Image Gallery: April 2008
Amphibious operations during 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.
| 2008409ran8106603_040 Captain Peter Laver, Commander Task Group 474.01, briefs VIPs onboard HMAS Kanimbla during Exercise Croix Du Sud. (Date taken: 10 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080408ran8106603_006 Lieutenant Rod Taylor and Sub Lieutenant Michelle Freeman liase with Lieutenant Fernando Sendao, Commanding Officer, French Navy Ship La Glorieuse, to address issues of stores, water and fuel during Exercise Croix Du Sud. (Date taken: 10 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080408ran8106603_012 Lieutenant Rob Taylor and Sub Lieutenant Michelle Freeman in HMAS Kanimbla's Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat, transit to patrol boats involved in Exercise Croix Du Sud, to check on stores, water and fuel. (Date taken: 10 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080408ran8106603_145 Leading Aircraftman Aaron Curran, photographer and journalist for Air Force News lands on the flight deck of HMAS Kanimbla, after being winched from a New Zealand Iroquois during Exercise Croix Du Sud. (Date taken: 10 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080408ran8106603_163 Lieutenant Geoff Lawes checks the position of HMNZS Canterbury whilst conducting officer-of-the-watch manouvres on HMAS Kanimbla during Exercise Croix Du Sud in Northern New Caledonia. (Date taken: 10 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080408ran8106603_172 Commanding Officer HMAS Kanimbla, Commander Stuart Taylor on the bridge wing, keeping an eye on HMNZS Canterbury and French Navy Ship Vendemaire whilst steaming in company during Exercise Croix Du Sud, off Northern New Caledonia. (Date taken: 10 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080410adf8500210_003 Leading Seaman Writer Nadia Leckie and Lieutenant Andrew Sorensen on the bridge of HMNZS Canterbury looking out on the area of operations near Poum in northern New Caledonia. (Date taken: 10 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080410adf8500210_014 RAN Lieutenant Darren Smith on HMNZS Canterbury near Poum in northern New Caledonia duing CDS08. Lt Smith is on a three-year exchange with the RNZN flying the SH-2G Seasprite. (Date taken: 10 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080410adf8500210_016 An Australian Landing Craft Medium Eight (LCM8) about to re-embark troops and equipment onto HMNZS Canterbury near Poum in northern New Caledonia duing CDS08. The French amphibious ship, Jacques Cartier is in the background. (Date taken: 10 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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