Rayal Navy Operations at Umm Qasr.
Just outside Umm Qasr, on the Az Zubayr river, The Royal Navy continue to Minesweep and secure the area. Involved in the Operation, Minesweepers, Coastal Survey Vessels, LCVP’s From HMS OCEANs’ 9 Assault Sqn RM’s and Ridgid Raider, fast boats from 539 Assault Sqn RMs. Destroyers also partol just off the coast to provide Naval Gunfire Support. Their efforts have allowed safe passage for supply ships and other aid,to go alongside in Umm Qasr to deliver much needed stores and Aid.
Near Umm Qasr Helecopters from 847 and 845 SQN’s embarked on HMS OCEAN, operate from their temporary base, “Bonsai”.
Pictured here, Cpl Dan Ackroyd, mans the GPMG gun on the front of a Landing Craft Air Cushioned, as they patrol the Az Zubayr river near Umm Qasr. Below signaller Dan Mahony keep a watchfull eye on the river
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Picture LA(Phot) Angie Pearce