30 March 2003
Navy Operations Persian Gulf

HMAS Kanimbla struggles against a wild storm in the Persian Gulf. The storm, which included strong winds and thick dust, has delayed humanitarian aid ships reaching the Iraq port of Umm Qasr. HMAS Kanimbla is assisting with the clearance of the Khawr Abd Allah (KAA) waterway into Umm Qasr for the humanitarian ships. The waterway is patrolled by Coalition teams, stationed on board HMAS Kanimbla, and Australian Army landing craft. The teams are searching for mines and other hazards, as well as providing force protection for Australian, Coalition and humanitarian ships in the KAA.
Royal Australian Navy force protection party, from HMAS Kanimbla escorts Royal Fleet Auxilliary Sir Galahad during the delivery of the first humanitarian aid to Iraq.
Sir Galahad is bound for the Iraqi port of Umm Qasr on the Khawr Abd Allah waterway which was mine swept by Coalition vessels prior to entry.
This is the major Iraqi port on the Khawr Abd Allah waterway, and the point for most of Iraq's overseas trade.
HMAS Kanimbla controlled the escort carrying the 18 member Command Task Group led by Royal Australian Navy officer CAPT Peter Jones.

	In heavy sea fog, HMAS Anzac's boarding team dash off in pursuit of another cargo ship travelling south from Iraq (pic taken 17/03/03). Low-Res | Hi-Res
	Crew members of HMAS Darwin investigate a submerged fishing dhow during preparations for the delivery of humanitarian aid (pic taken 26/03/03). Low-Res | Hi-Res
	An Able Seaman from HMAS Kanimbla wears a mask against thick dust during his watch in a wild storm in the Persian Gulf (pic taken 26/03/03). Low-Res | Hi-Res
	A soldier from HMAS Kanimbla's Ship's Army Department struggles against the wind beside his covered RBS70 missile launcher during a wild storm in the Persian Gulf (pic taken 26/03/03). Low-Res | Hi-Res
	Sunglasses, balaclava and dust mask are necessary to protect against thick dust as a sailor from HMAS Kanimbla keeps watch over the Persian Gulf during a wild storm (pic taken 26/03/03). Low-Res | Hi-Res
	A sailor remains on watch from the upper deck of HMAS Kanimbla during a wild storm in the Persian Gulf (pic taken 26/03/03). Low-Res | Hi-Res
	Royal Australian Navy ship HMAS Kanimbla escorts Royal Fleet Auxilliary Sir Galahad during the delivery of the first humanitarian aid to Iraq (pic taken 28/03/03). Low-Res | Hi-Res
	Royal Australian Navy force protection party, (L-R) Able Seaman Bosuns Mate Doug, Able Seaman Marine Technical Josh and Leading Seaman Bosuns Mate Jack, from HMAS Kanimbla escorts Royal Fleet Auxilliary Sir Galahad during the delivery of the first humanitarian aid to Iraq (pic taken 28/03/03). Low-Res | Hi-Res
	A Royal Australian Navy force protection party from HMAS Kanimbla escorts Royal Fleet Auxilliary Sir Galahad during the delivery of the first humanitarian aid to Iraq (pic taken 28/03/03). Low-Res | Hi-Res
	An Australian Army Landing Craft (Medium) heads out into the Persian Gulf preparing the area for the delivery of humanitarian aid. A rigid hull inflatable boat is in the foreground, giving force protection (pic taken 19/03/03). Low-Res | Hi-Res
	A view of the Iraqi port of Umm Qasr which the Royal Australian Navy is continuing to clear in preparation for the arrival of humanitarian aid (pic taken 25/03/03). Low-Res only