Operation CATALYST: Image Gallery
02 June 2008
Transition of Authority ceremony
On 1st June 2008 Australian soldiers at Tallil in Southern Iraq ceased operations and handed over security responsibility for Al Muthanna and Dhi Qar Provinces to U.S. forces.
Diggers from Combat Team Waler patrolled up until the last moment, completing a two-day security mission, before driving up to a parade to signal the end of operations.
Senior Australian and Coalition commanders, and Iraqi leaders, welcomed the patrol and thanked the soldiers of Overwatch Battle Group (West) – 4 and the Australian Army Training Team – Iraq IX for their contribution to the stable security environment in the two Provinces.
Later in the day Australian forces lowered their national flag and officially transitioned authority for operations in Al Muthanna and Dhi Qar to the soldiers of the U.S. 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division.
The redeployment of Australian Forces and Equipment is well advanced and will be completed, as planned, by mid-year.
| 20080530adf8143085_115 Commanding Officer OBG(W), Lieutenant Colonel Chris Websdane thanks his coalition partners in his speech during the Transition of Authority ceremony. (Date taken: 01 June 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080530adf8143085_126 Lance Corporals Chad Anderson (Lft) and David McKeachie (Rht) lower the Australian Flag prior to the American flag being marched in. (Date taken: 01 June 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080530adf8143085_148 The flag bearers and uniformed members salute as the US National Anthem is played at the hand over ceremony. (Date taken: 01 June 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080530adf8143085_157 Commanding Officer 2nd Battalion/504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Mark Stock addresses attendees at the hand over ceremony. (Date taken: 01 June 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080530adf8143085_168 Lieutenant Sam Hattar interprets during the hand over ceremony for Sheik Mohammed Sabri. (Date taken: 01 June 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080530adf8143085_179 Commander of the multi National Corp - Iraq, Lieutenant General Lloyd Austin III, addresses attendees at the handover ceremony. (Date taken: 01 June 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080601adf8143085_003 The Commander Joint Task Force 633, Major General Michael Hindmarsh addresses the parade and invited guests. (Date taken: 01 June 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080601adf8143085_041 The parade and invited guests listen to the address given by the Governor of Al Muthanna Province, Ahmed Arzouk Salal Hassani. (Date taken: 01 June 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080601adf8143085_048 Lance Corporals David McKeachie (Lft) and Chad Anderson (Rht) lower the Battle Group Chauvel flag, signifying the end of operations. (Date taken: 01 June 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080601adf8143085_068 Members of Combat Team Waler arrive at the parade having just completed the Battle Group's last mission. (Date taken: 01 June 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080601adf8143085_071 Corporal Benjamin Grumley, representing Combat Team Waler, hands Lieutenant Colonel Chris Websdane, Commanding Officer Overwatch Battle Group (West) an Australian flag and Battle Group Chauvel pennant. The flag and penant have been attached to the vehicles on every mission. (Date taken: 01 June 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080601adf8143085_080 The General Officer Commanding the Multi National Division-South East, Major General Barney White-Spunner addresses the parade, invited guests and VIPs. (Date taken: 01 June 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080601adf8143085_088 The Governor of Dhi Qar Province, Aziz Kadum Alwan Ogheli addresses the parade and invited guests, with Regimental Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class 1 Brad Clarke and Parade commentator Major Stephen King, watching on. (Date taken: 01 June 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080601adf8143085_096 The Commanding Officerof the 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 82nd Airborne Division, Colonel Charlie Flynn addresses the Parade and invited guests and VIPs. (Date taken: 01 June 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080601adf8143085_098 Commanding Officer of the Australian Army Training Team-Iraq, Lieutenant Colonel Alby Hughes addresses the parade and invited guests. (Date taken: 01 June 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080601adf8143085_103 Lieutenant Colonel Chris Websdane, Commanding Officer of the Overwatch Battle Group addresses the parade and invited guests. (Date taken: 01 June 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080601adf8143085_106 The distinguished guests and VIPs at the parade. (Date taken: 01 June 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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