Posted by Mike Hughes, Author at CONTACT magazine

HMAS Huon personnel march through the streets during a freedom-of-entry march in Huonville, Tasmania. Story by Lieutenant Nicole Gallie. Photos by Petty Officer Christopher Szumlanski.

A special march for Tassie ship

08/05/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1192 Views 0 Comments Freedom of Entry, HMAS Huon

It’s the highest honour a town can give a military unit. And for the crew of HMAS Huon, exercising freedom

Aircraftman Finlay Austin, from 27 Squadron, on a C-27J Spartan aircraft in Papua New Guinea during the Defence Pacific Air Program. Story b y Flight Lieutenant Claire Campbell. Photo by Corporal Samuel Miller.

Moving loads in PNG

08/05/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 681 Views 0 Comments C-27J Spartan, No. 25 Squadron, No. 27 Squadron, No. 35 Squadron, Papua New Guinea, PNGDF

Perth local Aircraftman Finlay Austin deployed on the latest rotation of the Defence Pacific Air Program to Papua New Guinea

Members of the public attend an open day as part of Exercise Centenarie Redimus at Port Hedland, WA. Story by Flight Lieutenant Imogen Lunny. Photos by AC Campbell Latch.

History News Royal Australian Air Force

RAAF celebrates centenary flight with Port Hedland community

08/05/202409/05/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1649 Views 1 Comment C-27J Spartan, EA-18G Growler, Exercise Centenarie Redimus, No. 6 Squadron

6 Squadron celebrated a milestone in Port Hedland after retracing the footsteps of aviation pioneers who flew the first circumnavigation

Leading Seaman Maritime Personnel Operator Tahlia Lemon recieves a letter of commendation from Commander of the Combined Maritime Forces and Commander US 5th Fleet, US Navy Vice Admiral George Wikoff while deployed on Operation Manitou. Story by Lieutenant Ben Page.

ADF People Middle East Royal Australian Navy

Australian sailor recognised by US Navy

03/05/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1477 Views 0 Comments Combined Maritime Forces, Operation Manitou

Deployed on Operation Manitou in Bahrain, Leading Seaman Tahlia Lemon has been recognised by the Commander of the Combined Maritime Forces

Lieutenant Rene Van Rooyen from HMAS Warramunga embraces her partner on the wharf of Fleet Base East, Sydney, on return from deployment.  Story by Lieutenant Nicole Gallie. Photo by Able Seaman Lucinda Allanson.

News Royal Australian Navy

Deployment proves relationships are everything

03/05/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1534 Views 0 Comments Fleet Base East, HMAS Warramunga, Regional Presence Deployment

An excited toddler repeatedly asks, “Is my dad on that ship?” CAPTION: Lieutenant Rene Van Rooyen from HMAS Warramunga embraces her

Royal Air Force Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton (L) and Royal Australian Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Robert Chipman shake hands at the 80 Squadron re-formation ceremony at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Story by Flight Lieutenant Rachael Blake. Photos by USAF Samuel King Jr.

News Royal Australian Air Force UK USA

Two air forces re-form an 80 Squadron together

03/05/202404/05/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 2261 Views 0 Comments Chief of Air Force, F-35A Lightning II, No. 80 Squadron, RAF, US Air Force

In a significant move for allied air capability, the Royal Australian Air Force and Royal Air Force have re-formed their

Flight Lieutenant Max and Flying Officer Cooper McClymont prepare to depart RAAF Base East Sale in a RAAF EA-18G Growler during Exercise Centenarie Redimus. Story by Flight Lieutenant Imogen Lunny. Photos by Aircraftman Campbell Latch.

History News Royal Australian Air Force

6 Squadron circumnavigates Australia

03/05/202404/05/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 2047 Views 0 Comments EA-18G Growler, Exercise Centenarie Redimus, F-111, No. 6 Squadron, RAAF East Sale

Aviators from 6 Squadron have completed a seven-day journey circumnavigating Australia in honour of Wing Commander Stanley Goble and Flight

Leading Seaman Peta Binns' great-great uncle, 2nd Lieutenant George Oakley Newton, is circled in a photo of his cadet class. Story by Leading Seaman Peta Binns. Photo supplied by Australian War Memorial (P00864.001).

ADF People History Lest We Forget

Feeling the weight of a military legacy – Anzac Day

03/05/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 979 Views 0 Comments ANZAC Day, Gallipoli, WWI

A pilgrimage to Anzac Cove prompted Leading Seaman Peta Binns to reflect on the sacrifice and valour etched into her

A RAAF C-27J Spartan from 35 Squadron parked at Telefomin Airport, Papua New Guinea, during the Defence Pacific Air Program. Story by Flight Lieutenant Claire Campbell. Photos by Corporal Samuel Miller.

News Overseas Royal Australian Air Force Videos

Spartan strengthens partnerships in PNG

03/05/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 2631 Views 0 Comments C-27J Spartan, Defence Pacific Air Program (DPAP), No. 35 Squadron, Papua New Guinea

Flying across the highlands of Papua New Guinea, a RAAF C-27J Spartan conducted airlift operations in support of its close

Singer-guitarist Bill Waterhouse performs at the Majors Creek Anzac Day service. Story and photos by Corporal Luke Bellman.

ADF People History Lest We Forget

Honouring shared history among the magpies – Anzac Day

02/05/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 831 Views 0 Comments ANZAC Day, Vietnam War, WWI

The warble of magpies and chuckling of kookaburras filled the country air at Majors Creek as residents marched behind Australian

Air Force aviators deployed to Solomon Islands unload a RAAF Boeing C-17 Globemaster III at Honiara Henderson Airport. Story by Major Tom Maclean. Photo by Corporal Dustin Anderson.

Australian Army News Royal Australian Air Force

ADF support for Solomon Islands election

01/05/202404/05/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1734 Views 0 Comments Bell 412, C-130J Hercules, C-17A Globemaster III, C-27J Spartan, No. 382 Squadron, Solomon Islands

Australian military aircraft played a major role in the Solomon Islands during national elections, moving police, military and civilian specialists

The Headquarters Middle East Anzac Day memorial following the dawn service. Story. and photos by Corporal Jacob Joseph.

ADF People History Lest We Forget

Keeping traditions alive in the Middle East – Anzac Day

01/05/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 960 Views 0 Comments ANZAC Day, Gallipoli, Middle East, PTSD

Deployed servicemen and women in the Middle East gathered before first light to mark 109 years since the Gallipoli landings

Army soldiers from 10th Force Support Battalion conduct a beach landing of an HX-40M during Exercise Green Anchor. Story by Captain Joanne Leca.

Australian Army News

10th Force Support Battalion conduct beach landings

01/05/202418/05/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1363 Views 0 Comments 10th Force Support Battalion, 17th Sustainment Brigade, Exercise Green Anchor, HX-40M, LCM-8

Soldiers from the 10th Force Support Battalion (10FSB) conducted beach landings and reconnaissance missions during their annual littoral training at

Royal Australian Air Force Wing Commander David Riddel and Mark Johnson clean the memorial plaque at the crash site of F-111G A8-291, in Pulau Aur, Malaysia. Story. y Flight Lieutenant Rob Hodgson. Photos by Leading Aircraftman Kurt Lewis.

ADF People History Lest We Forget Royal Australian Air Force

Arduous trek to visit site of F-111 crash

01/05/202418/05/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1728 Views 0 Comments F-111, No. 6 Squadron

Comradeship and camaraderie of the absolute highest order was on display as a group of family and close friends of

Armament technicians from 1 Squadron load an AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missile onto an F/A-18F Super Hornet at RAAF Base Amberley. Story. by Flight Lieutenant Imogen Lunny. Photos by Aircraftwoman Vanessa Wang.

News Royal Australian Air Force

Top-down teamwork readies aircraft for combat

01/05/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1431 Views 1 Comment AGM-84 Harpoon, F/A-18F Super Hornet, No. 1 Squadron

As part of 1 Squadron’s rolling 12-month armament training, their armament technicians loaded AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles to F/A-18F Super

The flags of Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Turkiye are held over the grave of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey following the conclusion of the Anzac Day memorial service. Story and photo by Lieutenant Commander John Thompson.

Australian Army History Lest We Forget News Royal Australian Air Force Royal Australian Navy

Honouring the Anzac spirit in London – Anzac Day

01/05/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1161 Views 0 Comments ANZAC Day, United Kingdom

Large crowds turned out in London for Anzac Day services led by His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh. CAPTION: The

Michael Apperley, left, and Paul Longley, right, meet after many years at their unit citation ceremony in HMAS Moreton. Story by Lieutenant Rebecca Williamson. Photos by Leading Seaman Iggy Roberts.

History News Royal Australian Navy

SEQ Navy vets receive Somalia citation at HMAS Moreton

01/05/202401/05/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1162 Views 0 Comments HMAS Moreton, Meritorious Unit Citation

Six Navy veterans have received the Meritorious Unit Citation, for sustained outstanding service in warlike operation. CAPTION: Michael Apperley, left, and

Leading Aircraftman Connor Bourn from Australia's Federation Guard participates in the Catafalque Party during the Anzac Day Dawn Service at Bomana War Cemetery, Papua New Guinea. Story by Flight Lieutenant Claire Campbell. Photos by Corporal Samuel Miller

ADF People Lest We Forget

Strengthening Anzac and PNG bonds – Anzac Day

01/05/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 705 Views 0 Comments ANZAC Day, Chief of Air Force, Papua New Guinea, WWII

Dawn broke across Bomana War Cemetery in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, accompanied by wreath-laying and the playing of the

Personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines provide an escort of honour at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during Anzac Day 2024 commemorations in Story by Sergeant David Said. Photo by Corporal Sam Price.

ADF People Lest We Forget

Anzac Day commemorated in the Philippines – Anzac Day

01/05/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1010 Views 0 Comments ANZAC Day, Philippines

To commemorate Anzac Day, a dawn service was held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Philippines. CAPTION: Personnel

Chief of Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart speaks with Ukrainian soldiers training under Operation Kudu during a visit to the United Kingdom. Story by Lieutenant Commander John Thompson. Photos by Corporal Cameron Pegg.

ADF People Australian Army Lest We Forget

Chief of Army visits Aussie troops in England

26/04/202427/04/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1646 Views 0 Comments ANZAC Day, Chief of Army, Villers-Bretonneux

Chief of Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart urged Australians across the world to honour the words of the Ode of