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Latest News for our Navy Network Download the OCTOBER edition of our newsletter BROADSIDE |
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BROADSIDE - OCTOBER 2025 Edition NOTE: To read Broadside in Flipbook form, click on the "Full Screen" arrows. |
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29 October Australian
Defence Force changes definition of sexual-related offences
in wake of landmark class actionWeeks before a landmark class action was launched against the Australian Defence Force (ADF), it quietly changed its classification of sexual violence, the ABC can reveal. Under the new definition, all sexual or sexual-related offences are classified as "violence", rather than "misconduct". More.... |
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29 October A
gap year like no otherArmy's Lieutenant James Darvall and Navy's Seaman Xavier Martin are taking part in the ADF Gap Year program, which provides all the benefits of a standard ADF career, including a competitive salary and the opportunity to travel, without having to make a long-term commitment. More.... |
29 October From
Invictus to the ParalympicsBeneath the grandeur of Admiralty House and overlooking Sydney Harbour, three Navy members and veterans stood proudly before an audience of dignitaries, athletes and supporters. But they weren’t alone – by their sides sat three calm, watchful service dogs, their tails gently wagging beneath crisp, new uniforms. It was a moment that spoke of strength, service and second chances. More.... |
28 October Service
convictions to be available for police checksFrom December, ADF personnel who have been convicted of a serious service offence since 2015 will have those details recorded with the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) and uploaded to the National Police Reference System (NPRS). The recording of sexual and related offences between the ADF and civilian justice systems was a key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, and agreed by the Australian Government. More.... |
28 October Navy
women scoop awardsNavy women, take a bow. Navy scooped the pool at the recent Australian Defence Magazine 2025 Women in Defence Awards, with accomplished Navy women claiming four of the 12 awards. Two sailors and two officers, with ranks from able seaman to captain, took out the Engineering, Executive Management, ICT & Cyber, and Technical Trade Awards, which were presented at a ceremony in Canberra on October 15. More.... |
28 October A
new Aged Care Act is coming – what you need to knowA new Aged Care Act will start on 1 November 2025, as part of the Australian Government’s commitment to creating a simpler, fairer and more respectful aged-care system. The new Act puts older people – including veterans and their families – at the heart of aged care. It strengthens rights, improves the quality and safety of care, and makes it easier to understand and access the support available. More.... |
27 October Navy
women recognised on the national stageWhen excellence is measured across the entire Defence community, it is rare for one ship to stand out twice, but this year, HMAS Brisbane boasted two finalists in the 2025 Women in Defence Awards. More.... |
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27 October Freedom of Entry Parade Banyule The Defence Force School of Signals exercised its Freedom of Entry to the City of Banyule on Sunday 05 October 2025. The ceremonial honour reflects the trust and respect between the Australian Defence Force and the local community. |
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27 October From
delivery crew to lifelong advocateWhen Tiffanie Bulstrode (née Cowan) heard a radio ad on her way to university in 1987, she had no idea it would change the course of her life. Riding her bike through Adelaide with a Sony Walkman in her pocket, she heard the callout: "Do you want to be tired, uncomfortable and nauseous? Apply to sail a tall ship from England to Australia." For most, it might have sounded like a deterrent. For Tiffanie, it sounded like an adventure. “I thought, ‘Sounds better than studying’, so I applied,” she said. More.... |
26 October Super
Hornet, Helicopter Assigned to USS Nimitz Crash in South
China Sea in Separate Incidents, Crew SafeAn F/A-18F Super Hornet and an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68) crashed in the South China Sea on Sunday in two separate incidents in the Pacific, USNI News has learned. “At approximately 2:45 p.m. local time, a U.S. Navy MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, assigned to the ‘Battle Cats’ of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 73 went down in the waters of the South China Sea while conducting routine operations from the aircraft carrier. More.... |
25 October ADF
sexual assault class action ignites hope for reform and
lasting changeAllegations of sexual assault against servicewomen in the Australian Defence Force have been the subject of countless inquiries, investigations, reports, media coverage and, more recently, front and centre of a royal commission into defence suicides. The issue has again been brought to the forefront, with a class action against defence launched in the Federal Court on Friday. More.... |
24 October Keeping
the peace during Op LinesmenAustralian Defence Force personnel who recently completed a six-month deployment on Operation Linesmen say their work in the Korean demilitarised zone (DMZ) contributed to peace and security on the Korean Peninsula. Operation Linesmen integrates across United Nations Command (UNC) and the United Nations Command Military Armistice Commission (UNCMAC) to uphold the armistice agreement, which suspended Korean War hostilities in 1953. More.... |
24 October Singapore
launches ‘Battlestar Galactica’-like warship with dronesWhen Singapore’s defense minister, Chan Chun Sing, spoke at the launch ceremony of a novel class of warship for his country’s navy this week, he likened the vessel to the fictitious spaceship Battlestar Galactica. “It isn’t just a ship by itself, but one that’s integrated with artificial intelligence and an evolving brain,” he said of the new 8,000-ton warship, the largest ever surface combatant in Singapore’s navy. More.... |
24 October ADF
facing landmark class action over alleged systemic sexual
violence, harassment and discriminationAfter months of bullying and harassment in the Navy, Kate had enough. Her boss had made it very clear that he wanted to "break" her, she says. But nothing could prepare her for the response she got when she finally stood up to him. "I said to him, 'You're not going to get what you want from me, it's not going to happen. You can try as hard as you want ... but I'm not going to let you win'," she says. More.... |
24 October How
a WWII vet created one of the most beloved comic strip
charactersIt was a scene that played out countless times in homes across America during World War II: A young soldier, home on leave, making his tearful goodbyes to his family before shipping out to fight in some faraway land. On Feb. 28, 1943, a 20-year-old draftee, who was inducted into the U.S. Army at Fort Snelling in his hometown of St. Paul, Minnesota, said a particularly painful farewell. For the very last time, he addressed his mother, who was near death from cervical cancer. More.... |
24 October Military
launches ninth strike against an alleged drug-carrying
vesselThe U.S. military on Wednesday launched its ninth strike against an alleged drug-carrying vessel, killing three people in the eastern Pacific Ocean, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said, expanding the Trump administration’s campaign against drug trafficking in South America. It followed another strike Tuesday night, also in the eastern Pacific, that killed two people, Hegseth posted on social media hours earlier. More.... |
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23 October A Heartfelt Thank You from Indo-Pacific Endeavour 25 Indo-Pacific Endeavour (IPE) is Australia’s flagship regional engagement activity. IPE is a practical demonstration of the Australian Government’s commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous region, founded on openness, respect for sovereignty and adherence to agreed rules and norms. The activity strengthens regional relationships and builds whole-of-government partnerships that are of, with and for the region. |
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23 October Strengthening ties in CambodiaHMAS Ballarat visited Sihanoukville, Cambodia, from October 10 to 14 as part of Indo-Pacific Endeavour – Australia’s flagship regional defence engagement program. Indo-Pacific Endeavour (IPE) is an annual activity that aims to strengthen Australia’s partnerships across the region through military cooperation, joint training and people-to-people engagement. More.... |
22 October Young
Endeavour’s last lap inspires new generationAustralia’s national Sail Training Ship Young Endeavour has completed her final circumnavigation of the continent, marking a significant milestone in her 37-year history. Gifted by the United Kingdom as a bicentenary gift to support youth development, the ship has welcomed nearly 15,000 young Australians since 1988. More.... |
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22 October Labor blasted over defence honours reform ‘silencing’ Australian veterans A Vietnam War veteran warns Australia’s unsung military heroes will be forgotten and veterans will be “silenced”, under controversial changes proposed by the Albanese government. The changes would mean that acts of bravery could not be considered for higher honours once two decades have passed, regardless of whether new information emerges. |
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22 October Strengthening ties in Cambodia HMAS Ballarat visited Sihanoukville in the Kingdom of Cambodia from 10–14 October as part of Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2025 - Australia’s flagship regional defence engagement program. |
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22 October |
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21 October Navies
can’t afford expensive solutions to cheap problemsFully armed with anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine weaponry, US Navy Arleigh Burke-class destroyers have been successfully intercepting Houthi missiles and uncrewed aerial vehicles in the Red Sea since late 2023. Although successful in execution, the unsustainable economical and tactical model hides a strategic problem: hundred-billion-dollar warships are spending more than US$4 million on a single missile to defend against a drone worth a few thousand dollars. More.... |
21 October Young
Endeavour envoy says YEYS to adventureFrom Shell Harbour, NSW, to the open seas aboard Sail Training Ship (STS) Young Endeavour, Ellie Eather is proving that leadership, courage and growth begin with saying ‘yes’ to adventure. Ellie was recently noted in State Parliament as the first young woman in more than 20 years to represent the Dapto Agricultural and Horticultural Society at Sydney’s Royal Easter Show in the NSW Young Woman of the Year competition. While she now stands out as a confident leader and passionate advocate, part of her journey began with a bold decision to undertake the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme (YEYS) voyage. More.... |
21 October Building
community and celebrating connection during Veterans’ Health
WeekVeterans’ Health Week is an annual initiative to promote positive health and wellbeing for veterans and families. This year, we’re celebrating a fresh new theme that reflects how wellbeing is multi-dimensional: connection, movement, nourishment, and thriving are all part of the journey. Thrive 365. Connect. Move. Nourish. Each word represents a vital pillar of health: More.... |
21 October Military
Police dig in to help veteranMilitary Police (MP) are not usually known for garden makeovers, but a local team recently pitched in on behalf of Legacy to support a veteran with a much-needed yard clean-up. After multiple major leg surgeries, Navy veteran Luke McCallum’s backyard was in serious need of attention. The Invictus and Warrior Games athlete was grateful to receive support from Legacy, which came in the form of some willing and able-serving personnel. More.... |
20 October Gravity
of changing the watchCommanding a Navy base is never a simple task, and for Captain Rebecca Levitt, her tenure as Commanding Officer HMAS Kuttabul has been a professional milestone and a deeply personal honour. As she formally handed over command to Captain Iain Hutchins, Captain Levitt reflected on a period marked by operational excellence, resilience and people-focused leadership. “Commanding a base like Kuttabul has been one of the greatest highlights of my career,” Captain Levitt said. More.... |
20 October Siblings
share sailing sensationNot every sister and brother get to say they’ve sailed Australia’s coast on board national Sail Training Ship Young Endeavour – but for Elsie and Joey, completing separate voyages became a shared milestone and cherished bond. Elsie, now 26, joined Young Endeavour in 2019 for Voyage 02/19 from Melbourne to Sydney. Her younger brother Joey, 23, followed in her footsteps earlier this year on Voyage 08/25 from Cairns to Thursday Island. More.... |
19 October Supersonic
missile fully ready for front-line actionBritain’s latest supersonic missile is fully ready for front-line action after completing extensive trials during an ‘explosive autumn’ of tests and exercises. During the final day and night trials the Lightweight Multirole Missile – known as Martlet by the Royal Navy – blasted drones out of the sky and from the surface first off the Welsh coast, and later in the French Mediterranean, leaving behind “nothing but wreckage”. Launched from Wildcat helicopters, Martlet can accelerate up to one and a half times the speed of sound, and despite its compact size and cost-effectiveness, it is highly manoeuvrable and remarkably lethal, as proven during these demanding trials. More.... |
17 October Defence
in talks to support Gaza peace plan but Australia says no
request yetThe Australian Defence Force (ADF) has had discussions with the United States about potential involvement in a future International Stabilisation Force (ISF), as part of President Donald Trump's peace plan in Gaza. However, the government insists no request for assistance has been made yet. ADF Chief of Joint Operations Vice Admiral Justin Jones said he joined a video call with the United States Central Command — which defends its nation's interests across the world — to discuss their plans in the Middle East. More.... |
17 October Defence Community DogsDefence Community Dogs are currently seeking 2026 applications from ADF Veterans who could benefit from a DCD Assistance Dog to help provide physical and emotional support for mood, anxiety and depressive disorders, including PTSD. The time to process applications varies depending on the Veteran's personal situation, their readiness for an assistance dog, providing all the necessary documentation, and having the right dog available in training to individually match to the Veteran's needs. If you, or someone you know, could benefit from a DCD Assistance Dog, please visit www.dcdogs.com.au/apply to find out more. Improving the lives of Veterans. One paw at a time.  |
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17 October Eureka
Naval Craft Offers New Look at Fast Supply USVEureka Naval Craft’s Richard Byno has provided Naval News with additional information about their ongoing efforts to field their new series of USVs with the U.S Armed Forces, with new information about the AIRCAT Bobcat USV revealed. The Bobcat can carry up to 10 tons at a maximum range of 350 nautical miles and can achieve a “sprint” speed of 50 knots, and standing with a length of 57 feet (17 meters) and a draft of 1.6 feet, Bobcat can carry a variety of payloads into austere and previously unreachable regions. More.... |
17 October US
Navy commander overseeing Venezuelan boat strikes steps downThe U.S. Navy commander who supervised military strikes in the Caribbean Sea is leaving his post, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on social media late Thursday. In a surprising development, Adm. Alvin Holsey will step down as head of U.S. Southern Command, a position he’d held for less than a year. More.... |
17 October U.S.
Conducts Sixth Strike on Suspected Venezuelan Drug BoatThe U.S. launched a sixth strike against a suspected Venezuelan drug boat Thursday. Unlike the previous strikes, this one may have survivors, a U.S. official told Reuters, which first reported on the strike. The news outlet later reported that the U.S. used a helicopter to rescue survivors and is holding them on a Navy ship. President Donald Trump confirmed the strike saying that the strike was on a semi-submersible. More.... |
17 October Ballarat’s
first replenishment at sea in four yearsHMAS Ballarat has conducted her first replenishment at sea in more than four years while sailing off the coast of Malaysia during Navy’s fourth regional presence deployment for 2025. Far more complex than a routine fuel stop, Ballarat sailed just 170 feet from USNS Rappahannock for almost two hours on September 30 while receiving aviation fuel. Navigating Officer Lieutenant Michael Carpenter planned the complex evolution. More.... |
17 October Navy
Paralympians on course for ItalyDespite life-changing experiences, two Navy members are preparing to take on one of their biggest challenges as they aim for gold on the world stage. Lieutenant Commander Dave Miln and Able Seaman Taryn Dickens are preparing to represent Australia at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. Their journey to the snow has been anything but smooth. In 2018, Able Seaman Dickens started having changes to her vision, with no known cause by medical professionals. “My vision looked like shards in a kaleidoscope,” Able Seaman Dickens said. More.... |
15 October Indonesian military’s growing grip poses democratic
riskUnder President Prabowo Subianto, a former general, Indonesia’s military has steadily expanded its influence beyond its core duties. What was once a painful lesson of the country’s past—the entanglement of the armed forces in politics, business and civilian governance—now appears to be resurfacing in new forms. For many Indonesians, the military remains one of the few institutions consistently deserving of respect and trust. More.... |
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15 October Replenishment at sea a first in four years for Ballarat On Tuesday 30 September, HMAS Ballarat conducted a replenishment at sea with USNS Rappahannock while deployed on Regional Presence Deployment 25-4. This was a significant evolution for HMAS Ballarat, as this was the ship’s first replenishment at sea in 1617 days. |
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15 October Petition
EN8433 - Recognition for the National Emergency Medal
Cyclone Tracy Responders 1974/1975This e-petition aims to attain recognition for service by Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force members, Police, St John Ambulance Association, Red Cross, Salvation Army, and civilians in disaster relief operation following the destruction of Darwin caused by Cyclone Tracy. Approximately 8,000 personnel operated from 25 December 1974 to 30 June 1975, evacuating people, stabilising buildings, bringing in vital supplies, and dealing with casualties. This e-petition argues the National Emergency Medal should be bestowed on all uniformed people involved. Continue reading this petition at: https://www.aph.gov.au/e-petitions/petition/EN8433 then if you wish you'll be able to sign it. To find out more go to the website where this idea originated. They need everyone who was involved in this emergency to take part: https://www.adfcyclonetracyaward.com.au/ |
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14 October Annual
Cyber Threat Report highlights persistent threat to
individuals and across the Australian economyThe Australian Signals Directorate’s (ASD) Annual Cyber Threat Report for 2024-25 highlights the persistent threat of malicious cyber activity to the nation, underscoring the urgency of action by all Australians and Australian businesses to raise the nation’s cyber defences. More.... |
13 October Bravery
on the battlefield and beyond“Lima, this is Victor … “Mayday, mayday, mayday … “We’ve been hit in the vicinity of Bravo 37 … “Multiple casualties … “Acknowledge, over.” With those words, the lives of Lieutenant Commander Travis Robinson and his multinational United Nations Military Observer team patrolling the Lebanon-Israel border would change forever. More.... |
13 October Flags
lowered across the Navy in honour of former First Sea LordFlags on Royal Navy warships and at Service establishments are today flying at half-mast following the death of Admiral of the Fleet Sir Benjamin Bathurst. The former First Sea Lord served for more than 40 years, ending with the highest rank of Admiral of the Fleet. Sir Ben joined the navy aged 16 in 1953 at Britannia Royal Naval College, in Dartmouth, and in his early career he qualified as a Fleet Air Arm pilot. He served on board aircraft carrier HMS Eagle and also spent time on exchange with the Royal Australian Navy as an instructor. More..... |
12
October Trump directs Pentagon to pay troops despite
shutdownPresident Donald Trump said Saturday that he has directed the Defense Department to use “all available funds” to ensure U.S. troops are paid Wednesday despite the government shutdown, a short-term fix that will not apply to the hundreds of thousands of federal workers who have been furloughed. Trump said in a social media post that he was acting because “our Brave Troops will miss the paychecks they are rightfully due on October 15th.” More..... |
11 October Taiwan's
President Lai Ching-te unveils plans for 'T-Dome' air
defence system to counter China threatTaiwan will build a new multi-layered air defence system called "T-Dome" to defend itself against enemy threats and increase defence spending, President Lai Ching-te has said. Mr Lai also called on China to renounce the use of force to seize the island. Taiwan is ramping up defence spending and modernising its armed forces, but faces a China that has a far larger military and is adding advanced new weapons. More..... |
11 October Hypersonic-Armed
Destroyers and Submarines are Relocating to HawaiiA series of upgrades and modernizations at Pearl Harbor are preparing the Honolulu Naval Base for all three hypersonic-armed Zumwalt-class destroyers and up to three hypersonic-armed Virginia-class nuclear attack submarines. The move is a significant relocation of the U.S. Navy’s hypersonic equipped combatant force for a potential war with China. More..... |
10 October Marine
Rotation Force-Darwin Heading Home After RotationMarine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) 25.3 completed its six-month rotation and is now returning to the U.S., according to the Australian Defense Department. Since March 2025, 2,500 Marines and sailors have participated in training exercises in Australia, the South West Pacific and South East Asia, including exercises Balikatan and Alon in the Philippines, Super Garuda Shield in Indonesia, Talisman Sabre and Southern Jackaroo in Australia and Operation Render Safe in Papua New Guinea. More..... |
10 October Mariner
Dies From Injuries Sustained in Late September Houthi AttackA merchant sailor has died from injuries he received in a Houthi attack on M/V Minervagracht last month, the company that operates the ship said this week. With the death of the mariner, the Houthis have killed at least 18 commercial sailors since the Yemen-based group began attacking commercial shipping in 2023 following the Israeli bombardment of Gaza in retaliation for Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attacks in Southern Israel. More..... |
10 October Chinese
fighters intercepted Japanese surveillance planes during
carrier exercise: OfficialChina’s unprecedented deployment of two aircraft carrier groups this summer provided Japanese surveillance aircraft with a wealth of information about the ships, a Japanese official told Breaking Defense, though the People’s Liberation Army — Navy (PLAN) made sure it wasn’t too easy to gather. More..... |
10 October Mine
hunters reach new depthsNavy’s explosive ordnance disposal experts, Clearance Diving Team 4, have completed a series of high-intensity training activities as part of Exercise Cuttlefish in the waters of Cockburn Sound, Western Australia. An airborne mine disposal activity required a pair of divers to place disposal charges on simulated mines, then extract via an MH-60R Seahawk helicopter before initiating a controlled detonation. More..... |
09 October 'Ballaratitude' boosts moraleLife at sea can be demanding, with long days away from family and friends. But the crew of HMAS Ballarat are maintaining healthy habits to build resilience and support mental health while deployed – both at sea and ashore. Physical Training Instructor Leading Seaman Phil Penafiel plays a critically important role. More..... |
09 October Creative
talents on displayWith a day job in the Royal Australian Navy Band in Western Australia, Able Seaman Murray Jongeling is a man of many creative talents. In addition to his musical expertise, Able Seaman Jongeling is a skilled graphic designer, currently applying his talents within Cyber Command, part of Joint Capabilities Group. More..... |
09 October Handling
the heat with first respondersWith a fire breaking out in HMAS Adelaide, smoke in compartments and several casualties – the scene was set for another iteration of Exercise Vulcan Phoenix. Along with Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Ambulance, NSW Police and the Australian Federal Police, personnel from HMA Ships Adelaide and Kuttabul worked together to put out fires and tend to casualties in the simulated scenario. More..... |
08 October Satellite's
progress is out of this worldIt’s been six months since the Buccaneer Main Mission satellite was launched into low-Earth orbit and the team at Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) is thrilled with its progress. Spacecraft Assembly, Integration and Test Lead, Paul Alvino said since then, Buccaneer Main Mission has been “kicking goals”. “It’s demonstrated all of its primary experimental objectives, and is currently working through its secondary objectives,” Mr Alvino said. More..... |
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08 October HMAS Ballarat Combined Naval Gunfire Support HMAS Ballarat and Republic of Singapore Victory-class Corvette RSS Vigilance conducted a combined Naval Gunfire Support activity during Exercise Bersama Lima 25. |
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08 October Philippine
Coast Guard Resupplies Fishermen in the South China Sea
Despite Chinese HarassmentManila provided supplies and protection to Philippine fishermen against a fleet of Chinese patrol ships, warships and aircraft operating in the South China Sea near two disputed maritime features on Tuesday. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) dispatched a total of 15 cutters and offshore vessels early Tuesday to resupply and escort fishermen operating in the vicinity of the Scarborough and Sabina shoals. More..... |
08 October U.S.
and Philippine Forces Drill Near South China Sea FlashpointWashington and Manila kicked off the latest iteration of the Sama Sama naval drills on Monday in the vicinity of a western Philippine province located near South China Sea hotspots. Sama Sama, a Tagalog word that translates to “together,” originally began as a series of maritime security drills in 2017. Since then, the U.S.-Philippine co-hosted exercise has grown to include more combat activities, as well as anti-piracy and humanitarian missions, amid Manila’s naval modernization efforts. More..... |
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OUR OCTOBER 2025 HERO RADM Otto Humphrey BECHER CBE DSO DSC* MiD US Legion of Merit  Rear
Admiral Otto Humphrey Becher was born in Harvey, Western
Australia and entered the Royal Australian Naval College in
1922. After graduating in 1926, he was posted to a series of
staff and training positions prior to specialising in
gunnery.A Lieutenant Commander at the outbreak of the Second World War, Becher assisted in the extraction of Allied troops from the Namsos region of Norway while aboard the heavy cruiser HMS Devonshire, and was decorated with the Distinguished Service Cross. Following service in the Mediterranean theatre, he returned to Australia in 1942 as officer-in-charge of the Gunnery School at HMAS Cerberus. He spent two years at Cerberus before being given command of the Q class destroyer HMAS Quickmatch in March 1944. While commanding Quickmatch in operations against Japanese forces in the Pacific, Becher earned a Bar to his DSC. At the war's end Becher was posted to the Navy Office and later to the aircraft carrier HMAS Sydney; in 1951 he was given command of the destroyer HMAS Warramunga. Warramunga formed part of Australia's contribution to the United Nations forces engaged in the Korean War; Becher was promoted to Captain and awarded the Distinguished Service Order while carrying out operations in Korean waters. On returning to Australia, he filled several staff positions and commanded the aircraft carriers HMAS Melbourne and HMS Vengeance. Promoted to Rear Admiral in 1959, he served as Flag Officer Commanding Australian Fleet from 1964 to 1965, before taking up the post of Flag Officer-in-Charge East Australia Area. Continue reading about this fascinating hero..... |
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07 October Hegseth's
ultimatum to generals sparks fears of departuresDefense Secretary Pete Hegseth's "my way or the highway" message to hundreds of generals and admirals at a summit in Virginia last week has sparked fears that some top leaders may choose to bow out of the U.S. military entirely. The departure of two senior leaders last week stoked those worries, though the Pentagon says they were unrelated to Hegseth's ultimatum. More..... |
07 October Japan
Holds Minelaying Drills Around Strategic Islands Near TaiwanJapan’s largest minelayer practiced defending a chain of strategic islands near Taiwan last week in what Tokyo described as a demonstration of “determination not to allow unilateral changes to the status quo by force.” Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) minesweeper tender JS Uraga (MST-463) and destroyer JS Sawagiri (DD-157) held a series of tactical exercises Friday near the Sakishima Islands, the country’s southwestern most territories located 100 kilometers from Taiwan. More..... |
07 October Official
signals changes to Taiwan military aid, potential AUKUS
alterationsChange could be afoot for two key US partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, as a Pentagon official today suggested the Trump administration could redefine defense deals with Taiwan and alter the AUKUS security arrangement with Australia and the UK to make it more “sustainable.” More..... |
07 October North
Korea’s New Destroyer Reemerges with Major ModificationsOnly months after its commissioning on April 25, 2025, North Korea’s most advanced surface warship, the missile destroyer Choe Hyon (51), has reappeared featuring significant modifications to its weapon and sensor suites. They showcased their newest and most advanced warship during the opening ceremony of the annual “Defense Development 2025” exhibition, held for the third consecutive year, on October 5, 2025 in Pyongyang to mark the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea. More..... |
07 October Taking
it to the limitWith only a few kilometres to go in the 2025 Ironman World Championship, Sub-Lieutenant Gus Coleman’s body screamed for him to stop. After swimming 3.8km in the Mediterranean and cycling 180 of the toughest kilometres Ironman has to offer, he could feel his body shutting down in the last half of the marathon. “You’re getting tingly, your legs start to shake and cramp,” Sub-Lieutenant Coleman said. “Everything physically is telling you to stop.” More..... |
07 October Singapore
PM Lawrence Wong signals 'shared interests' with Australia
and desire to expand military tiesSingapore wants to expand its military ties with Australia, including through a greater Australian troop presence in the island state as part of an upgraded trade and defence relationship, according to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. The move comes hot on the heels of a landmark defence treaty between Australia and Papua New Guinea, signed in Canberra on Monday. More..... |
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07 OctoberKnow
your hearing support options DVA’s new veteran-centred approach to hearing services helps ensure veterans receive improved and more timely access to quality hearing support. Taking an individual needs approach, the Veteran Hearing Services Framework aims to empower veterans and their families make choices that are best for them. We've developed a number of resources to help veterans understand the hearing services available to them and to support them to make informed decisions. More..... |
05 October Hegseth
fires Navy chief of staffDefense Secretary Pete Hegseth has fired the Navy chief of staff in a sudden shakeup following the confirmation of Hung Cao as the new Navy Under Secretary. “Jon Harrison will no longer serve as the Chief of Staff of the Secretary of the Navy. We are grateful for his service to the Department,” a Pentagon spokesman told Military Times in a statement on Saturday. More..... |
04 October Fourth
deadly US strike in Trump’s war on cartelsDefense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a new strike on an alleged drug-carrying vessel in the Caribbean on Friday, killing four people. “Our intelligence, without a doubt, confirmed that this vessel was trafficking narcotics, the people onboard were narco-terrorists, and they were operating on a known narco-trafficking transit route. These strikes will continue until the attacks on the American people are over!!!!” More..... |
03 October Navy
launches new eye in the skyA sunny day in Jervis Bay was the backdrop for 822X Squadron’s first launch and recovery of Navy’s newest uncrewed aircraft system (UAS). The system, known as Integrator, is a fixed-wing platform capable of up to 16 hours of flight time, with a maximum speed of more than 90 knots. Capable of carrying a variety of payloads, the Integrator offers Navy a crucial set of eyes and ears in the sky. More..... |
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03 October Exercise Vulcan Phoenix The Royal Australian Navy teamed up with NSW emergency services to conduct an emergency response training activity at Fleet Base East in Sydney. Exercise VULCAN PHOENIX is an annual joint training exercise that tests and validates emergency management procedures in response to a major incident on a military establishment. |
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03 October Trump
declares drug cartels operating in Caribbean unlawful
combatantsPresident Donald Trump has declared drug cartels to be unlawful combatants and says the United States is now in a “non-international armed conflict,” according to a Trump administration memo obtained Thursday by The Associated Press, after recent U.S. strikes on boats in the Caribbean. More..... |
02 October Building
and paddling a shared canoeA small contingent of Navy personnel recently deployed to Baniyala to undertake a cultural immersion and a co-designed leadership experience with Yolŋu community members from East Arnhem in the Northern Territory. The activity aimed to foster mutual understanding and respect between Navy and First Nations people and their connection to the sea. More..... |
02 October ADF
joins Women, Peace and Security initiativeAustralian Defence Force personnel recently embedded in Japan’s Joint Exercise for Rescue 2025 (JXR25), meeting with Lieutenant Colonel Shimotomai Yuki and staff from the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Office of the Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF). Their meeting in July, at the Ministry of Defense in Ichigaya, Tokyo, symbolised the strengthening partnership between Australia and Japan, particularly in their shared commitment to integrating gender perspectives into military operations and emergency response frameworks. More..... |
02 October Ballarat
sailors go the distanceForty-three sailors and officers from HMAS Ballarat swapped the sea for the streets when they laced up their running shoes to compete in the Pahang Half Marathon in Malaysia. While alongside in Kuantan for the shore phase of Exercise Bersama Lima 2025, team Ballarat competed in all three categories of the community event: the 21km half marathon, 10km and 5km. More..... |
01 October Sailor's
journey from Europe to the classroomAfter years of dedicated service at the Fleet Support Unit (FSU), Leading Seaman Xavier Riddell decided to use his accrued leave for more than just a holiday – it became a journey of personal growth, spiritual rediscovery and unexpected academic opportunity. Before beginning a new posting to HMAS Toowoomba, Leading Seaman Riddell set his sights on Europe, drawn by a lifelong love of classical music, Gothic architecture and Renaissance art. More..... |
01 October The
overlooked frontline of Women, Peace and SecurityIn 2000, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 1325 and established the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. This formally recognised not only the disproportionate impact of conflict on women and girls, but also the critical role women play in peacebuilding and recovery. More..... |
01 October Manila
Recovers Chinese Underwater Drone Operating in Philippine
WatersThe Philippine Coast Guard confiscated a Chinese-made autonomous underwater vessel operating within the country’s waters in the South China Sea over the weekend, marking the latest seizure of Beijing’s subsurface drones by Manila in recent years. Filipino fishermen discovered the 12-foot-long drone Sunday and turned it over to a Philippine Coast Guard station on Linapacan. More..... |
01 October NATO
embraces new Australian-made Star Wars-style lasers to
counter Russian dronesAustralia is helping to take the world into the era of Star Wars-style combat. A Canberra-made laser is about to become NATO's newest frontline defence against enemy drones, in a deal experts say could transform the future of warfare. The high-powered laser, nicknamed Apollo after the Greek God of Light, can destroy up to 20 drones a minute, at a cost of $1 per shot. More..... |
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