Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) techniques that have been developed and refined during operations and conflicts around the world are now being put to good use in the Solomon Islands. EOD specialists from Australia’s Army, Navy and Air Force, along with forces from the United States, Canada and New
The opening ceremony of Wharf 10 in the Port of Townsville, Queensland was held on 18 October 2013. The ceremony was presided by the Australian Minister for Defence Senator the Hon David Johnston, who described the event as “a magnificent partnership between the State of Queensland, the Port of Town
HMAS Gascoyne’s Ship’s Company paused during passage of the Whitsunday Islands to commemorate Remembrance Day 2013. Ship’s Company assembled on the Sweep Deck of the Huon Class Minehunter for the Call to Commemoration read by SBLT Clodagh O’Neill. On completion, the Chief of the Boat, CPO Clearance
Australian Prime Minister, Hon. Tony Abbott commended the Sri Lanka Navy’s efforts in preventing people smuggling and pledged the gift of two patrol vessels as a capacity enhancement measure. He expressed these views after a high-level meeting held onboard Sri Lanka Navy’s Flag Ship Sayura at the Po
Australian Vice Chief of the Defence Force Air Marshal Mark Binskin visited Vietnam last week to meet with his Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) counterpart Lieutenant General Vo Van Tuan. During the visit, Air Marshal Binskin called on naval and air force units and a language school. Air Marshal Binskin
A 10-nation military exercise provides the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) with a unique opportunity to enhance its core skills in planning, coordinating and controlling forces and operations. “The simulated scenarios unfolding in this exercise mirror the kinds of situations that NZDF personnel fac
Hobart welcomed the first Collins Class submarine visit to the region for five years, with the arrival of HMAS Farncomb into port late last week. Commanding Officer, Commander Byron Williamson said the routine port visit allowed the submarine to be resupplied and provided some rest and recreation to
The UK’s Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) ship, Fort Victoria, simultaneously refueled the Australian ship, HMAS Melbourne, and the Norwegian ship, HNoMS Fridtjof Nansen, in balmy conditions off the north-eastern coast of Somalia. This risky manoeuvre requires nerves of steel from each ship’s captain and
Members of an Australian led multi-nation Task Force in Solomon Islands as part of Operation RENDER SAFE 2013 were welcomed to the country last week by the Australian High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, Mr Matt Anderson. Operation RENDER SAFE is an ongoing Australian-led operation to safely di
Royal Australian Navy Minehunter Coastal (MHC), HMAS Gascoyne, has been hard at work conducting Route Survey of Darwin Harbour over the past few weeks. Route Survey is the exploration of a route to determine the nature of the seabed and the nature of any underwater objects that are detected. The dat
The ballot is now open for young Australians aged 16-23 to set sail for the voyage of a lifetime aboard the national Sail Training Ship Young Endeavour in 2014. A voyage in Young Endeavour is a unique experience and one which develops skills for life. Successful applicants will join a crew of 24 you
An air and maritime exercise involving Australia and its regional security partners starts today in Malaysia. Exercise Bersama Lima 2013 is a Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) activity involving Australia, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Malaysia and New Zealand. Commander Australian Contingent,
An experienced pair of hands guides the way to help HMAS Sirius prepare for a relatively short notice deployment to Asia. The battle tanker, which has recently completed a short period of programmed maintenance, had her program changed to support the Australian Defence Force contribution to Exercise
The New Zealand Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral (RADM) Jack Steer, thanked Royal Australian Navy personnel for their contribution within the last year in assisting the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) in various operations from onboard HMNZS Wellington. RADM Steer was able to personally thank the Australia
