Operation CATALYST: Image Gallery
02 January 2008
OBG(W)4 opens new soccer field and park
Operation Alcorta, named in honour of an Australian Vietnam veteran, has seen Australian troops from Overwatch Battle Group (West) 4 involved in a patrol in Dhi Qar province and a meeting with the key local leader, Sheikh Ali Manshed for the opening of a new soccer field and park.
Both facilities were planned and funded by Australian forces.
The 508 soldiers of Overwatch Battle Group (West) 4 are mostly drawn from units of the Brisbane-based 7th Brigade. The Battle Group is comprised of the headquarters and cavalry squadrons of the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry), operating Australian Light Armoured Vehicles (ASLAVs); and an Infantry company from the 6th Battalion of The Royal Australian Regiment (6 RAR) operating Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicles (IMVs).
OBG(W) 4 is based at Tallil Air Base from where it undertakes a security overwatch role for Al Muthanna and Dhi Qar Provinces as part of a larger Coalition Force.
The security role supports the Iraqi Security Forces’ (ISF) and Provincial Government’s efforts to build a secure and stable Iraq. In this role OBG(W) 4 undertakes security patrols, develops ISF capabilities and supports reconstruction and rehabilitation projects. OBG(W) 4 operates as part of the Multi National Force - Iraq (MNF - I).
| 20071213adf8278790_048 Children from the village of Mohammed Al Manshed present flowers to Major Matthew Campbell in appreciation of Australia's support during the opening of the local soccer field and park. (Date taken: 13 December 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20071213adf8278790_054 Major Matthew Campbell (right) and Sheikh Ali Manshed (behind), greet local players after the opening of a new soccer field. (Date taken: 13 December 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20071213adf8278790_056 Major Matthew Campbell (right) and Sheikh Ali Manshed (centre), greet local players after the opening of a new soccer field. (Date taken: 13 December 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20071213adf8278790_066 Major Matthew Campbell (right) and Sheikh Ali Manshed (left), discuss local security and community issues. (Date taken: 13 December 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20071213adf8278790_069 An Australian soldier and an Iraqi villager watch as local Iraqi soccer teams play a match on the newly-opened soccer field. (Date taken: 13 December 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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