Minister for Defence Materiel Dr Mike Kelly AM MP today announced the first of 24 MH-60R Seahawk Romeo helicopters has successfully completed its first test flight. The initial test flight occurred at Sikorsky’s Production Facility, Connecticut USA on 26 June 2013. It passed a range of tests includi
Royal Navy of Oman Takes Delivery of First Khareef Class Warship The first warship built by BAE Systems for the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) as part of Project Khareef for the design, build and delivery of three corvettes, has been formally handed over in a ceremony at HM Naval Base Portsmouth today. Fr
The Royal Australian Navy has joined forces with the United States Navy (USN) and Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) to participate in a tri-lateral exercise, Pacific bond 2013, June 22-26. Pacific Bond is a multi-national naval exercise designed to advance participating nations’ military-to-
As part of its embed with the United States Navy’s 7th Fleet George Washington Carrier Strike Group, the Australian guided missile frigate HMAS Sydney is taking part in Exercise Nichi Go Trident, a bilateral exercise between the Royal Australian Navy and the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force that
Naval personnel and units from Australia, Japan and the United States are enroute to participate in a tri-lateral maritime exercise, Pacific Bond 2013, that is due to take place from 22nd to 26th June, 2013. The exercise will be conducted in the western Pacific Ocean, in the vicinity of the Marianas
Australia, Japan and U.S. Naval forces flexed the Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) aspects of exercise Pacific Bond 2013 near the Marianas Island chain, June 23. “This ASW exercise is a building block toward acquiring the ability to seamlessly integrate on common initiatives to promote security and pros
Submarine Group Seven held a change of command ceremony at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, June 18. During the ceremony, Rear Adm. Stuart B. Munsch relieved Rear Adm. Phillip G. Sawyer as commander of carrier strike group (CSG) 7, also assuming responsibility as commander of Task Forces 54 and 74. Vice A
Russian Navy to Recommission Three Submarines by 2014 Three nuclear submarines of the Russian Navy currently under maintenance will be recommissioned by 2014, a Navy spokesman told journalists. The K-410 Smolensk cruise missile submarine, which is undergoing repairs since 2011, will resume its servi
BRP Ramon Alcaraz Starts Sea Trials The Philippine Navy’s new warship, the BRP Ramon Alcaraz, began sea trials on Monday, according to GMA News. The ship set sail from North Charleston, South Carolina at 8:30 a.m. Monday (US time). BRP Ramon Alcaraz was subjected to refurbishment and refitting which
The last of the improved Los Angeles-class submarines, USS Cheyenne (SSN 773), arrived in Yokosuka May 24 as part of its Western Pacific Deployment. With a crew of approximately 150 Sailors, Cheyenne continues to test its capabilities, exercising this submarine’s ability to conduct sustained forward
The crew of the Royal Australian guided-missile frigate HMAS Sydney (FFG 03) visited the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) May 9. Officers, chiefs and able seaman were given a taste of what they will experience when they join the George Washington Strike Gr
Who said old sailor’s never die, they just fade away? Well, those who served in HMAS Sydney over the years never fade away either. That’s what the senior sailors serving aboard HMAS Sydney (IV) found out just before deploying to Asia on April 22, 2013 when members of the HMAS Sydney Association came
The Los Angeles class fast attack submarine USS Asheville (SSN 758) arrived in Yokosuka Apr. 16 for a visit as part of its Western Pacific deployment. With a crew of approximately 147, Asheville will conduct a multitude of missions and showcase the latest capabilities of the submarine fleet. “I am v
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
