Posted by Mike Hughes, Author at CONTACT magazine

HMAS Sydney’s bridge team waves towards Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ship JS Sazanami during a formation foxtrot as part of a regional presence deployment. Story by Lieutenant Tahlia Merigan. Photos by Leading Seaman Daniel Goodman.

HMAS Sydney participates in ship-to-ship culture swap

09/10/202412/10/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1879 Views 0 Comments HMAS Sydney, Japan Maritime Self Defence Force, Regional Presence Deployment, Royal New Zealand Navy, US Navy

Experiencing another country’s ship for a day while in the middle of the ocean isn’t something everyone will get to

An Army light armoured vehicle from 2nd Cavalry Regiment crosses a river during Exercise Regional Warfighter at Tully Training Area, Queensland. Story by Lieutenant Eddie Pa’ak (Papua New Guinea Defence Force). Photos by Corporal Jack Pearce.

Australian Army News

Cavalry comes to grips with jungle conditions

09/10/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1598 Views 0 Comments 2nd Cavalry Regiment, Exercise Regional Warfighter

The 2nd Cavalry Regiment completed 12 days of training last month that culminated in a 48-hour full mission profile using

Private Jack Hayes prepares for a photography task at the Army Logistic Training Centre at Latchford Barracks, Bonegilla, Victoria. Story by Major Evita Ryan. Photo by Private Joseph Hess.

ADF People Australian Army

Shooting for the stars in the Red Centre

08/10/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1544 Views 1 Comment 8th/9th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment, Army Logistic Training Centre

When Private Jack Hayes transitioned out of full-time service in 2017, he could not have predicted re-enlisting five years later

Army's Major Thomas Bittner briefs ADF Chief of Joint Capabilities Lieutenant General Susan Coyle in the Air Force Space Command Operations Centre during Exercise Pitch Black this year. Story by Ricky Bryan. Photo by Sergeant Andrew Eddie.

Australian Army News Royal Australian Air Force Royal Australian Navy

Unity on space rules more important than ever

08/10/202416/10/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1270 Views 0 Comments Australian Space Command, Combined Space Operations (CSpO)

The international engagements that help to set rules, establish norms and promote responsible behaviour in space are central to advancing

Australian Army soldiers from 5th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, engage a threat after receiving fire-control orders during a joint field training exercise conducted on Exercise Super Garuda Shield 2024 in Surabaya, Indonesia. Story and photo by Corporal Madhur Chitnis.

Australian Army News Overseas

Army linguists bridge culture gap in Indonesia

08/10/202412/10/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1611 Views 0 Comments 1st Combat Engineer Regiment, 5th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment, Exercise Super Garuda Shield, Indonesian National Armed Forces, linguists

Army linguists played an important role at this year’s Exercise Super Garuda Shield, held last month. CAPTION: Australian Army soldiers from

Corporal Ryan Hodson, left, receives The Corporal Margaret Clarke Award from Warrant Officer of the Air Force Ralph Clifton at an awards ceremony held at Russell Offices, ACT. Photo by Flight Sergeant Kev Berriman.

ADF People

Winning essay looks at weaponisation of toys

08/10/202425/10/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1012 Views 0 Comments drones

Commercial off-the-shelf drones have become a common presence on the battlefield, presenting opportunities and threats for militaries because of their

Lieutenant Lara Hamblin on Exercise Cartwheel as the officer in command of demolitions, Nasouri Highlands, Fiji. Story and photos by Captain Annie Richardson.

ADF People

Horse rider’s Army career galloping ahead

08/10/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 956 Views 0 Comments ADF Gap Year, ADFA, Exercise Cartwheel, RAEME, Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Royal Military College-Duntroon (RMC-D)

Combat engineer Lieutenant Lara Hamblin’s journey in the Army began with a snap choice to join the Army Gap Year

Flight Lieutenant Declan Foley prepares a 6 Squadron EA-18G Growler for the Royal Australian Air Force's first sortie during Exercise Tarang Shakti 24, at Air Force Station, Jodhpur, India. Story by Flight Lieutenant Imogen Lunny. Photos by Leading Aircraftman Ryan Howell.

India News Royal Australian Air Force Videos

RAAF’s first exercise in India

04/10/202405/10/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 3256 Views 0 Comments EA-18G Growler, Exercise Tarang Shakti, Indian Armed Forces, No. 6 Squadron

For the first time, Royal Australian Air Force combat aircraft have taken to the skies of India for Exercise Tarang

Army medic Corporal Orlando Tagaloa participates in Exercise Rendezvous Acacia at the Wide Bay Training area, Queensland. Story and photo by Leading Seaman Nadav Harel.

ADF People Australian Army

Gentle giant enjoys medical mentoring role

04/10/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1560 Views 0 Comments 3rd Health Battalion, Exercise Rendezvous Acacia, Operation Kudu

When you first lay eyes on Army medic Corporal Orlando Tagaloa, his towering stature and formidable physique instantly command attention.

Australian Army soldiers refuel a US Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey at a refuelling point aviation during Operation Render Safe, Honiara, Solomon Islands. Story by Sergeant David Said. Photos by Corporal Sam Price.

Australian Army News Overseas

Fuelling success in Solomons for petroleum operators

04/10/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1858 Views 1 Comment 10 Force Support Battalion, 9 Petroleum Platoon, EOD, Operation Render Safe, Solomon Islands, US Marines

A refuelling point aviation (RPA) has been deployed to Solomon Islands for the first time in support of Operation Render

Air Force aviators and an Australian Air Force Cadet stand as part of the catafalque party during the Battle of Britain commemorative service held at Torrens Parade Ground, Adelaide, SA. Story by Group Captain Gregory Weller. Photos by Garry Petts.

History Lest We Forget News Royal Australian Air Force

The few who enabled the many

04/10/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1201 Views 0 Comments Australian Air Force Cadets, Battle of Britain, commemorations, No. 1 Remote Sensor Unit (1RSU), RAAF Edinburgh, WWII

In a moving ceremony, those that became known as ‘the few’ were remembered during the Battle of Britain commemorative service

Air Force Chaplain Flight Lieutenant Abdul Kader stands outside the Sultan Omar Saifuddin Mosque during Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2024 in Brunei. Story by Captain Diana Jennings. Photos by Corporal Lisa Sherman.

ADF People

First Imam in the Royal Australian Air Force

04/10/202415/11/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1109 Views 0 Comments Chaplains, Indo-Pacific Endeavour

Flight Lieutenant Abdul Kader is the Royal Australian Air Force’s first ever Imam (chaplain of the Muslim faith), providing support

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's JS Sazanami sails behind Royal New Zealand Navy's HMNZS Aotearoa, centre, while conducting a dual replenishment at sea with HMAS Sydney, left, and USS Howard, right, in the South China Sea. Story by Lieutenant Tahlia Merigan. Photos by LS Daniel Goodman.

News Overseas Royal Australian Navy

Back in Black in the deep blue

04/10/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1522 Views 1 Comment HMAS Sydney, Japan Maritime Self Defence Force, Philippine Navy, Replenishment at Sea (RAS), Royal New Zealand Navy, US Navy

HMAS Sydney recently formed up with ships from Japan, New Zealand, Philippines and the United States to conduct a maritime

Australian Army soldiers from 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment refurbish facilities as part of Exercise Puk Puk at Moem Barracks, PNG. Story by Captain Brittany Evans. Photos by Lance Corporal Riley Blennerhassett.

Australian Army News Overseas Videos

Exercise in PNG renews infrastructure and bonds

02/10/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 2653 Views 0 Comments 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment, British Armed Forces, Exercise Puk Puk, New Zealand Army, PNGDF

Australian sappers from 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment joined engineers and tradespeople from the British Army, New Zealand Army and Papua

Aircraftman Nicholas Thorpe, of 25 Squadron, and Squadron Leader James Wheeler, of 3 Squadron, speak with Eliwana mine staff during a visit to Eliwana airport in the Pilbara region of WA. Story and photos by Stephanie Hallen.

News Royal Australian Air Force

F-35s visit Pilbara

02/10/202405/10/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1516 Views 1 Comment F-35A Lightning II, No. 25 Squadron, No. 3 Squadron, RAAF Pearce

You wouldn’t typically expect to see F-35A Lightning II aircraft flying around in some of the most remote parts of

Squadron Leader Stephen Bihary exits a 79 Squadron Hawk 127. Story by Squadron Leader Stephen Bihary. Photos by Flying Officer Michael Thomas.

ADF People History Royal Australian Air Force

Longest-serving jet pilot leaves the cockpit

02/10/202405/10/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1928 Views 0 Comments Hawk 127 Lead-In Fighter, No 79 Squadron, RAAF Pearce, RAAF Reserve

The longest-serving Air Force fighter pilot and fast-jet instructor Squadron Leader Stephen Bihary has retired from the cockpit after 48

Commander IPE24 Commodore Michael Harris greets officials from the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces at the Ream Naval Base during HMAS Perth's visit to Sihanoukville, Cambodia. Story by Lieutenant Commander Natalie Stafford. Photos by Leading Seaman Ernesto Sanchez.

Asia News Royal Australian Navy

HMAS Perth visits Cambodia

02/10/202411/10/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1277 Views 0 Comments HMAS Perth, Indo-Pacific Endeavour, Royal Cambodian Armed Forces

During Indo-Pacific Endeavour (IPE), HMAS Perth made a visit to Sihanoukville, Cambodia, fostering cooperation and mutual understanding between the Royal

HMAS Perth's Leading Seaman Joshua Paynter, left, and Able Seaman Aidan Judd visit Kanchanaburi War Cemetery in Thailand during a regional presence deployment. Story by Chief Petty Officer Joshua Scanlon. Photos by Leading Seaman Ernesto Sanchez.

Health and Wellbeing Lest We Forget News Overseas Royal Australian Navy

Connected stories a powerful reminder

02/10/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1077 Views 0 Comments HMAS Perth, HMAS Perth I, Regional Presence Deployment, Thailand, WWII

HMAS Perth recently reinforced its long-standing connection with Thailand during a meaningful port visit to Sattahip as part of a

News Royal Australian Navy

Broome hosts Canadian missile rearmament

01/10/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1314 Views 0 Comments Broome, Royal Canadian Navy

In a significant first, the ADF has re-armed a Canadian warship in the Port of Broome in Western Australia. CAPTION: Royal

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's Rear Admiral Kazushi Yokota, Commander, Escort Flotilla 3, fires the .50 calibre machine gun on board HMAS Warramunga during Exercise Kakadu 24. Story by Lieutenant Marie Davies. Photo by Leading Seaman Iggy Roberts.

News Royal Australian Navy

Aussie frigate welcomes Japanese admiral on board

01/10/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1328 Views 0 Comments Exercise Kakadu, HMAS Warramunga, Japan Maritime Self Defence Force, Republic of Singapore Navy

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Rear Admiral Kazushi Yokota, embarked on anti-submarine warfare destroyer JS Ariake, spent an afternoon aboard HMAS