Operation CATALYST: Image Gallery
12 June 2008
Last Major Moves back Home
Australia’s draw down from Southern Iraq is coming to a close with the last logistical moves leaving Camp Terendak, Tallil Air Base, Iraq.
Soldiers from the Overwatch Battle Group (West) and Force Extraction Team (FET) have loaded dozens of vehicles and shipping containers for return to Australia’s Force Level Logistic Asset in the Middle East.
Retrained Iraqi forces took over responsiblity for security in Al Muthanna and Dhi Qar provinces some months ago, and the Australians have now handed over their "overwatch" role to US troops.
Although the Diggers will soon be home their legacy will be benefiting local Iraqis for years to come. The Australian Battle group has project-managed over 180 projects . They include new or renovated school buildings, sporting facilities and community parks, water and irrigation projects, rural projects to help with crop and livestock production, health clinics and power supply initiatives.
Water purification is particularly important as water-borne diseases can still be a major killer - especially of young children.
| 20080611adf8246638_023 An Australian Light Armoured Vehicle drives onto a semi trailer for transport from Ali Air Base, Tallil, Iraq. (Date taken: 11 June 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080611adf8246638_037 An Australian Light Armoured Vehicle drives onto a semi trailer for transport from Ali Air Base, Tallil, Iraq. (Date taken: 11 June 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080611adf8246638_061 Sergeant Shane Smith guides An Australian Light Armoured Vehicle onto a semi trailer for transport from Ali Air Base, Tallil, Iraq. (Date taken: 11 June 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080611adf8246638_062 An Australian Light Armoured Vehicle drives onto a semi trailer for transport from Ali Air Base, Tallil, Iraq. (Date taken: 11 June 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080611adf8246638_111 Trooper Nigel Cox works close with US Forces to strapped down the Australian Light Armoured Vehicle for transport from Ali Air Base, Tallil, Iraq. (Date taken: 11 June 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080611adf8246638_135 An Australian Light Armoured Vehicle drives onto a semi trailer for transport from Ali Air Base, Tallil, Iraq. (Date taken: 11 June 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080611adf8246638_144 Soldiers from Overwatch Battle Group (West) 4 assist the US Army to prepare the Australian Light Armoured Vehicles for transport from Ali Air Base, Tallil, Iraq. (Date taken: 11 June 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080611adf8246638_159 Soldiers from the US Army secure the Australian Light Armoured Vehicles onto semi trailers for transport from Ali Air Base, Tallil, Iraq. (Date taken: 11 June 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080611adf8246638_183 Australian Light Armoured Vehicles are ready to start the journey back to Australia from Ali Air Base, Tallil, Iraq. (Date taken: 11 June 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080611adf8246638_186 A bit of history the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry) wall being loaded for transport back to Australia. (Date taken: 11 June 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080611adf8246638_192 Shipping containers for return to Australia’s Force Level Logistic Asset in the Middle East ready to go. (Date taken: 11 June 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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