Posted by Mike Hughes, Author at CONTACT magazine

Deputy Surgeon General ADF and Head of the Royal Australian Army Medical Corps, Brigadier Isaac Seidl, presents Sir ‘Weary’ Dunlop’s granddaughter, Diana, with a set of miniature medals. Story by Michael Hoare.

Family of war-time hero receives replica medals

30/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 722 Views 0 Comments Sir Ernest Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop, WWII

A new set of Sir Ernest Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop’s war medals has been presented to his family after burglars stole

Members of HMAS Moreton assemble to celebrate the unit's birthday at Brisbane, Queensland. Story by Lieutenant Michael Wilson. Photos by Major Carolyn Barnett.

News Royal Australian Navy

HMAS Moreton cuts the cake for naval history

30/05/202530/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 459 Views 0 Comments HMAS Moreton

Navy personnel at HMAS Moreton turned out in force for Moreton’s ninth birthday celebration, led by the Commanding Officer, Commander

USS Blue Ridge prepares to berth alongside Fleet Base East in Sydney. Story byLieutenant Marcus Middleton. Photos by Leading Seaman Daniel Goodman.

News Royal Australian Navy

USS Blue Ridge visits Sydney with senior Aussie crewmember

30/05/202509/06/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 864 Views 0 Comments Fleet Base East, HMAS Kuttabul, US Navy

It was a ‘Blue Monday’ as the oldest ship serving in United States Navy (USN) sailed into Sydney Harbour, calling

A soldier from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment stands in his Australian Light Armoured Vehicle before a live-fire serial in the Townsville Field Training Area during Exercise Eagle March. Story and photos by Sergeant Matthew Bickerton.

Australian Army News

Cavalry puts firepower on display

28/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 687 Views 0 Comments 2nd Cavalry Regiment, ASLAV, Exercise Eagle March, M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams

The sound of the chain gun on an Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV) firing 25mm rounds is unmistakable. CAPTION: A soldier

Australian Army soldiers from 3rd Brigade, alongside members from partner nations, on parade at Lavarack Barracks, Townsville. Story by Major Diana Jennings. Photo by Lance Bombardier Christien Vestergaard.

Australian Army News

Exercise Southern Jackaroo a call to arms

28/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 944 Views 0 Comments 3rd Brigade, Japan Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF), Lavarack Barracks, US Marines

“Let me be blunt, this will not be a walk in the park.” CAPTION: Australian Army soldiers from 3rd Brigade, alongside

Australian Army soldiers from the 7th Brigade's Battle Group Heeler exit a RAAF C-17A Globemaster III at Nackeroo Airfield as part of Exercise Global Dexterity 25. Story and photos by Corporal Michael Rogers.

Australian Army News Royal Australian Air Force Videos

Objective brought to heel on Global Dexterity

27/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 944 Views 0 Comments 1st Regiment Royal Australian Artillery, 6th Battalion RAR, 7th Brigade, Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles, C-17A Globemaster III, C-27J Spartan, Exercise Global Dexterity, M777 Howitzer, No. 36 Squadron, RAAF Amberley

Sitting in the cabin of a C-17A Globemaster III above the Northern Territory, soldiers from 6th Battalion, the Royal Australian

Able Seaman Sean Lee, of ADV Cape Fourcroy, works with Mardbalk Marine Rangers Ralstin Djurloin and Runeil Mauruli during a joint patrol along the Arnhem coast. Story by Lieutenant Harrison Wakeling. Photos from ADV Cape Fourcroy.

News Royal Australian Navy

Mardbalk Marine Rangers bolster Navy’s defence

27/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 829 Views 0 Comments ADV Cape Fourcroy, Mardbalk Marine Rangers

Sailors and officers from ADV Cape Fourcroy joined members of the Mardbalk Marine Rangers as part of a knowledge exchange,

An Australian Army soldier from 1st Armoured Regiment demonstrates hyper-teaming with uncrewed aerial systems on Project Convergence Capstone 5 at Fort Irwin, California, on 11 March 2025. Story by Major Peter Nugent. Photos by Photos: Corporal Nakia Chapman.

Australian Army News USA Videos

Converting brain power to fire power

27/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 781 Views 0 Comments 17th Sustainment Brigade, 1st Armoured Regiment, drones, Project Convergence Capstone five (PC-C5), US Army

With drones buzzing overhead and uncrewed vehicles scrabbling over the harsh desert terrain, Australian soldiers were given a glimpse of

Sergeant David Taylor proudly carries the national flag with the Australian team at the 2024 International Precision Rifle Federation Centerfire World Championships in Colorado, US. Story by Wing Commander Deanna Nott.

ADF People

Aviator locked and loaded for precision rifle title

27/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 457 Views 0 Comments No. 27 Squadron

Sergeant David Taylor is locked and loaded for the 2025 International Precision Rifle Federation (IPRF) World Championships, heading to the

Extensions are planned for the Royal Australian Artillery National Memorial to honour contemporary campaigns. Story by Corporal Luke Bellman.

Australian Army History Lest We Forget News

Extension for gunners’ national memorial

21/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 1491 Views 1 Comment Royal Australian Artillery

Plans are under way to extend the Royal Australian Artillery (RAA) National Memorial to recognise the service and sacrifice of

Royal Canadian Air Force Lieutenant Commander Brian Brook, Royal Australian Navy Lieutenant Commander Andrew Frugtniet and US Navy Lieutenant Makiling are deployed to Japan in support of the UN Security Council sanctions Enforcement Coordination Cell. Story by Captain Annie Richardson. Photos by Leading Seaman David Cox.

ADF People News Overseas Royal Australian Navy

Front-row seat on Indo-Pacific security

21/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 1450 Views 0 Comments North Korea, Royal Canadian Air Force, united Nations Security Council, US Navy

From a naval base in Tokyo, a team of four Australians are working with international partners to enforce United Nations

Army soldiers from 1st/15th Royal New South Wales Lancers patrol through bush at Holsworthy, NSW, during Exercise Menin Run. Story by Captain Tim Klingner. Photos by Corporal Jarrod Moreels.

Australian Army News

Shake-out for brigade ahead of Talisman Sabre

21/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 1899 Views 0 Comments 1st/15th Royal New South Wales Lancers, 5th Brigade, Army Reserve, Exercise Menin Run, Exercise Talisman Sabre

Hundreds of reservists of 5th Brigade from across NSW and the ACT went through their paces this month in preparation

Patrick Killen enters the water from Port Noarlunga Jetty as part of the Veterans Dive Initiative open water course. Story and photos by Captain Peter March.

ADF People

Military kids take plunge into whole new world

21/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 882 Views 0 Comments

Eight young children of serving and ex-serving ADF members have taken the plunge into a new world at the Veterans

May 18 marks five years since the commissioning of HMAS Sydney V – Able Seaman Harley Orpin has a particular strong affinity to the ship, with an elaborate tattoo of it on his arm. Story by Lieutenant Hinako Shiraishi.

History News Royal Australian Navy

Five years at sea for HMAS Sydney V

21/05/202525/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 1061 Views 0 Comments HMAS Sydney

May 18 marked five years since HMAS Sydney V was formally brought into service – the first Australian ship since

Medical staff from 3rd Health Battalion treat a simulated casualty during rehearsals as part of Exercise Balikatan in Palawan, Philippines. Story by Lieutenant Emily Tinker. Photos by Leading Seaman Kylie Jagiello.

Australian Army Health and Wellbeing News Overseas

Army mobile surgery unit agile on Ex Balikatan

21/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 841 Views 0 Comments 3rd Health Battalion, Exercise Balikatan, Philippines, Role 2 Basic (R2B)

An Australian Army medical team performed critical surgery under general anaesthesia overseas thanks to a new capability provided by the

Air Force's 1 Expeditionary Health Squadron personnel provide first aid to a simulated casualty during a joint Airbase Protection Training exercise at RAAF Base Amberley. Story by Flying Officer Michael Thomas. Photos by Corporal Emma Schwenke.

News Royal Australian Air Force

Aviators stronger together through medical training

21/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 745 Views 0 Comments Health Operational Conversion Unit (Health OCU), No. 1 Expeditionary Health Squadron, No. 295 Squadron, RAAF Amberley

Through day, night and pouring rain, 295 Squadron and Health Operational Conversion Unit (Health OCU) put aviators to the test

Wing Commander Robyne Green with Air Chief Marshal (retd) Sir Angus Houston, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin and Air Marshal (retd) Leo Davies. Story by Squadron Leader Amanda Scott. Photos by Flight Sergeant Rodney Welch.

ADF People History Royal Australian Air Force

Federation Star crowns remarkable RAAF career

16/05/202531/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 1333 Views 0 Comments Federation Star

Wing Commander Robyne Green has been awarded a Federation Star in recognition of her extraordinary 40 years of service to

The Coral-Balmoral Cup pits elements of the Australian Army School of Armour against US teams, at Puckapunyal, Victoria. Story by Captain Nicholas Coles and Captain Carlie Gibson.

Australian Army News

Battle of the best returns with a bang

16/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 1480 Views 0 Comments Armoured Corps, Coral and Balmoral Cup, School of Armour, US Army

The Royal Australian Armoured Corp’s Coral-Balmoral Cup was bigger than ever this year, boasting more crews and international participants. CAPTION: The

Trainees from the Joint Medic course participate in a theory lesson at the ADF School of Health on Latchford Barracks, Bonegilla, in Victoria. Story by Captain Krysten Clifton. Photo by Corporal Johnny Huang.

Australian Army Health and Wellbeing News Royal Australian Air Force Royal Australian Navy

School of Health embraces triservice challenge

16/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 1166 Views 0 Comments ADF School of Health

Of the five training establishments under Army Logistic Training Centre, none have embraced the Joint environment more than the ADF

Australian Army soldiers from 5th/7th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, transit to Balabac Island, Philippines, on an American Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey, as part of Exercise Balikatan. Story by Lieutenant Emily Tinker. Photo by Sergeant Samuel Miller.

Australian Army News Overseas

Battle group builds confidence in combined force

14/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 1281 Views 0 Comments 5th/7th Battalion RAR, Exercise Balikatan, Philippine Marine Corps, US Marines

“Should we have to meet in the dark at a time not of our choosing, it won’t be the first