The Australian Prime Minister, John Howard, commits Australian forces to support any action taken by the US led Coalition against Iraq. This commitment was detailed as Operation Falconer.
Later in 2003 the following operational awards were announced for Operation Falconer, (the Coalition invasion of Iraq, and associated Arabian Gulf duties):
DSC CAPT. P. D. Jones, AM, RAN
DSC CAPT P. G. Lockwood, CSC, RAN
AM CMDR A. J. Ingram, RAN
AM CMDR C. P. Percival, RAN
DSM CMDR D. G. McCourt, OAM, RAN
DSM LCDR S. Craig, RAN
DSM LCDR M. L. Maley, RAN
OAM CMDR L. Charles-Jones, RAN
OAM CMDR P. Spedding, RAN
OAM CMDR M. K. M. Wise, RAN
OAM LCDR M. D. Edwards, RAN
OAM WO A. M. Kirkpatrick
OAM CPO V. W. Heath
Commendation for Distinguished Service LCDR I. M. Ingham, RAN
Commendation for Distinguished Service LEUT B. J. Horn, RAN
Commendation for Distinguished Service LEUT D. R. Horrobin, RAN
Commendation for Distinguished Service CPO M. V. Winter
Commendation for Distinguished Service PO G. R. Stevens
Commendation for Distinguished Service LS J. P. Dunn
Commendation for Distinguished Service LS S. W. Gillespie
Commendation for Distinguished Service LS T. A. Miles
Unit Citations for Gallantry were also awarded to HMAS ANZAC, (guided missile frigate), HMAS KANIMBLA, (landing platform amphibious), and Clearance Diving Team 3.