Urge to travel leads to Iraq

AB Georgina Carlile, formerly of Goomeri, on duty at the Force Level Logistics Area in Baghdad. Photo: LEUT Ian Lumsden

When former Goomeri resident Georgina Carlile joined the Royal Australian Navy in 2002, she wanted to travel.

Eighteen months later, Able Seaman Carlile is serving in Baghdad as part of the Australian Government’s commitment to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq.

Working as a stores clerk at the Force Level Logistics Area at Baghdad International Airport, Georgina is responsible for monitoring the movement of supplies into and out of the operational area for Australian forces.

“I joined the Navy because I wanted to travel, I liked the ocean and I was interested in a career with the Australian Defence Force,” she said.

“My job here in Iraq is great … it is an incredible experience to be in Baghdad on a land-based operation as a sailor.”

AB Carlile said once her tour in Iraq was finished she was looking forward to some time off in Australia and visiting her parents back in Goomeri which is in Queensland.

“I’m enjoying my work and the mateship here in Baghdad, but it will be good to get home for a break when my time here is finished.”

AB Carlile is one of almost 900 Australian Defence Force personnel deployed on Operation Catalyst, an integral part of the Australian Government’s commitment towards humanitarian assistance and rehabilitation of Iraq.

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