Operation CATALYST: Image Gallery
29 September 2006
Images from Operation SLIPPER
A contingent of Australian Defence Force personnel has arrived in Afghanistan as part of a Netherlands-led Provincial Reconstruction Team under the NATO International Security Assistance Force.
Australia's contribution, known as the Reconstruction Task Force (RTF), is a mix of engineers and security personnel deployed to Afghanistan for up to two years to work on reconstruction and community-based projects as part of Australia’s commitment to assisting Afghanistan achieve a stable and secure future.
The Australian contingent will be preparing the camp, conducting planning for RTF construction and trade training projects, and setting up the logistics supply chain for when the main body arrives later in the year.
The majority of the task force is drawn from the Darwin area and made up of personnel from the 1st Combat Engineer Regiment, which will provide combat engineers and tradesmen (carpenters, plumbers, electricians and plant operators) that will undertake the majority of the RTF's construction activities. This includes skills training for the local population to ensure the benefits of the deployment continue well after our personnel have returned home.
The Australian protective force for the RTF is being provided by the Brisbane-based Motorised Infantry of the 6th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment, equipped with Bushmaster vehicles; the 5th/7th Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment (5/7 RAR), also with the Bushmaster; and the Darwin-based 2nd Cavalry Regiment with ASLAV light armoured vehicles. Command, logistics and support elements have come from the Darwin-based 1st Brigade.
| 20060922adf8185016_0020 Dutch Corporal 1st Class David Abekassis (right) talks to camp construction supervisor Captain Jennifer Egan (left) about future works to be completed around the Australian camp in Southern Afghanistan. (Date taken: 23 September 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060922adf8185016_0029 Australian 1st Reconstruction Task Force camp construction supervisor Captain Jennifer Egan checks off on completed construction work in Southern Afghanistan. (Date taken: 23 September 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060922adf8185016_0039 1st Combat Engineer Regiment electricians Lance Corporal Lawrence McMahon (right) and Sapper Lindsay Armstrong (right) check power cables to a Dutch generator before they rewire it for the Australian camp in Southern Afghanistan. (Date taken: 23 September 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060923adf8185016_0099 Australian 19th Chief Engineer Works Corporal Mark Casey practices during a range safety shoot in Southern Afghanistan. (Date taken: 23 September 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060923adf8185016_0108 1st Combat Engineer Regiment Sapper Michael Lehocz takes aim during a range practice for the Australian 1st Reconstruction Task Force in Southern Afghanistan. (Date taken: 23 September 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060923adf8185016_0121 1st Combat Engineer Regiment Lance Corporal David Wallace (right) shares a joke with 2nd Cavalry Regiment Trooper Ian King (left) in Southern Afghanistan. (Date taken: 23 September 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
