice, serving us, serving Australia."
Mr Turnbull said the tragic events in Mumbai, India, were a reminder that the threat from terrorism was very real.
"Our soldiers in Afghanistan are in the frontline of the battle against terrorism," he said.