Iraq War

On 18 March 2003, the Australian Government announced that it was committing Navy, Army and Air Force combat elements to the US-led war for Iraq. Since 1991, the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and other elements of the Australian Defence Force had been involved in the Multinational Interception Force (MIF). This was with the objective to enforce United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions on Iraq after its invasion of Kuwait.

The situation with Iraq grew gradually worse over the intervening 12 years. In 1998, the Iraqi government refused access to UN inspectors looking for weapons of mass destruction (WMD). A US-led Coalition was unable to verify the status of Iraq’s WMD programs. In a post-9/11 threat context, the Coalition chose to invade Iraq to remove any WMDs that could pose a threat to the international rules-based order.

Australia’s commitment was broken up into 3 operations:

• Operation Bastille (pre-deployment, acclimatisation and in-theatre training)
• Operation Falconer (combat operations to disarm Iraq)
• Operation Catalyst (stabilisation and recovery operations).

As part of Operation Bastille, the RAN deployed HMAS Kanimbla from Sydney. HMA Ships Anzac and Darwin had already departed for the Middle East Area of Operation (MEAO) in October 2002, as part of Operation Slipper rotation 4.

Darwin went on patrol duty after the commencement of hostilities. It had sent its ordnance disposal detachment to Kanimbla. Mine-clearing operations were conducted. This involved the discovery of mines concealed on board Iraqi tugs and barges. Anzac provided naval gunfire support to British Royal Marines in the successful capture of Al Faw Peninsula.

RAN Clearance Diving teams cleared mines from the Khawr abd Allah, a narrow stretch of water leading to the port at Umm Qasr. Australia was responsible for keeping this port open, and for seizing and securing Iraqi offshore oil platforms.

Australian vessels were used to monitor and board the smaller craft trying to leave the waters outside Umm Qasr. This helped free up larger Coalition warships. It took a huge toll on Australian naval and air surveillance assets, as vessels rushed to leave Iraq prior to and during hostilities.

With the ending of Operation Bastille, the Australian Government announced in April it would be withdrawing most Australian Defence Force personnel in May 2003. Both Darwin and Anzac returned to Australia in May. Kanimbla remained until June.

As part of Operation Catalyst, a frigate, logistic support Element and staff for the MIF were provided. From 1991 until 2020, there was an Australian ship deployed in the Gulf almost continuously. This was part of the international effort to ensure maritime security.