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Image Gallery: April 2008

Exercise Croix Du Sud 2008

07 April 2008

Exercise CROIX DU SUD 2008 (CDS08) is a six-nation military exercise conducted by the French Armed Forces New Caledonia in New Caledonia from the period 28 March to 12 April.

France, Australia, New Zealand and Tonga, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea will practise conducting the evacuation of foreign nationals from a threatening situation.

The exercise aims to enhance the capability and interoperability of the armed forces of Pacific countries in preparation to respond to a potential regional emergency or crisis.

Australia’s commitment to the exercise includes a headquarters element, HMA ships KANIMBLA and WOLLONGONG, a composite infantry company from the Army’s 1st Brigade, paratroop instructors and riggers from 3rd Battalion The Royal Australian Regiment who will operate with French paratroopers, one Sea King, and three No.38 Squadron Caribous, as well as providing technical support.

Due to its size and scope, the exercise is expected to attract a high level of interest in the South-West Pacific region and further afield. Although the exercise is conducted biennially in Noumea, it is being conducted for the first time in northern New Caledonia.

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HMAS Kanimbla departs Townsville for Noumea to participate in Exercise Croix Du Sud.

(Date taken: 23 March 2008)
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An Army Lighter Amphibious Resupply Cargo is hoisted onto a Landing Craft Medium 8 with HMAS Kanimbla alongside in Noumea during Exercise Croix Du Sud, 2008.

(Date taken: 01 April 2008)
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Australian, French and Papua New Guinean Armed Forces embark HMAS Kanimbla in Noumea at the commencement of Exercise Croix Du Sud.

(Date taken: 01 April 2008)
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A French Marine Puma prepares to land on the flight deck of HMAS Kanimbla during Exercise Croix Du Sud.

(Date taken: 02 April 2008)
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Able Seaman Bosun's Mate Wade Foulis watches a burning sunset off the coast of Noumea during Exercise Croix Du Sud.

(Date taken: 02 April 2008)
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French Armed Forces New Caledonia soldiers practice deplaning drills (disembarking) off a Sea King on the flight deck of HMAS Kanimbla.

(Date taken: 03 April 2008)
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Able Seaman Stores Naval Kylie Biocic scribes a soldier's vitals whilst conducting medical exercises in the hangar of HMAS Kanimbla during Exercise Croix Du Sud.

(Date taken: 03 April 2008)
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An Army Lighter Amphibious Resupply Cargo conducts beach insertion drills during Exercise Croix Du Sud in Noumea.

(Date taken: 03 April 2008)
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HMAS Wollongong at anchor during a force protection exercise whilst involved in Exercise Croix Du Sud, Noumea.

(Date taken: 03 April 2008)
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HMNZS Canterbury conducts helicopter operations with a French Alouette III helicopter during Exercise Croix Du Sud off the coast of Noumea.

(Date taken: 03 April 2008)
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HMAS Kanimbla conducts helicopter operations with a French Fennec helicopter (Australian Squirel equivalent) during Exercise Croix Du Sud off the coast of Noumea.

(Date taken: 03 April 2008)
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Army Lighter Amphibious Resupply Cargos return to HMAS Kanimbla after a beach landing off the coast of Noumea during Exercise Croix Du Sud.

(Date taken: 04 April 2008)
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French Navy Ship Jacques Cartier conducts a beach landing to offload vehicles and troops off the coast of Noumea during Exercise Croix Du Sud.

(Date taken: 04 April 2008)
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A French Puma refuels on the flight deck of HMAS Kanimbla whilst a Landing Craft Medium 8 loads vehicles in front of a mountanous backdrop off the coast of Noumea during Exercise Croix Du Sud.

(Date taken: 04 April 2008)
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HMAS Kanimbla and French Navy Ship Jacques Cartier raft up with FNS Vendemaire during Exercise Croix Du Sud.

(Date taken: 04 April 2008)
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Able Seaman Bosun's Mate Turner in HMAS Kanimbla's Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat, with HMAS Kanimbla and French Navy Ship Jacques Cartier in the background.

(Date taken: 04 April 2008)
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