Australian – Page 18 – CONTACT magazine

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.

Army mobile surgery unit agile on Ex Balikatan

21/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 2341 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 1981 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 RAAF career

16/05/202531/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 2142 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 2452 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 2137 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 2260 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 2479 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 2087 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 3108 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 2209 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 1836 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 1912 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 2326 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 3155 Views 1 Comment 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 2458 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 2710 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

Students of the Australian War College from the US Military celebrate International Day in Weston Creek, ACT. Story and photos by Major Taylor Lynch.

Australian Army News Royal Australian Air Force Royal Australian Navy

Australian War College embraces overseas colleagues

08/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 1550 Views 0 Comments

The Australian War College held its annual International Day in Weston Creek, celebrating the vast range of cultures from allies

10 Squadron marches in a Victory in Europe Day parade on May 9, 1945, in Plymouth, United Kingdom. Story by Rosalind Turner.

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

80th anniversary of Victory in Europe

08/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 2477 Views 0 Comments VE Day, WWII

On Tuesday May 8, 1945, British prime minister Winston Churchill made an announcement: The war was over and the Allies

Fighterworld general manager, Air Commodore (retd) Jack Fanderlinden, right, listens as Wing Commander (retd) Hugh Holt recalls flying Hercules aircraft with him in 37 Squadron during the Vietnam War. Story by Flight Lieutenant Julia Ravell. Photo by Leading Aircraftman Kurt Lewis.

ADF People History Royal Australian Air Force

Fighter World recalls last RAAF boots on ground in Vietnam

08/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 1772 Views 0 Comments Vietnam War

Only three RAAF aircraft were in Vietnam on Anzac Day 1975, just days before the Fall of Saigon. CAPTION: Fighterworld general

Two CH47-F Chinooks from the 5th Aviation Regiment conduct a mission during the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal visit to Townsville, Queensland. Story and photos by Captain Chloe Ellwood.

Australian Army News

Pay review for Army aviation personnel

07/05/202510/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 1764 Views 0 Comments 16th Aviation Brigade, Army Aviation Training Centre, CH-47F Chinook

Delegates from the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal recently visited 16th Aviation Brigade as part of an ongoing pay review for