The Battle for Umm Qasr

At the start of the Second Gulf War, one of the first objectives was the port of Umm Qasr. On Friday 21st March 2003, Allied forces advanced across Southern Iraq and US marines captured the new port part of Umm Qasr, spending several more days in fighting through the old town part of Umm Qasr encountering fierce resistance. The port was declared safe and open on Tuesday 25th March 2003, after Royal Marines took over control of the port and conducted raids into the old part of town.

Coalition minesweepers, including HMS Bangor aided by divers and US Navy trained dolphins and seals located and cleared the approach to the port of mines allowing RFA Sir Galahad to dock after a couple of days.

Other Royal Navy minesweepers including HMS Blyth, HMS Brocklesby and HMS Sandown were present in the gulf and swept the approaches to Iraqi beaches on the Al Faw peninsula prior to the Amphibious assault.