07 April 2003
Five Inch Friday

At 0604 on March 21 HMAS Anzac (CAPT Peter Lockwood), often called the ‘Lighthorse’, began Naval gunfire in direct support of the British-led Royal Marine 40 Commando assault on Al Faw Peninsula in southern Iraq.
The assault began shortly before midnight on Thursday March 20, when HMAS Anzac was tasked as ‘Scene of Action Commander’, guarding the massive offshore oil terminals known as Kaaot and Mabot. Operating in sight of both pumping stations, less than 12 miles from the Iraqi coast, Anzac was to challenge and intercept any vessel that approached the terminals.

Full story as reported in Navy News: Five Inch Friday: Defining moment for Anzac

	Map showing the general position of ships during HMAS Anzac's Naval Gunfire Support mission at Al Faw peninsular (now dubbed as Five-Inch Friday after the calibre of HMAS Anzac's main armament). (file image) Low-Res | Hi-Res
	Upper deck sentries pay particular attention to handing over loaded weapons on HMAS ANZAC. During the bombardment of the AL Faw peninsula, all decks of the ship were protected from small high- speed boats that could be used by Iraqi terrorists to attack the ship. (pic taken 21/03/03) Low-Res | Hi-Res
	HMAS ANZAC firing the 5in Gun after a call for fire support from the ground during hostilities with IRAQ. (pic taken 21/03/03) Low-res | Hi-Res
	HMAS ANZAC firing the 5in Gun after a call for fire support from the ground during hostilities with IRAQ. (pic taken 21/03/03) Low-res | Hi-Res
	Protected with bullet proof armour and anti-flash hood and gloves, Jason from Rockingham keeps a close watch for any vessels approaching HMAS ANZAC as another gun fire mission on Iraq's Al Faw Penisula continues. (pic taken 21/03/03) Low-Res | Hi-Res
	HMAS ANZAC firing the 5in Gun after a call for fire support from the ground during hostilities with IRAQ. (pic taken 21/03/03) Low-res | Hi-Res
	With HMAS ANZAC less than 4 miles from the Iraqi coast, and for the first time over 31 years, an RAN ship flies the big Battle Ensign from her mast. For three days HMAS ANZAC flew the Battle Ensign as she conducted seven missions of heavy gun fire on Iraq's southern Al Faw peninsula.(pic taken 21/03/03) Low-Res | Hi-Res
	Through night vision sights, HMAS ANZAC sailors point at the huge explosions and flashes as the bombing the Al Faw peninsula continues. (pic taken 21/03/03) Low-Res | Hi-Res
	Weapons training in the Persian Gulf. HMAS ANZAC's canteen manager, Toni, sends 100 rounds down the smoking barrel of a 50 cal machine gun. (pic taken 21/03/03) Low-Res | Hi-Res
	Sven from Rockingham mans HMAS ANZAC's 50 cal machine gun during the conflict with Iraq. Throughout the bombartment of the Al Faw peninsula, all of ANZAC's machine guns were manned and ready to engage any high speed suicide boats which could rapidly inflict considerable damage. (pic taken 21/03/03) Low-Res | Hi-Res
	Working closely with other such as the US Coastguard, HMAS ANZAC's health and comfort team regular visits to vessels detained and waiting clearance. (pic taken 25/02/03) Low-Res | Hi-Res
	Weapons training in the Persian Gulf. HMAS ANZAC's canteen manager, Toni, sends 100 rounds down the smoking barrel of a 50 cal machine gun. (pic taken 21/03/03) Low-Res | Hi-Res