Camp Victory Baghdad

Camp Victory, Baghdad

Camp Victory, located in the Al Faw Palace inside the larger Victory Base Complex adjacent to Baghdad International Airport. It is the site of the Australian National Headquarters – Middle East Area of Operations. The Victory Base Complex also includes the Aby Ghurayb Prison (aka Camp Liberty) and Cobra Base.
Government sources
A small group making a big difference, Major John McPherson, Operation Catalyst News and features, 1 June 2005.
“Based predominantly out of the Camp Victory's Al Faw Palace - with a number within the International Zone in Baghdad proper - the reputations of these 27 Australians are held high throughout the coalition. They are a mix of Army, Navy and Air Force commissioned and non-commissioned officers and their duties directly affect the outcomes of the coalition operation. They are employed in all facets from troop movement, resource and sustainment, telecommunications, intelligence, explosive ordinance advice, engineering and legal … all the way through to designing and maintaining web pages and troop morale. Most are specialists in their respective areas of expertise. Another giving witness to this is LTCOL Craig Hersant who has a highly important role as part the Multi National Corp - Iraq in which he has responsibility for the tasking and operation of a wide range of surveillance assets.”
"Lieutenant Commander Andy Barnes relaxes in front of his 'office', the Al Faw Palace in Camp Victory, Baghdad, Iraq."Source: Department of Defence

Camp Victory Iraq

Camp Victory Iraq

Camp Victory Iraq is where I am heading instead of Fallujah or Baqubah.
I visited Camp Victory for a short business trip a few years ago but did not get to see much.

Saddam Hussein's Al Faw Palace is here. It is now Army Headquarters. This is a beautiful stone palace with marble floors and spectacular chandeliers. The chandeliers are fake replicas of the real ones that were hanging here when Saddam occupied this palace. There are many modern conveniences. Many soldiers work in the palace and some get to live here.
Camp Victory Iraq boasts some great places to eat including a top notch dining facility called Pegasus Dining Facility. This defac has a short-order grill, a sandwich bar, a salad bar, a pizza bar, and even some ice cream bars.
If you get tired of the defac fare (how could you?) there are some fast food joints, such as Burger King, Subway, and Pizza Hut. I will not starve here.
The PX here sells everything imaginable including TV's, microwaves, and portable air conditioners.
Camp Victory Iraq has a lake for fishing that was once kept stocked by Saddam Hussein for his hunting parties. United States sporting goods companies have donated fishing rods, reels, and lures for the soldiers to use during their off time.
This camp also has a beautiful pool courtesy of Saddam, basketball courts, weight rooms, and internet cafes. There is a beauty shop for hair care and manicures.