Operation CATALYST: Image Gallery
13 February 2008
Long-range patrol for Combat Team Waler
Overwatch Battle Group's Combat Team Waler, operating ASLAV and Bushmaster vehicles, conducted a long-range patrol throughout Al Muthanna Province from 28 January to 1 February 2008. The patrol included key leadership engagements with the Governor of Al Muthanna and local Sheiks, mentoring of the Iraqi Police Service and Department of Border Protection personnel, and security patrolling.
The 516 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).
| 20080128adf8243116_010a The Commanding Officer of Overwatch Battle Group (West) 4, Lieutenant Colonel Chris Websdane (left), greets Colonel Falih Kareem Jabbar (right), Commander of the Police Joint Operations Centre in As Samawah, the capital of Al Muthanna province. The handshake began a successful meeting concerning security requirements for the local police. (Date taken: 31 January 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080129adf8243116_013 Morning light greets Australian soldiers as they prepare for the day's patrolling in the desert south of As Samawah. (Date taken: 31 January 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080129adf8243116_088 Commanding Officer of Overwatch Battle Group (West) 4, Lieutenant Colonel Chris Websdane (2nd in from the right), is invited to share a meal with Sheik Raysaan (first on right), after a successful meeting concerning Al Muthanna province. (Date taken: 31 January 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080129adf8243116_115 Australian ASLAVs form a security 'harbour' in the desert south of As Samawah - a routine stop while waiting for other elements of the patrol to complete their assigned tasks. (Date taken: 31 January 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080130adf8243116_051 Private (Pte) Matthew O' Toole (left) and Pte Joseph Lynch (right), prepare equipment in the back of a Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicle during patrol tasks in the southern desert of Iraq. (Date taken: 31 January 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080131adf8243116_059 Overwatch Battle Group's Regimental Medical Officer Major Chris Cunneen, treats an Iraqi soldier during a visit to the town of Al Salman in Al Muthanna province. (Date taken: 31 January 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080131adf8243116_076 Private Matthew O'Toole (front) and Private James Baldwin (immediately behind), from Combat Team Waler conduct a security sweep of the derelict Al Salman jail during a sand storm. (Date taken: 31 January 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080131adf8243116_081 Private Stuart Sweatman (front) and Lance Corporal Brad Wintle (rear), make up part of an Infantry brick from Combat Team Waler that is tasked with clearing of the Al Salman jail. Sand blown into the air, turns daylight into a yellow haze, giving the entire site a surreal feeling. (Date taken: 31 January 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080131adf8243116_098 Clear! An infantryman covers his mates while they progress down a rubble-strewn hallway. Infantry from Combat Team Waler go through the ruins of the Al Salman jail - clearing each room as they progress. (Date taken: 31 January 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080131adf8243116_165 Combat Team Waler assemble outside the ruins of the Al Salman jail. Sand blown into the air, turns daylight into a yellow haze, giving the entire site a surreal feeling. (Date taken: 31 January 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080131adf8243116_201 Australian Light Armoured Vehicles from Combat Team Waler form up outside Al Salman jail. Sand blown into the air, turns daylight into a yellow haze, giving the entire site a surreal feeling. (Date taken: 31 January 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080201adf8243116_036 Combat Team Waler soldiers hand out colouring books and crayons to local Iraqi children in Al Busayyah, during a key leadership meeting. (Date taken: 31 January 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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