Operation CATALYST: Image Gallery
14 July 2006
The 5th Tour de Force for Middle East
Lee is one of the performers of Tour de Force 5 who have given up their time for free, a tradition that pre-dates the Vietnam War. This is the 5th Tour de Force to visit the Middle East Area of operations (MEAO). the shows in Baghdad were well received and appreiated by the troops based there. Performers include: the band "Bedrock"- members of the band are Lee Harding (Vocals), Matt Woodford (Bass), Mick Spencer (Drums), Tom Oetrasek (Guitar) and Andrew Irwin (guitar). Country western singers Stacey Morris, Nicki Gillis and presenter Aniela Hedditch.
Operation CATALYST is the Australian Defence Force's (ADF's) contribution to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq.
Operation CATALYST commenced on 16 July 2003 following on from Operation Falconer. Working with the Interim Iraqi Government, the ADF continues to contribute to Multinational Force efforts to develop a secure and stable environment in Iraq and assist national recovery programs.
Operation CATALYST currently comprises approximately 1400 Australian Defence Force personnel.
Brigadier Michael Moon commands all ADF units deployed in the Middle East Area of Operations.
Though deployed on CATALYST, some units, personnel and assets are dual assigned and are also responsible to supporting Operation SLIPPER (The ADF's contribution to fighting global terrorism).
| 20060705adf8181379_001 Lee Harding, part of the MEAO Tour De Force 2006, shapes up for the camera as he tries on body armour. (Date taken: 09 July 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060705adf8181379_004 Nikki Gillis, one of the performers in the MEAO Tour de Force 2006, tries on combat body armour prior to entering Iraq. (Date taken: 09 July 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060709adf8243116_007 Guitarist Matt Woodford of "Bedrock," goes through sound checks prior to the concert. Naval musicians touring with the performers assist with setup of band equipment in. (Date taken: 09 July 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060709adf8243116_071 Country and Western singers Stacey Morris (left) and Nicki Gillis (right) perform for soldiers serving in the middle east. (Date taken: 09 July 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060709adf8243116_076 Country and Western singer Stacey Morris sings for soldiers serving in the middle east. (Date taken: 09 July 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060709adf8243116_104 Country and Western singer Nicki Gillis sings for soldiers serving in the middle east. (Date taken: 09 July 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060709adf8243116_117 Soldiers from Task Group 3 (TG 3) as well as Coalition troops listen to the live performance given by the Tour de Force entertainers. (Date taken: 09 July 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060709adf8243116_213 Soldiers from Task Group 3 (TG 3) as well as Coalition troops listen to the live performance given by the Tour de Force entertainers. (Date taken: 09 July 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060709adf8243116_218 Australian and Coalition soldiers watch "Bedrock" in full swing. (Date taken: 09 July 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060709adf8243116_261 Comedian Clint Paddison (right) with Captain (CAPT) Jamie Arnell after the first Tour de Force show. (Date taken: 09 July 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060712adf8218110_001 Lee Harding lead singer from the band "Bedrock" surveys the damage caused during the war with Iraq in 2003 at Al Faw Palace. (Date taken: 12 July 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060712adf8218110_002 Lead singer from the band "Bedrock" Lee Harding enjoying Saddam Hussein's 'throne' in the Al Faw palace at Camp Victory Baghdad. (Date taken: 12 July 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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