Operation CATALYST: Image Gallery
16 November 2007
Chief of Air Force tours Middle East
The Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal (AIRMSHL) Geoff Shepherd, conducted a whirlwind tour of the Middle East Area of Operations in November 2007.
AIRMSHL Shepherd spoke with personnel about administative and operational issues. His tour included visiting the C-130 and AP-3C detachments.
Besides having numerous personnel assigned to ground elements in the Middle East, the RAAF is represented by two flying elements on Operations CATALYST and SLIPPER - a C-130 Hercules Detachment of about 155 personnel providing intra-theatre airlift and sustainment support in the Middle East, with three transport aircraft, ground crew and other support elements; and an AP-3C Orion Detachment of about 170 personnel conducting maritime patrol operations, with two aircraft and associated command and support elements supporting both the rehabilitation operation in Iraq and the coalition operation against terrorism.
Operation CATALYST is the Australian Defence Force contribution to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq. Working with the Iraqi Government, the ADF continues to contribute to Multi-National Force efforts to develop a secure and stable environment in Iraq, assist national recovery programs and facilitate the transition to Iraq self-government.
Operation SLIPPER is the ADF contribution to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. Operation SLIPPER is an important component of the Australian Government's commitment to working together with the international community to help prevent acts of terrorism around the world.
| 20071107adf8286840_0034 Warrant Officer Air Force Warrant Officer Ray Woolnough speaks with personnel at the C-130H detachment deployed to the Middle East. (Date taken: 07 November 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20071107adf8286840_0045 Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Geoff Shepherd meets members of the C-130H detachment on operations in the Middle East. (Date taken: 07 November 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20071108adf8286840_0060 Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Geoff Shepherd shows photos to Leading Aircraftwoman Allison Duxbury and Corporal Bronwyn Arnold during his visit to the Australian AP-3C detachment. (Date taken: 08 November 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20071108adf8286840_0086 Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Geoff Shepherd with members of the Mechanical Engineering Operational Maintenance Section (from left) Leading Aircraftman Kruse (LAC), Sergeant Brad Hubbard, Corporal (CPL) Peter Hughes, LAC Troy Ammerlaan and CPL Mark Spedding, at the AP-3C detachment in the Middle East. (Date taken: 08 November 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20071109adf8286840_0105 Flight Lieutenant Richard Charles shows the Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Geoff Shepherd some new systems aboard an Australian AP-3C Orion in the Middle East. (Date taken: 09 November 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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