Wow, weird seeing Legionnaires and Aussie Soldiers in the same photo, tell me more about this "Exercise Croix Du Sud" Nick...

"Exercise Croix Du Sud" is a joint exercise between Australia, France, New Zealand, Tonga and Vanuatu. It is hosted by the French in New Caledonia. The exercise aims to enhance the capability and interoperability of the armed forces of Pacific countries in preparation to respond to a potential regional emergency or crisis.

Australia’s commitment to the exercise includes a headquarters element, HMA Ships KANIMBLA and WOLLONGONG, a composite infantry company from the 1 Brigade, paratroop instructors from 3 RAR, one Sea King, and three Caribous as well as providing technical support.

How old is the HMAS Kanimbla, cause I swear I either saw that one or one similar to it in '91

Originally Posted by wolfen

How old is the HMAS Kanimbla, cause I swear I either saw that one or one similar to it in '91

HMAS Kanimbla was formerly the USS Saginaw (LST 118.

The ship was laid down by National Steel and Shipbuilding Company at San Diego, California for the USN on 24 May 1969 as Newport class tank landing ship USS Saginaw. She was launched on 7 February 1970, sponsored by the wife of R. James Harvey, a Congressman and former mayor of Saginaw, Michigan, and commissioned into the United States Navy on 23 January 1971.

The ship was acquired by the Royal Australian Navy and recommissioned as Kanimbla on 29 August 1994, for use as an amphibious warfare transport ship. To achieve this, the ship was extensively reconstructed, making her the lead ship in a new class of vessel; the Kanimbla class Landing Platform Amphibious (LPA). Two LPAs are active in the RAN, Kanimbla and Manoora, both of which are based at Sydney's Fleet Base East.

This might explain why you saw something similar.

Lieutenant Ben White, a Sea King pilot, passing islands in Northern New Caledonia during Exercise Croix Du Sud.




HMAS Kanimbla departing the Poum lagoon at the completion of Exercise Croix Du Sud, in Northern New Caledonia.




Gunner Jeromy Last, 25 from Bendigo, with 122mm rockets at Camp Terendak, Tallil.




(L-R) Lance Bombardier Tom Shane, 22, from Victor Harbour, SA, Bombardier Stephen Borg, 22, from West Lakes, SA, and Lance Bombardier Damien Young, 25, from Cann River, Vic, conduct launch drills with the Skylark miniature unmanned aerial vehicle at Camp Terendak, Tallil.




F/A-18 Hornet aircraft with 75 Squadron are lined up at Eielson Air Force Base Alaska covered in snow and ice.




Leading Aircraftwoman Patricia Entwistle checks stock in the main hangar at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska as part of Exercise Red Flag 2008.




Leading Aircraftman Patrick Longobardi blasts the ice and snow from the wings of the aircraft in preperation for flight.

very cool........

Rest in peace. Another good digger lost.

Lance Corporal Marks, 27 years of age from 4 RAR (Commando), was killed during a gun-battle in the early hours of Monday, 28 April when Australian special forces soldiers were engaged by Taliban extremists using small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades. 4 other commandos were wounded in the engagement.

He is survived by his wife and 2 children.





ANZAC day, 25th April. The Australian ensign party marches past the shrine of remembrance at Gallipoli





A park commemorating the charge of the Australian Light Horsemen at Beersheba (often cited as the last successful proper cavalry charge in history) during the first world war has been unveiled in Israel.

Members from 4/19 Prince of Wales Light Horse form part of the guard during the ceremony.


Members from 12/16 Hunter River Lancers during the ceremony.




Lest we forget - Anzac day 2008, Tallil, Iraq





3 Aussies and 1 Brit perform a Caterfalque party at the dawn service in Tallil





Berets and rifles representing fallen soldiers Sergeant Mathew Locke MG and Private Luke Worsley and members of the catafalque party stand adjacent to the cenotaph during the ANZAC day dawn service in Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan.




Trooper Bradley Tyler salutes as the Australian National Anthem is played at SECDET 13’s Anzac Day Dawn Service 2008.

RIP LCPL Marks
Gone but not forgotten.
Thankyou and your family for your sacrifice.

Lest We Forget

Originally Posted by SigJohnson

RIP LCPL Marks
Gone but not forgotten.
Thankyou and your family for your sacrifice.

Lest We Forget

I think the lads are in for a rough spring in the 'Stan this year

Lets just hope its not too bad
My thoughts are with them constantly - Keep up the good work digs, the job is getting done.