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 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.

	JPAU09MAY03WG11 Prime Minister Howard paid tribute to Royal Australian Air Force personnel serving in the Middle East during his visit to the Royal Australian Air Force C130 Hercules detachment. (date taken: 9 May 2003) Low-Res | Hi-Res
	JPAU09MAY03WG09 Prime Minister Howard paid tribute to Royal Australian Air Force personnel serving in the Middle East during his visit to the Royal Australian Air Force C130 Hercules detachment. (date taken: 9 May 2003) Low-Res | Hi-Res
	JPAU09MAY03WG13 Prime Minister Howard chatting with Royal Australian Air Force personnel serving in the Middle East. (date taken: 9 May 2003) Low-res | Hi-Res
	JPAU09MAY03WG14 Prime Minister Howard autographs Warrant Officer McNeill's brassard during his visit to the Royal Australian Air Force C130 Hercules detachment serving in the Middle East. (date taken: 9 May 2003) Low-res | Hi-Res
	JPAU09MAY03WG12 Prime Minister Howard paid tribute to Royal Australian Air Force personnel serving in the Middle East during his visit to the Royal Australian Air Force C130 Hercules detachment. (date taken: 9 May 2003) Low-res | Hi-Res