Posted by Mike Hughes, Author at CONTACT magazine

United States Army Public Affairs Staff Sergeant Brittney Adams and Warrant Officer Class 2 Shane Harris speak with a civilian role player while Private James Hoffman stands nearby in Ingham, Queensland as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023. Story by Major Jesse Robilliard. Photo by Corporal Michael Currie.

Ingham locals help train personnel

04/08/202307/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 2168 Views 0 Comments Army Reserve, Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023, US Army

The town of Ingham, north of Townsville has provided a realistic training ground for the Australian Army and US Armed

Commander Force Sustainment Group, Colonel Charmaine Benfield, centre, and FSG personnel chat with Mrs Judy Braithwaite at the Ingham, QLD markets during Exercise Talisman Sabre. Story by Lieutenant Geoff Long. Photos by Sergeant David Said.

Australian Army News

Locals played key role in Talisman Sabre

04/08/202308/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 2129 Views 0 Comments Exercise Talisman Sabre

In the small north Queensland community of Ingham (population 4400), one of the friendly locals has just dropped off a

Commander Cindy Jenkins, left, during her stint as a torch bearer in the Legacy Centenary Torch Relay, to recognise 100 years of the Legacy Promise. Story by Captain Kristen Daisy Cleland. Photo by Callum Smith.

ADF People History

Commanding link to Legacy

04/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1378 Views 0 Comments HMAS Supply, Legacy

For Commander Cindy Jenkins, serving in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has cemented a family connection with Defence and revealed

Australian Army cook Private Lehi Basa cooks a batch of pilaf rice to feed the Australian and international forces at Townsville Field Training Area during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023. Story and photos by Corporal Julia Whitwell.

Australian Army News Talisman Sabre

Catering to all tastes on Talisman Sabre

04/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1586 Views 1 Comment Exercise Talisman Sabre, field kitchen

Roasted garlic pulp oozed as Private Zinnia Knight, from the field kitchen at Townsville Field Training Area (TFTA), crumpled its

Papua New Guinea Defence Force soldiers from the 2nd Royal Pacific Island Regiment on Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 at Townsville Field Training Area, Queensland. Story by Captain Joanne Leca. Photo by Lance Corporal Riley Blennerhassett.

Australian Army News Talisman Sabre

PNG’s first Talisman Sabre

04/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 2045 Views 0 Comments 3rd Battalion RAR, Exercise Talisman Sabre, PNGDF

Deep in the Australian bush soldiers from Papua New Guinea (PNG) alongside Australian soldiers are role playing enemy forces, remaining

A high mobility artillery rocket system is loaded on C-17A Globemaster in preparation for Exercise Highball at RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland. Story by Major Cam Jamieson. Photo by Leading Aircraftwoman Taylor Anderson.

Australian Army News

Missile firing exercise in WA

04/08/202307/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 2037 Views 0 Comments 13th Brigade, Exercise Highball, HIMARS, US Army

Exercise Highball has advanced understanding of how the ADF will employ long-range land-based precision rocket and missile fires in the

Project Manager for Land 2072 Phase 2B, from left, Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Kitchin, project lead Mr Dafydd Gwynn-Jones and Signaller Harry Saunders, stand in front of the new 'Protected Mobility Headquarters on the Move' Bushmaster variant at the 1st Combat Signals Regiment in Darwin, NT. Story by Captain Annie Richardson.

Australian Army News

Revolutionising battlefield communications

04/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1625 Views 0 Comments Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles, Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG)

In the dynamic landscape of modern warfare, effective communication plays a crucial role in maintaining operational efficiency and situational awareness.

Papua New Guinea Defence Force officer Captain Jonathan Tegabwasa graduated from the Royal Military College at Duntroon, Canberra, as part of an international cadet exchange and has now returned to Duntroon to pass on his knowledge and experience as an instructor. Story by Captain Diana Jennings.

ADF People

International cadet returns to Duntroon as instructor

04/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1822 Views 0 Comments ADF Cadets, PNGDF, Royal Military College-Duntroon (RMC-D)

Despite his formidable status on the rugby field and commanding stature, Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) Captain Jonathon ‘Tegs’

Royal Australian Air Force air traffic control officers Flying Officer Adam Roberts and Flying Officer Leigh Cremin in the transportable air operations tower at RAAF Base Curtin, WA, during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023. Story by Flying Officer Connor Bellhouse. Photos by Leading Aircraftwoman Annika Smit.

News Royal Australian Air Force Talisman Sabre

Mobile system allows air traffic team to take control

04/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1562 Views 0 Comments air traffic control, Exercise Talisman Sabre, No. 44 Wing, RAAF Curtin

It’s an airfield structure you would expect to see at almost any active runway in Australia, the air traffic control

A US Army floating causeway approaches the shore in Bowen North Queensland during Exercise Talisman Sabre, marking the opening of joint logistics over the shore activities. Story and photos by Corporal Jacob Joseph.

Australian Army News

Build it and they will land

04/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1640 Views 0 Comments Exercise Talisman Sabre, US Army

There aren’t many militaries capable of building a highway from the ocean to the shore. CAPTION: A US Army floating causeway

A Royal Australian Air Force F-35A Lightning ll takes off from RAAF Base Curtin, Western Australia, during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023. Story by Flying Officer Connor Bellhouse. Photos by Leading Aircraftwoman Annika Smit.

News Royal Australian Air Force Talisman Sabre

Sleepy air base awakens

04/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1598 Views 0 Comments Combat Support Group (CSG), Exercise Talisman Sabre, RAAF Curtin

In the remote northern corner of Western Australia sits RAAF Base Curtin, a contingency air base is maintained with a

Major General Douglas, Head of Joint Support Services Division congratulates Megan Stifler, Chief Commissioner of the NSW Fire and Rescue Service. Photo by Oscar Coleman

Australian Army News Royal Australian Air Force Royal Australian Navy

Recognising reservists for their support

04/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1407 Views 0 Comments ADF Reserve, Defence National Employer Support Awards

Reservists have nominated their NSW civilian employers for the annual Australian Defence Force Employer Support Awards, which recognise employers for

Leading Aircraftman Seth Bamblett, from 36 Squadron, explains the mechanical components of a C-17A Globemaster engine to AYAF students.

News Royal Australian Air Force

Moments that inspire future aviators

04/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1449 Views 0 Comments C-17A Globemaster III, No. 36 Squadron, RAAF Amberley

When a group of students were hosted at RAAF Base Amberley as part of the Australian Youth Aerospace Forum (AYAF),

An Australian Army Football Northern Territory team member gives a soccer ball to a child from the Santa Teresinha school in Liquiçá, Timor-Leste, during Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2023. Story by Flight Lieutenant Claire Burnet. Photos by Leading Aircraftman Samuel Miller.

ADF People Videos

Walking, talking and sharing in Timor-Leste

04/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 2918 Views 0 Comments ADF Sport

During the Timor-Leste stint of Indo-Pacific Endeavour (IPE), from July 25-28, Defence personnel took part in a gender peace and

Derrick Akes at a rugby union refereeing course during an ADF Sports training program at the Sir John Guise Stadium, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. Story by Squadron Leader Amanda Scott. Photos by Leading Seaman Matthew Lyall.

ADF People Health and Wellbeing

It’s more than just sport

04/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1261 Views 0 Comments ADF Sport

Dereck Akes used to live on the streets of Port Moresby, until he was introduced to rugby union in 2017.

An Australian Army special forces soldier from 2nd Commando Regiment and a United States Army soldier from 1st Special Forces Group prepare for a static-line parachuting training jump side-by-side at RAAF Base Richmond in Sydney ahead of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023. Photo by Corporal Cameron Pegg.

Australian Army News Talisman Sabre

Talisman Sabre extended to Norfolk Island

28/07/202313/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 2552 Views 0 Comments Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023

Norfolk Island played host to Australian and United States military personnel as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023. CAPTION: An Australian

Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Rob Chipman addresses the crowd at the Global Air and Space Chief’s Conference in London. Photo: Royal Air Force. Story by Lieutenant Commander John Thompson.

ADF People

Strengthening our readiness

28/07/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1370 Views 0 Comments Chief of Air Force

Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Rob Chipman recently addressed the Global Air and Space Chief’s Conference in London, declaring

Australian Army officer Major Dee-Ann Jackson after winning the 10km run in her age group, at Run Melbourne. Story by Sergeant Matthew Bickerton.

ADF People Health and Wellbeing

Running for their lives

28/07/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1329 Views 0 Comments ADF Sport

Chasing endorphins and the competitors ahead, one Army runner finished first in her age group and 10th overall out of

Flight Sergeant Stephen Olding with his presentation gift to mark his retirement from the RAAF. Story by Wing Commander Susan Yates.

ADF People History

Love of aircraft leads to 51-year career

28/07/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1668 Views 0 Comments No. 26 Squadron, RAAF Williamtown

After 51 years of service with the Australian Defence Force, Flight Sergeant Stephen Olding hung up his hat, having served

Lieutenant Jo Mercieca mentors local basketball coaches during an ADF Sports training program at the Taurama Aquatic and Indoor Centre, Papua New Guinea. Story by Squadron Leader Amanda Scott. Photos by Leading Seaman Matthew Lyall.

ADF People

Escaping onto the court

28/07/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1225 Views 0 Comments ADF Sport, Papua New Guinea

Lieutenant Jo Mercieca is part of the passionate team delivering level one coaching and referee courses for basketball in Papua