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Latest News for our Navy Network Read our August edition of our newsletter BROADSIDE |
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31 August Russia
and China’s space weapon plans spur high-level Pentagon
meetingDefense Secretary Lloyd Austin will hold a classified meeting at the Pentagon next week to grapple with Russia and China’s possible pursuit of novel space weapons, according to a publicly posted agenda. The discussion comes after two key events last year: Russia launched a missile to destroy a defunct Soviet-era satellite, creating more than 1,500 pieces of space debris, and defense officials say China tested a new combination of a hypersonic glide vehicle and a fractional orbital bombardment system ― an unpredictable capability that can stay on orbit as long as the user determines and then de-orbit as part of its flight path. More..... |
31 August Commemorating
those who served in Malaya and BorneoEach year on 31 August we recognise the Australian defence personnel who served in the Malayan Emergency and the Indonesian Confrontation. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh said it is important to never forget the 39 Australians who died in Malaya, and the 23 Australians who died during the Confrontation. “On Malaya and Borneo Veterans’ Day it is important that we acknowledge our personnel who served in Malaya, a military commitment by Australia of some 13 years,” Minister Keogh said. More..... |
31 August Navy
drops anchor for outback regattaRoyal Australian Navy sailors from both South Australia and the Northern Territory reinvigorated a long-standing tradition when they converged on Alice Springs to take part in the only dry river-bed regatta in the world. Sailors from HMAS Coonawarra and musicians from Royal Australian Navy Band South Australia took part in the recent Henley on Todd Regatta and. More..... |
30 August From
junior recruit to senior health officer in Navy’s largest
shipAt the age of 15, junior recruit Wes Truscott had no idea he would become the Senior Health Officer on board the largest vessel in the Royal Australian Navy. Starting his career at HMAS Leeuwin, he said his interest in medicine resulted in being categorised into the medical branch, where his passion grew. More..... |
30 August Successful
block construction propels Hunter forwardEqual to the size of two houses and taking 45,000 hours, the first steel ‘block’ has been constructed by shipbuilders working on the Hunter Class Frigate Program. The largest surface shipbuilding program in Australian defence history continues to make strong progress at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia. Shipbuilders are initially manufacturing prototype five prototype ship blocks to test and refine the processes, systems, tools, facilities and workforce skills ahead of construction of the first Hunter class frigate. There are 22 blocks in each Hunter class frigate. More..... |
30 August PM Sogavare Clarifies Misinformation on US Coast
Guard VesselSolomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has clarified some misinformation currently carried on international media about the visit by the US Coast Guard Cutter Oliver Henry and HMAS Spey. Speaking at a ceremony to welcome the visiting United States Hospital Ship USNS Mercy in Honiara this evening, Sogavare said there had been a delay in the granting of approval for entry into the country to the US Coast Guard Cutter Oliver Henry due primarily to the appropriate information not sent to the Office of Prime Minister on time. More..... |
30 August U.S.
Navy Foils Iranian Attempt to Capture Unmanned Vessel in
Arabian Gulf The U.S. Navy prevented a support ship from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) from capturing an unmanned surface vessel operated by the U.S. 5th Fleet in the Arabian Gulf, Aug. 29-30. While transiting international waters around 11 p.m. (local time), Aug. 29, U.S. 5th Fleet observed IRGCN support ship Shahid Baziar towing a Saildrone Explorer unmanned surface vessel (USV) in an attempt to detain it. U.S. Navy patrol coastal ship USS Thunderbolt (PC 12) was operating nearby and immediately responded. U.S. 5th Fleet also launched an MH-60S Sea Hawk from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 26, based in Bahrain. More..... |
29 August Allied,
U.S. Forces conduct Exercise Pacific Vanguard 2022Maritime forces from the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy, and the United States Navy sailed together to conduct cooperative maritime exercise Pacific Vanguard (PV) 2022 that concluded, Aug. 29. Representing Australia was the RAN Hobart-class destroyer HMAS Sydney (DDG 42), HMAS Perth (FFH 157), HMAS Supply (A195), and multiple aircraft from the RAN. More..... |
29 August British
aircraft carrier breaks down en route to USRoyal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales has broken down off the south coast shortly after leaving Portsmouth Naval Base for a mission off the coast of North America and in the Caribbean. Royal Navy official revealed that HMS Prince of Wales “remains in the South Coast Exercise Area while conducting investigations into an emerging mechanical issue”. The aircraft carrier left Portsmouth on 27 August for “landmark aviation trials” in the US. More..... |
29 August RSL Sub-Branch donates kayaks to Naval CadetsNorth Beach RSL Sub Branch recently donated 10 kayaks to TS Marmion Naval Cadets, which are based at Hillarys Marina, as part of its program of fostering stronger community relationships with service-related organisations. The kayaks will assist the Naval Cadets gain a broader range of water related skills whilst at the same time, having fun. As for the RSL Sub-Branch, members have been paddling the kayaks both within and around the Marina, as well other locations close to Perth for a number of years as part of its commitment to improving members’ health and to build camaraderie. More..... |
27 August
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27 AugustReport:
US Coast Guard ship denied port call in Solomons A U.S. Coast Guard cutter conducting patrols as part of an international mission to prevent illegal fishing was recently unable to get clearance for a scheduled port call in the Solomon Islands, according to reports, an incident that comes amid growing concerns of Chinese influence on the Pacific nation. The cutter Oliver Henry was taking part in Operation Island Chief monitoring fishing activities in the Pacific, which came to a close on Friday, when it sought to make a scheduled stop on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, to refuel and re-provision, Coast Guard Lt. Kristin Kam told the Stars and Stripes newspaper. More..... |
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AugustThe five-domains update Sea state Following its explosive demonstrations of military might in the Taiwan Strait earlier this month, the Chinese navy this week triggered anxieties about its expansion once again. Elsewhere in the Indo-Pacific, the Royal Australian Navy tested its own state-of-the-art radar technology. While participating in Exercise Pacific Dragon, the guided missile destroyer HMAS Sydney used its Aegis combat system to intercept an aerial drone, according to a Defence press release. More..... |
26 August Royal
Navy joins fight against illegal fishing in South PacificRoyal Navy offshore patrol ship HMS Spey joined navies, coast guards and police in the southwest Pacific on a concerted effort to protect local fishing stocks. Over ten days Spey took part in Operation Island Chief, one of four concerted efforts every year focusing on detecting, reporting, apprehending and deterring illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. More..... |
26 August Pacific
support vessel shoots to thrillFor the first time, the National Support Squadron had an opportunity to have three of its ships in Sydney Harbour at the same time when MV Reliant was welcomed to Sydney on August 12. The multi-role aviation training vessel MV Sycamore, navigation training vessel MV Mercator and Pacific support vessel Reliant were operating off Sydney heads before a combined entry into the harbour. More..... |
26 August WW2
veterans honoured for valourThree World War 2 Navy veterans instrumental in supporting General Douglas MacArthur’s return to the Philippines, cracking enemy codes, and facing down enemy fire, were honoured for their service at an emotional ceremony on August 9. Two of the veterans, Harrold “Hiram” Ristrom and Margaret Hattersley (nee Hartley), were able to attend the ceremony at Bentleigh RSL in Victoria and were presented with a Quilt of Valour and a recognition of service certificate by Commodore Greg Yorke, Senior Naval Officer - Victoria. More..... |
25 August That’s
a wrap for HMAS CanberraAfter almost three months at sea on a regional presence deployment through the Pacific, HMAS Canberra is heading back to her home port in Sydney. In June, HMA Ships Canberra, Warramunga and Supply set sail on the regional presence deployment. Canberra sailed from Townsville with embarked forces from the Australian Army, His Majesty’s Armed Forces of Tonga and the Sri Lankan Marines to participate in Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2022 (RIMPAC). More..... |
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25 August$4.45
million to support local veterans Veterans’ advocacy services today received a boost, with more than 119 ex-service organisations (ESOs) across Australia sharing in $4.45 million of funding under the Australian Government’s Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) grants program. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh said the BEST grants program helps fund a range of support services delivered by ESOs, to provide localised advice and assistance to veterans and families through wellbeing and compensation advocates. More..... |
24 August President's
thanks for making Nauru saferThe President of Nauru, Lionel Aingimea, thanked the Royal Australian Navy for its efforts on Operation Render Safe during a visit to HMAS Canberra on August 18. Canberra has been supporting Operation Render Safe - the disposal of unexploded ordnance. It is a continuation of the first Operation Render Safe mission undertaken in Nauru in 2020. More..... |
24 August Weightlifter
finds his callingLifting more than 200kg over one’s head is no mean feat for Australia’s top weightlifter, who experienced all the bells and whistles of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Leading Seaman Suamili Nanai took up weightlifting in 2020 after looking for a new sport. “I was told I couldn’t play rugby anymore because I’d had too many knocks to the head, so I found something else to do,” Leading Seaman Nanai said. More..... |
23 August Senior
US official says Washington would consider supplying B-21
bombers to AustraliaA senior Washington official has indicated that the United States would consider providing Australia with B-21 Raider long-range bombers, if Canberra requested them. US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall was hosted in Canberra this week by the new chief of the Royal Australian Air Force, Air Marshal Robert Chipman. The two fielded questions at a media briefing. More..... |
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23 August ADF Nordic Skiing and Biathlon - Exercise Coolshot Held from July 31 to August 12, Exercise Coolshot 2022 combined the independent disciplines of Nordic skiing and small bore sports rifle shooting into the challenging sport called Nordic Biathlon. Teams from Navy, Army and Air Force conducted a training week followed by the championships at Mount Hotham, Victoria. |
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23 AugustExperts
gather to examine Veteran Employment The Federal Labor Government has held the first of two Veterans Employment Round Tables, as precursor consultations to the Government’s Jobs and Skills Summit to better understand practical solutions to get more Aussie veterans and defence families into work. Australian Defence Force Personnel and Veterans have sought after skills; with the ability to work well under pressure, agility and leadership skills highly sought after in the workforce. More..... |
22 August ADFA
capabilities on show at open dayProspective students, trainee officers, friends, families and the local Canberra community experienced the vibrancy of the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) at its open day on Saturday. ADFA offers world-class tertiary education through the University of New South Wales (UNSW) for Navy, Army and Air Force trainee officers with a military and leadership component integrated into academic studies. More..... |
22 August Keeping
the peace for 75 yearsA national commemorative service recognising the 75th anniversary of Australia’s involvement in peacekeeping operations will be held in Canberra on September 14. In 1947, Australians were part of the first group of United Nations military observers anywhere in the world, and were sent to the Netherlands East Indies (now Indonesia). More..... |
22 August Five
Type 052D Destroyers Under Construction in ChinaThe Chinese naval shipbuilding industry continues to demonstrate that it is in a league of its own: A ship spotter photo released today shows five Type 052D destroyers all taking shape in a construction dock at the Dalian shipyard. The picture published on Chinese microblogging website Weibo by user @lyman2003 shows the five hulls at various stages of completion at the Dalian shipyard. Located in Northern China, it is one of two Chinese yards building large, destroyer-size, surface combatants. More..... |
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22 August Merchant Navy Service - Melbourne  |
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20 AugustFunding
applications now open for Veterans' Health Week Ex-service organisations and community groups can now apply for funding to help host events promoting healthy eating as part of this year’s Veterans’ Health Week. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh said hosting or participating in a Veterans’ Health Week event is a fantastic way to support veterans and families locally, raise awareness of particular health concerns that veterans may face and promote better health and wellbeing through healthy lifestyle choices. More..... |
19 August Anduril Australia hopes to make 100s of large drone subs,
‘ITAR free,’ CEO saysThe new CEO and chairman of Anduril Australia, overseeing a tiny staff of seven now, plans to have 140 people working by next year, and his company will soon announce a “state of the art” research and development center on Sydney Harbour to build what the company believes will be the first of hundreds of large drone submarines. CEO and chairman David Goodrich told Breaking Defense the $100 million AUD effort to build three prototype Extra Large Autonomous Undersea Vehicles (XL-AUVs) in three years is just the beginning of ambitious plans for the company. More..... |
19 August China’s
Navy Could Have 5 Aircraft Carriers, 10 Ballistic Missile
Subs by 2030The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy possesses the resources to field up to five aircraft carriers and 10 nuclear ballistic missile submarines by 2030, according to a new think tank report on Beijing’s ongoing military expansion. Using the its computer assisted Strategic Choices Tool, the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessment’s study, “China’s Choices,” found, “the PLA has the resources necessary to continue its modernization over the 2020s,” according to the report. More..... |
19 August Firing
away on regional presence deploymentRoyal Australian Navy guided missile destroyer, HMAS Sydney, displayed its sophisticated naval combat capabilities while participating in Exercise Pacific Dragon 2022 in the seas off Hawaii. The exercise saw Sydney track very high-speed targets with its Aegis Combat System and state-of-the-art phased array AN/SPY 1D(V) radar before successfully launching an Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile to intercept an airborne target drone. More..... |
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19 August Wreck of US warship sunk in WW1 found off English coast Divers have filmed extraordinary pictures of the wreck of a US warship, discovered on the seabed more 105 years after it was sunk in the First World War. The USS Jacob Jones was torpedoed by a German submarine in December 1917. 66 servicemen on board lost their lives. |
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19 August Reaping
the rewards of pathways programThe Defence Industry Pathways Program’s (DIPP) first two intakes have completed their training, marking an important first milestone in their future defence careers. The DIPP is a 12-month traineeship fully-funded by the Commonwealth Government that provides Western Australian school leavers with the range of skills necessary to gain employment in Australia’s growing defence industry. More..... |
19 August Aircrew
graduates receive their wingsThe first aircrew to graduate from 723 Squadron – Joint Helicopter School in its 70th year have received their wings and initial qualifications in a ceremony fittingly featuring a flyover of EC-135 training helicopters. Army’s ARH Tiger and Air Force’s PC-21 also joined the formalities, along with the Navy band and the 23 graduates’ families and guests. More..... |
18 August Long Tan Bursary applications open 18 AugustApplications for next year’s Long Tan Bursaries open today, 18 August 2022, Vietnam Veterans' Day. The Long Tan Bursary pays for the tertiary education of children and grandchildren of Vietnam veterans. Each year, 37 bursaries are awarded to successful applicants across Australia. Each bursary is worth up to $12,000 and provided over three years for continuous full-time study. More..... |
18 August ADFA
opportunities take the leadLeaving country Victoria and the family’s 50-acre dairy farm in Nyora, Royal Australian Navy Midshipman Rachael Emmett dreamt of travelling and seeing the world. “The Navy offers opportunities to travel and see the world. In my first year, I have already been to three countries in the South-East Pacific region,” Midshipman Emmett said. More..... |
17 August Indo-Pacific
Maritime Forces Kick off 21st SEACAT ExerciseMaritime forces from 21 Indo-Pacific partner nations, including the U.S. Navy, and non-governmental and international organizations, began the 21st iteration of Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT) in the Republic of Singapore, Aug. 16, 2022. SEACAT is a multilateral exercise designed to enhance cooperation among Southeast Asian countries and provide mutual support and a common goal to address crises, contingencies, and illegal activities in the maritime domain using standardized tactics, techniques, and procedures. More..... |
17 August HMAS
Glenelg granted Freedom of EntryHMAS Glenelg’s ship’s company recently conducted a Freedom of Entry through Glenelg, in the Holdfast Bay area of Adelaide. The Freedom of Entry dates back to medieval times when trusted military units would be granted permission to enter walled towns to replenish supplies and arms. More..... |
17 August Marles’s
strategic review presents an exploding suitcase of
challengesThe Labor government’s defence strategic review will explore how the Australian military is positioned and enabled to operate in our region as the security environment requires. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the review on 3 August and it’s to report by March 2023. That’s so that the government can make decisions at the same time as it decides on the path to give Australia eight nuclear-powered submarines within an AUKUS partnership that makes them safe and effective. More..... |
17 August The
power of friendshipEight years ago, 51 naval officers from 50 countries walked through the gates of the US Naval War College at Rhode Island as strangers and 11 months later were long-term friends. Three of those officers came back together in senior leadership and command positions for Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. More..... |
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17 AugustRecognising Vietnam Veterans Tomorrow, on Vietnam Veterans’ Day, Australia pauses to recognise the men and women who served in the Vietnam War, 60 years after the first Australian defence personnel were sent to South Vietnam. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh said the Vietnam War was era-defining, and the longest conflict Australia was involved in during the 20th century. “The some 60,000 Australians who served in Vietnam deserve our utmost gratitude and respect; 521 gave their lives in the conflict and over 3,000 were wounded,” Minister Keogh said. More..... |
16 August U.S.
Joins South Korea, Australia, Japan, Canada for Missile
Defense Exercise Following RIMPACNaval forces for the United States, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia and Canada wrapped up the Pacific Dragon 2022 exercise on Monday. The biennial multinational air and missile defense drills began on Aug. 5 in Hawaii at the Pacific Missile Range Facility Barking Sands (PMRF) and off the coast of Kauai. This was the first time Australia and Canada took part in the exercises, as previous iterations only included the U.S., Japan and the Republic of Korea. More..... |
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16 August Pacific Partnership health fair Earlier this week the USNS Mercy arrived in Puerto Princesa, Philippines as part of Pacific Partnership 2022. Among the contingent, a team of ADF medical and dental personnel who will be working side-by-side with their counterparts from the United States and the Philippines providing specialist medical and dental care as well as gender, peace and security advice. |
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15 August Nuclear Powered Submarine Task Force On 16 September 2021, Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, announced a new enhanced trilateral security partnership (AUKUS). The first major initiative under AUKUS is Australia’s acquisition of at least eight nuclear-powered submarines. Defence has established a Nuclear Powered Submarine Taskforce led by VADM Jonathan Mead AO, which is working with the UK and US to identify the optimal path to deliver these submarines. |
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15 August National Science Week - Marine Engineering Officer National Science Week is Australia’s celebration of science and technology. A technical role in Navy can provide a fulfilling career for those with an interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). |
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15 August National Science Week - Electronics Technician National Science Week is Australia’s celebration of science and technology. A technical role in Navy can provide a fulfilling career for those with an interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). |
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15 August Indian Navy ship arrives in PerthIndian Navy Ship (INS) Sumedha is visiting Australia as part of global celebrations for India’s 75th Anniversary of Independence or ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’. Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond welcomed the Sumedha’s visit to the Port of Fremantle from August 14-17. “I warmly welcome Indian Navy Ship Sumedha and her crew to Perth in celebration of this important occasion,” Vice Admiral Hammond said. More..... |
15 August Important change coming to the way you receive some
DVA correspondenceThe Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) is making a change to the way you receive some letters from us. This change will give clients a better and more accessible experience when you are using online services. Commencing on 10 August, if you have a MyService account you will start receiving a number of your letters, including letters advising of decisions and outcomes of claims, digitally in your myGov inbox. More..... |
15 August When Victory in the Pacific ended the Second World
WarSeventy seven years ago today war ended in the Pacific, with Japan giving their unconditional surrender to the Allies, officially bringing an end to the Second World War. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Matt Keogh said nearly one million Australians served during the war and around 40,000 did not return home to their families. “On Victory in the Pacific Day, we pause to commemorate the more than 17,000 Australians who lost their lives in the war against Japan,” Minister Keogh said. More..... |
12 August Celebrating
a 40-year milestone‘When I stop having fun I’ll go,’ is the mantra Lieutenant Commander David Gould has lived by and the reason he has just reached the milestone of 40 years in the Royal Australian Navy. HMAS Canberra’s ‘First Lieutenant’ joined Navy in 1982 and despite his four decades of service, this Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) was his first as an officer. More..... |
12 August HII
Set to Install First Hypersonic Missiles on USS Zumwalt, USS
Michael Monsoor During Repair PeriodA Mississippi shipyard is set to install the first long range hypersonic weapons on a U.S. warship in an upcoming repair period, USNI News has learned. According to a Friday pre-solicitation notice from Naval Sea Systems Command, the Navy has selected Ingalls Shipbuilding for a dry-dock period for guided-missile destroyers USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001). More..... |
12 August Coffee
and ice cream keep crew happyCatering at sea for several weeks during Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022 required careful logistical planning. Sub-Lieutenant Assistant Maritime Logistics Officer Amelia Ross works on board HMAS Canberra, where catering supplies are her domain. More..... |
12 August Navy
offers future sailors, veterans up to $115,000 in
enlistment, loan repayment incentivesFuture sailors and veterans who agree to re-up can combine the maximum enlistment bonus with a maximum student loan repayment — to cap out at $115,000 — provided they enlist or reassess into active duty and can ship out before the end of September. The Navy, which raised the maximum enlistment bonus to $50,000 in February, said the incentives aim to attract the “highest quality of recruits,” and come as all the services struggle to hit recruitment quotas this fiscal year. More..... |
11 August HMS
Spey trains alongside Australian patrol ships in DarwinHMS Spey has said goodbye to Australia after making a pitstop in Darwin for a crew swap and to take on supplies and fuel for the next leg of her Pacific patrol. She also used her time in the Northern Territory to work with the Royal Australian Navy and share training and experiences of being an overseas patrol vessel deployed from the UK for up to five years. More..... |
11 August China’s
Newest Attack Submarine Now Stationed Near TaiwanChina's East Sea Fleet, across from Taiwan, has received a new submarine. The boat is unlike any currently in service, being distinguished by a radically angled sail. The Chinese Navy’s (PLAN) latest submarine, which was only commissioned in July, is based in their East Sea Fleet. This fleet faces off against Taiwan in a direct sense, being responsible for that area of operations. The new boat represents the cutting edge of Chinese non-nuclear submarines. More..... |
11 AugustRoyal
Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide E&OE transcript Press Conference Canberra THE HON MATT KEOGH MP, MINISTER FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS AND DEFENCE PERSONNEL: Good morning, everybody. The Albanese Labor government welcomes this interim report from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, and we are committed to a better future for our serving personnel, veterans and families. We will now look into implementing these recommendations that have been made. More..... |
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11 AugustGovernment
welcomes Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide
Interim Report The Australian Government welcomes the Interim Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide by Commissioners Nick Kaldas APM, the Hon James Douglas QC and Dr Peggy Brown AO. The Government will carefully consider all the recommendations contained in the report and issue a full response in due course, but the Defence and veterans’ community should know that this Government is committed to taking action to reducing incidents of suicide in the Defence and veteran communities. More..... |
11 August Release of Royal Commission Interim ReportOn 11 August 2022, the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide released its Interim Report, which provided a number of recommendations to help prevent those who have served in the Australian Defence Force from taking their own life. The interim report’s recommendations include increasing resources to address the claims processing backlog, simplifying veterans legislation, improving access to information for families, improving the transition to civilian life, and access to mental health, financial and medical support services for veterans. DVA thanks the witnesses who have provided testimony in public and private hearings, as well as all those who have made submissions. More..... |
10 August How
one Navy warship is taking ‘busting rust’ to a whole new
levelWarship rust is a perennial point of debate among active-duty and veteran surface fleet sailors. Some argue that a bit of rust following a long underway reflects the hard work that the vessel and its crew undertook, while others think rusty gray hulls are “unsat” by their very nature and project a shabby version of U.S. military might. More..... |
09 August Navy
enlists first Indigenous EldersTwo former sailors of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent were welcomed back on board with appointments as Navy’s first Indigenous Elders. Pioneering the role supporting the Navy Indigenous Development Program (NIDP), Aunty Fran Visini and Uncle Phillip Bowie have re-enlisted in the recently established general mariner reservist category. More..... |
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09 August Astute-Class: The Royal Navy's Killing Machine The Astute class is the latest nuclear-powered fleet submarine (SSNs) in service with the Royal Navy. |
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08 August U.S.
Will Continue Taiwan Strait Transits, FONOPs in Western
Pacific Despite Growing Tension with ChinaU.S. warships will continue to make Taiwan Strait transits and perform freedom of navigation operations in the Indo-Pacific despite the recent Chinese live fire drills, the undersecretary of defense for policy told reporters Monday. The U.S. Navy is expected to conduct some freedom of navigation operations in the region in the coming days, Colin Kahl, undersecretary of defense for policy, said during a press briefing. It is important for Beijing to understand that the United States will continue to sail in international waters where it is allowed. More..... |
08 August Navy
Recovers F/A-18E Super Hornet Blown off Deck of USS Harry S.
TrumanThe F/A-18E Super Hornet blown off the deck of an aircraft carrier was recovered 9,500 feet under the Mediterranean Sea, U.S. 6th Fleet announced on Monday. The single-seat Super Hornet assigned to Carrier Air Wing 1 aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) was knocked off the deck of the carrier in what the Navy at the time called “unexpected heavy weather” during the midst of an underway replenishment. More..... |
08 August Can
a new conventional submarine smooth Australia’s transition
to a nuclear-powered fleet?The government has announced a defence strategic review to ensure Australia ‘has the right capabilities that are postured to meet the growing strategic challenges that Australia and its partner countries will face in the world in coming years’. Earlier in this series, we looked at Australia’s transition in undersea warfare capability and highlighted the risks involved in that long process. One of the review’s highest priorities will be to address those risks. More..... |
08 August Commemorating
the Battle of Savo IslandThe last surviving crew member of HMAS Canberra (I), 99-year-old Des Jones, remembers how he narrowly escaped death when his ship was sunk in the Battle of Savo Island. This week marks the 80th anniversary of the battle, which claimed four allied ships and more than 1000 casualties, including 84 on Canberra (I). Mr Jones, who joined the Navy as a stoker at 17, recounted events from 80 years ago as if it was yesterday. More..... |
08 August A
RIMPAC to rememberAble Seaman Miranda McLaughlin has had an Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022 to remember. Currently assigned to HMAS Canberra, she joined Navy in 2020 after completing the Navy Gap Year Program. The newly promoted Able Seaman McLaughlin enjoyed all of what an international deployment has to offer, made even better by spending it with her shipmates in a destination some spend a lot of money to visit. More..... |
07 AugustFunding boost for veterans' wellbeing The Australian Government has today committed $55 million to better support the wellbeing of Australian veterans. This commitment consists of $22 million in funding to provide psychiatric assistance dogs to veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and $33 million to extend access to free medical treatment for veterans. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh said the Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ Psychiatric Assistance Dog Program matches highly-trained dogs with veterans diagnosed with PTSD to support them through their clinical recovery. More..... |
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07 August Our July Hero  Commander
Rowland Griffiths Bowen OBE MID K St J RANRowland Griffiths Bowen was born on 14 January 1879 at Taggerty, Victoria to Welsh born parents David Bowen and Margaret Hughes. He joined the Queensland Naval Brigade in 1900 and took a commission as a sub-lieutenant. The brigade came under the authority of the Commonwealth Naval Force in March 1901. With the creation of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) on 10 July 1911, Bowen transferred to the new force as a full time officer at the substantive rank of lieutenant, with an annual salary of £325 and was posted as the District Naval Officer (DNO) at Thursday Island. In February 1914, he was appointed the Assistant District Naval Officer Melbourne, a position he held until the outbreak of the First World War. On 19 August 1914 he was appointed Lieutenant in the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force and sailed off to war on HMAS Berrima. The Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force was raised to engage the enemy in the Pacific and specifically tasked to destroy German wireless stations. The force first went into action in what was then known as German New Guinea. The then Lieutenant Bowen lead a raiding party of 25 reservists in an attack on an enemy wireless station at Bitapaka. Reports of the action state that the party was put ashore at Kabakaul on 11 September. Bowen soon realised the necessity to move through the bush and avoid the road which was really a narrow track. They were soon ambushed by a patrol of native soldiers led by three German officers. One of Bowen’s party, Petty Officer G.R. Palmer, shot one German in the hand. The native troops hastily fled. Bowen acted equally quickly, he forced the wounded German, to move ahead of the column, calling out to the German troops to surrender because 800 troops had landed. The feint was to indicate it was futile to resist. During this incident, Able Seaman W.G.V. Williams – one who remained on the track – was mortally wounded at 9.30am. In a later skirmish Bowen was shot in the head by a sniper and evacuated to Berrima for treatment; he was later mentioned in dispatches for gallantry....... read the full story in our Hero section: https://navyvic.net/heroes/bowen.html |
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05 August RIMPAC 2022 comes to a conclusion Approximately 1,600 Australian Defence Force personnel have joined twenty-five international partners to undertake the world’s largest international maritime exercise. |
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04 August HMS
Spey delivers vaccines and patrols for illegal fishing in
Pitcairn IslandsRoyal Navy sailors delivered Covid vaccines to the descendants of the Bounty when patrol ship HMS Spey visited the tiny Pitcairn Islands in the Pacific. The islands – which are in the middle of the South Pacific and home to only around 50 people – are one of Britain’s most isolated Overseas Territories, famous as the last resting place of HMS Bounty and its mutineers. The ship also carried enough Covid jabs to offer a booster to every eligible person on the islands, most of whom are double vaccinated. More..... |
03 August Enhancing
the ADF Cadet programRecently named as the inaugural patron for ADF Cadets, Governor-General General (retd) Sir Peter Cosgrove has met with Service Cadet organisations and ADF Cadet Headquarters in Canberra to discuss plans to enhance the program. The ADF Cadets is a community-based youth development organisation focused on Defence customs, traditions and values. There are about 28000 cadets currently enrolled in the three cadet programs, with 4400 cadet staff who supervise and support the young people and more than 500 units across all states and territories. More..... |
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03 August Exercise RIMPAC 22 MV-22 embarked in HMAS Canberra Royal Australian Navy landing helicopter dock HMAS Canberra (L02) embarked two U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363 (VMM-363) for the duration of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. |
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03 August Faces of RIMPAC - Able Seaman Sharni Simpson Royal Australian Navy Able Seaman Dental Assistant Sharni Simpson, assigned to the Australian National Command Element, speaks about her experiences during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. |
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03 August A
‘STROL’ in the nightHMAS Canberra is training at night, recovering and launching embarked United States Marine MV-22B Osprey aircraft on the flight deck during Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. The US crews are training with Canberra’s crew, working at night within the ship’s tilt rotor operating limits (STROL), flying between USS Essex and Canberra as part of their night competency training exercises. More..... |
03 August Cooking
up a storm in HMAS CanberraWith a fresh apron, chopping board positioned, gripping his sharpening steel and honing his chef’s knife for its sharpest of edge, Maritime Logistics Chef Able Seaman Zachary Galit is ready to cook up a storm in the ships galley. Long hours in the galley is routine right now for Able Seaman Galit throughout the high tempo warfare exercise, supporting his shipmates with hundreds of meals during Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. More..... |
02 August RIMPAC
lessons will inform Navy’s pursuit of a program-of-record
unmanned ship in 2025The testing of four unmanned surface vessels at the Rim of the Pacific 2022 exercise will help the U.S. Navy kick off a program of record for a large USV in 2025 and help determine if there’s a need for a medium USV in the future hybrid manned-unmanned fleet, program officials said. Among the three dozen or so ships participating in RIMPAC 2022, which runs through Aug. 4, are four without crews: the large-sized Nomad and Ranger Overlord USVs and the medium-sized Sea Hunter and Sea Hawk. More..... |
02 August Navy
officer at the centre of RIMPAC planningWith the safe and successful execution of the world’s largest Navy exercise comes a huge planning effort involving thousands of personnel from 26 participant nations. The key player behind that planning was Lieutenant Commander James Dobson – the embedded Royal Australian Navy officer at the United States Third Fleet. More..... |
02 August The
best of both worldsForty years of service to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and now the best of both worlds, bringing a RAAF capability to the RAN at sea. Flight Lieutenant Allister Daish has what some would say is the best office on board the RAN’s largest ship HMAS Canberra, with endless ocean views and control of the air space. More..... |
02 August A
scenic first overseas deploymentWith its beautiful beaches and laidback lifestyle, Hawaii was an idyllic location for Able Seaman Chelsea Clayton’s first overseas deployment in the Navy. Able Seaman Clayton is a Communication and Information Systems sailor on board HMAS Warramunga – one of three Royal Australian Navy ships that sailed to the island of O’ahu to take part in Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. More..... |
01 August Canberra’s
crew get acquainted with landing craftAs HMAS Canberra sailed the waters around Hawaii, the ship conducted docking operations which provided an opportunity for some of the crew to familiarise themselves with the landing craft embarked. Embarking in the landing helicopter dock’s landing craft (LLC), the crew took time to appreciate the capability of their Amphibious Assault Ship as they sailed out from her during Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. More..... |
01 August Kakadu
2022 set to be biggest everExercise Kakadu this year is set to be the biggest yet with as many as 19 vessels, 34 aircraft and more than 3000 personnel from 25 countries expected. The Final Planning Conference, held last month in Darwin, drew together 75 in-person attendees from 10 countries, as well as additional Australian and international representatives participating via video conference. More..... |
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01 August RIMPAC 2022 fleet looking sharp! HMAS Canberra III, HMAS Supply II and HMAS Warramunga (II) sailed in formation with thirty-seven ships and submarines during RIMPAC2022. |
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01 August HMAS
Parramatta receives warm welcome homeThe Anzac-class frigate HMAS Parramatta returned to its home port of Sydney following a regional presence deployment. The ship’s company was greeted on the wharf by waiting family and friends as well as Navy’s Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Jonathan Earley. More..... |
01 August FlyByA periodical of the Fleet Air Arm Association of Australia. August Edition..... |
| News Archives: For all news articles prior to 01 August 2022 go to our News Archive page | |
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