Image Gallery: April 2008
Departure from Exercise Croix Du Sud
14 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, together with the Vanuatu Police, 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, an 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.
| 20080411adf8500210_011 A Seasprite helicopter from HMNZS Canterbury about to land on HMAS Kanimbla at the end of Exercise Croic Du sud in northern New Caledonia. (Date taken: 11 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
| 20080411ran8106603_005 A Landing Craft Medium 8 (LCM8) is loaded onto the forecastle of HMAS Kanimbla at the competion of Exercise Croix Du Sud. (Date taken: 11 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
| 20080411ran8106603_031 Lieutenant Ben White, a Sea King pilot with the best seat in the house, passing islands in Northern New Caledonia during Exercise Croix Du Sud. (Date taken: 11 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
| 20080411ran8106603_039 Petty Officer Aircrewman Damien Cox on the Senso consol of a Sea King helicopter during Exercise Croix Du Sud. (Date taken: 11 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
| 20080411ran8106603_077 HMAS Kanimbla departing the Poum lagoon at the completion of Exercise Croix Du Sud, in Northern New Caledonia. (Date taken: 11 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
| 20080411ran8106603_468 HMAS Kanimbla departing the Poum lagoon at the completion of Exercise Croix Du Sud, in Northern New Caledonia. (Date taken: 11 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
