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Latest News for our Navy Network Download the SEPTEMBER edition of our newsletter BROADSIDE |
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BROADSIDE - SEPTEMBER 2025 Edition NOTE: To read Broadside in Flipbook form, click on the "Full Screen" arrows. |
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29 September Independent
Defence and Veterans' Commission up and runningThe Government is implementing the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide to reduce suicide and suicidality among current and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members. Today, the Defence and Veterans’ Service Commission (DVSC) begins operation as a powerful force for change, overseeing sustained improvement in how we protect the lives of those who protect us. More..... |
26 September Illawarra
groups want Port Kembla ruled out for AUKUS nuclear
submarine baseMore than 40 organisations have called on the federal government to rule out Port Kembla as a future location for a nuclear submarine base under the AUKUS deal. The Port Kembla Declaration — signed by 43 local, state and national organisations — was launched as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese locked in a meeting with US President Trump in October, amid uncertainty around the future of the AUKUS deal. The declaration was unveiled at a memorial to the historic Dalfram strike at the port. More..... |
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26 September China’s supercarrier unleashes stealth with electromagnetic power China has taken a major leap in naval aviation. For the first time, its most advanced aircraft carrier Fujian has successfully launched three different aircraft using an electromagnetic catapult (EMALS) — a technology previously only operated by the United States. |
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25 September Ghost Shark - A New Era in Navy Lethality Following our major capability announcement, this teaser video offers a glimpse into what Ghost Shark looks like in action. Ghost Shark is a cutting-edge and cost-effective undersea capability designed to operate in some of the world’s most challenging maritime environments. Developed in partnership with leading industry experts, Ghost Shark represents a significant leap forward in our ability to protect Australia’s interests and maintain a strong presence in the Indo-Pacific region. |
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25 September Bomana
visit a moving moment for ADF membersTwo ADF members paid a special visit to their relatives’ graves at the Bomana War Cemetery in Papua New Guinea while deployed on Operation Wantaim. It was the first time the graves had been visited by relatives, and for Chief Petty Officer Chris Seibright and Leading Aircraftwoman Jade O’Neill, the discovery of the headstones was deeply moving. Both members were in PNG to support events commemorating the country's 50th anniversary of independence. More..... |
25 September Aviation
sailor helps others soarBeing part of the Sailor of the Year program was a humbling experience for Leading Seaman Tom Hines, which reinforced to him the importance of his teaching role. “When I found out I had been nominated, I was very surprised and very humbled,” the Aviation Technician (Aircraft) said. “The program has really given me an appreciation of the impact I have on trainees as a leading seaman, that the words I use, they really take on board and they really listen.” More..... |
25 September Veteran
Games to rally Defence communityHundreds of Defence Force veterans, serving members and their families from across Australia will head to the Gold Coast for the Veteran Games 2025 Finals next month. Teams from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, the Northern Territory and the ACT have registered to take part in the event aimed at showcasing the strength, resilience, and camaraderie of Australia’s military community. The finals, to be held 11-12 October, will feature an exciting range of mental and physical challenges, with more than 500 competitors and spectators expected to attend. More..... |
25 September Boost
your business with the Enterprise AcceleratorKing’s Trust Australia is thrilled to bring back its flagship Enterprise Accelerator, running 13–17 October 2025. This free, online program is designed specifically for ADF community entrepreneurs – including veterans and defence partners – who want to grow and scale their businesses. Across 15 interactive sessions over 5 days, participants will explore the Lean Canvas model, gain practical business tools, and connect with founders, mentors, and industry experts. Whether you’re a sole trader, freelancer, or running a small business, the Accelerator provides practical insights, peer learning, and hands-on guidance. More..... |
24 September D-Day
Navy veteran receives more than 16,000 cards to celebrate
his 100th birthdayNavy veteran Dougie Shelley has celebrated his 100th birthday with a traditional tot of rum, surrounded by a sea of cards at a special tea party in Southend-on-Sea. His local branch of the Royal Naval Association had appealed to the public to send cards to mark the occasion and was amazed when he received more than 16,000 from all over the world, including one from King Charles and Queen Camilla. More..... |
24 SeptemberFree
access to support for veterans More fee-free, high-quality advice for veterans about how to access services and supports is being made available with almost $5 million in funding from the Albanese Labor Government. The funding will support 98 ex-service organisations (ESOs) which perform a critical role in assisting veterans navigate the complex veteran support system. Offering informed and accurate advice for no fee, this funding will support ESOs in providing free advocates to aid veterans and their families with navigating the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) claims system. More..... |
23 September RFA
sailors honour Arctic warriors in northernmost British
military cemeterySailors from RFA Lyme Bay paid their respects to servicemen buried in the most northerly British military cemetery in the world. A visit to Tromsø – ‘Gateway to the Arctic’ – in northern Norway while training with the UK Commando Force allowed sailors from the amphibious support ship to pay their respects to British and Commonwealth citizens who made the ultimate sacrifice in World War 2. More..... |
23 September In
awe of Agamemnon: The King sees Royal Navy’s newest
submarine commissionedHis Majesty the King today welcomed the Royal Navy’s newest nuclear submarine as HMS Agamemnon was commissioned. He joined around 500 guests – family members, VIPs, senior politicians and military leaders – as the hunter-killer submarine formally joined the naval family at BAE Systems’ yard in Barrow-in-Furness, where Agamemnon has taken shape over the past 12 years. More..... |
23 September ADF
medics roll out for PNG50As Papua New Guinea celebrates 50 years of independence, a joint ADF medical team has been quietly ensuring the safety and wellbeing of everyone on board HMAS Choules, providing on-the-spot care to both ADF and Pacific partner nations personnel. Royal Australian Navy Chief Petty Officer Peter Gough, Choules’ clinical manager, is part of the Australian contingent deployed to Port Moresby for PNG’s 50th anniversary of independence (PNG50). More..... |
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SeptemberPapua New Guinea marks 50 years of nationhood Port Moresby, along with towns and villages across Papua New Guinea, came alive for PNG’s 50th anniversary of independence (PNG50), with celebrations marking the historic milestone and highlighting enduring partnerships with Australia and Pacific partners. The celebrations marked September 16, 1975, when Papua New Guinea’s flag was first raised, signalling its emergence as an independent nation. More..... |
19 September East
coast sub base battle heats up once again as GIPA reveals
NSW government business caseThe NSW government has been busted thanks to some intrepid investigating by former Navy submariner and senator for South Australia Rex Patrick, revealing that the state government had developed business cases for both Port Kembla and Newcastle. With the shift towards nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS agreement, Defence planners and political leaders have stressed the need for a second major base to complement HMAS Stirling in Western Australia. More..... |
19 September Boost
for some veteran pensionsFrom 20 September 2025, some veterans and their families will receive an increase to their DVA pension and compensation payments. This increase helps make sure your payments keep up with the cost of living. You don’t need to do anything to receive the increase, it will be applied automatically. The first full payment at the new rate will be the payday 16 October 2025. Payments made on payday 2 October cover the period 16 September 2025 to 29 September 2025, and will include entitlements calculated at both the old, and new rates. More..... |
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19 September Alpine Snowsports Championships Air Force were named champion service at the ADF Snowsports Championships, held at Perisher September 1 - 4. |
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19 September Recognising
INTERFET, the first step on the path to peace in East TimorIn 1999, East Timor (now known as Timor-Leste) voted for independence after a period of intense violence and unrest which displaced thousands and devastated communities. In response to the growing crisis, on 15 September 1999, the United Nations sanctioned the formation of the International Force East Timor (INTERFET) to intervene and restore peace and security to East Timor. This Australian-led multinational force had 22 contributing nations, including: More..... |
17 September ASPI’s
China Defence Universities Tracker: Rising China-Russia
links, defence industry ties, dual-use tech researchASPI has launched a major new expansion of its globally recognised China Defence Universities Tracker, a database that now includes more than 180 Chinese civilian and military research institutions. The tracker has become a go-to international resource, drawing huge traffic from the United States and China, followed by Japan, Hong Kong, Australia, Canada, Britain, Germany, Singapore, France, Taiwan, the Netherlands, Russia and India. More..... |
17 September South
Korean manufacturers outline plans to bolster US
shipbuildingSouth Korea’s three leading shipbuilders announced more detailed plans this month to cooperate with the Pentagon and revitalize American shipbuilding. Representatives of South Korean industrial titans Hanwha, Samsung and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries shared new insights about their work with the U.S. Navy during Korea Investment Week, which took place in Seoul from Sept. 9 to 12. The effort has become known as MASGA, or “Make American Shipyards Great Again.” More..... |
17 September Retired
4-star Navy admiral sentenced to 6 years for bribery plotA retired four-star U.S. Navy admiral was sentenced on Tuesday to six years in prison for his conviction on corruption charges that he agreed to exchange a military contract for a lucrative postretirement job. Retired Adm. Robert P. Burke — once the second-highest uniformed officer in the Navy — was commanding its forces in Europe and Africa when he engaged in a bribery plot with two business executives, according to federal prosecutors. More..... |
17 September Winners
announced for the 2025 Anzac Day Schools’ AwardsEstablished in 2001, the Anzac Day Schools’ Awards is our annual competition recognising the brilliant work of students and educators, across the country, who engage with veterans and current serving personnel to gain a deeper understanding of military service and honour Australia’s wartime history. Winning schools share in $39,000 of prize money and have their entries highlighted on our Anzac Portal. More..... |
17 September Australia
and PNG fail to clinch defence agreement, resorting to
communiqueA major defence treaty between Australia and Papua New Guinea has failed to get over the line today, with the countries resorting to signing a communique in lieu of the actual document. Papua New Guinea's cabinet has not yet approved the treaty, throwing a spanner in the works for Australia, which was hoping to clinch the high-level agreement this week. More..... |
17 September Moreton’s
magnificent sevenHMAS Moreton has recognised the exemplary service and dedication of several personnel during an honours and awards ceremony, with Commodore Flotillas Commodore Simon Howard presenting the awards as guest of honour. Able Seaman Christine Crane received the Australian Operational Service Medal – Indo-Pacific for her service contribution across multiple operations, including Operation Lilia. More..... |
17 September Diplomacy
and tradition shine at official receptionAgainst the backdrop of Port Moresby Harbour, HMAS Choules transformed into a ceremonial stage on September 8, hosting an official reception for Papua New Guinea’s 50th year of independence anniversary (PNG50). The evening brought together Australia’s High Commissioner, the Chief of Air Force, senior Papua New Guinea Defence Force leaders, international partners and community guests, with the ship’s guard marking the occasion through a ceremonial sunset steeped in naval tradition. More..... |
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17 September Exercise Longreach adds to enhanced relationship with Tuvalu Exercise Longreach 2025 is a series of activities facilitated by the ADF as part of a collaborative Whole of Australian Government and NGO approach to build Pacific Island partner nations’ capacity to prepare for responding to major disasters and emergencies. In 2025 Exercise Longreach will be conducted across the Pacific Island partner nations of Kiribati, Tuvalu, Fiji, and Tonga. |
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16 September U.S.,
Australia Naval Forces Conduct Bilateral Training in the
South China SeaThe U.S. Navy and Royal Australian Navy (RAN) conducted bilateral training in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific through the South China Sea, Sept. 15-16. Participating ships included the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) and the RAN Anzac-class frigate HMAS Ballarat (FFH 155). More..... |
16 September Australia-PNG
defence treaty will require countries to 'act' if either one
is attackedAustralia and Papua New Guinea will be legally obliged to defend each other from a military attack on either territory under a landmark defence treaty, the ABC can reveal. The agreement will also give the Australian Defence Force unimpeded access to a series of designated facilities and areas within Papua New Guinea. More..... |
16 September Troops
with medical shaving waivers to face separation, Hegseth
saysDefense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s pursuit of a clean-shaven military took its latest step Monday when the Pentagon announced that troops who require medical shaving waivers for longer than a year will face involuntary separation, according to an official memo. The announcement, which is dated Aug. 20, follows a force-wide review launched by the Pentagon in March to assess military grooming and fitness standards. More..... |
16 September Chef
steps up to the plateHMAS Sydney's Able Seaman Isabella Anderson has been selected to represent the Royal Australian Navy at a two-day international military culinary competition in New Zealand this September. Since 1977, the Roy Smith Memorial Trophy competition has brought together Defence Force chefs and stewards from New Zealand and Australia to display their skills in a series of team-based challenges. More..... |
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16 September 25 Years, One Guard, Three Services For a quarter of a century, Australia’s Federation Guard (AFG) has brought together the Navy, Army and Air Force to honour Australia with pride and precision. |
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16 SeptemberInvesting
in wellbeing support for veterans The Australian Government is supporting the wellbeing of our veteran community investing almost $3 million in a diverse range of community-led programs and projects offering tailored support. Veteran Wellbeing Grants have been awarded to 46 initiatives from across the country, which will foster connection and community, promote physical and mental health, and raise awareness of important veteran community issues. These include: More..... |
14 September Additional Defence funding to deliver the Henderson
Defence PrecinctThe Australian Government will provide $12 billion towards delivering a Defence Precinct at Henderson to deliver continuous naval shipbuilding and AUKUS in Western Australia. Alongside the Albanese Government's record investments across shipbuilding and AUKUS in the West, these commitments will support 10,000 direct jobs over the next two decades as well as providing opportunities for small and medium sized businesses across the state. More..... |
12 September Annual
fundraiser a big boost for LegacyAcross the country, sailors, soldiers and aviators took to the streets selling pin badges and bears to raise funds in support of Legacy Week. In Brisbane alone, 7th Brigade soldiers raised $52,906. For 100 years, Legacy has been dedicated to the care and support of the families of fallen and incapacitated veterans. This year’s theme, Little Badge, Big Impact, reflected on the powerful difference small acts of generosity can make. More..... |
12 September Inside
the $8b plan to station American sailors and subs near Perth
through AUKUSWhile defence officials sweat on the outcome of the Pentagon's AUKUS review, an unprecedented $8 billion operation is unfolding south of Perth, where up to five nuclear-powered submarines — and more than 1,000 Americans — will soon be based year-round. The massive works will deeply embed United States military personnel and hardware into the West Australian community, in a way that will be difficult to unpick if political support for the decades-long submarine agreement collapses. More..... |
11 September UK Navy fleet rebuild will prioritize unmanned
systems, chief saysThe Royal Navy will switch to an operational mantra of fielding uncrewed vessels over crewed options whenever possible, according to Gen. Gwyn Jenkins, the chief of the U.K. Royal Navy. “For 35 years, we have operated under the assumption of a peace dividend. My mission is to move Royal Navy to war-fighting readiness in the next four years,” Jenkins, who serves as the U.K.’s First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, said during his keynote presentation at the 2025 DSEI UK show in London. More..... |
10 September Equipping
the Royal Australian Navy with next generation autonomous
undersea vehiclesThe Australian Government is investing $1.7 billion to acquire a new fleet of Australian‑designed and built extra-large autonomous undersea vehicles – known as the Ghost Shark – for the Royal Australian Navy. Defence has signed a contract with Anduril Australia for the delivery, maintenance and continued development of the Ghost Shark over the next five years. More..... |
08 September From
behind the lens and into the spotlightLeading Seaman Ernesto Sanchez is the first Navy photographer awarded a Conspicuous Service Cross, making him the most highly decorated imagery specialist in the workforce’s history. His work was recognised in the 2025 Australia Day awards, acknowledging his dedication to capturing the stories of Australia's military personnel through imagery. More..... |
08 September Canadian,
Australian Warships Sail Through Taiwan StraitA Canadian frigate and Australian destroyer sailed through the Taiwan Strait over the weekend, prompting protests from China. Hobart-class destroyer HMAS Brisbane (DDG-41) and Halifax-class frigate HMCS Ville de Québec (FFH 332) performed the transit on Saturday, China’s state-run media reported. More..... |
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07 September Defence Blood Drive In its 17th consecutive year, the Defence Blood Drive reflects Defence's strong relationship with the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood (ARCL). It also reflects Defence's commitment to the community and service to the nation. |
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OUR SEPTEMBER 2025 HERO Commander
Rupert Basic Michel LONG, OBERupert Long, naval officer and businessman, was born in Melbourne on 19 September 1899. Educated at Princes Hill State School, Rupert entered the Royal Australian Naval College, Osborne House, Geelong, with the first intake of cadets in 1913. Appointed Director of Naval Intelligence on 25 August 1939, Long was promoted Acting Commander on 6 April 1940. Influenced by his father to be proudly Australian, he recognised the necessity of working closely with allied intelligence agencies. He represented Britain's Military Intelligence 5 and MI6 in Australia, receiving the benefit of their worldwide connexions. The linchpin of Australian intelligence and security work, Long set up an espionage system in the Netherlands East Indies and South-West Pacific. In 1940 he advocated the formation of the Combined Operational Intelligence Centre, Melbourne, and in January 1941 became its first director, in addition to his role as D.N.I. He founded the Special Intelligence Bureau under Commander (Captain) T.E. Nave to help break Japanese consular and merchant-navy codes, and received 'Ultra' material (intercepted and decrypted enemy messages) from Britain. Continue reading about this behind-the-scenes hero..... https://navyvic.net/heroes/long.html |
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04 September Joint
training authority spies a gap in capabilityDefence has plugged a gap in the introduction of new intelligence capabilities with the formation of the Defence College of Intelligence and the Defence School of Intelligence – Canberra. In the past, when new intelligence technologies or equipment were introduced, there was no joint training authority or school to ensure courses were adequately prepared for the workforce. But that changed in January 2024 when the Defence College of Intelligence was established to provide joint intelligence courses as the first joint training authority. More..... |
04 September Remembering
the Shenandoah, the Navy’s first rigid airshipOn Sept. 3, 1925, the airship Shenandoah ZR-1 — translated to “daughter of the stars” — crashed in three sections over Noble County, Ohio. Designated by the U.S. Navy as an aircraft for use in long distance reconnaissance missions, the Shenandoah was one of five naval airships that sparked excitement within both the military and civilians alike. Seen at the time as the future of aviation, these airships, however, had short and perilous careers. More..... |
04 September A
win for the veteran community - free mental health training
extendedThe DVA-funded Mental Health Literacy and Suicide Prevention Training will continue to be offered across the country at no cost to the veteran community through to 30 June 2026. An estimated 1200 people have already taken part in the training and now have valuable skills to help others who may be struggling with their mental health. Conducted by Mental Health First Aid Australia and LivingWorks Australia, the training aims to increase mental health literacy and suicide intervention knowledge among the veteran community. More..... |
04 September New
research and evaluation modelDVA is implementing a new research and evaluation model known as the Veteran and Family – Learning and Innovation Network of Knowledge (VF-LINK). The aim of VF-LINK is to improve the health and wellbeing of veterans and families by increasing the production, use and sharing of evidence to support decision-making and policy, program and service design. Following an open and competitive tender, DVA and Phoenix Australia have entered a strategic partnership to deliver on a VF-LINK. More..... |
04 September Release
of the Defence and Veteran Mental Health and Wellbeing
StrategyThe Hon Matt Keogh MP, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel, launched the Defence and Veteran Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025-2030 (the Strategy) in Parliament today. The Strategy’s vision is to empower and support the Defence and veteran community for optimal mental health and wellbeing during service or employment, during transition to civilian life and beyond. The Strategy has six goals: More..... |
04 SeptemberStatement
on Significant Matters - Royal Commission into Defence and
Veteran Suicide People are our most important Australian Defence capability. The resilience, dedication and professionalism of the Defence and veteran community underpin our national security. We want Australians to be attracted to serving our nation in our Australian Defence Force, and confident that they and their families will be well supported by their leaders, their mates and the broader Defence organisation. In addition, they should be safe in the knowledge that whatever may befall them in service, they, and their families will be properly looked after, and their service acknowledged by a grateful nation. More..... |
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03 September Sea Rights Anniversary Royal Australian Navy sailors and officers have taken part in the 17th Sea Rights Anniversary on the shores of Blue Mud Bay, Northern Territory. Navy personnel took part in a week of cultural immersion leading up to Sea Rights, conducting activities with local members of the community. |
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02 September Navy
welcomes fellow mariners to AustraliaThe Royal Australian Navy was among the first to welcome the Scottish Maclean brothers to Australia after their 140-day rowing feat across the Pacific. The trio, who rowed from Peru to Australia to raise money for clean water projects in Madagascar, were greeted at sea by a rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) from Australian Defence Vessel (ADV) Cape Peron, which ferried Australian Border Force officers out to conduct passport and quarantine checks so the brothers could expedite family and friend reunions once ashore. More..... |
02 September Japan’s
Record $60 Billion Defense Budget Seeks Unmanned Systems,
Long-range MunitionsJapan’s Ministry of Defense has requested a record-high $60 billion for the upcoming fiscal year to prioritize long-range munitions and aerial unmanned systems meant to counter an invasion of the country’s islands. The Ministry of Defense (MOD) wants to allocate $875 million in Fiscal Year 2026, which begins April 1, for a brand-new program – the Synchronized, Hybrid, Integrated and Enhanced Littoral Defense (SHIELD) program. SHIELD is a multi-layered littoral defense system that will utilize a network of land, surface, underwater and aerial unmanned systems to counter invading surface and amphibious forces. More..... |
02 September A
year on from the landmark royal commission, serving members
fear defence culture has not changedAn ABC investigation has uncovered allegations of inaction by the Australian Defence Force following claims of bullying and violence among serving members. It comes a year after the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, which examined suicide rates and culture within the ADF. Defence has apologised to current and former personnel who have experienced cultural issues within the force. More..... |
02 September More
hull fouling, more corrosion: effects of warmer South
Pacific waters on naviesRising sea temperatures could be a particular problem for navies in the South Pacific. Hull corrosion and biofouling could worsen, pushing up maintenance and fuel costs, weakening ships structurally and decreasing their availability. While such effects are increasingly documented in scientific literature, they appear to be overlooked in defence planning—particularly in the South Pacific, where they are intensifying more rapidly due to regional climate dynamics. More..... |
01 September Veteran
healthcare cards promise free medical treatment, but
patients say many GPs won't accept themVeterans in Canberra have been struggling to find GPs who accept the veteran healthcare card, which entitles veterans to free medical treatment. A spokesperson for the Department of Veterans' Affairs said they had not seen a decline in the number of health professionals that provide treatment to Veteran Card holders. More..... |
01 September Cyber
kits keep allies in the huntADF cyber specialists have joined counterparts from the United States and New Zealand to test new defensive cyber mission systems designed to counter threats across any network. Around 60 personnel from the three nations participated in the evaluation of three prototype Joint Cyber Hunt Kits in Philadelphia. The kits are intended to be highly portable, deployed by a nine-person team anywhere in the world, and capable of connecting to any network to provide real-time cyber defence. More..... |
01 September Defence
launches 2025 Blood DriveDid you know the average blood donation is about 470 millilitres? That each donation travels on average 372 kilometres from donor to patient? That’s like driving from Canberra to Sydney. The Defence Blood Drive 2025 runs from September 1 to December 8 and the demand is ever growing, with one-in-three Australians needing blood or blood products in their lifetime, yet only one-in-30 donating. More..... |
01 September New
landing craft delivered to TongaAustralia has successfully delivered a new landing craft vessel to Tonga with an official handover ceremony taking place at the Masefield Naval Base. The ceremony was attended by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupouto‘a ‘Ulukalala, Tonga’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for His Majesty’s Armed Forces, who received the vessel on behalf of Tonga. More..... |
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News Archives:
For all news articles prior to 01 September 2025 go to our News Archive page |
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