Operation CATALYST: Image Gallery
14 April 2008
Skylark provides eyes in the sky
Soldiers from Army Surveillance Targeting and Acquisition are attached to Overwatch Battle Group (West)-4. The soldiers operate unmanned aerial vehicles and weapon locating radar providing an extensive intelligence, surveillance, targeting and reconnaissance capability.
The unmanned aerial vehicles are small radio-controlled aircraft equipped with video cameras that provide 'eyes in the sky' for soldiers patrolling Al Muthanna and Dhi Qar provinces, and intelligence on potential threats.
The weapon locating radar, based at Tallil, detects indirect rocket fire, providing vital force protection to Coalition Forces based 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).
| 20080405adf8246638_006 Gunner Joshua Staveley, 30 from Upper Kedron, Brisbane, is a Radar Operator with the Overwatch Battle Group (West) - 4 at Camp Terendak, Tallil. (Date taken: 05 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080405adf8246638_017 Gunner Nathan Bunker, 36 from Enoggera, Brisbane, doing daily maintenance on the radar at Camp Terandak, Tallil. (Date taken: 05 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080405adf8246638_023 Gunner Jeromy Last, 25, from Bendigo, a Radar Operator with the Overwatch Battle Group (West) - 4 at Camp Terendak, Tallil. (Date taken: 05 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080405adf8246638_041 Gunner Jeromy Last, 25 from Bendigo, with 122mm rockets at Camp Terendak, Tallil. (Date taken: 05 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080405adf8246638_084 Lance Bombardier Damien Young, 25 from Cann River, Vic with the Skylark, miniature unmanned aerial vehicle at Camp Terendak, Tallil. (Date taken: 05 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080405adf8246638_086 (L-R) Lance Bombardier Damien Young, 25, from Cann River, Vic and Lance Bombardier Tom Shane, 22, from Victor Harbour, SA with the Skylark miniature unmanned aerial vehicle at Camp Terendak, Tallil. (Date taken: 05 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080405adf8246638_098 (L-R) Lance Bombardier Tom Shane, 22, from Victor Harbour, SA, Bombardier Stephen Borg, 22, from West Lakes, SA, and Lance Bombardier Damien Young, 25, from Cann River, Vic, conduct launch drills with the Skylark miniature unmanned aerial vehicle at Camp Terendak, Tallil. (Date taken: 05 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080405adf8246638_108 Lance Bombardier Tom Shane, 22 from Victor Harbour, SA prepares the Skylark to launch at Camp Terendak, Tallil. (Date taken: 05 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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