CONTACT BLOG SPOT Archives - Page 12 of 74

An American plane sprays chemicals near unit lines of 1st Armoured Squadron Workshop RAEME, at Nui Dat, Vietnam 1968. Photo by Des Kearton.

Letters to the Editor

RAEME units sprayed sprayed with chemicals, Vietnam 1968 – RANCH HAND defoliant flights

03/11/2024 Posted by Brian Hartigan 1207 Views 0 Comments

Operation Ranch Hand was a name given by the USA to the tactical project for aerial spraying of herbicides in

A civilian Beechcraft D18S and two civilian T-6 Harvards fly in formation at Warbirds Downunder in Temora, NSW. Story by Flight Lieutenant Imogen Lunny. Photos by Leading Aircraftwoman Paris Rigney.

Blasting in from the past

01/11/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 2452 Views 0 Comments No. 100 Squadron, Roulettes, Temora Aviation Museum

The skies of Temora echoed with aviation from the past and present, with the Air Force supporting the Warbirds Downunder

From left, Pilot Officer Justin Mulligan and Warrant Officer William Kinloch with a DeHavilland Mosquito fighter bomber in 1944. Story by Squadron Leader Eamon Hamilton.

ADF People History Lest We Forget Royal Australian Air Force

WWII pilots awarded after 80 years

01/11/202402/11/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1777 Views 0 Comments No. 464 Squadron, WWII

Eighty years after their service in the skies of occupied Europe, two Royal Australian Air Force aviators have been posthumously

Able Seaman Brenton Manuel, back right, meets his grandparents for the first time as HMAS Sydney is berthed alongside Busan, Republic of Korea, during a regional presence deployment. Story by Lieutenant Tahlia Merigan.

ADF People Lest We Forget Overseas Royal Australian Navy

Sydney a ship of firsts

01/11/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 786 Views 0 Comments HMAS Sydney, HMAS Sydney III, Korean War, Republic of Korea

HMAS Sydney had a lot of firsts during its recent regional presence deployment, and one of them was the ship’s

The memorial wall listing the crew of HMAS Sydney II at Mount Scott Geraldton. The interior concave side of the Wall of Remembrance, situated at the front of memorial, details the names of all 645 men who lost their lives. The centre piece is a dome mounted by seven pillars. Representing the seven states and territories of Australia. The dome is constructed by a canopy of silver gulls. A Stele is made of Stainless Stell and represents the bow of the HMAS Sydney II. A bronze sculpture of a a woman closest to the ocean. She wears an anchor necklace and holds hat against the breeze from the sea. Her anxious expression and her fixed gaze to the horizon. She represents a waiting woman grieven for her lost love one.

Lest We Forget Letters to the Editor

Is the HMAS Sydney II crew MIA or KIA?

31/10/202431/10/2024 Posted by Brian Hartigan 713 Views 0 Comments HMAS Sydney II

A recent Letter to the Editor here at CONTACT piqued my interest – are the members of the crew of

Director Veterans' South Australia, Bianca Wheeler, pays her respects after laying a wreath at the ‘Keeping Place’ at RAAF Base Edinburgh. Story by Group Captain Gregory Weller. Photo by Aircraftwoman Halley Van Essen.

Lest We Forget News Royal Australian Air Force Veterans

Veterans’ advisory visits RAAF Base

29/10/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1607 Views 0 Comments RAAF Edinburgh, South Australian Veterans Advisory Council (VAC)

The South Australian Veterans Advisory Council and members of Veterans South Australia visited RAAF Base Edinburgh on October 21 to

Figure 1. A racing drone used by the Air Force Drone Racing Association

Thought provoking

The Weaponisation of Toys and Implications for the Air Force

25/10/2024 Posted by Brian Hartigan 1690 Views 0 Comments

The Weaponisation of Toys and Implications for the Air Force Ryan Hodson Australian Defence Force The ‘poor man’s air force‘

Air Force Chef Corporal Brent Devetak prepares meals for locals at Kununurra during Exercise Kummundoo 24. Story by Flying Officer Rose Gigliotti. Photo by Flight Lieutenant Yuen Dieu.

ADF People Health and Wellbeing Royal Australian Air Force

Nourishing others, one meal at a time

25/10/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1357 Views 0 Comments Exercise Kummundoo, Indigenous

In the heart of the Kimberley, a proud Darkinjung man and dedicated Air Force chef stirs a large pot of

Air Force General Surgeon Squadron Leader Peter Yuide from 1 Expeditionary Health Squadron discusses treatment options with Steve, a local patient in the Katherine Hospital. Story by Air Force General Surgeon Squadron Leader Peter Yuide from 1 Expeditionary Health Squadron discusses treatment options with Steve, a local patient in the Katherine Hospital. Story by Flight Lieutenant Claire Campbell. Photos by Sergeant Andrew Eddie.

Health and Wellbeing News Royal Australian Air Force

Surgical exercise builds connections in the NT

25/10/202426/10/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1303 Views 0 Comments Health Services Wing, No. 1 Expeditionary Health Squadron

Royal Australian Air Force medical personnel from Health Services Wing conducted a joint surgical exercise at Katherine Hospital this month.

Lieutenant Colonel Ben Watson appreciates a painting of the 9th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, in Vietnam with Veteran Dan Penman, right, at Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera. Photo by Private Andrew Shaw.

ADF People Australian Army History Lest We Forget

Important picture of courage and sacrifice

24/10/202426/10/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1335 Views 1 Comment 8th/9th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment, Gallipoli Barracks, Vietnam War

Coinciding with its 50th anniversary, 8th/9th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment (8/9RAR) has acquired the Bunker Assault painting, which marks

The family of the late Colin Dudley, a World War 2 Bomber Command veteran, receive the Henry Hering Art and Architecture Award on his behalf during a ceremony at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia. Story by Flying Officer Shanea Zeegers. Photos by Aircraftwoman Halley Van Essen.

ADF People History Lest We Forget Royal Australian Air Force

Aussie veteran’s family accept US architecture award

24/10/202430/10/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1551 Views 0 Comments Bomber Command, RAAF Edinburgh, WWII

The daughter of World War II Bomber Command veteran Colin Dudley has received the prestigious Henry Hering Art and Architecture

Members of HMAS Brisbane's ship's company visit the USS Arizona memorial at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Story by Lieutenant Marie Davies.

History Lest We Forget News Royal Australian Navy USA

Aussie crew commemorate Pearl Harbor and 9/11

22/10/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1156 Views 0 Comments US Navy, WWII

During a port visit to Hawaii, crew from HMAS Brisbane paid their respects to the fallen at the USS Arizona

A C-130J Hercules from 37 Squadron flies over the assembled guests and visitors at RAAF Base Glenbrook during the 75th anniversary celebrations. Story by Flight Lieutenant Robert Cochran. Photo by Sergeant David Gibbs.

History News Royal Australian Air Force

‘Operational heart’ of RAAF celebrates 75 years

18/10/202418/10/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 2030 Views 0 Comments C-130J Hercules, Headquarters Eastern Area Command, No. 37 Squadron, RAAF Glenbrook

The ‘operational heart’ of the Royal Australian Air Force celebrated its 75th birthday on October 10 with special events, a

Commander 9th Brigade Brigadier Tim Orders presents World War 2 veteran, Glen Dobie, with his Australian Service Medal 1945-75 with Clasp 'PNG'. Story and photos by Captain Peter March.

ADF People Australian Army History Veterans

WWII digger receives service medal at 99

17/10/202418/10/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1993 Views 0 Comments WWII

Glen Dobie was 18 when he, like many other young Australians, answered the call to arms during World War II.

Warrant Officer Class One Bridget Pearce is a pioneering female physical training instructor at Lavarack Barracks, Townsville. Story by Flight Lieutenant Jessica Winnall. Photo by Corporal Guy Sadler.

ADF People Health and Wellbeing Military Fitness

Strengthening links in health chain

17/10/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 710 Views 0 Comments PTIs

In the modern military, fitness is no longer just about sheer physical strength and endurance. It’s about creating well-rounded soldiers,

Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Stephen Chappell and Warrant Officer – Air Force Ralph Clifton unveil the plaques commemorating the loss of 100 Squadron members who perished while serving on Beauforts A9-186 and A9-374 in 1943, at RAAF Base Point Cook. Story by Flight Lieutenant Karyn Markwell. Photo by Leading Aircraftman Ryan Howell..

ADF People History Lest We Forget Royal Australian Air Force

Honouring devotion to duty

11/10/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1993 Views 0 Comments Chief of Air Force, No. 100 Squadron, RAAF Point Cook, WWII

Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, along with dignitaries and family members, attended the memorial service and plaque

Aviators at RAAF Base Amberley took to the field for the Air Combat Group versus Air Mobility Group ‘SGT Michael Ball Memorial’ match. Story by Lieutenant Katrina Thomasson. Photos by Aircraftman Sanghyun Shin.

ADF People Health and Wellbeing Lest We Forget

Footy match for a fallen friend

11/10/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1363 Views 0 Comments Air Combat Group (ACG), Air Mobility Group (AMG), No. 1 Squadron, RAAF Amberley

It was a football game full of heart as aviators at RAAF Base Amberley took to the field to raise

Defence's Director General of Mental Health and Wellbeing, Brigadier Caitlin Langford, says teams are strongest when each member is respected and valued. Story by Leading Seaman Nadav Harel. Photo by Corporal Jacob Joseph.

ADF People Health and Wellbeing

Connection and wellbeing critical to capability

11/10/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 804 Views 0 Comments World Mental Health Day

Connection equals compassionate action and this relies on fostering meaningful relationships, according to Brigadier Caitlin Langford, Defence’s Director General of

Air Force aviators and an Australian Air Force Cadet stand as part of the catafalque party during the Battle of Britain commemorative service held at Torrens Parade Ground, Adelaide, SA. Story by Group Captain Gregory Weller. Photos by Garry Petts.

History Lest We Forget News Royal Australian Air Force

The few who enabled the many

04/10/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1293 Views 0 Comments Australian Air Force Cadets, Battle of Britain, commemorations, No. 1 Remote Sensor Unit (1RSU), RAAF Edinburgh, WWII

In a moving ceremony, those that became known as ‘the few’ were remembered during the Battle of Britain commemorative service

Squadron Leader Stephen Bihary exits a 79 Squadron Hawk 127. Story by Squadron Leader Stephen Bihary. Photos by Flying Officer Michael Thomas.

ADF People History Royal Australian Air Force

Longest-serving jet pilot leaves the cockpit

02/10/202405/10/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 2014 Views 0 Comments Hawk 127 Lead-In Fighter, No 79 Squadron, RAAF Pearce, RAAF Reserve

The longest-serving Air Force fighter pilot and fast-jet instructor Squadron Leader Stephen Bihary has retired from the cockpit after 48