Families from Make-a-Wish Foundation visited Fleet Base West during ‘Wish Day’ on Friday 22 March 2013. The children and their families were able to experience and gain an insight into Navy life through visiting a number of units, watching demonstrations and talking to Navy personnel. Make-a-Wish Fo
HMAS Childers and the crew of Ardent Six (Lieutenant Commander Chris Brough) have been instrumental in recovering 77 survivors from wreckage 60 nautical miles north of Ashmore Island. Responding to a request from the Rescue Coordination Centre Australia via Joint Task Force (JTF) 639, the Armidale C
The New Zealand Defence Force has confirmed that separate investigations into the death of a soldier who drowned during training in Waiouru are nearing completion. On 25 September, 2012, NZ Army soldier Private (PTE) Michael Victor Ross, aged 29 years, from Kaitaia, went missing while undertaking sm
Strategic Marine, a specialist shipbuilder with operations in Singapore, Australia and Vietnam, today announced it will build the Long Term Ashmore Capability (LTAC) for Gardline Australia Pty Ltd on behalf of the Government of Australia. The LTAC will be a 40-metre On Station Vessel designed for re
Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) arrived in White Beach, Okinawa, after completing a 10-day certification exercise (CERTEX) with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) in the East China Sea March 21. CERTEX is a comprehensive, complex training evolution that combines the Navy and Mari
Sailors aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) and Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conducted a noncombatant evacuation operation (NEO) drill while underway off the coast of Okinawa March 15. NEO is the safe evacuation of American civilians and embassy o
Seven Senior Sailors and Officers in the Royal Australian Navy are ready to set sail after completing Boarding Operations training in Darwin. The Domestic Maritime Security Operations Course (DMSOC) and Boarding Officers Course (DMBOC) were conducted back-to-back over a nine-day period at the Larrak
HMAS Toowoomba recently participated with other navies in Exercise AMAN 2013 while deployed on maritime security operations in the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO). Exercise AMAN 2013 was hosted by the Pakistan Navy to promote peace and stability in the region and enhance interoperability among
Austal announced that the first-in-series Cape Class Patrol Boat has been officially named the Cape St George during a ceremony held at Austal’s Henderson shipyard in Western Australia today. Cape St George is the first of eight new boats being built by Austal for the Australian Customs and Border P
816 Squadron (816 SQN) has returned from the Avalon airshow with a highly sought-after award. The Australian International Airshow is the premier event on Australia’s international aviation calendar and the Military Concours d’Elegance is awarded after judging by a panel comprising representatives o
In a quiet gathering held at Fleet Base West this week, United States Navy (USN) Exchange Officer Commander Travis Petzoldt was fare-welled by his colleagues at Australia’s Submarine Headquarters. During his two year tenure with the Royal Australian Navy, Commander Petzoldt performed the role of ‘Pr
723 Squadron Pilot Instructor Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) Tony Reyne recently added to his considerable list of achievements by clocking up his 9,000th hour of military flying. Fellow training officer LCDR Cliff Gaudie put LCDR Reyne’s accomplishment in perspective: “9,000 hours is equal to approxim
Russia Plans to Rearm BSF Russia has announced plans to rearm its Black Sea Fleet and has asked Ukraine to settle the issues regarding the planned deliveries of new weapons to the naval force, Ukraine’s defense minister said on Saturday. Italy: NATO Allies Participate in Proud Manta 2013 Exercise Pr
In September last year I announced the renaming of two Divisions at the Recruit School to honour sailors. This was the first step towards better recognising our sailors who have distinguished themselves during their service. Today, on Navy’s 112th birthday, we are taking the next step; the remaining
