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Latest News for our Navy Network Download the NOVEMBER edition of our newsletter BROADSIDE |
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BROADSIDE - NOVEMBER 2025 Edition NOTE: To read Broadside in Flipbook form, click on the "Full Screen" arrows. |
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27 November From
hospitality to the high seasFrom flipping burgers in Bondi to navigating warships across the Pacific, Sub-Lieutenant Ben Regan’s journey to Navy was anything but ordinary. Born in Hornsby and raised across Sydney’s inner west and eastern suburbs, his early years were rooted in hospitality. “I started working at McDonald’s when I was 16,” he said. “Then I moved on to high-end catering, cafés and market stalls.” More.... |
27 November Sydney
claims Duke of Gloucester CupAmid a sea of white uniforms and naval pride, Governor-General Sam Mostyn presented the prestigious Duke of Gloucester Cup to HMAS Sydney, recognising the ship’s exceptional performance throughout 2024. First instituted in 1946 by the Duke of Gloucester (and then Governor-General of Australia), the awarding of a silver cup to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) served as a prize for the ship that shot down the most sleeve targets throughout the year. More.... |
27 November Aussie
torpedoman takes on US attack subsLike many young recruits, Able Seaman Jack joined the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) because he wanted to see the world. But becoming a submariner, and qualifying on United States Navy (USN) nuclear-powered attack submarines – where one in 10 crew members is Australian – has opened up a new universe of adventure, technology and learning. More.... |
26 November AUSINDEX
concludes in the PacificThe Royal Australian Navy successfully conducted training and engagement with the Indian Navy from November 18 to 20 in the western Pacific Ocean for AUSINDEX 25. The exercise involved HMAS Ballarat and Indian Navy Shivalik-class frigate INS Sahyadri conducting serials focused on surface and air warfare, seamanship, aviation operations and personnel exchanges. More.... |
26 November Ties
run deep for diversA Royal Australian Navy clearance diving team has led underwater maintenance work on Virginia-class fast attack submarine USS Vermont while alongside at HMAS Stirling. Working together in the water with United States Navy divers, Clearance Diving Team 4 (CDT-4) personnel have been either the lead or secondary divers for all underwater maintenance as part of Vermont’s scheduled submarine maintenance period at Fleet Base West. More.... |
25 November After
84 years, USS Arizona’s unknowns may soon be identifiedSince Japanese aircraft sank the USS Arizona during the Dec. 7, 1941, surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, the battleship has remained in place under water, the watery gravesite to more than 900 sailors entombed within. The U.S. Navy, as with other sunken ships in the harbor, considers those entombed beneath the ship’s hull to be in their final resting place. More.... |
24 November CNO
Caudle Tells Sailors in Guam to Be Ready for Conflict NowChief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle called on the U.S. Navy to heighten its readiness capabilities and be able to fully surge and respond at any moment during an all hands call to Guam-based personnel last week. “You have to be ready, day one. Now you hear a lot about 2027 – I want you ready like in 27 minutes from now,” Caudle said while speaking to sailors Wednesday in Guam. More.... |
22 November Solar-powered
unmanned surface vessel sets new speed crossing AtlanticA small unmanned surface vessel called the Lightfish made a new milestone for USVs when it arrived in Portugal just over two months after being launched by the U.S. Navy in June. The fully autonomous Lightfish is a small solar-powered craft manufactured by Seasats. Its solar panels operate and store energy even in cloudy weather. More.... |
21 November £316m
deal for Royal Navy’s first laser weapon after successful
high-speed drone trialsMore than £300m is being invested in the Royal Navy’s first ever laser weapon after it downed high-velocity drones in latest trials. The success of the latest firings has prompted Whitehall to sign a £316m contract with defence firm MBDA UK to continue developing the weapon – and install it on a Type 45 destroyer within two years. More.... |
21 November U.S.
Marines Are Eyeing an Outpost Just 70 Miles from TaiwanOver the past two months, the U.S. Marine Corps have been shuttling equipment to and from Kubura Port on Yonaguni Island, one of Japan’s farthest outlying islands just 70 miles from Taiwan. The back-and-forth shipments of medical supplies and disaster response equipment comes at an increasing pace as the Corps aims to make Yonaguni Island a focal point in its First Island Chain strategy. More.... |
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21 November 2025 Sailor of the Year finalist, Leading Seaman Tom Hines Check out our 2025 Sailor of the Year finalist, Leading Seaman Tom Hines. The Sailor of the Year program recognises sailors whose daily actions epitomise the positive contributions that sailors make towards the success of the Navy Mission. |
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20 November Guam
hosts Australia, India, Japan and US forces in Exercise
Malabar 2025This year marks the 29th iteration of the Malabar exercise, which began in 1992 as a bilateral exercise between the United States and India. The exercise has since evolved in scope and complexity and now includes Japan and Australia. This marks the sixth time that all four nations have participated in Malabar to advance the collective planning, integration and employment of advanced warfare tactics across participating nations. More.... |
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November UK defense secretary warns Russia over spy ship
courseBritain warned Russia on Wednesday that it was ready to deal with any incursions into its territory after the spy ship Yantar was detected on the edge of U.K. waters north of Scotland. Defense Secretary John Healey said the Russian vessel had directed lasers at pilots of surveillance aircraft monitoring its activities. “My message to Russia and to Putin is this: We see you. We know what you’re doing,’’ Healey said during a briefing in London. “And if the Yantar travels south this week, we are ready.” More.... |
20 November Registration
for tickets to international Anzac Day services now openSince the first Anzac Day was observed in 1916, 25 April is a time for all Australians to recognise the more than 1.5 million service men and women who have served our country in all conflicts, wars and peacekeeping operations. Attending an international Anzac Day Dawn Service is a meaningful opportunity for Australians to come together and commemorate Australia’s wartime history on the very lands where these events took place. More.... |
20 November Changes
to top secret security clearancesTop Secret-Privileged Access security clearance has replaced Positive Vetting as Australia’s highest-level security clearance. The change standardises top secret security clearances under a single vetting authority managed within the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation. More.... |
20 November Meeting
of minds on military medicineThe biggest ever Australasian Military Medicine Association (AMMA) Conference, held in Adelaide, drew more than 900 military health professionals to address the theme of ‘Military Healthcare in a Dynamic Environment’. Surgeon General of the ADF and patron of AMMA, Rear Admiral Sonya Bennett, welcomed South Australia’s Minister for Health and Wellbeing Chris Picton and delegations from Cambodia, Brunei, Philippines, Thailand, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia and Vietnam. More.... |
20 November Hunter
hits milestone on sonar suiteAnother major milestone has been achieved for NuShip Hunter with the successful factory acceptance test (FAT) of the towed body handling system (TBHS) and towed array handling system (TAHS) for its Sonar 2087 suite. The FAT was conducted at the Thales Defence Mission Systems facility in Brest, France, with representatives from Thales France, Thales UK, Thales Australia and the Royal Australian Navy in attendance. More.... |
19 November Frozen
blood a lifesaver on the battlefieldIf a soldier is injured on the battlefield and urgently needs blood, fast access to blood products could mean the difference between life and death. Frozen blood can be that difference. At this year’s Exercise Talisman Sabre, for the first time in Australia’s land domain, frozen blood products were provided to save lives, if required. More.... |
19 November WW2
Navy coder celebrates 100th birthdayIt is 1943, and the world is in the grips of World War 2. As the Japanese encroach on Australia, a young Jack Tucker decides to enlist in the Royal Australian Navy, eager to serve his country. The last thing on Mr Tucker’s mind is growing old, let alone becoming a centenarian. Fast forward 82 years to November 2, 2025, and Mr Tucker is in Melbourne with his family, celebrating his 100th birthday. More.... |
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19 November Fireside chat Chief of Navy Australia, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, AO, RAN and Professor Peter Dean The Chief of Navy Australia, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, AO, RAN discussed the themes of the conference with the Hassett Chair of Military Studies, Professor Peter Dean. |
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18 November Get to know Surface Warfare Officer, Lieutenant Eleanor Brownlie Eleanor speaks on her successful and diverse Navy career, ultra-marathon running and her favourite magical moments at sea. |
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18 November Chief of Navy Vice Admiral (VADM) Mark Hammond AO RAN Keynote Address The Chief of Navy Australia, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, AO, RAN welcomed delegates to the 2025 Sea Power Conference and gave the keynote address. |
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18 November Top
US admiral says he’s watching China’s rapid naval buildup
closelyThe top U.S. admiral on Monday called China’s shipbuilding capability “impressive” as Beijing moves ahead with a rapid buildup of the world’s largest navy, and said America’s cooperation with Asian allies South Korea and Japan is essential for its own shipbuilding capability. “How they utilize those aircraft carriers globally is, of course, a concern of mine,” Adm. Daryl Caudle said in Japan, part of his 10-day tour of the Asia-Pacific. More.... |
17 November Japanese
Forces Test Deployment of Hypersonic Missile SystemThe Japan Self-Defense Force recently tested the deployment of a developing hypersonic missile system that is designed to defend Tokyo’s islands from foreign warships. The Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) showcased the Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile (HVGP) during an industry day last week, highlighting several domestic tests for deploying the system. More.... |
17 November Identities
of three NT residents charged with fraud over alleged $71
million Defence contract scheme revealedThe names of three Northern Territory residents alleged to have fraudulently secured Commonwealth Defence contracts worth $71 million have been revealed in the Darwin Local Court. More than a dozen bail conditions were imposed on Michael Buckley, Natalie Wynne and Dallas Wynne on Monday, in a case Judge Jonathon Bortoli said was "likely to end up in the Supreme Court." More.... |
17 November US
Coast Guard tracks Russian military vessel near Hawaii
watersThe US Coast Guard has detected and closely monitored the Russian Navy intelligence ship Kareliya approximately 15 nautical miles south of Oahu. The Kareliya, a Vishnya-class intelligence vessel known for its role in gathering naval intelligence, drew immediate attention from U.S. maritime security forces. More.... |
14 November A
summit of kindnessKindness to others and looking out for people who don’t seem included. These were Petty Officer Jess Elliott’s key takeaways from the recent Women UNLIMITED Leadership Summit in Sydney, which featured big-name speakers like Hillary Clinton and Julia Gillard. With a physical training instructor background, these are not the events she would usually attend. More.... |
14 November Chance
unites Navy family in the PhilippinesWhen a Philippine Navy quartermaster arrived on the wharf in Subic to meet HMAS Ballarat, he was surprised to learn of a distant family connection on board. Ballarat’s commanding officer sparked up a conversation with the sailor, noting he had the surname Penafiel – the same last name as a member of the ship’s company. The sailor brushed it off, joking, “he’s probably just Spanish or Mexican”, and the conversation went no further. More.... |
13 November Navy
Band entertains international audienceNavy bands offered attendees at the Indo Pacific 2025 exposition and conference a relaxing break during a week of deep discussions ranging from recruitment and retention to nuclear-powered submarines. Across the three days of the event, held throughout the Sydney International Convention Centre, numerous bands filled the venue with their expertly played tones. More.... |
13 November Ballarat
upholds Indo-Pacific freedomHMAS Ballarat has conducted a series of transits and patrols through the South China Sea as part of her regional presence deployment. Chief of Joint Operations Vice Admiral Justin Jones said Australia’s routine maritime activities reflected the ADF’s longstanding commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. “The South China Sea is a vital waterway for the entire international community,” Vice Admiral Jones said. More.... |
13 November Remembering
World War 2 at Pearl HarborAustralian sailors recently stood alongside their US Navy counterparts to remember shared sacrifices and a commitment to the cause of freedom. Sailors from the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Fleet Support Unit Pearl Harbor Deployed Maintenance Team supported the US Navy to commemorate 80 years since the end of World War 2 on board USS Missouri at Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. More.... |
13 November Real
stories, real lessons: understanding hidden feesA veteran was surprised to learn that 10% of their compensation payments were being deducted by a paid advocate, even though they hadn’t realised they had agreed to this arrangement. The fee was embedded in the fine print, and the veteran felt misled and disappointed. This experience highlights the importance of understanding how advocacy services are funded and what you’re agreeing to when lodging a claim. Watch out for.... |
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12 November OUR NOVEMBER HERO LCDR Arthur Henry CALLAWAY DSO RANVR (and the brave men of H.M. Trawler Lady Shirley)  Arthur Henry Callaway, accountant and naval officer, was
born on 3 April 1906 at Woollahra, Sydney, son of Arthur
Henry Callaway, vocalist, and his wife Cecilia Frances, née
Thomson, both Sydneysiders. He joined the Royal Australian
Naval Reserve on 1 July 1924 as a Midshipman and in June
1939 transferred to the Volunteer Reserve with the rank of
Lieutenant.Having specialised in anti-submarine warfare, Callaway was promoted Lieutenant Commander on 23 June 1939. He was mobilised in September and served in HMAS Yarra until March 1940. Lent to the Royal Navy in November he sailed for England. In June 1941 he assumed command of H.M. Trawler, Lady Shirley, which operated from Gibraltar; of 477 tons gross, she and similar vessels had been requisitioned for patrol duties. On 4 October Lady Shirley was searching for a merchantman lying damaged 400 nautical miles (741 km) west of the Canary Islands. These were dangerous waters infested by German U-boats ever watching and waiting for the helpless merchantmen. Continue reading about our hero and his bravo men..... |
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12 November Japan
Weighs Nuclear Submarines as New Defense Minister Koizumi
Signals Break from Postwar Nuclear TabooJapan’s new Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has publicly called for Tokyo to consider acquiring nuclear-powered submarines (SSN), marking what would be a significant strategic shift for the only nation to have suffered atomic bombings and where public sentiment remains deeply averse to nuclear weapons. Japan currently operates only conventionally powered diesel-electric submarines. More.... |
12 November World’s
largest aircraft carrier sails into Caribbean watersThe Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, led by the world’s largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), entered the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility (USSOUTHCOM AOR) on November 11, 2025. The carrier strike group will augment joint forces already in the area of responsibility, including the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and embarked marine expeditionary unit, under a Joint Task Force. More.... |
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NovemberHMAS Supply returns home to Eden On November 5, HMAS Supply made a welcome return to her ceremonial home port of Eden, arriving in Twofold Bay to conduct ammunitioning in preparation for upcoming sea trials. Although the visit was brief, the crew was delighted to be back in the bay and to glimpse the majestic Bundian Way – after which the ship’s main passageway is named. Sailing in on a spectacular spring morning, even the local whales seemed to join in on the warm welcome. More.... |
11 November Conference
focuses on undersea warfareOn day three of Indo Pacific 2025, leaders from the Royal Australian Navy, Royal Navy, Australian Submarine Agency and the United States Navy spoke on multiple panel discussions with a renewed focus on undersea warfare and nuclear systems. The role of undersea warfare in national security and how operations in this domain are evolving was the subject of the first panel for the day, chaired by Head of Nuclear Submarine Capability Rear Admiral Tom Phillips. More.... |
11 November Defence
spouses connect across culturesAt Indo Pacific 2025, one of the most impactful moments came not from the main stage, but from a roundtable of Defence spouses. Hosted at HMAS Watson as part of a cultural immersion program, the discussion brought together about 30 international spouses who had chosen to accompany their military partners to Australia. Program host Jodi Hammond, wife of Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, said it was important to share knowledge among the spouses. More.... |
11 November Honouring
100 years on the 11th hourKamikaze planes from the land of the rising sun came silhouetted against the setting sun. The last surviving crew member of HMAS Gascoyne, then-Able Seaman Ross Gourlay, could see the Japanese pilot’s goggles as the suicide bomber veered across the frigate and crashed into Philippine waters just off their starboard bow. “All I could do was pray, ‘Our father who art in heaven’,” Mr Gourlay said. “I think the pilot pulled out at the last second. We will never know.” More.... |
11 November Ballarat
strengthens ties in the PhilippinesHMAS Ballarat has joined ships and aircraft from New Zealand, the Philippines and the United States for a multilateral maritime cooperative activity within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone. Conducted from October 30 to 31, the activity brought together Ballarat, Royal New Zealand Navy ship HMNZS Aotearoa, Philippine Navy frigate BRP Jose Rizal and United States Navy destroyer USS Fitzgerald. More.... |
11 November Bush
retreat brings together veterans to talk and lighten their
loadGroups of men sit around tables, sipping on cups of coffee and eating homemade baked goods for morning tea. The men, who are veterans and mates, are at a bush retreat to help shed the weight of past traumas from their shoulders. "It's a place where you can come and have a yarn and more or less forget about it sort of thing," Colin Beeton said. More.... |
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10 November Indo Pacific Conference 2025 Indo Pacific 2025, run from 4-6 November 2025, is one of the world’s biggest maritime conference and trade exposition events. |
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10 November Celebrating
the heart and soul of NavyThe VIPs and beating heart of Navy – Australia’s skilled sailors took centre stage at the Indo-Pacific Sea Power Conference with the 2025 Sailors Forum celebrating their grit and conviction. A highlight was Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond presenting the inaugural Teddy Sheean awards to the 2025 and 2024 Sailors of the Year, in honour of the 18-year-old Ordinary Seaman and Victoria Cross winner who kept firing as his ship went down under Japanese attack in World War 2. More.... |
10 November From
dream to deploymentLieutenant Bridget Weeks fulfilled a lifelong dream when she sailed an Australian warship into Malaysia during a regional presence deployment. Lieutenant Weeks, whose mother migrated to Australia from Malaysia in 1998, is a surface warfare officer serving on HMAS Ballarat. “I’ve been telling my family since I was 10 that one day I would join the Navy and drive a ship to Malaysia, and I did it. How cool is that?” Lieutenant Weeks said. More.... |
10 November 6
Dead in Weekend Strikes on Suspected Narco Boats in Eastern
PacificU.S. forces struck two suspected narco boats Sunday in international waters in the Eastern Pacific, killing six people. The boats were allegedly transiting along a known narco-trafficking transit route and are believed to have been carrying illicit narcotics at the time of the strikes, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wrote on social media platform X. The strikes mark 19 total strikes conducted by the U.S. since early September. More.... |
07 November Australia's
'no fail' submarine mission set for shake-up as admiral in
charge exitsAustralia's fledgling submarine agency is bracing for shake-up with the admiral in charge of the massive AUKUS program stepping down after five years in the job. Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead, the first boss of the Australian Submarine Agency, has announced he will retire in mid-2026, one year before the first US nuclear-powered submarine is due to be deployed to Western Australia. More.... |
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07 November Indo Pac 25 Wrap up As #IndoPacific2025 comes to a close, we want to thank everyone who joined us in Sydney for an outstanding few days of engagement, innovation and collaboration. |
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07 November Thieves steal war memorial plaques on Gold Coast Thieves have stolen bronze plaques from multiple war memorials on the Gold Coast, including commemorative plaques honouring Korean War veterans, Kokoda track fighters, and Papua New Guinean soldiers who fought alongside Australian and New Zealand forces in World War II. |
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07 November Navy Life Expo wrap As part of Indo-Pacific Conference 2025 we welcomed over 800 young Australians to the Navy Life Expo to experience what life in our Navy is like. |
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06 November Austal
Shows New Vantage Surface Drones at Indo Pacific 2025Australian Henderson-based shipbuilder Austal has presented the Vantage-family of large optionally crewed surface vessels (LOSV) at Indopacific 2025 in Sydney this week. Additionally, the compay also showcased their AROS (for Autonomous and Remotely Operated Ships) Platform Controller-suite. The product intends to provide a standardised control interface for uncrewed and optionally crewed surface vessels. More.... |
06 November PT-USV:
Leidos, Kongsberg partner on enhancing Sea Archer strike
capabilityIn an updated blast from the past, Leidos Australia and Kongsberg Defence Australia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the lethality of the Sea Archer platform. This modern twist on the fast, hard-hitting patrol boats of World War II, Leidos Australia and Kongsberg Defence Australia have joined forces to explore pairing Kongsberg’s Naval Strike Missile (NSM) with Leidos’ cutting-edge uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), Sea Archer and its larger sibling, Longbow. More.... |
06 November Stalwart
keeps Aussie fleet at seaAs the first light of dawn broke over the waves off Australia’s east coast, the crew of HMAS Stalwart were already hard at work. The deck buzzed with energy as sailors double-checked gear, ran through procedures and gathered in small groups to review safety measures. For boatswain's mate Able Seaman April Matthysz Hamblin, the morning brought nerves and excitement in equal measure. More.... |
06 November SubSea
Craft and Greenroom Robotics team up to strengthen AUKUS
maritime innovationBritish defence technology company SubSea Craft and Australian firm Greenroom Robotics have signed a teaming agreement that deepens cooperation across the AUKUS technology ecosystem and advances shared priorities in undersea and autonomous warfare. The agreement will integrate Greenroom’s advanced autonomous control systems into SubSea Craft’s (SSC) Maritime Autonomy Reconnaissance System (MARS) platform, a next-generation uncrewed surface vessel, while opening pathways for further joint research and development in Australia. More.... |
06 November New
framework to strengthen suicide preventionDVA has launched a new Suicide Prevention Framework, designed to reduce suicide and suicidal distress among veterans and families. The release of the Framework delivers on a key objective of the Joint Defence and DVA Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025–2030, Suicide Prevention Action Plan and will underpin DVA’s dedicated response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. It was shaped in collaboration with Defence, veterans, families, carers, health professionals and support organisations. and recognises that suicide is a highly complex issue, with a range of contributing factors at the individual and society level. More.... |
06 November Specialist
training strengthens ties in the PacificAs ADV Reliant sailed through the Pacific Ocean, members of the Pacific Response Group (PRG) participated in Gender Focal Point training, an initiative designed to enhance their readiness for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations across the region. A multinational military unit comprised members from Australia, Fiji, France, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Tonga, the Pacific Response Group builds on the region’s legacy of cooperation. More.... |
05 November ‘Greatest
vulnerability’: Australian Navy chief says protecting
undersea cables is ‘existential’The vast island continent here depends heavily on data and communications made possible by undersea cables, but Australia lacks the law, policy and capability to protect and repair the vital digital lifelines in the event of attack, experts here say. “Our connectivity to the global financial system and to family and friends across the world depends on the integrity of around 16 submarine cables that stretch across the seabed from continent to continent, and they plug in at various points along our coastline. More.... |
05 November Dogs
find their sea legsSniffing out contraband and well-deserved pats, the Australian Border Force (ABF) Detector Dog Program visited a Navy base to expose the dogs to new environments. On October 15, the four detector dogs, Rocky, Lupin, Magic, Perth and their handlers, had a busy morning of training by finding contraband planted in multiple locations in HMAS Waterhen. Starting with the Waterhen mine warfare workshop, the dogs were taken one at a time to investigate and find the planted contraband. More.... |
05 November The
Path to Autonomous ShipyardsIt takes millions of man-hours to build a ship and that’s not changing anytime soon. What is changing, though, is how. Faced with mounting pressure to build faster, more efficiently and sustainably, shipyards are reaching the limits of what traditional production methods can do. That’s why an increasing number are turning to automation, with the ultimate goal of becoming fully autonomous shipyards, to keep pace with demand and stay competitive. More.... |
05 NovemberNew
option for veterans struggling with severe PTSD and
treatment resistant depression DVA is committed to supporting veterans to achieve improved mental health and wellbeing outcomes by providing access to a range of programs and treatment options. From 1 July 2023, new treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and treatment resistant depression using psychedelic drugs were approved for use in Australia. The treatment was not immediately available to veterans, however the Repatriation Commission, and Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission has now approved DVA to fund psychedelic assisted psychotherapy (PAP), which includes MDMA for the treatment of PTSD and psilocybin for the treatment of Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD). More.... |
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04 November Fuelling capability in the South China Sea HMAS Ballarat continues her robust program of international engagements, conducting Replenishments at Sea (RAS) and helicopter cross-deck landings with HMNZS Aotearoa in the South China Sea during Regional Presence Deployment 25-4. |
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04 November HMAS Ballarat - Regional Presence Deployment 25-4 A multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) between Australia, New Zealand, the United States and the Philippines occurred off the west coast of Luzon within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone on 30-31 October 2025. |
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04 November 2025 Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition (Indo Pac 25) We’re so excited we just can’t hide it. |
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04 November Leveraging
technology to better support the veteran communityWe are making it easier for DVA staff to support veterans and families with a new AI-enabled assistant, CLIKChat. CLIKChat is designed to help staff easily navigate publicly available policy and compensation information and aims to improve the speed and accuracy of information for claims teams. The tool draws solely on public, non-personal information. It does not access client records or case management systems with strong safeguards. More.... |
04 November The
‘Wall of Remembrance’ is now live – an evolving digital
space for all Australians to honour the veteran communityWe’re pleased to announce the launch of DVA’s ‘Wall of Remembrance’. This virtual ‘Wall of Remembrance’, housed on the DVA website, is a space for all Australians to share their personal reflections and honour those who served in wars, conflicts and peace operations. It’s a living, evolving tribute for both the veteran community and all Australians to reflect and remember, and as Remembrance Day approaches, we invite you to reflect on what remembrance means to you. More.... |
04 November Indo
Pac 2025 News in Brief 4 November 2025Indo Pacific 2025 opens in Sydney: The Indo Pacific 2025 International Maritime Exposition opens today in Sydney, welcoming a record number of international naval delegations and Defence industry representatives. The conference is a collaboration between the Royal Australian Navy and AMDA and is one of the world’s largest maritime expositions, encompassing the Royal Australian Navy’s Sea Power Conference. More than 900 Defence exhibitors and over 200 naval delegates from more than 50 nations are attending this year’s event. More.... |
04 November Fuelling
capability in the South China SeaHMAS Ballarat continues her robust program of international engagements, conducting replenishments at sea (RAS) and helicopter cross-deck landings with HMNZS Aotearoa in the South China Sea. Ballarat and Aotearoa conducted three RAS evolutions with concurrent helicopter cross-deck landings over seven hours, running late into the night on October 28. More.... |
04 November Aussie
Battery Technology set to be used in AUKUS SubsThe Australian Government is pleased to announce a strategic contract that paves the way for Australian battery technology to be used in the AUKUS submarine design, supporting local innovation and hundreds of jobs. South Australian-based PMB Defence is partnering with BAE Systems in the United Kingdom to enable the potential integration of its advanced nickel zinc battery system into the design of the future conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines. More.... |
03 November Women,
Peace and Security proves a force multiplierOver a distinguished 26-year career in the Australian Defence Force, Commander Tyson Nicholas has served across a number of operational roles. These include deploying on combat operations in Afghanistan, supporting counter-terrorism and countering violent extremism operations in the Middle East, and peacekeeping with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the UN Department of Peace Operations in New York. More.... |
03 November Resilient
ADF children celebratedFor a life in the ADF, sometimes the battles hardest fought are by the families on the home front. Which is why, at a recent ceremony at Sydney’s Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park, more than 120 children of serving ADF members gathered to recognise the significant contribution that Defence families make to Defence capability. Each child received a Child of the ADF Medallion, a symbol of recognition for the strength, resilience and sacrifices made by Defence families. More.... |
03 November Exploring
leadership through experience and insightThe Australian Defence College (ADC) has launched a new podcast series, Lives in Leadership, hosted on The Forge. The podcast features candid conversations with leaders from Defence, government, industry and academia, exploring leadership, ethics, culture and service within the Profession of Arms. More.... |
03 November Australia’s
nuclear submarine program gets its own safety watchdogA new independent regulator has been launched to oversee nuclear safety in Australia’s future submarine fleet, with Michael Drake appointed as the agency’s first Director-General under the Albanese Government’s landmark defense initiative. More.... |
03 November Australia:
Third Arafura-class OPV hits the waterNUSHIP Pilbara, the third Arafura-class offshore patrol vessel (OPV), has been launched at Henderson Maritime Precinct in Western Australia (WA). NUSHIP Pilbara is the third Arafura class OPV built but the first of four being constructed in WA, with NUSHIPs Gippsland, Illawarra, and Carpentaria to follow. More.... |
03 November First
Ghost Shark Extra Large AUV delivered to Australian navyThe first of what will be “dozens” of Anduril Ghost Shark Extra Large Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (XL-AUV) for Australia’s navy has rolled off the line at the company’s new manufacturing facility in Sydney, Australia. The announcement came at the new facility’s opening ceremony Friday, which was attended by Australian Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy, the country’s chief of navy Vice Adm. Mark Hammond, Senior Vice-President of Anduril Shane Arnott and Anduril CEO and Chairman Australia David Goodrich. More.... |
03 November Production
of Hunter Class frigate continues to advanceBAE Systems’ has continued to grow and progress production of the newly introduced Hunter Class frigate for the Royal Australian Navy at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia. In what acquisition and build director Andy Coxall said is a “milestone worth celebrating”, 15 months from the start of production has seen rapid progress, with a new unit beginning every few weeks and will accelerate to one new unit every 10 days at peak production capacity. More.... |
03 November Chinese
ship spies on Australia, Philippines and the US in South
China SeaA sophisticated Chinese spy ship monitored Australian, Philippines, United States and New Zealand naval forces as they conducted joint exercises in the South China Sea last week, with Beijing again labelling Manila a "troublemaker" intent on undermining "regional peace". More.... |
01 November Flotilla
of uncrewed boats shadow warships in milestone Royal Navy
trialsFive uncrewed boats remotely-piloted from 500 miles away swarmed around HMS Tyne in a demonstration of how the Royal Navy could utilise such technology on operations. A real-life scenario of escorting a warship was played out during 72 hours of training off the coast of Scotland. More.... |
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