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Latest News for our Navy Network Download the November edition of our newsletter BROADSIDE |
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29 November Additional
university places to grow Australia's AUKUS workforceThousands more students will train at 16 Australian universities through the allocation of an additional 4,001 Commonwealth supported places in STEM courses to help grow the skilled workforce required to deliver the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine pathway. The Government is investing $128 million to fund the extra university places over four years, starting in 2024. These additional places will apply to 38 STEM-related courses, designed to attract more students to train in engineering, mathematics, chemistry and physics. More..... |
29 November Adding
fuel to the fleetTwo Australian warships contributed to the high tempo of a Japan-led maritime exercise in the Philippine Sea. Exercise Annualex included units from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, US Navy, Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force, as well as observers from the Philippine Navy. Annualex aimed to strengthen enduring relationships while sharpening naval and air proficiencies as part of Australia’s commitment to stability and security in the shared regions of participating nations. More..... |
29 November Canberra
connections on board BrisbaneThe sailors and officers in HMAS Brisbane are a tight-knit family who work, train and travel the world together. Three members of the crew however, share a link that dates back far beyond an average sea posting. Lieutenant Commander Matthew Urquhart, Lieutenant Ben Page and Able Seaman Hayden Beaver all attended the same school: Marist College in Canberra, ACT. More..... |
28 November Service
and sacrifice empower next generationEstablished in 1996, the Gallipoli Scholarship Fund continues to ignite the dreams of the next generation of doers, thinkers and leaders. This year, 35 descendants of ADF personnel and veterans were awarded with a scholarship to support their studies across various fields. Ten of the lucky recipients were selected to visit Canberra for an exclusive tour of the Australian War Memorial. During the visit they met with Governor-General General (retd) David Hurley and Linda Hurley. More..... |
28 November Seahawk
technical training staff commendedTechnical staff from the Seahawk Simulator Warfare Centre (SSWC) in HMAS Albatross were recently presented with a Chief of Navy Group Commendation for their exemplary work in the provision of MH-60R technical training. The recommending officer, Lieutenant Commander Colin Paton, said the team exceeded expectations when faced with challenging training development needs. More..... |
28 November Countries
go from strength to strengthNaval and air assets from the ADF recently joined forces with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) for Exercise Nichi Gou Trident (NGT) 23-2 during a regional presence deployment. Australia and Japan have conducted the bilateral exercise together since 2009, which aims to strengthen the military relationship between the two countries. More..... |
28 November AUKUS
Pact Stresses Longterm Workforce DevelopmentThe reason the leaders of Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States have placed heavy emphasis on workforce development is that when children in pre-kindergarten now are adults, they will be working on AUKUS in advanced technologies and shipbuilding, the State Department’s project lead said Monday. Bonnie Jenkins, undersecretary for arms control and international security, called the agreement between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States [AUKUS] “a generational opportunity to modernize existing partnerships” among the three allies. More..... |
28 November China’s
destroyer expenditure to grow at 5.2% CAGR through 2033China’s sovereignty claims over territory in the South China Sea have antagonised competing claimants such as the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Vietnam, and Taiwan. In addition, the US’ involvement in favour of some of these countries compelled China to build advanced combat capabilities to counter the US Navy’s aerial and naval assets. Consequently, China’s expenditure on destroyers is set to witness a compound annual growth rate of 5.2% between 2023 and 2033, forecasts GlobalData, a data and analytics company. More..... |
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BROADSIDE - November 2023 Edition NOTE: To read Broadside in Flipbook form, click on the "Full Screen" 
button. |
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25 November United
States warns China to be 'safe and professional' following
sonar attack on Australian naval diversThe first female Chief of the US Navy is warning Beijing to respect international law and practices, just days after a Chinese warship caused minor injuries to Australian defence personnel. During a visit to the region, new US Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Lisa Franchetti stressed all militaries must behave safely in international waters. "We expect all navies in international waters to uphold the rules and norms of proper military behaviour on, under and above the sea," she told reporters while in Seoul. More..... |
24 November Chinese
Submarine Is First To Exploit New Stealth TechnologyChina is building submarines at an impressive rate and has the capacity to build them at levels unrivalled by any other country. The Yuan-class, their latest non-nuclear powered attack type, is the most numerous class of AIP (air-independent power) submarine in the world. And now these have been seen with new and unusually shaped sails, hinting at the implementation of advanced technologies. It is now almost certain that the distinctive shape of the sail on the latest Type-039C Yuan class submarines is to increase survivability. More..... |
24 November Pushing
the boundaries of innovationA humble expert in AI and defence technology joins this year’s Autonomous Warrior. In the heart of cutting-edge technological warfare, John James – a US Army veteran with a five-decade career in uniform and as a civilian – remains a guiding force in shaping the future of defence technology. Mr James provides critical advice and experience to the trials of autonomous vehicles designed for the battle space, marking a cross-generational fusion of experience in the defence realm. More..... |
24 November Hot lap a career highlightSqueezing into the roll cage of a Monster Energy Gen3 Mustang and hitting speeds of up to 242km/h is not an average day at the office for Petty Officer Jenna Shiel and Leading Seaman Amanda Bourke. Looking back more than a decade ago when both women were seeking rewarding careers that provided opportunities for travel and to serve a higher purpose, neither had imagined that joining the ADF would have them riding in a V8 Super Car. More..... |
23 November Now
is the time for Japan to join AUKUSIn a report on the UK government’s Indo-Pacific policy, the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee calls for the United Kingdom to propose to Australia and the United States that Japan, along with South Korea, be invited to participate in a AUKUS technical defence cooperation agreement focused on Strand B, or Pillar 2, activities. AUKUS Pillar 2 designates cooperation in advanced capabilities in eight areas: autonomous undersea systems, quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, advanced cyber, hypersonic weapons, electronic warfare, innovation and information sharing. More..... |
23 November New
vessel protects Samoan watersAustralia’s Samoan friends received the newest Guardian-class patrol boat SPB Nafanua III during a ceremony on November 22. Samoan Minister for Police and Prisons Faualo Harry Jeffrey Schuster accepted Nafanua III on behalf of the Government of Samoa during the handover at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia. “This handover ceremony of the vessel represents a significant step forward in Samoa’s maritime security capabilities and underscores Australia’s commitment to maritime security in the Pacific region,” he said. More..... |
23 November Record
graduation for technical courseA record number of Technical Charge Qualification Common Course (TCQCC) students have graduated from the Technical Training Faculty at HMAS Cerberus, thanks to a newly revised course structure and delivery. Eight marine technicians and five electronics technicians successfully passed their oral examination board (OEB), along with an additional four marine technicians and two electronics technicians from previous TCQCC’s, all overseen by members of the fleet engineering community. More..... |
23 NovemberSecuring
continuous Naval Shipbuilding at Henderson Shipyard in
Western Australia The Government is securing Australia’s shipbuilding capability and investing in Western Australian defence industry through a new strategic partnership between Defence and Austal Limited at Henderson Shipyard. The Defence Strategic Review observed that there was not enough work to sustain the number of shipbuilders located at Henderson, and the Government agreed to a recommendation to examine industry consolidation options as a matter of priority. More..... |
22 November USS
Thomas Hudner Downs Multiple Drones Launched from YemenUSS Thomas Hudner (DDG-116) shot down multiple one-way attack drones launched from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, U.S. Central Command announced on X, the site formerly known as Twitter, Wednesday night. This is the second time Thomas Hudner shot down drones launched from Yemen in two weeks. The guided-missile destroyer also shot down a drone in the Red Sea on Nov. 15, USNI News previously reported. Thomas Hudner shot down the drone while on patrol in the Red Sea. No injuries or damage were reported. CENTCOM did not provide additional details. More..... |
22 November Arafura
class offshore patrol vessel NUSHIP Eyre launchedThe Arafura class offshore patrol vessel (OPV) NUSHIP Eyre has been launched at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia. NUSHIP Eyre is the second in the class of OPVs being built by Luerssen Australia, in collaboration with local defence industry partners, for the Royal Australian Navy. The Arafura class OPVs are intended to replace the Armidale class patrol boats and have been designed to perform maritime patrol and response duties for the Australian Defence Force. Named for the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia, the OPV will be the first Royal Australian Navy ship to carry the name Eyre. More..... |
22 November Roadmap
sets out decades-long endeavourAn enduring sustainment capability is under development to ensure Navy’s current fleet, and the fleet of 2035, is materially ready, capable and lethal. The Defence Strategic Review highlighted the criticality of optimising Navy to operate in Australia’s immediate region – to maintain the security of sea lines of communication and maritime trade. An increased lethality of the surface fleet and the ability to work seamlessly with other domains, as well as partner nations to deliver joint operations, is part of this optimisation. More..... |
22 November A
$2 billion Navy maintenance contract boosts jobs and
national securityThe Government is supporting almost a thousand defence industry jobs and strengthening national security, with a new $2 billion contract to maintain and sustain Australia’s naval fleet in Sydney. Thales Australia has been appointed as the Regional Maintenance Provider for the new Regional Maintenance Centre East at Defence’s Garden Island Precinct. This will create up to 120 direct defence industry jobs and around 800 jobs in the broader industrial ship repair workforce. It will ensure Australia has the sovereign industrial base to maintain and sustain Australia’s naval fleet into the future. More..... |
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HMAS Adelaide family day at sea Families from HMAS Adelaide recently had the opportunity to undertake a unique three-day immersive experience about life at sea. |
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21 November Major
funding boost for veteran services and supportThe Government is further delivering on our commitment to improve access to services and supports for veterans and their families. Today I’m proud to announce that almost $17 million will go towards improving veteran and families services, supports and coordination where they’re needed most. The Veteran Wellbeing Grants One-Off Program was established to complement and build on the Government’s existing Veterans’ & Families’ Hub program, in support of large scale projects that will benefit the health and wellbeing of veterans and families. The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has made it clear there is no time to waste in improving services and supports to the veteran community. More..... |
18 NovemberUnsafe
and unprofessional interaction with PLA-N The Australian Government has expressed its serious concerns to the Chinese Government following an unsafe and unprofessional interaction with a People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) destroyer. On Tuesday 14 November 2023, HMAS Toowoomba was in international waters inside of Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone enroute to commence a scheduled port visit. HMAS Toowoomba had been in the region conducting operations in support of United Nations sanctions enforcement. It had stopped to conduct diving operations in order to clear fishing nets that had become entangled around its propellers. More..... |
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18 November Exercise Haedoli Wallaby 2023 As part of #AusNavy’s regional presence deployment, #HMASToowoomba recently participated in Exercise HAEDOLI WALLABY with the Republic of Korea. |
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17 November HMAS
Toowoomba supports sanctions on North KoreaThe crew of HMAS Toowoomba have supported United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea during a regional presence deployment. Under Operation Argos, Toowoomba and its embarked MH-60R helicopter, Valkyrie, deployed to monitor and deter illegal ship-to-ship transfers of sanctioned goods in the Indo-Pacific region. Argos enforces sanctions that support the international community’s goal of the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation of North Korea, which the ADF supports through the deployment of RAN vessels and RAAF maritime patrol aircraft. More..... |
17 November US
Navy seeks to raise allowed number of accidental whale
collisionsThe Navy has requested an increase on the capped number of marine mammals it is allowed to unintentionally harm during Pacific training after the service’s vessels struck a number of whales in recent years off the coast of Southern California. The sea service’s proposal seeks to raise the limit of approved whale-related incidents, set in a government agreement, before an authorization period ends in December 2025, according to a public notice posted to the Federal Register last month. More..... |
16 November A
new view at seaPersonnel from Army’s 1st Brigade, Maritime Border Command and HMAS Coonawarra embarked one of Navy's newest assets - ADV Cape Capricorn - for a taste of life at sea on a Navy patrol boat. Two groups of 20 ‘sea riders’ were brought on board in October for an exposure day to build understanding of on-water operations from a Navy perspective for personnel that work in littoral (shore) or support maritime operations. In particular, the exposure provided a Navy perspective to Army personnel increasing their presence in the littoral environment. More..... |
16 November Focusing
on a future of self-developmentChief of Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond launched the Navy Coaching Academy at Indo-Pacific 2023 in front of a packed crowd at the International Conference Centre, Sydney. The Navy Coaching Academy aligns with Next Generation Navy's (NGN) focus on social mastery, contributing to personal and professional capability through empowering individuals to undertake self-development. Vice Admiral Hammond said the event was significant, with the Navy Coaching Academy one of the NGN future-focused programs. More..... |
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16 November HMAS Toowoomba ceremonial sunset Busan, South Korea Officers and Sailors of the Royal Australia Navy frigate HMAS Toowoomba host Officers and Senior Sailors of the Republic of Korea Navy featuring the finest Australian cuisine and beverages. |
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16 November Australian
warship commander removed following alcohol incidentA commanding officer of an Australian warship has been removed from his position while an inquiry begins into alleged "unacceptable behaviour" involving alcohol, which is prohibited when Navy personnel are at sea. Defence has confirmed the senior officer is no longer in command of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) vessel but is not releasing any other details about the matter due to privacy obligations. "There is no place for unacceptable behaviour or conduct within Defence," a defence spokesperson told the ABC in response to a series of questions. More..... |
16 November Austal
Unveils Missile-Toting ‘Lethal Cape-class’ Patrol BoatAustralian shipbuilder Austal has shown off a sleigh of new models and concepts at last weeks Indo Pacific Maritime Exposition in Sydney. Underscoring the uncertainty over the future focus of the Royal Australian Navy, the company presented these solutions for quick realisation and concepts applicable to both Australian and global requirements in the longer term. Furthermore the product range shown through models and digital presentations included corvettes, light frigates, multimission support and logistics concepts. Notable here is Austal’s “Lethal Cape”, an evolution of the company’s existing Cape- and “Evolved” Cape-class offshore patrol vessels in service with the Australian Border Force and the Australian Navy. More..... |
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16 NovemberNew
legislation to ensure naval nuclear power safety The Albanese Government has introduced the Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Bill 2023, which will establish a new, independent regulator to ensure Australia applies the highest standards of nuclear safety across its nuclear-powered submarine enterprise and can continue to implement AUKUS without delay. This is the second legislative package introduced to support implementation of the AUKUS pathway. The new Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Regulator will draw on the experience of the US and the UK to deliver international best practice in nuclear safety, as the Government delivers Australia’s conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability. More..... |
15 November Adelaide
University research reveals high rates of lung cancer in
Navy vetsA University of Adelaide and Oxford University study has discovered asbestos exposure led to a higher incidence of asbestos-related lung cancers in British and Australian naval personnel than in other armed forces. The data sets were collected from 30,085 United Kingdom and Australian personnel who served in the ’50s and ’60s, a time when asbestos-containing materials were present in British and Australian naval vessels. Three of the four cohorts had previously been studied by the University of Adelaide and the UK Health Security Agency to identify the effects of radiation exposure from British nuclear testing; however, a raised incidence of mesothelioma, a cancer strongly linked to asbestos exposure, was seen in naval personnel in all cohorts. More..... |
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15 November AUKUS Integrated Battle Problem 23.3 Exercise More than a dozen different autonomous systems were tested during Integrated Battle Problem 23.3, the AUKUS partners’ inaugural undersea warfare exercise which occurred during October and November off the east coast of Australia. |
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15 November A
window into the future of maritime warfareNaval and maritime experts from the across the globe gathered in Sydney from November 7 to 9 for the Indo-Pacific 2023 International Maritime Exposition, the largest conference of its kind in the southern hemisphere. The exposition, which encompassed the RAN's Indo-Pacific Sea Power Conference, drew a record number of more than 800 Defence industry participants, joined by about 40 international navy delegations. More..... |
15 November Personnel
test their cyber skillsMore than 1000 competitors are expected to join this year’s ADF Cyber Skills Association's (CSA) capstone Cyber Skills Challenge (CSC). In its seventh iteration, this year’s event, from November 20 to 24, will focus on operational technology. Attacks against these systems can affect industrial equipment, including controls in transport networks and power grids. Captain Calum Scott has been involved in the planning and is looking forward to attending as the CSA Army representative. More..... |
15 November Navy
shines in NCIS: Sydney spotlightNavy people, ships and aircraft added authenticity and action to NCIS: Sydney, the first international edition of the highly successful US television series. The opening scenes filmed at Garden Island in May feature dozens of Navy extras, including the RAN Band, HMAS Canberra and an MH-60R Seahawk helicopter. Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond said NCIS: Sydney provided a novel opportunity to promote Navy careers to a broad and diverse audience. More..... |
14 November Royal
Navy joins allies in test of latest undersea tech during
major exercise in AustraliaPatrol ship HMS Tamar has strengthened ties with the Australian and US Navies in the Pacific – and tested a keystone capability of the Royal Navy’s future fleet. The Portsmouth-based warship has spent the past four weeks operating in and around Sydney, focusing on furthering links with the Royal Australian Navy and an Anglo-American-Australian exercise, testing new equipment which will increase the protection of critical underwater infrastructure. More..... |
14 November What
will the RAN’s fleet look like in 2035? Indo-Pacific 2023
offered optionsAustralia is often accused of ‘sea blindness’ and a lack of appreciation of the need for a strong navy to protect our vital maritime trade routes. It was reassuring that last week’s biennial Indo-Pacific exposition in Sydney delivered a confluence of ideas from defence personnel, industry and academics on the future of maritime capability in Australia and the region. More..... |
13 November
Defence admits 'poorly executed' process in $45
billion future frigate selectionThe Defence Department has conceded it had a "poorly executed" process for selecting a British company to build Australia's $45 billion future frigates, where "sufficient attention" was not given to risks associated with choosing an immature design. In 2018 the Turnbull government announced BAE Systems had beaten rival bids from Spain and Italy for the lucrative project to build up to nine high-tech, anti-submarine warships in Adelaide. More..... |
13 November Chinese
Navy’s Suspected New Overseas Base in Cambodia Now Even
LargerChina’s new naval base at Ream in Cambodia is well documented. It will provide the Chinese Navy (PLAN) with a base at the southern end of the highly contested South China Sea. The base is still east of the Malacca Straight which separates the South China Sea from the Indian Ocean, yet is still strategically important. And a key part of China’s construction of overseas bases. However the base now appears even more expensive and capable than previous reports suggested. There is clear evidence of a new dry dock being constructed. More..... |
13 November New
era for information systems trainingFollowing six months of intensive training, the first initial-entry streamed Communications and Information Systems – Information Systems (CIS-I) sailors will join the fleet. The new structure of streaming on entry ensures the CIS workgroup remains agile and capable of delivering a workforce that meets emerging demands. The inaugural CIS-I Session 001 started in April, with 14 sailors training to work on the cyber cold front of the fleet’s ICT systems. More..... |
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12 November Maritime Heritage Issues in Melbourne Dr Jackie Watts OAM Founder & Chair of the Melbourne Maritime Heritage Network (MMHN) argues that Melbourne has turned its back on its rich maritime heritage. Trade by sea was and remains crucial in underpinning Melbourne’s economic prosperity. Melbourne remains the nation’s largest port. This cultural and economic strength in Melbourne has not been adequately acknowledged in the public realm and thus far remains undervalued and inadequately exploited by government. The MMHN was formed to address these ‘deficits’ and to facilitate cooperation, collaboration and coordination across stakeholder groups. |
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10 November MEMORIES Sailors in the Making This video records recruit training carried out at Cerberus during the 1960s featuring training at the West Head Gunnery Range and onboard the training ship HMAS Castlemaine. |
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10 November Free medical benefits in Navy |
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10 November First newly built nuclear-powered submarine under
AUKUS likely to be sold in 2038, US admiral revealsAustralia will be sold its first new American nuclear-powered submarine in 2038, according to a senior US naval officer who has also revealed that initial sales of second-hand Virginia-class boats will likely take place in 2032 and 2035. During a separate media event in Sydney, the visiting commander of the US Pacific fleet also assured Australians that this country will maintain full sovereignty over the American technology when it eventually comes into service here. More..... |
09 November Young
Australians get on board exciting careersThousands of people had the opportunity to learn about life in the Navy at the inaugural Navy Life Expo (NavyLifeX23) in Sydney. Visitors at the International Convention Centre, from November 7-8, spoke to officers and sailors from a variety of job categories to learn about life in the Navy and different entry pathways. The event had a recruitment focus, and exhibits featured job roles such as combat systems operators, submariners, electronics technicians and cyber operators – all a high priority for Navy recruitment. More..... |
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09 November What’s it like being parents of a Navy member? We spoke to the Price family about what it’s like being the parents of a Navy member. Their son, Sub Lieutenant Nathan Price is a Maritime Warfare Officer currently posted to HMAS Adelaide – and they couldn’t be prouder. |
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09 November Shared
connection to sea and countryThe close connection Navy has with the Saltwater people of Blue Mud Bay was honoured when artist and Madarrpa clan Elder Djambawa Marawili presented a bark painting at the Indo-Pacific Sea Power Conference. Mr Marawili uses his artwork to show the sacred designs that embody his right to speak as a part of the land and the sea. His painting, Spirit of Sea Rights, was presented as an articulation of Navy’s connection to the sea and to Indigenous Australia. More..... |
08 November Transforming
career pathwaysNavy will change the way it trains and prepares its people, placing a focus on career flexibility and life-long learning through skills acquisition and competence. Deputy Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Jonathan Earley launched Navy Mastery Career Pathways (MCP) on November 8, in Sydney, during Indo-Pacific 2023 International Maritime Exposition, which encompasses the RAN’s Indo-Pacific Sea Power Conference. More..... |
08 November Dogs
report for duty at recruit schoolA roster of dogs are reporting for morale duty at HMAS Cerberus Recruit School in Melbourne, keeping recruits chipper as they go through initial training. Spending time in the offices, hallways and hearts of Shipp, Emms, Rogers and Taylor Divisions, two dogs – owned by various staff members – sign up each day to bring a little touch of home to the training environment. Recruit Cassandra Kelly said it has helped her and her Shipp Division counterparts get through the tougher aspects of training. More..... |
08 November Lethal
firepower boost proposed for navy's $45 billion warships as
government considers naval reviewAustralia's troubled future frigates could receive a dramatic boost to their firepower under proposed design changes unveiled by the British company in charge of the $45 billion program. Uncertainty is growing over the Hunter Class program as the government considers the findings of a highly anticipated review into the navy's surface fleet. More..... |
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08 November Women in the Navy We asked some serving women to give us insight into what it’s like being a woman in the Royal Australian Navy. Navy is an equal opportunity employer where, irrespective of your gender, ethnicity, or cultural beliefs you are treated with respect and are afforded the same opportunities as your peers. |
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07 November Austal,
Civmec and Navantia to offer Tasman-class corvettes to
AustraliaAustal, Civmec and Navantia Australia have partnered to offer the Australian Government a proposal to deliver six corvettes in recognition of the navy’s urgent need for increased strike capability. The three companies are updating and expanding the proposal, now named the Tasman-class corvettes. The corvettes would be constructed entirely in Henderson, Western Australia, with production able to start rapidly as work on the design is well advanced and based on an operational reference vessel. More..... |
07 November Access
to the sea is an existential issue, says RAN chiefA year after being appointed chief of the Royal Australian Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond admits to frustration when he’s asked why Australia needs a potent navy. ‘I wish that we were in a different intellectual space as a nation,’ Hammond says. ‘We’re a three-ocean island trading nation. We owe our economic prosperity to the sea. We’re custodians of the planet’s third largest exclusive economic zone. We have an annual import–export trade of about $900 billion per year that comes and goes by sea.’ More..... |
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07 November HMAS Toowoomba took on a Damage Control Exercise While at sea HMAS Toowoomba undertook a continuation of training exercises to ensure the crew are prepared for incidents as part of a Damage Control Exercises (DCX), which include fire, flood and toxic hazard scenarios. |
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07 November Royal Australian Navy visits Blue Mud Bay In honour of the 15th Anniversary of the Sea Rights decision, #AusNavy visited the Saltwater People of Blue Mud Bay earlier this year, acknowledging the ownership, use and care of the sea in which Navy sails and defends on behalf of all Australians. |
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07 November Sea Power Conference 2023 The Indo-Pacific Sea Power Conference for 2023 is underway and we're really excited to be bringing together our international partners, Defence Industry and academic friends for a region-defining event that will foster great relationships and help address our shared challenges in this rapidly changing maritime domain. |
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07 November OUR NOVEMBER HERO  Florence
Violet McKENZIE OBEAll around Australia, former WRANs and navy men regard the woman they know as Mrs. Mac with a level of reverence usually reserved for saints. Yet today no-one has any idea of who she was and how she rescued Australia's communication systems in World War II. As you climbed the rickety stairs of an old woolshed at Sydney harbour in 1944, you would hear the thrum of clicks and buzzes. Rows of men and women in uniforms and headsets would be tapping away vigorously at small machines, under the careful watch of their young female trainers. Presiding over the cacophony was a tiny woman, known to everyone as 'Mrs. Mac', one of Australia's wartime legends. A smart girl from a poor mining town who loved to play with her father's tools, Violet McKenzie became an electrical engineer, a pioneer of radio and a successful businesswoman. As the clouds of war gathered in the 1930s, she defied convention and trained young women in Morse code, foreseeing that their services would soon be sorely needed. Always a champion of women, she was instrumental in getting Australian women into the armed forces. On 28 April 1941, Florence McKenzie accompanied 14 of her WESC trainees to HMAS Harman in Canberra, where they quietly became the first members of the WRANS. Continue reading about this fascinating pioneer at: https://navyvic.net/heroes/mckenzie.html |
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06 November Farewell
to Fred, the Royal Marine who pinned down Germans on D-DayThe Royal Marines family and number of men who witnessed D-Day first-hand is one smaller today with the passing of Frederick ‘Fred’ Fitch. Barely 19, on June 6 1944 the marine machine-gunned German strongpoints on Sword Beach to provide cover for British troops on his landing craft. Wounded in the hand by shrapnel as he opened the bow door of his craft for the men to storm ashore, he watched the first three soldiers gunned down by the enemy, before the remaining troops landed safely. More.... |
06 November National
defence and the RAN (part 3): structuring the fleet
for deterrence by denialThis final post addresses the primary force structure the RAN needs to accomplish those tasks. Deciding on the navy’s force structure is largely a process of common sense in maximising the impact of current and foreseen technologies and techniques within the available budget. But first must come the hard intellectual effort of deciding what’s to be achieved and why, how it can be done and with what. Long, hard-earned experience has revealed some useful rules to guide the common sense. More.... |
06
November China’s Shandong Aircraft Carrier Sails into South
China SeaThe People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) Shandong Carrier Strike Group sailed into the South China Sea Monday, passing through the waters between the Philippines and Taiwan, according to a Japanese Joint Staff Office release. The Shandong CSG, which sailed into the Western Pacific on Oct. 26, left the area on Monday to enter the South China Sea, according to a JSO release the same day. More.... |
06 November AUKUS
sceptics are missing the pointThe wars raging in Europe and the Middle East remind us that conflicts erupt suddenly. It’s a point that some AUKUS critics have seized on to say Australia and its partners are not making sufficient progress to be battle-ready in the Indo-Pacific. Certainly, we need urgent investment to increase our military preparedness. But this fact doesn’t reflect badly on AUKUS. AUKUS is about a longer game. More.... |
06 November Friendships
flourish on deploymentA Royal Australian Navy task group is deepening ties with friends, partners and allies across the Indo-Pacific as it continues a regional presence deployment. Since departing Australian bases in September and October, the task group comprising HMA Ships Brisbane, Toowoomba and Stalwart – each with an MH-60R Seahawk helicopter embarked – has transited thousands of sea miles, visited four foreign ports and participated in exercises and cooperative activities with 10 regional navies. More.... |
04 November National
defence and the RAN (part 2): tasking for deterrence by
denialPart 1 of this series examined how the Royal Australian Navy contributes to the new national defence strategy of deterrence by denial. This part analyses the primary tasks the RAN must be capable of. A third post will address the required primary force structure. The 2023 defence strategic review (DSR) reinforced objectives in the 2020 defence strategic update to shape Australia’s strategic environment, deter actions against Australia’s interests, and respond with credible military force, when required. These are the navy’s primary tasks. More.... |
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04 November |
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03 November Fit to fight with Leading Seaman Physical Training Instructor Jesse Pinto Leading Seaman Physical Training Instructor Jesse Pinto, talks through his Navy experience so far and what it’s like keeping Navy People fighting fit. Physical Training Instructors (PTIs) lead fun and interactive sessions designed to get your fitness up while also providing a social opportunity with mates. |
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03 November Royal Australian Navy Initial Training Sailors undertake their initial training at HMAS Cerberus in Victoria, before moving on to their job-specific training. At Cerberus you will be supported and encouraged to become the best version of yourself. |
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03 November Regional Presence Deployment HMAS Toowoomba Replenishment at Sea with MV Asterix HMAS Toowoomba recently completed her first Replenishment at Sea (RAS) evolution since 2020, having completed the ANZAC Midlife Capability Assurance Program (AMCAP) upgrade between 2020-2022. This occasion marked the first time Toowoomba has conducted a RAS evolution with MV Asterix, a Royal Canadian Navy Auxiliary Replenishment Ship. |
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03 November National
defence and the RAN (part 1): achieving deterrence by denialThe Royal Australian Navy stands at a watershed. A child of the Royal Navy, the RAN shifted its primary relationship to the US Navy after World War II, buying predominantly American equipment from the 1960s. It has evolved to become more uniquely Australian but is to be further reshaped to meet future security challenges. This post examines how the RAN will contribute to Australia’s new strategic posture of deterrence by denial. Subsequent posts will analyse primary tasks and force structure considerations. More.... |
03 November Collaboration is key  For
the past two years, 723 Squadron – Joint Helicopter School
has increased the output of trained aircrew by 50 per cent,
increasing the number of graduations per year and setting
new monthly flying records on multiple occasions. 723
Squadron and all elements of the helicopter aircrew training
system came together at HMAS Albatross recently to celebrate
this achievement. It attracted high-profile attention,
with leadership representatives of Navy and Boeing Defence
Australia attending to congratulate the team that made it
happen.
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03 November Partners
hone skills at seaHMAS Brisbane recently strengthened international partnerships and honed maritime warfare skills during Exercise Bersama Lima. The annual exercise drew together maritime, air and land forces from Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) countries; Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Australia. Following a weeklong harbour phase, the 10-day sea phase in the seas off Malaysia and Singapore had Brisbane and partner nations engaging in combined training across several maritime warfare disciplines. More.... |
02 November Navy
takes early steps with Australian, UK vendors on shared sub
workThe U.S. Navy is beginning to integrate its industrial base with those of Australia and the United Kingdom, despite Congress not yet passing several measures to enable the trilateral submarine-building arrangement AUKUS. AUKUS will bring about the sale of American submarines to Australia and the development of a new AUKUS-class design, but U.S. Navy Under Secretary Erik Raven recently told lawmakers the agreement goes beyond acquisition programs. More.... |
02 November Navy
veteran who received pig heart transplant in September diesAfter living for six weeks with a pig heart transplant, the second-ever recipient of the experimental organ donation has died. Lawrence Faucette, 58, a Navy veteran from Frederick, Maryland, was suffering from fatal heart disease when he underwent the Sept. 20 surgery. He passed away on Oct. 30. “We mourn the loss of Mr. Faucette, a remarkable patient, scientist, Navy veteran, and family man who just wanted a little more time to spend with his loving wife, sons, and family,” Bartley Griffith, who surgically transplanted the pig heart at the University of Maryland Medical Center, said in a release. More.... |
02 November Adm.
Lisa Franchetti Sworn in as 33rd Chief of Naval OperationsAdm. Lisa Franchetti was sworn in as the 33rd Chief of Naval Operations on Thursday in a ceremony following her Senate confirmation. The Pentagon ceremony followed her confirmation by the Senate in a 95-1 vote. Franchetti had been performing the duties of CNO while waiting for her confirmation. She will be the first woman to serve as the head of the Navy and the first female member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Franchetti is a career surface warfare officer who served primarily on destroyers and she has served as the VCNO since 2022. She was first commissioned into the Navy in 1985 through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps at Northwestern University. More.... |
02 November Loved
ones get a taste of life at seaDefence families usually wave from the wharf as loved ones sail away, but this time they had the opportunity to jump on board for a taste of ship life on a voyage to Eden, NSW. HMAS Adelaide recently welcomed family members on a unique three-day immersive experience. The adventure was packed with activities including trivia, ship tours, bingo and even personal training sessions from instructors on board. Chef-produced delicacies became crowd favourites, even among the kids, as mealtimes were spent sharing stories of multi-generational time served in Defence. More.... |
01 November Second
Set of Australian Sailors Graduate from U.S. Navy Nuke
SchoolThe second group of Royal Australian Navy sailors have graduated from the U.S. Navy’s nuclear power school in Charleston, S.C., the service announced this week. “The RAN Officers will follow the July graduates for further training in an operating nuclear propulsion plant,” reads a statement from the Navy. ”The officers will then complete a Submarine Officer Basic Course before assignment to an American Virginia-class SSN to continue their training and qualifications with on-board experience.” More.... |
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01 November NCIS Sydney Trailer Australian Navy was excited to work with Endemol Shine Australia and Australian Federal Police on the brand new fictional TV series NCIS Sydney, airing 10 November on Paramount. This was an incredible opportunity for Our People to share an insight into their unique work through the Australian screen industry. |
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01 November Welcome to Able Seaman Kabai's Crib! Watch Able Seaman Kabai give us a sneak peek of life onboard HMAS Adelaide. |
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01 November Let’s
get behind an Australian merchant navyI congratulate Peter Court for his recent Strategist article, which was as timely as it was important. The Royal Australian Navy should wholeheartedly support his proposition to stand up a merchant marine, not because it’s Labor policy as Court points out, but because it’s vitally, critically important for the nation and its defence. As well as being very sensible, Labor’s policy intentions are clear and expressed quite emphatically, as they need to be. One wonders what they’ve done about implementing it. More.... |
01 NovemberVeterans
to receive better access to a GP The Government is committed to ensuring the veteran community is provided with the best possible services and supports. With increasing costs of living and rising costs for business, the veteran community has told us they are finding it harder to find GPs who will treat them without out of pocket costs. That changes today. From today it will be easier to access a GP for more than 276,000 Australian veterans. In line with the tripling of the bill billing incentive, the Government is investing $33.3 million to triple the Veteran Access Payment (VAP) for certain GP services. More.... |
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For all news articles prior to 01 November 2023 go to our News Archive page |
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