Posted by Mike Hughes, Author at CONTACT magazine

Able Seaman Alexandra Manthey, second from left, holds a UK flag during a ceremony in Busan, South Korea. Story by Lieutenant Commander Brendan Trembath. Photo by Yun, In Kyeong.

Proud to represent Australia in Korea

20/12/202421/12/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1055 Views 0 Comments South Korea, United Nations Command (UNC)

A deployment to South Korea has brought many ‘pinch me moments’ for Able Seaman Alexandra Manthey, who represents Australia in

Wing Commander Aarian Birch pilots his CAC Winjeel from 100 Squadron at Point Cook over the cliffs of Point Addis during the 80th commemoration of the ditched RAAF Mitchell Bomber in 1944. Story by Flying Officer Rose Gigliotti. Photo by Warrant Officer Don Kenny.

ADF People History Lest We Forget Royal Australian Air Force

Sacrifices commemorated at 80 years on

20/12/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 630 Views 0 Comments RAAF Laverton, WWII

On December 11, 1944, a B-25D Mitchell bomber crashed off Point Addis, marking a tragic chapter in Australia’s wartime history.

Ambassador to the Republic of Palau Richelle Turner, left, with the Governor of Peleliu Emais Roberts and Republic of Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr, at an exhibition of the life of Damien Parer. Story by Lieutenant Geoff Long.

ADF People History Lest We Forget

Honouring the legacy of WW2 photographer

18/12/202418/12/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 663 Views 0 Comments Palau, US Marines, WWII

This year marks 80 years since legendary Australian war photographer Damien Parer was killed filming US Marines in action on

The Wulgurukaba people perform a smoking ceremony at the 5th Aviation Regiment naming ceremony of four CH-47F Chinook helicopters at RAAF Base Townsville, Queensland. Story by Major Carolyn Barnett. Photos by Craftsman Luc McLean.

Australian Army News

CH-47 fleet reaches new high point

18/12/202422/12/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 944 Views 0 Comments 5th Aviation Regiment, CH-47F Chinook

In a ceremony steeped in longstanding tradition, the 5th Aviation Regiment has given names to four CH-47F Chinook helicopters. CAPTION:

Andrew McAdie stands with the new M1A2 main battle tank at Bandiana North Barracks, Victoria. Story by Captain Krysten Clifton. Photo by Corporal Andrew Sleeman.

ADF People Australian Army

Self-confessed ‘tank nut’ embraces new Abrams

18/12/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1022 Views 0 Comments Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (ASEME), Bandiana, M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams

With 45 years in Army, Andrew McAdie (Warrant Officer Class One at weekends) has worked on tanks his whole life.

An Air Force E-7A Wedgetail in-flight. Story by Chloe Mackrell. Photo by Aircraftman Campbell Latch.

News Royal Australian Air Force

World-class Wedgetail comms capability recognised

13/12/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1533 Views 0 Comments E-7A Wedgetail

The team behind the development of a world-leading wideband satellite communication technology for the Air Force E-7A Wedgetail fleet has

Army medics from 2nd Health Battalion provide medical care to simulated casualties at the point of injury during Exercise Viper Walk 2024. Story by Corporal Jacob Joseph. Photo by Corporal Melina Young.

Australian Army Health and Wellbeing News

Shake-up for Army medical trades

13/12/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1677 Views 1 Comment 2nd Health Battalion, Army Logistic Training Centre, Army Medic, Exercise Viper Walk

Under one of the biggest shake-ups to the health workforce, medical trades will be rolled into a new Army medic

Nursing officers at the Bangka Island Massacre memorial service on board HMAS Adelaide hold photos of those who lost their lives in 1942. Story by Commander Steven Grosser. Photos by Leading Seaman David Cox.

Australian Army History Lest We Forget News Royal Australian Navy

Memorial service to honour fallen nurses

13/12/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1398 Views 0 Comments Australian Amphibious Force (AAF), HMAS Adelaide, Indo-Pacific Endeavour, Maritime Operational Health Unit, Singapore, Vivian Bullwinkel, WWII

On its return home from Singapore after Indo-Pacific Endeavour, HMAS Adelaide sailed to Bangka Island where personnel commemorated sacrifices made

An F-35A Lightning II aircraft from 2 Operational Conversion Unit takes to the sky for a mission during Exercise High Sierra, RAAF Base Townsville. Story by Flying Officer Madeleine Magee. Photos by Sergeant Andrew Eddie.

News Royal Australian Air Force

Up, up and away for new pilots

13/12/202421/12/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1088 Views 0 Comments Exercise Crimson Dawn, Exercise High Sierra, F-35A Lightning II, No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit, RAAF Townsville

The Royal Australian Air Force welcomed its newest F-35A Lightning II trainee fast jet pilots to Townsville as 2 Operational

Members of the Royal Air Force's (RAF) 601 Squadron with the Flying Sword overhead at a summer camp at RAF Lympne in 1937. Story by Flight Lieutenant Imogen Lunny. Photos courtesy of Royal Air Force Museum.

History News Royal Australian Air Force

Air Force sword flies back to the UK

13/12/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 838 Views 0 Comments Combat Support Group (CSG), No. 24 Squadron, RAAF Amberley, RAF

An Air Force treasure has returned to the United Kingdom, having been a Royal Australian Air Force centrepiece for 65

US Army Major General Glenn Dean, centre, speaks with Commanding Officer Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Lieutenant Colonel Tim Soper, left, during the Abrams M1A2 main battle tank maintainer course at Gaza Ridge Barracks, Bandiana, Victoria. Story by Captain Krysten Clifton. Photos: bySergeant Andrew Sleeman.

Australian Army News

Tank course reflects partnership with US

13/12/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 599 Views 0 Comments Army Reserve, Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (ASEME), Bandiana, M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams, US Army

Vehicle mechanics and electronic technicians across Army finally have their hands on the new M1A2 system enhancement package version 3

A C-17A Globemaster III from 36 Squadron lands at Wilkins Aerodrome, Antarctica, near Casey Station. Story by Corporal Jacob Joseph.

Australian Army News Royal Australian Air Force

Resupply missions underway for icy continent

11/12/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 812 Views 0 Comments Antarctica, C-17A Globemaster III, Casey Station, No. 36 Squadron, Operation Southern Discovery, Wilkins Aerodrome

Defence has delivered much-needed supplies to help scientists in Antarctica discover the secrets behind prehistoric climate change. CAPTION: A C-17A Globemaster

Invictus Games 2025 Team Australia captains, Caz Gladysz and Doug Griffiths proudly wear the new team polo shirt. Story by Flying Officer Tina Langridge. Photos by Flight Sergeant Christopher Dickson.

ADF People Health and Wellbeing Invictus Games Veterans

Invictus team captains named

10/12/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1040 Views 0 Comments Invictus Games

Former ADF personnel Doug Griffiths and Kaz Gladysz have been named team Australia co-captains for Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025,

The Invictus Games 2025 Team Australia competitors receive the new team polo shirt during a uniform unveiling event at the Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra. Story by Flying Officer Belinda Barker. Photos by Flight Sergeant Christopher Dickson.

Australian Army Health and Wellbeing Invictus Games News Royal Australian Air Force Royal Australian Navy Veterans

New Invictus uniform a symbol of connection

10/12/202410/12/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1124 Views 0 Comments Indigenous, Invictus Games

Loss of connection has been an issue for some of the 33 members of Team Australia heading to Invictus Games

Australian Defence Force participants at Herocon 24 in Canberra. Story by Corporal Luke Bellman.

Australian Army News

Wargamers put their tactics on the table

10/12/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1358 Views 0 Comments Army Battle Lab, Herocon, Soldier On, Wargaming

More than 180 strategists turned tabletops into battlefields at Herocon 24, commanding Roman Legions, WW2 forces and science fiction armies

Administrator of the NT Hugh Heggie presents a Prince of Wales Award to 2024 recipient Lieutenant Jacqueline Martin during a ceremony held at Government House, Darwin. Story by Emily Egan. Photo by Petty Officer Leo Baumgartner.

Australian Army News Royal Australian Air Force Royal Australian Navy

22 reservists receive Prince of Wales Awards

10/12/202417/12/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 703 Views 0 Comments ADF Reserve, Prince of Wales Award

Twenty-two ADF reservists are now recipients of the 2025 Prince of Wales Award, receiving up to $10,000 to support a

Soldiers of the newly re-linked 5th/7th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, march off the parade ground following the unit’s merger at Robertson Barracks. Story and photos by Warrant Officer Class Two Max Bree.

Australian Army News

Battalions re-linked at parade

10/12/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 815 Views 0 Comments 5/7 RAR, 5th Battalion RAR, 7th Battalion RAR, Colours, Robertson Barracks

Amid three volleys of rifle fire and green and yellow smoke, the 5th and 7th Battalions of the Royal Australian

Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, and the PNG Defence Force board a CH-47 Chinook from 5th Aviation Regiment during Exercise Wantok Warrior. Story by Captain Brittany Evans. Photo by Corporal Brandon Grey.

Australian Army News Overseas

Ex Wantok Warrior taken up a notch

10/12/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 677 Views 0 Comments 2nd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Battalion RAR, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment, 5th Aviation Regiment, CH-47F Chinook, Exercise Wantok Warrior, PNGDF

The Australian Army and Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) partnered in a series of training activities in Wewak on

Attendees of a memorial service for the late Wing Commander Peter Krieg with a static display of E-7A Wedgetail aircraft at 2 Squadron, RAAF Base Williamtown. Story by Flight Lieutenant Grace Casey-Maughan. Photos by Aircraftwoman Laura Flower.

ADF People History Lest We Forget Royal Australian Air Force

Remembering the legacy of ‘Cowboy’ Kreig

06/12/202407/12/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1289 Views 0 Comments E-7A Wedgetail, No. 2 Squadron, RAAF Williamtown

On Friday November 8, about 300 family and friends travelled from around the globe to gather in the 2 Squadron

HMAS Adelaide and HMS Spey alongside PSA Sembawang, Singapore, during Indo-Pacific Endeavour. Story by Lieutenant Mick Wheeler. Photo by Leading Seaman Matthew Lyall.

Australian Army News Overseas Royal Australian Air Force Royal Australian Navy

Indo-Pacific Endeavour closes in Singapore

06/12/202407/12/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1281 Views 0 Comments AFP, Australian Border Force, Australian Maritime Safety Authority, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, HMAS Adelaide, HMAS Stuart, Indo-Pacific Endeavour

Indo-Pacific Endeavour (IPE), Australia’s flagship regional engagement activity, has come to a close with HMA Ships Adelaide and Stuart leaving Singapore for