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31 Oct 2019	Turkish indigenous rail gun “Şahi-209” to be integrated to naval assets The Turkish defense industry is growing day by day. With the confidence of the success in recent years, Turkish engineers are very close to a game-changer technology, Electromagnetic Rail Gun (EMRG). According to the sources in Turkey, Turkish indigenous Rail Gun (launches ammunition with electromagnetic power), Şahi-209, will be integrated to a naval vessel in order to carry out the sea trials of the Block-II version of the gun. Turkey will be the third country, using the rail gun at sea. More.....
31 Oct 2019	USS Gerald R. Ford completes Post-Shakedown Availability USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), the first of a new class of US Navy aircraft carriers, completed its Post-Shakedown Availability/Selected Restricted Availability (PSA/SRA), returning to its home port at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, on October 30. A PSA is a typical period of construction availability in the early life of a ship during which the Navy and shipbuilder resolve issues that arise during initial at-sea periods and make any needed changes and upgrades. More.....
31 Oct 2019	HMAS Brisbane commences combat system trials in US In a first for the Royal Australian Navy and the United States Navy, HMAS Brisbane has completed a live missile engagement. Using remote sensor data from the USS Stockdale and the Cooperative Engagement Capability, the combat system was tested against a range of challenging targets and tactical situations. More.....
31 Oct 2019	Able Seaman Max Sauppe - Electronics Technicians
31 Oct 2019	Able Seaman Chris Wearne - Marine Technician
31 Oct 2019	Leading Seaman Jason Wilson - Communications & Information Systems
30 Oct 2019	RAN marks Philippines friendship in WWII commemorations The Royal Australian Navy was the centre of local attention during a high-profile five days in the Philippines, attending two World War II commemorations, hosting two Ambassadors and a Vice Admiral and entertaining local dignitaries and community leaders at an official reception. HMA Ships Stuart, Leeuwin and Sirius received a grand welcome when they sailed into Surigao - traditional dancers and musicians performed on the wharf while officers and sailors were greeted with shell necklaces bearing a Seal of Surigao pendant. More.....
30 Oct 2019	PODCAST: Aegis delivery for Hunter Class frigates – Neale Prescott and Rob Milligan, Lockheed Martin Australia Defence Connect podcast host Phil Tarrant catches up with the organisation’s director of business development, Neale Prescott, and its program manager of surface maritime, Rob Milligan, at Pacific 2019 to find out how the project has developed since 2017. They break down the details of the Aegis combat system, the commonalities and points of difference between Australian and overseas implementation, and future projections for Lockheed Martin’s collaboration with Hunter Class frigates. More.....
30 Oct 2019	Navy steps up regional ‘hearts and minds’ with increased tempo The Royal Australian Navy is stepping up its participation in the government’s Pacific step-up program, with ships supporting the East Asia Deployment successfully participating in a number of international engagements since their departure from Fleet Base East in late September. Australia’s East Asia Deployment program has signalled a renewed Australian presence in the Indo-Pacific region and fulfills the key areas identified by government for the nation’s political and strategic leaders to focus on if Australia is to establish a truly independent strategic capacity. More.....
29 Oct 2019	Increased veteran satisfaction with DVA services Results from the fundamental changes made to the way the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) is delivering services to veterans and their families, are evident in this year's Client Satisfaction Survey findings. More than 3,000 randomly selected DVA clients, including veterans, war widows and widowers, carers and dependants, were surveyed by ORIMA — an independent market research company — and found an overall satisfaction rating of 84 per cent for DVA services. More.....
29 Oct 2019	Looking beyond Hobart: Preparing for the AWD replacement It is never too early to start planning, particularly in the ever-evolving threat environment Australia finds itself in – and while the Royal Australian Navy’s Hobart Class guided-missile destroyers will serve as the backbone of the nation’s maritime-based area-air and missile defence capabilities for the foreseeable future, working with international partners like the US and UK prepares Australia for the future. More.....
29 Oct 2019	The five-domains update Sea state New designs on show at the 2019 International Maritime Defence Industry Exhibition in Busan last week included a full-scale prototype of LIG Nex1’s Sea Sword II unmanned surface vessel and a model of Hanwha System’s large-displacement unmanned underwater vehicle. The Sea Sword is being configured for surveillance and armed reconnaissance missions and Hanwha Systems’ unmanned submarine is being developed for South Korea’s Agency for Defence Development for anti-submarine warfare operations. More.....
29 Oct 2019	US Navy tests drone deliveries to submarines The command of the US Navy’s Pacific Fleet submarine force teamed up with the University of Hawaii recently to test a new way of delivering supplies to a submarine at sea. In the test, which took place on October 10, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) delivered a five-pound payload to Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Hawaii (SSN 776) while it was underway. More.....
28 Oct 2019	Royal New Zealand Navy tanker named in South Korea The Royal New Zealand Navy has held an official naming ceremony for its new tanker at Hyundai Heavy Industries’ shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea. HMZS Aotearea, which will be the largest ship in the navy fleet once it is delivered, was named after being launched in April this year. More.....
28 Oct 2019	A great career from gap year to Korea for Navy Chef Growing up in Silvan, Victoria, Able Seaman Maritime Logistics - Chef Elise Tabone never envisaged a career at sea, but after a positive experience with the Royal Australian Navy Gap Year Scheme the way ahead was clear. Nearly four years later Able Seaman Tabone is on her third deployment to Asian waters and is enjoying her second overseas deployment on the minehunter, HMAS Diamantina since joining the ship earlier this year. More.....
28 Oct 2019	NVN's October edition of "BROADSIDE" is now available to download..... NOTE from Webmaster: If you are a member and haven't been notified that your monthly copy of 'BROADSIDE' 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 Oct 2019	HMAS Melbourne decommissions, era of the FFG ends Navy has celebrated the completion of 27 years of service by HMAS Melbourne, the last of her class. The 138 metre long Adelaide class guided missile frigate (FFG) — the last remaining of six built for Navy — was decommissioned at her home port at Fleet Base East, Garden Island in Sydney. More.....
26 Oct 2019	Australian Defence Veterans' Covenant The Australian Defence Veterans’ Covenant serves to recognise and acknowledge the unique nature of military service and the contribution of veterans and their families. The Covenant is supported by the Veterans’ Recognition Program, which includes the Veteran Card, lapel pin and oath. These provide the opportunity for Australians to identify veterans when they are not in uniform or wearing their medals, and offer respect to them and their family. Legislation enabling the Covenant passed Parliament on 22 October 2019. Distribution of Covenant packs to those who have already applied, including the oath and pin, can now begin. More.....
26 Oct 2019	Warm welcome for HMAS Stuart at Leyte Gulf 75th anniversary A group of officers and sailors of HMAS Stuart had the honour of representing the Royal Australian Navy at the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Leyte Gulf, the largest naval battle of World War II. Members of the local community attending the ceremony greeted the 20-person party enthusiastically with handshakes, waves, words of gratitude and countless selfies. More.....
25 Oct 2019	Transformation of support for Reservists A new advisory body will be established to enhance Australian Defence Force (ADF) capability. The existing Defence Reserves Support Council (DRSC), which has provided strong support to employers and reservists for the past 42 years, will be dissolved at the end of 2019, making way for a new phase in the management of ADF Reserves by providing links to industry and employers, as well as advice and recommendations to the Chief of the Defence Force. More.....
25 Oct 2019	Navy Engineers challenged at HMAS Cerberus The Royal Australian Navy’s brightest engineers have put their technical mastery to the test at the finals of the national 2019 Royal Australian Navy Engineering Challenge at HMAS Cerberus on 23 October 2019. Minister for Defence, Senator Linda Reynolds said the Engineering Challenge allows Navy technicians to demonstrate the strength of teamwork, as well as their technical and trade skills. More.....
25 Oct 2019	USS Gerald R. Ford Returns to Sea USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) got underway today for sea trials from Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Newport News Shipbuilding (HII-NNS) division following a 15-month pierside maintenance period. Prior to getting underway, CVN 78 conducted a multi-day, pier-side “Fast Cruise,” where the crew worked through simulated at-sea operating scenarios. Gerald R. Ford then departed NNS and headed into the Atlantic Ocean for sea trials, putting into practice lessons learned from the Fast Cruise and starting a critical phase of underway testing. More.....
25 Oct 2019	How do we avoid delivery delays and cost overruns for SEA 1000? Following a fiery showdown at Senate estimates, concerns have continued to grow about the delivery time frame of Australia’s $50 billion SEA 1000 Attack Class submarine program – so what are the possible options available to Australia? More.....
24 Oct 2019	PODCAST: The future of the Royal Australian Navy, Vice Admiral Michael Noonan In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, Chief of the Royal Australian Navy, Vice Admiral Michael Noonan joins Phil Tarrant at Pacific 2019 to discuss how the Navy is effectively adapting to change in the Australian defence landscape. More.....
24 Oct 2019	HMAS Brisbane participates in San Francisco Fleet Week 2019 Whilst deployed for her United States Combat System Qualification Trials (US CSSQTs), HMAS Brisbane and her crew were fortunate enough to take part in San Francisco Fleet Week 2019. Fleet Week is a United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, and United States Coast Guard tradition in which active military ships and personnel recently deployed in overseas operations dock in a variety of major cities for one week. More.....
24 Oct 2019	HMAS Parramatta joins international effort to enforce sanctions on North Korea Australia is deploying a Royal Australian Navy frigate, HMAS Parramatta in support of the international effort to enforce United Nations Security Council sanctions imposed against North Korea. HMAS Parramatta will deploy in support of sanctions enforcement as a component of a broader East Asian deployment. Parramatta is the third Australian vessel to deploy to the region as part of our enduring commitment to regional security and stability on the Korean Peninsula. More.....
23 Oct 2019	China’s navy is making friends in Dili While relations with Timor-Leste remain strained over Australia’s 2004 bugging of its cabinet office, the young nation, on half an island just 720 kilometres from Darwin, has asked China to help train its navy. The request was made by Timor-Leste’s defence and security minister, Filomeno Paixao, at talks this month with Rear Admiral Yu Wenbing of the People’s Liberation Army Navy. The talks took place during the visit to Dili of a Chinese warship and are an unsettling reminder to Canberra of Beijing’s growing military influence very close to home. More.....
22 Oct 2019	Greater recognition for veterans and their families Members of the community will be able to better recognise the unique nature of military service and further acknowledge the service and sacrifice of veterans and their families through legislation that passed Parliament today. Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel Darren Chester said the Government’s Australian Veterans’ Recognition (Putting Veterans and their Families First) Bill 2019 establishes the Australian Defence Veterans’ Covenant, which provides a formal way for all Australians to show their appreciation to our current and former Australian Defence Force personnel, and to the families who have supported them. More.....
22 Oct 2019	US destroyer ventures above Arctic Circle to monitor Russian Navy US Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) recently concluded operations above the Arctic Circle while monitoring Russian maritime activity on Oct. 16. The service said the ship’s presence in the Arctic Circle reinforced the United States’ commitment to regional security and stability, as well as the Navy’s ability to deploy to many different environments on short notice. More.....
22 Oct 2019	Beyond consulting: Is it time to expand ANZUS for a new era? Designed and formalised in the early days of the Cold War, ANZUS marked a major transition in Australia’s position and approach to the new world order – now in a period of renewed great power competition and ambition in the Indo-Pacific, is it time to expand the ANZUS treaty beyond ‘consulting’ and formalise it? More.....
22 Oct 2019	Artificial intelligence to enhance Aussie search and rescue capabilities Air Commodore Darren Goldie set a challenge for the Jericho program office to find a way to use a detector on an aircraft to enhance the ADF’s search and rescue (SAR) capabilities. While SAR is a critical role, it has largely been done in the same way for a hundred years – using unaided visual search to find objects in the water. More.....
22 Oct 2019	The five-domains update Sea state The Japanese government says it won’t join the US-led coalition in the Strait of Hormuz, though it will send its own forces to the area. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said Japan plans to deploy warships used for information-gathering purposes to the region to ensure the safe shipment of oil to Japan. More.....
22 Oct 2019	Navy gets dirty for mental health Fifteen personnel from HMAS Cerberus Technical Training Faculty braved a course of mud and obstacles in stormy weather to raise funds for Beyond Blue on Sunday 20th October. Sub-Lieutenant Harry Joseland, a Weapons Electrical Engineer, who had recently placed first amongst Australian Defence Force (ADF) participants in the Melbourne Half-Marathon, said participating in the obstacle course “Tough Mudder” was a rewarding experience. More.....
22 Oct 2019	Future submarine main electric propulsion equipment Naval Group has signed a subcontract with Jeumont Electric (France) for the design of the Main Electric Propulsion Equipment for the Attack Class Submarines. The Main Electric Propulsion Equipment converts electrical power using Converter Cubicles into mechanical power and then propels the Submarine through the water. More.....
22 Oct 2019	Explorers find second Midway flattop A crew of deep-sea explorers and historians looking for lost World War II warships have found a second Japanese aircraft carrier that went down in the historic Battle of Midway. Vulcan Inc.'s director of undersea operations Rob Kraft and U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command historian Frank Thompson reviewed high frequency sonar images of the warship Sunday and say that its dimensions and location mean it has to be the carrier Akagi. More.....
21 Oct 2019	US Marines depart Darwin after successful rotation The Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D) has departed the Northern Territory after completing training and high-end exercises aimed at strengthening cooperation between the Australian Defence Force and the US Marine Corps. Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said this year’s rotation represented the largest and most capable deployment to date. More.....
21 Oct 2019	Leading Seaman Brendan Menz showcases an Aircrewman career
21 Oct 2019	China’s growing blue water naval capabilities raise questions China’s shipbuilders have been progressing at breakneck speed, with the recent launch of large-deck amphibious warfare ships, new nuclear and conventional submarines and rumours of a steadily larger, more capable aircraft carrier fleet serving as a catalyst for regional competition, while challenging the preconceptions of many Western strategic policy thinkers. More.....
21 Oct 2019	Naval Historical Society of Australia – Victorian Chapter Annual Christmas Function Date: Friday 6th December 2019. Time: 1830 for 1900 Venue: Sunset Room, Waverley RSL. The RSL have advised that the capacity for the room is 100 diners, so we urge you to reserve your booking ASAP. Guest of Honour: Chief of Navy, VADM Mike Noonan AO RAN Download flyer with full details.....
19 Oct 2019	HMAS Goorangai March and Service - 2019 Sunday, November 17, 11:00am 11:10 Marchers fall in, King Street 11:30 Service commences Ocean View Reserve 12:30 Lunch, RSL Hall, King Street (must book) Dress: Medals please Download the flyer..... Read the Goorangai story.....
18 Oct 2019	New Zealand’s first upgraded frigate shows off new mast The Royal New Zealand Navy has shared first photos of the upgraded Anzac-class frigate HMNZS Te Kaha. The most notable change following the upgrade was the ship’s new fore & aft masts which house a suite of electronic warfare equipment necessary for the Lockheed Martin Canada-developed CMS 330 combat management system. More.....
18 Oct 2019	HMS Hardy veteran dies after Norwegian honour A Reminder of the timeliness of recognising and remembering the sacrifices made by the WW2 generation is provided by former signalman Ralph Brigginshaw – here proudly giving the thumbs up after being thanked by the people of Norway. Just three days after receiving this diploma of gratitude from the Norwegian Government, the 98-year-old veteran of the Battle of Narvik passed away at his West Sussex home, surrounded by his family. More.....
18 Oct 2019	Air Force P-8A Poseidon deploys in support of maritime security in the Middle East A Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon aircraft has arrived in the Middle East in support of the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC). Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said the P-8A’s advanced surveillance capabilities will provide a modest but meaningful contribution. More.....
18 Oct 2019	Jetty completed for HMS Prince of Wales Work has been completed on the new jetty for the Royal Navy's second aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales. HM Naval Base Portsmouth will now be able to berth both Queen Elizabeth aircraft carriers side-by-side in a £30million investment to ensure the modernisation of the historic base. More.....
18 Oct 2019	PODCAST: Maintenance and sustainment supporting Navy’s mission - RADM Wendy Malcolm While much of the focus has been placed on the $90 billion Naval Shipbuilding Plan, an elite team within CASG is working behind the scenes to ensure that the unprecedented modernisation of the Royal Australian Navy remains capable of supporting Navy’s ability to “fight and win at sea”. In this podcast, Rear Admiral Wendy Malcolm joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss the role sustainment will play in supporting the future Navy. More.....
18 Oct 2019	HMAS Choules Walkthrough with ABET Esther Melvin
17 Oct 2019	New Zealand Navy retires two inshore patrol vessels The Royal New Zealand Navy has retired two of its four inshore patrol vessels in line with the recently-released Defence Capability Plan. HMNZS Pukaki and HMNZS Rotoiti were decommissioned on October 17 at a formal ceremony at Devonport Naval Base in Auckland. The vessels were retired just 10 years after they were inducted into service. More.....
17 Oct 2019	Australia’s defence industry policy needs a reboot Agree or disagree with Hugh White’s prognosis of Australia’s strategic situation, options and potential responses, at least he has tabled the subject, and shaken more of the general public out of their comfort zone. We’ll leave the equipment solutioneering to another place, but whatever the decisions on force structure, size and equipment, a few things are certain: More.....
17 Oct 2019	Underwater Collision Research Facility opens in Launceston The new Underwater Collision Research Facility (UCRF) has been officially unveiled at the Australian Maritime College in Launceston. The UCRF is a joint initiative between Defence Science and Technology and the University of Tasmania, and will support Australia’s National Shipbuilding capability. More.....
16 Oct 2019	Naval Historical Society of Australia (Victorian Chapter) President's October Musings are now available to download.....
16 Oct 2019	Russia slates drills for nuclear forces Russia’s military will this week undertake a sweeping drill of its strategic nuclear forces. The Defense Ministry said the three-day exercise will begin Tuesday and involve 12,000 troops, 213 missile launchers, 105 aircraft, 15 surface warships and five submarines. More.....
16 Oct 2019	HMA Ships arrive in Guam HMA Ships Stuart, Parramatta and Hobart have arrived in Guam as part of the Royal Australian Navy's (RAN) Maritime East Asia Deployment. Guam is one of the stops on the Maritime East Asia Deployment, which will also see the two task group elements visit Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam. More.....
16 Oct 2019	South Korea doubles down with new, expanded aircraft carrier plans Drawing inspiration from the resurgent Royal Navy, South Korea is preparing two plans for a conventional aircraft carrier force in response to the rising capability of both the People’s Liberation Army Navy, Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force and North Korea’s continued nuclear belligerence – marking a major step change for the rising Asian power and its ambitions in the region. More.....
15 Oct 2019	Defence’s strategic reassessment: squaring the circle with tied hands Defence’s worst kept secret is now officially public. Defence Minister Linda Reynolds stated at last week’s Sea Power conference in Sydney that the Defence Department is conducting a strategic review. It may not be a white paper per se, but it involves ‘working through a re-assessment of the strategic underpinnings of the 2016 Defence White Paper’ with the outcomes to be considered by government early next year. More.....
15 Oct 2019	Planning to defend Australia in an era of profound strategic disruption Australia’s international security outlook is starting to look very unpredictable and potentially threatening. Our defence planners must now deal with a world which is markedly different from any they’ve known before. The United States is undermining the international rules-based order and, at the same time, China and Russia are becoming increasingly assertive militarily and aligned in their anti-Western attitudes. All of this is taking place as a crisis of democracy in the West is distracting it from wielding national power more effectively. More.....
15 Oct 2019	The five-domains update Sea state The 2019 Pacific International Maritime Expo was held in Sydney last week. The new vessel designs unveiled at the conference included Navantia Australia’s joint support ship, which was conceived with the needs of the Royal Australian Navy in mind, and Austal’s offshore patrol vessel, which it’s currently pitching to the Philippine Navy. Lockheed Martin also showcased a scale model of a control room that could be used in Australia’s future Attack-class submarines. More.....
15 Oct 2019	Unmanned systems are the future, and Australia’s navy needs to get on board In the next 15 years, the development of unmanned systems in the air, on and under the waves and on land, alongside sophisticated networks of ‘sensors and shooters’, is likely to accelerate. Australia must be ready to respond. In a speech at the recent 2019 Sea Power conference in Sydney, Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds argued that: More.....
13 Oct 2019	Navy League of Australia(Vic-Tas Div) October newsletter is now available to download.....
12 Oct 2019	Peninsula Ship Society - October edition of the "Sea Chest" is now available to download.....
12 Oct 2019	Service on certain submarine special operations, 1978 to 1997 Since 2010, Submarine Special Operations (SSO) which took place between l January 1978 and 31 December 1992 have been classified as 'operational' and 'qualifying service' under the VEA. Following a review by the Department of Defence, the Parliament has agreed that service by submariners on certain special operations after 31 December 1992 should be reclassified. The passage of this Act means that service on SSO between l January 1993 and 12 May 1997 is now also considered 'operational' and 'qualifying service' under the VEA. This effectively extends the end date of the previous period of eligibility. Factsheet IS65.....
12 Oct 2019	First human to walk in space dies in Moscow Alexei Leonov, the legendary Soviet cosmonaut who became the first human to walk in space 54 years ago — and who nearly didn’t make it back into his space capsule — has died in Moscow at 85. The Russian space agency Roscosmos made the announcement on its website Friday but gave no cause for his death. Leonov had health issues for several years, according to Russia media. More.....
12 Oct 2019	HMAS Brisbane ready for Combat System Trials On the eve of her Combat System Trials, the crew of HMAS Brisbane have used the passage and time alongside San Diego to fully prepare for this important milestone, which are the culmination of a concentrated combat system preparation and training period which has been running for nearly twelve months. In the months prior to deploying, Brisbane embarked a team from the United States who have worked alongside the ship's company to optimize the combat system and conduct operator training. More.....
12 Oct 2019	Iran: 2 missiles hit oil tanker off Saudi coast Iranian officials say two missiles have struck an Iranian tanker traveling through the Red Sea off the coast of Saudi Arabia. Iran’s state-run news agency IRNA quoted a statement from Iran’s national oil tanker firm as saying an attack targeted a tanker it identified as the Sabity. More.....
11 Oct 2019	Sea Power Conference Highlights
11 Oct 2019	South Korea pursuit of nuclear submarines heats up regional competition South Korea is allegedly reviewing plans to build a 5,000-tonne nuclear-powered submarine based on the French Barracuda Class submarine, which serves as the basis for Australia’s own Attack Class vessels – marking a major transition for the regional power. As both China and Japan surge ahead with plans to build potent aircraft carrier capabilities, South Korea has joined the race and announced plans to build a modified large-deck aircraft carrier based on the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) Dokdo Class amphibious warfare ships – seemingly leaving Australia as the only established Indo-Pacific power without a plan for a traditional, fixed-wing naval aviation and aircraft carrier capability. More.....
11 Oct 2019	Australia’s navy is undergunned for denying long-range attackers The Royal Australian Navy has neglected long-range naval surface-warfare capability for too long. Its new Hobart-class air warfare destroyers represent Australia’s most advanced naval combatant introduced into operational service, but their main anti-ship and land-attack missile, the RGM-84 Harpoon Block II, has a range of only 124 kilometres, is subsonic and has an explosive payload of just 272 kilograms. More.....
11 Oct 2019	ECA Group at PACIFIC 2019: Mine Warfare & Deperming Solutions
10 Oct 2019	Submarines play a vital role in national security The Deputy Secretary National Security, Ms Caroline Millar recently visited HMAS Sheean at Fleet Base West to see first-hand the vital capabilities submarines provide to secure the nation. After an initial briefing by Deputy Commander Submarine Force, Commander Chris Forward, Ms Millar was provided a tour onboard HMAS Sheean where the Deputy Secretary was welcomed aboard by Commanding Officer HMAS Sheean, Commander Darren White. More.....
10 Oct 2019	Video: Day 2 at PACIFIC 2019 – Royal Australian Navy Programs
09 Oct 2019	Defending Australia and its Interests: Continuity and Change *One Day Seminar 18 October 2019* Can Australia defend itself? What national interests must we protect? As a sovereign nation, are we becoming more or less secure? What can we learn from our experience to now? How can we better think about the future? Join an esteemed group of critical thinkers for a one-day Seminar to consider these questions of national importance. The Seminar will begin with four noted speakers presenting papers that examine four eras in our national history. Each speaker will address five essential questions: • What were Australia’s Interests? (real or perceived) • What threatened those interests? • What strategy did the Australian Government adopt to protect its interests? • Was the strategy successful? • What lessons can be identified? The eras that each speaker will consider are: · Dr Tom Rogers - pre-Federation to post-First World War. · Professor David Horner - the Inter-War period to the Cold War. · Professor Peter Edwards - the Cold War. · Professor Peter Leahy - the post-Cold War era. The four speakers will then be followed by a facilitated panel discussion that seeks to identify the factors that are relevant to our contemporary circumstances. Joining the four speakers will be three prominent strategists: Honorary Professor Brendan Sargeant from the Australian National University, Captain Sean Andrews from the Sea Power Centre, and Jim Molan. The Seminar is presented by Military History and Heritage Victoria Inc. (MHHV) in partnership with the Navy League of Australia VIC-TAS Division, Naval Commemoration Committee of Victoria (NCCV) and the Royal United Services Institute of Victoria (RUSIV). The Seminar will be held at Anzac House, 4 Collins Street, Melbourne, 3000. The Seminar Programme is attached. Tickets are only $25 and are available here: https://www.trybooking.com/BFMTS Ticket pricing includes tea and coffee and gourmet sandwich lunch. Download Flyer.....
09 Oct 2019	PACIFIC 2019: Lacroix Ready to Supply RAN via Local Partnership During PACIFIC 2019, Lacroix is showcasing its latest solutions such as the SYLENA MK2 decoy launching system, focusing on RAN tailor-made naval solutions for the SEA5000 and SEA1180 programs. Naval News took the opportunity of the event to sit down with Lacroix’s Jean-Marie Pascal, senior business development manager for Asia Pacific. More.....
09 Oct 2019	PACIFIC 2019: Next Generation Tactical Watercraft by The Whiskey Project Australian veteran-owned watercraft manufacturer, The Whiskey Project, has today unveiled Whiskey Alpha, the first of its much anticipated next-generation tactical watercraft designed to provide optimal performance and protection for personnel operating in maritime tactical environments. More.....
09 Oct 2019	French Marine Industry Group GICAN at PACIFIC 2019 - Day 1
09 Oct 2019	Strong industry interest for Future Submarine Program briefing Over 700 Australian and international companies, research and development and educational institutions have gathered at the Pacific 2019 International Maritime Exposition in Sydney to be updated on the largest defence contract in Australia’s history; the Attack Class submarine program. The joint briefing involved the Future Submarine Enterprise partners – the Department of Defence and prime contractors Naval Group as the platform system integrator (PSI) and Lockheed Martin Australia as the combat system integrator (CSI). More.....
09 Oct 2019	AMDC aims to deliver world-class R&D collaboration in Australia’s maritime industry In a move that will bolster and give a ‘step up’ to Australia’s maritime future, the Australian Maritime Development Centre has been slated to be operational by Q1 2020, it was confirmed at the PACIFIC 2019 Maritime Exposition. The AMDC is a collaboration between government, academia, and industry and aims to “solve the biggest challenges facing the local defence and maritime sector”, with the intention to become the science, technology and innovation “centrepiece” of the aforementioned industries. More.....
09 Oct 2019	Girt by sea: MINDEF’s Sea Power speech reinforces the role of RAN Defence Minister Linda Reynolds has used her address to the Sea Power Conference to reinforce the future of the Royal Australian Navy and its record $95 billion recapitalisation program, which will see the Navy transformed into one of the most capable middle-power navies in the world with a sustainable, globally competitive defence industrial base serving as a fundamental input to capability during a period of unprecedented global competition. More.....
09 Oct 2019	Navy recruiting for roles that don’t yet exist The size of the Royal Australian Navy’s workforce must increase if the service is to maintain its rising operational tempo, says Vice Admiral Mike Noonan. ‘We’ve a navy heading towards 12 submarines, 12 surface combatants, 12 offshore patrol vessels’, the navy chief told The Strategist. ‘And if you accept the requirement for us to be conducting more sustained operations off the Australian station, achieving our future workforce milestones is going to be absolutely critical.’ More.....
09 Oct 2019	Serving sailor captures corvette history in new book The 2019 Sea Power Conference has provided the perfect setting for the launch of a naval history book written by a young serving sailor. Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Michael Noonan, launched The ABC of Royal Australian Navy Corvettes by Able Seaman Communications Information Systems Libby Pearce in front of an audience that included her mum, Lisa, and stepdad, Neil. More.....
09 Oct 2019	Sea Power Conference 2019 - Day 1
09 Oct 2019	Launch of Sea Power Conference 2019 onboard HMAS Adelaide
09 Oct 2019	SeaPower Conference Intro Movie
08 Oct 2019	Navy chief says Australia is carving out a bigger role for itself in the region The Royal Australian Navy is strongly focused on building relationships with allies and gaining experience in an increasingly complex and uncertain Indo-Pacific region, says its commander, Vice Admiral Michael Noonan. ‘The geopolitical climate that we find ourselves in is unpredictable’, the navy chief told The Strategist. ‘It’s probably more dynamic than we’ve seen the Indo-Pacific, and it’s changing quite rapidly.’ More.....
08 Oct 2019	The five-domains update *Sea state* Naval Group has contracted Schneider Electric France to provide the main DC switchboards for the Royal Australian Navy’s Attack-class submarines. The switchboards will distribute power from the submarine’s batteries and diesel generators to many of the submarine’s systems. While Schneider Electric plans on transferring some of the work to its Australian subsidiary and using local suppliers for equipment, the deal has sparked concerns that too little business from the submarine build is going to Australian companies. More.....
08 Oct 2019	Navy unveils new deal with industry partners The Navy Industry Engagement Strategy was launched by the Chief of Navy at the start of the Sea Power Conference in Sydney. Vice Admiral Mike Noonan said the Royal Australian Navy was undergoing an unprecedented and ambitious shipbuilding program and Industry is a critical driver of success. More.....
08 Oct 2019	Attack Class submarine subsystems contract signing We are pleased to announce Lockheed Martin Australia has signed a subcontract with Safran Electronics and Defense Australasia Pty Ltd (Safran) for the design of components for the Attack Class submarines. This will support the operation and sustainment of the Attack Class while maximising the involvement of Australian industry. More.....
08 Oct 2019	Raytheon to provide combat system engineering support services Raytheon will provide combat system engineering support services to the Royal Australian Navy for up to six years following a new agreement with Defence. The Liberal and National Government is committed to providing the Australian Defence Force with the best capability to defend Australia’s national interests. More.....
08 Oct 2019	Industry's Shipbuilding Workforce Plan For Australia The five naval shipbuilding primes have signed a landmark Industry Strategic Workforce Plan with the Naval Shipbuilding College that will boost our sovereign capability to design, build and sustain Australia’s naval capabilities. The Naval Shipbuilding College, Naval Group Australia, BAE Systems Australia, ASC, Luerssen Australia, SAAB Australia and Lockheed Martin Australia have come together to develop their Industry Strategic Workforce Plan. More.....
08 Oct 2019	Melbourne company to develop maritime unmanned aerial system A Melbourne company has received a $3.5 million contract to develop an unmanned aerial system with potential future applications for the Royal Australian Navy. Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Melissa Price MP, announced the Defence Innovation Hub contract with Sypaq Systems at PACIFIC 2019 in Sydney today. More.....
07 Oct 2019	Navy launches Industry Engagement Strategy
07 Oct 2019	Stay Smart Online Week 2019 Joint Media Release Today marks the start of Stay Smart Online Week, the Australian Cyber Security Centre’s annual initiative to raise awareness about online security and the impact of cybercrime on our community. Minister for Home Affairs, the Hon Peter Dutton MP said cyber security has never been more important to Australia’s economic prosperity and national security. More.....
04 Oct 2019	US demonstrates distributed lethality of Navy LCS and Air Force Bombers The US Navy has combined the distributed lethality of an up-gunned, Australian-designed LCS equipped with the Naval Strike Missile with the long-range strike capability of the Air Force’s B-52H, giving credibility to the concept of an up-armed light frigate designed for rapid response and long-range sea-control and forward presence operations. More.....
04 Oct 2019	Hundreds of sailors learn how to ask ‘R U OK?’ The largest warship in the Royal Australian Navy’s fleet has today marked Mental Health Awareness Month with an event to build confidence in asking ‘R U OK?’, prior to overseas deployment later this month. The 400-strong ship’s company of HMAS Adelaide were joined by personnel from sister ship Canberra to learn how to spot the signs that it might be time to have an R U OK? conversation. More.....
03 Oct 2019	HMS Dragon brings air defence expertise to USS Dwight. D Eisenhower HMS Dragon defended American aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower from aerial threats as she warmed up for operational training with the UK’s Carrier Strike Group. The Type 45 Destroyer brings specialist air defence capabilities to carrier missions, using high-powered surveillance radars to scope out potential enemies and, if needs be, eliminate them. More.....
02 Oct 2019	HMS Prince of Wales hits top speed at sea HMS Prince of Wales thundered through the sea at 25 knots as her diesel generators and gas turbines were pushed to full throttle during only her second week of trials. It took almost all the 109 Megawatts of power – enough to meet the needs of a city the size of the carrier’s home of Portsmouth – the six engines generate to propel the 65,000-tonne warship along at full speed. And it required another two miles of clear sea to bring the 280-metre-long aircraft carrier to a stop again – such is the momentum generated by the engines running flat out. More.....
02 Oct 2019	New enterprise student management system for Defence A new initiative will soon be rolled out across Australian Defence Force training establishments to enhance the education and training of personnel. Commander Australian Defence College, Major General Mick Ryan said the new enterprise student management system would provide a reliable approach to recording training conducted by Defence personnel. More.....
02 Oct 2019	WA redoubles efforts to attract Collins Class FCD opportunity West Australian Premier Mark McGowan and Minister for Defence Issues Paul Papalia have announced the release of the state’s business case to the federal government outlining its commitment to bring Collins Class full cycle docking (FCD) to WA by 2024-25. The business case provides further detail after the independent PricewaterhouseCoopers study, released by the state government last month, identified moving FCD to WA is in the national interest. More.....
02 Oct 2019	Captain Andrews leading the way Captain Anne Andrews knows improvements have been made to the lives of Afghan women and girls, which includes a tenfold increase in school enrolments since 2001. The Royal Australian Navy officer is the gender adviser at the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission in Kabul, Afghanistan. More.....
01 Oct 2019	Council of the Australian War Memorial appointment FORMER Prime Minister, the Hon Anthony (Tony) Abbott has today been appointed as a member of the Council of the Australian War Memorial, bringing with him dedication, passion and knowledge in a period that will see the Memorial upgraded to tell the stories of more recent conflicts. More.....
01 Oct 2019	KONGSBERG unveils a game changer in naval operations - the Vanguard!
01 Oct 2019	Time-Lapse: USS George Washington Completes Dry Dock
01 Oct 2019	USS George Washington undocks during nuclear refueling overhaul The US Navy’s sixth Nimmitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) is back in the water after Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Newport News Shipbuilding division completed the dry dock portion of the ship’s refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH). More than 100 million gallons of water was flooded into the dry dock to move George Washington to an outfitting berth, where it will begin final outfitting and testing. More.....
01 Oct 2019	Portugal hosts maritime unmanned systems experimentation drill The international unmanned maritime systems experimentation exercise hosted by the Portuguese Navy concluded in waters near Lisbon, Portugal, on September 27. Named Recognized Environmental Picture augmented by Maritime Unmanned Systems REP (MUS), the exercise was attended by US, European Navy and NATO partners. More.....
01 Oct 2019	The five-domains update Sea state The Brazilian navy has started sea trials of its first Scorpene-class attack submarine, Riachuelo. The submarine, which is being developed by French company Naval Group, was first launched in 2018 as part of an R$35 billion (A$12.5 billion) program for four conventional submarines and Brazil’s first nuclear-powered submarine. The program has been delayed, however, and the launch date of the last boats has been put back until 2029. Naval Group is also currently developing submarines for the Royal Australian Navy. More.....

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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

War Service

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

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