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Latest News for our Navy Network Download the MAY edition of our newsletter BROADSIDE |
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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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27 May New
First Sea Lord officially takes up role after ceremony on
HMS VictoryGeneral Sir Gwyn Jenkins will lead the Royal Navy of the future as he takes up the mantle of First Sea Lord, becoming head of the nation’s Senior Service. A formal supersession took place today in the historic setting of HMS Victory’s Great Cabin, in Portsmouth. He was joined by Acting Chief of Naval Staff, Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral Sir Martin Connell for the official handover. More..... |
27 May Cadet
excellence on showA group of 30 high-performing cadets converged on Canberra from May 16 to 18 to take part in the third annual ADF Triservice Leadership Summit. The event provided cadets from across Australia with a rewarding leadership development opportunity that focused on triservice collaboration. More..... |
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26 May The unique vessels behind the miracle of the Dunkirk evacuation The 85th anniversary of the evacuation of Dunkirk has been commemorated by 64 of the original little ships, leaving Ramsgate and heading back to the beaches. All 64 of the ships leaving had taken part in the famous evacuation of nearly 340,000 British and Allied troops from Dunkirk in 1940. |
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26 May Australia
needs more warships with less union strikes, says Chief of
NavyCollins Class submarines, Tomahawk missiles and, surprisingly, union strikes have featured in an official assessment of the Royal Australian Navy from Australia’s Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond. Vice Admiral Hammond made the comments in a US Naval Institute piece entitled Shipbuilding and sustainment: Essential national security enablers for Australia published in May this year. In particular, VADM Hammond outlined that the RAN is accelerating the Tomahawk weapon system installation in its surface combatants as a key priority. More..... |
26 May Northern
Australian defence infrastructure can support cooperation
with IndonesiaUnder the 2023 Defence Strategic Review, investment and development are shifting toward northern Australia. This aims to reposition Defence capabilities and build a stronger network of ports and barracks. While often seen as deterrence, this can also boost international cooperation and regional stability, especially by improving access for Indonesia, Australia’s closest and most strategic northern neighbour. To access areas of interest in the Indo-Pacific and the South China Sea, most Australian naval assets must traverse the Indonesian archipelago. More..... |
26 May Change
of command for HMAS ToowoombaThe ship’s company of HMAS Toowoomba has bidden farewell to its Commanding Officer, Commander Barton Harrington, during a ceremony in Darwin. Commander Harrington officially handed over the 'weight of command', in the form of a nautical telescope, to Commander Adam Stafford during a change of command ceremony on May 20 alongside HMAS Coonawarra. Commander Stafford thanked Commander Harrington for his service and leadership. More..... |
26 May Mardbalk
Marine Rangers bolster Navy's defenceSailors and officers from ADV Cape Fourcroy joined members of the Mardbalk Marine Rangers as part of a knowledge exchange, enhancing Navy’s capability to defend Australia’s northern coastline. As Defence marks National Reconciliation Week, the recent exchange reinforces the ADF’s commitment to respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, recognising the unique skill sets of First Nations people and their ongoing contribution to the defence of Australia. More..... |
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24 May US aircraft carrier leaves the Red Sea after record airstrike on ISIS |
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23 May Veterans
and family members take part in overseas Anzac Day servicesThis year, for the first time volunteers from the veteran community contributed to DVA’s Anzac Day commemorative services in Türkiye and France. We spoke with some of them after they returned home. Louise Bennett was the Accessible Seating Assistance Coordinator at the Anzac Day Dawn Service at Gallipoli. Louise supported her family during her husband’s 2 decades of service in both the British Army and the Australian Army. She has experienced the challenges transitioning to civilian life can throw at veterans and families. More..... |
23 May Germany
promotes 'proven' shipbuilding record in opening pitch for
$10 billion Australian warship projectA German defence company pushing for a lucrative Australian frigate contract is pitching its "proven" global record on naval shipbuilding as it competes against a rival bid from Japan that is being heavily backed by Tokyo. Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), which helped design and integrate Australia's soon-to-be-retired ANZAC class fleet, is now wanting to build the Navy's new $10 billion General Purpose Frigates (GPF) slated to begin arriving from 2029. More..... |
23 May Largest
aircraft carrier airstrike fired in the history of the
world, says US AdmiralThe USS Harry S Truman carrier group launched the largest airstrike in the history of the world, US Naval Chief of Operations Admiral James Kilby has revealed. Speaking at the Council on Foreign Relations about bombing attacks on ISIS in February, Admiral Kilby said they had dropped 125,000lbs from a single aircraft carrier into Somalia. More..... |
21 May Front-row
seat on Indo-Pacific securityFrom a naval base in Tokyo, a team of four Australians are working with international partners to enforce United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions against North Korea. The Enforcement Coordination Cell (ECC) at Yokosuka in Japan coordinates international maritime surveillance and patrols in the East China Sea, Yellow Sea and Sea of Japan. More..... |
20 May Federalism
could torpedo AUKUSAUKUS is under pressure, not from adversaries abroad but from state governments at home. While Canberra drives the security pact forward, Australian states are the ones that that hold the constitutional levers over the land it will need, through their powers of zoning, environmental approvals and handling Indigenous rights. States are already dealing with legal and political friction relating to this, and concerns over reliability of the United States as an ally may lead states to question the long-term value of their sacrifices. More..... |
19 May Navy
a haven for strength in diversityAs a transgender woman, Leading Seaman Thinnapat Thanaveeradechakorn (Leading Seaman T), didn’t know what to expect when she applied to join the Royal Australian Navy in 2016. Originally from Thailand, Leading Seaman T had years of experience in the hospitality and service industry but was seeking something more from her career. While she knew she wanted a stable government job with the opportunity to travel, it was her uncle's experience in the Royal Thai Navy that influenced her choice of a career at sea. More..... |
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18 May Navy to remove USS Arizona mooring platforms after 80 years The U.S. Navy will be placing buoys and anchors in Pearl Harbor waters next week to prepare for the removal of decades-old mooring platforms on the USS Arizona. |
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18 May Five
years at sea for HMAS Sydney VMay 18 marks five years since the commissioning of the air warfare destroyer, HMAS Sydney V. It was the first ship since World War 2 to be commissioned at sea and came into service during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sailors on board celebrated the occasion by looking back at the ship’s journey of more than 130,000 nautical miles. The legacy of the ship stretches back beyond the 500 days it has spent at sea since commissioning. More..... |
16 May Showcasing
the economic benefits of AUKUS—todayTo convince the public of AUKUS’s value, government and industry messaging should focus on how the program can provide benefits in the near term—not in 20 years. AUKUS is a megaproject that will define the Indo-Pacific security landscape for decades to come. Its communications should reflect its stature. AUKUS nations struggle to communicate the program’s immediate public benefits, according to industry representatives interviewed for this article and participants in an ASPI USA roundtable on the project’s communications. More..... |
16 May Royal
Navy warships to escort Dunkirk little ships as 85th
anniversary events beginRoyal Navy warships will escort the largest fleet of legendary ‘little ships of Dunkirk’ ever assembled for 85th anniversary commemorations of the World War Two evacuation. More than 70 of the small craft are confirmed to sail from Ramsgate in Kent to the French port, shepherded by a Royal Navy ‘guard of honour’ of around half a dozen vessels, to mark the operation. More..... |
16 May Royal
Navy warship destroys supersonic missile in historic firstOne of the UK’s most advanced warships has obliterated a supersonic missile in a historic first for the Royal Navy in a test off the coast of Scotland. In a burst of fire and smoke, Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon launched a specially-modified Sea Viper missile at an incoming high-speed target which was emulating the kind of advanced threats seen around the globe today. More..... |
16 May Royal
Navy unveil 12 metre uncrewed submarine named after
ExcaliburThe Royal Navy has today unveiled its first uncrewed submarine – paving the way for how the UK could operate in the underwater battlespace. The 12m experimental vessel, displacing 19 tonnes and at two metres across, is the culmination of the three-year long Project Cetus, and the largest uncrewed underwater vessel trialled by the navy to date. It was formally unveiled and named Excalibur at HMNB Devonport in front of 200 esteemed guests and VIPs including Rear Admiral James Parkin, Navy Director Develop, representatives from AUKUS nations, trainees from across the navy and Cadets. More..... |
16 May How
to help the US Navy as it helps us: build a joint submarine
facilityThere’s a way for Australia to strengthen its case for the US presidential certification it will need for acquiring Virginia-class submarines. It should do so by accelerating construction of a planned shipyard in Western Australia and using it to help get US submarines out of a long maintenance queue. Australia’s acquisition of three submarines from the United States’ stretched fleet and building yards could be offset by the additional operational availability of three US boats. The Australian yard would also improve support for US submarine operations in the Indo-Pacific. More..... |
15 May Hugely
significant: Royal Marines General confirmed as head of
Royal NavyRoyal Marines General Sir Gwyn Jenkins has been appointed as the new First Sea Lord - the first time in centuries that a non-sailor has been in charge of the Royal Navy. Gen Sir Gwyn, who served as Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff from August 2022 to June 2024, was confirmed in the role by Defence Secretary John Healey. He takes over from Admiral Sir Ben Key, who was removed from his duties earlier this month after the Ministry of Defence confirmed he is under investigation over allegations of misconduct. More..... |
15 May Families
front of mind for ADFThe wellbeing of military families is front of mind for ADF personnel, as Defence celebrates International Day of Families. Each year, May 15 is a time to thank ADF families for the vital contributions they make to Defence’s capability, and for the ADF to reinforce its promise continually to improve the support services available. Defence reaffirmed its commitment to ADF families on May 7, when Chief of the Defence Force Admiral David Johnston signed the updated ADF Family Covenant in Canberra. More..... |
13 May Choules
brings sea life to shoreHMAS Choules received a warm welcome during a port visit to Hobart, opening its gangway to more than 800 Tasmanian locals. Anchored in tradition, the open day offered locals a unique opportunity to meet with Navy personnel, explore the versatile amphibious ship and witness time-honoured naval customs up close. While memorable for those on board who rarely have the opportunity to see their home shores on duty, the visit held significance for the gap year personnel and new entry officers undergoing their initial fleet exposure phase. More..... |
13 May Indo-Pacific
Endeavour embarks on new phaseIndo-Pacific Endeavour (IPE) will embark on a new phase in 2025, further developing flexible options to enhance military-to-military engagements across Southeast Asia and the North East Indian Ocean. Commander IPE 2025 Brigadier Jennifer Harris said the shift away from an embarked forces model allowed for greater flexibility in how Australia engaged with regional partners. More..... |
13 May Sunken
USS Yorktown leaves researchers ‘flabbergasted’ in latest
diveEighty-three years after sinking, the USS Yorktown is still revealing secrets. During an April 19 expedition, scientists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) were using a remotely operated underwater vehicle to explore the storied U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, when they found more than they could have hoped for. Since June 1942, the 809-foot-long carrier has been resting on the ocean floor, slipping beneath the waves after Japanese forces torpedoed the ship during the Battle of Midway. More..... |
13 May HMAS
Sydney deployed on Operation Argos tourThe ADF is supporting the enforcement of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions against North Korea through the deployment of HMAS Sydney under Operation Argos. Since 2018, the ADF has enforced UNSC sanctions against North Korea to deter and disrupt illegal maritime activity, including ship-to-ship transfers at sea. These sanctions limit North Korea’s imports of refined petroleum and crude oil, and its exports of coal. More..... |
11 May Middle-aged
mums are raring to goAt 59, grandmother Deb Reynolds had a successful psychology practice in Adelaide but the “experience junkie” wanted more. Melbourne intensive care nurse and mum-of-three Amanda Serra, 54, had wanted to be a Navy nurse since 18 but her parents said no. And while Canberra mum-of-two Meredith Leonard, 49, had travelled extensively with her healthcare policy career, she long felt drawn to community service. More..... |
10 May Pentagon
orders military to pull all library books on diversityThe Pentagon has ordered all military leaders and commands to pull and review all of their library books that address diversity, anti-racism or gender issues by May 21, according to a memo issued to the force on Friday. It is the broadest and most detailed directive so far on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s campaign to rid the military of diversity and equity programs, policies and instructional materials. And it follows similar efforts to remove hundreds of books from the libraries at the military academies. More..... |
09 May ADF
honours VE Day in LondonMore than 1000 service personnel, including members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) marched through London to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, marking the end of World War 2 in Europe. The contingent of eight ADF personnel, comprised of both regulars and reservists from the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force, marched through London as part of a procession of more than 1300 members of the United Kingdom Armed Forces. More..... |
09 May Home
from home for ADF in Middle EastHeadquarters Middle East (HQME) is a small team making a big impact by supporting missions and maintaining Australia’s presence in the region. Based at Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), HQME has supported ADF missions and contingencies since 2003, operating under various names before becoming Operation Accordion in 2014. More..... |
09 May RAN
commissions two new patrol boatsThe Royal Australian Navy has welcomed two more Evolved Cape Class Patrol Boats into commissioned service in a ceremony at their homeport of HMAS Coonawarra in Darwin. The ceremony will give Cape Schanck and Cape Solander the designation of His Majesty’s Australian Ships (HMAS), officially recognising their status as commissioned warships in the Royal Australian Navy. More..... |
08 May Navy
strengthens Global Combat Ship linksThe Royal Australian Navy has hosted the 2025 Global Combat Ship (GCS) User Group meeting at the Maritime Combat Systems Integration Centre in St Kilda, Adelaide. The forum in April brought together naval representatives from Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada to discuss advancements, risks and shared challenges across the GCS program. More..... |
OUR MAY HERO Rear
Admiral Thomas Kenneth MORRISON CB CBE DSC MiDThomas Kenneth Morrison was born on 31 October 1911 at Windsor, Victoria. Entering the Royal Australian Naval College, Jervis Bay, in 1925, as a Cadet Midshipman. He graduated in 1928 and served as a Midshipman for one year in HMAS Australia before travelling to England for seagoing training in HMS Ramillies and professional courses ashore. He then served in the cruiser HMS Apollo, which was later recommissioned as HMAS Hobart. From August 1940 Hobart formed part of the Red Sea Force with which Morrison was to see action in the Mediterranean, Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. He was also present at the battles of the Coral Sea (May 1942) and Guadalcanal, Solomon lslands (November 1942). He was aboard HMAS Australia during the Battle of Leyte Gulf (1944) where he was awarded a MiD. Australia was back in action in the Lingayen Gulf (1945) covering the Allied invasion of Luzon Island. Here the ship suffered repeated suicide attacks. Australia was hit on 5th, 6th, 8th and 9th January. Morrison showed exceptional devotion to duty and leadership throughout the period and for this he was awarded a DSC. Continue reading about this outstanding hero..... |
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06 May Romeo
pilot and wife go phishing on honeymoonNewlywed lieutenants Barton and Jacqui Heeney put the honeymoon on hold when they found out they’d be deploying to Malaysia together for a military exercise testing the defence of Malaysia and Singapore. Exercise Bersama Shield 2025, held April 7-22, is one of two annual exercises bringing together personnel from Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom. Two weeks after MH-60R Romeo pilot Barton learnt he was bound for Penang, Jacqui was told she’d be heading to Malaysia with her husband, working in cyber security. More..... |
06 May Coastwatchers
cast eye on security and historyExercise Coastwatchers, the little-known but significant triannual training exercise between Australia and the Solomon Islands, has successfully completed rotation 11. Defence adviser to the Solomon Islands, Navy’s Captain Emma Griffiths, said Exercise Coastwatchers, delivered under the Defence Cooperation Program, was the premier bilateral activity between the ADF and Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF), and paid tribute to the nation’s history. More..... |
06 May Hegseth
directs 20% cut to top military leadership positionsDefense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday directed the active duty military to shed 20% of its four-star general officers as the Trump administration keeps pushing the services to streamline their top leadership positions. Hegseth also told the National Guard to shed 20% of its top positions. In a memo dated Monday, Hegseth said the cuts will remove “redundant force structure to optimize and streamline leadership.” More..... |
06 May Win
the invisible war: Control the electronic battlefield with
next-generation EW technologyThe modern battlefield exposes forces to a rapidly evolving threat scenario, with deadly threats increasing in number and in complexity. Large volumes of inexpensive suicide drones dive in on unsuspecting targets, and modified commercial drones drop mortar bombs or grenades on them. More advanced Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) stealthily deliver precision munitions, while high-end long-range missiles from the air, ground and sea hit their targets with pinpoint accuracy. More..... |
05 May New
command on course for HMAS CanberraFor more than 20,700 nautical miles, one of the largest ships ever constructed for the Royal Australian Navy has been under the command of Captain Brendan O’Hara. Captain O’Hara spent his adult life serving Australia – the last two years spent commanding HMAS Canberra, with previous commands in HMA Ships Yarra and Sirius. Ship’s company, families and international exchange sailors gathered onboard HMAS Canberra to farewell Captain O’Hara and welcome the new Commanding Officer, Captain David McPherson. More..... |
03 May World
First: Ukrainian Maritime Drone Shoots Down Russian Flanker
JetA Ukrainian maritime drone operated by Group 13 of military intelligence (HUR) has made history, being the first uncrewed vessel to successfully shoot down an enemy fast jet. The historic event took place on May 2 close to the strategic Russian naval base of Novorossiysk in the eastern Black Sea. This single event reflects the rapidly changing world of naval warfare. The Russian aircraft, reportedly a two-seat Sukhoi Su-30 Flanker, was operating in the eastern Black Sea, hundreds of miles from Ukrainian controlled coast. More..... |
01 May Largest
Navy exercise wraps upNavy’s largest and most complex antisubmarine exercise in more than a decade, ASWEX, has now concluded off the West Australian coast. Six warships, four advanced multi-mission MH-60R Seahawks, Royal Australian Air Force and Royal New Zealand Air Force Poseidon P-8 aircraft and a Collins-class submarine were put through their paces during the month-long exercise, uniting with pride and purpose to operate as one lethal and ready weapon. More..... |
01 May Donation
supports Navy familiesIn an ongoing show of support, Navy Health recently donated $100,000 to Navy’s own charity, Keeping Watch. Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond is the patron of the charity that supports Navy people and their families in times of need. Navy Health’s contribution will provide a substantial boost to Keeping Watch and underscores the strong bond between Navy Health and Navy. More..... |
01 May Paying
tribute to those who have servedThousands of people have attended Anzac Day services across the United Kingdom. In London, Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Edinburgh, along with senior Australian, New Zealand, British and Turkish officials, attended the dawn service at Hyde Park Corner – the location of the Australian and New Zealand war memorials. More than 2500 others turned out in the cool, dark London morning for the service. More..... |
01 May ADV
Reliant bolsters Pacific partners through regional
deploymentAustralia’s Pacific Support Vessel, Australian Defence Vessel (ADV) Reliant, has departed Darwin on its second deployment of 2025, responding to needs and requests made by our Pacific partners. ADV Reliant and its crew, including a Royal Australian Navy liaison officer, will spend the next three months visiting Pacific island countries delivering vital stores and equipment as part of Australia’s ongoing commitment to the region. During the deployment, ADV Reliant will deliver humanitarian assistance and disaster relief stores to Fiji and protective equipment to His Majesty’s Armed Forces of Tonga to support their contribution to Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025. More..... |
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News Archives:
For all news articles prior to 01 May 2025 go to our News Archive page |
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