Operation CATALYST: Image Gallery
01 September 2006
Minister for Defence and Secretary visit Overwatch Battle Group (West)
The Minister for Defence Dr Brendan Nelson MP, traveling with Secretary of Defence Mr Ric Smith visited Australian troops deployed to the Middle East as part of Operation CATALYST and Operation SLIPPER in late August 2006.
The Minister visited several locations in which Australia has troops deployed, including the Overwatch Battle Group (West) (OBG(W)) based in the southern Iraqi province of Dhi Qar.
The OBG(W) comprises around 450 personnel consisting of a headquarters, a cavalry squadron, an infantry company, and Australian Light Armoured Vehicles (ASLAVs) and a number of Bushmasters. The Task Group is based at Tallil Air Base and from there it undertakes a security overwatch role as part of a larger Coalition Force and provides support to Iraqi Army training.
Following meetings with each of the commanders of these Australian Defence Force elements the Minister took the opportunity to speak with and meet as many of the troops as possible.
Operation CATALYST is the ADF’s contribution to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq. At the time of the Minister's visit the operation comprised approximately 1400 ADF personnel
Read Release: MINDEF VISIT TO AUSTRALIAN TROOPS IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN
| 20060830adf8161479_149 The Minister for Defence Dr Brendan Nelson MP talks to Warrant Officer Class 2 Andrew Stuart and Lieutenant Colonel Mick Mahy. (Date taken: 31 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060830adf8161479_154 The Minister for Defence Dr Brendan Nelson MP talks to Alpha Company 2 Royal Australian Regiment (2 RAR) personnel during his visit. (Date taken: 31 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060830adf8161479_157 The Minister for Defence Dr Brendan Nelson MP talks to Private Ryan Ingold during his visit. (Date taken: 31 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060830adf8161479_165 The Minister for Defence Dr Brendan Nelson MP talks to Alpha Company 2 Royal Australian Regiment (2 RAR) personnel during his visit. (Date taken: 31 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060830adf8161479_183_th.jpg Australian Light Armoured Vehicles (ASLAVs) parked at Tallil Coalition camp. (Date taken: 31 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060830adf8161479_192 Channel Seven Sunrise host David Koch interviews Private Spencer. (Date taken: 31 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060830adf8161479_198 Corporal Ross Biss in front of Australian Infantry mobility vehicle Bushmaster. (Date taken: 31 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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