Operation SLIPPER: Image Gallery
25 December 2006
Christmas for 1st Reconstruction Task Force in Afghanistan
A contingent of Australian Defence Force personnel is working in Afghanistan as part of the Netherlands-led Provincial Reconstruction Team under the NATO International Security Assistance Force.
Australia’s contribution, known as the Reconstruction Task Force (RTF), will be a mix of engineers and security personnel deployed to Afghanistan for up to two years and will work on reconstruction and community-based projects as part of Australia’s commitment to assisting Afghanistan achieve a stable and secure future.
The majority of the task force will be drawn from the Darwin area and made up of personnel from the 1st Combat Engineer Regiment based in Darwin which will provide combat engineers and tradesmen (carpenters, plumbers, electricians and plant operators) that will undertake the majority of the RTF’s construction activities. This includes skills training for the local population to ensure the benefits of the deployment continue well after our personnel have returned home.
The Australian protective force for the RTF is provided by the Brisbane-based Motorised Infantry of the 6th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment, 5/7 Royal Australian Regiment and the Darwin-based 2nd Cavalry Regiment. Command, logistics and support elements have come from the Darwin-based 1st Brigade.
| 20061222adf8502859_006 Sergeant Celleste Greenwood and other Victorian members of the 1st Reconstruction Task Force prepare for Christmas celebrations in Afghanistan. Also pictured is: Private Belinda Rowe, Corporal Tim Condon, Trooper Bohden Wharton, Private Kieron Sewell, Lance Corporal Leon Gray and Lance Corporal Ramon Fenton. (Date taken: 22 December 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20061222adf8502859_015 Private Belinda Rowe puts the finishing touches on the 1st Reconstruction Task Force's Q Store Christmas tree. (Date taken: 22 December 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20061222adf8502859_021 Some of the Victorian members of the 1st Reconstruction Task Force spending Christmas in Afghanistan, (L-R): Corporal Jason Homan, Craftsman Brady White, Sergeant Allan Kincaid, Private Belinda Rowe and Sergeant Celest Greenwood. (Date taken: 22 December 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20061222adf8502859_026 Victorian, Trooper Bohden Wharton is rugging up for a chilly Christmas in Afghanistan. (Date taken: 22 December 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20061221adf8185016_0249 1st Reconstruction Task Force soldiers enjoy a hot brew and the morning sun after a cold night under the stars of southern Afghanistan. (Date taken: 22 December 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20061222adf8502859_035 Lance Corporal Ramon Fenton, the 1st Reconstruction Task Force's "postie" sorts through the Christmas mail. (Date taken: 22 December 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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