Navy Victoria Network
Proudly supported by the Melbourne Naval Centre
News & Articles of Interest
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| 31 Oct 2017 |
 Australia,
South Korea ready for anti-submarine warfare exercise Haedoli
WallabyNaval assets from Australia and South Korea are ready to kick off the bilateral anti-submarine warfare exercise Haedoli Wallaby off the coast of South Korea. The three-day exercise starts on November 1 and is aimed at demonstrating a shared commitment by Australia and the ROK to regional security and security of the Korean peninsula. More..... |
| 31 Oct 2017 |
The Strategist Six: Greg Sammut Welcome to The Strategist Six, a feature that provides a glimpse into the thinking of academics, government officials, military officers, reporters and interesting individuals from around the world. How long will the Collins-class submarines operate and, in retrospect, how should Australians view the Collins program? The new submarine is entering service from the early 2030s. The Collins class will be our primary capability into the 2030s. We’ve always made it clear that it’ll be necessary to extend its life. More..... |
| 30 Oct 2017 |
Navy in Action |
| 30 Oct 2017 |
 HMAS
Goorangai March and Commemoration ServiceThe Naval Commemoration Committee of Victoria invite you to the HMAS Goorangai March and Commemoration Service at Queenscliff ocean View Reserve on Sunday 19th November 2017. Those wishing to attend lunch at the RSL following the service need to book. Full details and booking form..... |
| 30 Oct 2017 |
NVN's
October Newsletter
- download..... NOTE from Webmaster: If you are a member and haven't been notified that your monthly newsletter is available to download, the email address you supplied on joining is incorrect or out of date. To correct this, contact the webmaster at: and he will copy and amend your address. |
| 29 Oct 2017 |
 Island
call for operational shipHMAS Newcastle recently conducted a three-day port visit to Antsiranana, also known as Diego-Suarez, in Madagascar, deployed as part of Operation MANITOU. Located on the northern tip of the island, it is one of the largest deep-water harbours in the Indian Ocean. Newcastle is the first Australian Navy ship to visit Madagascar since HMAS Stuart I in the Second World War. Her Excellency Jenny Dee, the Australian Ambassador to Madagascar, travelled from Mauritius to welcome Newcastle and mark the historic visit. More..... |
| 27 Oct 2017 |
 Putin
launches 4 ballistic missiles during Russian nuclear forces drillRussian president Vladimir Putin took part in a nuclear forces drill, personally launching four ballistic missiles, the Russian defense ministry said October 27. The drill itself took place on Thursday and involved all three legs of the Russian nuclear triad. Units of Strategic Missile Forces control centers, crews of ballistic missile submarines of the Northern and Pacific Fleets as well as long-range strategic bombers of the Russian Aerospace Forces took part in training missions. More..... |
| 27 Oct 2017 |
 US
Navy funds new research to tackle oxygen toxicityThe US Navy is funding new research aimed at tackling the threat lethal levels of oxygen present for special operations divers like Navy SEALs while they dive at depth and pressure. Oxygen toxicity stems from navy divers’ most precious asset-oxygen itself. Breathable air consists primarily of oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide. While divers need oxygen to breathe underwater, the ratio of gasses can become hazardous the deeper they plunge. More..... |
| 26 Oct 2017 |
The strategic role of submarines in the 21st century by Andrew Davies Let me start with something nice and uncontroversial. Submarines might be obsolete by the middle of the century. It’s possible that advances in artificial intelligence (AI), detection systems and signal processing, combined with swarming autonomous unmanned systems, could make it effectively impossible for submarines to maintain their stealth. To give just one example, quantum detection systems capable of picking up extremely subtle magnetic signals could be deployed on a large number of unmanned surface vessels, all networked together to provide an essential real-time map of the magnetic field over an extended area. More..... |
| 25 Oct 2017 |
 HMAS
Darwin preparing for final visit to namesake city before
decommissioningRoyal Australian Navy’s Adelaide-class frigate HMAS Darwin is set to make a final visit to her namesake city early November before the ship decommissions at the end of the year. Darwin is scheduled to enter Darwin Harbour on November 1 to take part in a series of events to celebrate the ship’s 33 years of service and over a million nautical miles traveled around the globe. More..... |
| 25 Oct 2017 |
 The
US Navy now has three aircraft carriers in the PacificWith the arrival of USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the US 7th Fleet area of operations on October 25, the US Navy now has three aircraft carriers operating in the Pacific. The lead ship of the “supercarriers” is joining sister ships USS Ronald Reagan and USS Theodore Roosevelt. Not counting submarines, mine countermeasure and other ships operating independently in the region, the three carrier strike groups gather anywhere between twelve and fifteen major surface combatants in addition to the carriers and submarines that often accompany them. More..... |
| 25 Oct 2017 |
 Thales
introduces new shipboard multimedia communication deviceRecognizing sailors’ desire to use smartphones at sea, French-based defense technology company Thales has developed a new shipboard information distribution system dubbed COMTICS. COMTICS is a multimedia communication device resembling a smartphone that allows naval personnel permanent shipboard mobility and connectivity with all types of military radios, all without compromising security. More..... |
| 25 Oct 2017 |
 Indo-Pacific
Endeavour: HMAS Adelaide, Darwin stop in SingaporeRoyal Australian Navy’s landing helicopter dock HMAS Adelaide and frigate HMAS Darwin made a stop in Singapore as part of their Indo-Pacific Endeavour deployment. The focus of the two ship’s visit to Singapore was to strengthen humanitarian assistance and disaster relief interoperability with the Singaporean Armed Forces. More..... |
| 24 Oct 2017 |
 $31
million in additional funding for veteran mental healthThe Government will provide an additional $31 million to support veterans’ mental health as part of its response to the Senate Inquiry into veterans’ suicide. As the Prime Minister has said, we best honour the diggers of 1917 by ensuring our veterans in 2017 receive the support they need and deserve. When someone stops serving their country it is their country’s turn to start serving them. More..... |
| 24 Oct 2017 |
Ministerial
statement in response to Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade
Committee's Report on the Inquiry into suicide by veterans and
ex-service personnel I ask leave of the House to provide a Ministerial Statement in response to Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee’s report on the Inquiry into suicide by veterans and ex-service personnel, The Constant Battle: Suicide by Veterans. As all Australians know, one suicide is one too many. Tragically, suicide affects all areas of our community – around seven Australians a day will tragically take their own life and it remains the greatest cause of death for men between the ages of 14 and 44. More..... Government Response..... |
| 24 Oct 2017 |
 USS
John S. McCain develops crack in hull during transport to JapanUS Navy destroyer USS John S. McCain has developed a crack in her hull while being transported to Japan aboard the heavy lift transport vessel MV Treasure. The destroyer was being transported from Singapore to Japan where it was to undergo repairs after being involved in a collision with merchant vessel Alnic MC near the Strait of Malacca on August 21. According to the US Navy, the crack is about four inches long on the starboard side, amidships, and there is also a small dent there. More..... |
| 24 Oct 2017 |
 Philippines
and Australia agree to enhanced counter terrorism cooperationThe Australian Defence Force will expand its assistance to the Armed Forces of the Philippines to strengthen its long-term ability to combat terrorist threats and prevent the spread of Daesh to our region. Minister for Defence Senator the Hon Marise Payne said ADF mobile training teams will begin providing urban warfare counter-terrorism training in the Philippines in the coming days. The agreement comes after five months of fierce fighting in the Southern Philippines city Marawi, which was seized by Daesh-aligned terrorists in May. Minister Payne welcomed the announcement by the Philippines Government yesterday that fighting in Marawi has ended. More..... |
| 24 Oct 2017 |
The five-domains update Sea state China’s navy has added a new rescue unit to its South Sea fleet. The move increases the battle-readiness and capability of the fleet, which is ‘carrying out more missions’ in the disputed South China Sea. Created in a ‘recent round of military reform’, this unit will be navy’s second rescue unit, in addition to the one already assigned to the North Sea fleet. Having two such units will allow the PLA to deploy submarines to the area more effectively and safely by providing increased support and emergency rescue capacity. More..... |
| 23 Oct 2017 |
HMAS Choules delivers Combined Force |
| 23 Oct 2017 |
ADF strengthens operability with Singapore Armed Forces |
| 23 Oct 2017 |
75th
anniversary of the Battle of El Alamein Minister for Veterans' Affairs Dan Tehan will today honour the Australians who served at the Battle of El Alamein on its 75th anniversary. Today marks the anniversary of the second of three major battles that occurred around El Alamein in Egypt between July and November 1942 where the Australian Imperial Force suffered almost 6,000 casualties over the course of five months. More..... |
| 22 Oct 2017 |
 Trafalgar
Day remembered on board HMS VictoryToday marks the 212th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar, a battle which changed the course of our history as a nation and which sealed British dominion of the seas for a hundred years. The ceremony took place onboard HMS Victory, the oldest commissioned warship in the world and is the Flagship of the Head of the Naval Service, Admiral Sir Philip Jones KCB ADC. Beginning with the daily naval ceremony of ‘Colours’, the White Ensign of the Royal Navy and the Union Jack were hauled up, followed shortly afterwards by the flag sequence indicating Nelson’s famous message to the Fleet that “England expects that every man will do his duty”. More..... |
| 22 Oct 2017 |
 USS
Constitution underway to mark 220th birthdayThe world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat got underway for the first time in three years as the USS Constitution got underway from the ship’s berth in Charlestown, Massachusetts, on Oct 20, in commemoration of the ship’s launching 220 years ago and the U.S. Navy’s 242nd birthday. This was the first underway Constitution completed since she left dry dock on July 23 of this year and the first time she has been underway since 2014. More..... |
| 21 Oct 2017 |
 ScanEagle
completes operational evaluationHMAS Newcastle has conducted the Royal Australian Navy’s first simultaneous operations of manned and unmanned aircraft during its current deployment to the Middle East on Operation MANITOU. In September, Newcastle’s MH-60R helicopter and ScanEagle Unmanned Aerial System were employed on concurrent surface search tasking in the Gulf of Oman in support of Task Force 50, United States Navy’s 5th Fleet. More..... |
| 21 Oct 2017 |
Australian Defence Force concludes successful Cape York
deployment Exercise Northern Shield 17 (NS17), the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) rapid deployment exercise into the Cape York region of North Queensland, has concluded. Conducted in the vicinity of the township of Weipa between 14 and 20 October, NS17 drew Army and Air Force personnel from across Australia at short notice to support the Australian Government with the evacuation of civilians from a fictitious country. More..... |
| 21 Oct 2017 |
Veterans’
Health Week 2017 Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Dan Tehan today encouraged current and former members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and their family members to take part in events across Australia as part of the annual Veterans’ Health Week (VHW). Mr Tehan said this year’s theme was ‘Physical Activity’ to promote the fitness, social and mental health benefits of staying active. More than 200 events will be held across Australia from 21-29 October, with almost 14,000 veterans and their families expected to participate in various activities, including family fun days, golf, kayaking, surfing, cycling, yoga and bush walking. More..... |
| 20 Oct 2017 |
 HMAS
Hobart sets sail as commissioned warship for first timeThe first of Royal Australian Navy’s new Aegis-equipped destroyers HMAS Hobart got underway on October 18, setting sail for the first time as a commissioned warship. Her departure from Fleet Base East, Garden Island, Sydney on Wednesday heralded the much anticipated return to sea for the Guided Missile Destroyer (DDG) of the Royal Australian Navy. During her journey to and from Jervis Bay on the New South Wales south coast, HMAS Hobart’s ship’s company will perform a series of exercises to test core mariner skills. More..... |
| 20 Oct 2017 |
Bust
of Sir John Monash bound for France Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Dan Tehan today accepted the gift of a Sir John Monash bust from the Honorary Consul to Monaco, Mr Andrew Cannon AM, at Monaco House in Melbourne. The bust was commissioned by Mr Cannon to honour his Grandfather Robert Henry Cannon, who served in France during the First World War. It will be permanently displayed in the Sir John Monash Centre, which opens in France in April 2018. More..... |
| 20 Oct 2017 |
 Naval Historical Society of Australia (Victorian Chapter) President's October Musings are now available to download..... |
| 19 Oct 2017 |
France’s increasing naval presence in the Asia–Pacific: ‘We
live in the region’ As military cooperation between France and Australia increases, the French Navy is stepping up its presence in the Asia–Pacific region to protect its trade routes and demonstrate the importance it places on international maritime law. The chief of the French Navy, Admiral Christophe Prazuck, tells The Strategist that the government-to-government agreement for the French company Naval Group to design 12 submarines for the Royal Australian Navy signals much closer cooperation for decades to come. More..... |
| 19 Oct 2017 |
Invictus
Games athletes welcomed home The achievements of Australia’s inspiring 2017 Invictus Games team have been celebrated during a welcome home function at Parliament House today. Australia’s team of 43 athletes joined more than 550 competitors from 17 nations who have been wounded, injured and ill during their service. The athletes returned home with 51 medals and numerous personal best performances from the Games in Toronto, Canada, last month. More..... |
| 18 Oct 2017 |
Talking to the chiefs: David Johnston (part 2) For the ADF, the goal of carrying out truly ‘joint’ operations must embrace not just the army, navy and air force, but also key non-military agencies and allied forces. The head of the ADF’s Joint Operations Command, Vice Admiral David Johnston, tells The Strategist that in the past the Australian forces were at times more accomplished at working with allied military forces than with their own government agencies. ‘That’s been a key observation for us’, Johnston says. ‘As comfortable as we are in the Middle East with all the coalitions, we had to be as comfortable working with our own agencies back in Australia.’ More..... |
| 18 Oct 2017 |
ADF
transition coaching delivering success Minister for Defence Personnel Dan Tehan said improved transition services for Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel had been rolled out across the country after successful pilot programs. In March, Mr Tehan announced individual career coaching services would be trialed at Townsville, Holsworthy and Adelaide bases. “ADF Transition Coaches are helping ADF personnel develop tailored career plans based on their unique skills, interests and career aspirations,” Mr Tehan said. More..... |
| 17 Oct 2017 |
 After
Sasebo visit, Australian warships head for Yokosuka and exercise
Nichi Gou TridentRoyal Australian Navy warships HMAS Melbourne and HMAS Parramatta concluded their first Japan port call in Sasebo and headed for Yokosuka where they are to take part in exercises with the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF). Adelaide-class guided-missile frigate Melbourne and Anzac-class frigate Parramatta arrived in Sasebo on October 9, for the first of three port visits across Japan as part of their deployment Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2017. More..... |
| 17 Oct 2017 |
Proudly
Supporting the 2017 Veterans Film Festival Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Dan Tehan said Defence was proud to support the 2017 Veterans’ Film Festival in Canberra from 18 to 22 October 2017. Now in its third year, the festival features films about war and conflict from around the world including dramas, comedies, animations and documentaries. Mr Tehan said the diverse range of films explored the complexity of war and the stories of those who have served. “The Veterans’ Film Festival brings the stories of current service military personnel, veterans, their families and communities to life,” Mr Tehan said. More..... |
| 16 Oct 2017 |
ADF and Philippine Marine Corp training exercise |
| 16 Oct 2017 |
 Tanker
carrying 1000 tonnes of fuel lifts torpedo on anchorRoyal Navy’s bomb disposal experts carried out an unusual operation recently after a tanker carrying some 1,000 tonnes of fuel caught a test torpedo with its anchor. The tanker’s anchor had speared the torpedo in Portland, UK, and had dragged it up from the seabed, 15 meters below. Portsmouth-based Southern Diving Unit 2 were dispatched to the scene where they immediately evacuated the majority of the crew. More..... |
| 16 Oct 2017 |
 An exhibition in collaboration - Sunda Strait rememberedAn exhibition has been opened in Sydney that focuses on the story of Second World War Navy crews, and their ships that were lost off Indonesia. The Australian National Maritime Museum’s exhibition ‘Guardians of Sunda Strait – the WWII loss of HMAS Perth and USS Houston’, is the result of considerable collaboration between governments. The Hon Julie Bishop MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs, outlined positive steps taken by Australia and Indonesia to achieve formal legislated protection for the Australian wreck and reaffirmed Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Indonesian President Joko Widodo’s commitment from February this year to increase cooperation on shared maritime cultural heritage. More..... |
| 12 Oct 2017 |
 USS
Shiloh has become a ‘floating prison’ amid plummeting morale, report
saysCrew morale aboard aboard the US Navy’s guided missile cruiser USS Shiloh is dangerously low, the Navy Times reported based on information it obtained through a Freedom of Information request. The report is based on several command climate surveys from the USS Shiloh while the ship was led by Capt. Adam M. Aycock. Sailors noted how disastrously low morale aboard the cruiser was, even voicing concern about their readiness to fight in a climate of distrust and discontent. More..... |
| 12 Oct 2017 |
 Orkney
researchers find steam vessel used by sailors to escape HMS Royal
OakOrkney researchers have found the vessel used by HMS Royal Oak sailors to escape the sinking battleship in Scapa Flow. While the whereabouts of the wreck of HMS Royal Oak, which sank in the first weeks of the World War II, are known, researchers struggled to locate the battleship’s steam pinnacle in which some of the sailors escaped. More..... |
| 12 Oct 2017 |
New
rehabilitation and compensation legislation for ADF members There is new legislation that will provide rehabilitation and compensation for current and former members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) has replaced the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (SRCA) for current and former members who have injuries or illnesses arising from their service prior to 1 July 2004 as of 12 October 2017. More..... |
| 12 Oct 2017 |
North West Cape: the joint facility that changed Australian
politics This is the year of significant anniversaries marking the Australia–US relationship. In May we commemorated the 75th anniversary of the battle of the Coral Sea and more recently the 50th birthday of the joint facilities, led by Pine Gap, which the late Des Ball aptly described as the ‘strategic essence’ of the American alliance. Last month Defence Minister Marise Payne gave a shout-out for the 50th anniversary of the first of the joint facilities, the North West Cape Naval Communication Station, named for the late Harold E. Holt, one-time Australian prime minister. More..... |
| 10 Oct 2017 |
HMAS Adelaide hosts President Duterte in the Philippines Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, the Secretary for National Defense Delfin Lorenzana and a delegation of senior government and military officials visited HMAS Adelaide today as Australia continues to work closely with the Government of the Philippines to counter the threat of terrorism in the region. Australia has a long history working with neighbouring nations including the Philippines to maintain regional security and counter terrorism in the Indo-Pacific. More..... |
| 09 Oct 2017 |
HMAS
Warramunga deploys for nine month Middle East mission HMAS Warramunga and her ship’s 190 company has departed Fleet Base East at Garden Island, Sydney for maritime security operations in the Middle East. The Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Tim Barrett joined family and friends to farewell the ship and loved ones for their nine-month deployment to Operation Manitou. More..... |
| 06 Oct 2017 |
 Wreck
of first ship sunk in WW2 possibly found off IrelandResearchers believe they have found the wreck of the first ship to be sunk in World War 2 – the SS Athenia. The wreck was located 650ft down around 50 miles south of Rockall by shipwreck hunter David Mearns as he was helping to provide the most comprehensive map of the waters for Irish Government and European Union. The liner had been bound for Canada with 1,400 souls aboard, blacked out and zig-zagging, when she was sighted by German submarine U-30, mistaken for an armed cruiser and torpedoed – within 12 hours of war between Britain and Germany breaking out. More..... |
| 06 Oct 2017 |
 Chiefs
of Navy discuss future with leading strategists.The Royal Australian Navy has drawn the Sea Power Conference to a close after three intense days of presentations, bilateral meetings, industry engagements and discussions on the future of naval operations and maritime capabilities. The Sea Power Conference explored the theme 'Navy and the Nation' and featured presentations on the critical role a high-functioning industrial base plays in supporting a burgeoning naval enterprise. More..... |
| 06 Oct 2017 |
 Indo-Pacific
Endeavour in MalaysiaAustralian and Malaysia marked 25 years of Defence cooperation this week with a port visit and amphibious exercise as part of Indo-Pacific Endeavour 17. On her maiden South East Asia deployment, HMAS Adelaide and the guided-missile frigate HMAS Darwin received a warm reception from the Royal Malaysian Navy in Port Klang, Malaysia, while HMAS Toowoomba was welcomed to Lumut to support MASTEX 17. More..... |
| 05 Oct 2017 |
Future frigates won’t provide a national missile shield I’ve been asked a lot in the past couple of days about the significance of the ‘missile defence’ aspect of Prime Minister Turnbull’s announcement about the combat system for the future frigates. That’s not surprising, given some of the things the PM said: "This decision will maximise the Future Frigate’s air warfare capabilities, enabling those ships to engage threat missiles at long range. A number of states, notably of course, North Korea, are developing missiles with advanced range and speed. We must have the capability to meet and defeat them." More..... |
| 05 Oct 2017 |
Additional
Humanitarian Support for Vanuatu Australia is deploying additional humanitarian supplies to provide relief to communities displaced from Vanuatu’s Ambae Island due to volcanic activity. The evacuation of the residents of Ambae Island - approximately 11,600 people - is now complete. Around 8,000 people have been evacuated to the island of Espiritu Santo, and around 3,000 more to nearby islands of Pentecost and Maewo. More..... |
| 05 Oct 2017 |
Watch Virginia submarine ‘Washington’ pull into Norfolk for
commissioning The US Navy has shared a video of the Virginia-class submarine Washington (SSN 787) entering Naval Station Norfolk after completing her final set of trials. |
| 05 Oct 2017 |
 The
US Navy is developing “smart” prostheticsThe US Office of Naval Research is teaming with a number of other agencies to develop an improved prostheses which would improve amputee warfighters’ quality of life. Together with Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, the Naval Research Laboratory and several universities, ONR is developing a “smart” artificial leg-equipped with specially designed sensors to monitor walking gait, alert users to prosthetic wear and tear, and warn of potential infection risk. It’s called the Monitoring OsseoIntegrated Prostheses, or MOIP. More..... |
| 05 Oct 2017 |
 Australia
brings in Leonardo for submarine information management software
upgradeThe Australian defense department has contracted Leonardo to deliver its information management software for the upgrade of the Royal Australian Navy’s Collins-class submarine fleet. The contract, called ‘Submarine Communication Information Exchange Management’ (SCIEM), is part of Australia’s Project SEA1439 Phase 5B2 upgrade program. Leonardo said it would be providing its SmartIDMS software application which will allow Australian Navy crews to upload and download data in a sophisticated, managed way when the submarine connects to a network. More..... |
| 04 Oct 2017 |
 Sunken
Royal Navy submarine HMS Narwhal found after 77 yearsThe wreck of what is believed to be the Royal Navy’s WWII submarine HMS Narwhal has recently been found by hydrographers off the coast of Scotland. HMS Narwhal was last seen in late July 1940 when she left her base to lay mines off German-occupied Norway during the Battle of Britain. Sitting upright on the seabed about 300ft down around 150 miles east of Edinburgh, she was discovered by Polish deep-sea explorers who were looking to solve one of their own maritime mysteries. More..... |
| 04 Oct 2017 |
 $148
million radar upgrade for Anzac Class FrigatesMinister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, today congratulated world leading Australian company CEA Technologies for winning a contract to upgrade the capabilities of the Royal Australian Navy’s Anzac class frigates. Minister Pyne visited CEA Technologies today at PACIFIC 2017 and said the contract valued at $148 million would see the production of new air search radar, known as the CEAFAR2-L, for the Anzac class frigates. More..... |
| 04 Oct 2017 |
Sustaining
the capability superiority of Collins Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, and Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, announced today two projects to sustain the capability superiority of the Collins submarine fleet until its replacement by the future submarine. “The 2016 Defence White Paper makes it clear submarines are an essential part of Australia’s defence strategy and a powerful instrument for deterring conflict and contributing to anti-submarine warfare in our region,” Minister Payne said. More..... |
| 03 Oct 2017 |
Triumphant Invictus Games Athletes Arrive Home Australia’s Invictus Games team has arrived home thrilled with their personal results and the 51 medal haul from this year’s games. All of the hard work over the past months has paid off for Australia’s 43 wounded warriors whose grit and determination throughout the Invictus Games was inspirational. The international adaptive sports competition, an initiative of HRH Prince Harry, brought together over 550 serving and former serving military personnel from 17 nations, who have been wounded, injured or become ill in service. More..... |
| 03 Oct 2017 |
 Navy
Chief Tim Barrett: lethal navy crucial to deter attackersNavy Chief Tim Barrett has warned that Australia’s new surface warship and submarine force must be powerful enough to strike blows to deter a distant enemy from attacking Australia. In his address to ASPI’s annual White Ensign Dinner, Vice Admiral Barrett said that by 2025, it is expected that almost half of the world’s economic output will come from the Asia–Pacific region. More..... |
| 03 Oct 2017 |
 Navy
welcomes the world for Sea Power ConferenceThe Royal Australian Navy is hosting the biennial Sea Power Conference with senior naval delegations from around the world descending on Sydney for three days of discussions and Navy-to-Navy engagements. Run alongside the Pacific 2017 international maritime exposition, Sea Power Conference is Navy’s premier gathering of naval chiefs and this year will explore the broad theme of ‘The Navy and the Nation’, focusing on maritime identity, the significance of maritime economics and use of the oceans. More..... |
| 03 Oct 2017 |
Help design the Defence Force of the future Defence is holding a Force Design Conference on 10–11 October in Canberra, to gather innovative ideas from a range of specialists across Australia and the globe, to design the future of the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Force Design is leading the way to address the need for a unified Defence organisation, and is keen to hear ideas on how we can work collaboratively to design and deliver our future ADF. More..... |
| 03 Oct 2017 |
Data
Analytics Collaboration To Improve Naval Capability The Royal Australian Navy will use an innovative new data analytics system to improve fleet efficiency and capability as part of a new collaboration with GE and CSIRO’s Data61. The Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, said the GE LM2500 gas turbines that power the Adelaide and Anzac class frigates will be fitted with new sensors and coupled with advanced algorithms that will improve operational effectiveness and reduce operating costs. More..... |
| 03 Oct 2017 |
New
Approach to Naval Combat Systems The Turnbull Government is equipping Australia’s Navy with the world’s best technology as part of a multi-billion dollar investment unveiled today. The new approach for combat management systems will ensure our Navy’s future ships are fitted out to protect Australia in the decades ahead. This decision will maximise the Future Frigate’s air warfare capabilities, enabling these ships to engage threat missiles at long range, which is vital given rogue states are developing missiles with advanced range and speed. More..... |
| 30 Sep 2017 |
Humanitarian
Support For Vanuatu Today we announce that the Australian Government is sending humanitarian assistance to Vanuatu in the face of a volcanic eruption threat on Ambae Island. HMAS Choules departed Australia this morning, to help the Government of Vanuatu evacuate the 11,000 residents on Ambae Island. On board are specialists and supplies to assist with the evacuation as well as a landing craft. More..... |
| 27 Sep 2017 |
Submarines For Australia A report released today shows that Australia’s future submarine (FSM) project is extravagantly expensive, highly risky and, in an era of heightened tensions in the Asia Pacific, compromises the future defence of Australia. The report shows that the proposed acquisition will be Australia’s biggest ever defence acquisition project, will cost far more than necessary and, because of its extended delivery schedule, will probably leave a very serious capability gap of several years when Australia may have no operational submarines at all. More..... |
| 27 Sep 2017 |
 US
submarine joins Japanese, Australian counterparts for trilateral
drillsThe US and Royal Australian Navy sent their submarines to waters south of Japan where the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) hosted a trilateral submarine competition (SUBCOMP) exercise from September 12 to 19. Japan deployed four submarines to the exercise while the US Navy participated with Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Key West (SSN 722) and Royal Australian Navy with HMAS Dechaineux (SSG 76). More..... |
| 27 Sep 2017 |
 Australian
Navy ships head for Malaysia as next stop on Indo-Pacific deploymentAfter delivering a mobile hospital to Timor Leste and concluding visits to Jakarta and Micronesia, two Royal Australian Navy ships made a stop in Malaysia on their Indo-Pacific deployment. Landing helicopter dock HMAS Adelaide and frigate HMAS Parramatta, both part of the Royal Australian Navy’s mission Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2017, arrived in Malaysia for a four day stop. More..... |
| 26 Sep 2017 |
HMAS Adelaide Delivers Portable Hospital to Dili |
| Archives News Newsletters |
DVA
Information of Interest
Request for Committal of Ashes to the Sea.
Download
form.....Current Repatriation Benefits for Gold Card Veterans -
As of 01 January 2018
This is a list of products that are available on a Doctor's prescription for Gold Card Repatriation Patients. Download the list.....
DVA Mobile Apps
The new Operation Life mobile application is designed to help those at risk deal with suicidal thoughts and is recommended to be used with the support of a clinician.
The High Res (High Resilience) app helps you manage stress, build resilience and optimise performance on the go.
The PTSD Coach Australia app can help you learn about and manage symptoms that commonly occur after trauma.
ON TRACK with the Right Mix mobile app from the Department of Veterans Affairs helps you to keep track of the number and types of drinks you consume; the amount of money it's costing you and lets you know about the impact the alcohol has on your wellbeing and fitness levels.
Guide to the assessment of rates of veterans’ pensions
Guide to the assessment of rates of veterans’ pensions (GARP) is used to assess the extent of incapacity from war caused or defence caused injury or disease for the purposes of determining the rate of pension. Download.....
Planning ahead kit
Overview: Planning Ahead is a publication designed to help veterans and their families prepare for bereavement. There is also a checklist that can be used to record the contact details of important people, businesses and organisations that may need to be notified in case of your death. Download.....
DVA Concessions Fact Sheets
Factsheet CON01 - Concessions in NSW
Factsheet CON02 - Concessions in Vic
Factsheet CON03 - Concessions in QLD
Factsheet CON04 - Concessions in SA
Factsheet CON05 - Concessions in WA
Factsheet CON06 - Concessions in Tas
Factsheet CON07 - Concessions in NT
Factsheet CON08 - Concessions in ACT
War Service
Check your ship's eligibility for war service.....