Tobruk and Kanimbla play a major role in Operation Croix du Sud
Beneath the Southern Cross

By CAPT Kate Noble

HMAS Tobruk’s helicopter, nicknamed ‘Beaut Ute’, provides transport for a group of soldiers.

French air crew watch as HMAS Tobruk and HMAS Brunei prepare to complete a transfer of vehicles between the two ships.

Tahitian soldiers perform a traditional dance for local residents in New Caledonia.

Photos CAPT Kate Noble

Around 150 members from the RAAF, RAN and Army recently deployed to New Caledonia to participate in Operation Croix du Sud.

Croix du Sud, meaning Southern Cross, is the major biennial exercise for the French Armed Forces New Caledonia FANC).

The exercise scenario was based on a non-combat evacuation operation in the fictional state of Greenland following a major natural disaster and subsequent political and military destabilisation.

While the Coalition Task Force (CTF) headquarters and components were based on mainland New Caledonia, the bulk of operational activities took place on and around the Loyalty Islands named Lifou, Mare and Ouvea.

The Pacific Islands Coalition (PIC) consisted of soldiers, sailors and Air Force personnel from FANC, Australia, New Zealand, Tonga, Vanuatu and Tahiti.

Australia contributed troops to land, sea and air components as well as deploying augmentees to the PIC headquarters, based in Noumea.

Commander of the ADF contingent, CMDR Nick Bramwell, fulfilled a further two roles as CO of HMAS Tobruk and the Maritime Component Commander.

CMDR Bramwell said the exercise provided an excellent opportunity to undertake realistic training while enjoying the experience of a different culture in the Pacific region.

HMAS Tobruk had a French liaison officer on board and lead a multinational fleet that included HMAS Brunei, the French frigate Vendemieire, a French amphibious landing ship Jacques Cartier and New Zealand’s diving ship HMNZS Manawanui.

“There have been some real challenges provided by the scenario and the language barrier,” said CMDR Bramwell.

“So far, though, the ADF contingent has demonstrated its ability to integrate into the Pacific Island Coalition.

From what I’ve seen, their energetic and professional approach is definitely wellregarded by the other participating nation representatives.”

While HMAS Tobruk and Brunei provided transport and offshore support, soldiers from 1 Pl, A Coy, 3RAR, participated in land-based security and evacuation operations as part of the multinational, Australian-led D Coy based in We, Lifou.

Two Australian Caribou transport aircraft and one C-130 also deployed for the exercise and were tasked through Air Component Command based at Tantouta on mainland New Caledonia.

The planning exercise for Croix du Sud will be conducted in New Caledonia next year followed by a full deployment on Exercise Croix du Sud in 2006.

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