10 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 Attaché 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.

	JPAU09MAY03JC13 Prime Minister John Howard enjoying a barbecue hosted by the sailors on board HMAS Kanimbla. (date taken: 9 May 2003) Low-Res | Hi-Res
	JPAU09MAY03JC11 Prime Minister John Howard meeting Royal Australian Navy personnel onboard HMAS Kanimbla. (date taken: 9 May 2003) Low-Res | Hi-Res
	JPAU09MAY03JC15 Prime Minister John Howard sharing the moment with Australian sailors serving on board HMAS Kanimbla in the Middle East Area of Operations. (date taken: 9 May 2003) Low-res | Hi-Res
	JPAU09MAY03JC17 Prime Minister John Howard signs an Australian airman's brassard on board HMAS Kanimbla. (date taken: 9 May 2003) Low-res | Hi-Res
	JPAU09MAY03JC14 Prime Minister John Howard enjoying a barbecue hosted by the sailors on board HMAS Kanimbla. (date taken: 9 May 2003) Low-res | Hi-Res