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31 Dec 2018	Operation Deep Freeze 2019 underway Cargo operations are underway in Port Hueneme, Calif., where supplies and equipment are being loaded onto the Military Sealift Command charter ship MV Ocean Giant in preparation for delivery to the remote Antarctica outpost of McMurdo Station, in support of the annual resupply mission; Operation Deep Freeze 2019. The cargo consists of 498 containers filled will food, mechanical parts, vehicles, construction materials, office supplies and electronics equipment, and much more; 80 percent of the supplies needed the year’s survival at McMurdo Station, Antarctica. More.....
30 Dec 2018	Aussie Hero Quilts deliver ten thousandth gift Aussie Hero Quilts have just reached the milestone of ten thousand items produced by volunteers to help bring a touch of home to deployed ADF members. Most members of the Australian Defence Force know who Aussie Hero Quilts are. Volunteers from behind the scenes, many unsung heroes give freely of their own time to create quilts and laundry bags for people they have never met. The generosity from the volunteers has become legendary. More.....
30 Dec 2018	Navy League of Australia(Western Australia Division) December newsletter is now available to download.....
29 Dec 2018	A Royal gaffe: UK postal service issues ‘Best of British’ D-Day stamp featuring US troops 8,500 miles away in the Pacific The United Kingdom’s Royal Mail postal service launched a 2019 “Best of British” campaign Thursday to celebrate centuries of British history and accomplishments. One portion of commemorative series, however, has the Royal Mail under fire: A stamp honoring the 75th anniversary of British soldiers landing on the beaches of Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944 — D-Day — actually features a photograph of U.S. troops wading ashore in Dutch New Guinea, nearly 8,500 miles away. More.....
29 Dec 2018	Japan releases footage of South Korean destroyer’s radar lock-on on JMSDF patrol plane Japan’s defense ministry has released footage of an incident on December 20 in which a Republic of Korea Navy destroyer trained its fire-control radar on a Japanese maritime patrol aircraft off the Noto Peninsula in the Sea of Japan. Filmed from aboard the Kawasaki P-1 fixed-wing patrol aircraft of the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (MSDF), the footage shows that destroyer ROKS Gwanggaeto the Great (DDH-971) directed a fire-control radar at the plane, Japan says. More.....
29 Dec 2018	Royal Australian Navy seizes illegal drug shipments
28 Dec 2018	Royal Australian Navy seizes illegal drug shipments in the Middle East Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Ballarat has seized more than 900 kilos of heroin worth approximately $279 million* during two boarding operations that took place 21–23 Dec 18 as part of Operation MANITOU. Ballarat conducted flag verification checks by boarding vessels of interest, under the direction of the Combined Maritime Forces’ (CMF) Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 in international waters in the Arabian Sea. More.....
27 Dec 2018	Semaphore: The 21st Century Sailors's Contribution to Australian Maritime Security by John Perryman On 20 October 2018 Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, declared the 2018 Invictus Games open. In his opening remarks he referred to current and recently serving Commonwealth Service personnel as the Invictus Generation, acknowledging that it was redefining what it means to serve despite their sacrifices too often going unrecognised by society. With that in mind it is worth looking at this generation of sailor’s contribution to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and, more broadly, its contribution to regional and global security in the 21st century. More.....
26 Dec 2018	South Korea completes preliminary design of indigenous, 3,000 ton submarine South Korea has completed the preliminary design phase of a new, indigenously designed and built, 3,000 ton submarine for the Republic of Korea Navy, the country’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said on Wednesday. The design was lead by South Korean shipbuilder Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Co. under a contract from July 2016. According to DAPA, the new submarine will feature 80 percent of indigenous content and is expected to start construction in the second half of 2019. More.....
25 Dec 2018	Russian Navy commissions sixth Project 20380 corvette Gromkiy In the third commissioning ceremony in eight days, the Russian Navy welcomed its sixth Project 20380 corvette into the fleet. Corvette Gromkiy joined the Pacific Fleet in a ceremony in Vladivostok on December 25. In the previous two ceremonies this month, Russia commissioned the lead Karakurt-class corvette Mytishchi and lead Project 22160 patrol ship Vasily Bykov. More.....
25 Dec 2018	Venezuelan Navy stops ExxonMob‎il ship in Guyana dispute Unidentified Venezuelan Navy vessels have intercepted a research vessel operating in Guyana waters under a contract with ExxonMobil. Guyana’s foreign ministry said the Ramform Tethys was intercepted by the Venezuelan navy at 10.30 hours on Saturday December 22, 2018. The vessel, flagged by the government of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, was contracted to conduct seismic work by Exxon Mobil and had a total of seventy crew members on board including the captain. More.....
24 Dec 2018	Second Admiral Gorshkov-class frigate starts sea trials Project 22350 frigate Admiral Kasatonov, the Russian Navy’s second Admiral Gorshkov-class frigate, got underway from Saint Petersburg to start builder’s trials. The builder’s trials will take place over a three-week time period during which the ship’s navigation and communications systems, maneuverability and performance will be tested. The testing program will also include artillery and rocket firing. More.....
24 Dec 2018	After calls for Black Sea FONOPS, US to support Ukraine Navy with $10m investment The US state department announced on Friday it would support the development of Ukraine’s naval capabilities with $10 million in foreign military financing (FMF). FMF enables eligible nations to purchase US-produced military equipment, services, and training. The department said the investment was in response to Russia’s “dangerous escalation and unjustified November 25 attack” on three Ukrainian naval vessels near the Kerch Strait. More.....
22 Dec 2018	NVN's December 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.
22 Dec 2018	HMAS Hobart's Combat System Ship Qualification Trials
22 Dec 2018	Mine Hunter returns from north Asian deployment The Royal Australian Navy Minehunter, HMAS Gascoyne has returned to Australia after completing the longest voyage undertaken by a vessel of its class. HMAS Gascoyne, along with sister ship, HMAS Huon, had visited ports and exercised in the Republic of Korea, Japan and the Philippines. More.....
22 Dec 2018	HMAS Hobart returns home, mission achieved, systems ready Australia’s first Aegis combat system based guided missile destroyer, HMAS Hobart, has ended the year in spectacular style, conducting weapons and systems evaluations with the United States Navy off the US West Coast. HMAS Hobart’s crew deployed to the United States well aware that this was no ordinary deployment. At stake was the Destroyer’s ability to successfully operate the most advanced weapons system ever owned by the Royal Australian Navy. Hobart also became the first ship of its class and the first International Partner to demonstrate an ability to operate in synch with US forces, known as a ‘Co-Operative Engagement Capability’ (CEC). More.....
21 Dec 2018	New technology provides peek at sunken submarines New imaging technology is providing a new look at sunken submarines in Narragansett Bay and Rhode Island Sound — helping to make the case for preservation of the wreckage sites. University of Rhode Island professor Rod Mather says three sunken submarines — the USS G-1, USS L-8 and the German U-853 — were imaged last summer, along with the sunken Black Point merchant ship. More.....
21 Dec 2018	Thales teams with Aquabotix for Australian autonomous MCM solution Thales and Aquabotix announced they are joining forces to design and develop a rapidly deployable mine counter measures (MCM), rapid environment assessment (REA) and military hydrographic autonomous system mission solution. More.....
21 Dec 2018	A letter to President Trump A day after President Donald Trump announced a US troop pullout from Syria, his highly respected defence secretary, James Mattis, announced his resignation. Here The Strategist republishes the full text of General Mattis’s letter to Trump. It deserves close attention. More.....
21 Dec 2018	Chief of Navy's end of year message for 2018 As our Navy prepares for the 2018-19 Christmas Reduced Activity Period, I want to thank you all for your dedication, commitment and contribution this year. As you have heard me say, it is an important time to be in our Navy. I am aware of the significant work you have all done over this year; we have had an average of 1600 people at sea every day this year, which is a remarkable achievement, but this rate of effort puts a lot of pressure on our workforce and the families who support us. More.....
20 Dec 2018	Navy to trial dual postings options The Royal Australian Navy recently released a signal calling for volunteers from the Maritime Logistics, Communications Information Systems and Boatswains Specialisations to undertake a dual posting pilot against selected platforms and Shore Establishments. The idea was raised during the Retention Initiative Forums, as a suggestion to help address the issue of respite for those continually posted to sea-going billets. More.....
20 Dec 2018	Australia, France, US wrap up ASW exercise in Arabian Sea The navies of Australia, France and the US concluded a four-day ‘Ship Anti-Submarine Warfare Readiness and Evaluation Measurement’ (SHAREM) 195 exercise in the Arabian Sea on December 18. Participating ships included French navy F70AA-class air defense destroyer FS Cassard (D 614), and Royal Australian navy Anzac-class frigate HMAS Ballarat (FFH 155), guided-missile destroyers USS Stockdale (DDG 106) and USS Spruance (DDG 111), Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Louisville (SSN 724), and Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4). More.....
19 Dec 2018	Australian Navy’s 2019 task group deployment to focus on cooperation with India The focus of the Royal Australian Navy’s 2019 Indo-Pacific Endeavour (IPE19) will focus on developing cooperation with the Indian Navy, Australian defense minister has announced. Engagement with India, one of Australia’s key strategic partners in the Indian Ocean region, will be the cornerstone for IPE19, defense minister Christopher Pyne said. More.....
18 Dec 2018	Arunta celebrates 20 years HMAS Arunta recently celebrated 20 years’ service with a seafood buffet and birthday cake prepared by the ship’s Maritime Logistics staff. Launched on 28 June 1996 and commissioned on 12 December 1998, Arunta is the second of eight Australian Anzac Class Frigates built by Tenix Defence Systems at Williamstown, Victoria. Currently berthed at Henderson Shipyard, Western Australia, Arunta is the first of the Anzac class to undergo the Anzac Midlife Capability Assurance Program (AMCAP) upgrade, which the ship is due to complete in February 2019. More.....
16 Dec 2018	DVA services over the holiday period We'd like to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday, and remind veterans and their families that Open Arms — Veterans & Families Counselling are available 24/7 for immediate counselling support on 1800 011 046. This number is for counselling only, if you require urgent assistance, please call 000. You can also access our At Ease portal any time for online mental health information and support. More.....
16 Dec 2018	Gold Card for Doctors and Nurses from the Vietnam war Members of the Australian civilian surgical and medical teams that provided medical aid, training and treatment to local Vietnamese people during the Vietnam War will be eligible for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Gold Card. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester today commended this group of men and women who will be eligible for the DVA Gold Card from 1 July 2020. This will provide them with access to medical treatment for all conditions. More.....
16 Dec 2018	Rankin and her crew finally back home for Christmas After nearly seven months away on deployment, the crew of HMAS Rankin has returned to Fleet Base West, to be met by the sight of familiar faces. Arriving just in time for Christmas, the crew were welcomed by friends, family and representatives of the Submarine Force. Rankin’s return to her home port comes after several busy months at sea, the highlight being her involvement in the multinational exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 18. More.....
15 Dec 2018	Naval Historical Society of Australia In association with Chatswood RSL ESSAY COMPETITION First Prize $1,000 AUTONOMOUS SHIPS More.....
15 Dec 2018	HMAS Ballarat first patrol off to a strong start HMAS Ballarat has completed a successful first patrol in the Middle East. Over seven days, the Australian warship conducted joint operations with the United States Coast Guard and the Iraqi and Kuwaiti navies, and carried out almost 90 vessel boardings and approaches. The Commanding Officer, Commander Paul Johnson, said spirits on board were justifiably high after the strong start to the nine-month deployment. More.....
14 Dec 2018	Productivity Commission draft report into compensation and rehabilitation for veterans MINISTER for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Darren Chester today welcomed the Productivity Commission draft report of its inquiry into compensation and rehabilitation for veterans. “The report reinforces a commitment to putting the wellbeing of veterans and their families first, it outlines the importance of a whole-of-life focus and it acknowledges the key role of families,” Mr Chester said. More.....
14 Dec 2018	Council for Women and Families United by Defence Service A new council for women and families is set to provide direct policy advice to the Federal Government. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester today launched the Council for Women and Families United by Defence Service, and said it would provide a forum for women and families to have a direct voice into his office on issues for Defence Members and families. More.....
14 Dec 2018	Navy’s future submarine class named The Royal Australian Navy’s future submarines will be named the Attack class, with the first submarine being named HMAS Attack. Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Noonan AO RAN, said the name ‘Attack’, represents the inherent stealth, long-range endurance and lethality of a submarine. More.....
14 Dec 2018	Pacific Patrol Boat Nuship Ted Diro
13 Dec 2018	Navy Engineering Challenge 2018 - Marine Technician
12 Dec 2018	Thailand Hellfire Pass Centre tells important story The refurbished Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre, originally built and funded by the Australian Government in collaboration with the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand, and now with important improvement works completed, was re-opened in Kanchanaburi in Thailand today. More.....
12 Dec 2018	Navy Engineering Challenge 2018 - Aviation Technician
11 Dec 2018	The US Navy’s last stealth destroyer is in the water Bath Iron Works has launched the U.S. Navy’s third and final Zumwalt-class destroyer amid a debate over the future of the ship, which fell victim to its enormous price tag and changing requirements. The future destroyer Lyndon B. Johnson was launched Dec. 9 at General Dynamics-Bath Iron Works, Maine, which happens when the dry-dock on which the ship rests is flooded until the ship is floating. More.....
11 Dec 2018	HMS Queen Elizabeth returns from fighter jet trials Royal Navy aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, sailed back into Portsmouth today, after successful completion of initial fast jet trials in America, marking a new era in UK Carrier Strike capability. The 65,000-tonne carrier’s first transatlantic deployment, which began in August, saw her embark two F-35B Lightning II test aircraft, from the Integrated Test Force (ITF) based out of Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland. She also conducted an historic, week-long visit to New York. More.....
11 Dec 2018	The five-domains update Sea state Amid rising tensions between Washington and Moscow, the US Navy’s guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell conducted a freedom-of-navigation exercise near the disputed Peter the Great Bay off Japan to challenge Russia’s ‘excessive maritime claims’ in the region. The US also protested against Russia’s seizure of three Ukrainian ships in the Kerch Strait last month. Meanwhile, a senior Chinese air force officer has called for his country’s navy to block oar ram US ships in the South China Sea. More.....
11 Dec 2018	Norwegian frigate sinking has far-reaching implications In an incident that has attracted relatively little media attention in Australia, the modern 5,300-ton Norwegian frigate KNM Helge Ingstad sank in a Norwegian fjord after a collision with the large Maltese-registered oil tanker Sola TS. It’s now clear what happened. In the early hours of 8 November, the Ingstad was proceeding at 17 knots along the Hjeltefjorden near the Sture oil terminal. The Sola TS had just left the terminal fully laden and was proceeding at 7 knots. The watch on the Ingstad, which had just changed, thought that the deck lights of the tanker were part of the well-lit terminal. More.....
11 Dec 2018	Navy Engineering Challenge 2018 - Electronics Technician
10 Dec 2018	Naval Historical Society of Australia (Victorian Chapter) President's December Musings are now available to download.....
10 Dec 2018	The new era of great-power competition The first strategic priority for Australia in the Indo-Pacific is to manage great-power competition. And the central trend of that competition is the challenge to US dominance. So says Australia’s defence minister. Here’s Christopher Pyne describing the regional race:
10 Dec 2018	RAN Minehunters lead the pack in mine detection, identification and neutralisation Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Minehunters HMA Ships Gascoyne and Huon have been commended by Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) Captain Yasushi Noguchi, the Commanding Officer of Mine Warfare Division Three, for their excellent result in successfully finding all underwater mines in a designated exercise area in minimal time. More.....
08 Dec 2018	Defence policy in an era of disruption The editors of The Strategist are pleased to present this extract from the first issue of a new ASPI publication series, ‘The Strategist Selections’, released today. Issue 1, ‘Kim Beazley on the US alliance and Australia’s defence and international security’, is a compilation of 24 posts written by Beazley between March 2016 and May 2018. Reproduced below is the volume’s previously unpublished afterword. More.....
07 Dec 2018	HMAS Ballarat completes first patrol
07 Dec 2018	Navy Industry Outplacement Program - Sikorsky Australia
06 Dec 2018	US destroyer makes Sea of Japan FONOP in challenge to Russia US Navy destroyer USS McCampbell carried out a freedom of operation in the Sea of Japan on December 5, in a move that is seen as a challenge to Russian territorial claims in the region. McCampbell sailed near the Peter the Great Bay which is claimed by Russia but not recognized as Russian territory by the US. Russian claims to the area exceed the 12 miles off the country’s coastline which is guaranteed by international laws, according to US officials. More.....
06 Dec 2018	Creating a modern workforce model for a contemporary Australian Defence Force An innovative workforce model designed to meet the needs of a modern day defence force has commenced which aims to increase flexibility and capability of the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester said the TWM offered ADF members a greater range of employment opportunities, retaining critical skills when members would have otherwise left the ADF. More.....
05 Dec 2018	Government welcomes Mefloquine report MINISTER for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester today welcomed the report from the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee Inquiry into the use of the Quinoline anti-malarial drugs Mefloquine and Tafenoquine in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). “The Government will carefully consider the recommendations of the Senate Inquiry Report and will provide a response in the new year,” Mr Chester said. More.....
04 Dec 2018	Commodore Tony Partridge comments on personnel retention
04 Dec 2018	Deployed Ballarat crew able to video chat with home Ship's Company onboard HMAS Ballarat, deployed on operations to the Middle East, have access to the very best communication with family and friends while they are away. HMAS Ballarat departed Fleet Base West for Operation MANITOU with the latest Personal Wi-Fi Access (PWA) system fitted to an RAN ship. The system is designed to improve the quality of life for those deployed for extended periods. More than 180 users can connect at any time, with speeds up to eight times faster than the previous Internet Kiosk (IK) system. The Ship’s Company now enjoys the ability to call or video chat when away from home via Voice Over the Internet Protocol (VOIP). More.....
04 Dec 2018	The five-domains update Sea state Last week, the guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville conducted a freedom-of-navigation operation near the Paracel Islands to challenge China’s ‘excessive maritime claims’ in the South China Sea. Guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale and oiler USNS Pecos also transited through the Taiwan Strait, to send a message to Beijing in the lead-up to the G20 summit in Argentina over the weekend. Two weeks ago, China allowed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan and three other US warships to dock at Hong Kong in an apparent goodwill gesture after refusing a similar request in September. More.....
03 Dec 2018	Navy League of Australia(Vic-Tas Div) December newsletter is now available to download.....
03 Dec 2018	Ashes of former sailors committed to the sea they loved HMAS Success took a solemn pause from a busy deployment to farewell two former members of the Royal Australian Navy. Ship’s company paid their respects at an ashes scattering ceremony commemorating the combined total of almost 50 years’ service of Chief Petty Officer David Pownall and Petty Officer Collin Sutherland. “That former members wish to entrust this duty to us is a testimony to the impact their time in the Royal Australian Navy had on their lives and it is a privilege for us to take part in this ceremony”, said CO Success, Captain Darren Grogan. More.....
01 Dec 2018	FlyBy A periodical of the Fleet Air Arm Association of Australia. December issue.....
01 Dec 2018	HMAS Arunta back in the water after major upgrade After more than a year out of the water as part of her Anzac Midlife Capability Assurance Program (AMCAP) upgrade, HMAS Arunta has undocked at Henderson Shipyard, Western Australia. The upgrade, being implemented by the Warship Asset Management Agreement (WAMA), includes significant improvements to major platform systems such as the communications centre, and the replacement of the ship’s long range air search radar. More.....
01 Dec 2018	Commodore Tony Partridge's response from Leading Seaman Forums

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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
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