Australian Archives - CONTACT magazine

Extensions are planned for the Royal Australian Artillery National Memorial to honour contemporary campaigns. Story by Corporal Luke Bellman.

Extension for gunners’ national memorial

21/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 45 Views 0 Comments Royal Australian Artillery

Plans are under way to extend the Royal Australian Artillery (RAA) National Memorial to recognise the service and sacrifice of

Royal Canadian Air Force Lieutenant Commander Brian Brook, Royal Australian Navy Lieutenant Commander Andrew Frugtniet and US Navy Lieutenant Makiling are deployed to Japan in support of the UN Security Council sanctions Enforcement Coordination Cell. Story by Captain Annie Richardson. Photos by Leading Seaman David Cox.

ADF People News Overseas Royal Australian Navy

Front-row seat on Indo-Pacific security

21/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 53 Views 0 Comments North Korea, Royal Canadian Air Force, united Nations Security Council, US Navy

From a naval base in Tokyo, a team of four Australians are working with international partners to enforce United Nations

Army soldiers from 1st/15th Royal New South Wales Lancers patrol through bush at Holsworthy, NSW, during Exercise Menin Run. Story by Captain Tim Klingner. Photos by Corporal Jarrod Moreels.

Australian Army News

Shake-out for brigade ahead of Talisman Sabre

21/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 50 Views 0 Comments 1st/15th Royal New South Wales Lancers, 5th Brigade, Army Reserve, Exercise Menin Run, Exercise Talisman Sabre

Hundreds of reservists of 5th Brigade from across NSW and the ACT went through their paces this month in preparation

May 18 marks five years since the commissioning of HMAS Sydney V – Able Seaman Harley Orpin has a particular strong affinity to the ship, with an elaborate tattoo of it on his arm. Story by Lieutenant Hinako Shiraishi.

History News Royal Australian Navy

Five years at sea for HMAS Sydney V

21/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 65 Views 0 Comments HMAS Sydney

May 18 marks five years since the commissioning of the air warfare destroyer, HMAS Sydney V. CAPTION: May 18 marks five

Medical staff from 3rd Health Battalion treat a simulated casualty during rehearsals as part of Exercise Balikatan in Palawan, Philippines. Story by Lieutenant Emily Tinker. Photos by Leading Seaman Kylie Jagiello.

Australian Army Health and Wellbeing News Overseas

Army mobile surgery unit agile on Ex Balikatan

21/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 86 Views 0 Comments 3rd Health Battalion, Exercise Balikatan, Philippines, Role 2 Basic (R2B)

An Australian Army medical team performed critical surgery under general anaesthesia overseas thanks to a new capability provided by the

Air Force's 1 Expeditionary Health Squadron personnel provide first aid to a simulated casualty during a joint Airbase Protection Training exercise at RAAF Base Amberley. Story by Flying Officer Michael Thomas. Photos by Corporal Emma Schwenke.

News Royal Australian Air Force

Aviators stronger together through medical training

21/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 62 Views 0 Comments Health Operational Conversion Unit (Health OCU), No. 1 Expeditionary Health Squadron, No. 295 Squadron, RAAF Amberley

Through day, night and pouring rain, 295 Squadron and Health Operational Conversion Unit (Health OCU) put aviators to the test

Wing Commander Robyne Green with Air Chief Marshal (retd) Sir Angus Houston, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin and Air Marshal (retd) Leo Davies. Story by Squadron Leader Amanda Scott. Photos by Flight Sergeant Rodney Welch.

ADF People History Royal Australian Air Force

Federation Star crowns remarkable Air Force career

16/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 951 Views 0 Comments Federation Star

Wing Commander Robyne Green has been awarded a Federation Star in recognition of her extraordinary 40 years of service to

The Coral-Balmoral Cup pits elements of the Australian Army School of Armour against US teams, at Puckapunyal, Victoria. Story by Captain Nicholas Coles and Captain Carlie Gibson.

Australian Army News

Battle of the best returns with a bang

16/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 1082 Views 0 Comments Armoured Corps, Coral and Balmoral Cup, School of Armour, US Army

The Royal Australian Armoured Corp’s Coral-Balmoral Cup was bigger than ever this year, boasting more crews and international participants. CAPTION: The

Trainees from the Joint Medic course participate in a theory lesson at the ADF School of Health on Latchford Barracks, Bonegilla, in Victoria. Story by Captain Krysten Clifton. Photo by Corporal Johnny Huang.

Australian Army Health and Wellbeing News Royal Australian Air Force Royal Australian Navy

School of Health embraces triservice challenge

16/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 781 Views 0 Comments ADF School of Health

Of the five training establishments under Army Logistic Training Centre, none have embraced the Joint environment more than the ADF

Commanding Officer HMAS Cape Schanck Lieutenant Commander Christopher Wardle is piped across the gangway for the first time during a Commissioning ceremony held at HMAS Coonawarra, Darwin, Northern Territory. Photo by Petty Officer Leo Baumgartner.

News Royal Australian Navy

Two Australian Defence Vessels upgraded to HMA Ships

14/05/202514/05/2025 Posted by Brian Hartigan 1211 Views 0 Comments

Royal Australian Navy has welcomed two more Evolved Cape-class patrol boats into commissioned service in a ceremony at their homeport

Inside an F-35 simulator. Image supplied by Lockheed Martin.

News Royal Australian Air Force

Williamtown and Tindal F-35 sims connected

14/05/2025 Posted by Brian Hartigan 951 Views 0 Comments F-35A Lightning II

The Australian Department of Defence in partnership with Lockheed Martin have connected F-35 simulators at RAAF Bases Williamtown and Tindal

Australian Army soldiers from 5th/7th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, transit to Balabac Island, Philippines, on an American Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey, as part of Exercise Balikatan. Story by Lieutenant Emily Tinker. Photo by Sergeant Samuel Miller.

Australian Army News Overseas

Battle group builds confidence in combined force

14/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 979 Views 0 Comments 5th/7th Battalion RAR, Exercise Balikatan, Philippine Marine Corps, US Marines

“Should we have to meet in the dark at a time not of our choosing, it won’t be the first

Lance Bombardier Jase Heath, of 111th Air Defence Battery, 16th Regiment, is at the forefront of operating the new NASAMS capability. Story by Major Tim Sydenham. Photo by Signaller Aaron Thant.

Australian Army News

Regiment at forefront of new capability

14/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 2029 Views 0 Comments 16th Regiment, NASAMS

Members of 16 Regiment in South Australia are playing a vital role in Army’s contribution to the ADF’s air and

Leading Seaman Maggie James on board HMAS Choules in Hobart. Story by Lieutenant Matilda Nile. Photo by Able Seaman Connor Morrison.

News Royal Australian Navy

Choules brings sea life to shore

13/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 870 Views 0 Comments HMAS Choules, Navy Band

HMAS Choules received a warm welcome during a port visit to Hobart, opening its gangway to more than 800 Tasmanian

Being in command of the crew inside the HIMARS, Bombardier Nicholas O’Connor has been fortunate enough to travel overseas and gain first-hand training and experience. Story and photo by Major Tim Sydenham.

ADF People Australian Army

Hands-on with HIMARS a unique opportunity

13/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 800 Views 0 Comments 54th Siege Battery, HIMARS, RAAF Edinburgh

Members of 54th Siege Battery, located at RAAF Base Edinburgh, will be the first to introduce the High Mobility Artillery

Development of new facilities at RAAF Base Edinburgh to support 16 Regiment is well under way. Story by Major Tim Sydenham.

Australian Army News

Capability calls up 10 Fires Brigade

13/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 949 Views 0 Comments 10th Fires Brigade, RAAF Edinburgh

While long-range fires was already on the horizon for Army, the release of the Defence Strategic Review accelerated the acquisition

Royal Australian Air Force officer Flight Lieutenant James Wilcox deployed on Operation Accordion at Al Minhad Air Base, 2025. Story and photo by Corporal Luke Bellman.

ADF People Australian Army Middle East Royal Australian Air Force Royal Australian Navy

The movers and shakers of the ADF

13/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 592 Views 0 Comments logistics, Middle East Region, Operation Accordion

They don’t wear capes or fly jets but Australia’s logistics planners drive every move in the Middle East, where nothing

Australian Defence Force members march with service personnel from other Commonwealth nations during the London parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. Story by Captain Edward Pym. Photos from UK MOD © Crown copyright 2025.

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

ADF commemorates VE Day in London

09/05/202510/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 1347 Views 0 Comments VE Day, WWII

More than 1000 service personnel, including members of the Australian Defence Force marched through London to commemorate the 80th anniversary

Soldiers of the 3rd Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, present a donation to Brighter Lives at Townsville University Hospital, Queensland. Photos by Lance Corporal Caitlyn Davill.

Australian Army Health and Wellbeing News

3rd Battalion gives foundation a push along

09/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 1295 Views 0 Comments 3RAR, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Brigade

A donation of $1000 will keep the wheels turning on the Brighter Lives buggy and brighten the lives of locals

The Royal Australian Navy hosts the 2025 Global Combat Ship User Group meeting at the Maritime Combat Systems Integration Centre in Adelaide. Story by Lieutenant Nicholas Draheim.

News Royal Australian Navy

RAN strengthens Global Combat Ship links

08/05/202510/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 1249 Views 0 Comments Aegis, BAE Systems Maritime Australia, CEA Technologies, Future Surface Combatants, Hunter-class frigate

The Royal Australian Navy has hosted the 2025 Global Combat Ship (GCS) User Group meeting at the Maritime Combat Systems

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