Operation CATALYST: Image Gallery
08 September 2005
RAAF 36 Squadron returns to the Middle East
The RAAF's 36 Squadron has returned to the Middle East after a break of nine months to continue the job of providing intra-theatre air lift and sustainment support to Australian troops deployed to the region as part of Operation CATALYST. 36 Squadron has deployed two C130-H Hercules aircraft for the task, which are supported by a team of 120 RAAF personnel.
Their roles range from clerical and medical support to aircrew and maintenance technicians, and many personnel have deployed from other squadrons and units across Australia.
The aircraft are based at a major coalition airbase in the Persian Gulf region, and have replaced two C130-J model Hercules aircraft from 37 Squadron RAAF, which provided the airlift support from September 2004 to July 2005, themselves replacing the first 36 Squadron detachment that served in the region from February 2003.
The detachment is the forth task group belonging to the ADF's Joint Task Force 633, and as such is commonly referred to as TG633.4 Operation CATALYST is the Australian Defence Force's contribution to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq.
Operation CATALYST commenced on July 16, 2003, and currently comprises 1370 ADF personnel. Operation CATALYST runs concurrently with Operation SLIPPER, Australia's contribution to the fight against international terrorism.
| 20050815cpa8267338_003 Airfield Defence Guard Corporal Phillip Kirke (RAAF) prepares to fire on a US Air Force indoor firing range mounted on a semi-trailer at a coalition base in the Middle East. (Date taken: 15 August 2005) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20050816cpa8267338_010 RAAF postal manager Leading Aircraftwoman Amanda Townsend works her way through bags of newly arrived mail at a coalition base in the Middle East where two RAAF C130 Hercules aircraft from 36 Squadron are based. (Date taken: 16 August 2005) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20050816cpa8267338_070 RAAF Corporal Matt Chaffer stands by with a fire extinguisher during the engine startup for an RAAF C130 Hercules aircraft from 36 Squadron at a coalition base in the Middle East. (Date taken: 16 August 2005) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20050816cpa8267338_086 RAAF Corporal Matt Chaffer stands by with a fire extinguisher during the engine startup for an RAAF C130 Hercules aircraft from 36 Squadron at a coalition base in the Middle East. (Date taken: 16 August 2005) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20050816cpa8267338_091 Corporal Owen Robottom checks the wing clearance of a C130 Hercules aircraft from 36 Squadron as it is towed onto the taxiway at a coalition base in the Middle East. (Date taken: 16 August 2005) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20050816cpa8267338_100 An RAAF tow-tractor stands ready to pull a C130 Hercules aircraft from 36 Squadron onto the taxiway at a coalition base in the Middle East. (Date taken: 16 August 2005) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20050816cpa8267338_102 Corporal Nathan Wade makes final preparations inside the engine bay of a C130 Hercules aircraft from 36 Squadron prior to its departure on a mission from a coalition base in the Middle East. (Date taken: 16 August 2005) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20050816cpa8267338_127 Leading Aircraftman Hugh McQuine blows dust from the interior of an RAAF C130 Hercules aircraft from 36 Squadron RAAF prior to its departure on a mission from a coalition base in the Middle East. (Date taken: 16 August 2005) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20050816cpa8267338_146 Leading Aircraftman Adam Bentley cleans the cockpit windows of an RAAF C130 Hercules aircraft from 36 Squadron RAAF at a coalition base in the Middle East. (Date taken: 16 August 2005) Low-res | High-res |
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