Operation CATALYST: Image Gallery
29 April 2004
Defence Minister visits Iraq
Operation CATALYST - Australia’s Defence contribution to Coalition military operations - is an integral part of the Australian Government’s commitment focused on humanitarian assistance and the rehabilitation of Iraq.
With more than 850 soldiers, sailors and airmen and airwomen deployed to the Middle East, Defence is playing a significant and constructive role in Iraq’s future, assisting national recovery programs and helping facilitate the transition to Iraq self-government.
An Army training team comprising 53 soldiers is providing vital assistance to the New Iraqi Army in the training of three Iraqi battalions and a brigade headquarters staff, while a Security Detachment (SECDET) provides protection and escort to the Australian Representational Office. Made up from infantry soldiers of the Third Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, military police, troopers of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment and an Explosive Ordnance Detachment, the SECDET is located in Baghdad.
Other roles in the region include maritime interception operations in the northern Persian Gulf, currently being conducted by HMAS Stuart, a RAAF C-130 Hercules detachment providing intra-theatre airlift and sustainment, a RAAF combat support element providing Air Traffic Control at Baghdad International Airport and a RAN training team instructing Iraqi sailors in patrol boat and small vessel operations for the Iraqi Coastal Defence Force.
| JPAU28APR04NR009MODIFIED The Minister for Defence, Senator Robert Hill visiting Iraq to speak with deployed members of the Australian Defence Force. Senator Hill arrived at Baghdad International Airport in a Royal Australian Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and proceeded to tour Coalition facilities where Australian personnel are serving. (Date taken: 28 April 2004) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| JPAU28APR04NR069 The Minister for Defence, Senator Robert Hill visiting Iraq to speak with deployed members of the Australian Defence Force, speaks with members of the Security Detachment in Baghdad. (Date taken: 28 April 2004) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| JPAU28APR04NR072 The Minister for Defence, Senator Robert Hill visiting Iraq to speak with deployed members of the Australian Defence Force. (Date taken: 28 April 2004) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| JPAU28APR04NR198 The Minister for Defence, Senator Robert Hill visiting Iraq to speak with deployed members of the Australian Defence Force. (Date taken: 28 April 2004) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| JPAU28APR04NR227 The Minister for Defence, Senator Robert Hill visiting Iraq to speak with deployed members of the Australian Defence Force, walks with Australian Representative Mr Neil Mules and Commander of Australian forces in the Middle East Area of Operations, Commodore Campbell Darby. (Date taken: 28 April 2004) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| JPAU28APR04NR250 The Minister for Defence, Senator Robert Hill visiting Iraq to speak with deployed members of the Australian Defence Force, chats with Chaplain Captain Ivan Grant. (Date taken: 28 April 2004) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| JPAU28APR04NR269 The Minister for Defence, Senator Robert Hill visiting Iraq to speak with deployed members of the Australian Defence Force is photographed with contingent members. (Date taken: 28 April 2004) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| JPAU28APR04NR284 The Minister for Defence, Senator Robert Hill visiting Iraq to speak with deployed members of the Australian Defence Force. (Date taken: 28 April 2004) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| JPAU28APR04NR321 Air Marshal Angus Houston visiting Iraq with the Minister for Defence, Senator Robert Hill, meets with Iraq officials from the Iraq Ministry of Defence. (Date taken: 28 April 2004) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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