New MEAO log shop
Purpose built for ADF operations

Second Sight: WO1 Glenn Bridges, from JTF 633’s engineering project team, works with a theodolite while a bulldozer passes in the background. Photo by Cpl Cameron Jamieson

By Cpl Cameron Jamieson

A NEW ADF logistic base is about to be occupied in the Middle East thanks to the efforts of a small team of Army engineers.

The Force Level Logistic Asset main base in the Middle East had been located on a US camp situated in a public warehousing complex.

However, as the site is being returned to its civilian owners, Australian troops needed a new logistic base to satisfy the increased needs of the forces deployed to the Middle East following the arrival of the AMTG.

Project manager Lt-Col Paul Hobbs said the new camp was purpose-designed for the task and represented a great improvement on the adapted infrastructure of the former logistic facility.

“The warehousing capability will be housed in two 50m x 30m portable dome warehouses,” Lt- Col Hobbs said.

“Housing has been constructed for the logistic staff and transiting troops, and improved recreational facilities have been built.”

He said all aspects of the project had been fast-tracked to meet operational requirements.

“This involved undertaking all the planning, design work, procurement and preliminary works concurrently,” he said.

The site for the new Australian logistic base, which will be located near a new US logistic complex, was primarily chosen because it is close to an all-weather airfield capable of handling RAAF C-130s.