Big hugs: Cfn Adam Hewitt, 1CSSB, embraces Jo Winship at Darwin Airport after a six-month deployment to southern Iraq. Photo by Gnr Shannon Joyce

DARWIN Airport has been the scene of many euphoric reunions as troops who served with the second rotation of Overwatch Battle Group (West) return home to their families after a busy six months in southern Iraq.

During their deployment the 520 troops, mostly from Robertson Barracks, were based at the Ali Air Base, Tallil in the Dhi Qar province.

OBG(W)2 carried out more than 300 patrols across the 72,000sqkm area of operations. These patrols included providing security for reconstruction projects, meeting with local leaders, convoy escorts as well as the training and mentoring of the Iraqi security forces in Dhi Qar and the neighbouring Al Muthanna province.

While the vast majority of Iraqis were highly supportive, the Australians were attacked and forced to respond in self-defence several times between April 23 and May 11.

Three soldiers were injured during an IED attack on April 23.

OBG(W)2 CO Lt-Col Tony Rawlins praised the efforts of all members of the Battle Group.

“Australian soldiers have again made an outstanding contribution to coalition efforts to strengthen the security situation in southern Iraq, and to improve the quality of life and future prospects for the local people. It has been an absolute honour to serve with these fantastic young men and women who have been outstanding ambassadors for their country,” Lt-Col Rawlins said.

OBG(W)2 soldiers provided security for organisations involved in projects aimed at helping build an economic base for the Iraqis.

One enduring task was providing security for the installation of a massive gas turbine that will improve the supply of electricity in the south. The British Government funded the multi-million dollar project.

Most of the training run by the Battle Group was focused on Iraqi troops being deployed for counter-insurgency operations in Baghdad.

Its members provided training to about 2000 Iraqi soldiers and ran training sessions for around 200 Iraqi police officers and 80 officers from the Department of Border Enforcement based at forts on the southern border with Saudi Arabia.

The Battle Group was ready to provide assistance to the Iraqi security forces in a crisis if called up by the Iraqi Government.

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