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Latest News for our Navy Network Read our December edition of our newsletter BROADSIDE |
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27 December Death
toll from Thai warship sinking reaches 18, 11 still missingThe Royal Thai Navy has announced that the number of seafarers who lost their lives following the tragic sinking of the HTMS Sukhothai a week ago has risen to 18, with eleven seafarers still missing. The ship was carrying 105 crew members when the vessel started taking on water on December 18 after battling a storm while underway in the Gulf of Thailand. The ship got into trouble after losing engine power causing it to lose stability and tilt on one side before it finally capsized. More..... |
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BROADSIDE - December Edition NOTE: To read Broadside in Flipbook form, click on the "Full Screen" 
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27 December Four
firsts for Navy's new rateAble Seaman William Scott is the first sailor to be recruited, employed, promoted and deployed, paving the way for other maritime logistics – general mariners (GM). From Thursday to Saturday, Able Seaman Scott juggles his university studies with instructing gym classes. When he steps off the fitness mat, he spends the remainder of the week as a GM. The new rate currently has 32 personnel, all reservists who undertake a wide range of roles. More..... |
23 December Officer
has sights set on the skySub-Lieutenant Andrew Dakin’s dream of following in his grandfather’s footsteps to become a Fleet Air Arm pilot is one step closer after graduating from HMAS Creswell this year. It’s been a dream in the making for more than nine years. Sub-Lieutenant Dakin, from Toowoomba, first applied to join the Navy in 2013 but said he wasn’t ready physically or mentally. More..... |
23 December Leaders
discuss future of nuclear-powered subsOpportunities and challenges involved in Australia’s acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines were discussed at the 11th biennial Submarine Institute of Australia conference hosted in Canberra in November. Opening the conference, Minister for Defence Richard Marles said it was important to explain why submarines were a key component of Australia’s strategic and defence capability requirements. “Continuing to promote discussion about this capability, its place within the broader defence capabilities and the role it has building Australia's strategic space is vitally important,” Mr Marles said. More..... |
23 December Sailor
on deployment of a lifetimeLeading Seaman Olivia Saunders said she wouldn’t mind missing mum’s cooking this Christmas, as the young sailor was living “the deployment of a lifetime” in Bahrain. “I know mum's going to make a feast. She does silverside, white sauce, prawns and pavlova,” Leading Seaman Saunders said. “Nothing against mum’s cooking but we’re doing a multi-national Christmas buffet at a four-star hotel – It’s going to be good.” More..... |
22 December AUSMIN
2022 delivered the US and Australia a major strategic resetAfter their latest AUSMIN talks, Australia’s defence and foreign ministers and their US equivalents noted that the alliance and partnership had never been stronger or more vital to regional peace and prosperity. They resolved to evolve their countries’ defence and security cooperation to ensure they’re equipped to deter aggression, to counter coercion and to make space for sovereign decision-making. More..... |
22 December Brothers
in arms promoted togetherTwo inseparable Navy mates, who began their officer careers together, have now been promoted together at the conclusion of an Indo-Pacific regional presence deployment in HMAS Hobart. Acting Sub-Lieutenants Lachlan Ferry and David Lee are fondly known around the ship as Fez and Lez. Shipmates describe them as brothers in arms. The junior officers work together on the bridge and hang out together whenever there is an opportunity. More..... |
22 December Commander
praises fine ambassadorsAs HMAS Arunta returned home to Fleet Base East this month after a three-month regional presence deployment, her commander praised his crew for the way they represented their service and country. The deployment included port visits to Sattahip in Thailand, Busan in South Korea, Sasebo and Yokosuka in Japan, and the US territory of Guam. Arunta took part in the Japanese Navy’s International Fleet Review, involving 12 navies and 38 fleet units in the sea phase. More..... |
21 December Officers
course with an international flavourThe New Entry Officers Course 67 (NEOC 67) attracted seven international students from the navies of the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Thailand, Tonga and Vanuatu Police Force. Lieutenant (junior grade) Dionne Mae Umalla, from the Philippine Navy, was told if you want to travel the world, join the navy. On course, Lieutenant Umalla enjoyed weapons training, working with advanced equipment such as the F88 Austeyr assault rifle, and training at the School of Survivability and Ship Safety. More..... |
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21 December Australian Defence Vessel Reliant visits Tonga The Pacific Support Vessel, Australian Defence Vessel (ADV) Reliant, is currently undertaking its inaugural deployment through the Pacific region, further enhancing Australia’s support to the Pacific family and closest neighbours. |
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21 December Fleet
command changes handsCommand of His Majesty’s Australian Fleet has passed from Rear Admiral Jonathan Earley to Rear Admiral Chris Smith in a ceremony at Fleet Base East, Sydney. The occasion marked the end of a short but significant tenure for Rear Admiral Earley, who took the helm in June 2022 on promotion from Deputy Fleet Commander. Rear Admiral Earley said the privilege of Fleet Command had been a career highlight. More..... |
21 December ADF
team takes out Cyber Skills ChallengeRecord numbers of cyber enthusiasts participated in this year’s ADF Cyber Skills Challenge, held at the QT Hotel in Canberra and virtually from November 28 to December 2. The ADF Cyber Skills Association hosted more than 1100 competitors during the event, which included two days of interactive workshops and presentations, and three days of a capture-the-flag competition. More..... |
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20 December Australian Defence Vessel Reliant visits Samoa The Pacific Support Vessel, Australian Defence Vessel (ADV) Reliant, is currently undertaking its inaugural deployment through the Pacific region, further enhancing Australia’s support to the Pacific family and closest neighbours. |
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20 December Final
graduates for the year ready to soarFifteen students from 268 ADF Pilots Course have received their wings and graduated from 2 Flying Training School at RAAF Base Pearce. At the last graduation of the year, guests were treated to a spectacular aerial display by Squadron Leader Andrew Robinson in a Pilatus PC-21 aircraft, as well as a static display of an MH-60R Seahawk helicopter. More..... |
20 December Battle
bots showcase skills and ingenuityElectronic technicians (ETs) on board HMAS Hobart put their skills and ingenuity to the test in a robot war conducted at the conclusion of a regional presence deployment. The ETs’ inventive designs ranged from a tank-like contraption; armour-plated with coins, to a motorised wedge; armed with a combat knife. The robots were judged on dressage, drag racing, navigation of a challenging obstacle course and battle. More..... |
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19 DecemberRoyal
Thai Navy Corvette Sinks in Gulf of Thailand The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) corvette HTMS Sukhothai (FS-442) sank in the Gulf of Thailand at 11:30 p.m. local time on Sunday following a loss of power and subsequent flooding of the ship, according to the service. The RTN’s official Twitter account posted photos and videos of the incident the same night, stating that Sukhothai was on patrol 20 miles from the port in Bang Saphan district, Central Thailand when strong waves caused water to enter into the electrical systems of the ship which resulted in a loss of power and control for the ship along with water entering the hull resulting in the ship tilting. More..... |
19 December ADV
Reliant supports Pacific partnersContinuing her inaugural journey, Australian Defence Vessel (ADV) Reliant has berthed at Nuku’alofa, Tonga, to discuss disaster relief needs at the start of the Pacific’s high-risk weather season. The Australian High Commissioner to Tonga Rachael Moore said Reliant’s visit was critical to better understand its capabilities. “Australia is working with Tonga to address shared challenges, including climate change effects and greater demands for disaster relief as we enter the cyclone season," she said. More..... |
19 December HMAS
Hobart home for the holidaysNavy’s lead ship for the latest regional presence deployment has returned to Fleet Base East, capping a successful three and a half months away. Guided missile destroyer HMAS Hobart and about 230 officers and sailors returned to the ship’s home port on December 16 – just in time for the holiday season. Able Seaman Electronics Technician William Zegenhagen said the port visits were a major drawcard of the deployment. More..... |
16 December A
tenure of passion and commitmentWarrant Officer of the Navy (WO-N) Deb Butterworth has formally handed over to Warrant Officer Andrew Bertoncin during a ceremony held at Russell Offices in Canberra. Originally from Lilydale in Victoria, WO-N Butterworth joined the Navy in 1989. “I have often said I’m the “accidental WO-N”. I feel so privileged to have been able to represent people across all ranks regarding the things that can make a difference to them,” WO-N Butterworth said. More..... |
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The RAN's new WO-N Warrant Officer Andrew Bertoncin Warrant Officer of the Navy (2022 -)  WO
Andrew “Bert” Bertoncin joined the Royal Australian Navy in
1988 as a Radio Operator. On completed of his training at
HMAS Cerberus, he served in his first Fleet unit HMAS Swan.During his service as a junior sailor, he experienced service in the MWV community in HMAS Tarakan and Bunbury and ashore in key Strategic communications centres. Promotion to senior sailor required both amalgamation to the Communication Information Systems category and a return to service in MFUs with two postings to HMAS Arunta. A highlight of his service in Arunta was the reward of the Peter Mitchell prize as the most outstanding senior sailor of the year in 2005. Promotion to WOCIS5 in 2007 led to a wide range of CIS manager roles including OPSWO DEFCAMSAUS, OIC DEFCOMMSTA Perth and the OPSWO position in the Force Communication Unit deployed in the MEAO as part of Operation Slipper. Altering the course of his career he took the opportunity to serve as a CWO in HMAS Sirius, Stirling and MHPFOR. WO Bertoncin also conducted the responsibilities as the WA Alcohol and Drug Program Coordinator (WAADPC) where he achieved a diploma in Alcohol and Drug counselling. WO Bertoncin was awarded the OAM in the 2016 Queens Honour’s List for his service to the Communications category and as the CWO of Sirius. In February 2021 WO Bertoncin was appointed to the role of Command Warrant Officer Fleet Command. Whilst serving in this positon WO Bertoncin completed the RAN Staff Acquit course. In December 2022 WO Bertoncin was appointed as the Royal Australian Navy’s tenth Warrant Officer of the Navy. |
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16 December New
officers set sights on new horizonsOne hundred and eighteen new Royal Australian Naval officers have graduated from the Royal Australian Naval College, marking the end of two intakes this year at HMAS Creswell. The first intake in June was the RAN’s largest ever, with 193 officers graduating. From next year, the New Entry Officers Course will evolve, shifting from two 19-week courses to four 15-week programs each year in a concerted effort to grow the Navy. More..... |
16 December Harrowing video captures small boat mishap near USNS
ComfortHarrowing video has emerged of the moment a small boat tipped over as it was being lifted onto the Navy hospital ship Comfort, sending several passengers into the choppy seas below. View..... |
16 December Six
ships home after busy yearThe Royal Australian Navy is this month welcoming home more than 1000 personnel and six ships from maritime training exercises with regional partners. The ships and their company have conducted port visits to more than 16 countries throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Newly appointed Commander Australian Fleet Rear Admiral Chris Smith recognised the contribution of the returning men and women and their families. More..... |
16 December Sailor
inspired by hero relativeAfter being inspired to join the Navy by a very well-known relative, Seaman Boatswains Mate Billy Winkler-Sheean was promoted to Able Seaman on December 1. Able Seaman Winkler-Sheean, from Devonport, Tasmania, decided to join the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and follow in the footsteps of his great, great uncle Ordinary Seaman Teddy Sheean VC. Ordinary Seaman Sheean has the dual privilege of being the sole Navy recipient of a Victoria Cross and is the only junior sailor to have a Navy vessel named after them. More..... |
16 December Destroyer
creates excitement and opportunityHMAS Hobart’s arrival at operational support base HMAS Cairns has been showcased at the Defence Force Recruiting Centre open day. The event gave current candidates, Navy Cadets and the general public an ideal opportunity to inspect an advanced warship and interact with the crew. Seventeen-year-old Drew Cordell was among those who inspected the ship and said it was an insightful tour. More..... |
16 December Keeping
things in check under the hullAfter HMAS Hobart completed a regional presence deployment in early December, it stopped in the warm waters of the Gulf of Carpentaria for a hull inspection by ships divers. Able Seaman Maritime Logistics-Support Operator Cavan Mcalister said the team examined the hull, stabilisers and propellers for damage and prohibited maritime pests. “The water was crystal clear. However, under the waves there was a strong current that tested our swimming skills,” Able Seaman Mcalister said. More..... |
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15 December Healthy tribute to Navy hero  HMAS
Arunta personnel sweated it out for the inaugural Teddy Hero
Workout of the Day (WOD) to honour Navy’s Victoria Cross
recipient, Ordinary Seaman Teddy Sheean. Leading
Seaman physical training instructor Sarah Fryer created the
WOD, which was launched at Navy establishments and units
around the country on December 1. The day marked the
80th anniversary of the sinking of HMAS Armidale I, when
Ordinary Seaman Sheean was killed in action in 1942. More..... |
15 December Indigenous
program graduates ready for the worldThe Navy Indigenous Development Program (NIDP) class 18 has celebrated their graduation after five months of hard work and self-discovery. The public graduation ceremony at the Early Settler Stadium in Cairns, Queensland, featured a formal parade of the graduates in Navy uniform and traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance performances. Reviewing officer Commodore Gregory Yorke joined friends, family and the local community to congratulate the NIDP graduates. More..... |
15 December Navy’s
Digital Horizon exercise showcases power of ‘mesh networks,’
AIA first-of-its-kind naval exercise in the Middle East paired unmanned systems with a so-called mesh network and data-crunching tools to demonstrate a promising use for the future unmanned fleet: cuing crewed ships and planes to problem areas. Task Force 59, established to rapidly integrate unmanned systems with artificial intelligence for maritime applications, has been operating for more than a year now in U.S. 5th Fleet. The ongoing Digital Horizon exercise showcases such operations at an unprecedented scale, according to the exercise commander. More..... |
15 December More affordable healthcare for Defence familiesHealthcare is set to become more affordable for Defence families, with the expansion of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Family Health Program from today. Families can now claim more services than ever before, including ambulance cover, help to quit smoking and pharmaceuticals. “Direct feedback showed that while families value the ADF Family Health Program, more could be done to increase access to affordable healthcare,” Minister Keogh said. More..... |
14 December Hospital
ship Comfort temporarily suspends medical services in HaitiA U.S. Navy hospital ship docked in southwest Haiti has temporarily suspended medical services after 19 people with the mission fell overboard amid a heavy swell hitting the Caribbean region, officials said Tuesday. It happened Monday night and involved 12 military personnel and seven civilians with the USNS Comfort who were returning to the ship after caring for patients on land, said Lewis Preddy, a U.S. Navy spokesman. All 19 were pulled back onto the small boat, which was then lifted by a crane onto the ship. He said the usual process is for personnel to use a water taxi and step onto a ladder to board the ship, but that the heavy surf made that impossible. More..... |
13 December First
Anduril prototype ‘Ghost Shark’ drone sub delivered to
Aussies 3 months earlyDefense technology upstart Anduril Industries unveiled its first early prototype drone sub for Australia here today, months earlier than required. As part of the rollout, the $140 million system — the first of three submarines under contract for the Aussies — was also given an official name. In a nod to the Ghost Bat unmanned aircraft developed by Boeing Australia for the Royal Australian Air Force, the new autonomous and unmanned weapon will be known as Ghost Shark. On top of showing off the prototype, to be used for testing and concept definition, Rear Adm. Peter Quinn made clear the still-to-come larger, schoolbus-sized system may carry warheads. More..... |
13 December New
horizons for inspired young sailorsWhen HMA Ships Adelaide and Anzac pulled away from the wharf to begin their roles in Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2022 (IPE22), they took with them a lot of relatively young crew members, who were eager to explore the world. Complemented and mentored by their senior sailors and experienced officers, Navy’s newest sailors were supported as they joined the tight-knit family of those who experience a life at sea. More..... |
12 December Breaking
language barriers in IndonesiaFor Lieutenant Commander Mark Graichan, the masters degree he completed through Indonesia’s Navy command and staff college has been as much about network building and being a “face” of Australia as achieving academically. After 11 months speaking and writing multiple Indonesian essays and a thesis, Lieutenant Commander Graichen graduated from the college with a Masters Degree in Maritime Operations in Jakarta on November 13. More..... |
10 December Tenth Japan-Australia 2+2 Foreign and Defence
Ministerial Consultations Joint StatementH.E. Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, H.E. Mr. HAMADA Yasukazu, Minister of Defence of Japan, the Hon. Richard Marles MP, the Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, and Senator the Hon. Penny Wong, the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, held the Tenth Japan-Australia 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial Consultations on 9 December 2022 in Tokyo. The consultations, in a timely manner, reaffirmed the ambitious vision set at the October 2022 Leaders’ Meeting, including in the Joint Statement and Japan-Australia Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation (JDSC). More..... |
10 December A
third of New Zealand’s Navy ships are docked over lack of
crewThree of the Royal New Zealand Navy’s nine ships are now docked at the Devonport naval base indefinitely, due to insufficient personnel. The 279-foot offshore patrol vessel HMNZS Wellington is now the third ship to enter a period of idleness, joining the Navy’s other offshore patrol vessel HMNZS Otago and one of the two remaining 180-foot inshore patrol vessels HMZNS Hawea. More..... |
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09 December HMAS Stalwart and HMAS Anzac return to Australia HMA Ships Anzac and Stalwart have returned to their homeport of Fleet Base West following three-month Indo Pacific deployments. Anzac, one of five ships that visited 14 countries as part of Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2022, took part in a number of maritime exercises with regional partners and conducted seven international port visits, while Stalwart took part in a Regional Presence Deployment. |
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09 December HMAS
Hobart welcomes two special guestsAs HMAS Hobart sailed into Singapore, the ship’s MH-60R helicopter embarked two special guests from the Republic’s busy airport. The helicopter delivered Australia’s High Commissioner to Singapore and former Tasmanian Premier, Will Hodgman, and Ship Sponsor Nicola Hodgman, who named Hobart seven years ago. “This is an extraordinary experience for us personally to come on board,” Mr Hodgman said. “To welcome Hobart to Singapore was a day of immense excitement and pride.” More..... |
08 December AUKUS
members say plans on track for US and UK to help Australia
acquire nuclear-powered submarine fleetDeputy Prime Minister Richard Marles says Australia will be able to acquire nuclear-powered submarines by the deadline set out in the AUKUS alliance without imposing any new taxes on Australians to fund it. Representatives from Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom gathered in Washington DC for the first AUKUS defence ministers' meeting since the security pact was signed last year. A key goal of the AUKUS agreement is to map out a pathway for Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines. More..... |
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08 December AUKUS allies make progress AUKUS allies have declared that great progress is being made on Australia’s plans to acquire nuclear-powered submarines but the project's massive price tag remains a mystery. |
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08 December Aboard USS Gerald R Ford (CVN 78) – Part 2 Coverage aboard USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), the U.S. Navy's newest and most advanced aircraft carrier, during its inaugural deployment. Naval News had the rare chance to fly aboard Ford while the carrier was off the coast of France. In this video we meet with the Commanding Officer, Captain Paul Lanzilotta, to learn about the Ford. |
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08 December Aboard USS Gerald R Ford (CVN 78) – Part 1 Video coverage aboard USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), the U.S. Navy's newest and most advanced aircraft carrier, during its inaugural deployment. Naval News flew aboard USS Gerald R Ford while the carrier was off the coast of France, participating to exercise Silent Wolverine. |
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08 December Navy
ships return home for ChristmasThe Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has welcomed back two ships and more than 300 personnel to their home port of Fleet Base West, Rockingham, following a significant period of international engagements. Auxiliary oiler HMAS Stalwart returned to its West Australian homeport on December 8 after more than three months away, while frigate HMAS Anzac arrived on December 6. HMAS Stalwart conducted engagements with Japan, the United States, Timor-Leste, the Philippines, and Singapore as part of a regional presence deployment and Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2022 (IPE22). More..... |
08 December All
friends on deck in the Indo-PacificA walk through the main living areas of HMA Ships Adelaide and Anzac during Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2022 (IPE22)quickly revealed a vast array of partner nations on board. Mixing alongside the grey, green and blue ADF uniforms were those from some of Australia’s oldest partners and closest neighbours. Each worked within their specialisations, including in operations, communications and information systems, marine systems, electrical systems, galley services, logistics, bridge watchkeeping, task group HQ and amphibious planning. More..... |
08 December OUR
DECEMBER HEROCODER Ronald George 'Dixie' LEE It was the middle of the night and Ronald 'Dixie' Lee was in a small boat with two others. The men were Coastwatchers and they were preparing to go ashore in the middle of enemy territory to spy on the Japanese during the Second World War. “We were sent to a little island called Stirling Island in the Treasury Island group which was just off Bougainville,” he said. “The islands were completely controlled by Japan, and we set up a little camp there. “There were three of us – an officer, a sergeant in the army, and then me, a coder from the navy. “Your heart probably beats a little bit faster because you don’t know what’s ashore… but I realised early on that I was immortal, so nothing sort of frightened me. “Some of our blokes were beheaded and terrible things … But I just did my job. It wasn’t a case of coming back saying, hey, I’m a hero; you didn’t think about it, and I just came back and did ordinary work – the fighter pilots, and tail gunners, and things; they were the brave ones.” Dixie had joined the Royal Australian Navy at the age of 17, and was a high-spirited young rebel who got into his fair share of scrapes. A month after enlistment, Dixie joined the Flinders Naval Base, HMAS Cerberus, where he was allocated to a new category, an adjunct to the Naval Signals Branch, known as Coder. These were specially selected bright youngsters who could be trained in crypto analysis. Read 'Dixie's' full story in our Heroes section..... |
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08 December HMAS Cerberus Redevelopment Project Nears Completion The $466Mil HMAS Cerberus Redevelopment Project commenced in 2018 and is nearing completion. Commander Cameron Eastman OAM RAN presents a video update on its progress since the last update back in April 2022. |
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07 December From
the Shire to the South China SeaThe first international deployment for HMAS Stalwart gave a junior Navy officer from the Sutherland Shire the opportunity to visit Japan, Singapore, East Timor and the Philippines. Sub-Lieutenant Breannan McMahon said she was honoured to lead a ceremonial guard after the ship sailed into Manila Bay, in the Philippines. “The performance was well received and we were lucky to have shown many international attendees their first ceremonial sunset,” Sub-Lieutenant McMahon said. More..... |
07 December HMAS
Hobart flies UN flag in JapanHMAS Hobart recently conducted a port visit to White Beach in Okinawa, Japan, to exercise the United Nations – Government of Japan Status of Forces Agreement (UN‐GOJ SOFA) and to become familiar with SOFA procedures. Hobart flew the UN flag while alongside at White Beach Naval Facility, a dual-flagged United Nations – United States base. More..... |
06 December Restocking
US ship creates a buzzA bucket-list wish for many crew members of auxiliary oiler replenishment ship HMAS Stalwart was to replenish a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier with fuel and stores. The wish was ticked off in November in the North Pacific Ocean when Stalwart conducted its 45th replenishment at sea (RAS) since commissioning in November 2021. Able Seaman Boatswains Mate Kane Goldsworthy said it was rewarding to replenish the US Navy forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan. More..... |
06 December Haircuts
that make a differenceWhen he needs some motivation, Chief Petty Officer Jessie McFarlane gives himself a haircut. Now, he’s opened that up for the crew aboard HMAS Adelaide. If that’s not motivation enough, the proceeds, at $5 a cut, are divided equally and donated to Beyond Blue and the White Ribbon Foundation charities. As a senior sailor, Chief Petty Officer McFarlane sees the unofficial barber shop as an opportunity to connect with the junior members of the crew. More..... |
05 December Budding
fitness leaders run on waterOf all the achievements recorded on Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2022, few would have been more physical than the first sea-borne ADF Fitness Leaders (ADFFL) course run by the Royal Australian Navy for the Australian Army. The sight of the soon-to-be fitness leaders being put through their paces became a familiar one on HMAS Adelaide, as they worked their training around work commitments and the day-to-day movements of the ship. More..... |
03 December HMS
Glasgow Enters Water for the First TimeThe first Type 26 City Class frigate, HMS GLASGOW, has entered the water for the first time. The first-in-class ship is now at the BAE Systems shipyard in Scotstoun, Glasgow, where outfitting will be completed. HMS Glasgow will then start sea trials ahead of her commissioning with the Royal Navy. The future frigate was previously loaded on a barge at BAE Systems’ Govan shipyard and moved down river to a deep-water location in the West of Scotland to be floated. More..... |
02 December Finding
the ability to keep workingOn the International Day of People with a Disability, two Defence employees tell their stories: Dudley the black Labrador turns up to work each day with one job – to be the eyes for external analysis manager Scott Grimley. Once at his desk, Mr Grimley uses readability software to complete his work. The public servant was declared legally blind two days from his 28th birthday and diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa. More..... |
02 December Indo-Pacific
Endeavour wraps upIndo-Pacific Endeavour 2022 (IPE22) concluded after a successful three months engaging with 14 countries across the region. IPE22 finished with a busy series of activities in Indonesia, where HMA Ships Adelaide and Anzac were warmly welcomed. Cheif of Joint Operations Lieutenant General Greg Bilton was pleased that this year’s activity built on the broader momentum in regional relationships. More..... |
02 December Royal
Navy places order for first crewless submarineThe Royal Navy has ordered its first crewless submarine from Plymouth-based company MSubs to shape the future of underwater warfare. The £15.4 million Cetus will be the largest and most complex crewless submersible operated by European navies, designed and built specially for the Royal Navy. In just two years’ time the vessel, named after a mythological sea monster, will move stealthily through the oceans, monitoring hostile activity, listening out for ships or submarines which may pose a threat to the navy’s fleet. More..... |
02 December Waving
to ships leads to sailing the wavesSeaman William Smith, who has just finished sailing around the Indo-Pacific region on his first deployment, says the place was as familiar to him as his own backyard. Seaman Smith was born in Tarawa, Kiribati, a small island in the central Pacific Ocean. Growing up, he lived between Australia and Kiribati. He remembers being five years old and waving to naval ships that sailed past Kiribati. This started his interest in the military. From then on, he spent his time in Kiribati, exploring old infrastructure and relics leftover from World War 2. More..... |
02 December A
change in vision brings opportunityWhen Able Seaman Taryn Dickens thought she had a long migraine, she didn’t know her life was going to change. In May 2019, she was diagnosed with degenerative cone rod dystrophy, a condition that covers the retinas and stops the eyes from functioning. With no family history, it came as a surprise. “One day it came and just didn’t go away. I have no peripheral vision. I don’t really have anything until about 20 degrees in front of me.” More..... |
01 DecemberOptions for older Australians and eligible Veterans
to work more From today, pensioners over Age Pension age and eligible Veterans will be able to earn more income from working without reducing their pension, just in time to take advantage of seasonal jobs. Eligible Australians would have the opportunity to engage in the workforce if they chose to do so at a time of workforce shortages without losing any of their income support payments. They will immediately be able to earn an additional $4000 before their Government payments are reduced. More..... |
01 December Pearly
whites on the deep blue seaDental Officer Lieutenant Danica Zhan and Leading Seaman Stacey Allen form the deployed dental team on board HMAS Stalwart for a regional presence deployment (RPD). It’s the first time a dental team has been embarked in Stalwart, and the first time the new deployable dental operating suite has been put to use for a prolonged period in Navy. Leading Seaman Allen joined the Navy as a dental assistant in pursuit of a career that offered her support with her family and further education. More..... |
01 December Warm Caloundra welcome for 816 SquadronIn a momentous occasion for 816 Squadron members and the local community, the squadron conducted a freedom-of-entry down the main street of Caloundra, Queensland, on November 12. More than 100 members of the squadron, the Royal Australian Band, Fleet Air Arm Association and cadets from local units attended the ceremony. In 1996, retired members of the Fleet Air Arm who were living around Caloundra initiated introductions between the squadron and the former Caloundra City Council. As a result, Caloundra City Council first bestowed freedom-of-entry rights in 1996. More..... |
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01 December From Naples to the Pacific  When
Able Seaman Marine Technician Umberto Nanino joined the crew
of the Australian Defence Vessel Reliant for a six-week
rotation, he brought with him more marine experience than
the average junior sailor. Originally from the coastal
port of Naples on the Italian coast, Able Seaman Nanino has
worked on super-yachts in the Mediterranean, helmed ferries
around the Torres Strait Islands and driven pilot vessels
through the Great Barrier Reef. More..... |
01 December FlyByA periodical of the Fleet Air Arm Association of Australia. December Edition..... |
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News Archives:
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