By
Graham Davis
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Ship’s
company stands proud during the presentation of the Gloucester
Cup to HMAS Kanimbla.
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Former
Kanimbla CO CAPT David McCourt (left), with the current
CO of the ship, CMDR Stephen Woodall and the Governor
General.
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The
Governor General MAJGEN Michael Jeffrey inspects members
of HMAS Kanimbla’s crew during the ceremony.
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HMAS
Kanimbla, described by the US 5th Fleet Commander, VADM Keating,
as the “lynchpin” of task group operations in the northern Gulf
during the early stages of the Iraq conflict, has been formally
applauded in Sydney.
On April 16, the Governor General MAJGEN Michael Jeffery, presented
the Gloucester Cup to her present commanding officer, CMDR Steve
Woodall, and her CO during her Iraq deployment last year, CAPT
David McCourt.
The cup is awarded annually to an RAN ship for best overall
efficiency. RAN ships have vied for the cup since it was first
presented by the Duke of Gloucester 47 years ago.
This year’s presentation took place on the flight deck of the
8,400 tonne amphibious landing ship then alongside Fleet Base
East. Most of her ship’s company of 200 sailors and soldiers,
along with 20 family members and friends were present.
The Maritime Commander, RADM Raydon Gates outlined Kanimbla’s
outstanding
achievements during 2003.
“In early 2003 she went to the Middle East and excelled as the
Multinational Interception Force screen commander.
“She participated in Exercise Crocodile.
It was again a successful exercise.
“In September 2003 she did a docking in Newcastle,” RADM Gates
said. Kanimbla then took part in Exercise Sealion which allowed
Army Blackhawk helicopters and their pilots to be certified
for landing on.
MAJGEN Jeffery continued with the plaudits telling the ship’s
company its turnout for the ceremony had been “excellent.”
He said that while staying at Admiralty House (600m across the
harbour) he had been able to watch the work going on aboard
the ship.
“You do yourself and the RAN proud,” he told the assembled sailors
and soldiers.
He pointed out that on March 18, 2003, Kanimbla was the closest
warship to the Iraqi coastline of any of the Coalition fleet.
He noted that Kanimbla was under the constant threat of mines
and operating in warlike circumstances.
“Kanimbla was described as the lynchpin’ of operations by VADM
Keating, the commanding officer of the 5th Fleet,” MAJGEN Jeffery
said.
