SENATOR JOHN FAULKNER
Minister for Defence
Friday, 31 July 2009
012/2009
ADF CONCLUDES MISSION IN IRAQ
Today marks a significant milestone in the history of the Australia Defence Force
(ADF) with the conclusion of Operation CATALYST in Iraq, Defence Minister,
Senator John Faulkner said.
Operation CATALYST was the ADF’s contribution to the stabilisation and
rehabilitation of Iraq.
“Today officially concludes a six year mission. From 2003, approximately, 20,000
ADF personnel served in Iraq as part of Operation CATALYST with professionalism
and dedication,” Senator Faulkner said.
“Our service men and women again proved the Australian Defence Force’s high
reputation in complex and difficult operational environments and I thank them on
behalf of the Australian Government.
“As the operation has now successfully concluded Defence will consider suitable
opportunities for public recognition, which may include parades in appropriate
locations," Senator Faulkner said.
“The success of Operation CATALYST has been a tribute to the professionalism and
dedication of all Australian Defence Organisation personnel over the last six years,”
the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston said.
“Australian personnel from each of the three services have conducted security,
stabilisation and training operations during their deployment in Iraq.”
“I congratulate each and every one of our people who have been involved with our
mission in Iraq and thank them for their hard work and dedication,” Air Chief Marshal
Angus Houston said.
The completion of Operation CATALYST today accords with the date agreed with the
Government of Iraq in December 2008 and reflects Iraq’s improved levels of security
and stability and the steady normalisation of our bilateral relationship.
The ADF maintains a small presence in Iraq comprising a detachment providing
security to the Australian Embassy in Baghdad (Operation KRUGER) and two
members directly supporting the United Nations mission in Iraq (Operation
RIVERBANK).
In accordance with the CDF's Directive, troops returning from operation CATALYST
at the end of their deployment have been welcomed home by a senior member of the
ADF. Major units have generally conducted Welcome Home activities including
parades in local communities as part of their recognition of service at the close of
their tour of duty.
Operation CATALYST force elements included; Battle Groups in Al Muthanna
province and Dhi Qar province; the Royal Australian Navy led Iraqi Coastal Defence
Force Training Team; Royal Australian Navy Major Fleet Units and embarked flights;
the Australian Army Training Team - Iraq; personnel embedded in various coalition
headquarters; combined logistics and communication elements; medical elements;
Task Force 158 Fleet Battle Staff in the North Arabian Gulf; provision of personnel to
the Coalition Air Operations Command; a RAAF P3-C Orion detachment; a RAAF C-
130 Hercules detachment; a combat support element providing air traffic control;
Defence civilian advisers in the Iraqi Ministry of Defence; and a Joint Task Force
headquarters.
Under Operation CATALYST, Australian personnel were responsible for training
approximately 36,000 members of the Iraqi Army, Navy and Marines, including the
conduct of specialist training in logistics support, counter-insurgency operations and
maritime interception and interdiction operations in protecting Iraq’s vital offshore
resources so critical to its economic future. Australian forces also had the honour of
being involved in the first transfer of an Iraqi province, Al-Muthanna, to the provincial
security control of Iraqi forces.
Media note:
Vision will be sent out via Parliament House and imagery will be available at:
index.htm
Media contacts:
Colin Campbell (John Faulkner):
02 6277 7800 or 0407 787 181
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
