Operation SLIPPER: Image Gallery

Op Slipper white ribbon day
Soldiers on deployment with the Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force (MRTF-2) in Afghanisan, have shown their support for International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Woman, on 25 November.

HMAS TOOWOOMBA - support to Nimitz
HMAS TOOWOOMBA is currently serving at sea on operations in the Middle East as part of Australia's military contribution to coalition efforts against international terrorism, countering piracy in the Gulf of Aden, and maritime security.

C-130 relocation
Australia's air transport work-horses in the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO), the venerable C-130 Hercules aircraft, have successfully transferred their operating base to the new, combined Australian Defence Force facility in the MEAO.

PM Visits Our Troops in Afghanistan
Soldiers of the second rotation of the Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force (MRTF-2) in Afghanistan have shared a barbecue dinner with the Prime Minister of Australia,the Honourable Mr Kevin Rudd, Minister for Defence the Honourable Mr John Faulkner and Chief of the Defence Force Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston.

Explosive Detection Dog Sabi Returns
Australian Special Forces Explosive Detection Dog Sabi has been found alive and well almost fourteen months after going missing in action in Afghanistan.

HMAS TOOWOOMBA marathon
Whilst on deployment for Operation Slipper, forty members of HMAS Toowoomba, including the Commanding Officer CMDR Ivan Ingham, competed in a full marathon event - 42.2 km or 703 laps around the flight deck, in a bid to raise money for charity.

Op Slipper Australian C-17 Globemaster in MEAO
An Australian C-17 Globemaster returns from Afghanistan with Australian soldiers.

MRTF-2 Melbourne Cup Day
While half a world away, soldiers deployed on the second rotation of the Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force (MRTF-2) have tuned in to an iconic Australian event, the Melbourne Cup.

Special Operations Task Group Strikes Insurgent Stronghold
Soldiers from the Special Operations Task Group, Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition Forces conducted a counter insurgency operation over several days in northern Oruzgan Province, Afghanistan.

New Patrol Base in Mirabad Valley
After years of instability, Operation Baz Panje has enabled Coalition Forces to establish a permanent presence in the Mirabad valley.

C-17a globemasters having the right equipment, in the right place at the right time
An Australian C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft is loaded and prepared for a long journey back to Australia.

HMAS STUART Farewelled
Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, has today farewelled Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Anzac-class frigate, HMAS Stuart, from her homeport of Garden Island in Sydney, as she departs for a six-month deployment to the Middle East Area of Operations.

Farewell Ceremony for Explosive Detection Dog Nova
Operation SLIPPER is Australia's military contribution to international campaigns against terrorism, countering piracy in the Gulf of Aden, and maritime security.

Army helicopters return to Australia after a successful deployment to Afghanistan
Following an eight month operational tour to Afghanistan, the Australian Army’s fourth Rotary Wing Group (RWG – 4) deployment, consisting of two CH-47 Chinook helicopters, crew and support personnel, has started to head home.

Weapons And Munition Caches Seized
Taliban extremists operating against Australian and coalition forces continue to suffer significant setbacks with the discovery and destruction of two weapon caches by Australian soldiers in Oruzgan province. 

Special Forces Mentoring in Oruzgan bears fruit
The partnership between Afghan National Security Force and the Australian Special Operations Task Group has resulted in the graduation of the first class of Afghan policemen who will work alongside the Australian forces.

Operation Baz Panje - Falcon's Talon
One of the largest air mobile operations recently conducted in Oruzgan Province has been hailed a huge success.

Hey Hey it's Saturday in Tarin Kowt
Australian soldiers based at Camp Holland took part in a live cross to the second Hey Hey it's Saturday Reunion Special. The show was a hit with the troops.

Operation Baz Panje - Falcon's Talon
One of the largest air mobile operations recently conducted in Oruzgan Province has been hailed a huge success.

Aussie Gunners on target in Afghanistan
Firing rounds in support of ISAF patrols whilst deployed to the Helmand Province, Afghanistan with the British Armed forces has been an experience of a lifetime for Gunners from the Enoggera-based 105 Medium Battery, 1st Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery.

(Date uploaded: 01 October - 02 images)
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A soldier's best friend
The Operational Mentor and Liason Team (OMLT), is situated in bases around Uruzgan Province, Southern Afghanistan. The OMLT's mission is to assist in the development of the 4th Brigade of the Afghan National Army (ANA).

Toowoomba protects Maltese Cargo Ship
HMAS Toowoomba recently spent three days providing close protection to a Maltese bulk carrier after the vessel experienced propulsion difficulties and became stranded in a high risk piracy area North of the Somali coast in the central Gulf of Aden.

HOPE CROSSING for the Residents of Oruzgan Province
Residents of Oruzgan Province have a new crossing thanks to the hard work of Australian Army engineers serving as part of the second rotation of the Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force (MRTF-2).

Aussie Mentors see real improvement in Afghan Army colleagues
Operational Mentor and Liaison Teams (OMLTs) are situated in bases around Oruzgan Province in Southern Afghanistan.

Aussie and Dutch Soldiers work together to save lives in Afghanistan
The Operational Mentor and Liason Team (OMLT), is situated in bases around Uruzgan Province, Southern Afghanistan. The OMLT's mission is to assist in the development of the 4th Brigade of the Afghan National Army (ANA).

Middle East troops prepare for footy finals
Australian troops serving in the Middle East and Afghanistan are gearing up to support their teams in this year's AFL and NRL finals.

HMAS Toowoomba disarms pirate threat
HMAS Toowoomba successfully thwarted a piracy attack by answering a call for assistance and conducting a boarding of a suspect vessel, 50 miles off the coast of Yemen in the Gulf of Aden.

Half way mark for HMAS Toowoomba
On the 29 May 2009 the Government announced that the ADF would contribute to international efforts to combat piracy off the Horn of Africa. The ADF will formally commence counter-piracy operations in support of Combined Task Force 151 (Counter-Piracy Task Force) in September 2009.

Air Force Fire-fighters join the fight in support of Middle East operations
Fire-fighters provide an important capability within any deployed force. When combined with other coalition personnel and assests, they form a formidable team that is critical for the safe operation of any airfield.

Workshop team keeps MRTF equipment in shape
The skilled soldiers from the workshops at Camp Holland are a critical asset, ensuring operations in Afghanistan continue. The soldiers from the workshops are part of the second rotation of the Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force.

Australian and Coalition Special Forces find new weapons Cache
Operation SLIPPER is Australia's military contribution to coalition efforts against international terrorism, countering piracy in the Gulf of Aden, and maritime security.

Chief of Operations Visits Afghan-based troops
Defence top brass visited frontline troops in Afghanistan just days after the national election.
Commander of Joint Operations LTGEN Mark Evans, Commander of the 1st Division MAJGEN Michael Slater, Commander of Joint Task Force 633, MAJGEN Mark Kelly and Deputy Commander of Joint Task Force 633 BRIG Wayne Budd, were among those who met with soldiers serving in Uruzgan Province.

When a dog is truly a man’s best friend
Members of MRTF2 stepped up operations during the Afghan Election, giving people the chance to have their say in the future of their country.

MRTF-2 Helps Oruzgan Vote On Afghan Election Day
Australian soldiers from the Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force-2 maintained their high operational tempo during the 20th August Afghan Election, providing security support to the Afghan National Security Forces.

(Date uploaded: 28 August 2009 - 06 images)
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C-130s continue to support ADF troops in the MEAO
Operation SLIPPER is Australia's military contribution to coalition efforts against international terrorism, countering piracy in the Gulf of Aden, and maritime security.

(Date uploaded: 26 August 2009 - 10 images)
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ADF contribution to piracy off the Horn of Africa
On the 29 May 2009 the Government announced that the ADF would contribute to international efforts to combat piracy off the Horn of Africa.

(Date uploaded: 25 August 2009 - 03 images)
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Australian’s chalk one up for education in Tarin Kowt
The lives of Tarin Kowt locals are set to be significantly improved after the completion of a number of projects currently being managed by engineers from the 1st Battalion Battle Group (1 RAR BG).

(Date uploaded: 24 August 2009 - 04 images)
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Army Engineers put lid on waste
The lives of Tarin Kowt locals are set be significantly improved after the completion of a number of projects currently being managed by engineers from the 1st Battalion Battle Group (1 RAR BG).

(Date uploaded: 24 August 2009 - 01 image)
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Friendships strengthened during HMAS Toowoomba
On the 29 May 2009 the Government announced that the ADF would contribute to international efforts to combat piracy off the Horn of Africa.

(Date uploaded: 21 August 2009 - 08 images)
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Aussie Diggers Win the Afghanistan Skill at Arms Meeting
20 teams of four firers each competed, which saw the Australian team win the Rifle Team and Pistol Team matches. This result determined that the Australians were the overall Champion Team at AFSAM.

(Date uploaded: 21 August 2009 - 01 image)
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Rare meeting between Iranian and Australian Officers
On the 29 May 2009 the Government announced that the ADF would contribute to international efforts to combat piracy off the Horn of Africa. The ADF will formally commence counter-piracy operations in support of Combined Task Force 151 (Counter-Piracy Task Force) in September 2009.

(Date uploaded: 21 August 2009 - 04 images)
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HMAS Toowoomba working for closer ties
On the 29 May 2009 the Government announced that the ADF would contribute to international efforts to combat piracy off the Horn of Africa.

(Date uploaded: 21 August 2009 - 10 images)
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C-17s operating on a new level in Afghanistan
The C-17 aircraft, part of the RAAF’s Amberley-based 36 Squadron, is capable of carrying almost four times the load, over twice the distance, as the RAAF’s transport workhorse, the C130 Hercules, which have been supporting Australian forces in the Middle East and Afghanistan since 2002.

(Date uploaded: 19 August 2009 - 06 images)
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Australia’s Force Support Unit -1 hands over operationsFSU 2 took over responsibility at a ceremony and parade at the Billabong Flats barracks.

(Date uploaded: 14 August 2009 - 04 images)
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Paula plays key role in Air Force’s operations in Afghanistan
For Sergeant Paula Ivanovic, working as a load master in Afghanistan and the Middle East has been a highlight of a career as one of few women in a male dominated job.

The Trade Training School in Tarin Kowt has produced yet another batch of proud graduates
The Trade Training School in Tarin Kowt has produced yet another batch of proud graduates.
Seven students received their certificates after successfully completing the plumbing course.
The four week course concentrated on water reticulation and fittings, waste reticulation and storage, as well as drainage.

Fleet Commander visits HMAS Toowoomba in the MEAO
On 29 May 2009 the Government announced that the ADF would contribute to international efforts to combat piracy off the Horn of Africa.

British “MERLIN” Magic visits TOOWOOMBA in the Middle East
On 29 May 2009 the Government announced that the ADF would contribute to international efforts to combat piracy off the Horn of Africa.

Chief of Defence Visits his Troops in Afghanistan
The Chief of the Defence Force has made a flying visit to the Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force (MRTF-2) and visited soldiers in a remote patrol base.

Combat Team Alpha on Patrol
Soldiers from the 1st Battalion Battle Group continue to head into the green zone to help secure Oruzgan Province in the lead up to the election.

C-17 delivers "The sting is in the tail"
The C-17 aircraft, part of the RAAF’s Amberley-based No 36 Squadron, is capable of carrying almost four times the load, over twice the distance, as the RAAF’s transport workhorse, the C-130 Hercules, which have been supporting Australian forces in the Middle East and Afghanistan since 2002.

The Flying Chooks
Two Australian Army CH-47D Chinook medium lift helicopters (MLH) based at Kandahar Airfield as part of the Australian Defence Force’s commitment to coalition operations in southern Afghanistan.

Chook Maintainers Hard At Work
Two Australian Army CH-47D Chinook medium lift helicopters (MLH) based at Kandahar Airfield as part of the Australian Defence Force’s commitment to coalition operations in southern Afghanistan.

(Date uploaded: 22 July 2009 - 11 images)
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Aussie rotary wing at Kandahar airfield
Two Australian Army CH-47D Chinook Medium Lift Helicopters (MLH) based at Kandahar Airfield as part of the Australian Defence Force’s commitment to coalition operations in southern Afghanistan.

(Date uploaded: 22 July 2009 - 25 images)
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Local man fights alongside Afghan colleagues in battle against terrorists
The role of the OMLT is to mentor the ANA by working alongside them to help increase their confidence, to turn men into soldiers and soldiers into leaders.

(Date uploaded: 22 July 2009 - 01 image)
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OP Slipper HMAS TOOWOOMBA
Sailors from HMAS Toowoomba (CMDR Ivan Ingham) had a rare opportunity to conduct a Personal Exchange Program crossdeck with an Italian Naval Ship, the (INS) Borsini after both ships departed the Gulf port of Abu Dhabi together.

(Date uploaded: 22 July 2009 - 03 images)
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Ramp Ceremony for Private Benjamin Ranaudo
Members of the 1st Battalion Battle Group have farewelled their mate, Private Benjamin Ranaudo, who was killed in Afghanistan on Saturday the 18th July.

(Date uploaded: 21 July 2009 - 08 images)
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Personal details of soldier killed in Afghanistan
Private Benjamin Ranaudo was killed by an anti-personnel explosive device in Afghanistan yesterday.

(Date uploaded: 19 July 2009 - 01 image)
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New Base Commander in the MEAO
Recent Commanding Officer of 381 Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron at Williamtown, Wing Commander Peter Davis, has stepped right into the breech being appointed to the new Base Commander’s position at the new look ADF Combat Support Unit in the Middle East Area of Operations.

(Date uploaded: 16 July 2009 - 01 image)
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Aussie C-17A on the job in Afghanistan
Amberley-based C-17 Heavy Air Lift aircraft have achieved another major capability milestone in their short Air Force careers with the successful delivery of vital stores and equipment to Australian troops based in southern Afghanistan this week.

(Date uploaded: 14 July 2009 - 06 images)
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Official Handover of the Control and Reporting Centre in Kandahar
Australia’s Force Element, known as 'Taipan', has overseen the air surveillance and air battle management of all Afghan airspace for coalition forces since August 2007. As of July 2009, 'Taipan' will hand over this responsibility to a remotely located United States Air Force facility.

(Date uploaded: 13 July 2009 - 07 images)
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Air Force Completes 'EYE in the SKY' mission
The operators of the Control and Reporting Centre (CRC) at Kandahar Airfield have successfully concluded their two year mission in support of both the NATO led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and the US led Operation Enduring Freedom, and have handed control back to the United States Air Force (USAF).

(Date uploaded: 13 July 2009 - 15 images)
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Aussies Soldiers on Patrol in Afghanistan
Elements of Combat Team Alpha were conducting presence patrolling, focussed on engaging the local populace through a 'hearts and minds' approach aimed at establishing a positive influence over the locals, thereby disrupting the insurgents ability to use the civillian populace as a support base.

(Date uploaded: 10 July 2009 - 04 images)
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MRTF2 on Patrol in the Baluchi Valley
Patrolling in the green zone was an eye opening experience for members of Combat Team Alpha.

(Date uploaded: 03 July 2009 - 20 images)
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Handover Parade of the Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force
Command of the Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force has been officially handed over in Tarin Kowt.

(Date uploaded: 03 July 2009 - 15 images)
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Visit by NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer
NATO’s top man paid a final visit to officials in Tarin Kowt as part of a farewell tour of Afghanistan.

(Date uploaded: 30 June 2009 - 10 images)
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HMAS Toowoomba operates in the Gulf of Oman as part of Task Force 150
Operation SLIPPER is Australia's military contribution to coalition efforts against international terrorism.

(Date uploaded: 30 June 2009 - 06 images)
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Deputy Commander joins his troops on the ground in southern Afghanistan
There is an old military adage that time spent in reconnaissance is time not wasted and during his recent visit to the 1st Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force (MRTF – 1), Deputy Commander of Australian Forces in Afghanistan, Brigadier John Caligari, took the opportunity to gain a first hand experience of the world in which his soldiers operate.

(Date uploaded: 18 June 2009 - 18 images)
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Ongoing Reconstruction
Whilst the 1st Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force, has been busily working as mentors for the Afghan National Army, the engineers of the 1st Field Squadron, have been working tirelessly, continuing the Australian mission to facilitate the reconstruction of Oruzgan Province.

(Date uploaded: 18 June 2009 - 20 images)
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A Symbol of their Service
As the deployment of the 7th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment Battle Group rapidly draws to a close, the officers and soldiers of the Battle Group gathered at their main base in Tarin Kowt to receive their medals.

(Date uploaded: 18 June 2009 - 18 images)
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Operation Zamarai Lor
The Commanding Officer of the first Australian Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force (MRTF – 1) MRTF, Lieutenant Colonel Shane Gabriel has praised the growing capability of Afghan soldiers following the successful completion of a combined Afghan-Australian cordon and search operation.

(Date uploaded: 15 June 2009 - 11 images)
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Contact with Taliban during Operation Zamarai Lor
The Commanding Officer of the first Australian Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force (MRTF – 1) MRTF, Lieutenant Colonel Shane Gabriel has praised the growing capability of Afghan soldiers following the successful completion of a combined Afghan-Australian cordon and search operation.

(Date uploaded: 15 June 2009 - 12 images)
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Minister for Defence Visits and Thanks Australian Troops in Afghanistan
The newly appointed Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon. John Faulkner, visited Australian Defence Force personnel serving in the Middle East and Afghanistan as part of a familiarisation trip days after taking over Defence’s top job.

(Date uploaded: 14 June 2009 - 09 images)
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Trade Training Graduation in Train Kowt
When Australian Forces first arrived in Tarin Kowt, southern Afghanistan, to begin reconstruction works in 2006, there was an apparent lack of skilled labour in the rural province.

(Date uploaded: 12 June 2009 - 19 images)
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Aircraft and Ground Equipment maintenance Team Leaders
The Defence Reconciliation Action Plan (DRAP) was launched by the Chief of the Defence Force and the Secretary in July 2007.

(Date uploaded: 11 June 2009 - 07 images)
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Task Group 633.2 Air Force
Elements of TG633.2 came together for a group photo followed by the naming of one of two AP-3C aircraft. A9-760 was christened 'Brooke' by the Task Group Padre.

(Date uploaded: 11 June 2009 - 15 images)
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Relay for Life
Cancer Council’s Relay For Life is an opportunity for the Australian Defence Force to get together with the community and celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost to cancer, and fight back against a disease that takes too much.

(Date uploaded: 10 June 2009 - 10 images)
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HMAS Toowoomba departs for Operation Slipper
The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship and Leader of the Government in the Senate, Senator the Honourable Christopher Evans, today farewelled the ship’s company of Royal Australian Navy Anzac-class frigate HMAS Toowoomba, as they departed for a six-month deployment to the Middle East Area of Operations.

(Date uploaded: 09 June 2009 - 14 images)
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Hope House Orphanage
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel deployed in Kabul have engaged Mahboba's Promise, and have affiliated themselves with Hope House.

(Date uploaded: 05 June 2009 - 05 images)
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Control and Reporting Centre in Afghanistan: Ops room
Air Combat Officers operate out of the Control and Reporting Centre (CRC) at Camp Palomino, Kandahar Airfield.

(Date uploaded: 01 June 2009 - 03 images)
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Control and Reporting Centre in Afghanistan: Medics
One medic serves with the RAAF Control and Reporting Centre (CRC) in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Corporal Baker is also the only RAAF medic to have served both in the Iraq and Afghanistan theatres.

(Date uploaded: 01 June 2009 - 06 images)
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Control and Reporting Centre in Afghanistan
Commander Task Unit (CTU) 633.2.5, Wing Commander (WGCDR) Nathan Christie inspects Camp Palomino, the home of the Control and Reporting Centre (CRC).

(Date uploaded: 01 June 2009 - 07 images)
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Force Communications Unit Parade
The Force Communications Unit (FCU) provides the communications capability to Australian forces throughout the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO).

(Date uploaded: 01 June 2009 - 08 images)
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Force Communications Unit Transfer of Authority ceremony
The Force Communications Unit (FCU) provides the communications capability to Australian forces throughout the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO).

(Date uploaded: 01 June 2009 - 04 images)
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Operation Mani Ghar
The 1st Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force concentrated on the West Dorafshan region of Oruzgan Province during its latest missions as part of Operation Mani Ghar (the name of a local mountain).

(Date uploaded: 27 May 2009 - 21 images)
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Emergency response training
HMAS WARRAMUNGA sets sail in the Persian Gulf leaving from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, during Operation Slipper.

(Date uploaded: 19 May 2009 - 30 images)
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C SQN 5th Aviation Regt
Aircrew of the Rotary Wing Group CH-47D Chinooks conduct pre flight checks before each mission over Afghanistan’s south.
Weapons are loaded, cargo is secured and touch ups are applied to the nose art of ‘Rough n Reddy’.

(Date uploaded: 15 May 2009 - 13 images)
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Combined OMLT and Combat Team Operations
The Baluchi Valley has been one of the key Areas of Operations for the 1st Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force (MRTF – 1) and during the first week of May, the focus on security operations continued.

(Date uploaded: 15 May 2009 - 20 images)
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HMAS Warramunga in the MEAO
HMAS Warramunga remembered Anzac day with a dawn service while on operations in the Persian Gulf. A significant moment in time was captured with the Catafalque Party being made up entirely of women.

(Date uploaded: 30 April 2009 - 19 images)
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Minister for Defence and Keith Payne VC visit the 1st Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force
Arriving at Camp Holland on the eve of Anzac Day, the Minister for Defence, the Honourable Joel Fitzgibbon MP took a chance to visit the soldiers serving with the 1st Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force. Accompanying the Minister was Keith Payne VC.

(Date uploaded: 25 April 2009 - 16 images)
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