Operation CATALYST: Image Gallery
25 December 2006
Christmas on Operation CATALYST in Iraq
Headquarters Joint Task Force 633 (HQJTF633) is the headquarters for the Middle East Area of Operations. It supports operations for both Operation CATALYST, the Australian Defence Force's contribution to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq, and Operation SLIPPER, the ADF's contribution to fighting global terrorism.
Brigadier Michael Crane, Australian National Commander, commands all ADF units deployed in the Middle East Area of Operations.
Like HQJTF633, some other units, personnel and assets are dual assigned, being responsible for supporting both Operation CATALYST and Operation Slipper.
Operation CATALYST commenced on 16 July 2003 following on from Operation Falconer. Working with the Interim 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 currently comprises approximately 1400 Australian Defence Force personnel.
Operation SLIPPER commenced following Prime Minister John Howard’s announcement on 1 October 2001 that the ADF would contribute coalition operations against terrorism. There are now around 400 ADF personnel deployed to Afghanistan as part of this operation.
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Soldiers from Darwin-based 2nd Calvary Regiment and the 5th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment gather for a Christmas photo during a break in operations in southern Iraq. The soldiers have been providing support to the Iraqi Security Forces for a convoy carrying a British-funded gas compressor to improve the supply of electricity in the region. (Date taken: 22 December 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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(L-R) Darwin-based soldiers Trooper Gary Wilson, Private Steven Rogers. Corporal Dave Owen, Corporal John Haplin and Private Brad Honner (front) gather for a Christmas photo during a break in operations in southern Iraq. The soldiers have been providing support to the Iraqi Security Forces for a convoy carrying a British-funded gas compressor to improve the supply of electricity in the region. (Date taken: 22 December 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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Christmas preparations in Baghdad, with Padre Robert McKennay (Australian Army) and Corporal Narelle Crawford (Royal Australian Air Force) putting presents under the Christmas tree. (Date taken: 22 December 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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Christmas preparations in Baghdad, with clockwise from back left: Wing Commander Alan Wright (Royal Australian Air Force), Squadron Leader Michelle Murphy (Royal Australian Air Force), Warrant Officer Michael Thomas (Royal Australian Air Force), Corporal Ross Morris (Australian Army), Corporal Nathan Langdon (Australian Army) and Lieutenant Timothy Minion (Australian Army). (Date taken: 22 December 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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Christmas preparations in Baghdad, with clockwise from back left: Wing Commander Alan Wright (Royal Australian Air Force), Squadron Leader Michelle Murphy (Royal Australian Air Force), Warrant Officer Michael Thomas (Royal Australian Air Force), Corporal Ross Morris (Australian Army), Corporal Nathan Langdon (Australian Army) and Lieutenant Timothy Minion (Australian Army). (Date taken: 22 December 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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