Operation CATALYST: Image Gallery
19 September 2006
Images from Operation CATALYST
Elements of Overwatch Battle Group (West) 1, based out of Ali Air Base, Tallil, visit Al Muthanna Province to mentor the Iraqi Security Forces and to check on CIMIC (Civil Military Cooperation) programs that are aiding the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq.
Australia's 490-strong Overwatch Battle Group (West) 1 is based at Camp Terendak, Tallil Air Base, Iraq. Its mission is to support Provincial Iraqi Control in Al Muthanna Province. This is achieved by continued engagement with Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and local authorities in the province. It involves a range of activities, including meetings with local leaders, exercising with the ISF and supporting and mentoring them as they consolidate their capabilities.
Another key role is the Battle Group's ongoing CIMIC (Civil Military Cooperation) Program. This provides reconstruction assistance in Al Muthanna Province. Australian Army members also train Iraqi Army personnel at a Basic Training Centre in Tallil.
Operation CATALYST is the Australian Defence Force's (ADF's) contribution to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq.
Operation CATALYST comprises approximately 1400 Australian Defence Force personnel. It runs concurrently with Operation SLIPPER, Australia’s contribution to the War on Terror.
| 20060805adf8243116_002 An Australian patrol travels to its first scheduled night stop along a local road. The Battle Group maintains situational awareness by continued liason with officials in As Samawah and the conduct of patrols throughout the province of Al Muthanna. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060805adf8243116_025 Sergeant Lucas Hourigan stands at the back of a Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicle during the last minutes of daylight. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060806adf8243116_003 Australian soldiers go through morning routine alongside a Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicle. Having breakfast, cleaning weapons and brushing teeth is done quickly, before the day's mission begins. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060806adf8243116_013 Chaplain Major Craig Willmott holds a religious service in the desert south of As Samawah for Australian soldiers on patrol. Prior to starting the day's mission, Chaplain Willmott holds a Sunday service followed by communion for those soldiers wishing to partake. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060806adf8243116_016 Chaplain Major Craig Willmott (right) holds communion for Lieutenant Matthew Huggins (left). (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060806adf8243116_017 Chaplain Major Craig Willmott (right) holds communion for Lieutenant Matthew Huggins (left). Chaplain Willmott holds a religious service in the desert south of As Samawah for Australian soldiers on patrol. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060806adf8243116_018 Chaplain Major Craig Willmott (right) holds communion for Lieutenant Matthew Huggins (centre) and Rafel Taft (left), a member of the US Civilian Police Advisory Training Team. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060806adf8243116_027 Private Jared Homewood from the Townsville-based 2nd Battalion of The Royal Australian Regiment cleans weapons during morning routine. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060806adf8243116_028 Private Dale Pride from the Townsville-based 2nd Battalion of The Royal Australian Regiment (2 RAR) contemplates the start of the day. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060806adf8243116_057 Australians keep a watch outside the Provincial Joint Operations Centre in Al Khidr. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060806adf8243116_061 Sergeant Lucas Hourigan scans the streets and checks on other members of the patrol, while Australians keep a watch outside the Provincial Joint Operations Centre in Al Khidr. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060806adf8243116_063 Private Adam Trigg from the Townsville-based 2nd Battalion of The Royal Australian Regiment, keeps watch outside the Provincial Joint Operations Centre in Al Khidr. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060806adf8243116_077 Corporal Clayton Tierney from the Townsville-based 2nd Battalion of The Royal Australian Regiment, talks to local Iraqi youths outside the Provincial Joint Operations Centre in Al Khidr. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060806adf8243116_111 Private David Chun keeps a look out during security tasking outside the Provincial Joint Operations Centre in Al Khidr. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060806adf8243116_121 Private Aaron O'Neil on security duty outside the Provincial Joint Operations Centre in Al Khidr. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060806adf8243116_122 Private Luke Askew on security duty outside the Provincial Joint Operations Centre in Al Khidr. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060806adf8243116_123 Corporal Royce Blair maintains security from the crew commander's position of a Bushmaster outside the Provincial Joint Operations Centre in Al Khidr. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060806adf8243116_130 Private Clinton Meacham watches locals go about their daily businness outside the Provincial Joint Operations Centre in Al Khidr. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060806adf8243116_135 Private Simon Murray from the 2nd Battlion of The Royal Australian Regiment outside the Provincial Joint Operations Centre in Al Khidr. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060806adf8243116_149 General Officer Commanding Multi-National Divison (South East) Major General Richard Shirreff, visits Australian troops during their desert patrol. From left Policy Advisor Matt Flint, MAJGEN Shirreff, Major Brian Falk, Warrant Officer Class 2 Andrew Stuart, Regimental Sergeant Major Warrant Officer Class 1 David Hatton, Major Dave Edwards and Colonel Ash Gunder. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060806adf8243116_156 General Officer Commanding Multi-National Divison (South East) Major General Richard Shirreff takes time to talk to Australian troops during their desert patrol. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060807adf8243116_037 Company Sergeant Major of Combat Team Bravo, Warrant Officer Class Two Andrew Stuart, refuels a Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicle after a day of desert operations. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060807adf8243116_050 Australian Light Armoured Vehicle crewmembers refuel after a day of patrol operations. Once refueling is complete, vehicles move to their night locations and begin night routine. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060807adf8243116_063 Australian Light Armoured Vehicle crews from the Brisbane-based 2nd / 14th Light Horse Regiment begin to move into position with their vehicles after the day's patrolling is completed. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060807adf8243116_067 Australian Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicles and operators from the Brisbane-based 6th Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment in the desert outside As Samawah. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060807adf8243116_072 Corporal Jamie Greaves, from the Townsville-based 2nd Battalion of The Royal Regiment runs the refueling process for the Australian patrol. Late in the afternoon of their third day into desert operations, vehicle drivers come alongside CPL Greaves' refueling truck prior to commencing night routine. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060807adf8243116_075 Corporal (CPL) Jamie Greaves, from the Townsville-based 2nd Battalion of The Royal Regiment, runs the refueling process for the Australian patrol. Late in the afternoon of their third day into desert operations, CPL Greaves prepares to check fuel levels in the refueling truck. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060807adf8243116_079 Soldiers from the Brisbane-based 6th Battalion of The Royal Australian Regiment alongside their Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicles. They use the shade and make the most of easing late afternoon temperatures to rest and eat. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060807adf8243116_081 An Australian Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicle in the desert outside of As Samawah. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060807adf8243116_087 Soldiers from the Brisbane-based 6th Battalion of The Royal Australian Regiment alongside their Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicles. They use the shade and make the most of easing late afternoon temperatures to rest and eat. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060807adf8243116_090 Australian Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicles in the desert outside of As Samawah. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060807adf8243116_093 Australian Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicles in the desert outside of As Samawah. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060807adf8243116_102 Chaplain Major Craig Willmott uses an age-old technique to cool otherwise hot water for drinking. Using a spare sock, Chaplain Willmott wets the outside of the sock after placing a bottle inside, allowing the desert breeze to cool the suspended bottle to a cooler temperature inside of 20 minutes. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060808adf8243116_010 Private Lachlan Dollard-Hack from the Townsville-based 2nd Battalion of The Royal Australian Regiment starts the day with morning shave. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060808adf8243116_027 Private Aaron O'Neill from the Townsville-based 2nd Battalion of The Royal Australian Regiment, maintains security around a television station in As Samawah. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060808adf8243116_032 Private Brant Logan from the Townsville-based 2nd Battalion of The Royal Australian Regiment outside a television station in As Samawah. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060808adf8243116_040 Private Lachlan Dollard-Hack from the Townsville-based 2nd Battalion of The Royal Australian Regiment maintains security around a television station in As Samawah. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060808adf8243116_042 Gunner Ricky Heaton (left) and Private Brant Logan (right) maintain security outside a television station in As Samawah. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060808adf8243116_044 Gunner Ricky Heaton from 4th Field Regiment outside a television station in As Samawah. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060808adf8243116_048 Private (PTE) Steven Wilson from the Brisbane-based 6th Battalion of The Royal Australian Regiment, serves as a Bushmaster driver in southern Iraq. PTE Wilson sits outside a television station in As Samawah. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060808adf8243116_049 Chaplain Major Craig Willmott (left) and Private Aaron O'Neill (right) chat outside a televsion station in As Samawah. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060808adf8243116_062 Private David Chun maintains a security watch from an elevated position in the parking area of the Provincial Joint Operations Centre in As Samawah. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060808adf8243116_078 An Australian patrol stops momentarily on the way out of As Samawah, while Australian Light Armoured Vehicles pass by on the main road. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060808adf8243116_103 Night has fallen and soldiers prepare for sleep after a long hot day. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060808adf8243116_106 Guard picquet ready and alert atop a Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicle, as night falls and soldiers prepare for sleep after a long hot day. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060809adf8243116_012 Private Jared Homewood enjoys a quiet moment on the final morning of a desert patrol. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060809adf8243116_020 Private Dale Pride maintains a security watch outside the Provincial Joint Operations Centre in As Samawah. Australian Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicles are parked in the background where the remainder of the patrol waits. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060809adf8243116_028 Private (PTE) Brant Logan and PTE Dale Pride, both from the Townsville-based 2nd Regiment of the Royal Australian Regiment, find shade near Hesco barriers outside the Provincial Joint Operations Centre in As Samawah. (Date taken: 06 August 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
