Steel helmet used on HMAS KANIMBLA
Datec 2001
Object number00037008
NameHelmet
MediumSteel, paint, cloth, leather
DimensionsOverall: 175 x 280 x 235 mm, 1.48 kg
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection Transfer from Royal Australian Navy, Directorate of Naval History
DescriptionA steel helmet painted khaki on the exterior. The interior lining is hardened canvas, with the rim edge painted khaki. Three green canvas straps are crossed and rivetted to the lining to form a shock absorbing webbing. Metal buckles are attached to the webbing for adjustment. Tan leather headband is attached to the webbing. A green canvas chin strap is attached to each side of the rim of the helmet via painted green, metal links. The metal buckle fastens the strap under the chin. A series of numbers, slightly illegible, is stamped in white paint inside the proper right side of rim. The helmet was used on HMAS KANIMBLA, Persian Gulf, December 2001 - March 2002.HistoryHMAS KANIMBLA was launched in 1970 and commissioned into the United States Navy as part of theior Atlantic Fleet as USS SAGINAW.
SAGINAW beame part of the RAN in 1994 and was renamed HMAS KANIMBLA. After an extersive refit, KANIMBLA was ready for duty in 2001 and one of her first missions was a to provide humanitarian assistance in Vanuatu. In December 2001 KANIMBLA entered the Middle East region and until March 2002 she was actively involved in operations in the Persian Gulf which ranged from the "provision of boarding parties and the transfer of vehicles, to acting as a forward operating base for US Navy SEAL teams".
The RAN had been in the Persian Gulf since August 1990 as part of the United Nations economic sanctions against Iraq following Iraqs invasion of Kuwait. The UN naval presence was a multinational force the aim and outcomes of which
"in addition to hampering Iraq’s efforts to reacquire a credible military capability, it also served as a continuing demonstration of international resolve and a highly visible deterrent to any Iraqi response. Moreover, by using surface warships the operation allowed individual nations to make a finely tuned contribution; one which could be matched exactly to their changing objectives and interests".
- www.navy.gov.auSignificanceThe Royal Australian Navy has participated in many peacekeeping operations around the world.This helmet from HMAS KANIMBLA relates to some of these operations.The Royal Australian Navy played a significant role in the naval blockade against Iraq in the Persian Gulf. The purpose of the blockade was to enforce UN Sanctions against Iraq, following the invasion of Kuwait in 1990. HMAS KANIMBLA, HMAS MANOORA and HMAS SYDNEY all participated in this blockade during 2001 and 2002 .
1960s
