Image Gallery: April 2008
Exercise Croix Du Sud
11 April 2008
Exercise CROIX DU SUD 2008 (CDS08) is a five nation military exercise conducted by the French Armed Forces New Caledonia (FANC) in New Caledonia during the period 28 March to 12 April.
France, Australia, New Zealand and Tonga and Vanuatu, will conduct evacuation of civilians as well as rendering humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
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 from 3 Royal Australian Regiment (RAR) 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.
| 20080406ran8106603_007 During Exercise Croix Du Sud, off the coast of Noumea on a sultry day, Petty Officer Bosun Greg Simpson celebrated 21 years in the Royal Australian Navy, on 06 April. (Date taken: 09 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080407ran8106603_020 HMNZS Canterbury's Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) comes alongside HMAS Kanimbla during Exercise Croix Du Sud. (Date taken: 09 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080407ran8106603_069 A French Puma departs HMAS Kanimbla whist at anchor in Northern New Caledonia, during Exercise Croix Du Sud. (Date taken: 09 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080407ran8106603_111 Private Raymond Ross, 30 Transport Squadron, Townsville, gives a thumbs up to the coxswain of the Landing Craft Medium 8 (LCM8) for departure of a beach landing, after offloading loading troops and vehicles in Northern New Caledonia. (Date taken: 09 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080407ran8106603_140 Private Nigel Lindley, 30 Transport Squadron, Townsville and Corporal Guiffes Roland, French Armed Forces New Caledonia (FANC) on a Landing Craft Medium 8, prepare for a beach landing with HMNZS Canterbury in the background. (Date taken: 09 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080407ran8106603_183 HMAS Kanimbla conducting exercises in the vicinity of northern New Caledonia during Exercise Croix Du Sud. (Date taken: 09 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080409adf8500210_001 HMNZS Canterbury with the Togan patrol boat Tukoro alongside off Poum. (Date taken: 09 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080409adf8500210_005 A French Fennec helicopter carrying VIP passengers on HMAS Kanimbla. (Date taken: 09 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080409adf8500210_011 Captain Peter Laver, Commander Task Group 474.01 briefing VIP guests aboard HMAS Kanimbla. (Date taken: 09 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080409adf8500210_014 Royal Australian Air Force medical personnel on HMAS Kanimbla (left to right) Flight Lieutenant Anne-Marie Keogh, Squadron Leader Neil Fitzgerald, Flight Lieutenant Andrew MacWilliams and Flying Officer Amy Gibney. (Date taken: 09 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080409adf8500210_015 Royal Australian Air Force medical personnel on HMAS Kanimbla for CDS08. They are (clockwise form top) Squadron Leader Neil Fitzgerald, Flight Lieutenant Andrew MacWilliams, Flying Officer Amy Gibney and Flight Lieutenant Anne-Marie Keogh. (Date taken: 09 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080409adf8500210_020 Leading Seaman Aircrewman Bryan Druery on board a RAN Sea King from HMAS Kanimbla. (Date taken: 09 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080409adf8500210_023 Leading Seaman Aircrewman Bryan Drurey on board a Sea King from HMAS Kanimbla in the waters off Poum in northern New Caledonia. (Date taken: 09 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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