Operation CATALYST: Image Gallery
04 July 2006
Combined Interaction Patrols (IPATS)
The Boarding Team of HMAS BALLARAT conduct combined Interaction Patrols (IPATS) with the US Coast Guard. IPATS involve interacting with local vessels and crews to encourage positive relations between coalition forces and the people they are protecting.
HMAS BALLARAT, deployed in the Persian Gulf, is the Royal Australian Navy’s current contribution to maritime security operations in the region. The ship, which is part of Task Force 158 (TF158) is serving in the northern waters of the gulf, where its duties include oil platform protection, maintaining Iraqi boarders, humanitarian assistance and denying illegal trade.
HMAS BALLARAT is the eighth ANZAC Class Frigate and the sixth for the Royal Australian Navy, two being bought by New Zealand. The ship which was commissioned on the 26th June 2004 is on its first deployment to the Middle East.
The Ship, named after the Victorian city which was the location of the Eureka Stockade, takes its ship motto, "Defend the Flag" from that famous fight for equality.
As part of TF158, HMAS BALLARAT will be under the command of Commodore Peter Lockwood and his team of 21 Australian Naval Officers and specialist sailors. This is the second time the coalition naval elements have been under the command of Australians.
"The Australian Navy is invaluable to the Coalition Naval efforts in the Middle East, because of their professionalism, their independence and their ability to stick to the task. In the North Arabian Gulf in command of 158, Australians will be playing a key leadership role in the Coalition." Captain John Peterson, Chief of Staff, U.S 5th Fleet.
| 20060623adf8107930_124 Able Seaman Communication Infomation Systems Brendan Philp keeps watch from the stern of HMAS BALLARAT's Ridgid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB). (Date taken: 23 June 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060623adf8107930_128 Leading Seaman Combat Systems Operator Dwayne Cocks handles the communication for HMAS BALLARAT's Boarding Team. (Date taken: 23 June 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060623adf8107930_131 The Australian IPAT Team approches the US Coast Guard vessel USCG AQUIDNECK. (Date taken: 23 June 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060623adf8107930_137 Able Seaman Communication Infomation Systems Carlos Gabila boards the US Coast Guard Ship USCG AQUIDNECK to become the communication link between the Coast Guard and the Australian Navy patrol teams. (Date taken: 23 June 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060623adf8107930_157 Leading Seaman Stores Naval Keith "stretch" Wyatt mans the helm while Lieutenant Richard Schram selects the next Dhow to inspect. (Date taken: 23 June 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060623adf8107930_160 A US Coastguard team shares duties with the Boarding Team of HMAS BALLARAT as they conduct combined Interaction Patrols (IPATS). IPATS involve interacting with local vessels and crews to encourage positive relations between coalition forces and the people they are protecting. (Date taken: 23 June 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060623adf8107930_167 Able Seaman Communication Infomation Systems Brendan Philp keeps an eye on the crew of a dhow as HMAS BALLARAT's BoardingTeam pull along side. (Date taken: 23 June 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060623adf8107930_179 Chief Petty Officer Electronics Technician Michael Hogan looks on as the Captain of a dhow talks with the Commander of the IPAT Team. (Date taken: 23 June 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060623adf8107930_186 Leading Seaman Stores Naval Keith "Stretch" Wyatt mans the helm while Lieutenant Richard Schram is Commander of the IPAT team. (Date taken: 23 June 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060623adf8107930_192 Lieutenant Richard Schram with the help of an Bahraini Interpreter talk to a fishing dhow crew. (Date taken: 23 June 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060623adf8107930_198 Able Seaman Marine Technician James Cross keeps a close eye on procedings while the commander of the IPAT team chats to the skipper of the dhow through an interpreter. (Date taken: 23 June 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060623adf8107930_204 Able Seaman Marine Technician James Cross and Chief Petty Officer Electronic Technician Micheal Hogan enjoy a lighter moment in between IPATS. (Date taken: 23 June 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060623adf8107930_210 Able Seaman Communication Infomation Systems Brendan Philp and Lieutenant Richard Schram make up part of HMAS BALLARAT's (Date taken: 23 June 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060623adf8107930_221 HMAS BALLARAT's team move away after checking a cargo chip in the Northern Persian Gulf. (Date taken: 23 June 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060623adf8107930_232 An Australian Naval patrol moves amongst local vessels in the North Persian Gulf. (Date taken: 23 June 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060623adf8107930_236 An Australian RHIB (rigid hull inflatable boat) passes an Iraqi fishing dhow. (Date taken: 23 June 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060623adf8107930_258 The ship's RHIB (Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boat) is a vital tool in boarding and patrolling operations. (Date taken: 23 June 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060623adf8107930_274 A sea of dhows are patrolled by a Royal Australian Navy boat. (Date taken: 23 June 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060623adf8107930_280 The Boarding Team of HMAS BALLARAT conduct combined Interaction Patrols (IPATS) with the US Coast Guard. IPATS involve interacting with local vessels and crews to encourage positive relations between coalition forces and the people they are protecting. (Date taken: 23 June 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060623adf8107930_283 HMAS BALLARAT's team move away after checking a cargo chip in the Northern Persian Gulf. (Date taken: 23 June 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060623adf8107930_296 An American Coastguard boat passes a local dhow while conducting IPATS with an Australian boat crew. (Date taken: 23 June 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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