Operation CATALYST: Image Gallery
28 May 2007
Darwin troops return home from Iraq
The first batch of 520 troops, mostly from Darwin's Robertson Barracks, have returned home after serving with the Overwatch Battle Group (West) - Two (OBG(W)-2) has been based at the Ali Air Base, Tallil in the Dhi Qar province.
OBG(W)-2 carried out more than 300 patrols across the 72,000 square kilometre area of operations. These patrols included providing security for reconstruction projects, meeting with local leaders, convoy escorts as well as the training and mentoring of the Iraqi Security Forces in Dhi Qar and the neighbouring Al Muthanna province.
OBG(W)-2 Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Tony Rawlins praised the efforts of all members of the Battle Group. "Australian soldiers have again made an outstanding contribution to coalition efforts to strengthen the security situation in southern Iraq, and to improve the quality of life and future prospects for the local people. It has been an absolute honour to serve with these fantastic young men and women who have been outstanding ambassadors for their country," said Lieutenant Colonel Rawlins.
| 20070527adf8243523_08 Seven-year-old Annie Willson takes ownership of her father Lance Corporal Stuart Willson, while wife Helen watches on during a television interview at Darwin Airport, after his return home from a six-month deployment to southern Iraq with the second rotation of the Overwatch Battle Group (West). (Date taken: 27 May 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20070527adf8243523_11 Private Aaron Hole from the 1st Combat Services Support Battalion (1CSSB) is interview for television with partner Sandy Starmer at Darwin Airport, after a six-month deployment to southern Iraq with the second rotation of the Overwatch Battle Group (West). (Date taken: 27 May 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20070527adf8243523_15 Corporal Michael Hall from the 5th Royal Australian Regiment (5RAR) is welcomed home at Darwin Aiport by daughters Alison and Cassandra, after a six-month deployment to southern Iraq with the second rotation of the Overwatch Battle Group (West). (Date taken: 27 May 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20070527adf8243523_16 Corporal Michael Hall from the 5th Royal Australian Regiment (5RAR) is welcomed home at Darwin Aiport by daughters Alison and Cassandra, after a six-month deployment to southern Iraq with the second rotation of the Overwatch Battle Group (West). (Date taken: 27 May 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20070527adf8243523_19 Signaller Tessa Kurr from the 1st Combat Signals Regiment (1CSR) is welcomed home at Darwin Aiport by Army mate Private Jenniffer Bannister, after a six-month deployment to southern Iraq with the second rotation of the Overwatch Battle Group (West). (Date taken: 27 May 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20070527adf8243523_24 Private Adam Wellington from the 5th Royal Australian Regiment (5RAR) and partner Tara Afford push straight towards the carpark at Darwin Aiport, after a six-month deployment to southern Iraq with the second rotation of the Overwatch Battle Group (West). (Date taken: 27 May 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20070527adf8243523_29 Lance Corporal Kevin Stevens from the 5th Royal Australian Regiment (5RAR) is embraced by partner Kylie Seeney, bearing the Australian flag, roses and balloons at Darwin Airport, following a six-month deployment to southern Iraq with the second rotation of the Overwatch Battle Group (West). (Date taken: 27 May 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20070527adf8243523_37 Sergeant Tony (Tug) Wilson from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment is welcomed home by son Tyler and wife Cheryl at Darwin Airport after a six-month deployment to southern Iraq with the second rotation of the Overwatch Battle Group (West). (Date taken: 27 May 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20070527adf8243523_46 Craftsman Adam Hewitt from the 1st Combat Services Cupport Battalion is embraced by partner Jo Winship at Darwin Airport after a six-month deployment to southern Iraq with the second rotation of the Overwatch Battle Group (West). (Date taken: 27 May 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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