Posted by Mike Hughes, Author at CONTACT magazine

Leading Seaman Kendall Warner marshals an Indian Navy Chetak helicopter on board HMAS Choules during Exercise Malabar 2023, NSW. Story by Sub-Lieutenant Tahlia Merigan. Photo by Leading Seaman David Cox.

News Royal Australian Navy

Angel drops in with sweet treats

25/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1766 Views 0 Comments Exercise Malabar, HMAS Choules, Indian Navy

While the arrival of a helicopter on the deck of HMAS Choules would not normally be significant, a visit from

Australian Army Major Matthew Breckenridge delivers core pre-deployment training to the Indonesian Armed Forces Garuda Contingent deploying to the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Story by Corporal Veronica O’Hara.

ADF People Overseas

Indonesian exchange helps keep the peace

25/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1664 Views 0 Comments Indonesian National Armed Forces, UN Peacekeeping

Gangs of monkeys ambushed Major Matthew Breckenridge when he started cycling along the steep, rural road leading to his new

Australian Army Jonathan Church Good Soldiering Award ambassador Corporal Justin Wells, beside the headstone of Gunner William Tasker at Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery, Villers-Bretonneux France. Story and photos by Corporal Jacob Joseph.

ADF People History Lest We Forget

Wallabies seek inspiration from our fallen

25/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1055 Views 0 Comments ADF Sport, France, Last Post, Villers-Bretonneux, WWI

It was one of the most stunning battlefield victories and the beginning of the end of WW1. CAPTION: Australian Army

Members from the Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force and Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Center during a digital forensics practical exercise in Thailand for Exercise Indo-Pacific Endeavour. Story by Flight Lieutenant Nick O’Connor. Photos by Leading Aircraftwoman Annika Smit.

Australian Army News Overseas Royal Australian Air Force Royal Australian Navy

Two-way exchange in Thailand

25/08/202327/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1520 Views 0 Comments AFP, Australian Border Force, Indo-Pacific Endeavour, Thailand

The spirit of regional cooperation was alive and well as Australia’s annual flagship engagement activity, Exercise Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2023 (IPE23)

Commanding Officer HMAS Brisbane Commander Kingsley Scarce, Royal Australian Navy, right, with United States Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Owen Buck on the forecastle of HMAS Brisbane during Exercise Malabar off the coast of NSW. Story by Lieutenant Marcus Middleton. Photo by Leading Seaman Matthew Lyall.

News Royal Australian Navy

Swapping ships to expand exercise experience

25/08/202327/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 2084 Views 0 Comments Exercise Malabar, HMAS Brisbane, US Navy

During Exercise Malabar, sailors from participating nations swapped decks to share their skills and knowledge across the multinational maritime force.

From left, Army Privates Robert Leighton, Adithya Biju and Lachlan Coe, from the School of Military Engineering, create 3D models at the Makerspace facility at Holsworthy Barracks, Sydney. Story and photos by Sergeant Brodie Cross.

Australian Army News Science & Technology

Three dimensions of problem solving

25/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1499 Views 0 Comments Holsworthy Barracks, National Science Week

Creativity and innovation were on display at the Makerspace facility in Holsworthy Barracks during National Science Week 2023, with soldiers

Defence Science and Technology Group scientist Dr Ben Sparkes, left, works with Australian-built quantum clocks at the University of Adelaide.

ADF News Science & Technology

Quantum leap for military time keepers

25/08/202325/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 2000 Views 0 Comments DSTG, National Science Week

Among the fleet of warships at last year’s Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC), one carried a pair of Australian-built

Pilot Officer Alanna Carew RAAF Base East Sale with a 32 Squadron B350 King Air Aircraft. Story by Flight Lieutenant Cindy Ritchie. Photo by Petty Officer Rick Prideaux.

ADF People History

Following their aviation mission

18/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1729 Views 0 Comments National Science Week, RAAF East Sale

Pilot Officers Alanna Carew and Kris Byrne are following their passion for aviation while undertaking training at the Air Mission

Leading Seaman Thomas Baskerville marshals a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force SH-60K Super Auk, from JS Shiranui, to land on HMAS Brisbane during Exercise Malabar. Story by Lieutenant Marcus Middleton. Photos by Leading Seaman Matthew Lyall.

News Royal Australian Navy

Cross-decking on Ex Malabar

18/08/202324/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1872 Views 0 Comments Exercise Malabar, HMAS Brisbane, Indian Navy, Japan Maritime Self Defence Force, US Navy

The sea phase of Exercise Malabar is under way, with ships from Australia, India, Japan and the United States conducting

NUSHIP Arafura sailors Leading Seaman Jack Bellingham, Able Seaman Joshua Keys and Leading Seaman Joshua Guy, conduct daily duties on ADV Reliant, during a six week rotation, in July 2023. Story by Lieutenant Carolyn Martin. Photo. by Corporal Lisa Sherman.

News Overseas Royal Australian Navy

NUSHIP Arafura shipmates Reliant on experience

18/08/202325/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 2146 Views 0 Comments Australian Defence Vessel Reliant, HMAS Stirling, NUSHIP Arafura, PNGDF

NUSHIP Arafura shipmates experienced a six-week rotation aboard Australia’s Pacific support vessel ADV Reliant to prepare them for their future

Flight Lieutenant Rebecca Marshall, an electrical engineer and operations officer posted to 1 Combat Communications Squadron, with Ultimate Classroom hosts Eddie Woo and Stephanie Bendixen. Photos by Tamara Robinson.

ADF News Science & Technology

Defence Force Recruiting targeting kids on TV

18/08/202319/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 2697 Views 11 Comments Defence Force Recruiting, Ultimate Classroom

Through the educational television series Ultimate Classroom, Defence Force Recruiting (DFR) aimed to inspire Gen Z to consider a Defence

Aviators from 35 Squadron, RAAF Base Amberley, preparing to walk the Kokoda Track in July. Story by Flight Lieutenant Greg Hinks.

ADF People Lest We Forget

Aviators’ life-changing Kokoda experience

18/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1367 Views 0 Comments Kokoda Track, No. 35 Squadron, RAAF Amberley

Walking the Kokoda Track is a rite of passage for many Australians, and was an emotional experience for nine 35

Warrant Officer Corey Evans hits the ball as personnel from the Indian and Australian navies compete in a game of cricket as part of Exercise Malabar’s shore phase in Sydney, NSW. Story by Sub-Lieutenant Tahlia Merigan. Photo by Leading Seaman David Cox.

News Royal Australian Navy

Batters-up for exercise sports day

18/08/202319/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1296 Views 0 Comments ADF Sport, Exercise Malabar

As the sun came out on the last day of the harbour phase of Exercise Malabar, partner nations that had

Senior Navy officer Lieutenant Commander Brad Eaton and 453 Squadron member Pilot Officer Esther Kim at the Perth Korean War Memorial. Story by Squadron Leader Kate Davis. Photos by Flying Officer Michael Thomas.

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

The ‘forgotten war’ no longer

17/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1278 Views 0 Comments 2FTS, Korean War

A three-ship flypast from 2 Flying Training School (2FTS) over the serenity of Kings Park, WA, marked the opening of

S100 crew from 822X Squadron and Defence Science and Technology Group personnel discuss the S100 bathymetric LiDAR sensor trials on the flight deck of HMAS Adelaide during Exercise Sea Raider. Story by Corporal Luke Bellman. Photo by Able Seaman Rikki-Lea Phillips.

News Royal Australian Navy

Laser-shooting drone penetrates the depths

17/08/202324/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1758 Views 0 Comments DSTG, Exercise Sea Raider, HMAS Adelaide, National Science Week, unmanned aerial systems

A laser-shooting sensor on Navy’s eye in the sky mapped the seabed and beach for amphibious landings as part of

Australian Army reserve soldier Private Cameron Parkinson from 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment at Gallipoli Barracks in Enoggera, Brisbane. Story by Jon Kroiter.

ADF People

Flexible service helps soldier achieve life goals

17/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1320 Views 0 Comments 6th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment, Army Reserve

Having extra cash each month is something that would interest any university student. CAPTION: Australian Army reserve soldier Private Cameron Parkinson

From left, Lieutenant Commander Lachlan Darrow, Seaman Caitlin Hartley, Major Matthew Jones, Squadron Leader Sarelle Woodward and Musician Benjamin Lim at the Australian Coastal Rowing and Beach Sprints Championships at Mooloolaba, Queensland. Story by Private Nicholas Marquis.

ADF People Health and Wellbeing

ADF rocks the boat at coastals

17/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1064 Views 0 Comments ADF Sport

Battling large swells and whitewash, ADF rowers waded out into the ocean and came back in with a bronze medal.

Leading Seaman Manuel Salas participates in a basketball competition as part of the Exercise Malabar 2023 shore phase in Sydney, NSW. Story by Lieutenant Marcus Middleton. Photo by Leading Seaman Matthew Lyall.

News Royal Australian Navy

Aussies rebound for win on Malabar court

17/08/202319/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1184 Views 0 Comments ADF Sport, Exercise Malabar, HMAS Supply, US Navy

A late substitute Australian team bounded home with a monumental upset win as part of a series of goodwill sports

An example of aircraft to benefit from the Delphi system, a RAAF P-8A Poseidon takes off from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Hawaii during Exercise RIMPAC 2022. Story by John Noble. Photo by Leading Seaman Daniel Goodman.

News Royal Australian Air Force Science & Technology

AI driven fleet management improves aviator efficiency

17/08/202326/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1714 Views 0 Comments Delphi, DSTG, National Science Week, P-8A Poseidon, Plan Jericho

One of the most innovative and forward-looking projects under the Jericho Disruption Innovation Program is already assisting aviators and enhancing

Army soldiers from Australia's 4th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, and United States' 11th Field Artillery Regiment work together during a combined arms live-fire serial on Exercise Brolga Sprint 23 at the Townsville Field Training Area, Queensland. Story by Captain Joanne Leca. Photo by Lance Corporal Riley Blennerhassett.

Australian Army News

Aussies and Yanks side-by-side on the gun line

16/08/202323/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1677 Views 0 Comments 3rd Brigade, 4th Regiment Royal Australian Artillery, Exercise Brolga Spirit, M777 Howitzer, US Army

Australian and United States artillery soldiers worked side-by-side operating M777 howitzers during 3rd Brigade’s annual combined live-fire activity. CAPTION: Army soldiers