During HMAS Leeuwin’s third South East Asian deployment this year, a port visit to Dili provided an opportunity for six members of the ship’s company to visit the village of Soibada, located in the mountainous central region of the island nation, to experience the culture of rural Timor-Leste and lend a helping hand.
For Iraqi-born Australian Army soldier Corporal Fadi Jabbori, his deployment to the Taji Military Complex evokes memories of his past.
Brisbane residents received a nice surprise when the Army arrived at their doorstep with food from Meals on Wheels.
A group of officers and sailors from HMAS Stuart had the honour of representing the Royal Australian Navy at the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Leyte Gulf, the largest naval battle of World War II.
Navy has celebrated the completion of 27 years of service by HMAS Melbourne, the last of her class.
The 138m-long Adelaide-class guided missile frigate (FFG) – the last remaining of six built for Navy – was decommissioned on October 26 at her home port at Fleet Base East, Garden Island, Sydney.
Melbourne’s final Commanding Officer, Commander Marcus Buttler, said his ship’s company was honoured to be the last crew to serve in Melbourne and pleased the occasion could be shared with many former ship’s company, who attended the decommissioning ceremony.
“There are thousands of people who have called this ship home over the past 27 years and most of our people don’t know a time in the Navy without HMAS Melbourne and the FFGs in the fleet,” Commander Buttler said.
“I am so proud of the men and women of HMAS Melbourne for sustaining a high tempo at sea right to the end and contributing to her outstanding legacy.
“It is also a sad day as we see the end of almost 40 years of the Adelaide-class frigate, which has been one of the most effective maritime warfighting platforms ever built.”
The Royal Australian Navy ships supporting the East-Asia Deployment have successfully participated in a number of international engagements since their departure from Fleet Base East in late September, despite Typhoon Hagibis interrupting some of the original planning.
Task Group Commander Captain Andrew Quinn praised the members of the task groups for their professionalism and flexibility.
“We have provided great presence in the region and are demonstrating and improving our interoperability with our international partners,” Captain Quinn said.
“We are proving that the Australian Defence Force (ADF) is a reliable security partner, notwithstanding adverse circumstances being presented at times.”
For the next two months, 11 vessels, four maritime combat helicopters and more than 1000 personnel across two task groups are visiting regional partners in northern and southern Asia for multinational exercises and regional engagement activities.
The fastest drone racers in the Australian Army were centrestage in a tight contest between 96 of the nation’s best drone racers vying for the coveted title of Australian Drone Racing National Champion.
Australia is deploying Royal Australian Navy frigate, HMAS Parramatta to support the international effort to enforce United Nations Security Council sanctions imposed against North Korea.
The Iraqi Army School of Infantry Non-Commissioned Officer II (SINCO II) took an important step towards full independent operating capability, after Australian instructors successfully led a heavy weapons training course.
A Navy couple has been recognised for their service by the Governor-General during a ceremony in Canberra.