Operation CATALYST
Operation CATALYST is the ADF contribution to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq.Working with the Iraqi Government, the ADF continues to contribute to Multi-National Force efforts to develop a secure and stable environment in Iraq, assist national recovery programs and facilitate the transition to Iraq self-government.
Operation CATALYST currently comprises approximately 980 ADF personnel. This includes some personnel that are assigned to support both Operation CATALYST and Operation SLIPPER.
Major General Mike Hindmarsh commands all ADF units deployed in the Middle East Area of Operations including all elements assigned to Operation CATALYST and Operation SLIPPER.
Air Commodore Timothy Francis Owen is the DCJTF633-I.
10 Squadron's Outstanding Achievements in the Middle East
Between April 2003 and April 2008, 10 Squadron committed up to 70 personnel at any one time to the AP-3C Orion Task Group in the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO).
During its time in the Middle East, 10 Squadron conducted maritime surveillance of the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea, and overland surveillance of Iraq. These missions supported Australian and Coalition Forces.
No 10 Squadron has successfully completed its longest period of continuous operational service since World War II.
RAAF Orions continue to perform vital work in the Middle East, through the deployment of 11 Squadron.
HERCULES C130-H ACHIEVEMENTS
- The 8th of June 2008 marks the completion of a rotational deployment for the Hercules C130 H.
- With the last of the recently deployed H models returned home for a well deserved rest, the air crew, maintainers and other staff of 37 Sqn can be justly proud of the enormous contribution made to operations within the middle east area of operations.
- The flying personnel, air crew and maintainers were from 37 Sqn with the majority of supporting elements being drawn from the Expeditionary Combat Support Squadrons and the Combat Support Group from across the Air Force.
- During their 445 mission the aircraft have moved over 7 000 000 lbs of cargo and just over 20 000 passengers.
- "I think that with over 7 million lbs of cargo moved in 445 missions over the last 10 months, the success of this Task Group has been easy to measure. What is a little harder to measure is the reason for our success and I think it has to come down to the people. Everyone, Pilot to Pay CLK and Maintainer to Medic, has put in a fantastic effort over each of the rotations that have supported the H Models and it is their individual efforts that have that have come together to achieve this success. Every one of them should be proud of what they've done here”
02 July 2008
WGCDR Pete Ward
Commander Task Group
Operation CATALYST fact sheet
Australia's commitment to Operation CATALYST presently includes:
- An Australian Joint Task Force Headquarters of about 70 personnel that commands all ADF maritime, land and air elements deployed on either Operations CATALYST or SLIPPER. The headquarters is commanded by Major General Mike Hindmarsh. Brigadier Damian Roche also operates from this headquarters.
- Australian Security Detachment – (SECDET XIV) is a Combat Team (CT) of about 110 personnel. The CT comprises two infantry Platoons, one Cavalry Troop, a Military Police Detachment and a Combat Service Support Element. As part of Joint Task Force 633, SECDET provides support to the Australian Embassy–Baghdad in order to facilitate the conduct of the Australian Diplomatic Mission. SECDET utilises ASLAVs and armoured Landcruisers to provide protected mobility for Australian Government personnel working at the Australian Embassy. The Military Police Detachment provides close personal protection for key personnel. SECDET XIV consists primarily of personnel from the Darwin-based 7th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment and 2nd Cavalry Regiment.
- A RAAF C-130 Hercules Detachment of about 160 personnel provides intra-theatre airlift and sustainment support in the Middle East, with three transport aircraft, ground crew and other support elements.
- A RAAF AP-3C Orion Detachment of about 170 personnel conducts maritime patrol operations, with two aircraft and associated command and support elements supporting both the rehabilitation operation in Iraq and the coalition operation against terrorism.
- HMAS PARRAMATTA, under the command of Commander Jonathan Sadleir RAN, is currently deployed to the Northern Persian Gulf as part of Operation CATALYST. PARRAMATTA is tasked to assist in the protection of Iraq's offshore assets such as oil platforms, which allows Iraq to generate much needed funds to support reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts.
PARRAMATTA also assists with the detection, interception and deterrence of vessels suspected of undertaking illegal activity within Iraqi waters. This is PARRAMATTA's second deployment to the Northern Persian Gulf and is the 19th rotation of Navy ships as part of coalition operations since 2001. Its previous deployment was in 2003.
HMAS PARRAMATTA is the seventh of the Royal Australian Navy’s eight ANZAC-class frigates. Parramatta is the oldest ship name in the Australian Navy and is the fourth RAN ship to bear the name.
For more information please visit http://www.navy.gov.au/HMAS_Parramatta
- A small number of ADF personnel are employed with the Coalition Counter Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) Task Force, designated TF Troy. TF Troy coordinates Coalition C-IED efforts focused on intelligence collection, material solutions and training for coalition forces throughout Iraq. ADF personnel serving with TF Troy also provide information that assists the Australian Counter IED Task Force that is based in Canberra.
- A tri-service Force Level Logistic Asset, communications element and movement control group of 110 personnel are responsible for a range of logistic, training and communications activities.
- About 110 personnel serving in the multi-national force headquarters and units including a military adviser to UNAMI under Operation RIVERBANK and RAN command staff to CTF-158.
- The Commander Task Force 158 Commodore Bruce Kafer RAN assumed command of Task Force 158 (TF 158) on 17 October 2008. This is the most senior Coalition navy position in the Gulf. It is the fourth time that the Royal Australian Navy has been given the responsibility for this command, and is indicative of the coalition’s high regard for the Royal Australian Navy’s expertise in maritime operations.
There are 31 Australians assigned to Commodore Kafer’s staff. Together they coordinate the Task Force’s maritime assets which include ships and aircraft from the United States, United Kingdom, Singapore, Australia (currently HMAS Parramatta), and Iraq. The Task Force’s missions include:
- Protection of Iraq’s two offshore oil terminals through which the majority of Iraq’s oil is exported. These facilities are essential and generates a large proportion of Iraq’s income, providing the much needed funds to support the reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts of Iraq.
- Assisting in the development of the Iraqi Navy and Marines, to facilitate the return of Iraqi critical infrastructure and territorial waters to Iraqi control,
- Enhancing cooperation between regional navies in maritime security operations, and
- Rapid response to crises in the Gulf, to provide humanitarian assistance or disaster relief.
- Protection of Iraq’s two offshore oil terminals through which the majority of Iraq’s oil is exported. These facilities are essential and generates a large proportion of Iraq’s income, providing the much needed funds to support the reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts of Iraq.