Posted by Mike Hughes, Author at CONTACT magazine

Since their arrival in 1985, the Classic Hornets have made an extraordinary contribution to Australia’s air power, including in theatres of operations such as Operations Slipper, Falconer and Okra. After more than 30 years of dedicated service, and nearly 408,000 total flying hours, the F/A-18A/B Hornet fleet will transition to the advanced lethality, survivability, and supportability delivered by the fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II fighter. Photo by Leading Aircraftman Sam Price.

End of Era | F/A-18A/B Classic Hornet raw extended footage (10:57)

03/12/202103/12/2021 Posted by Mike Hughes 158 Views 0 Comments F/A-18A/B Hornets

F/A-18A/B Classic Hornets are retiring from service this week, as Airforce transition to the fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II. CAPTION: Since

An F-35A Lighting II aircraft performs an aerial display at the 2021 Wings Over Illawarra Airshow in New South Wales. Story by Flight Lieutenant Gerard Reed. Photo by Able Seaman Susan Mossop.

History News Royal Australian Air Force Videos

Spectacular display on NSW south coast

03/12/2021 Posted by Mike Hughes 160 Views 0 Comments F-35A Lightning II, F/A-18A/B Hornets, Wings Over Illawarra

From the extreme roar of jet engines to the gentle purr of pistons, aircraft criss-crossed the skies above the south

No. 36 Squadron aviators pull a C-17A Globemaster III aircraft during the tug-o-war challenge at RAAF Base Amberley. Story by Flying Officer Lily Lancaster. Photo by Corporal Jesse Kane.

Health and Wellbeing News Royal Australian Air Force

Pulling together for a good cause

03/12/202103/12/2021 Posted by Mike Hughes 247 Views 1 Comment Amberley, Beyond Blue, No. 35 Squadron, No. 36 Squadron

In support of mental health, No. 36 Squadron has hosted RAAF Base Amberley’s biggest fundraiser of the year with a

Aircraft A21-02 flown by Group Captain Jason Easthope, Chief of Staff, Air Combat Group taxis through a farewell water canon at RAAF Base Williamtown. Story by Flight Lieutenant Dee Irwin. Photo by Corporal Craig Barrett.

History News Royal Australian Air Force Videos

Combat support unit reflects fondly on Hornets

03/12/2021 Posted by Mike Hughes 149 Views 0 Comments F/A-18A/B Hornets, No. 17 Squadron

Approximately 300kms south of Darwin near the township of Katherine is RAAF Base Tindal, a remote air base. The base

Six S70A-9 Black Hawk and MRH90 Taipan helicopters from 6 Aviation Regiment fly over Russell Offices, to mark the establishment of Army Aviation Command. Photo by Jay Cronan.

Australian Army News

Army Aviation Command established

03/12/2021 Posted by Mike Hughes 137 Views 0 Comments Aviation Command

Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Rick Burr, today announced the establishment of a new Army Aviation Command, at a ceremonial parade

2 RAR (Amphib), are halted and challenged by Townsville District Commander, Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent Craig Hanlon for the 50th anniversary of the Freedom of Entry to the city of Townsville. Story by Lieutenant Simon Hampson. Photo by Corporal Jesse Kane.

Australian Army History News Veterans

A half century of freedom

03/12/2021 Posted by Mike Hughes 116 Views 0 Comments 2nd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment, Freedom of Entry, Townsville

The anticipation and excitement in the air was palpable on November 27 as Townsville locals awaited the start of the

Australian Army Corporal Brodie Cross from Joint Task Group 637.3 talks with a local man in Honiara, Solomon Islands, on 02 December 2021. Photo by Corporal Brandon Grey.

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

ADF support to Solomon Islands

03/12/202103/12/2021 Posted by Mike Hughes 131 Views 0 Comments 17th CSS Brigade, 3rd Brigade, 6th Brigade, HMAS Armidale, No. 4 Squadron, Solomon Islands unrest

The ADF is working with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) to restore calm after recent civil unrest in

(L-R) LCDR Kevin Whatling, Naval Architect Mr Marc Richards, CHAP Bradley Galvin, Serco Marine Services Juan Camilo Ruiz Del Rio, Hydrographic Systems Operator Suzanne Burton and CO HMAS Cairns CMDR Glenn Williams on Naval Workboat Otter at HMAS Cairns. Story by Lieutenant Gordon Hutcheon.

History News Royal Australian Navy

Naval workboat celebrates 40 years on the job

03/12/2021 Posted by Mike Hughes 113 Views 0 Comments

Naval Workboat Otter, Navy’s longest serving workboat, recently marked its 40th birthday at HMAS Cairns. CAPTION: (L-R) LCDR Kevin Whatling,

(Left) Royal Australian Naval College New Entry Officers' Course 65 Midshipman Stuart Munro and Midshipman Ellen Kozlowska carry the front of a stretcher after rescuing an unconscious pilot during a training scenario for Exercise Matapan at HMAS Creswell. Story by Private Jacob Joseph.

News

Trainees learn the weight of leadership

03/12/2021 Posted by Mike Hughes 300 Views 0 Comments HMAS Creswell, Royal Australian Naval College

Realistic training scenarios tested New Entry Officers’ Course (NEOC) trainee’s leadership skills during Exercise Matapan, held between November 15 – 25, at

The Australian Sports Medal was awarded to Team Australia competitors and officials in recognition of their participation at Invictus Games Sydney 2018 at a ceremony held at the Australian War Memorial. Story by Squadron Leader Amanda Scott.

ADF People Health and Wellbeing

Invictus Games participants honoured

03/12/2021 Posted by Mike Hughes 252 Views 0 Comments Invictus Games

Invictus Games 2018 competitors and officials have been honoured with the awarding of the Australian Sports Medal in a moving

Commodore Greg Yorke Senior Naval Officer Victoria, presents a farewell letter on behalf of Chief of Navy to Commander John Goss, in company with his wife, Commander Janine March-Goss, and their daughter Ebony at HMAS Creswell. Story by Lieutenant Ben Willee. Photo by POIS James Whittle..

ADF People History

Recognising extraordinary service

03/12/2021 Posted by Mike Hughes 72 Views 1 Comment HMAS Cerberus

In November, Commander John Goss retired after 57 years’ service in the Royal Australian Navy. CAPTION: Commodore Greg Yorke Senior

Run Army participants from the 3rd Brigade at Lavarack Barracks, Townsville. Story by Lieutenant Simon Hampson. Photo by Corporal Brodie Cross.

ADF People Health and Wellbeing

Running Change arrives in Townsville

03/12/2021 Posted by Mike Hughes 125 Views 0 Comments 3rd Brigade, Townsville

The Running Change program has made tracks to Townsville, finding many happy feet from the 3rd Brigade ready to join

Aircraft A21-02 flown by Group Captain Jason Easthope, Chief of Staff, Air Combat Group puts on the last handling display for a RAAF F/A-18 Hornet at RAAF Base Williamtown. Story by Flight Lieutenant Jessica Aldred. Photo by Corporal Craig Barrett.

History News Royal Australian Air Force

Hornets farewelled after more than 35 years of service

30/11/202130/11/2021 Posted by Mike Hughes 227 Views 0 Comments F/A-18A/B Hornets, No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit, No. 75 Squadron, No. 77 Squadron, Williamtown

Air Force has farewelled the F/A-18A/B Hornets after more than 35 years of service, with an end of era event

Gilmour Space's rocket firing test facility in Queensland.

News Royal Australian Air Force Science & Technology Sovereign industry

Australia’s space technologies heat up

30/11/2021 Posted by Mike Hughes 221 Views 0 Comments

An advanced high-temperature material developed by Australian Defence Force scientists could be destined for space thanks to an ongoing partnership

Australian Army Ground Crew Aircraft Support personnel, of the 1st Aviation Regiment, re-arm ARH Tigers at a US Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion air deployed ground refuel point, during Exercise Griffin Eagle. Story by Captain Carolyn Barnett. Photo by Captain Gavin Partridge.

Australian Army News USA

Griffin Eagle tests key aviation capabilities

30/11/2021 Posted by Mike Hughes 209 Views 0 Comments 1st Aviation Regiment, ARH Tiger

The 1st Aviation Regiment has spread it wings over the Arizona desert, having deployed a squadron of Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter

An Australian Army aircrewman from the 5th Aviation Regiment surveys the town of Cloncurry, from an MRH-90 Taipan helicopter. Story and photo by Captain Carolyn Barnett.

Australian Army News

Reconnecting with local communities in Queensland

30/11/2021 Posted by Mike Hughes 122 Views 0 Comments 5th Aviation Regiment, MRH-90 Taipan

MRH90 Taipan helicopters and aircrew from the 5th Aviation Regiment have made a flying visit to Cloncurry to both renew

Vanuatu Police Force Inspector Paul Thompson (right) and Sergeant Willie Daniel Obed test their handheld radios at the Tongoa Island Police Post during the Vanuatu Government National Emergency Radio Network project. Story by Captain Taylor Lynch. Photo by Corporal Kieren Whiteley.

Australian Army News Pacific

Better connecting Tongoa in Vanuatu

30/11/2021 Posted by Mike Hughes 132 Views 0 Comments Vanuatu

The Vanuatu Police Force post on Tongoa Island has received significant upgrades to their radio communication capabilities, allowing for better

Australian Army

SAS conduct adventurous training in Kalbarri Gorge

30/11/202106/12/2021 Posted by Mike Hughes 414 Views 0 Comments SASR

Iconic Kalbarri Gorge in Western Australia’s Midwest was the spectacular backdrop for an Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) adventurous training activity for