JPAU26MAR03WG03 OP FALCONER
Pic By: WJG

Caption: An Able Seaman from HMAS KANIMBLA wears a mask against thick dust during his watch in a wild storm in the Persian Gulf.

The storm, which included strong winds and thick dust, has delayed humanitarian aid ships reaching the Iarqi 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.