Operation CATALYST: Image Gallery
04 July 2006
HMAS BALLARAT's boarding team
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.
| 20060625adf8107930_004 Seaman Electronics Technician Blake Moloney is part of HMAS BALLARAT's Ships boarding team. (Date taken: 23 June 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060625adf8107930_013 Lieutenant Johnathan Beatty hangs on as the HMAS BALLARAT boarding team speeds to its next Boarding operation. (Date taken: 23 June 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060625adf8107930_019 Packed with the boarding team, HMAS BALLARAT's Rigid hull inflatable boat cuts through the water on the way to a boarding. (Date taken: 23 June 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060625adf8107930_029 In two of HMAS BALLARAT's Rigid hull inflatable boats,Seaman Electronics Technician Blake Moloney and the rest of the boarding team cover the distance to the next ship to be inspected. (Date taken: 23 June 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060625adf8107930_044 A long way up, Team members of HMAS BALLARAT's boarding party begin the long climb up the tankers accommodation ladder. (Date taken: 23 June 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060625adf8107930_053 Even though fully kitted out with body armor chest webbing and a weapon, a tankers four storey accommodation ladder is hardly a challenge for Leading Seaman Pysical Training Instructor Mathew Bell. (Date taken: 23 June 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060625adf8107930_059 On the deck of the Tanker, members of HMAS BALLARAT's boarding team guard the accommodation ladder and the teams exit point. (Date taken: 23 June 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060625adf8107930_071 Lieutenant Ken Owers the Boarding Team Commander with Able Seaman Communication Infomation Systems Carlos Gabila go through the manifest with the ship's Master. (Date taken: 23 June 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060625adf8107930_110 Leading Seaman Marine Technician Allister Coney checks the boarded ship for contraband. (Date taken: 23 June 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060625adf8107930_116 Looking for contraband Leading Seaman Marine Technicain Allister Coney searches though the engine room of the boarded tanker. (Date taken: 23 June 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060625adf8107930_143 One of HMAS BALLARAT's boarding teams on deck after completing a search of the ship. (Date taken: 23 June 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060625adf8107930_167 HMAS BALLARAT conducts both helicopter and boat operations while stationed at the Khawr al Amaya Oil Terminal "KAAOT". (Date taken: 23 June 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060625adf8107930_208 HMAS BALLARAT Slowly cruises through the sea as the ship continues it patrol of the waters around the Khawr al Amaya Oil Terminal "KAAOT". (Date taken: 23 June 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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