The U.S 7th Fleet flagship and staff completed an event-filled six day port visit in Darwin, Australia, with a ceremonial celebration on board flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) July 4. The celebration was two-fold, celebrating Australia’s Territory Day on July 1, as well as America’s Independence Day
A port visit to the Seychelles provided a much-needed opportunity for the crew of HMAS Newcastle to re-energise ahead of her next high-tempo counter-terrorism patrol on Operation SLIPPER. Soon after coming alongside Port Victoria, the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Guided Missile Frigate (FFG) took on
The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress on July 1, 2013 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia of up to 100 MK 54 All-Up-Round Torpedoes and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $ 83 million. The Government of Australi
Dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42), with the embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), arrived in Darwin, Australia, July 4, prior to scheduled operations in the region. While in port, Germantown and the 31st MEU will conduct a bio-security inspection to ensure they are operating in an e
Defence and security company Saab has signed a contract with Watpac Construction Pty Ltd for the installation and commissioning of electronic security systems for the Australian Department of Defence. The contract amounts to MSEK 470 and deliveries will take place 2013-2014. Watpac has been contract
Pacific Partnership 2013 arrived at its third mission port, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, July 3. U.S., partner nation military members and non-governmental organization volunteers are scheduled to take part in a variety of projects while ashore in the Marshall Islands such as the installati
Minister for Defence Materiel Dr Mike Kelly AM MP today announced the first of 24 MH-60R Seahawk Romeo helicopters has successfully completed its first test flight. The initial test flight occurred at Sikorsky’s Production Facility, Connecticut USA on 26 June 2013. It passed a range of tests includi
Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel are playing a vital role as key contributors to Pacific Partnership, a United States-sponsored humanitarian and civic assistance mission to help improve the lives of people in the Pacific Region. This year, Pacific Partnership will deliver medical, dental, ve
Exercise SEA LION 13 came to a conclusion on 28 June in waters off North Queensland. SEA LION 13 provided Australian Defence Force personnel with the chance to work closely together and develop the critical skills necessary for joint amphibious operations, including Humanitarian and Disaster Relief.
Within the framework of fleet replenishment ship Cantabria’s deployment, on which the vessel embarked on June 27 after an intense program of maintenance and training at Garden Island, the ship will participate in two main activities. The first one is the collaboration with the Royal Australian Navy
Minister for Defence Materiel Dr Mike Kelly AM MP today announced the final keel block for the future destroyer, Hobart, has been successfully lifted into place by the AWD Alliance in Adelaide. Dr Kelly said the final keel block is the 18th of 31 blocks to be joined into what is rapidly becoming the
A Sailor aboard the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) received the Pacific Fleet 2013 Aviation Boatswain’s Mate of the Year award, June 24. Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 1st Class (AW/SW) Luis Martinez, the leading petty officer for 242 Sailors in t
