Posted by Mike Hughes, Author at CONTACT magazine

An Australian Army cadet climbs the cargo net during the Chief of Army Cadet Team Challenge 2023 at Kokoda Barracks in Canungra, South Queensland. Story by Stacey Doyle. Photo by Leading Seaman Nadav Harel.

Cadets test physical and mental strength

28/07/202301/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 4137 Views 0 Comments Army Cadets, Canungra, Kokoda Barracks

Ninety Australian Army cadets and 10 Australian Air Force cadets from across Australia gathered at Kokoda Barracks, Canungra, to participate

Australian Army officer trainees Staff Cadet Eric du Preez (left) and Staff Cadet Tori Spithoven from the Royal Military College at Duntroon, Canberra, during the Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 live-fire demonstration at Shoalwater Bay training area in central Queensland. Story by Captain Evita Ryan. Photo by Staff Sergeant Ryan Wilhoit (US Army).

ADF People Australian Army News

Cadets experience multinational firepower

28/07/202304/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1498 Views 0 Comments Exercise Talisman Sabre, HIMARS, M777 Howitzer, Royal Military College-Duntroon (RMC-D), Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Staff Cadet

Nine I Class Staff Cadets from the Royal Military College − Duntroon (RMC-D) in Canberra, were given the opportunity to

Four Royal Australian Air Force F-35A Lightning II's over northern Australia during Exercise Talisman Sabre 23. Photo by Sergeant Pete Gammie.

News Royal Australian Air Force Talisman Sabre

Top End provides world-class airspace for TS23

28/07/202301/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 2259 Views 1 Comment Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023, F/A-18F Super Hornet, RAAF Tindal

The Top End provides a world-class airspace for Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023, where Australian and United States aviators can continue

The Gibbins family, including, Tommy, 8, Johnny, 5, Betty, 3, and dad Stephen enjoy the activities on display at the Defence member and family support Child of the Medallion event at RAAF Base Williamtown, NSW. Story by Corporal Melina Young. Photo by Sergeant Craig Barrett.

ADF People

Military children recognised for their sacrifice

27/07/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 3523 Views 1 Comment Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS), No. 26 Squadron, RAAF Williamtown

A group of excited children received the latest medallion recognising their resilience and challenges they experience through having parents in

Air Commodore Pete Robinson Commander Air Combat Group (right) farewells Gary Dobe on his retirement at RAAF Base Williamtown, NSW. Story by Flight Lieutenant Rob Hodgson. Photo by Flight Lieutenant Sarah Reading.

ADF People History

Delivering bang for buck

27/07/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1448 Views 0 Comments Air Combat Group (ACG)

The Air Combat Group (ACG) headquarters has farewelled a stalwart who has devoted more than 53 years of combined service

A Redback infantry fighting vehicle on display in Canberra. Army will take delivery of 129 of the vehicles, to be built in Geelong. Photo by Andrew Green.

Australian Army News Science & Technology Sovereign industry Videos

Redback to bring Army some sting

27/07/202327/07/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 4705 Views 9 Comments LAND 400 Phase 3, M113, Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle

THE Army will receive 129 new infantry fighting vehicles in response to Australia’s changing strategic environment. CAPTION: A Redback infantry fighting

Australian Army Captain Liz Daly, Captain Zarra Houpapa from the New Zealand Defence Force and Australian Army Captain Anita Price at Observer Group Golan – Tiberius (OGG-T) Headquarters in Northern Israel pose for a photo to commemorate being the first all-female leadership team in the history of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation. Story by Major Carrie Robards.

ADF People Middle East

Making history in the Middle East

27/07/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 2658 Views 0 Comments Operation Paladin, United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO)

For the first time, the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO) has an all-female leadership team. CAPTION: Australian Army Captain Liz

Exercise Pacific Vanguard participants in the exercise control room in Guam. Story by Lieutenant Max Logan.

ADF People

Air and missile defence practice in Guam

27/07/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 867 Views 0 Comments 822X Squadron, Exercise Pacific Vanguard, Guam

A small group of Navy personnel made a big impact recently during Exercise Pacific Vanguard in Guam. CAPTION: Exercise Pacific Vanguard

Studio portrait of ex-Warrant Officer Alfred James Marquis who served during World War 2. Photo courtesy of Australian War Memorial, Accession Number AWM2017.520.1.5994. Story by Private Nicholas Marquis.

ADF People History Lest We Forget Personal stories

Honouring ‘Rusty’, the last Navy beach commando

27/07/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1368 Views 0 Comments AWM, WWII

Private Nicholas Marquis reflects on the colourful life of his grandfather and one of the first Warrant Officers of the

(L-R) United States Army Captain Edward Miller, Royal Canadian Air Force Corporal Julie Vallee and Royal Australian Navy Lieutenant Commander Bobby McFerran work at the Coalition Data Network Centre (CDNC) located within the Battle Simulation Centre in Gallipoli Barracks, Brisbane, in support of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023. Story by Captain Nic Rutledge. Photo by Madhur Chitnis.

Australian Army News Royal Australian Navy

Australian combined operational picture clearer than ever before

27/07/202329/07/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1642 Views 0 Comments Canadian Armed Forces, Coalition Data Network Centre (CDNC), Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023, US Marines, US Navy

The operational capabilities of the Australian Defence Force have been significantly bolstered by the establishment of the Coalition Data Network

A German Army Paratrooper provides support by fire during a clearance of Line Creek Junction on Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 at Townsville Field Training Area, Queensland. Story by Captain Joanne Leca. Photos by Lance Corporal Riley Blennerhassett.

Australian Army News

Multilateral battle group major TS23 assault

27/07/202330/07/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1571 Views 0 Comments 3 Brigade, Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023, German Army

The 3rd Brigade conducted their first major assault at Line Creek Junction, Townsville Field Training Area during Exercise Talisman Sabre

Maritime Warfare Officer Submariner Lieutenant Mitchell Marinac taking his qualifications to the next level with the STEM Upskilling Program, at Submarine Force Headquarters. Story by Rebecca Williamson. Photos by Chief Petty Officer Yuri Ramsey.

ADF People

Taking skills to the next degree

27/07/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1047 Views 0 Comments

With an offering of challenge, opportunities and flexibility to get new qualifications, the STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) Upskilling Program

Commanding Officer HMPNGS Cape Gloucester Lieutenant Bryan Pohai, left, reunites with old friend, ADV Reliant Naval Liaison Officer Lieutenant Commander Brenton-James Glover, alongside at Manus Island. Story. by Lieutenant Carolyn Martin. Photo by Corporal Lisa Sherman.

ADF People Videos

Old friends reunite in PNG

27/07/202327/07/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1812 Views 0 Comments Australian Defence Vessel Reliant, Manus Island, Papua New Guinea

The intertwining careers of two naval officers from neighbouring countries demonstrates the value of enduring relationships and friendship. CAPTION: Commanding

Departing Commanding Officer Sail Training Ship Young Endeavour, Lieutenant Commander Adam Farley, left, hands over the 'Weight' to incoming Commanding Officer Lieutenant Commander Elizabeth Newman. Story by Eliza Jay. Photos by Leading Seaman David Cox.

News Royal Australian Navy

First female CO on STS Young Endeavour

26/07/202301/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1829 Views 0 Comments Sail Training Ship Young Endeavour

Sail Training Ship (STS) Young Endeavour has welcomed a new Commanding Officer with Lieutenant Commander Elizabeth Newman taking command of

An Australian Army Lieutenant from the 7th Combat Signal Regiment guides a G-wagon during Talisman Sabre. Story by Major Roger Brennan. Photos by Corporal Nicole Dorrett.

Australian Army News Talisman Sabre

7 Brigade HQ digs-in on TS23

26/07/202330/07/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 2204 Views 0 Comments 7th Brigade, Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023, G-wagon

Hidden beneath a gumtree canopy and covered by camouflage netting, Headquarters 7th Brigade sat dug into the ground … three

RAAF Flight Lieutenant Sean Wrigley receives a Chief of Air Force Gold Medal Commendation from Director of Aviation Operations Group Captain Chris Pouncey at Fairbairn, ACT. Story by Squadron Leader Barrie Bardoe. Photo by Leading Aircraftman Ryan Howell.

ADF People

Aerodrome gold

26/07/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1144 Views 0 Comments Defence Aviation Safety Authority (DASA), RAAF Fairbairn

An aviator has been recognised with an Air Force gold commendation for his contributions to a major milestone in aviation

An Australian kangaroo gifted to the USS Canberra. Story by Lieutenant Harrison Thomas. Photo by Petty Officer Helen Frank.

News Royal Australian Navy Videos

Star-spangled kangaroo to adorn USS Canberra

26/07/202330/07/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 4175 Views 3 Comments HMAS Kuttabul, US Navy, USS Canberra

At the commissioning ceremony for USS Canberra, the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) presented the ship with a unique gift –

Local participants form a huddle during an ADF Sports training program at the Sir John Guise Stadium, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. Story by Squadron Leader Amanda Scott. Photo by Leading Seaman Matthew Lyall.

ADF News Pacific

ADF delivers sports-officials program in PNG

26/07/202329/07/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1757 Views 0 Comments ADF Sport, Papua New Guinea

As a sign of two countries’ shared passion for sport, the Australian Defence Force is delivering a sports officials program

Lead communications technician instructor Petty Officer Christopher Smyth instructs Able Seaman Caleb Pope in the operation and maintenance of the main broadcast system on an Anzac-class frigate at the Navy Engineering Systems Centre at HMAS Stirling. Story by Richard Wilkins.

ADF People

Navy instructor’s rewarding job

26/07/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 830 Views 0 Comments HMAS Stirling

Lead communications technician instructor Petty Officer Christopher Smyth is encouraging people to consider becoming a Navy instructor, describing his current

HMAS Anzac officer Lieutenant Charlotte Rice performs with the Philippine Navy band during the Exercise Lumbas official reception on board BRP Tarlac in Subic Bay, Philippines. Story by Lieutenant Max Logan. Photos by Leading Seaman Jarryd Capper.

Asia News Royal Australian Navy

HMAS Anzac enjoys cultural exchange in Philippines

26/07/202329/07/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1445 Views 0 Comments Exercise Lumbas, HMAS Anzac, Indigenous, Philippine Navy, Regional Presence Deployment

Navy personnel from Australia and the Philippines deepened their people-to-people linkages and cultural understanding during the shore phase of Exercise