21 March 2003. HMAS Anzac fire-support mission

21 March. On this day in 2003 HMAS Anzac (III) was in action providing naval gun fire support for 40 Commando, Royal Marines as they advanced on enemy positions on the Al Faw Peninsular, Iraq.

It was the first time since the Vietnam War that an RAN ship had conducted a naval gun fire support mission in combat and it was very successful.

The peninsular was cleared and the enemy positions taken by the Royal Marines.. Anzac remained on station until 23 March, completing seven fire support missions and supporting the boarding party from HMAS Kanimbla that discovered mines about to be deployed onboard two Iraqi tugs.