The body of fallen Commando Lance Corporal Todd Chidgey has been returned home.
An honour guard and bearer party of fellow soldiers from the 2nd Commando Regiment escorted his casket from a RAAF C-17 aircraft to his waiting family at the Richmond RAAF base.
He died in Afghanistan last week, Australia's 41st soldier lost in 13 years of involvement in Afghanistan.
Army chief Lieutenant General David Morrison said Lance Corporal Chidgey was a loyal mate and a talented and professional soldier and his loss would be deeply felt by all who knew him.
"He died while in the service of our nation in an operational theatre, and today we are honouring this service as we grieve his passing," Lieutenant General Morrison said at the ceremony.
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Special operations commander Brigadier Dan McDaniel said Lance Corporal Todd Chidgey, 29, was an experienced and respected member of Special Operations Command, loyal, diligent and committed to the service of his country, his mates and his family.
"Lance Corporal Chidgey's mates now mourn his loss alongside his mother, father, brothers and partner. He will be missed but never forgotten by the 2nd Commando Regiment and wider Special Operations Command community," he said.
Lance Corporal Chidgey died as a result of what defence says was a non-combat related incident. His body was found in a room at the Australian headquarters at the base at Kabul international airport.
He was serving with the protective security detachment, providing protection for a senior Australian officer in Afghanistan.
The Australian Defence Force Investigative Service has launched an inquiry. Defence will release further information once the investigation is complete.
