Operation CATALYST: Image Gallery
27 November 2007
C-130 detachment in Middle East
The RAAF C-130H detachment of about 155 people provides intra-theatre airlift and sustainment support through the Middle East with three aircraft. The aircraft supports both Operation CATALYST in Iraq and Operation SLIPPER in Afghanistan.
The detachment meets the significant routine requirements for internal movement of personnel, stores and equipment.
The RAAF's C-130H model can be distinguished by its camouflage paint scheme and four-blade propellers.The 29.7m long, 11.8m high aircraft carries a crew of five including two pilots, a loadmaster, flight engineer and navigator.
With a wingspan of 40.4m and a top speed of 595km/h, the C-130H can fly 5,100km with a 14,000kg payload. It can fly at heights up to 41,000 feet and can carry up to 92 troops.
Operation CATALYST is the Australian Defence Force (ADF) 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.
| 20071117adf8115142_035 Part of the medical team for Operation CATALYST covering several Australian Elements in the Middle East are RAAF Nurse Flying Officer (FLGOFF) Sarah Clark and Environmental Health Officer FLGOFF Sean Walden in the Expeditionary Health Facility at the C-130 Hercules Detachment in the Middle East Area of Operations. (Date taken: 17 November 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20071117adf8115142_041 Environmental Health Officer Flying Officer Sean Walden checks the Thermal Environment Monitor levels in the Middle East Area of Operations. The Thermal Environment Monitor measures the conditions ADF personnel work in. (Date taken: 17 November 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20071119adf8115142_002 Sergeant Nev Hoare, of Broken Hill NSW, makes some running repairs on an air compressor in his workshop at the C-130 Hercules Detachment. Sergeant Hoare is a Ground Mechanic Engineer and his roles include fitting and turning, maintenance of all small arms and the odd handyman job around the Australian compound. (Date taken: 19 November 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20071119adf8115142_020 Members of the C-130 Hercules Detachment at their Australian compound in the Middle East Area of Operations. (Date taken: 19 November 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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