Lending a Hand

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Lending a Hand.

In this thread I would like to post photos of our troops whether they be Aussie, Pommy, Yank, Kiwi, Polish etc upholding the legend of the ANZAC by lending a hand to those in need.

First batch is of soldiers from the Australian Overwatch Battle Group (West)-Three (OBG(W)-3) helping impliment the out come of a grant awarded by the Aussie Government to local Iraqi citizens who have been hit hard and now since the removal of Saddam; a bright future is on the horizon and the Aussie Diggers were there to get them started on that journey.

[kiwi]

Not that I agree with it, but,  I do love to see our people doing the best they can, and showing the world what a great nation we have been, are,  and still becoming.

[Collo]

Exactly and this is purpose of this thread. To show the world that our men and women in uniform are bringing hope to people around the world. This thread is publish the news that the lame stream media won't. Keep up the great work lads.

[kiwi]

I have stickied it.

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Cheers for that

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The first of two Royal Australian Air Force C-130 Hercules (from 36 SQN) flights landed in Port Moresby just after dusk on 22 November, bringing humanitarian support as part of Operation PNG Assist, the Australian Defence Force?s support of the Papua New Guinean (PNG)-led disaster relief effort in Oro Province, which was struck by Cyclone Guba.

Joint Task Force 636, led by Group Captain Tim Innes, will provide assistance to help villagers injured and displaced by floods which have already claimed the lives of more than 150 people and cut off road access to the region.

A health assessment team has arrived and will report what is needed to help the victims of the disaster. They are joined by an engineering team who will assess the damage to local infrastructure including port facilities, roads and availability of water and sanitation.

Working with AusAID and other agencies, the ADF has established the most effective response and has sent a small support and command element in close consultation with Papua New Guinea?s Government.

Royal Australian Air Force C-130 Hercules will be joined by three Caribou aircraft and three Black Hawk helicopters from the Australian Army to move aid into Oro province where the flooding has occurred.

A Royal Australian Navy Heavy Landing Ship (LCH) has also been made available and is on standby in Cairns if required.

Australia has always cherished a close friendship with Papua New Guinea and will always respond quickly and work in close cooperation when help is requested. Australia owe the people of PNG so much for their brave and tireless efforts during the Second World War. Time and Time again Australia has gone to help our northern neighbors and we will keep coming when ever they need it for if not for them we would have been invaded by the Imperial Japanese Army.

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More Images from our Aid efforts to PNG.

[Silver Bullet]

Thank you Australia and all others for doing your fair share!   : Etc

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More photos from PNG

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29 November 2007
Relief aid at Girua Airfield

Girua Airfield has become a scene of heightened activity as representatives of the Australian Defence Force, the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, AusAID and the Salvation Army, stepped up the processing and distribution of aid to waiting aircraft, in the wake of floods that devastated Oro province in Papua New Guinea after Cyclone Guba.

The former World War Two base has received a new generation of military aircraft that?s been joined by civilian helicopters, in an effort to move vast amounts of food, shelter and medicine to those effected by the disaster.

Set up and run by the 382nd Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron (ECSS), the forward operating base has turned the quiet airstrip into an airport with capabilities in handling air traffic and cargo that rivals Port Moresby International and provides administrative logistics support, to ADF activities in the region.

Operation PNG Assist, is the Australian Defence Force?s mission to provide substantial disaster relief assistance to Papua New Guinea, as they help villages destroyed by flooding in the wake of Cyclone Guba.

Working with AusAID and other agencies, The ADF has established the most effective response and has sent over a small support and command element. Joint Task Force (JTF) 636, under the command of Group Captain Tim Innes, will coordinate ADF support in close consultation with Papua New Guinea?s Government.

Royal Australian Air force C-130 Hercules will be joined by three Caribou aircraft and three Black Hawk helicopters from the Australian Army to move aid into Oro province where the flooding has occurred.

[Collo]

29 November 2007
Australian soldiers improve Iraq school

OBG(W)-3 were invited by the Mayor of Suq Ash Shuyukh to visit the town to preside over the opening of two school refurbishment projects that were funded by Australia and the Coalition.

The Commanding Officer of OBG(W)-3, Lieutenant Colonel Jake Ellwood, presided over the opening of the Al Harbya school for about 120 primary school students.

The school was in a delapidated condition until the Australian Army Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) team provided funding to give the school a complete 'make-over' - including a new coat of paint, electrical rewiring, the installation of airconditioners, and the provision of soft furnings and class room equipment.

Lieutenant Colonel Ellwood said the refurbishment project will enhance the standard of education available to more than 120 children in the area by improving the infrastructure and maintain the consent of the population by delivering a community focused education project.

Lieutenant Colonel Ellwood said helping the welfare and education of the children is a direct investment in the future of Iraq.

Approximately 500 personnel, drawn mostly from Darwin's 1st Brigade, make up the Overwatch Battle Group (West) - Three (OBG(W)-3). The Battle group is helping the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and Provincial Governments build a secure and stable Iraq. OBG(W)-3 operates in the Al Muthanna and Dhi Qar provinces as part of the Multi National Force - Iraq (MNF-I).

http://www.defence.gov.au/opcatalyst/images/gallery/20071129/index.htm