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Latest News for our Navy Network Download the MAY edition of our newsletter BROADSIDE |
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18 June Pentagon
shifts Greenland to US Northern Command in shakeupThe Pentagon is redrawing its military combatant command responsible for defending the U.S. homeland to include Greenland as the Trump administration signals it wants control of the Danish territory. “[This] change will strengthen the Joint Force’s ability to defend the U.S. homeland, contributing to a more robust defense of the western hemisphere and deepening relationships with Arctic allies and partners,” the Pentagon’s chief spokesperson wrote in a statement Tuesday. The adjustment will shift responsibility for Greenland from U.S. European Command to U.S. Northern Command. More..... |
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17 June Dual
Chinese Aircraft Carrier Strike Groups Continue to Operate
in the Western PacificThe People’s Liberation Army Navy’s Liaoning and Shandong Carrier Strike Groups continue to maintain their presence in the Philippine Sea, according to a Japan Joint Staff Office release on Tuesday. The two CSGs were operating in the Philippine Sea east of the Philippine island of Luzon on Monday, based on a map provided by the JSO that provided the full route path of both CSGs from the beginning of their deployments to the Philippine Sea with the Liaoning CSG having entered the area on May 26 while the Shandong CSG entered the area by June 6. More..... |
17 June No
guardrails: Australia’s messy rules for using the military
on home soilAustralia needs clearer guidelines around domestic deployments. Australia’s constitution mirrors many key features of the United States, including a provision that allows federal troops to intervene domestically in states. But unlike the US, Australia has no equivalent to the US National Guard, meaning the Australian Defence Force is the only military force available for such tasks. Currently, thresholds to respond to less-than-riots are controlled not by any clear law, but by inconsistent policy. This policy needs to be tightened. In recent years, the ADF has been drawn into many domestic operations, from bushfires and floods to hotel quarantine and border enforcement. More..... |
17 June WW2
veterans unite for double 101st birthday celebrationThere was a double celebration in the wardroom of HMS Excellent in Portsmouth as two WW2 veterans marked their 101st birthdays. Len Chivers and Robin Boodle are very much among the last of their generation – having witnessed in Len’s case the invasion of Crete – while that very same week Robin watched the death throes of Hitler’s flagship as the Bismarck was sunk in the Atlantic, avenging the loss of the Mighty Hood. Len doesn’t turn 101 until early July, but Robin’s milestone birthday served as the excuse for cakes, candles and naval dits (not that there really needs to be an excuse for any of them…). More..... |
16 June USS
America, USS San Diego, USS Rushmore arrive in Sydney with
31st MarinesThe US Navy amphibious assault ship USS America has arrived in Sydney during a routine stop for troops from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The flagship of the America Strike Group brings more than 2,500 sailors and marines to Sydney under a US scheduled port visit from 14 June. The ship brings significant capabilities to the region, including a detachment of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, equipped with the advanced F-35B Lightning II aircraft. More..... |
16 June North
Korea Refloats Destroyer After Failed Launch in MayNorth Korea relaunched its second Choe Hyon-class guided-missile destroyer at Rajin Shipyard, located on the northeast coast of North Korea on Thursday. The launch of the 5,000-ton Kang Kon (52) follows a failed launch on May 21 at the Chongjin Shipyard that capsized the ship. North Korea subsequently raised the ship and towed it to Rajin Shipyard, which lies around 50 miles north of Chongjin Shipyard. More..... |
16 June The
real reason sailors wear white suits on Royal Navy warships
explainedWhen Royal Navy sailors put on sealed white suits, it means they're not just training – they're preparing for a real threat. As CSG25, led by HMS Prince of Wales, passed through the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen, it was on high alert in an area where Houthi rebels have launched missiles and drones at ships. As the carrier sailed through the danger zone, the crew were seen wearing white overalls, signalling the ship was at its highest alert level – known as State 1. More..... |
14 June Doorstop
Interview, GeelongSUBJECTS: Middle East Conflict; G7; Australia-United States Relationship; AUKUS; Energy. RICHARD MARLES, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER: Thank you for being here this morning. The Government is deeply concerned about events which are unfolding in the Middle East, and specifically we are concerned about the risks of escalation. We well understand the threat that Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program represents. That program is a threat to international peace and security. More..... |
14 June US
shifts warships in Mideast in response to Israel strikesThe United States is shifting military resources, including ships, in the Middle East in response to Israel’s strikes on Iran and a possible retaliatory attack by Tehran, two U.S. officials said Friday. The Navy has directed the destroyer Thomas Hudner, which is capable of defending against ballistic missiles, to begin sailing from the western Mediterranean Sea toward the eastern Mediterranean and has directed a second destroyer to begin moving forward so it can be available if requested by the White House. More..... |
13 June Hero
of World War Two Arctic convoys dies aged 99A Royal Navy veteran of the Arctic and Atlantic convoys has died at the age of 99 – two months before his 100th birthday. Edwin Leadbetter was aboard aircraft carrier HMS Fencer in 1944 during daring voyages across the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans to deliver vital supplies as the Allies wrestled occupied Europe from Nazi tyranny. The Glaswegian, born in Bridgeton, served with Attacker-class carrier Fencer as she protected merchant ships, but also during Operation Tungsten – the air raid that targeted German battleship Tirpitz at her fjord base in northern Norway in November 1944. More..... |
13 June Don’t
panic: the US AUKUS review could strengthen the partnershipThe Trump administration has ordered a review of AUKUS to be led by Undersecretary of Defense Policy Elbridge Colby. The review has some attendant risks, but also a potential upside for the three-way partnership. The decision to review AUKUS shouldn’t be surprising. It’s normal, after a change of government, for a new administration to review existing commitments in the light of new policy priorities: in this case, ‘America First’. Britain’s Labour government has completed its own review into AUKUS, under Sir Stephen Lovegrove. More..... |
13 June Sister
cities bond during paradeThe cold wind couldn’t put a chill on the welcome in Wellington for HMAS Canberra’s freedom-of-entry parade and civic reception. Led by Commanding Officer Canberra Captain David McPherson, the guard of honour, ship’s company marched while displaying the unfurled Royal Australian Navy ensign and Canberra buoy. The combined bands of the Australian and New Zealand navies led the crew of Canberra and members of the Royal New Zealand Navy as they marched through the city’s precinct, resplendent in their ceremonial uniforms. More..... |
12 June Navy
Band marches with SamoaThe Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Band Melbourne took part in Samoa’s Independence Day celebrations, marching side-by-side with the Royal Samoan Police Band through the streets of the capital, Apia. Attended by Samoa’s Prime Minister, Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa, and other key leaders, the Independence Day parade on June 2 marked the nation’s historic achievement when, in 1962, it became the first Pacific island nation to gain independence. More..... |
12 June Deputy
Chief of Navy's submarine successionRear Admiral Matt Buckley commenced as Deputy Chief of Navy (DCN) in January, the second submariner to take up the DCN role after Chief of Navy Vice-Admiral Mark Hammond. It is the first time submariners have occupied both roles concurrently in the Royal Australian Navy. The responsibility he now carries is a far cry from his carefree life growing up on the NSW south coast. Rear Admiral Buckley’s 35-year career in Navy began not far from home at HMAS Creswell in 1990, followed by the Australian Defence Force Academy in 1992. More..... |
12 June Defense
Department Conducting Review of AUKUS Security PactThe Pentagon is reviewing the AUKUS security pact between the U.S., the United Kingdom and Australia, USNI News has learned. “The Department is reviewing AUKUS as part of ensuring that this initiative of the previous Administration is aligned with the President’s America First agenda,” a second defense official told USNI News. “As Secretary Hegseth has made clear, this means ensuring the highest readiness of our servicemembers, that allies step up fully to do their part for collective defense, and that the defense industrial base is meeting our needs. This review will ensure the initiative meets these common sense, America First criteria.” More..... |
11 June Navigating
life after service – Defence launches transition support appThe Department of Defence has launched a free mobile app designed to support Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel and families as they navigate their transition to civilian life. The ADF Transition Guide app, developed by the Joint Transition Authority (JTA), brings together the most up to date transition resources from Defence, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the broader transition support system. These resources will guide personnel and families through every step of the transition journey, helping them to prepare with confidence, find meaningful support, and make informed decisions about their next steps. More..... |
11 June Australia
inks MoU with the US to develop Precision Strike Missile
Australia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United States for joint development of the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) and is pursuing negotiations for future onshore production of the missile. “The MoU provides the ADF [Australian Defence Force] access to PrSM munitions and establishes PrSM as a cooperative program between Australia and the United States,” the Australian defence ministry announced Friday, saying the agreement was signed between Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on the sidelines of the Shangri-La defense conference in Singapore. More..... |
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11 June OUR JUNE HERO  Commander
Henry Swinfield CHESTERMAN OBE, US Legion of Merit - Degree
of LegionnaireCommander Henry Chesterman, known to his friends and colleagues as ‘Chesters’, was a founding member of Australia’s Fleet Air Arm, the first Australian to be fully qualified as a Naval Observer, and Australia’s and the United Nations’ first Peacekeeper drawn from the Navy. Henry Swinfield Chesterman was born on 15 February 1901 in Williamstown, Victoria to Edwin Chesterman, a marine engineer, and Florence Chesterman (née Pritchard). Henry joined the 1915 intake of the Royal Australian Naval College (RANC), the third in its history and the first to begin studies at the new facilities at Jervis Bay, NSW. Graduating in 1919, fifth in his class of 28, Chesterman was sent to the UK to complete his training and gain his first sea experiences. The First World War had ended, but his first ship, the battleship HMS Ramilles, was part of the fleet guarding the German High Seas fleet at Scapa Flow in the Orkney Islands. Henry and five of his RANC classmates witnessed the scuppering of the fleet by their German crews on 21 June 1919. Indeed nearly 1000 of the German crew were held on board Ramillies. Continue reading about this fascinating and highly regarded hero..... |
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10 June Naval
leadership 'focused, lethal and ready'The inaugural Australian Maritime Weapons and Tactics Conference (AUSMAR WEPTAC) last month at the Naval Synthetic Warfare Centre, HMAS Watson, represents the new gold standard in refining and focusing the Royal Australian Navy’s human capability in tactical warcraft. The highly successful serial was the first in a new five-year campaign of 14 weapons and tactics conferences, with the second to be held later this year, driving innovation of tactical development in Navy. More..... |
10 June Japanese
Mogami-class frigate docks in Darwin amid push for $10bn
Australian defence contractA state-of-the-art Japanese warship has played host to government and arms industry figures in Darwin, as Japan looks to win a secretive Australian government contract to replace the navy's aging Anzac-class frigates. The JS Yahagi docked in Darwin last week as part of a Japanese maritime defence force tour of the Indo-Pacific, which includes joint-force exercises in Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines, and defence industry exhibitions in Singapore and Malaysia. More..... |
09 June Toowoomba
team delivers bonus for Anzac fleetBy conducting thorough fault analysis, coordinating system-level testing and articulating complex problems for stakeholders, Lieutenant Commander Kieran Davis and his team optimised combat system performance in HMAS Toowoomba and resolved legacy issues across the Anzac class. This work led to Lieutenant Commander Davis receiving a Conspicuous Service Medal in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours. More..... |
09 June Chef
celebrated for comfort food at seaSailing through oceans deep beneath the waves, where it’s cold and confined, it’s often a simple, warm meal that brings submariners a sense of home. To cater for a crew of 60 – and do it well – is a true skill, one that Leading Seaman Sara of HMAS Dechaineux was recognised for in the King’s Birthday Honours, receiving the Conspicuous Service Medal. More..... |
09 June Underwater
robot could improve pipeline and cable securityAn underwater robot could soon be saving lives at sea for the Royal Navy and prevent adversaries from sabotaging undersea cables and pipelines. A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) has been adapted by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and industry partners to deal with sabotage threats and clear legacy unexploded ordnance that present hazards to both vessels and divers deployed to deal with them. More..... |
09 June Military
members honoured in King's Birthday listADF personnel are recognised for a broad range of skills and contributions across three services in this year’s King’s Birthday military honours list. The 100 high achievers on the list are engaged in wide-ranging roles, including command and control, combat capability, intelligence, engineering, aviation, logistics, plans, governance, personnel, training, data, music, medicine, health and safety, across multiple domains. More..... |
09 June Chinese
Aircraft Carrier Operating Near Iwo Jima for First TimeThe People’s Liberation Army Navy Liaoning Carrier Strike Group is operating southeast of Iwo Jima for the first time in one of the farthest deployments to date for the Chinese aircraft carrier, according to Japanese officials. On Saturday at 6 p.m., carrier CNS Liaoning (16), cruiser CNS Wuxi (104), destroyer CNS Tangshen (122) and fleet oiler CNS Hulunhu (901) were sighted sailing in an area 186 miles southwest of Minamitori Island, according to Japanese officials. More..... |
09 June HMS
Spey says g'day as she swaps sailors with HMAS Sydney in
East China SeaCrew aboard Batch 2 river-class offshore patrol vessel HMS Spey conducted exercises with their Australian counterparts as they crossed paths in the East China Sea. Ahead of a visit to South Korea, Spey met with destroyer HMAS Sydney and concentrated exercises on training each vessel's bridge teams. The cross-deck exercises centred around tactical communications, close quarters manoeuvres, and replenishment at sea. More..... |
09 June Strategist
coverage of ASPI’s The Cost of DefenceOn 29 May, ASPI released its annual defence budget briefing, The Cost of Defence. Introducing the report, ASPI executive director Justin Bassi reflected on its aim of ‘strengthening Australia’s long-term security, prosperity and sovereignty’ and its responsibility to ‘ask the hard questions’ about the adequacy of defence resourcing. He further highlighted the need to view defence as a whole-of-government issue to effectively counter the growing security threats in the Indo-Pacific region: More..... |
07 June HMAS
Canberra accidentally blocks wireless internet and radio
services in New ZealandThe Department of Defence has acknowledged that HMAS Canberra, the Royal Australian Navy's largest ship, accidentally took out a number of wireless internet and radio services across New Zealand earlier this week during a visit intended to celebrate the sister city relationship between Canberra and Wellington. The incident occurred early on Wednesday morning, as the 230-metre navy flagship made its way through the Cook Strait en route to New Zealand's capital, where the ship's crew is set to be welcomed with a parade and concert on Saturday. More..... |
06 June First
responders in seaborne damage control drillsHMAS Canberra crew became their own first responders in damage control exercises off the coast of NSW, en route to Wellington, New Zealand. Rigorous damage control drills simulate various scenarios, including fires and flooding, because when a real case scenario arises, there is no dialling 000 at sea. More..... |
05 June Defence
targets net zeroOld wharf equipment is keeping Taronga Zoo’s animals entertained, and tyres and uniforms are taking on new forms, thanks to just a few of the many initiatives Defence has implemented around its bases as part of its Net Zero Strategy. As the Australian Government’s largest landholder and energy user, Defence is taking practical measures to respond to climate change risks and enhance Defence’s energy resilience. More..... |
05 June Chief
of defence: budget under pressure, choices must be madeThe Australian Defence Organisation’s budget is under pressure, and Defence must make choices, Admiral David Johnston, the chief of the defence force, said on 4 June when asked whether more money was needed. In preparation of the 2026 National Defence Strategy, ‘it’s my job and that of the department to give government that frank advice and a view of what we need to be doing,’ Johnston told the 2025 ASPI Defence Conference. More..... |
05 June Australia still lacks missile defence. Golden Dome
can be part of the answerAustralia should support the Trump Administration’s proposed Golden Dome missile defence system. By participating in development, deployment and operation of Golden Dome, Australia could rely on it partly for defence against attack by long-range missiles. This would help close the gap left by Canberra’s repeated failure to get an integrated air-and-missile defence (IAMD) system into service. Australia also would gain technologically and industrially from participating in Golden Dome. More..... |
04 June Life
lessons from a five-year-old girlSubmarine chief Commodore Dan Sutherland has thought about leaving the Navy. Twice. The 45-year-old, who assumed Command of Australia’s Submarine Force in December last year, is glad he didn’t. “In most people’s careers there are logical jumping-off points where it makes sense to do something else, when you’ve still got plenty of work life in you and you’re experienced and have marketable skills,” Commodore Sutherland said. More..... |
04 June Hegseth
orders renaming of ship named for gay rights icon Harvey
MilkDefense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the Navy to rename the replenishment oiler Harvey Milk, a highly rare move that will strip the ship of the moniker of a slain gay rights activist who served as a sailor during the Korean War. U.S. officials say Navy Secretary John Phelan put together a small team to rename the replenishment oiler and that a new name is expected this month. More..... |
03 June Bands
across the sea make waves in SydneyOn a perfect Sydney day, Navy-to-Navy cooperation hit a high note as bands rocked the forecourt of the Australian National Maritime Museum. The Royal Australian Navy Band Sydney and the US 7th Fleet Band ‘Orient Express’ played crowd-pleasing hits such as You’re Amazing, Don’t Stop Believing and American Boy. The free concert, which drew a large Darling Harbour audience, was part of a broader community engagement program between the two navies during 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge’s port visit from Yokosuka, Japan. More..... |
03 June AUKUS
is where Australia can work out where it stands on nuclear
deterrenceOn one hand, Australia strongly opposes acquiring nuclear weapons and backs non-proliferation. On the other hand, it increasingly depends on the US for extended nuclear deterrence. The contradiction is implicit in the AUKUS program, just below the surface. Yet AUKUS, a strategic partnership with two trusted nuclear-armed powers, also offers an ideal framework for developing Australian thought and practice on nuclear deterrence. More..... |
02 June USS
Blue Ridge Departs Sydney Following Port VisitThe U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and embarked 7th Fleet staff departed Sydney following a scheduled port visit, May 26-31, 2025. This port visit marked the first time Blue Ridge has visited Sydney since 2015. The previous two U.S. Navy ships to visit Sydney were USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) in 2024 and USS Canberra (LCS 30) in 2023. More..... |
02 June Chinese
Carrier Strike Group Sails East of the Philippines in
Deployment RecordThe People’s Liberation Army Navy Liaoning Carrier Strike Group moved into the Pacific Ocean east of the Philippines a Monday Japan Joint Staff Office release on Monday. The move marks the furthest distance carrier CNS Liaoning (16) has sailed in the Western Pacific on deployment. On Monday, the JSO issued a release on the location and composition of the Liaoning CSG from May 27 to Thursday. More..... |
02 June Navy
awards $536M contract to industry for first dismantlement of
nuclear-powered shipThe U.S. Navy awarded a $536 million contract to NorthStar Maritime Dismantlement Service to dismantle, recycle and dispose of the former aircraft carrier Enterprise (CVN-65), a four-year undertaking that will set precedents for future nuclear-powered ship disposals. “Under this contract CVN-65 will be dismantled in its entirety, and all resulting materials will be properly recycled or disposed of. More..... |
02 June Royal
Navy's attack submarine fleet being expanded to up to 12
boatsThe UK is to build up to 12 attack submarines as part of the Aukus programme, the Prime Minister is due to announce. Sir Keir Starmer is due to say the Royal Navy's conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine fleet will be significantly expanded under the Strategic Defence Review. More..... |
01 June Drone
first by Royal Navy points way to ‘hybrid air wings’ of
tomorrowA small drone acted as the ‘flying eyes’ for a Royal Navy helicopter in a first on operations. Crew of a Merlin helicopter turned off their radar – and instead relied on a drone and its controllers to close in on ‘suspect’ vessels in the Atlantic. It’s the first time the Royal Navy has used a drone to help direct the actions of crewed aircraft and helps lay the foundations for the transition to a new era of maritime aviation. More..... |
01 June Commemorating
the 75th anniversary of Australian service in the Korean WarThis year marks the 75th anniversary of Australian service in the Korean War. On 25 June 2025, we will hold a National Commemorative Service at the Australian National Korean War Memorial in Canberra to mark the 75th anniversary of Australian service in the Korean War and post-armistice period. All veterans, veteran families and members of the public are invited to attend. You can register your attendance (at no cost) via the online registration system. More..... |
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BROADSIDE - MAY 2025 Edition NOTE: To read Broadside in Flipbook form, click on the "Full Screen" arrows. |
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