The Royal Australian Navy’s ‘Purple Pony’, HMAS Toowoomba, is mid-way through her six-month deployment, patrolling the expanses of the Arabian Sea, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, and Indian Ocean. The Frigate Helicopter (FFH) frigate is currently assigned to Operation SLIPPER in the Middle Eas
Some 80 military personnel and officials from 18 countries are joining Australian Defence personnel at a forum in Sydney this week to discuss a range of environmental security issues linked to emerging climate change and sustainability challenges. Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Senator David Fe
Minister for Defence Stephen Smith and Minister for Defence Science and Personnel Warren Snowdon recently announced two high-achieving members of the Australian Defence Organisation will join youth delegations at major strategic conferences in Slovakia and Singapore this year. Their attendance is th
The Australian Navy Cadets (ANC) is a voluntary youth organisation open to males and females from the age of 12 ½ until 20 years of age, which provides a planned youth development program based on maritime skills in an adventurous environment, delivering youth empowerment and conscious enterprise, a
New Zealand Navy warship HMNZS WELLINGTON returned to the high seas on Wednesday after receiving the green light from Navy assessors. The Offshore Patrol Vessel spent eight months alongside at Devonport Naval Base, as part of a plan that allowed the Navy time to train and rest key personnel. WELLING
Australia’s Federation Guard (AFG), Gallipoli contingent, is fine tuning its drill in preparation for Anzac Day ceremonies on the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey. The contingent, with representatives from each of the services Navy, Army and Air Force, has been rehearsing its drill at the Australian Wa
The new General Manager of Fleet Support Unit (FSU) Australia, Jason Aquilina, has a clear message to deliver to sailors – FSU Australia is different to what it was eight months ago and it will continue to transform. “We are now a national organisation focussed on applying our trade skills to become
The Navy’s first littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) arrived in Manila April 9, marking her first port visit in Southeast Asia. While the crew will have time for rest and relaxation, work will continue as Freedom receives fuel and supplies for the next underway period of her eight-month deploym
The Australian-led Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150) has seized a record heroin haul during a boarding on Friday, 29 March 2013. Law enforcement agencies confirm the half a tonne of heroin has an estimated street value at $100 million AUD. According to law enforcement agencies, the 500kg haul is one
The amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46) departed White Beach, Okinawa, to participate in the 29th annual Republic of the Philippines-U.S. Military exercise Balikatan. Balikatan is an annual Republic of the Philippines-U.S. military bilateral training exercise and humanitarian assistanc
Russia’s Amur-1650 Class Submarine Sparks Foreign Interest Foreign customers have shown high interest in Russia’s advanced Amur-1650 class submarine, state-run arms dealer Rosoboronexport said on Wednesday. ”Of the nine countries that are planning to modernize or develop their submarine fleets…three
Spanish Armada ship ESPS Cantabria has berthed at Techport in Adelaide for an Easter port visit. ESPS Cantabria is currently operating with the Royal Australian Navy whilst on deployment to Australia in 2013. Cantabria’s deployment to Australia is enhancing interoperability between the Spanish Armad
Lieutenant Commander John Sperring, a long-term resident at the Australian Hydrographic Office, celebrated 40 years in Australian Defence Force (ADF) service on 6th March 2013. Originally in the Army for 12 ½ years, John reached the rank of Warrant Officer, primarily in Army Intelligence but also se
The Ohio class submarine USS Ohio (SSGN 726) arrived at Subic Bay March 22 for a visit as part of its deployment to the Western Pacific. With its crew of approximately 150, Ohio is conducting missions and showcasing the latest capabilities of the U.S. Navy’s submarine fleet during this deployment. “
