Operation CATALYST: Image Gallery
23 November 2006
Images from Operation Cayalyst
Australia's 500-strong Overwatch Battle Group (West) 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 on-going 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.
Working with the Iraqi Government, the ADF continues to contribute to Multinational Force efforts to develop a secure and stable environment in Iraq and assist national recovery programs.
Operation CATALYST comprises approximately 1400 Australian Defence Force personnel. It runs concurrently with Operation SLIPPER, Australia’s contribution to the War on Terror.
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New additions to the family! Some of the proud fathers and soldiers whose spouses and partners have had a baby during the deployment of Overwatch Battle Group (West) in Iraq. From left: Private Shannon Luke, of the Townsville-based 2nd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, (2 RAR), Lance Corporal Erik Jenssen, of the Brisbane-based 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry) and Major Derek Bell, of 2 RAR. In front, Lance Corporal Douglas Hurstfield, also of 2 RAR, Townsville. PTE Luke and his fiancee, Jayde Ashall, have a baby boy, Jak, born 1 October. LCPL Jenssen and his wife Danielle also have a son, Orion, born 22 September. Major Derek Bell and his wife Olivia are the proud parents of a son, Riley, born 9 May and Lance Corporal Hurstfield and his spouse Hannah Zilles celebrated the birth of their daughter Emily on 18 October. (Date taken: 18 November 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20061118adf8243116_016 Sapper (Spr) Daniel Craggs puts together a wooden walkway in Camp Terendak to prepare for more wet weather. The wooden walkways span areas that collect water around the Australian camp. Spr Craggs is from the 17th Construction Company located at Holsworthy Barracks, Sydney. (Date taken: 18 November 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20061118adf8243116_026 Tradesmen or "Tradies" stand outside their workshop in Camp Terendak with the distinctive 3 CER blue "dingo footprint" on the wall behind them. Inside the dingo footprint, a small 17 Construstion Coy "little bear" has been sprayed to represent both units. (Date taken: 18 November 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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