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Rugby league football used on board HMAS KANIMBLA

Manufacturer Steeden

Datec 2001

Object number00037007

NameFootball

MediumSynthetic fabric

DimensionsOverall: 290 x 180 x 180 mm, 0.42 kg

ClassificationsToys, games and souvenirs

Credit LineANMM Collection Transfer from Royal Australian Navy, Directorate of Naval History

Terms

India

DescriptionFootballs were presented to the ship's company of HMAS KANIMBLA before its departure in October 2001 on deployment to the Persian Gulf as part of Australia's contribution to the Maritime Interception Force, Iraq (MIF). Games were held on the ship's flightdeck.HistoryKANIMBLA completed a five and a half month deployment in the Gulf in 2001, enforcing United Nations sanctions against Iraq. During that period some 50 vessels were boarded and searched; 23 of which were involved in smuggling. Morale and fitness on board ship is as important as the duties the ship's company undertake - this football from the National Rugby League (NRL) was used during the downtimes. HMAS KANIMBLA (L 51) was purchased from the US Navy in 1994 and converted into an amphibious warfare transport ship. Formerly USS SAGINAW (LST-1188) it was laid down in 1969 as a Newport class tank landing ship. KANIMBLA was decommissioned from the RAN in November 2011.SignificanceThis innocuous football was used to provide fitness and fun during a long deployment in the Persian Gulf.