Kanimbla handover

CMDR David McCourt conducts his final inspection of sea mines, before handing command of Kanimbla to CMDR Stephen Woodall. Photo by ABPH Yuri Ramsey

By Graham Davis

CMDR David McCourt, who successfully took HMAS Kanimbla and her ship’s company of 350 off to war, and brought them safely home again, has made his final on-board inspection.

It was to be a final check of six “lugums”, or sea mines, sitting on their wheeled dollies in the hangar of the 8,400 tonne amphibious landing ship.

The mines were found by his ship’s company concealed below decks in a barge. Now devoid of explosives and detonators the mines are destined for two locations.

“Some will go to the Australian War Memorial the others will be used as training aids by the Dive School,” CMDR McCourt told Navy News.

CMDR McCourt’s final inspection task came on July 22, the day he handed command of the warship to CMDR Stephen Woodall.

At a “clear lower deck” CMDR McCourt praised Kanimbla and her ship’s company.

“They said we were the best Middle East Operational platform ever. We continued the reputation of being a ‘can do’ ship”, he said.

He commended the ship’s company for completing their operational readiness evaluation in just eight days before going “off to war.”

“You did a terrific job. You are a wonderful ship’s company and I always felt welcome..always greeted with a smile ..whenever I moved about the ship.

“I was very privileged to have been your CO and I will always march on Anzac Day with Kanimbla,” CMDR McCourt told the officers and sailors.

Before handing over to CMDR Woodall, CMDR McCourt presented a number of awards.

LS Emma Conway received a CO’s award for her outstanding work in operating and maintaining machinery, while LS Brett Davis received a similar award for keeping the ship’s external communications in top order.WO Andrew Kirkpatrick, received a CO’s commendation for his outstanding work in signals.

CMDR McCourt also presented a Chief of Navy’s Certificate of Appreciation to CPOMED Steve Angus for his long service to the RAN.

CMDR McCourt was piped to the side and using a ship’s gangway boarded NB 168, the 1937-made District Naval Officer’s cutter.

With three cheers from the ship’s company CMDR McCourt left Woolloomooloo Bay for a new posting in the RAN.

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