Operation CATALYST: Image Gallery
07 November 2007
Melbourne Cup day in Middle East
In a corner of the Middle East, a group of Aussies celebrated a race that stopped their nation.
About 40 soldiers, sailors and airmen crammed the recreation hut in the Force Level Logistics Asset (FLLA) to enjoy a sparkling grape juice breakfast and tap into Melbourne Cup festivities half a world and eight hours away.
Melbourne Cup morning was a chance for those deployed with the FLLA to break their routine and connect with home.
Race day at the FLLA began in the early morning desert chill with a piggy-back race sprinted by 18 "less-than-thoroughbreds".
The FLLA provides logistic support to members whether they are aboard ships in the Persian Gulf, soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq, or aircrew who fly Orion and Hercules aircraft.
FLLA staff also conduct reception, staging, onward movement and integration training for all ADF members who are deployed to the Middle East.
| 20071106adf8115142_017 Corporal (CPL) Bianca Greenslade jockeys CPL Natalie Pinder down the home straight during the Melbourne Cup Day piggy-back race at the Force Level Logistic Asset in the Middle East. (Date taken: 06 November 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 220071106adf8115142_036 The Melbourne Cup Day punters queue to get their ticket in the sweep at the Force Level Logistic Asset in the Middle East. (Date taken: 06 November 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20071106adf8115142_040 The Melbourne Cup Day punters queue to get their ticket in the sweep at the Force Level Logistic Asset in the Middle East. (Date taken: 06 November 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20071106adf8115142_049 Leading Aircraftsman Adrian Mita and Corporal Kevin Goodwin are on the edge of their seats during the Melbourne Cup race at the Force Level Logistic Asset in the Middle East. (Date taken: 06 November 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20071106adf8115142_065 Winners are grinners. Private Megan Fealy waves her winning tokens after taking out first place in the Force Level Logistic Asset Melbourne Cup Sweep, held at their base in the Middle East. (Date taken: 06 November 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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