Operation CATALYST: Image Gallery
01 September 2006
Defence Minister visits Middle East
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
| 20060828adf8161479_002 Officer Commanding of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) AP-3C Orion detachment, Wing Commander Neville Dawson chats to Minister for Defence Dr Brendan Nelson. (Date taken: 31 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060828adf8161479_016 The Minister for Defence Dr Brendan Nelson MP, trying on his personnel protection equipment during his visit in the Middle East Area of Operations. (Date taken: 31 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060828adf8161479_026 David Koch from the Channel 7 Sunrise Program, trying on his personnel protection equipment with the help of Corporal Jeremy Barnes. (Date taken: 31 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060828adf8161479_051 The Minister for Defence Dr Brendan Nelson MP talks to personnel of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) AP-3C Orion detachment during his visit to the Middle East Area of Operations. (Date taken: 31 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060828adf8161479_062 David Koch from the Channel 7 Sunrise Program, with RAAF AP-3C Orion detachment members Leading Aircraftwoman Jane Russell, Sergeant Peta Barry and Flight Sergeant Katherine Tressler. (Date taken: 31 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060828adf8161479_083 The Minister for Defence Dr Brendan Nelson MP talks to personnel of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) AP-3C Orion detachment during his visit to the Middle East Area of Operations. (Date taken: 31 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060828adf8161479_095 The Minister for Defence Dr Brendan Nelson MP talks to personnel of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) AP-3C Orion detachment during his visit to the Middle East Area of Operations. (Date taken: 31 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060828adf8161479_106 The Minister for Defence Dr Brendan Nelson MP talks to Warrant Officer Scott Willacott, a Loadmaster on the C-130 J model Hercules. (Date taken: 31 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060828adf8161479_122 The Minister for Defence Dr Brendan Nelson MP in the flight deck of the C-130 J model Hercules. (Date taken: 31 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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