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 of information of interest, not just to the extended navy community of Victoria,
serving and ex-serving, but also to the wider Australian navy community.
Latest News for our Navy Network

Download the JANUARY edition of our newsletter BROADSIDE
 
 
29 January
Japan vows to prioritise Australia over its own navy with new Mogami warships
Japan's defence chief says Australia could receive the first of his country's new and upgraded Mogami warships ahead of his own navy, if the cutting-edge design is selected for a $10 billion contract.  As the Department of Defence evaluates rival bids from Japan and Germany, the ABC can reveal a current version of the Mogami is likely to visit Australia next month, with Tokyo linking its pitch to greater "trilateral cooperation" alongside the United States.  More.....
29 January
All aboard the sail of a lifetime
Applications are now open for youth development voyages in the Navy-operated tall ship STS Young Endeavour.  This exciting program will mark the brigantine’s final circumnavigation of Australia before a new, state-of-the-art vessel enters service in the coming years.  Commanding Officer Young Endeavour Lieutenant Commander Andrew Leupen said the voyage would give participants the chance to learn new skills in a unique environment.  More.....
BROADSIDE - JANUARY 2025 Edition
NOTE:
  To read Broadside in Flipbook form, click on the "Full Screen" arrows.

28 January
Sub-lieutenant captures history
After more than 10 years, the last ADF servicemen and women deployed under Operation Okra left the Middle East late last year.  The joint operation was Australia’s commitment to a US-led multinational effort to combat the Daesh terrorist threat in Iraq and Syria.  The extremist group came to prominence in 2014 after militants captured large areas of Syria and Iraq.  Then-Leading Seaman Jake Badior landed in Iraq to the crash of distant explosions as government forces laid siege to retake Fallujah.  More.....
28 January
Maritime navigation tech on show during Exercise La Perouse 25
Exercise La Perouse 25 is underway and providing a significant opportunity for Australian and international participants to observe Exail’s advanced maritime technologies in action.  Several French Navy vessels, including the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, are participating in the multilateral maritime training activity in the Indian Ocean, many fitted with Exail’s state-of-the-art navigation systems.  Australian participation is a key feature of the exercise, with HMAS Hobart representing the Royal Australian Navy alongside an impressive array of allied naval assets.  More.....
28 January
Defence and Veteran Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy open for feedback
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide made it abundantly clear that more needs to be done to support the mental health and wellbeing of Defence personnel, veterans and families.  Improving the supports available and making them more effective is a key priority for the Albanese Government, and that’s why we want to hear from you.  A draft of the Defence and Veteran Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy has been released for public feedback.  More.....
28 January
Big mission for small ships as Navy’s patrol boats head to Arctic
Some of the smallest warships in the UK’s inventory head to Norway next month to support NATO.  The fast patrol craft will spend a couple of months venturing into the Arctic Circle, supporting NATO forces – including Royal Marines of the UK Commando Force – on Exercise Joint Viking, the annual winter workout aimed at bolstering the defence of Europe’s northern flank.  All will face sub-zero temperatures – the average by day is about -6 Celsius, but even in March in the Arctic it can be as cold as -30 – but the squadron now has several years’ experience operating in such a harsh environment.  More.....
27 January
All-women Royal Navy rowers finish Atlantic race
After three thousand miles and 46 days, the all-female rowing team HMS Oardacious the Valkyries have finished the World’s Toughest Row.  They were elated to reach the finish line of Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua after setting off on the other side of the Atlantic before Christmas.  The Royal Navy rowers of skipper Lieutenant Commander Izzy Rawlinson (Marine Engineer - Submariner), Petty Officer Aaby Aldridge (Survival Equipment Technician), Lieutenant Commander Nic Hall (Warfare Officer) and Lieutenant Commander Ali Aindow (Mine Clearance Diver Officer) crossed the Atlantic in 46 days, 12 hours and 26 minutes.  More.....
26 January
Sailor rewarded for fight against heavy metal
After heavy metals were detected seeping into drinking water aboard Collins-class submarines, Chief Petty Officer Matthew turned his office into a laboratory so he could quickly find a solution.  He discovered a type of filter that could remove nickel and cadmium leaching from weld joints in the boat’s pipes, eliminating the need to carry hundreds of litres of bottled drinking water on the already cramped submarines and potentially saving millions in repair costs.  It’s what earned the UK-native a Conspicuous Service Medal as part of the 2025 Australia Day Honours.  More.....
26 January
Fear of sharks shelved in the line of duty
Submariners rarely have to deal with a man overboard, but one sailor’s action during the nightmare scenario was recognised as part of the 2025 Australia Day Honours.  HMAS Farncomb was transiting submerged to Hawaii for Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022 when it started to experience a noise interfering with the sonar.  They surfaced “pretty much smack bang in the middle of Australia and Hawaii” so Petty Officer Mark, an acoustic warfare analyst, and his team could investigate the noise.  More.....
26 January
Honours for excellence in all domains
Australia Day

ADF members from across the land, maritime, air, cyber and space domains have been recognised with military awards in the Australia Day honours list.  The 79 personnel, ranked from craftsman to rear admiral, have been honoured for excellence and achievement in areas ranging from strategic leadership and command, operational planning, combat capability, and intelligence to psychology, safety, chaplaincy and catering.  More.....
24 January
Why the US Navy wants to build a fully autonomous satellite
Navy researchers are testing a fully autonomous satellite designed to detect and characterize objects in space.  The system, called Autosat, is designed to task, calibrate its signals and send and receive information on its own without the need for a human operator.  Steven Meier, director of space technology at the Naval Research Laboratory, said Thursday his team has demonstrated the capability in the lab.  More.....
22 January
We know what you're doing: Royal Navy submarine surfaces near Russian spy ship
A Royal Navy submarine was ordered to surface to warn off one of the Russian navy's spy ships operating around UK waters, the Defence Secretary has revealed.  John Healey gave details about the activities of the Yantar, which he said the Russians had been using for gathering intelligence and mapping the UK's critical underwater infrastructure.  Mr Healey warned Russian president Vladimir Putin: "We see you, we know what you are doing and we will not shy away from robust action to protect this country."  More.....
22 January
Dive Team fundraising campaign to remember the crew of HMS Exmouth
Eighty-five years to the day they were lost at sea, divers hope the crew of a wartime destroyer will sail again.  They want the naval family to support fundraising efforts to honour the men of ill-fated HMS Exmouth – and help the RNLI at the same time.  All 190 men were lost when the destroyer was torpedoed by German submarine U-22 off Wick in northern Scotland.  A team of divers returned to the wreck last summer to survey the remains of Exmouth and ‘raise’ the White Ensign for the first time since January 21 1940.  More.....
22 January
Darwin is well-placed for an uncrewed systems hub
Australia often relies on overseas facilities for uncrewed systems’ maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), exposing the country to operational delays, escalating costs and potential security risks. To address this vulnerability, it should establish an MRO facility for uncrewed systems in Darwin.  Uncrewed systems, including drones, uncrewed aerial vehicles and uncrewed underwater vehicles, are transforming Australia’s defence, security and commercial sectors.  More.....
21 January
Kickstart the New Year with MyService
The new year is the perfect time to get organised and take control of your DVA business. MyService provides a convenient way to manage your claims and access key services.  Whether it’s lodging and tracking claims, applying for DVA-funded mental health treatments, or booking transport for medical appointments, MyService has you covered. You can also request a decision review, update your personal details, and access your digital Veteran Card MyService all in one place.  It’s still January, so why not make registering for MyService a new year’s resolution?  More.....
21 January
Australia to invest additional $262 million to support AUKUS submarine supply chain
The Australian Government has decided to invest an additional $262 million to support local defense industry uplift and develop Australia’s AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine supply chain.  As disclosed, over the next two years, the country will fund a range of initiatives to uplift the local defense industry, supporting around 125 businesses across Australia to meet the standards of submarine build and sustainment activities in AUKUS nations.  This includes new initiatives and support for existing programs. The first tranche of funding will support the industry through:  More.....
21 January
French Carrier Charles de Gaulle Kicks Off La Perouse Exercise in South East Asia
The French Carrier Strike Group is spearheading the French Navy-led multinational biennial exercise La Perouse 25 that began on Thursday across three critical maritime passages in South East Asia.  The 2025 exercise also marks the first time that South East Asian nations are participating in the exercise, albeit in separate national segments for each country.  The French CSG is leading maritime security and cooperation drills with the Indian Navy, Indonesian Navy, Republic of Singapore Navy, Royal Australian Navy, Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Malaysian Navy, Royal Navy and the U.S. Navy in the Malacca, Sunda and Lombok straits.  More.....
20 January
Veterans to better access hearing support
More than 10,000 Australian veterans will this year be more empowered when it comes to hearing health, with significant improvements to how the Albanese Government supports those with hearing impairment.  Hearing loss and tinnitus are some of the most common conditions resulting from military service.  These conditions affect individuals differently, at times it can be frustrating and isolating, affecting a person’s overall health and wellbeing.  Now, veterans experiencing hearing impairment will have better access to a variety of hearing aids and supports through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ - Veteran Hearing Services Framework.  More.....
20 January
Invictus competitor already a winner
Given his stint as a Navy cadet, his passion for sailing and his father’s naval background, it was hardly surprising that Colin McCallum decided to pursue a Navy career.  What has surprised Colin, though, was being selected for Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 after physical and mental health issues meant he had to medically separate from the Navy after almost 30 years’ service.  The former boatswain’s mate turned aircrewman and then aircrew instructor has been proactive in taking charge of his recovery, but admits it hasn’t always been easy.  More.....
20 January
Teamwork makes Chris’ dream work
Leading Seaman Christopher Hill’s life is testament to the power of teamwork.  From a childhood grounded in the team sports of baseball, cricket, football, soccer, basketball and softball, through to a life dedicated to service as part of the Royal Australian Navy, he has thrived on being “part of something greater”.  Now, as one of 33 former and current serving servicemen and women selected to don the green and gold at Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler in Canada, Leading Seaman Hill is feeling a new sense of pride and achievement.  More.....
19 January
HMAS Hobart departs on regional deployment
HMAS Hobart has departed from Darwin as part of the Australian Defence Force’s long-standing regional deployment program and Australia’s commitment to a stable and secure Indo-Pacific. Regional Presence Deployments (RPDs) involve maritime and air military visits and participation in a range of exercises and international engagement activities within the Indo-Pacific region.  These deployments demonstrate Australia’s commitment and ability to maintain a near continuous presence in the region, supporting regional security and stability.  HMAS Hobart’s crew of around 230 personnel including an embarked MH-60R Romeo Seahawk departed its homeport of Sydney on 6 January for a six-week deployment through Southeast Asia.  More.....
18 January
Royal Navy works with United States and Australians for underwater warfare trials
The Royal Navy’s experts in finding, identifying and removing underwater threats have trialled current and future technologies during a series of tests off the Virginia coast.  Sailors from the navy’s Diving and Threat Exploitation Group and Mine and Threat Exploitation Group took part in the exercise off Virginia Beach, near the world’s largest naval base in Norfolk, USA, as part of the AUKUS defence partnership.  Personnel from Australia, the UK and the US came together under AUKUS Pillar 2, which develops advanced capabilities to benefit both Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic security.  More.....
17 January
Proud Aussie eyes new goals
As a physical training instructor with the Royal Australian Navy, Petty Officer Jarryd Boyd understands the importance of sport and fitness.  However, a series of debilitating injuries has tested his body and mental resilience, forcing him to identify new goals and redefine his approach to training and competition.  The 35-year-old has undergone multiple surgeries on his left ankle and right knee, leaving him with osteoarthritis.  In addition, an accident at work resulted in the loss of sensation in his left arm and reduced grip strength. He is also carrying lower back injuries.  More.....
17 January
DVA launches Services Guide
DVA has just released a comprehensive guide to the wide variety of services and support we offer members of the Defence and veteran community.  The 60-page Veteran Support and Services Guide provides an overview of the assistance DVA can provide from the moment you join the ADF, during your transition and throughout civilian life.  The Guide can help you understand how DVA can assist you and your family to live well and age well, with information about how to access DVA services and support or how to find out more information.  Whatever your circumstances, it helps to know the services and support available to you and your family that we provide.  More.....
17 January
Congressional analysis lays bare AUKUS challenges as Australia looks to arm future submarines with hypersonics
New budgetary analysis for the US Congress has outlined the difficulties America's shipyards face to increase nuclear-powered submarine production so that Virginia-class boats can eventually be sold to Australia under the $368 billion AUKUS program.  The blunt assessment of US industrial challenges has been published as senior military figures express confidence that the ambitious AUKUS endeavour will succeed and predict future Australian submarines are “highly likely” to carry hypersonic missiles.  More.....
16 January
Chilean commander who rescued Shackleton’s crew remembered by sailors of HMS Protector
The commander of the ship which rescued sailors from Ernest Shackleton’s Endurance has been recognised by the UK during icebreaker HMS Protector’s port stop in Chile.  The Chilean Navy pilot, Luis Pardo, carried out a heroic rescue of Shackleton’s men from the ill-fated Endurance, who had been trapped for many months on Elephant Island – their refuge following the loss of their ship in the pack ice of the Weddell Sea during the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition.  Pardo and his crew on the cutter Yelcho took huge risks to save the British sailors.  More.....
16 January
Report: Chinese scientists have dabbled in undersea cable-cutting tech
Chinese scientists have been researching ways to cut undersea cables since at least the late 2000s, according to a recent report in the U.S. magazine Newsweek. The revelation comes amid a series of events in which undersea infrastructure in geopolitically tense regions was damaged under unclear circumstances.  Reporters at Newsweek uncovered two patent applications Chinese researchers filed for towed undersea cable-cutting devices and associated methods to inflict such damage.  More.....
16 January
India launches submarine, warships to counter China in Indian Ocean
India’s navy on Wednesday simultaneously launched a submarine, destroyer and frigate built at a state-run shipyard, underscoring the importance of protecting the Indian Ocean region through which 95% of the country’s trade moves amid a strong Chinese presence.  Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said that the Atlantic Ocean’s importance has shifted to the Indian Ocean region, which is becoming a center of international power rivalry.  More.....
15 January
Chinese military delegation to make rare visit to Japan, experts see pre-Trump prep
For the first time in five years, China has sent a sizable military delegation to Japan for a week-long visit.  The purpose of the visit by a delegation from the Eastern Theater Command, according to a Monday statement from the Chinese military, is to “strengthen mutual understanding and trust, while advancing defense exchanges between the two countries.”  More.....
15 January
Claims processing data – December 2024
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) continues to process outstanding claims as quickly as possible, to deliver much needed help to veterans and families sooner.  As part of our commitment to routinely, publicly, and meaningfully reporting on claims processing progress, each month DVA releases updated data via the claims processing page.
A snapshot of December 2024:  More.....
15 January
Navy shipbuilding plan would cost $1 trillion over the next 30 years
For the U.S. Navy to achieve a proposed plan to expand its fleet of battle force ships, the service would need to spend $40.1 billion on shipbuilding every year through 2054, for a total of more than $1 trillion, according to new analysis from the Congressional Budget Office.  Over the next 30 years, the Navy wants to grow its fleet of battle force ships to 381 to face swelling global threats, according to the service’s most recent proposal.  There are currently 295 in the fleet, and that number is expected to drop to 283 ships in 2027, when the Navy is planning to retire 13 more ships than it will commission.  More.....
15 January
China pushing Philippines ‘to the wall’ with sea aggression: Manila
A Philippine security official said Tuesday that China is “pushing us to the wall” with growing aggression in the disputed South China Sea and warned that “all options are on the table” for Manila’s response, including new international lawsuits.  A large Chinese coast guard ship patrolled the hotly disputed Scarborough Shoal in recent days and then sailed toward the northwestern coast of the Philippines on Tuesday, coming as close as 77 nautical miles, Philippine officials said in a news conference.  More.....
15 January
NATO launches Baltic patrol mission, eyes standard for detaining ships
Following a series of sabotage incidents against underwater infrastructure, NATO has launched a maritime patrol mission in the Baltic Sea that will include frigates, naval drones, submarines and surveillance aircraft in a show of force against a shadowy fleet of vessels suspected of doing Moscow’s bidding.  The operation, dubbed “Baltic Sentry,” will dispatch national contributions as well as joint assets to the strategically located body of water.  More.....
14 January
Invictus reignites sailor's passion
Bilateral cartilage issues in both knees and multiple musculoskeletal injuries prematurely ended Callan McLean’s naval career and recreational sporting pursuits in 2023.  However, thanks to the Invictus Games and his introduction to adaptive sports, his dreams to re-engage with sport for physical and mental vitality have become a reality.  And much to the former maritime logistics chef and physical training instructor’s surprise, he will once again represent his country on the world stage.  More.....
14 January
Honouring their Service
Service, bravery, integrity, respect, and excellence. These are the ideals that the Australian Defence Force stands for, and reflect how we honour our current and former serving personnel.  In this spirit, 55 organisations from around the country will share in more than $770,000 funding as part of the first round of the Albanese Government’s 2024-25 Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program.  This grant program funds projects that not only pay tribute to those who have served in our ADF, it also educates local communities on the defence of Australia, and our people at war.  More.....
10 January
When a sonar image reveals a piece of history
The discovery of a World War 2 aircraft off the Northern Territory coast highlights one of the many benefits of surveying conducted by Defence's Australian Hydrographic Office.  It was a routine hydrographic survey that uncovered a World War 2 Beaufort Bomber aircraft off the coast of Darwin, much to the excitement of those involved.  The aircraft, lost during a mission in 1944, was found during a survey of the area conducted as part of the HydroScheme Industry Partnership Program (HIPP) of the Australian Hydrographic Office (AHO).  More.....
10 January
China Suddenly Building Fleet Of Special Barges Suitable For Taiwan Landings
Anyone wondering what an invasion of Taiwan might look like now has a fresh visual clue. Defence analysts watching Chinese shipyards have noticed an increase in a particular type of vessel.  A number of special and unusual barges, at least 3 but likely 5 or more, have been observed in Guangzhou Shipyard in southern China.  These have unusually long road bridges extending from their bows.  This configuration makes them particularly relevant to any future landing of PRC (People’s Republic of China) forces on Taiwanese islands.  More.....
09 January
Scientist on HMS Protector uncovering the impact of plastic waste on Antarctica
A scientist aboard a Royal Navy icebreaker is uncovering the damage plastic waste is having on Antarctica.  As part of efforts to preserve one of the world’s most unique and fragile environments, critical work has been carried out by researchers from the University of Portsmouth aboard polar research vessel HMS Protector.  The United Nations estimates that more than eight million metric tonnes of plastic enter the planet’s oceans every year, posing a severe threat to global ecosystems.  More.....
08 January
Innovation for security: why Australia needs its own DARPA
Australia should establish a national centre for breakthrough technologies along the lines of the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).  An Australian Advanced Research Projects Agency (AARPA) is needed to stay competitive with other powers in the Indo-Pacific in artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing and biotechnology.  China, well aware of the power of state guidance and funding for high-risk, high-reward technological development, aims to position itself as a world leader in those technologies.  More.....
07 January
Joint European force launches AI-enabled tool to track Russia's shadow fleet, monitor undersea cables
The multinational Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) has activated a new operation centered around a UK-led and artificial intelligence (AI) based reaction system capable of assessing threats to undersea cables and monitoring movements of Russia’s shadow fleet.  Dubbed Nordic Warden, the operation began last week, said the UK Ministry of Defence in a Monday statement and follows reports of a Russian oil tanker suspected of causing damage to the Estlink undersea cable in the Baltic Sea.  More.....
07 January
HMAS Brisbane returns home after milestone deployment
Around 200 officers and sailors from HMAS Brisbane returned to Sydney after a five-month deployment, which included the successful launch of Australia’s first-ever Tomahawk cruise missile off the US coast.  The deployment also included joint exercises with the US Navy and scheduled maintenance at the US Naval Base in San Diego, overall marking a significant milestone in strengthening the Australian Defence Force’s capabilities.  Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Chris Smith, AM, CSM, RAN said the activity was a demonstration of Australia’s commitment to allies in support of a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.  More.....
07 January
The next Australian government needs a bolder plan for the navy
The past year brought a renewed focus on Australia’s deteriorating security situation and maritime capability. Despite the maritime emphasis in Australia’s 2024 defence announcements, the country remains far from being adequately positioned to defend its extensive sea lines of communication, subsea cables and broader national interests at sea.  With a federal election due by May, the next Australian government must spend on the navy, address the capability gaps and make timely decisions on future capability.  More.....
06 January
Milestone moment for joint pilot training
Acting Sub-Lieutenant Natika Dunn has made history as the first Navy trainee to graduate with wings from 1 Flying Training School at RAAF Base East Sale.  “It’s amazing to be the first Navy graduate here on the east coast,” Acting Sub-Lieutenant Dunn said.  "Being able to complete all my training on the east coast provided a quicker training pipeline, giving us continuous training throughout and support from the same instructors the whole way through.  I am incredibly happy, it’s been a big year and a half to get here.”  More.....
06 January
Japan Facing Most Complex Security Environment Since World War II, Warn Military Leaders
Japan’s military chiefs are warning that the country faces its most severe and complex security environment since World War II, attributing the outlook to China, Russia, North Korea and instability in the Middle East.  The chiefs vowed to strengthen the Japanese military’s deterrence and response capabilities along with increasing cooperation with allies and like-minded countries in 2025 in their New Year’s message.  More.....
January
OUR JANUARY HERO
Rear Admiral Galfry George Ormond GATACRE CBE DSO DSC* MiD

Galfry George Ormond Gatacre saw action in both the Second World War and the Korean War, for which he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order and twice awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.  He was born on 11 June 1907 at Wooroolin, Queensland, second son of Reginald Henry Winchcombe Gataker, an English-born farmer, and his wife Christian Esson, née Gordon, from Scotland.  In 1930 he changed the spelling of his surname to Gatacre by deed poll.  He was educated at home, then as a boarder at the Church of England Grammar School, Brisbane, and subsequently at Brisbane Boys’ College after his family moved to the city.  Inspired by his godfather, Admiral Sir Reginald Tupper, RN, he developed an interest in the sea.  In 1921 he entered the Royal Australian Naval College, Jervis Bay, Federal Capital Territory.  One of two Chief Cadet Captains in his final year (1924), he graduated with colours for cricket, rugby union football and tennis.

Appointed Midshipman on 15 May 1925, Gatacre served in a variety of RAN and Royal Navy ships in the Far East and Mediterranean.  He was promoted to Sub Lieutenant in April 1928 and, after further training in Britain, was posted to HMAS Canberra in November as a Watchkeeping Officer.  Made Lieutenant in January 1930, he became Flag Lieutenant to the Commodore commanding the Australian Squadron in May 1931.  He continued to play sport and had notable success at cricket as a spin bowler; he had played for the Royal Navy in 1928 and came to the notice of some Australian state cricket coaches, but shied away from higher grade cricket. 
Read all about his most distinguished career.....
06 January
What’s in a name? Regional and global tier one and two combatants raise questions
As we officially mark the halfway point of the 2020s, it is becoming clear that Australia’s Navy is in an ever more precarious position despite the findings of the Surface Fleet Review, with serious questions needing to be asked about our major surface combatants.  The 2024 Australian Surface Fleet Review marks a pivotal moment in shaping the future of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) as it navigates an increasingly complex and contested maritime environment.  More.....
03 January
Harry Chandler, Navy medic who survived Pearl Harbor, dies at 103
Harry Chandler, a Navy medic who helped pull injured sailors from the oily waters of Pearl Harbor after the 1941 Japanese attack on the naval base, has died. He was 103.  The third Pearl Harbor survivor to die in the past few weeks, Chandler was a hospital corpsman 3rd class on Dec. 7, 1941, when waves of Japanese fighter planes dropped bombs and fired machine guns on battleships in the harbor and plunged the U.S. into World War II.  More.....
02 January
Naval World War II bomb disposal expert Boyd dies aged 100
England has lost one of the last links with brave men who sought to make post-war Europe safe with the passing of Boyd Salmon at the age of 100.  Mr Salmon was one of the last surviving members of specialist Royal Navy teams of bomb disposal/mine warfare experts neutralising the vast quantities of unexploded ordnance which littered former battlegrounds.  He had originally joined the Navy as a rating, aged 17, and served on Atlantic convoys as well as in the Mediterranean before being selected to become an officer, commissioning on Trafalgar Day 1944.  More.....
01 January
Cooking and 'cool experiences' at sea
Reluctant to drop names, Leading Seaman Mitchell Constable cooked for Leonardo DiCaprio and Baz Luhrmann during the filming of The Great Gatsby as a civilian, but found cooking for sailors more rewarding.  After dreaming of becoming a chef since the age of seven, training at a leading culinary school and spending years working 60 to 70-hour weeks in Sydney, Leading Seaman Constable made a sea change.  It was the grind of living pay cheque to pay cheque and living in share houses that wore thin, leading him to join the Navy in 2020.  More.....
01 January
Anniversary march honours horrific 1945 trek faced by naval and RAF prisoners
Wartime Fleet Air Arm aviators will be honoured when 30 descendants and families march for 60 miles through Poland and Germany – as thousands of prisoners of war did 80 years ago.  The small group will recreate an horrific trek by 10,000 prisoners made in snow and temperatures as low as -25C from the former Stalag Luft III camp – renowned the world over as the setting for the Great Escape – and the town of Spremberg, where the march ended in January 1945.  More.....
01 January
HMS Somerset shadows Russian task group past UK over Christmas holidays
The Royal Navy has kept a constant watch on a Russian naval group throughout the Christmas holidays as it sailed past the British Isles.  Nearly 200 crew of frigate HMS Somerset were recalled to their ship in Devonport Naval Base on Christmas Day and sailed on Friday December 27, making best speed to meet up with the corvette RFS Soobrazitelny and her two support vessels, MV Sparta II and MV General Skobelev.  More.....
01 January
Chinese Warships, Aircraft Deploy in Strength to Scarborough Shoal
Chinese air and naval forces staged “combat readiness patrols” around Scarborough Shoal last Sunday, marking Beijing’s final major show of strength against Manila over the disputed South China Sea maritime feature in 2024.  According to the Chinese Ministry of National Defense, the snap People’s Liberation Army Southern Theater Command drills were conducted to “resolutely safeguard China’s national sovereignty and security, and maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.”  More.....
01 January
Mogami frigate – ‘fast and stealthy, like a ninja’
During a pre-Christmas visit to Japan, a small group of Australian journalists were given unprecedented access to one of two contenders for SEA 3000 – the Mogami FFM frigate, the upgraded version of which is being offered to the RAN.  The ship is impressive, with high levels of crew automation and a stealthy design that will make it difficult to detect and target.  The government of Japan has guaranteed delivery of the first ship to Australia in 2029 – one of the key requirements for the General Purpose Frigate (GPF) project.  More.....
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very happy, healthy and safe New Year.


 
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09 Feb – 11:00  – National Servicemen’s Day service – Shrine – Sanctuary

10 Feb
– 11:00 HMAS Voyager Commemorative Service – Shrine – Sanctuary

19 Feb
- 10:00 - Darwin Defenders Commemoration - Shrine - WWII Forecourt




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