The decorative elements of this carpet/rug symbolises Australia's commitment to Operation Catalyst - a post-invasion operation dedicated to the stabilization, rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq CATALYST began on the 20th of March 2003 and defined the role of the Australian Defence Force in assisting multinational forces in the stabilization and security of Iraq. It also involved ADF support in the implementation of the country’s recovery programs. The 31st of July 2009 marked the end of Operation CATALYSTTeal green, grey and gold carpet with two small flags of Australia and Iraq at top, cross swords above a circle above a kangaroo and a camel. Carpet attached to timber at either endOperation Catalyst 2006 IRAQ 2006operation catalyst, iraq, 2006

Souvenir of unit member from his deployment to SECDET XI of Operation Citadel, BAGDAD-IRAQ, Mar-Sep 2007Souvenir prayer mat. Embroidered with flags of Australia, Operation Catalyst and Afghanistan, Rising Sun badge flanked by crossed swords, SECDET XI, Map of Iraq surrounded by "OPERATION CITADEL", BAGHDAD-IRAQ, kangaroo and camel, MAR-SEP 2007souvenirs, afghanistan, embroidery, emblems, iraq

Collected by Lisa Gervasoni when she visited the ship as part of the City of Ballarat's delegation to the ship on the 9th December 2006. HMAS Ballarat (FFH 155) is an Anzac-class frigate of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). The frigate was laid down in 2000 and commissioned into the RAN in mid-2004. Since entering service, Ballarat has been involved in border protection as part of Operation Relex II, was deployed to the Gulf for Operation Catalyst, and was one of the two ships involved in the Operation Northern Trident 2009 round-the-world voyage. Ballarat has undergone the Anti-Ship Missile Defence (ASMD) upgrade, completing in 2015. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMAS_Ballarat_(FFH_155)Navy blue cap of heavy brushed cotton with the Navy Ceremonial badge on the left side which refers to the events of the Eureka Stockade (Ballarat, 1854) and is embroidered in white.. Hook-and-loop adjustment at the back. On the front of the cap the words HMAS Ballarat & FFH-155 are embroidered in gold and an embroidered representation of the ship is in white. Stamped into the brim is the word Navy and the Royal Australian Navy Emblem. On the outside of the cap - HMAS Ballarat FFH-155, Navy, Defend the Flag Inside label - Oakwood (03) 97986278hmas ballarat, ffh-155, royal australian navy, lisa gervasoni, navy cap

Index, notes, Appendices, ill, p.134.In 'Seagulls, Cruisers and Catapults' Ray Jones has written an authoritative account of the technical, operational and political aspects of Australian naval aviation from Admiral Creswell's 1913 plan for naval aviation until the last aircraft catapult was removed from an Australian cruiser in 1944.The Navy's role as catalyst in the formation of the Air Force is outlined for the first time and details of the sometimes acrimonius struggle between Navy and Air Force over naval aviation are provided. No serious work of RAN history can deal with the mid-war years without taking account of advice from London and the Admiralty's influence on RAN aviation planning is made clear. Operation of aircraft, such as the Seagull III and Seagull V amphibians, from Australian warships are described and the rationale of cruiser aircraft operations are illustrated by the number shot down or damaged performing their essential task in wartime. The vital role of aircraft operating from cruisers searching for raiders and taking part in fleet operations defending Australia in 1942 is stressed. Extensive archival research in Melbourne, Canberra and London, combined with hours of interviews with the men who flew aircraft from cruisers and carrier, has ensured a balanced and well-rounded narrative which is an essential addition to the library of any naval or aviation history enthusiast.airplanes - military - australia, world war 1939-1945 - naval operations - australia