Posted by Mike Hughes, Author at CONTACT magazine

An F/A-18F Super Hornet from 1 Squadron takes off from RAAF Base Tindal during Exercise Crimson Dawn. Story by Pilot Officer Shanea Zeegers. Photos by Sergeant David Gibbs.

Crimson Dawn fills Tindal skies

05/12/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1340 Views 0 Comments Exercise Crimson Dawn, F/A-18F Super Hornet, No. 1 Squadron, RAAF Tindal, Weapon Systems Officers (WSO)

Exercise Crimson Dawn brought 1 Squadron Training Flight to RAAF Base Tindal, graduating Weapon Systems Officers (WSO) on the F/A-18F

Flight Sergeant Nathan King, an Air Force Aircraft Technician from 37 Squadron, at his workstation, RAAF Base Richmond. Story by John Noble. Photo by Leading Aircraftman Chris Tsakisiris.

ADF People

Pushing through the pain

05/12/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1150 Views 0 Comments International Day of People with Disability, Invictus Games, No. 37 Squadron, RAAF Richmond

International Day of People with Disability Even the toughest physical setbacks can’t quell the careers of those passionate about their

Australian Army soldier Corporal Nathan Groen awarded the Hasset Trophy at the Great Hall in Parliament House. Story and photos by Corporal Luke Bellman.

ADF People Australian Army

‘Humble’ corporal awarded for leadership style

05/12/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1699 Views 0 Comments School of Infantry

Instead of yelling at trainees, Corporal Nathan Groen adopted a leadership style that earned him the Royal Australian Regiment Hassett

Philippine Navy ships BRP Davao Del Sur, centre, and BRP Gregorio Del Pilar, back, conduct a maritime cooperative activity with HMAS Toowoomba during a regional presence deployment. Story by Squadron Leader Bel Culley.

News Royal Australian Air Force Royal Australian Navy

Partnerships strengthened in the Philippines

01/12/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1579 Views 0 Comments HMAS Toowoomba, No. 11 Squadron, P-8A Poseidon, Philippine Navy, Regional Presence Deployment

The Philippines and Australia share a longstanding and deep defence relationship – working side by side for more than 70

Personnel from 2 Security Forces Squadron take part in an aircraft security operations course on the flightline at RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland. Story by Flight Lieutenant Greg Hinks. Photo by Leading Aircraftwoman Taylor Anderson.

News Royal Australian Air Force

Security in numbers for evacuation scenario

01/12/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1582 Views 0 Comments C-17A Globemaster III, Japan Air Self-Defense Force, No. 2 Security Forces Squadron, RAAF Amberley

As the morning sun shone down on an undisclosed airfield, the roar of a C-17A Globemaster III turned heads as

Two KA350 King Air's fly over a Colours consecration parade at RAAF Base East Sale, Victoria. Story by Squadron Leader Kate Davis and Flight Lieutenant Nick O’Connor. Photos by Leading Aircraftman Ryan Howell.

History News Royal Australian Air Force

Colour parade marks milestone for flying-training schools

01/12/202310/12/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1959 Views 0 Comments KA350 King Air, No. 1 Flying Training School (1FTS), RAAF East Sale

1 Flying Training School (1FTS) and Air Mission Training School (AMTS) held a joint Colour Replacement Parade at RAAF Base

RAAF Flight Lieutenant Abdul Khan at the Cricket NSW home grounds during the Air Force cricket team training and development sessions, Sydney. Story and photo by Corpora Jacob Joseph.

ADF People

One good turn deserves another

01/12/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1085 Views 0 Comments

A then 10-year old Abdul Khan couldn’t have known the whirr of RAAF cargo planes, delivering vital medical assistance to

Ex-United States Navy PBY5A Catalina 'Our Girl' is being restored by members and volunteers of the Rathmines Catalina Association in Beresfield, NSW. Story by FLTLT Karyn Markwell. Photos by SGT Craig Barrett.

History News Royal Australian Air Force

PBY-5A Catalina ‘Our Girl’ to tell local story

01/12/202310/12/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1495 Views 0 Comments Catalina, Heritage – Air Force (HH-AF), RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre

An historic aircraft is being restored to its original wartime configuration after it was handed over to the Royal Australian

Soldiers from 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment disembark a CH-47 Chinook during Exercise Green Blaze at Townsville Field Training Area. Story by Corporal Jacob Joseph . Photo by Trooper Dana Millington.

Australian Army News Videos

New recruits get taste of the real thing

01/12/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 3340 Views 0 Comments 1st Battalion Royal Australian Regiment, CH-47F Chinook, Exercise Green Blaze

With matted hair and sweat-drenched uniforms, some of 1RAR’s newest soldiers were put through their paces during Exercise Green Blaze

A soldier from the 22nd Engineer Regiment guards an "enemy" combatant during Exercise Platypus Survives at Puckapunyal Military Training Area. Story by Sergeant Matthew Bickerton. Photos by Corporal Michael Currie.

Australian Army News

Engineers ‘bumped off’ then retake hill in challenging exercise

30/11/202310/12/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1411 Views 0 Comments 22nd Engineering Regiment, Exercise Platypus Survives, Puckapunyal

Despite building a series of pits and firing positions on a hill, sappers from 22 Engineer Regiment (22ER), 4th Brigade,

Personnel from 453 Squadron with a Supermarine Spitfire Mk XVI from 100 Squadron at RAAF Base Williamtown, NSW. Image has been digitally manipulated, 453 Squadron sign added to ATC tower. Story by Flying Officer Kristi Adam. Photo by Leading Aircraftman Kurt Lewis.

History News Royal Australian Air Force

Connections take flight in Newcastle

30/11/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1454 Views 0 Comments Air Show, No. 100 Squadron, No. 453 Squadron, RAAF Point Cook, RAAF Williamtown

The Newcastle Williamtown Air Show and open day, held over November 18-19, gave 2 and 453 Squadrons an opportunity to

From left, Officer Commanding 17th Construction Squadron Major Lincoln Barbare, flag orderly Sapper Jack Miles, Major General Stephen Day and Squadron Sergeant Major 17th Construction Squadron Warrant Officer Class Two Taj Whelan with the returned flag at RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland. Story by Captain Evita Ryan. Photo by Warrant Officer Class Two Kim Allen.

Australian Army History News

Flag flies again after 55 years

30/11/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1429 Views 0 Comments 17th Construction Squadron, Vietnam War

Fifty-five years after a 17th Construction Squadron flag supposedly ‘blew off’ a flag pole in Nui Dat, at the 1st

HMAS Stalwart’s embarked MH-60R helicopter ‘Boomerang’ conducts a vertical replenishment while the ship conducts a replenishment at sea with HMAS Brisbane. Story by Lieutenant Max Logan. Photos by Leading Seaman Daniel Goodman.

News Overseas Royal Australian Navy

Adding fuel to the fleet

30/11/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1970 Views 0 Comments HMAS Brisbane, HMAS Stalwart, Japan Maritime Self Defence Force, MH-60R Seahawk, Regional Presence Deployment, Royal Canadian Navy, US Navy

Two Australian warships contributed to the high tempo of a Japan-led maritime exercise in the Philippine Sea. CAPTION: HMAS Stalwart’s embarked

Squadron Leader Mark Lees works on a CT4A as the 100 Squadron senior engineering officer at RAAF Base Point Cook in 2022. Story by Leading Aircraftwoman Casey-Lee Rebellato. Photo by David Jones.

ADF People History

Back to where it all began

30/11/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1025 Views 0 Comments No. 1 Flying Training School (1FTS), No. 100 Squadron

Since starting his career as an engine fitter at RAAF Base Point Cook circa 1989, Geelong Squadron Leader Mark Lees

Soldiers from the 5th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, and the Timor Leste Defence Force listen to a safety brief ahead of conducting an urban operations scenario at the indoor training facility at Robertson Barracks, NT. Story by Captain Annie Richardson. Photo by Sub-Lieutenant Chloe Reay.

Australian Army News

Marksmanship and mateship on display

30/11/202330/11/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1142 Views 0 Comments 5th Battalion RAR, Robertson Barracks, Timor-Leste Defence Force

The 1st Brigade witnessed an extraordinary display of camaraderie and skill as Australian and Timorese soldiers faced off in a

From left, Able Seaman Hayden Beaver, Lieutenant Ben Page and Lieutenant Commander Matthew Urquhart on the forecastle of HMAS Brisbane during Exercise Annualex. Story and photo by Leading Seaman Daniel Goodman.

ADF People Royal Australian Navy

Canberra connections on board Brisbane

30/11/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1169 Views 0 Comments Exercise Annualex, HMAS Brisbane

The sailors and officers in HMAS Brisbane are a tight-knit family who work, train and travel the world together. CAPTION: From

An Australian Army soldier competes in Exercise Golden Plate at Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera, Queensland. Story by Ellijahna Victoria. Photos by Sergeant Jason Slape.

Australian Army News

Culinary combat for Army chefs

30/11/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1304 Views 0 Comments 10th Force Support Battalion, 1st Catering Platoon, Army Catering Corps, Exercise Golden Plate, Gallipoli Barracks, New Zealand Defence Force

In the sizzling world of culinary prowess, where creativity meets precision, a gastronomic showdown unfolded between chefs of 10th Force

Deputy Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Jonathan Earley presents a group commendation to MH-60R Technical Training – Seahawk Simulation Warfare Centre at HMAS Albatross, Nowra. Story by Richard Wilkins. Photo by Leading Seaman Carlos Chu.

News Royal Australian Navy

Seahawk technical training staff commended

30/11/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1251 Views 0 Comments HMAS Albatross, MH-60R Seahawk, Seahawk Simulator Warfare Centre (SSWC)

Technical staff from the Seahawk Simulator Warfare Centre (SSWC) in HMAS Albatross were recently presented with a Chief of Navy

Garry Cooper and Commanding Officer 4 Squadron Wing Commander Steven Duffy unveil a painting commissioned by aviation artist Ivan Berryman at 4 Squadron, RAAF Base Williamtown, NSW. Story by Flying Officer Jamie Wallace. Photos: Leading Aircraftman Kurt Lewis.

History News Royal Australian Air Force

Painting immortalises historic action

30/11/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1496 Views 0 Comments Forward Air Controllers, No. 4 Squadron, RAAF Williamtown, WWII

Taking pride of place in 4 Squadron headquarters at RAAF Base Williamtown is a new painting commemorating an important event

Leading Seaman Ruben Villis marshals personnel from JS Sazanami’s embarked Super Auk helicopter as it prepares to take-off from HMAS Brisbane during a cross-deck in the Philippine Sea as part of Exercise Nichi Gou Trident. Story by Lieutenant Max Logan. Photo by Leading Seaman Daniel Goodman.

News Overseas Royal Australian Air Force Royal Australian Navy

ADF assets join Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force exercise

30/11/202305/12/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1480 Views 0 Comments Exercise Nichi Gou Trident (NGT), HMAS Brisbane, HMAS Stalwart, HMAS Toowoomba, Japan Maritime Self Defence Force, P-8A Poseidon, Regional Presence Deployment

Naval and air assets from the ADF recently joined forces with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) for Exercise Nichi