09 May 2003
Prime Minister's visit to the Middle East

The Prime Minister of Australia, John Howard arrived in the Middle East Area of Operations to personally thank Australian troops for their efforts in the Iraq conflict.
The Prime Minister toured several Middle East bases and met troops deployed on Operation Falconer, the Australian contribution to the Coalition campaign to eliminate Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) in Iraq.
Prime Minister Howard was welcomed to the Middle East by the Australian National Commander, Brigadier Maurie McNarn, the Australian Ambassador to UAE and Qatar, Mr Noel Campbell and the Defence Attache to the Australian Embassy, Wing Commander Murray Gordon.
Troops from the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force discussed their experiences with the Prime Minister during the two day tour that culminated with an Aussie barbecue on the decks of HMAS Kanimbla.

	JPAU09MAY03WG03 Prime Minister Howard shook hands with Flying Officer Sonia King and other Royal Australian Air Force personnel serving in the Middle East. (Pic taken: 9 May 2003) Low-Res | Hi-Res
	JPAU09MAY03WG02 Prime Minister Howard pays tribute to Royal Australian Air Force personnel serving in the Middle East. (Pic taken: 9 May 2003) Low-Res | Hi-Res
	JPAU09MAY03WG07 Prime Minister Howard chatting with Royal Australian Air Force personnel serving in the Middle East. (Pic taken: 9 May 2003) Low-res | Hi-Res
	JPAU09MAY03WG08 Prime Minister Howard and Mrs Howard met with Royal Australian Air Force pilots serving in the Middle East. (Pic taken: 9 May 2003) Low-res | Hi-Res
	JPAU09MAY03WG05 Prime Minister Howard and Mrs Howard met Royal Australian Air Force personnel serving in the Middle East. (Pic taken: 9 May 2003) Low-res | Hi-Res