Operation CATALYST: Image Gallery
08 April 2008
Patrolling pays off in southern Iraq
Australian soldiers from Overwatch Battle Group (West) - 4 have patrolled the perimeter of An Nasiriyah following recent insurgent violence in the city.
Diggers from Combat Team "Heeler" conducted dismounted and mounted patrols overnight around the city, the largest in Dhi Qar province.
The patrols are specifically aimed at deterring insurgent rocket attacks and also provide an opportunity to mentor Iraqi Security Forces at checkpoints.
Overwatch Battle Group (West) 4 and Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces conduct ongoing operations to deter improvised explosive device (roadside bomb) and indirect fire (rocket and mortar) attacks in Dhi Qar province.
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); an Infantry company from the 6th Battalion of The Royal Australian Regiment (6 RAR) operating Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicles (IMVs); and specialists from the 7th Combat Services Support Battalion.
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).
| 20080403adf8246638_005 (L-R) Private Nathan Brown, age 21 from Cranbourne Melbourne and Corporal Leigh Connor, age 29 from Southern River, Perth prepare their personnel equipment before a night patrol. (Date taken: 03 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080403adf8246638_014 Corporal Lance Smolders, age 25 from Narrabri, NSW, ensures all his section and relevant equipment is ready for the night's task. (Date taken: 03 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080403adf8246638_018 (L-R) Corporal Leigh Connor, age 29 from Southern River, Perth and Private Nathan Brown, age 21 from Cranbourne, Melbourne in the Infantry Mobility Vehicle (Bushmaster) before heading out for a night patrol. (Date taken: 03 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080403adf8246638_024 Private Nathan Mohr, age 21 from Albury, NSW manning the MAG 58 machine gun mounted on an Australian Bushmaster during a night patrol in the city of An Nasiriyah. (Date taken: 03 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080403adf8246638_100 Lance Corporal Adam Cambridge, age 23 from Murwillumbah, NSW preparing to step off on a night patrol through the city of An Nasiriyah. (Date taken: 03 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080403adf8246638_103 Private Clinton Jones, 23 from Tweed Heads, NSW prepares to step off on a night patrol through the city of An Nasiriyah. (Date taken: 03 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080403adf8246638_110 Soldiers from section 62 Alpha conduct final 'battle preparations' as they step off on a night patrol through the city of An Nasiriyah. (Date taken: 03 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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