 |
|
LS
James Huxley at the southern Iraqi port of Umm Qasr.
|
|
Photo:
CPL Neil Ruskin
|
Learning
ropes, Logistically speaking
By
FLGOFF Fiona Harris
The
new Iraqi Coastal Defence Force (ICDF) has been learning from
the best with the help of the RAN.
Leading Seaman Jason Wintour has spent the last seven months providing
initial training for the ICDF in the Iraqi port city of Umm Qasr
in southern Iraq.
Jason has been part of the Seamanship training team and has conducted
training on the upper decks of the five ICDF patrol boats. He
has also taught the Iraqi’s correct procedures for towing other
vessels, anchorages, helmsmanship and lookouts.
All of these skills have been taught both in the classroom and
on the boats out at sea.
Senior Australian Defence Force, Coalition and Iraqi military
dignitaries, attended the graduation ceremony on the 30th September
2004, marking the end of the training program and hand over of
operational responsibilities to the ICDF and concluded with a
sail past of the new ICDF patrol boat fleet.
The commander of the Australian Defence Force contingent in Iraq,
Brigadier “Hutch” Hutchinson, said the hand-over marked a major
step on the road to Iraq’s successful rehabilitation and reconstruction.
Learning
ropes, logistically speaking
 |
|
LS
Jason Wintour is one of thirteen ADF personnel who provide
training for the new Iraqi Coastal Defence Force.
|
|
Photo:
CPL Neil Ruskin
|
By
FLGOFF Fiona Harris
Contractors
for the new Iraqi Coastal Defence Force (ICDF) have been learning
the logistics ropes from one of the RAN’s best.
Leading Seaman James Huxley has spent the last three months in
Umm Qasr as one of thirteen ADF personnel providing initial training
for the new Iraqi Coastal Defence Force (ICDF).
As the Australian Logistics Liaison Officer LS Huxley ensures
the Aussies needs are looked after. Working together with other
coalition partners including the United Kingdom, Netherlands,
and the Americans has been interesting for James as all logistics
is done the British way which is different to Australian logistics.
One of James’ major tasks has been to liaise with and mentor the
Iraqi contractors who will service the ICDF.
He has shown them ways to set up their stores and work efficiently
and has worked with them to achieve those outcomes.
Top
