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30 Nov 2019	Improving Indian Ocean maritime security An important step forward was taken in Fremantle this week, as the navies of Australia, India and Indonesia came together for the first time to discuss mutual maritime security objectives. As leaders within the region, the three nations and navies share a geographical and strategic interest in working together where appropriate to promote a secure and rules based Indian Ocean maritime environment. More.....
29 Nov 2019	Release of reports from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Today the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare released three independent reports into the health and wellbeing of serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel: 1. The National suicide monitoring of serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force personnel: 2019 update 2. Use of homelessness services by contemporary ex-serving ADF members: 2011–17 3. Medications dispensed to contemporary ex-serving Australian Defence Force members 2017–18. More.....
29 Nov 2019	Navy Veteran achieves another milestone Former Leading Seaman Steward Melville Roy McMillan was visited at his Victorian nursing home by a delegation of current Navy Stewards to celebrate his 100th birthday this month. Melville was a leading Seaman Steward who served in HMA Ships Vampire (I) and Stuart (I), right through the battles fought in the Mediterranean in 1940 and 1941 by the Scrap Iron Flotilla, under legendary Royal Australian Navy Captain Hec Waller. More.....
29 Nov 2019	Electronic Technician Challenge 2019
28 Nov 2019	ADF visits Tonga to enhance capability, education and training
28 Nov 2019	Expanding access to low cost home insurance for veterans and members of the Australian Defence Force More than 300,000 additional Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and veterans, including Reservists and Peacekeepers, will be able to access low cost home insurance through the Defence Service Homes Insurance. Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel Darren Chester said changes to eligibility will mean all current and former ADF members who have at least one days’ continuous service can access Defence Service Homes Insurance from 1 January 2020. More.....
28 Nov 2019	Australia's newest officers graduate from Naval college Navy’s newest junior officers have graduated from the Royal Naval College at HMAS Creswell as part of New Entry Officer Course (NEOC) 61. The 134 Australian and five international graduates — the last for 2019 — marched proudly on to the Parade Ground, wearing the ceremonial uniforms of Australian Midshipmen, Sub Lieutenants and Lieutenants in front of family and friends. More.....
27 Nov 2019	Veterans to play key role in memorial development project VETERANS will be engaged on the early works of the Australian War Memorial’s development project, with construction company Lendlease today announced as the head contractor for the extension of the Poppy’s Café car park. Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel Darren Chester said the extension works, which are worth $10.5 million and are expected to take eight months to complete, will see Lendlease partner with its subcontractors and organisations such as Veterans in Construction to complete the project. More.....
26 Nov 2019	Click here to download NVN's November edition of "BROADSIDE"..... NOTE from Webmaster: If you are a member and haven't been notified that your monthly copy of 'BROADSIDE' is available to download, the email address you supplied on joining is incorrect or out of date. To correct this, contact the webmaster at: and he will copy and amend your address.
26 Nov 2019	Open tender for psychiatric assistance dogs for veterans MORE veterans seeking to manage their post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) will benefit with the expansion of the Government’s psychiatric assistance dog program. Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel Darren Chester said following the successful launch of the program in September there had been increased interest from the ex-service community and organisations passionate about supporting veterans’ mental health. More.....
26 Nov 2019	BIRD. — Brian JOHN Lieutenant Commander R.N.R 13 July 1925 - 23 November 2019 A service to celebrate the life of John will be held at the Wattle Park Chalet, 1012 Riversdale Road Surrey Hills on FRIDAY (29 November 2019) commencing at 11:00am. Following the service refreshments will be served. No flowers by request of the family. Private Cremation Publication: Herald Sun
25 Nov 2019	Canberra pays its respects at Last Post ceremony An 80-member-strong delegation of HMAS Canberra’s ship’s company were among the guests at the Australian War Memorial’s Last Post ceremony on Friday. Three-hundred-and-fifty members of the 400 sailors, soldiers and airmen in the ship’s company were in Canberra, preparing to exercise the warship’s Freedom of Entry in a march through the city on Saturday. More.....
23 Nov 2019	Aussie-led Combined Task Force 150 ready to go The pre-deployment preparations and training for the Australian lead Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 mission wrapped up at HMAS Watson recently, with the task group getting a stamp of approval from the Commodore Flotillas Force Generation Directorate. The Royal Australian, Royal Canadian Navy and Royal New Zealand Navy sailors making up the Combined Task Force spent six weeks in Sydney getting ready for the important mission, to ensure they were certified ‘ready in all respects’ to deploy to Bahrain. More.....
23 Nov 2019	Report calls out US Navy for surveillance and targeting shortfalls The U.S. Navy lacks the necessary intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets to support a force plans to operate more spread out and fight at longer ranges, according to a new report by the conservative Hudson Institute think tank. The service has relied for years on its F/A-18 Hornets and E/A-18 Growlers, as well as using satellite surveillance data, to find targets to kill. But with ranges extending out beyond the reach of the carrier air wing due to Chinese investments in very long-range anti-ship missiles, the Navy has to develop more organic capabilities, according to the report. More.....
23 Nov 2019	Former 4-Star Fleet Commanders: Don’t give up on carriers Since World War II, U.S. Navy aircraft carriers have uniquely served as the most flexible and effective tool in the nation’s warfighting toolbox. Presidents from 1942 to today have used them to reassure friends, warn opponents, and, when necessary, fight and win wars. With the re-emergence of great power competition, coupled with fewer and fewer viable options to forward deploy land or air forces to defend our national security interests, large deck, nuclear-powered aircraft carriers have been and will continue to be indispensable in providing quick response options and credible, visible deterrence. More.....
23 Nov 2019	War veteran joins Canberra ship’s company on Freedom of Entry march Three-hundred-and-fifty members of the 400-strong ship’s company of HMAS Canberra (III) exercised its Freedom of Entry through the City of Canberra on Saturday. Canberra’s Commanding Officer, Captain Terry Morrison, answered the traditional challenge to the parade by the Chief Police Officer for the ACT, Assistant Commissioner Ray Johnson, in front of the ACT Legislative Assembly on London Circuit. More.....
23 Nov 2019	SEA1770 capability on track for geospatial survey teams Project SEA1770’s aim is to modernise the approach Hydrographers have to Rapid Environmental Assessment. The Hydrographic, Meteorological and Oceanic Group’s four Deployable Geospatial Survey Teams have been introducing a number of new capabilities since the Maritime Geospatial Warfare Unit was stood up in October 2018. More.....
23 Nov 2019	Subcontract signed for the Attack class submarine weapon discharge system I am pleased to announce Naval Group has signed a subcontract with Babcock International Group PLC for the design of the weapon discharge system for the Attack class submarines. The development of the weapon discharge system is critical to the overall design of the Attack class submarine. Its purpose is to launch the submarine main weapons, including torpedoes and anti-ship missiles. More.....
22 Nov 2019	Collins Class sustainment tug-of-war heats up The tug-of-war between South Australia and Western Australia for the rights of responsibility to the full-cycle docking sustainment of the Collins Class submarine is continuing to heat up, with a review by the Australian Industrial Transformation Institute of Flinders University recommending the task stays in SA. More.....
22 Nov 2019	Commemorative projects showcase community spirit LOCAL RSLs and schools are among the latest recipients of Saluting Their Service grants as more than $360,000 in funding is delivered to commemorative projects and activities across Australia. The Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel Darren Chester said the diversity of groups applying and their projects demonstrate that commemorating our military service remains an important part of a community’s identity. More.....
22 Nov 2019	Satellite images reveal location of China’s first locally built aircraft carrier MELBOURNE, Australia — China’s first domestically built aircraft carrier has sailed through the Taiwan Strait and into the South China Sea as the country continues to test the vessel’s systems prior to its commissioning into the People’s Liberation Army Navy. A satellite imagery released by Maxar Technologies confirms that the Type 001A aircraft carrier was moored at the Yulin Naval Base near the city of Sanya on Hainan island, China. More.....
22 Nov 2019	PACIFIC REACH proves submarine rescue techniques Exercise PACIFIC REACH 2019 has been deemed an outstanding success as the sea-phase of the exercise came to a close off the coast of Western Australia. The exercise, conducted in two phases from 4-15 November, is a triennial, multi-lateral submarine search and rescue exercise that was last held in South Korea in 2016. More.....
22 Nov 2019	Royal Australian Navy woman appointed as most senior sailor I congratulate Warrant Officer Deb Butterworth OAM, CSM and Bar on her appointment to the role of Warrant Officer of the Royal Australian Navy. Warrant Officer Butterworth is the first female appointed to this significant role and only the ninth person to hold this office since its inception in 1993. More.....
22 Nov 2019	A rewarding career leads to appointment as ninth Warrant Officer of the Navy “Wanting to be challenged and seeking adventure” were the main reasons a young woman from Lilydale in Victoria decided to join the Royal Australian Navy back in 1989. Roll forward 30 years, and with many achievement’s and experiences to her credit, Warrant Officer of the Navy (WO-N) Deb Butterworth has assumed the role as Navy’s most senior enlisted advisor to the Chief of Navy, joining his Senior Leadership Group. More.....
21 Nov 2019	World first deployable 3D printers for Defence Cutting edge 3D printing technology developed in Darwin will be deployed by the Royal Australian Navy in a world-first trial that will streamline the maintenance of patrol vessels. The Morrison Government will invest $1.5 million in the two-year Supersonic Deposition 3D printer pilot, which will lead to a significant increase of parts availability compared to what the regular supply chain can provide. More.....
21 Nov 2019	CN's last push challenge to Navy personnel to donate blood
20 Nov 2019	The ABC of Royal Australian Navy Corvettes Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Michael Noonan, launched “The ABC of Royal Australian Navy Corvettes” by Able Seaman Communications Information Systems (ABCIS) Libby Pearce in front of an audience that included her mum, Lisa, and stepdad, Neil. Vice Admiral Noonan also presented Able Seaman Pearce with an official Chief of Navy commendation in recognition of her research and hard work to bring the book to publication. NOTE: This book is only available from Naval Museums. Full details on how to purchase.....
20 Nov 2019	ADF takes on the Royal Navy at the premiere 2019 Football Championships
20 Nov 2019	Navy women honour Second World War WRAN HMAS Moreton hosted a memorial service for the 75th anniversary of the passing of WRAN Assistant Writer Margaret Hall, the only member of the Women’s Royal Australian Naval Service to die on active service during the Second World War. The service organised by Navy Women (WRANS) Qld included the placing of a plaque and tree in the Commander Lachlan King Memorial Garden. More.....
20 Nov 2019	Task Group Taji marks significant capability milestone The Iraqi School of Infantry Non-Commissioned Officer II (SINCOII) has achieved a vital operational milestone by becoming the first military training establishment to reach full independent operating capability under the coalition Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR). SINCOII has been under the Australian and New Zealand train-advise-assist mission since 2015. Commander of Joint Task Force 633 in the Middle East, Rear Admiral Mark Hill, said Iraqi instructors will now assume responsibility for all training, while a reduced Australian and New Zealand contingent will provide mentoring, institutional advice and guidance. More.....
20 Nov 2019	Exercise PACIFIC REACH 2019
19 Nov 2019	Future submariners wanted for exciting competition Aspiring Royal Australian Navy Submariners have the chance to win the experience of a lifetime as part of the 2020 National Submarine Tour Competition. Open to Australian civilians aged 18 to 35 years old, the competition invites entrants to play an online game, taking command of a submarine, and explain in 50 words or less which submariner role they are most suited to and why. More.....
19 Nov 2019	The five-domains update Sea state The European Union has announced 13 new projects to be funded under its Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) initiative. Two focus on naval defence: the first involves developing a new class of military ship, the European patrol corvette, and the second aims to provide an advanced command, control and communications service architecture for anti-submarine systems. PESCO was established to support EU states to ‘enhance the operational readiness and contribution of their armed forces’. More.....
18 Nov 2019	The Hall of Memory
18 Nov 2019	Six navies test submarine search and rescue skills off Australia The six-nation submarine search and rescue exercise Pacific Reach 2019 has concluded off the coast of Western Australia. Held at Fleet Base West and in the Western Australian Exercise Area, the drill involved assets from Australia, Japan, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, Singapore and the United States. More.....
18 Nov 2019	Australian War Memorial Development Project Official plans for the nine-year Australian War Memorial Development Project have been unveiled, outlining how the contemporary story of service and sacrifice will be told to future generations. The Prime Minister said the Australian War Memorial told key stories of our nation. “This Project is about ensuring the stories of an entire new generation of service are told and remembered alongside those that inspired their own sacrifice and to do the same for future generations,” the Prime Minister said. More.....
17 Nov 2019	China aircraft carrier fleet passes near rival Taiwan; says American and Japanese ships followed A Chinese aircraft carrier fleet passed near Taiwan on Sunday, prompting the self-governing island to scramble ships and jets to monitor the situation. Taiwan’s defense ministry said the southbound Chinese fleet passed into the Taiwan Strait but stayed on China’s side of the waterway that separates the island from China. More.....
16 Nov 2019	HMS Prince of Wales makes Portsmouth debut HMS Prince of Wales has sailed into her homeport of Portsmouth for the first time today – marking a significant milestone in the Royal Navy’s aircraft carrier history. Hundreds of people lined the seafront to welcome the newest of Britain’s two aircraft carriers. Sailors stood atop the flight deck of the enormous carrier – the second of the largest warships ever built for the Royal Navy – as she sailed into Portsmouth Harbour. More.....
16 Nov 2019	Naval Historical Society of Australia – Victorian Chapter Annual Christmas Function Date: Friday 6th December 2019. Time: 1830 for 1900 Venue: Sunset Room, Waverley RSL. The RSL have advised that the capacity for the room is 100 diners, so we urge you to reserve your booking ASAP. Guest of Honour: Chief of Navy, VADM Mike Noonan AO RAN NOTE: You do not have to be a member of the Naval Historical Society to attend. There are limited seats available so get in quick. Download flyer with full details.....
16 Nov 2019	Navy League of Australia(Vic-Tas Div) November newsletter is now available to download.....
16 Nov 2019	Naval Historical Society of Australia (Victorian Chapter) President's November Musings are now available to download.....
16 Nov 2019	Sydney to Hobart - Navy gets back in the race The Royal Australian Navy is getting back in the fight for first place in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race for the first time since 2001. Navy One - a Beneteau First 40 racing cruiser - will take part in the annual Australian institution for the first time in 18 years with a seasoned Navy crew experienced in offshore yacht racing. More.....
15 Nov 2019	Able Seaman Aviation Support Bradley Peters
15 Nov 2019	USS Montgomery Operates with Royal Australian Navy in the South China Sea The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8), Royal Australian Navy Anzac-class frigate HMAS Stuart (FFH 153) and fleet replenishment vessel HMAS Sirius (O 266) conducted operations together in the South China Sea, Nov. 6-12. While transiting together at sea, Montgomery, Stuart and Sirius conducted communication drills, division tactics, bilateral flight operations, and personnel exchange, all designed to address common maritime security priorities, enhance interoperability, and develop relationships that will benefit both navies for many years to come. More.....
15 Nov 2019	RAN joins trilateral mine countermeasure exercise Mine-hunting experts from the Royal Australian Navy will join colleagues from the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force and US Navy off the coast of Japan for a trilateral mine countermeasure exercise, Hyuga Nada. Hosted by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, the exercise will run from 14-24 November 2019 and will involve a RAN Command Task Group for the first time. More.....
15 Nov 2019	Increased support for transitioning ADF members Australian Defence Force (ADF) members leaving full-time service will be better supported during transition and into new employment under a new contract Defence has signed with Right Management Consultants Pty Ltd. Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel Darren Chester said the contract marked an important step for Defence as it moves to a needs-based transition support system. More.....
14 Nov 2019	Five-nation mine countermeasure drill Dugong kicks off Mine countermeasure and explosive ordnance disposal personnel from five countries met at an opening ceremony for the 19th iteration of Exercise Dugong, on November 11. Dugong 2019 brings mine warfare and dive teams from United States of America, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand together for two weeks to practice contemporary mine warfare and dive salvage techniques and procedures in the vicinity of Garden Island. More.....
14 Nov 2019	Australian Navy’s LADS completes final flight The Royal Australian Navy’s laser airborne depth sounder flight (LADS) has completed its final sortie after 26 years of outstanding service. This world-leading capability was developed in South Australia and since 1993 has been providing the Royal Australian Navy and the Australian government survey data for their coastal and reef waters that are dangerous or difficult to survey by traditional ship-based methods.
14 Nov 2019	Australian Navy ship arrives in Vietnam The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) replenishment ship HMAS Sirius has arrived in Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam, as part of Navy’s second East Asia Deployment for 2019. Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said the visit is representative of Defence’s strong and deepening ties with Vietnam. More.....
14 Nov 2019	Enhancing and exploiting Navy's ability to fight and win at sea Defence Science and Technology scientists believe that the key to securing Australia’s maritime supremacy is understanding the ocean, which is at the core of DST’s support to the Royal Australian Navy’s environmental forecasting. It’s well known that ocean conditions have a significant impact on undersea warfare systems and sensors, impacting the combat efficacy of both surface and submarine forces. More.....
14 Nov 2019	Navy aviation providing bushfire support
13 Nov 2019	Operation RENDER SAFE 19 wraps up
13 Nov 2019	22nd Australia-China Defence Strategic Dialogue Senior defence officials from Australia and China will meet tomorrow in Sydney for the 22nd Australia-China Defence Strategic Dialogue. Held since 1997, the annual Australia-China Defence Strategic Dialogue is the peak forum for discussions between Australia’s Department of Defence and China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA). More.....
13 Nov 2019	The case for developing joint US, UK and Australian nuclear refuelling facilities With plans of a growing US and Royal Navy presence in the Indo-Pacific, increased numbers of nuclear-powered vessels will be standard for Australian port visits and forward deployed force rotations – recognising this and the limitation and vulnerability of existing suitable infrastructure in the region presents an interesting opportunity for allied collaboration. Prompted by increased dialogue between respective counterparts, Australia, the US and UK have sought to focus the 'special relationship' on developing greater levels of interoperability and burden sharing in tactically and strategically sensitive regions of the world. More.....
12 Nov 2019	USS Grayback Discovered
12 Nov 2019	WWII US submarine wreck found after 75 years USS Grayback (SS-208), a US Navy submarine missing for 75 years, has been found in Japanese waters. Veteran ocean explorer and Tiburon Subsea CEO Tim Taylor along with his “Lost 52 Project” team have discovered the WWII submarine wreck. The US Navy officially verified the discovery of Grayback which was made on June 5, 2019, at a depth of 435 meters. More.....
12 Nov 2019	The five-domains update Sea state The Australian government has gifted a Guardian-class patrol boat, the RSIPV Gizo, to the Solomon Islands. It’s the fifth Guardian-class boat that Austal Australia has delivered to the Australian Department of Defence under the Pacific patrol boat replacement project since the company was awarded the contract in 2016. The vessel will replace the RSIPV Lata, which has been in service since 1988. Twelve Pacific island nations and Timor-Leste will receive a total of 21 patrol boats through to 2023 under the project. More.....
12 Nov 2019	Confront Beijing in South China Sea: Top Defence and DFAT bureaucrat Former head of the Defence and Foreign Affairs and Trade departments, Dennis Richardson, has set the cat among the pigeons, calling on Australia and the Royal Australian Navy in particular to take the fight to China in the South China Sea in defiance of Beijing and in support of the global ‘rules based order’. The transformation of the Indo-Pacific provides the opportunity to develop a range of productive relationships with emerging great powers, enhancing Australia’s own economic, political and strategic capability. More.....
12 Nov 2019	Navy's largest warships achieve new milestone The Royal Australian Navy now has one of the most capable and sophisticated amphibious deployment systems in the world, with the Fleet’s Landing Helicopter Docks achieving final operational capability. At 230-metres long and with a speed of more than 20 knots, the 27,500 tonne ships are home-ported at Garden Island, Sydney. More.....
11 Nov 2019	Salute to Veterans The deaths of these 5 sailors changed how US manned military units In the late evening and early morning of Nov. 12-13, 1942, the United States and Japan engaged in one of the most brutal naval battles of World War II. Minutes into the fight, north of Guadalcanal, a torpedo from Japanese destroyer Amatsukaze ripped into the port side of the American light cruiser Juneau, taking out its steering and guns and killing 19 men in the forward engine room. More.....
11 Nov 2019	JMSDF, US Navy begin Annual Exercise 19 The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and the US Navy kicked off their bilateral maritime field exercise, Annual Exercise ‘19, off Japan, November 10. The annual bilateral exercise provides the two allies the ability to practice and evaluate coordination procedures and interoperability elements while further building on bilateral relationships. More.....
11 Nov 2019	The month in women, peace and security: October 2019 Annual WPS stocktake On 29 October the UN Security Council adopted resolution 2493, reaffirming its commitment to the full and continuing implementation of all previous resolutions pertaining to WPS. Although the resolution was unanimously adopted by the 15 council members, American ambassador Kelly Craft told the Security Council that the US was unhappy with references to sexual and reproductive health and the safe termination of pregnancies, positioning it against the UK, France, South Africa and others. More.....
10 Nov 2019	Five European navies rally around Cold War-era ‘Channel Committee’ Senior navy leaders from Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Belgium and the Netherlands signed a pact on Thursday placing a renewed focus on the English Channel as a key strategic region for NATO. The agreement effectively re-awakens the dormant “Channel Committee” of the Cold War, which formed the alliance's braintrust for defending the sea lane connecting the North Sea to the Atlantic. The move follows a pattern of recent naval strategizing by European nations to fortify their territorial waters against a hypothetical incursion by Russia. More.....
09 Nov 2019	Hallelujah Veterans Version Sailor Jerri I rewrote hallelujah for our Veterans. Every picture in this video was sent to me by the great members of our Armed Forces who have been supporting me from the beginning. Thank you so much for your service and your support.
09 Nov 2019	Final Air Warfare Destroyer completes sea trials The Australian Defence Force’s third Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD), NUSHIP Sydney, is on track to be delivered to the Navy in February 2020 after completing sea trials. Sydney is the third and final ship being delivered by the Air Warfare Destroyer Alliance which includes the Department of Defence, Raytheon Australia, and ASC Shipbuilding supported by Navantia Australia. More.....
09 Nov 2019	Green Ghost pays tribute to UN fallen service members A group of 50 officers and sailors from HMAS Hobart recently participated in a ceremony to mark the 74th United Nations Day during the ship’s current East Asia Deployment. The ceremony was held at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery, in Busan, Republic of Korea, which is the final resting place of 2297 Korean War service members, representing 11 nations. More.....
08 Nov 2019	Policy, Guns and Money: Indonesia, submarines and Australia’s north PODCAST: In this episode, Andrew Davies talks with Marcus Hellyer on the costs of Australia’s future submarine project and they discuss the debate around an Australian long-range strike capability. More.....
08 Nov 2019	Controlling our maritime approaches and projecting presence throughout the Indo-Pacific (Part 2) Australia’s capacity to control the maritime continent’s approaches is a critical component of securing the nation – an equally important yet often overlooked part of the equation is sustainably projecting long-range Australian presence throughout the Indo-Pacific using a range of “high-low” naval capabilities. Australia’s Two Ocean policy, established in the late 1980s, marked a major shift in the naval force posture of the Royal Australian Navy as it shifted away from the last vestiges of power projection in the region toward continental defence in the sea-air gap. More.....
08 Nov 2019	Australia supports Solomon Islands' security priorities The Australian Government has today handed over the latest Guardian-class Patrol Boat RSIPV Gizo to the Solomon Islands at a ceremony in Henderson, Western Australia. RSIPV Gizo was received by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and Minister of Police, National Security and Correctional Services Anthony Veke. More.....
08 Nov 2019	Navy ranks grow by 1,000 The Royal Australian Navy’s ambitious growth and retention program has proven a success, with the Navy growing by more than 1,000 members in under two years. This represents an eight percent increase since January 2018 and is a result of flexible workplace arrangements, financial incentives and industry placements. More.....
07 Nov 2019	Japan launches second lithium-ion battery powered submarine Toryu Shipbuilder Kawasaki Heavy Industries has launched the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force’s 12th Soyu-class diesel-electric submarine. Named Toryu (with pennant number SS 512), the boat is the second in the class to be fitted with lithium-ion batteries which store considerably more power than the lead-acid batteries installed on the previous ten Soryu-class submarines. More.....
06 Nov 2019	Future USS John Kennedy Commanding Officer, Crew Unveil Official Seal Capt. Todd Marzano, commanding officer, Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), and crew on Nov. 6 unveiled the seal of the U.S. Navy’s second Ford-class aircraft carrier, under construction at Newport News Shipbuilding-Huntington Ingalls Industries. Elements of the seal honor President John F. Kennedy, his service to the Navy and his vision for space exploration. More.....
06 Nov 2019	HMAS Sydney II 80th Anniversary 2021 Update from Adrian Burns Load Contact and Liaison We finally have an update to the HMAS SYDNEY II 80th Anniversary in Geraldton Nov 2021. I’ve been working closely with quite a number of outstanding people who are assisting with the plans and program for the 80th. Whilst progressing we discovered that a Memorial Cruise had been partially instigated by an Ex Vietnam Veteran from the RAAF No: 9 Squadron. With this exciting discovery we naturally bought Geoff Irving and his amazing talents onboard combining all plans into one Exciting and Very Memorable Anniversary event for not only the all Ex HMAS SYDNEY Crews and Associates but especially for the HMAS SYDNEY II Descendants and Relatives. Download full details.....
06 Nov 2019	Ambulance donated to Solomon Islands
06 Nov 2019	Collins submarine maintenance: What’s best for the navy and its people? The public debate about moving full-cycle dockings of the Collins-class submarines to Western Australia has been overwhelmingly political. The vital point has so far been ignored: industry is engaged to support the navy, not the other way around. A navy that repairs and maintains its ships and submarines close to their operating bases (not half a continent away, as we do with the Collins) generates capability more reliably and cost-effectively. More.....
06 Nov 2019	HMA Ships Stuart and Sirius arrive in Malaysia for bilateral exercise Fresh from a successful welcoming visit to the Philippines for Second World War 75th anniversary commemorations, HMA Ships Stuart and Sirius have sailed on to Malaysia for continued bilateral engagement. Stuart’s Commanding Officer, Commander Luke Ryan said interacting with the two regional partners was an important part of the ongoing East Asia Deployment, in which 11 ships are participating in multinational exercises and engagement activities across the region. More.....
05 Nov 2019	The five-domains update Sea state Australia and South Korea have held their annual joint naval exercise. Code-named ‘Haedori-Wallaby’, the drills included joint manoeuvres and firing exercises, and involved six ships, six aircraft and a submarine on the Korean side and a Hobart-class destroyer and MH-60 helicopter on the Australian side. The drills were aimed at ‘improving cooperation in the implementation of joint naval operations’. The exercise comes as the Royal Australian Navy sent the frigate HMAS Parramatta to the region to help enforce sanctions on North Korea. More.....
05 Nov 2019	The very hungry future submarine We’ve known for a while that SEA 1000, the Defence Department’s future submarine program, is going to cost a lot of money—we just haven’t known exactly how much. But as time moves on and Defence releases more data, we’re starting to get a better sense of the program’s cost. More.....
04 Nov 2019	Minehunters heading north from successful visit A Royal Australian Navy Minehunter Task Group, consisting of HMA Ships Diamantina and Gascoyne, has departed the Republic of Korea bound for a second Mine Warfare Exercise and professional engagement with Japan, as part of a North East Asian Deployment. In a sign of the friendships established during their visit, the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) Band played ‘Waltzing Matilda’ and crews from the ROKN Mine Warfare units formed up on the wharf to farewell Diamantina and Gascoyne and wish them safe travels. More.....
04 Nov 2019	HMAS Goorangai March, Service and Luncheon- 2019 Sunday, November 17, 11:00am 11:15 Marchers fall in, King Street 11:30 Service commences Ocean View Reserve 12:30 Lunch, RSL Hall, King Street (must book). Download the flyer with full details.....
02 Nov 2019	Compassion counts for modern Navy leaders One of Australia’s most respected and experienced public figures says good leadership depends on a clear mind and sound ethics. Dr Brendan Nelson told Navy’s Emerging Leaders Forum that the best managers are shaped by positive role models. The seventh in the series of Navy Emerging Leaders Forums (NELF) was held in Canberra for the first time, with 72 of Navy’s emerging leaders in attendance. The NELF are a series of forums held around the country as part of a DCN initiative to invest in the development and empowerment of Navy’s junior leaders. More.....
01 Nov 2019	Russia’s newest ballistic missile sub launches its first Bulava SLBM The Russian defense ministry has shared video footage of the navy’s newest ballistic missile submarine launching its first Bulava submarine-launched ballistic missile. The missile launch took place in the White Sea and was part of the boat’s at-sea trials. The video footage was shared almost exactly two years after Knyaz Vladimir, the first modernized Borei-A (Project 955-A) submarine, was launched in Severodvinsk on November 17, 2017. More.....
01 Nov 2019	Communities salute service men and women PROJECTS right across the country commemorating Australia’s wartime heritage will be funded thanks to more than $265,000 in Saluting Their Service grants. Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel Darren Chester said the Saluting Their Service Commemorations Program encourages an understanding and appreciation of the role that service personnel have played in shaping Australia as we know it today. More.....
01 Nov 2019	WW2 submarine Urge found off Malta This is the wreck of wartime submarine HMS Urge – conclusively located and identified by marine archaeologists off Malta, solving a 77-year-long mystery. Sitting defiantly upright on the seabed of the Mediterranean more than 400 feet down, her bow buried in the ocean floor, her deck gun facing forward, her hull encrusted with marine life, this is the last resting place of 44 souls. More.....
01 Nov 2019	Gascoyne leads the way in Multinational Mine Warfare Exercise HMAS Gascoyne, part of a Minehunter Task Group, has spent a busy two weeks far from her usual stomping ground in Eastern Australia, having travelled over 5000 nautical miles in company with sister ship HMAS Diamantina, to participate in a Multinational Mine Warfare Exercise (MIWEX 19) in the Republic of Korea. Following the MIWEX 19 Symposium in Busan, Gascoyne joined Diamantina for five days of mine hunting in some of the most challenging environments that Australian mine warfare assets have worked in. More.....
01 Nov 2019	FlyBy A periodical of the Fleet Air Arm Association of Australia. November issue.....
01 Nov 2019	Navy key draw card at Fremantle maritime day Western Australians will be welcomed aboard HMAS Stirling at Garden Island in Rockingham on 2 November 2019 for the Royal Australian Navy’s 11th annual Port of Fremantle Maritime Day. Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said visitors will experience first-hand the activities that take place at Australia’s largest naval base at Garden Island. More.....

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Request for Committal of Ashes to the Sea. Download form.....

Current Repatriation Benefits for Gold Card Veterans -
As of 01 January 2018
This is a list of products that are available on a Doctor's prescription for Gold Card Repatriation Patients. Download the list.....

DVA Mobile Apps

The new Operation Life mobile application is designed to help those at risk deal with suicidal thoughts and is recommended to be used with the support of a clinician.

The High Res (High Resilience) app helps you manage stress, build resilience and optimise performance on the go.

The PTSD Coach Australia app can help you learn about and manage symptoms that commonly occur after trauma.

ON TRACK with the Right Mix mobile app from the Department of Veterans Affairs helps you to keep track of the number and types of drinks you consume; the amount of money it's costing you and lets you know about the impact the alcohol has on your wellbeing and fitness levels.

Guide to the assessment of rates of veterans’ pensions
Guide to the assessment of rates of veterans’ pensions (GARP) is used to assess the extent of incapacity from war caused or defence caused injury or disease for the purposes of determining the rate of pension. Download.....

Planning ahead kit
Overview: Planning Ahead is a publication designed to help veterans and their families prepare for bereavement. There is also a checklist that can be used to record the contact details of important people, businesses and organisations that may need to be notified in case of your death. Download.....

DVA Concessions Fact Sheets
Factsheet CON01 - Concessions in NSW
Factsheet CON02 - Concessions in Vic
Factsheet CON03 - Concessions in QLD
Factsheet CON04 - Concessions in SA
Factsheet CON05 - Concessions in WA
Factsheet CON06 - Concessions in Tas
Factsheet CON07 - Concessions in NT
Factsheet CON08 - Concessions in ACT

War Service

Check your ship's eligibility for war service.....

News & Articles of Interest

DVA Information of Interest

DVA
Information of Interest