Operation CATALYST: Image Gallery
03 March 2008
New buildings opened by Australian forces
Australian forces opened a local park and girls school in Ash Shatrah - a city in northern Dhi Qar province - in late February 2008. Civilian and Military Cooperation projects were paid for by the Australian government as part of the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq.
Iraqi Security Forces and Australian soldiers provided security during the opening ceremony at each location.
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).
| 20080219adf8278790_044 The Regimental Sergeant Major of Overwatch Battle Group (West) - 4, Warrant Officer Class One Bradley Clarke, joins children from Ash Shatrah in exploring the newly-opened civic park and playground. (Date taken: 19 February 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080219adf8278790_091 Interested Ash Shatrah locals meet with Australian soldiers operating ASLAV and Bushmaster vehicles following the official opening of a civic park and playground. (Date taken: 19 February 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080219adf8278790_119 Mayor Hussein of Ash Shatrah (right) shows LTCOL Chris Websdane, Commanding Officer of Overwatch Battle Group (West)-4 (centre), through a 40-year-old mud brick school. LTCOL Websdane then opened new buildings at the school. (Date taken: 19 February 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080219adf8278790_146 A member of the Ash Shatrah security forces and an Australian soldier provide overwatch security during the official opening of the Al Lathiqah school. (Date taken: 19 February 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080219adf8278790_155 The Commanding Officer of Overwatch Battle Group (West) - 4, LTCOL Chris Websdane (left), presents toys and backpacks to Ash Shatrah children following the official opening of the Al Lathiqah school. (Date taken: 19 February 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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