Image Gallery 2007
17 January 2007
Latest images from Operation SLIPPER
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.
| 20070110adf8502859_0009 Private Josh Dowsing operating the signals equipment in one of the 1st Reconstruction Task Force's Bushmasters. (Date Taken: 10 January 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070110adf8502859_0047 Australian soliders Private Giancarlos Taraborrelli (rear) and Private Michael Pettett (front) watch an Afghan village as the Australian security company ensures the safety of the area prior to the commencement of reconstruction works. In the distance, Australian Light Armoured Vehicles (ASLAVs) provide further security. (Date Taken: 10 January 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070110adf8502859_0055 Lance Corporal Simon Majewski and Private Joshua Thompson patrol towards a southern Afghan village. Once the soldiers have established the area is secure, engineer forces move in to begin reconstruction projects. (Date Taken: 10 January 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070110adf8502859_0065 An Australian Bushmaster waits in overwatch above an Afghan village where 1st Reconstruction Task Force soldiers are engaged in engineering projects. (Date Taken: 10 January 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070110adf8502859_0092 Private Michael Sutton providing overwatch for the 1st Reconstruction Task Force during a mission in Uruzgan Province. Private Sutton is manning the main gun turret on an Australian Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicle. (Date Taken: 10 January 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070110adf8502859_0211 Private Damian Healy watches over an Afghan village as engineers finish off their reconstruction efforts. (Date Taken: 10 January 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070110adf8502859_0231 Sapper Beau Best stands guard as Australian, Dutch and Afghan forces conduct a 'shurah' or meeting with local leaders. The meeting is to discuss the needs of the village and what the Reconstruction Task Force can do to improve their lives. (Date Taken: 10 January 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070110adf8502859_0259 Lieutanant Josh Mickle and his signaller Private Josh Dowsing are members of the security detachment ensuring the safety of reconstruction efforts. (Date Taken: 10 January 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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