Image Galleries
| October 2007 |
| Fallen SASR soldier returns home In a sombre Ramp Ceremony, the body of Sergeant Matthew Locke, the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) soldier fatally wounded in Afghanistan last week, was returned home to Perth. 07 images (Date uploaded: 31 October 2007) View gallery |
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| Patrol in Baucau Operation ASTUTE is the Australian Government's response to a request from the Government of Timor-Leste to assist in restoring peace to their country. 06 images (Date uploaded: 31 October 2007) View gallery |
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| Repelling training for troops in Timor Operation ASTUTE is the Australian Government's response to a request from the Government of Timor-Leste to assist in restoring peace to their country. 06 images (Date uploaded: 31 October 2007) View gallery |
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| Goodwill visit to Japan by 11 Squadron Number 11 Squadron participated in a goodwill visit in Naha, Japan, 16 - 19 October 2007. The goodwill visit aimed to build a greater bilateral relationship between the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force and the Australian Defence Force. 10 images (Date uploaded: 31 October 2007) View gallery |
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| 'Australia' Primary School opens at Al Rumaid Australian soldiers touched the lives of several hundred Iraqi children when they formally opened a new school that was refurbished using Australian and Coalition funding. (Date uploaded: 31 October - 05 images) View gallery |
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| Army assists orphanage in Penang Rifle Company troops at Butterworth have visited children at the Ramakrishna Ashrama Orphanage in Penang. 04 images (Date uploaded: 31 October 2007) View gallery |
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| Exercise Pacific Shield 2007 Exercise Pacific Shield 2007 has been held in Tokyo Bay, Japan. 07 images (Date uploaded: 30 October 2007) View gallery |
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| Rock star awarded military honours The Angels' frontman Doc Neeson was presented with two military medals in Baghdad while touring across the Middle East as part of a morale-boosting concert series for Australian troops known as 'Tour de Force.' 05 images (Date uploaded: 30 October 2007) View gallery |
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| HMAS Kanimbla takes chilly trip to New Zealand Following two attempts in 2006 to get to New Zealand, both of which resulted in being diverted to operations, HMAS Kanimbla finally made it in October this year. After some balmy weather while crossing the Tasman, and then rough and wintry seas south of New Zealand’s South Island, the ship arrived off Otago Harbour and prepared for the two-hour passage up the harbour to Dunedin. 13 images (Date uploaded: 30 October 2007) View gallery |
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| Aeromedical evacuation exercise Operation ASTUTE is the Australian Government's response to a request from the Government of Timor-Leste to assist in restoring peace to their country. 06 images (Date uploaded: 30 October 2007) View gallery |
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| Darwin soldiers raise significant sum for Darwin Hospital Gunners from the Army’s 8th/12th Medium Regiment have completed their 2007 Gunner Bear Fundraising Appeal, attracting donations totalling $48,000. 05 images (Date uploaded: 30 October 2007) View gallery |
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| Aussies make connections with Afghan leaders An Australian long range patrol from the Reconstruction Task Force focused on engagement with local Afghan leaders and communities along the Tiri Rud & Dorafshan Rud - major river systems that provide a lifeline to the people of Oruzgan Province in southern Afghanistan. 10 images (Date uploaded: 29 October 2007) View gallery |
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| ISF v UN cricket match in Dili Australian and New Zealand soldiers from the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) have beaten a UN cricket team in the latest clash of sporting skills held at Dili stadium. 05 images (Date uploaded: 29 October 2007) View gallery |
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| Fallen SASR soldier begins journey home Australian soldiers from the Special Operations Task Group & Reconstruction Task Force have farewelled fallen Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) soldier Sergeant Matthew Locke during a Ramp Ceremony at their base in Oruzgan Province, southern Afghanistan. 05 images (Date uploaded: 29 October 2007) View gallery |
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| Operation ANODE Tour de Force An enthusiastic group of Australian entertainers have returned from a morale-boosting tour to the Solomon Islands. 24 images (Date uploaded: 29 October 2007) View gallery |
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| 7RAR patrol in central Dili A patrol made up of soldiers from the Darwin-based 7th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment seems unaffected by the heat as it makes its way in staggered formation, observing the area to screen for any signs of trouble. 08 images (Date uploaded: 26 October 2007) View gallery |
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| Unit citation for 4RAR (Commando) His Excellency, the Governor General Major General Michael Jeffery, officially acknowledged the dedication and skills of Australian Commando's at a parade held in Sydney today. 05 image (Date uploaded: 26 October 2007) View gallery |
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| SASR memorial located at Swanbourne Barracks, WA The SASR memorial site located at Swanbourne Barracks Western Australia. Commonly called "the Rock", which lists the names of all SASR members who died on duty. 07 image (Date uploaded: 26 October 2007) View gallery |
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| SASR memorial located within Veterans Park, Civic, ACT 06 image (Date uploaded: 26 October 2007) View gallery |
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| Sergeant Matthew Locke It is with great sadness that the Department of Defence announces the death of Sergeant Matthew Locke, serving with Special Air Service Regiment in Oruzgan Province in southern Afghanistan on Thursday, 25 October 2007. 01 image (Date uploaded: 26 October 2007) View gallery |
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| Soldiers train with Malaysian riot control unit in Timor Soldiers from Battle Group Samichon in Timor Leste have conducted routine training and cooperation with the United Nations’ Malaysian specialist riot control unit. 06 images (Date uploaded: 25 October 2007) View gallery |
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| Orions take to training in West Pacific Two AP-3C Orions from the Adelaide-based 11 Squadron deployed to Kadena, Japan, to participate in a multi-lateral maritime patrol and reconnaissance operation in the West Pacific Ocean from 8-15 October 2007. 07 images (Date uploaded: 25 October 2007) View gallery |
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| ADFA teams take to 24-hour mountain bike race Australian Defence Force Academy teams took part in the Scott 24-hour mountain bike event, a two-day mountain biking event that tests riders' skills and endurance over a demanding course. 03 images (Date uploaded: 25 October 2007) View gallery |
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| Safe waters in the Solomons A 100lb bomb has been safely disposed of by Royal Australian Navy Clearance Divers, hard at work in the Solomon Islands. 04 images (Date uploaded: 25 October 2007) View gallery |
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| Final port of call for HMAS Parramatta's deployment The ship's company of ANZAC Class frigate HMAS Parramatta has berthed in its final port of call at Cebu Island in the Philippines as part of its North East Asian deployment. 07 images (Date uploaded: 24 October 2007) View gallery |
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| HMAS Cerberus Open Day HMAS Cerberus held its annual Open Day on 21 October 2007. 08 images (Date uploaded: 23 October 2007) View gallery |
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| Air Crew members take to Indy car races The Variety Club of Australia has hosted children at the 2007 Lexmark Gold Coast Indy car championship. Air Crew members from 1 and 6 Squadron handed out RAAF posters and recruiting information to children sponsored by the Variety Bash organisation at the Lexmark Gold Coast Indy 07. 04 images (Date uploaded: 23 October 2007) View gallery |
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| Overwatch Battle Group returns to Ash Shatrah The soldiers of the Overwatch Battle Group (West)-3 received a warm welcome from the locals when they returned to Ash Shatrah on 11 October to formally open a girl’s school they had refurbished at a cost of US$200,000. 07 images (Date uploaded: 22 October 2007) View gallery |
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| Old mates reunite HMAS ANZAC on patrol in the Northern Persian Gulf, has found herself in the company of an old friend, HMS RICHMOND. Both vessels were involved in the Naval Gunfire Support action on the Al Faw Peninsula of Southern Iraq on 21 March 2003. 02 images (Date uploaded: 22 October 2007) View gallery |
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| HMAS ANZAC on deployment in the Persian Gulf Two-thirds of the way through HMAS ANZAC’s OP CATALYST deployment, the ship is running like clockwork, and the crew is steadfastly upholding the RAN’s hard-earned Northern Persian Gulf reputation. The daily routine of maritime security operations, boarding and security sweeps is now well established, with ANZAC being a regular fixture in sectors around either the Khawr Al Amaya Oil Terminal or the Al Basra Oil Terminal. 09 images (Date uploaded:22 October 2007) View gallery |
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| Mission rehearsal exercise for next Iraq deployment Mission training for next Overwatch Battle Group in Iraq Overwatch Battle Group (West) (OBG(W)-4), which will be led by the Enoggera-based 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment. This is the first Australian Light Horse battle group since 1918. 06 images (Date uploaded: 22 October 2007) View gallery |
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| Aussie rock in Afghanistan Under a new moon hanging low in the Afghan sky, Australian rock music and some raw Aussie humour kept the troops of the Reconstruction Task Force well entertained. 04 images (Date uploaded: 22 October 2007) View gallery |
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| HMAS Sydney on North American deployment The purpose of North American Pacific Deployment 2007 is to complete testing of functionality of the Adelaide Class Frigate Upgrade. While off the coast of Hawaii, Sydney will participate in Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile firings at the Barking Sands Pacific Missile Range Facility. 08 images (Date uploaded: 19 October 2007) View gallery |
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| Reconstruction Task Force-2 on patrol Australia has deployed an ADF Reconstruction Task Force (RTF), consisting of a combined arms team, to the Oruzgan Province in southern Afghanistan as part of Operation SLIPPER. 06 images (Date uploaded: 19 October 2007) View gallery |
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| New Battle Group on patrol in central Dili Soldiers from 4 Platoon, Bravo Company, Battle Group Samichon have been settling into their area of operations in central Dili since arriving in Timor Leste three weeks ago. 07 images (Date uploaded: 19 October 2007) View gallery |
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| Nelson Sword of Excellence winner a cut above The inaugural Admiral Nelson Sword of Excellence was presented to Commander David McDonald, RAN, in recognition of his superior leadership skills. 05 images (Date uploaded: 19 October 2007) View gallery |
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| Handover ceremony RTF-2 to RTF-3 A ceremony was held on 12 October at Tarin Kowt, Southern Afghanistan marking the passing of the banner by the Australian soldiers of Reconstruction Task Force Two (RTF-2) to their fellow diggers from Reconstruction Task Force Three (RTF-3). 08 images (Date uploaded: 18 October 2007) View gallery |
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| Funeral of Trooper David Pearce Trooper David Pearce was laid to rest today at St Stephen's Cathedral in Brisbane with full military honours. 09 images (Date uploaded: 17 October 2007) View gallery |
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| Deploying soldiers hold memorial service for Trooper Pearce Soldiers who will deploy as the next Overwatch Battle Group (West)-4 (OBG(W)-4) to Iraq, paused during their work-up training near Townsville to pay respects to Trooper David Pearce. 04 images (Date uploaded: 17 October 2007) View gallery |
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| Gunner Bear fundraising appeal The Army's 8/12 Medium Regiment's 2007 Gunner Bear Fundraising Appeal has begun. Throughout the month of October, soldiers from the regiment will be collecting donations at various sites throughout Darwin to raise money for sick kids in the Royal Darwin Hospital (RDH). In particular, the provision of intensive care cots and specialist monitoring equipment for the Special Care Nursery at RDH is the aim of this year's fundraising appeal. 02 images (Date uploaded: 15 October 2007) View gallery |
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| Trooper David Pearce returns home Trooper David Pearce has returned to Australia, met by family, friends and colleagues in an emotional ceremony in his home state of Queensland. A Guard and Bearer Party of soldiers from the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry), the regiment in which David proudly served, received and carried the casket from the aircraft. 10 images (Date uploaded: 13 October 2007) View gallery |
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| Hercules crew commended for their lifesaving efforts On Sunday, March 4, the crew of a C-130H Hercules of No.37 Squadron RAAF on a flight from Perth to Richmond received word of an emergency beacon being activated near the town of Esperance, West Australia. 02 images (Date uploaded: 12 October 2007) View gallery |
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| HMAS Adelaide returns from final deployment HMAS Adelaide returning to Fleet Base West, HMAS Stirling after a 7 week overseas deployment. 10 images (Date uploaded: 11 October 2007) View gallery |
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| Personal tributes from Trooper Pearce's colleagues 04 images (Date uploaded: 11 October 2007) View gallery |
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| Ramp Ceremony for Trooper David Pearce Trooper David Pearce is farewelled by his comrades from the Reconstruction Task Force (RTF) during a ‘Ramp Ceremony’ at their base at Tarin Kowt, Southern Afghanistan. A bearer party consisting of his comrades from the 2/14th Light Horse Regiment bore the body of Trooper Pearce onto to the aircraft. 06 images (Date uploaded: 10 October 2007) View gallery |
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| HMAS Perth and HMAS Parramatta on goodwill tour of North East Asia HMAS Perth and HMAS Parramatta are conducting an official visit to the city of Shanghai, China for five days, berthing at Yangzi Jiang Naval Base. 11 images (Date uploaded: 10 October 2007) View gallery |
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| Commander Australian Fleet visits Shanghai HMAS Perth and HMAS Parramatta are conducting an official visit to the city of Shanghai, China for five days, berthing at Yangzi Jiang Naval Base. 04 images (Date uploaded: 10 October 2007) View gallery |
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| Military Police patrol in Dili Operation ASTUTE is the Australian Government's response to a request from the Government of Timor-Leste to assist in restoring peace to their country. 04 images (Date uploaded: 10 October 2007) View gallery |
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| Weekly Auskick program Operation ASTUTE is the Australian Government's response to a request from the Government of Timor-Leste to assist in restoring peace to their country. 04 images (Date uploaded: 10 October 2007) View gallery |
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| Visit to Dili Police Watchhouse Operation ASTUTE is the Australian Government's response to a request from the Government of Timor-Leste to assist in restoring peace to their country. 06 images (Date uploaded: 10 October 2007) View gallery |
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| Defence Job AFL-NT carnival Defence Force Recruiting was the naming rights sponsor of the 2007 Defence Jobs AFL Carnival held recently at TIO Stadium, Darwin. Through the support of Defence Force recruiting, the AFL Northern Territory was able to grow the pre-season carnival into one of the biggest football events ever held in the Northern Territory. 06 images (Date uploaded: 09 October 2007) View gallery |
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| Amphibious ships for Navy The Prime Minister, Mr John Howard and the CEO of Tenix, Mr Greg Hayes signed the contract for the delivery of two Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) ships to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). 08 images (Date uploaded: 09 October 2007) View gallery |
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| Townsville Battalion groups hand over in Timor The International Stabilisation Force (ISF) and 2nd Battalion, the Royal Australia Regiment (2 RAR) flags have been raised together to signify the rotation of Timor Leste Battle Group responsibilities during a small ceremony at the force’s headquarters at Camp Phoenix in Dili. 03 images (Date uploaded: 09 October 2007) View gallery |
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| Trooper David Pearce The Australian Defence Force has released the name of the Australian soldier who died as a result of a roadside bomb attack in Afghanistan yesterday. Trooper David Pearce, 41, was posted to the Brisbane-based 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment in October 2006. He was serving with the Reconstruction Task Force when he died. 01 image (Date uploaded: 09 October 2007) View gallery |
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| Guard mounted at Menin Gate Australian soldiers from the 51st Battalion, the Far North Queensland Regiment stood guard in a historic ceremony in Belgium to remember thousands of World War I diggers. 07 images (Date uploaded: 08 October 2007) View gallery |
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| New Afghan Governor of Oruzgan Province The new Afghan Governor of Oruzgan Province has been delivered to his new post by the Australian Defence Force. 02 images (Date uploaded: 08 October 2007) View gallery |
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| Belgium re-interment ceremony The remains of five Australian World War One soldiers who fell during the Battle of Passchendale in 1917, have been laid to rest permanently in a ceremony in Zonnebeke, Belgium. 12 images (Date uploaded: 04 October 2007) View gallery |
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| World cup fever sweeps Iraq World Cup Rugby fever is sweeping Iraq where Australian and British soldiers played a gruelling rugby match in the lead up to the Australia versus England quarter-final showdown. 09 images (Date uploaded: 05 October 2007) View gallery |
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| Re-interment ceremony rehearsal in Belgium Twenty-one soldiers from across Far North Queensland have left their homes to re inter five WWI diggers lost 90 years ago in Belgium. 11 images (Date uploaded: 04 October 2007) View gallery |
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| Menin Gate Memorial in Belgium The family of WWI soldiers Sergeant George Calder and Private John Hunter have arrived in Belgium to witness the re-interment of their relatives. (Date uploaded: 04 October - 4 images) View gallery |
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| On patrol to Yaklengah in southern Afghanistan Australia has deployed an ADF Reconstruction Task Force (RTF), consisting of a combined arms team, to the Oruzgan Province in southern Afghanistan as part of Operation SLIPPER. The RTF is in partnership with the Netherlands Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) and forms part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force. 04 images (Date uploaded: 04 October 2007) View gallery |
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| ANA Engineer training The RTF conducts the only Afghan National Army (ANA) Engineer training in all of Afghanistan.The four week course is ran by soldiers from the 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment. They instruct the ANA in basic soldier skills, combat engineering and construction techniques. 15 images (Date uploaded: 04 October 2007) View gallery |
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| Equipment saves soldier from serious injury Australian soldiers serving with the Reconstruction Task Force (RTF) in Afghanistan have successfully repelled a prolonged attack by a group of up to 80 Taliban extremists. This was the sixth sustained attack on RTF soldiers since July this year and involved their heaviest fighting yet. 02 images (Date uploaded: 03 October 2007) View gallery |
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| Inaugural Chief Military Judge and two permanent judges sworn into the Australian Military Court The first Chief Military Judge of the Australian Military Court, Brigadier Ian Westwood AM, was officially sworn into his position at a ceremony in Canberra. 07 images (Date uploaded: 03 October 2007) View gallery |
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| Mission training for next Overwatch Battle Group in Iraq A mission-specific training exercise held at Shoalwater Bay Training Area was the first field training conducted by the fourth rotation of the Overwatch Battle Group (West) in its preparation for Iraq. 08 images (Date uploaded: 02 October 2007) View gallery |
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