Posted by Mike Hughes, Author at CONTACT magazine

RAAF combat systems officer Flight Lieutenant Cameron McKinnon works at the C-130J Hercules aircraft's augmented crew station to capture imagery of the damage in Tonga. Story by Eamon Hamilton. Photo by Sergeant David Gibbs.

Hercules brings unique insight to Tonga response

25/01/202225/01/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 106 Views 0 Comments C-130J Hercules, HQJOC, No. 37 Squadron, Operation Tonga Assist 2022

A specially-modified Royal Australian Air Force C-130J Hercules transport aircraft has proven its value over Tonga following the underwater volcanic

Two F/A-18F Super Hornets from No. 1 Squadron A44-211 (left) and A44-218, depart RAAF Base Amberley. Story by Flying Officer Robert Hodgson. Photo by Leading Aircraftwoman Emma Schwenke.

News Royal Australian Air Force Videos

New Super Hornet crews graduate

25/01/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 86 Views 0 Comments F/A-18F Super Hornet, No. 1 Squadron, RAAF Amberley

The Royal Australian Air Force’s latest F/A-18F Super Hornet aircrews completed their operational conversion training late last year. CAPTION: Two

Pallets of humanitarian assistance and engineering equipment bound for Tonga, are loaded onto a RAAF C-17A Globemaster III, at RAAF Base Amberley. Story by Eamon Hamilton. Photo by Leading Aircraftwoman Emma Schwenke.

New Zealand News Pacific Royal Australian Air Force

Relief arrives in Tonga

25/01/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 89 Views 0 Comments C-17A Globemaster III, COVID-19, No. 36 Squadron, NZDF, Operation Tonga Assist 2022

A Royal Australian Air Force C-17A Globemaster III has delivered urgently needed relief to Tonga following a volcanic eruption and

ADF personnel embark onto HMAS Adelaide at the Port of Brisbane before departure on Operation Tonga Assist 2022. Story by Captain Zoe Griffyn. Photo by Corporal Robert Whitmore.

Australian Army News Pacific Royal Australian Navy

Tonga relief set to sail

25/01/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 83 Views 0 Comments COVID-19, His Majesty’s Armed Forces Tonga, HMAS Adelaide, Operation Tonga Assist 2022

HMAS Adelaide has finalised the loading of humanitarian and disaster relief stores, equipment and personnel in readiness to aid recovery efforts in

RAAF personnel unload humanitarian assistance and engineering equipment from a C-17A Globemaster III aircraft at Fua’amotu international airport in Tonga. Photo by Leading Aircraftwoman Emma Schwenke.

Australian Army News Pacific Royal Australian Air Force Royal Australian Navy Videos

ADF supports Australia’s response to Tonga

25/01/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 88 Views 0 Comments C-17A Globemaster III, COVID-19, HMAS Adelaide, Operation Tonga Assist 2022

The Australian Defence Force is supporting Tonga following the eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai underwater volcano on January 15.

The Navy One crew prior to the start of the Rolex Sydney to Story by Leading Seaman Kellie Nash. Photo by Chief Petty Officer Kelvin Hockey.

Australian Army News Royal Australian Navy Videos

Navy crew takes on Sydney to Hobart

25/01/202225/01/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 78 Views 0 Comments

For most people Boxing Day is spent sleeping in and barbecuing with family. CAPTION: The Navy One crew prior to

One of latest F-35A Lightning II aircraft (A35-040) arrives back to RAAF Base WIlliamtown after ferrying from the United States. Story by Alisha Welch. Photo by Sergeant David Gibbs.

News Royal Australian Air Force Sovereign industry

Contract supports F-35A maintenance and supply

20/01/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 349 Views 0 Comments F-35A Lightning II, RAAF Tindal, RAAF Williamtown

Defence recently signed a five-year contract with BAE Systems Australia for the provision of support to Royal Australian Air Force

The first No. 37 Squadron C-130J Hercules with Block 8.1 upgrades taxis through the bird bath after returning to RAAF Base Richmond. Photo by Corporal David Said

News Royal Australian Air Force Sovereign industry

New Hercules on the block

20/01/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 817 Views 0 Comments C-130J Hercules, RAAF Richmond

The first Royal Australian Air Force C-130J Hercules to be upgraded to Block 8.1 standard hardware and software has arrived

Armament Technicians from No. 3 Squadron, load a new Australian manufactured Bomb Live Unit (BLU 111) configured as a Guided Bomb Unit (GBU-12) onto F-35A Lightning II aircraft A35-040 at RAAF Base Williamtown, NSW. Story by Flying Officer Bronwyn Marchant. Photo by Corporal Craig Barrett.

News Royal Australian Air Force Science & Technology

Homemade warheads introduced into service

20/01/202223/01/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 527 Views 1 Comment F-35A Lightning II, MQ-9B Sky Guardian, No. 3 Squadron, RAAF Williamtown

Sovereign sustainability has taken a leap, with No. 81 Wing accepting and successfully expending the first Australian manufactured BLU-111(AUS)B/B. CAPTION:

Sergeant Marc Plant stands in front of a Shadow 200 UAS. Photo by Petty Officer Lee-Anne Cooper.

ADF People

Technology a game-changer for artillery

20/01/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 159 Views 0 Comments drones, Royal Australian Artillery, Shadow 200 UAS, unmanned aerial systems

Artillery operators in the 19th century wouldn’t recognise the capability in its most modern form. CAPTION: Sergeant Marc Plant stands

Captain Daniel Riedstra, of Headquarters 2nd Division, conducts orders for his training syndicate during the final phase of the All Corps Captains' Course at Holsworthy Barracks. Story by Captain Martin Hadley. Photo by Captain Jon Stewart.

Australian Army News

Course stays on track

20/01/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 305 Views 0 Comments

The Queensland University Regiment conducted the latest session of the All Corps Captains’ Course (ACCC) Operations Module for part-time officers

News Royal Australian Navy Sovereign industry

Opening of Regional Maintenance Centre Cairns

20/01/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 552 Views 0 Comments Cairns QLD, Darwin NT, Henderson WA, Sydney NSW

The Royal Australian Navy’s fleet is expanding and will be able to further sustain its edge at sea thanks to

A C-130J Hercules departs RAAF Base Richmond, NSW, to assist the Government of Tonga after the eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano. Photo by Corporal Kylie Gibson.

Australian Army News Pacific Royal Australian Air Force Royal Australian Navy Videos

ADF supports Australia’s response in Tonga

20/01/202223/01/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 327 Views 0 Comments C-130J Hercules, HMAS Adelaide, P-8A Poseidon, Tongan volcano 2022

The Australian Defence Force is supporting the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) as it coordinates Australia’s support Tonga

An Australian Army S-70A-9 Black Hawk helicopter lands at Victoria Barracks in Sydney. Story by Ben Roberts. Photo by Corporal Dustin Anderson.

ADF News Sovereign industry

Leaders’ summit on Defence Estate

20/01/202223/01/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 426 Views 1 Comment

Senior Defence leaders attended the Australian Defence Magazine Defence Estate and Base Summit 2021 in Canberra in December. CAPTION: An

Lieutenant Justin Mellross, left, receives the United States Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal from Commanding Officer USS Firebolt Lieutenant Commander Raymond Miller IV. Photo: by Lieutenant E Garcia, United States Navy.

ADF People

Work in drug bust recognised

20/01/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 66 Views 0 Comments narcotics, Operation Manitou, united States Navy

The United States Navy has recognised the Royal Australian Navy’s Lieutenant Justin Mellross for his work in support of the

Deputy Secretary Security and Estate Group Celia Perkins and Chief Joint Operations Lieutenant General Greg Bilton conduct a sod-turning ceremony to mark the start of upgrade works at HQJOC. Photo by Nicole Mankowski.

Australian Army News Royal Australian Air Force Royal Australian Navy Sovereign industry

Upgrades underway at Joint Operations Command

20/01/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 441 Views 0 Comments HQJOC

The first stage of work to modernise Headquarters Joint Operations Command’s (HQJOC) General John Baker Complex at Bungendore has begun.

Summer School students on the flight deck of a No. 37 Squadron C-130J Hercules during a visit to RAAF Base Richmond, NSW. Story by Eamon Hamilton. Photo by Corporal David Said.

ADF People

Richmond hosts next generation of engineers

20/01/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 68 Views 0 Comments RAAF Richmond

Hangar doors at RAAF Base Richmond were opened to the next generation of engineers on December 7, with a group

Commander Nick Barker passes on his father's ceremonial sword to his daughter, Lieutenant Emma Barker, following her graduation from New Entry Officers' Course at HMAS Creswell. Story by Leading Seaman Kylie Jagiello. Photo by Leading Seaman David Cox.

ADF People History

Slice of family history handed down

20/01/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 75 Views 0 Comments

Continuing a family tradition, nursing officer Lieutenant Emma Barker late last year graduated from the Royal Australian Naval College, with

Craftsman Sheldon Anstey, from the 3rd Combat Signal Regiment, conducts his summative assessment for the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Subject Two for Corporal Course. Photo by Sapper Jacob Chiplen.

Australian Army News Science & Technology

Promotion course goes long distance

08/01/202211/01/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 765 Views 0 Comments 3rd Brigade, RAEME, Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

Army’s newest Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RAEME) corporals were assessed in their promotion course in Townsville virtually by Army

Air Force imagery specialists, from No. 464 Squadron, take imagery on the RAAF Base Richmond flightline. Story by Leading Seaman Kylie Jagiello. Photo by Corporal Dan Pinhorn.

History News Royal Australian Air Force

A glimpse inside RAAF photography

08/01/202208/01/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 1571 Views 7 Comments photography

Capturing the realities of war took a leap forward with the invention of photography in the 1800s. CAPTION: Royal Australian

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