News & Articles of Interest

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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 drills The 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 deployment After 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
26 Sep 2017	NVN's September 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that your monthly newsletter is available to download, the email address you supplied on joining is incorrect or out of date.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.
26 Sep 2017	At home on the range Occupying an area of about 16 hectares on the Mornington Peninsula, in Victoria, West Head Gunnery Range is one of the world’s few remaining shore-to-sea live firing training sites. With its location comes some difficulty in accessing services that most Navy personnel have at hand – the answer, taking them to the Range. A team of representatives from Estate and Infrastructure Group’s Service Delivery Division and Defence Security and Vetting Services recently visited West Head Gunnery Range as a ‘pop-up kiosk’ to provide on-site customer services to the remote workforce. More.....
26 Sep 2017	The heart of the matter—choosing a combat management system for the future frigates The Australian government is about to deliberate on the combat management system (CMS) for the navy’s future frigates. In the mix are Saab Australia’s 9LV, which is already working well on the RAN’s Anzac class frigates, and the US Navy’s Aegis system, a version of which is in the Hobart class air warfare destroyers (AWDs) that are now starting to enter service. The question that people keep asking is ‘Which will be chosen?’ We think that’s the wrong question. A much better one is ‘How can we maximise capability?’ More.....
25 Sep 2017	HMAS Hobart Commissioning
23 Sep 2017	HMAS Hobart Commissioning The safety and security of Australia and our interests around the globe has been significantly strengthened with the commissioning of the first Australian-built Air Warfare Destroyer, HMAS Hobart, today. Hobart brings together the best of Australian and global technology to be one of the world’s most potent and lethal warships. She will provide air defence for accompanying ships, in addition to land forces and infrastructure in coastal areas, and for self-protection against missiles and aircraft. More.....
22 Sep 2017	US Navy issues guidance to provide more sleep for sailors at sea Sailors will get more sleep at sea under a directive issued Wednesday by the head of Naval Surface Forces. Vice. Adm. Tom Rowden has ordered ship captains to establish routines no later than Dec. 20 that will give sailors predictable watch schedules and sleep periods, according to a copy of the directive obtained by Stars and Stripes. A Naval Postgraduate School study shows that 21 hours without sleep results in impairment equivalent to being legally drunk, Rowden said in the directive. More.....
22 Sep 2017	Naval Historical Society of Australia (Victorian Chapter) President's September Musings are now available to download.....
21 Sep 2017	Australia to receive “digital shipyard” in Adelaide One of the contenders competing for the Royal Australian Navy’s $35 billion Future Frigate project has promised to transform Adelaide into a digital shipyard should it be awarded the lucrative contract. BAE Systems Australia said it would transform Australia’s shipbuilding industry through the development of a digital ship yard in Adelaide. “The digital shipyard will ensure that every aspect of the ship during the design and build and throughout its service life is live and accessible to the crew as well as all those involved in the maintenance and upgrades of the fleet and approved suppliers,” BAE Systems announced. More.....
21 Sep 2017	Addressing the RSL National Conference Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Dan Tehan today told the RSL National Conference in Canberra that improvements to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs would make it, “a 21st century Department with a 21st century service culture”. Mr Tehan told the conference that the Government was committed to continuing to work with the RSL, as it sought to change. More.....
21 Sep 2017	Veteran pensions set to increase Veteran pension payments have increased in line with the biannual indexation. The increase will cover pension recipients including veterans, their partners, war widows and widowers. Due to the calculation of pension rates on a daily basis, the first pension paid after the indexation on payday 28 September 2017 will comprise a component of both the old and new rates. The new pension rates will be fully effective from pension payday 12 October 2017. Table.....
20 Sep 2017	Watch Russian nuclear-powered cruiser Pyotr Velikiy launch a Granit anti-ship missile
20 Sep 2017	New Zealand Navy to help bring fuel to Auckland after oil pipeline burst Royal New Zealand Navy tanker HMNZS Endeavour will join a wider defense force effort to help bring fuel around the country by sea and road after the sole supply pipeline of jet fuel in Auckland was punctured by a digger last week, triggering a jet fuel shortage. Major General Tim Gall, the Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, said the Royal New Zealand Navy tanker HMNZS Endeavour would sail for Marsden Point Oil Refinery on Thursday morning to upload up to 4.8 million litres of diesel fuel for delivery to ports in New Zealand. More.....
20 Sep 2017	German WWI submarine found off Belgium A German World War I submarine has been discovered by researchers in the North Sea, off the coast of West Flanders, Belgium. The U-boat, believed to be a UB-II submarine, is almost intact 30 meters below the surface. The exact location of the submarine is being withheld to prevent looting and damaging. More.....
20 Sep 2017	Talking to the chiefs: Vice Admiral David Johnston (part 1) In the ADF’s Joint Operations Command, it’s referred to as the ‘battle rhythm’—a constant series of analyses and judgements about short- and long-term threats to the nation and the region. A top security facility near the NSW town of Bungendore and a 30-minute drive from Canberra, HQ JOC has been commanded by the chief of joint operations, Vice Admiral David Johnston, since May 2014. Johnston oversees the planning and execution of Australia’s military operations and training exercises at home and overseas. More.....
20 Sep 2017	The Construction of the model of HMAS Sydney III (c. Korean War)
19 Sep 2017	Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2017
19 Sep 2017	The five-domains update Sea state The US Navy has contracted Raytheon to modify the Tomahawk missile so that it can be used for long-range strikes against moving naval targets. The US still uses the 1970s Harpoon anti-ship missile, which has only a 70-nautical-mile range. The Chinese and Russian navies operate long-range supersonic anti-ship missiles, which gives them an advantage over the US Navy. The contract for the upgrade is worth US$119 million and delivery is expected by 2022. More.....
18 Sep 2017	A monument fit for sailors everywhere A young Australian sailor looks back over his shoulder at the start of the gangway, raises his thumb and offers a brave smile. He cannot know where the war will take him or how long he will be away from home but he knows his family will miss him. Maybe the smile is meant to reassure his mother, who has tears in her eyes as she waves at him from shore. Maybe it is directed at his father, an ageing veteran who would be alongside him if his body would allow it. More.....
18 Sep 2017	US Navy relieves CTF 70, DESRON 15 commanders The US 7th Fleet commander relieved the commander of Task Force 70 (CTF 70) and the commander of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 as part of ongoing investigations into a series of incidents which caused the deaths of 17 US Navy sailors. The commander of Task Force 70 (CTF 70), Rear Adm. Charles Williams and the commander of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, Capt. Jeffrey Bennett, were relieved by Vice Adm. Phil Sawyer on Tuesday, due to what the navy defines as a loss of confidence in their ability to command. More.....
18 Sep 2017	US aircraft carrier set for October drills with South Korean Navy A US aircraft carrier is scheduled to join Republic of Korea Navy ships for a set of naval exercises in October this year. According to a South Korean defense ministry report, cited by Xinhuanet, US Navy’s forward-deployed carrier USS Ronald Reagan is set to sail to the Korean peninsula for the joint naval exercise. The carrier’s visit is part of a broader response to the threat North Korean nuclear missile tests present. More.....
18 Sep 2017	Invictus Games athletes gear up for Toronto Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Marise Payne today presented Australia’s Invictus Games team with their official team uniforms ahead of their departure to the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto, Canada. Forty-three serving and former Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel who have been wounded, injured or become ill in service will compete in the international adaptive multi-sports competition that brings together more than 550 serving and former serving military personnel from 17 nations. More.....
17 Sep 2017	Drug testing trial enhances detection The Australian Defence Force is trialling hair and saliva testing as part of the Prohibited Substance Testing Program, from 1 October to 31 July next year, the new regime will be in addition to the existing urine tests. The aim of the trial is to enhance the deterrent effect with the advantage of hair and saliva testing is that it increases the detection window for prohibited substance use. Hair testing, in particular, allows for detection of prohibited substances for up to three months after use. More.....
17 Sep 2017	First woman to command a carrier strike group retires from US Navy The first woman to ever command a carrier strike group retired from active US Navy duty in a ceremony held aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) on September 15. Retiring as the commander of the U.S. 3rd Fleet, Vice Adm. Nora W. Tyson was succeeded by Vice Adm. John D. Alexander at the ceremony in San Diego, at Naval Air Station North Island. Commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet Adm. Scott H. Swift, who served as the ceremony’s guest speaker, said that when Tyson was commissioned the opportunities available for women was much different. More.....
16 Sep 2017	Australia and the United States celebrate 50 years for Naval Communication Station Harold E Holt Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, today congratulated the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the United States Navy on the 50th anniversary of the official commissioning of Naval Communication Station Harold E Holt in Exmouth, Western Australia. Minister Payne said this long standing joint initiative has ensured our nation’s important strategic capabilities and borders are protected. The station was built following the 1963 signing of construction and operation agreements, and the status of forces agreement, between Australia and the United States. More.....
15 Sep 2017	Launching $6 million research centre to support veterans with PTSD Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Dan Tehan said a new Government-funded research centre into Post Traumatic Stress Disorder would improve the lives of veterans and their families. Mr Tehan today launched the $6 million Centenary of Anzac Centre at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne to be operated by Phoenix Australia – Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health. More.....
15 Sep 2017	China, Russia set for second round of naval drills Chinese and Russian Navy ships are scheduled to start the second round of bilateral drills as part of the “Naval Interaction 2017” set of engagements between the two countries. Taking place near Russian Pacific Fleet base in Vladivostok, the exercises are planned to last from September 18 to 26. More.....
14 Sep 2017	Australian Government grants commemorating Australia’s Armistice Centenary Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Dan Tehan announced today the Australian Government would provide $7.5 million in grant funding for community activities commemorating the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War in 2018. Mr Tehan said the Armistice Centenary Grants Program would provide $50,000 to every electorate in Australia for communities to mark the centenary of the Armistice in a locally significant way. More.....
14 Sep 2017	How to do SEA 5000 with less risk and more capability The ADF’s SEA 5000 ‘Future Frigate’ program faces two important but distinct challenges. The first concerns capability: the plan is to build a new class of warships to replace the Anzac class from the mid-2020s, with an emphasis on anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities. The second challenge is industrial: construction of the first of the new frigates is due to commence at the government-owned shipyard in South Australia in 2020. That’s a tight schedule, given that the basic ship design won’t be selected until 2018. More.....
14 Sep 2017	Assistance dogs for veterans with PTSD Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Dan Tehan has announced the Government is working on a trial to evaluate the mental health benefits of assistance dogs for veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Mr Tehan said the trial would enable the collection of evidence to inform future policy considerations to help the Government continue meeting the mental health needs of veterans. “Anyone who has had a dog knows they can be loyal friends and many veterans have told me that having a dog has been incredibly beneficial for their mental health,” Mr Tehan said. More.....
14 Sep 2017	Australian Navy heavy lift ship Tobruk to be scuttled by June 2018 Queensland authorities on Thursday announced the award of a contract for the scuttling of former Australian Navy heavy lift ship HMAS Tobruk in the waters of Wide Bay. Maritime and disposals company Birdon Pty will be in charge of the undertaking and is, according to officials, likely to complete it by June 2018, six months ahead of schedule. More.....
13 Sep 2017	US Coast Guard’s historic sail training ship starts final phase of life extension work The US Coast Guard’s sail training ship Eagle arrived at the Coast Guard Yard in Curtis Bay on September 9 to start the final phase of its service life extension work. The 81-year-old ship’s service life extension project is part of the in-service vessel sustainment (ISVS) program and is divided into four phases over four years to ensure the ship remains available for summer training sessions. More.....
12 Sep 2017	Indo-Pacific Endeavour fosters further regional cooperation between Australia and Singapore HMAS Adelaide, one of the Royal Australian Navy’s Canberra-class amphibious ship, has completed amphibious landing craft and aviation training with the Republic of Singapore’s amphibious ship, RSS Resolution while deployed off the east coast of Australia. As a part of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Joint Task Group Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2017 (IPE 17), HMAS Adelaide and the Republic of Singapore’s Endurance Class RSS Resolution, tested their capabilities in an exercise that evaluated the ability of the two nations to operate together should they be tasked to respond to a regional natural or humanitarian disaster. More.....
11 Sep 2017	Navy League of Australia(Vic-Tas Div) September newsletter is now available to download.....
11 Sep 2017	Review of DVA’s Strategic Research Model Call for Submissions (by 16 Oct 2017) Submission background and instructions The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) is reviewing the Department’s Strategic Research Model. Under the Strategic Research Model, there are four priority domains relating to veteran and ex-service community research: More.....
10 Sep 2017	Submariners ‘deep-dive’ into critical rescue operations HMAS Stirling recently hosted an international contingent of submarine rescue officers who were ‘taught and assessed’ on the planning and coordination considerations in the event of a stricken submarine incident requiring rescue. The Submarine Coordinator Rescue Forces Course, was attended by Royal Australian Navy students and 12 international students further enhancing mutual cooperation between submarine operating countries. More.....
08 Sep 2017	UK MoD announces plans for Royal Navy’s T31e frigates Defence Minister Harriett Baldwin on September 7th launched plans for the procurement of the Royal Navy’s new Type 31e frigates – a day after the announcement of a new National Shipbuilding Strategy. The competition, unveiled by senior leaders from the Ministry of Defence, Royal Navy and Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), will boost the UK shipbuilding industry and provide the route to grow the Royal Navy fleet. More.....
08 Sep 2017	New compensation Act for veterans Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Dan Tehan said veterans would benefit after Parliament yesterday passed measures to simplify veterans’ legislation. Parliament yesterday passed the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA), which will replace for Australian Defence Force (ADF) members the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (SRCA). There will be no change to eligibility or the coverage of entitlements or benefits available to current and former members of the ADF. The purpose of this change was to move all military compensation legislation under the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs. More.....
08 Sep 2017	Deployable Mine Countermeasures increase The Royal Australian Navy is forging ahead with new technologies to counter the threat of sea mines to military and commercial vessels. The Head of Navy Capability, Rear Admiral Jonathan Mead, said the prevalence and increasing sophistication of sea mines means the Royal Australian Navy must continue to improve the way it finds and disposes of these mines. More.....
06 Sep 2017	Global Effort To Disrupt Proliferation/Illicit Trade Of Weapons Of Mass Destruction The Australian Government is joining forces with countries from around the world to conduct Exercise Pacific Protector 2017, as part of an ongoing major international commitment to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), their delivery systems and related materials. Exercise Pacific Protector will be held in Cairns, Queensland from 6–9 September 2017 as part of the Asia-Pacific Exercise Rotation—a flagship event of the Proliferation Security Initiative, which is a global effort by 105 partner countries to build networks, tools and capabilities to counter illicit WMD-related trade across the globe. More.....
06 Sep 2017	Government launches Veterans' Employment Awards The Australian Government continues to honour its promise to ensure that all Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel are ready for the opportunities of post-service life. Helping our former Defence personnel find meaningful post-service careers is one of the best ways we can honour their service and sacrifice. Today we launch the inaugural Veterans’ Employment Awards, which will celebrate Australian businesses that are employing veterans as well as veterans who are making a significant contribution to their workplace. More.....
04 Sep 2017	Royal Australian Navy Bridging Train Plaque Recently, the President of the HMAS Sydney & VLSVA (Vic. Inc.) Dr. John Carroll, observed an incorrect AIF emblem on the Royal Australian Navy Bridging Train Plaque at the base of the Memorial tree, in the Shrine of Remembrance grounds in Melbourne. In fact it should have been the RAN Emblem. Dr. Carroll brought this anomaly to the attention of the DCN Rear Admiral Noonan and the Shrine CEO. The Shrine has agreed to allow a Plinth, with the RAN Plaque attached, to be placed below the tree. The Sydney Association originally paid for the Plaque but, through the efforts of Dr. Carroll, the Melbourne Naval Committee has generously reimbursed the Association for the cost of the plaque. Unveiling: An unveiling ceremony will be held with the CO HMAS CERBERUS attending. Venue: RANBT Tree, Shrine of Remembrance gardens. Date: Saturday 24 February 2018. Time: 10:00 We hope that morning tea will be offered within the Shrine at the conclusion of the unveiling. Descendants: If you have knowledge of descendants of the RANBT who may wish to attend, please email Dr Carroll with details. Note: Please let David Dwyer know if you will be attending. Your family and friends are more than welcome. David 'Speed' Dwyer Tel:9720 8183 Mob: 04236 75146 email:
04 Sep 2017	Australian Maritime College setting up new base in Sydney The Australian Maritime College is expanding its scope with the establishment of a new study centre at Sydney’s Darling Harbour. The College will deliver two postgraduate maritime degrees from its waterfront base at the Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM) from February 2018, with plans for a third degree to come online in 2019. More.....
04 Sep 2017	Task Group deployment to strengthen regional military cooperation An Australian Defence Force (ADF) Joint Task Group, Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2017, departed Sydney today to participate in a series of key military exercises throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Running from 4 September to 26 November, Indo-Pacific Endeavour will focus on enhancing military cooperation with some of Australia’s key regional partners including Brunei, Cambodia, the Federated States of Micronesia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and Timor-Leste. More than 1200 ADF personnel will participate in the deployment, which is being led by Canberra-class amphibious assault ship HMAS Adelaide. More.....
04 Sep 2017	Vietnam Veterans' Thanksgiving and Commemoration Service The Victorian branch of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Inc. invite you to a non-denominational service of thanksgiving and commemoration at St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne on Wednesday 4th October 2017 at 13:30.
01 Sep 2017	Navy Week Golf Mornington Peninsula Legacy Club in conjunction with Navy Week are holding their annual Charity Golf Day on Friday 27th October 2017 at the Mornington Golf Club. Entry is $50.00 per player which includes breakfast and lunch and 5 raffle spins. Full details and Entry Form can be downloaded here.....

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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

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Check your ship's eligibility for war service.....

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DVA
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