“You can’t expect people to feel normal doing these things because this is an abnormal activity around an abnormal event”, is how Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Tim Barrett, AM CSC RAN, described the challenges of Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET). Physically demanding and perso
Australian Defence Force personnel, aircraft and a naval vessel responded to a request for assistance, after an emergency beacon was detected off the east coast. Rescue Coordination Centre – Australia requested the assistance, and in response, the Royal Australian Air Force dispatched a C-130J Hercu
A high precision Enerpac SyncHoist system has been successfully deployed by heavy lift and transport specialists Universal Cranes to ensure optimum accuracy and safety in the hoisting and positioning of key components of one of the largest ships ever built for the Royal Australian Navy. The Enerpac
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
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
HMAS Toowoomba’s internal Damage Control (DC) organisation has trained tirelessly to prepare for any incident onboard during their deployment in the Middle Eastern Area of Operations. The exercises range from small-scale incidents such as localised fires and toxic hazards through to whole-ship DC ev
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
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
The Australian Government has made a multimillion dollar investment to develop future defence technology, under the Capability and Technology Demonstrator Program. Minister for Defence Science and Personnel Warren Snowdon said the program will receive up to $13 million to be managed by the Defence S
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
Greater Western Sydney Giants coach and AFL legend Kevin Sheedy kicked off a recent visit to the Shoalhaven in style when he arrived at HMAS Albatross in a Navy Bell 429 helicopter. Kevin Sheedy, accompanied by Giants player Dom Tyson, was at Albatross to deliver the keynote address for the 816 Squa
Australian Minister for Defence Stephen Smith hosted today his Spanish counterpart Minister Pedro Morenés Eulate, who is staying in a visit to Melbourne. They were joined by the Minister for Defence Materiel, Dr Mike Kelly. Minister Morenés was in Melbourne to conduct bilateral discussions and to pa
The first of two new Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) ships was officially named Canberra in a traditional Navy ceremony at Williamstown, Victoria on Friday 15 February 2013. The new LHD was named by Mrs. Vickie Coates, wife of the late Rear Admiral Nigel Coates AM, RAN, who served a distinguished care
Tasmanians were treated to an unlikely Navy grey surprise as they celebrated the 2013 Royal Hobart Regatta. Nestled beside the colourful carnival rides and the Derwent River, a Navy Bell 429 helicopter proved to be one of the most popular attractions on the Regatta Grounds over the February 9-11 lon
