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
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
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
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
HMAS Creswell ship’s company have welcomed the return of canteen services to the establishment after a two year absence, as refurbishments to the ninety-nine year old canteen building were completed recently. Commanding Officer of HMAS Creswell, CAPT Brett Chandler welcomed BRAVO Coffee to the base
Exercise DARDANELLES held at HMAS Creswell on 17 February, tested the teamwork skills of members of New Entry Officer Course (NEOC) 48 as their second week in the Navy came to a close. Held just weeks after many had joined the RAN, the exercise was an introduction to the challenges of working with o
Supporting the 71st Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin commemorations, Australian Defence members helped recount the events of 19 February 1942 with a Royal Australian Air Force fast jet flypast and ceremonial gunfire by the Army’s 8th/12th Regiment RAA. The commemoration also included embarking o
Australian Defence Minister Stephen Smith visited Stockholm, Sweden on Wednesday 20 February. Australia and Sweden have shared values, a common strategic interest in peacekeeping and stabilisation operations and a longstanding history of cooperation on submarines. Minister Smith met with Swedish Min
