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31 Oct 2020	20 years of Women, Peace and Security Today marks the 20th Anniversary of the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR1325) – Women, Peace and Security. The growing role of women in military and peacekeeping operations around the world is critical to Australia’s national security and to global security. More.....
30 Oct 2020	Submarines: Your questions answered Prime Minister John Howard famously coined the term ‘barbecue stopper’ to refer to a political controversy so hot that it was likely to make backyard diners stop mid-shrimp-sizzle to debate the big issue of the day. If ever the specialist world of defence procurement has produced a national barbecue stopper, it would be over the question of Australia’s future submarine. Why are they so expensive? Why do we need 12 of them? Why build them here? Why not nuclear propulsion? Why a French design? Why not an American, German, Japanese or Swedish design? Aren’t submarines obsolete, to be replaced by drones? Won’t technology make the oceans transparent? More.....
30 Oct 2020	Symposium attracts virtual audience The recent 2020 Defence Seaworthiness Symposium was an astounding success with 60 people in attendance physically at the Australian Defence Force Academy, Canberra and over 400 logging in from around the world. Attendees had the ability to experience what some of the greatest minds in the Royal Australian Navy and greater Defence Maritime Community had to say about Seaworthiness and where it has made the difference in the way the RAN operates. More.....
30 Oct 2020	Tonga receives its second Guardian-class patrol boat The Australian Government’s Pacific Maritime Security Program has reached a new milestone today as the Kingdom of Tonga received their second Australian-built Guardian-class Patrol Boat at a ceremony in Henderson, Western Australia. This is the eighth Guardian-class vessel to be delivered under the Program. The High Commissioner to Australia HRH Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Tuku’aho and His Majesty’s Armed Forces’ Lieutenant Colonel Tevita Siu Fifita accepted the VOEA Ngahau Siliva on behalf of Tonga. More.....
30 Oct 2020	Ships exercise freedom of navigation HMAS Ballarat and USS John S. McCain came together in the South China Sea this month to exercise the capabilities of both ships and crews, and freedom of navigation in the region. The Australian Anzac-class frigate and the US Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer practised drills and other tactics on October 27 before both ships sailed through the Strait of Malacca. More.....
29 Oct 2020	HMAS Arunta contributes to Operation ARGOS HMAS Arunta has arrived in Sasebo, Japan, for a short logistics visit prior to participating in Operation ARGOS on 31 October 2020. Operation ARGOS is Australia’s contribution to the enforcement of United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea. Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said Australia’s ongoing sanctions enforcement operations, in close cooperation with partners, were a significant contribution to international efforts to achieve permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula. More.....
29 Oct 2020	Survey team finds historic watering hole A Navy hydrographic survey team could not get a drink from an old watering hole they found during an exercise in Far North Queensland recently, even though it was surrounded by water. Deployable Geospatial Support Team Four, which is part of the Maritime Geospatial Warfare Unit, used their high-tech equipment to find the remains of the now-submerged Koala Club soldiers’ mess while surveying Tinaroo Falls Dam. More.....
29 Oct 2020	Better transition outcomes for veterans Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel transitioning from military to civilian life will be better supported with $17.7 million provided for the establishment of the Joint Transition Authority (JTA) as announced in the 2020–21 Budget. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester said all ADF personnel make this transition at some point in their career, and supporting their ongoing health and wellbeing is a priority for the Australian Government. More.....
28 Oct 2020	Mine Clearance Diving Task Group Exercise CUTTLEFISH 2020
28 Oct 2020	Volcano mission for Navy's Caribbean task group After focusing most of 2020 on hurricane relief, the Royal Navy’s Caribbean task force practised helping an island threatened by a volcano. Support and command ship RFA Argus made use of the very real threat to the people of Montserrat to roll out disaster relief plans once again. More.....
27 Oct 2020	Unmarked First World War graves now identified The graves of around 150 First World War veterans have been identified and appropriately marked through the Government’s Unmarked First World War Graves program. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester said the two-year pilot program was attracting interest from associations and individuals throughout Australia and recently received its 200th application. More.....
27 Oct 2020	State Department Authorizes $2.37B Harpoon Missile Sale to Taiwan The U.S. State Department has authorized a possible $2.37 billion sale of Harpoon missiles to Taiwan. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency on Monday announced the authorization and that it had informed lawmakers of the potential sale. The deal, should it go through, could feature as many as 400 Harpoon Block II missiles and 100 Harpoon Coastal Defense Systems, according to a DSCA news release. More.....
27 Oct 2020	ADF's naval presence in the Middle East is changing
26 Oct 2020	Click here to download the October edition of "BROADSIDE"..... 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 2020	Naval Historical Society of Australia (Victorian Chapter) President's October Musings are now available to download.....
26 Oct 2020	Australia and Singapore cooperation on show HMAS Adelaide has provided a platform for Singapore Air Force CH-47 helicopter crews to qualify and land on the RAN’s largest vessels, HMA Ships Adelaide and Canberra. The deck landing qualifications were conducted over two days off the coast of Queensland, where Adelaide is conducting a range of amphibious and aviation training exercises. More.....
25 Oct 2020	The ‘Iron 9’: The Ford’s all-female bridge watch team is impressing fellow sailors Women have been serving on Navy ships for a quarter-century, although the deck department — especially the bridge watch sections responsible for steering the ship and keeping a lookout for hazards — have remained a mainly male preserve. That changed with the aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford last month — all the deck department sailors assigned to the boatswain’s mates bridge watch teams were women. They call themselves the Iron 9. More.....
24 Oct 2020	National network of Mental Health First Aiders AUSTRALIANS who support veterans and their families are being trained as ‘Mental Health First Aiders’ through free training offered by Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling and ex-service organisations around the country. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester said Mental Health First Aid and suicide prevention training offers veterans, and the people who support them, an opportunity to ‘square away’ their own mental health so they can take care of themselves and those around them. More.....
24 Oct 2020	Our New Values: Courage For the hundreds of Royal Australian Navy personnel posted around the world, updating Our Values and Behaviours has provided new focus to meet the ongoing challenges of serving Australia both at home and abroad. Announced on 1 October 2020, our values are Service, Courage, Respect, Integrity, and Excellence. They are a modern reflection of the core qualities of character that are desirable in all Navy people. More.....
23 Oct 2020	Stay connected this Veterans’ Health Week VETERANS and their families will be able to participate in almost 400 events, both in person and virtually, nationwide as part of Veterans’ Health Week, which kicks off tomorrow. Running from 24 October to 1 November 2020, the theme for this year’s Veterans’ Health Week is Social Connection, one of the most important aspects of maintaining your overall mental health and wellbeing. More.....
23 Oct 2020	Watch a Navy drone resupply a ballistic missile submarine at sea Past and future collided when a drone resupplied one of the Navy’s oldest ballistic missile submarines on Monday. The sea service released video showing electronics technicians piloting a quadcopter-style drone to deliver a small payload to the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine Henry M. Jackson, which has been in service since 1981. The test was successful, with the drone dropping its package on the submarine’s hull and returning to operators aboard a nearby surface ship. More.....
23 Oct 2020	Morrison Government delivers cutting edge information systems for Navy's ships The Morrison Government is strengthening the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) maritime communications by investing over $600 million in a new Fleet Information Environment. This will include upgrades to naval systems and computer networks, enhancing its ability to securely and reliably exchange information while at sea. More.....
23 Oct 2020	Changes to the ADF's naval presence in the Middle East Australia’s Defence commitments are focussing on the Indo-Pacific region as part of the Morrison Government’s commitment to the 2020 Defence Strategic Update. Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said the Royal Australian Navy is more active in the Indo-Pacific region than it has been in decades. More.....
23 Oct 2020	Path to Install Hypersonic Weapons on Arleigh Burke Destroyers Unclear In order to accommodate the equivalent of an intermediate-range ballistic missile aboard the Navy’s current crop of destroyers, the service would need to undertake complex modifications to both the Zumwalt and Arleigh Burke classes of ships to install a long-range hypersonic strike weapon on DDGs, as the national security advisor called for this week. This week, White House National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien said the Navy would field its new hypersonic weapon on all classes of Navy guided-missile destroyers — including the oldest flight of the Arleigh Burke-class. More.....
23 Oct 2020	New facility enhances weapons training Small Arms proficiency is a core skill of the weapon user categories in the Royal Australian Navy. It is also a key requirement for temporary weapons users such as those personnel assigned as Boarding Parties and undertaking Force Protection roles. Recently the training support to meet this requirement was substantially enhanced with the opening of a new Weapons Training Simulation System (WTSS) at HMAS Penguin in Sydney’s northern suburbs. More.....
22 Oct 2020	U.K. MoD Vows to Play Larger Role on World Stage as Global Security Grows More Complex The United Kingdom hopes to shoulder a greater share of the burden of keeping peace in an increasingly complex security environment, the secretary of state for defence said today during the virtual Atlantic Future Forum. Ben Wallace said the U.K. is committed to European security despite leaving the European Union, and that it was committed to taking on greater role to ensure global security as well. “We know China is growing the largest maritime surface and subsurface fleets in the world. And our competitors continue to challenge us in the gray zone between war and peace, and especially in the cyber and space domains. More.....
22 Oct 2020	Russian Navy Seen Escorting Iranian Tankers Bound for Syria Last week, the Iranian-flagged oil tanker Samah entered the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal. After a few miles, the 900-foot-long ship stopped reporting its position and destination. Evidence suggests the ship sailed to Syria, escorted by two Russian Navy ships, including a destroyer. Russia’s role in protecting the shipment may change the dynamics in the Eastern Mediterranean. In the past, Iranian tankers sailing to Syria have been intercepted by the U.K. Royal Navy. More.....
22 Oct 2020	US, Japan, Australia conduct drills in South China Sea Vessels belonging to the US, Japanese and Australian navies gathered in the South China Sea for trilateral naval exercises. The US Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) joined the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) HMAS Arunta (FFH 151) and the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force’s (JMSDF) JS Kirisame (DD 104) on October 19. More.....
22 Oct 2020	In memoriam: Sam Bateman, a sailor with the sea in his soul We’ve just lost one of Australia’s and the region’s finest maritime and strategic thinkers and leaders. Sam Bateman died this week aged 82. Sam seemingly had the sea in his soul. He was a true giant in the field of the law of the sea, oceans policy and maritime security. He was an intellectual pillar of the maritime security community in Asia. More.....
20 Oct 2020	Australia to Join U.S., India, Japan for Malabar 2020 in High-End Naval Exercise of ‘The Quad’ Australia will join the India-led Malabar 2020 naval exercise next month, operating along with the U.S. and Japan in an exercise meant to send a message to China. The exercise will be a first for the so-called “Quad,” the Pacific cooperation between Japan, India, Australia and the U.S.
20 Oct 2020	First Sailor commissions to Remote Pilot Warfare Officer The Royal Australian Navy’s newest aviation workgroup has commissioned its first Remote Pilot Warfare Officer. As a new and emerging capability for the Royal Australian Navy, Maritime Unmanned Aircraft Systems enhance situational awareness in the maritime environment by improving the ability to conduct naval Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Targeting roles. More.....
20 Oct 2020	Australia and the United Kingdom cooperate on frigate programs Australia and the United Kingdom (UK) have further strengthened their enduring defence relationship by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cooperate on building and delivering the next generation of cutting-edge frigates. The MoU re-enforces both countries’ commitment to working together on delivering these important high-profile national programmes and maximising mutual opportunities. More.....
20 Oct 2020	Mentoring advocate nominated for award Hard work and dedication has landed Chief Petty Officer Jessica Buley a nomination in the Australian Defence Magazine Women in Defence Awards 2020. Following in her Grandfather’s footsteps, Chief Petty Officer Communications Information Warfare Manager, HMAS Sydney, Jessica Buley had been thinking about joining the ADF for some time before the opportunity presented itself. More.....
20 Oct 2020	Outback promotions for sailors Two Darwin-based sailors were recently promoted at a ceremony in Alice Springs, hundreds of kilometres from the nearest ocean. Leading Seaman Maritime Logistics Chef Christopher Taylor and Able Seaman Maritime Logistics Supply Chain Laura Willemse received their new rank slides on Anzac Hill overlooking Alice Springs while deployed on Operation COVID-19 Assist last month. More.....
20 Oct 2020	Sailor’s first deployment a long way from the sea Able Seaman Asahel Heeney’s first operational deployment was a long way from the sea. The Navy communicator deployed to Alice Springs – 1200km from the ocean – on Operation COVID-19 Assist as part of Joint Task Group 629.7. “I had 15 hours’ notice that I was deploying,” Able Seaman Heeney said. “Then I was flown from Darwin to Alice Springs on a RAAF C-130.” More.....
20 Oct 2020	Ballarat protects energy resources The crew of HMAS Ballarat has been reminded of the important role Navy plays in protecting Australia’s vital offshore energy resources, and the nation’s prosperity. An offshore gas platform and supporting vessels served as the backdrop to the silhouette of HMAS Ballarat’s superstructure as she patrolled through waters north-west of Western Australia on October 18. More.....
20 Oct 2020	New mental health app for Defence The mental health and wellbeing for Australian Defence Force (ADF) members, Reservists and their families has been bolstered with a new purpose built app released today as part of mental health month. Minister for Defence Personnel, Darren Chester, said the HeadStrength app would allow users to anonymously check their wellbeing and provide customised information about how to seek the help they need, when they need it. More.....
19 Oct 2020	Arunta’s crew stays fit to fight at sea It’s widely accepted that a healthy body and mind go hand-in-hand, which is why regular physical activity is an important element of most people’s daily routine. This old adage rings just as true for those working ashore as it does for those whose jobs take them to sea. For this reason, the crew members of HMAS Arunta, who left their home port of Fleet Base West in mid-June, have no shortage of options when it comes to keeping fit. More.....
17 Oct 2020	Our New Values: Service For the hundreds of Royal Australian Navy personnel posted around the world, updating Our Values and Behaviours has provided new focus to meet the ongoing challenges of serving Australia both at home and abroad. Announced on 1 October 2020, our values are Service, Courage, Respect, Integrity, and Excellence. They are a modern reflection of the core qualities of character that are desirable in all Navy people. More.....
16 Oct 2020	BlueZone Group to deliver autonomous ASW capability to RAN NSW-based BlueZone Group and its industry partners have been awarded an Australian Defence Innovation Hub grant to develop a sovereign anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability to support the Royal Australian Navy’s integrated undersea surveillance system. Under the Phase 3 contract, BlueZone Group, Sonartech Atlas and Acacia Systems will prototype an Australian-developed sonar and combat data processing system installed in a Wave Glider unmanned surface vehicle (USV) that will operate as a peer capability alongside existing traditional platforms. More.....
16 Oct 2020	Support for Sri Lanka Navy in COVID-19 testing Australia is providing four polymerase chain reaction (PCR) machines to support the Sri Lanka Navy in their response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The gift from the Department of Home Affairs and the Department of Defence will support increased medical testing capabilities for Sri Lanka at sea. More.....
16 Oct 2020	U.S. Working to End Chinese Secrecy Around Nuclear Capabilities America’s senior arms negotiator said Washington is taking diplomatic and military steps to put an end to Beijing’s “great wall of secrecy” that surrounds its rapid and expanding strategic weapons program. Speaking at a Heritage Foundation online forum this week, Marshall Billingslea, senior envoy for arms control, said Xi Jin-ping and the Communist Party leadership are engaged “in a crash nuclear build-up” with the intent of re-establishing China as the Middle Kingdom, the dominant global power. More.....
16 Oct 2020	Japan launches first of its new class of submarines Japan has launched the first of a new class of diesel-electric submarines, which will complete the U.S. ally’s planned expansion of its submarine fleet to 22 boats when it enters service. The new submarine, which has been named the Taigei, meaning Big Whale, was launched at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries shipyard in the city of Kobe on Wednesday. It is the first of a successor class to Japan’s current Soryu-class boats. More.....
16 Oct 2020	Dogs have their day at HMAS Moreton HMAS Moreton ship’s company and their four-legged friends have kept traditions alive with a blessing of the animals ceremony alongside the Brisbane River. The Royal Australian Navy Band - South Queensland, led everyone in a hymn All Things Bright and Beautiful as dachshunds, labradors, Aussie shepherds and border collies listened, some even barked along. More.....
16 Oct 2020	Reagan Carrier Strike Group heads back into South China Sea amid increasing tension with China The aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan and its strike group returned to the South China Sea Thursday for the third time in its 2020 deployment. The Japan-based carrier is joined by Carrier Air Wing 5, the guided-missile cruiser Antietam and the guided-missile destroyers John S. McCain and Halsey. More.....
16 Oct 2020	Technology running the show Embracing technology has helped the sport and recreation team in HMAS Cerberus plan and hold events in a COVID-19 safe environment. The 'relay for lockdown' fitness challenge took place this month with teams from each of the training schools and base faculties competing in a 10-hour running event. More.....
16 Oct 2020/td>	Seafarers Memorial Service - 2020 Dear Shipmates, the Seafarers Memorial Service is a reminder of the onerous life at sea by Seafarers who have served and currently serve in the Royal Australian Navy and the Merchant Navy. In particular, we remember those Seafarers who made the supreme sacrifice doing their duty; defending Australia and its trade routes during World War One, World War Two, and all of the conflicts since. May we be worthy of their service and sacrifice. We remember seafarers carrying out their day to day duties on this very day. Being at sea is, from time to time a dangerous occupation. May all Seafarers continue their important work safely and with the sincere appreciation of all Australians. To all Veterans, thank you for your service. The 2020 annual service will be somewhat different this year due to restrictions imposed on Melburnians. It will be first televised at 1430 on Monday, 19OCT20 on Channel 31 (digital 44). As there is a time limit for the Channel 31 service, the full service will be uploaded to youtube and may be viewed on Tuesday, 20OCT20 by going to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ls5yIw9INOE It would be appreciated if you have colleagues who may be interested in this service, please share with them. Yours aye, NCCV Executive
13 Oct 2020	Clearance Divers conduct UXO disposal
13 Oct 2020	Chinese Increasing Nuclear Submarine Shipyard Capacity As China pushes to become a blue-water power, nuclear-powered submarines are critically important to Beijing’s plan. Historically the Chinese Navy’s (PLAN) nuclear-powered submarine fleet has been constrained by its limited construction capacity. There is only one shipyard in the country up to the task. But that yard has been undergoing a massive enlargement. And now, recent satellite imagery suggests an additional capacity expansion. China’s nuclear-powered submarine fleet was already expected to get much larger in the coming years. This latest development suggests that China could pump out submarines at an even greater rate. More.....
12 Oct 2020	Arunta departs Darwin on East Asia Deployment HMAS Arunta sailed from the Port of Darwin on October 11 after an 11-day logistical visit to the Top End. Arunta, which recently returned to Australia from a three-month overseas deployment, will now spend the next six weeks engaging in the east Asia region. Commanding Officer Arunta Commander Troy Duggan said the East Asia Deployment saw the ship interacting with various regional partners to enhance Australia’s ability to operate with them. More.....
12 Oct 2020	New satellite ground station in WA fully operational The new Satellite Ground Station near Geraldton, Western Australia is now operational, marking an important milestone in the Morrison Government’s commitment to building Australia’s sovereign satellite capability. Satellite Ground Station – West, delivered under Joint Project 2008 Phase 3F in partnership with BAE Systems Australia, will provide an anchoring capability to Wideband Global Satellite-Communications satellites primarily located over the Indian Ocean. More.....
10 Oct 2020	Regional Presence Deployment 2020 Wraps Up
10 Oct 2020	Look out for your mates on World Mental Health Day 2020 TODAY is World Mental Health Day and Australians are urged to look out for their mates who may be struggling, encourage them to seek support and treatment as early as possible as well as taking a moment to recognise those activities we all do to manage our mental health. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester said the Government had made mental health a priority, including for our Australian Defence Force Personnel (ADF), veterans and their families. More.....
09 Oct 2020	State Official: U.S. Ties with Japan, India and Australia Should be Model for Region A senior State Department official stressed the strengthening economic, diplomatic and security bonds between the United States, Japan, Australia and India as an example of regional cooperation for other nations who share their values. Speaking Thursday in a Center for Strategic and International Studies online forum, Marc Knapper, deputy assistant secretary of state for Korea and Japan, said this week’s second foreign ministers’ meeting in Tokyo was an attempt “to regularize” the arrangement that grew out of their response to the 2004 tsunami that devastated the Indo-Pacific. More.....
09 Oct 2020	Navy Task Group returns from highly successful regional deployment The Royal Australian Navy has completed its largest deployment of the year, with all of the Task Group ships returning home after three months of engagement with regional partners across Southeast Asia and the Pacific. As HMAS Hobart sailed into Sydney today, it marked the final ship arriving home after a busy Regional Presence Deployment 2020. More.....
09 Oct 2020	Statement — Report provides further understanding of defence and veteran suicide EVERY year, too many Australians are taken from us by suicide and sadly our ADF personnel and veterans are not immune. The latest report on incidence of suicide among current and ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel was released today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, revealing 33 deaths by suicide in 2018. More.....
08 Oct 2020	SECNAV Names Navy’s Newest Class of FFG(X) Ships Secretary of the Navy Kenneth J. Braithwaite announced USS Constellation (FFG 62) as the name for the first ship in the new Guided Missile Frigate (FFG(X)) class of ships Oct. 7 while aboard the museum ship Constellation in Baltimore Inner Harbor. The name was selected in honor of the first U.S. Navy ships authorized by Congress in 1794 -- six heavy frigates named United States, Constellation, Constitution, Chesapeake, Congress, and President. More.....
08 Oct 2020	Exmouth base needed to plug naval gap between Perth and Darwin To make sure that northern Australia is ready to support a range of defence contingencies, the region must have socially and economically prosperous communities. Supporting the development of these kinds of communities is no easy task, because it requires a coordinated effort across multiple levels of government. With few votes, and even fewer politicians representing the voters who cast them, getting coordinated policy action on northern Australia in Canberra is a challenge. More.....
08 Oct 2020	Life at sea experience for future leaders Sailing out of Sydney Harbour for the first time, aboard HMAS Adelaide with five ships trailing in company, is an experience never to be forgotten. For the 167 trainees currently completing the New Entry Officers’ Course 63, it was an opportunity almost missed due to COVID-19 restrictions. More.....
08 Oct 2020	Interim response to Productivity Commission report and findings from the TPI Review THE ex-service community can be assured of the Government’s commitment to putting veterans and their families first with an interim response to the Productivity Commission report, A Better Way to Support Veterans, tabled in Parliament today. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester said the interim response addressed 25 of the report’s 69 recommendations, with a particular focus on mental health, wellbeing, employment support and transition. More.....
08 Oct 2020	Calling on cyber students for the 2021 ADF Cyber Gap Program If you’re passionate about cyber security and interested in how you can help defend and protect our nation in cyberspace, the 2021 ADF Cyber Gap Program could be for you. Australian citizens who are already studying or enrolling in a cyber-related qualification can now apply online to be part of the program, which is open to 250 students next year. More.....
07 Oct 2020	Our October Navy Hero - AB Mostyn Berryman MID, PA2717 Mostyn Berryman was born at Kent Town, South Australia, on 9th November 1923. His father was a signaller in the Australia Imperial force on the Western Front in the First World War. On April 7 1942, as soon as he could, Berryman volunteered for the Royal Australian Navy. He and his friend, Able Seaman Fred Marsh, were still under training in Melbourne when they heard that a British officer was looking for volunteers to do something special. 'They told us it would be exciting' It was the longest 30 minutes of Moss Berryman’s life. Armed with a machine-gun and a cyanide pill, he crouched down low in a small, Japanese fishing boat and thought he was going to die. It was October 1943, and Berryman and his crew mates were deep inside Japanese territory as part of Z Special Unit’s Operation Jaywick. They were disguised as Malay fishermen and had just completed one of the most daring raids of the Second World War, a mine attack on enemy shipping in Japanese-occupied Singapore harbour. Seven Japanese ships had been sunk or disabled during the raid, and the 14 men responsible were heading back to Australia through the Lombok Strait aboard a small wooden fishing boat, MV Krait. Continued.....
07 Oct 2020	Navy welcomes first of next-generation fleet replenishment, support vessels The Royal Australian Navy has officially welcomed its new auxiliary oiler replenishment (AOR) ship, NUSHIP Supply to Fleet Base West, HMAS Stirling in Western Australia – which marks the next major milestone in the modernisation of the fleet. NUSHIP Supply will now undergo an Australian fit-out to fit specialised equipment that cannot be installed overseas for security reasons, such as the close-in weapons system, communications suite, Typhoon and combat system – a team of experienced Navantia and defence industry specialists will perform the fit-out. More.....
07 Oct 2020	Recruits from Navy Indigenous Development Program graduate Hard work and determination paid off for Recruits from the Navy Indigenous Development Program and Indigenous Pre-Recruit Program as they recently graduated from Recruit School at HMAS Cerberus. The pathway programs develop the required academic skills, teach leadership and builds their confidence and physical fitness enabling them to reach the required entry level into the Royal Australian Navy. More.....
07 Oct 2020	MMHN October 2020 Update Greetings All Is the tide turning in relation to COVID contagion and Lockdown? Seems so? We know that progress is being made in relation to maritime heritage matters and that the MMHN Events Program can re-commence before too long. We live in hope. More.....
06 Oct 2020	A safer and stronger Australia - Budget 2020-21 The Morrison Government remains committed to keeping Australians safe, while protecting the nation’s interests as part of Australia’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan, in a rapidly changing global environment. The 2020-21 Budget sees sustained strong investment in Australia’s national security, with a focus on regional security, building defence capability and creating jobs, boosting Australia’s cyber resilience and supporting Australia’s sovereign defence industry. More.....
06 Oct 2020	Supporting veterans’ mental health and employment The Morrison Government is continuing to provide mental health and employment support for veterans and their families as part of our economic recovery plan to guarantee the essential services Australians rely on. The 2020-21 Budget measures are aimed at ensuring veterans and their families continue to have access to the support they need by helping them find a job after service, and supporting their physical and mental health needs. More.....
05 Oct 2020	HMS Queen Elizabeth Carrier Strike Group Prowls the Atlantic
05 Oct 2020	Morrison Government shaping the future of Henderson Maritime Precinct The Morrison Government and Western Australian Government are sponsoring a series of studies to inform the future development of the Australian Marine Complex (AMC) at Henderson in Western Australia. The studies will encompass aspects such as wharf design, shiplift and docking options, vessel transfer paths, new berth options, security, utilities, facilities and amenities, and integrated transport solutions. More.....
05 Oct 2020	From cryptanalysis to centenarian Reaching a milestone 100th birthday has led to a day of celebration and reflections, for a member of the Australian Navy family. Mrs Charmian Gladstone, widow of Rear Admiral Geoffrey Gladstone AO, DSC and Bar, RAN, celebrated her 100th birthday in Sydney last month. More.....
03 Oct 2020	Minister for Defence thanks ADF for its response to bushfires and COVID-19
02 Oct 2020	China military watch Welcome to the third edition of ‘China military watch’. This month, we take a look at China’s burgeoning missile and space capabilities. Ballistic missiles on Chinese merchant vessels? On 15 September, China successfully launched the Long March-11 solid propellant launch vehicle off a merchant vessel in the Yellow Sea. This was the second such sea-based launch of a rocket conducted by China, with the first taking place on 5 June last year. More.....
02 Oct 2020	Defence supply chains and anti-submarine warfare in the Indo-Pacific Many in the Australian strategic community were pleased to see the commitments in the government’s defence strategic update to improve the country’s defence industrial capabilities and stockpiles of strategic goods. The accompanying force structure plan commits up to $1.1 billion towards building up sovereign weapon-manufacturing capacity and between $20.3 billion and $30.4 billion towards weapon-inventory surety between 2025 and 2040. More.....
01 Oct 2020	FlyBy A periodical of the Fleet Air Arm Association of Australia. October issue.....
01 Oct 2020	Launch of Defence Values and Behaviours The Chief of Defence Force, General Angus Campbell, AO, DSC and the Secretary of the Department of Defence, Mr Greg Moriarty, today announced the adoption of a single set of Values and Behaviours for Defence. The consistent set of Defence Values and Behaviours brings personnel from Navy, Army, Air Force and Australian Public Service, building upon the separate values and behaviours previously employed across the Defence enterprise. More.....
01 Oct 2020	Increased support for ADF partner employment Partners of Australian Defence Force (ADF) members who are out of work due to the coronavirus pandemic will be better supported through changes to the Defence Partner Employment Assistance Program (PEAP). Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester said the coronavirus had affected all Australians, including the partners of Australia’s ADF personnel, and this change was just one of the ways we can support them. 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.....

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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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