Operation CATALYST: Image Gallery
01 September 2006
Defence Minister and Secretary visit HMAS Warramunga
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_013 The Minister for Defence Dr Brendan Nelson MP with Aviation Warfare Systems Operation Class Three Zachery Klesler from United States of America Army. (Date taken: 31 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060830adf8161479_034 Commander of the Coalition Joint Task Force (CJTF) 158 Commodore Peter Lockwood gives a brief to Minister for Defence Dr Brendan Nelson MP, and Secretary of Defence Mr Ric Smith. (Date taken: 31 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060830adf8161479_038 The Minister for Defence Dr Brendan Nelson MP meeting Navy personnel on HMAS Warramunga. (Date taken: 31 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060830adf8161479_049 Lieutenant Mark Cohayney serves David Koch from the Sunrise program during a visit to HMAS Warramunga. (Date taken: 31 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060830adf8161479_053 Leading Seaman Dan Holly serves Minister for Defence Dr Brendan Nelson MP an omelette. (Date taken: 31 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060830adf8161479_059 The Minister for Defence Dr Brendan Nelson MP and David Koch from Channel Seven Sunrise program having a chat over breakfast with HMAS Warramunga personnel. (Date taken: 31 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060830adf8161479_062 Secretary of Defence Mr Ric Smith chats to Navy personnel from HMAS Warramunga during a visit to the ship. (Date taken: 31 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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