Returned and Services
League of Australia

13 July 2010
Private Bewes commences final journey home

Around 1500 ISAF and Afghan National Army personnel lined the road to the Multinational Base Tarin Kowt Airfield on 12 July 2010 to farewell Australian soldier Private Nathan Bewes who was killed in an Improvised Explosive Device blast in Chora on 9 July.

Private Bewes was the 17th Australian soldier killed in Afghanistan since 2001 and was the third soldier from the 1st Mentoring Task Force killed in action.

Tributes from fellow soldiers delivered during the service held earlier told of a brave and dedicated member of 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment and a loyal and trusted friend of many.

Nathan will be sadly missed by his mates as well as the wider Australian Defence Force family.

14 July 2010
Heavy Landing Craft join Pacific Partnership 2010

HMA Ships Labuan and Tarakan have joined United States Naval Ship (USNS) Mercy in the Maluku islands, Indonesia for a ten-week mission in the three host nations, providing essential ship-to-shore logistics as part of Pacific Partnership 2010 (PP10). The PP10 visit to Indonesia is a two-phase disaster relief exercise which commenced in Jakarta in November 2009. A table-top exercise scenario dealing with a natural disaster in the region was the first phase during which the multi-national team discussed plans to effectively employ USNS Mercy, Indonesian Navy Ship KRI Dr. Soeharso and other ships' from the international community, including HMA Ships Labuan and Tarakan.

13 July 2010
Australian Clearance Divers conduct a fast roping exercise

The Australian Clearance Dive Team Four (AUSCDT 4) conducts training for fast rope insertions by helicopter. The team utilised HMAS Kanimbla’s 817 Squadron Sea King SHARK 35 for the training at the United States Marine Corp Training Attachment Bellows Airfield in Hawaii during Exercise RIMPAC sea phase 2010.

The Australian Defence Force’s largest international maritime exercise, Exercise Rim-of-the-Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010 has commenced in Hawaii.
RIMPAC is designed to test interoperability with 14 Pacific Rim nations.
Approximately 1200 ADF personnel will be participating.
This year marks the 22nd RIMPAC. It will be hosted by the US Third Fleet over a five week period, finishing on the 1st August 2010.

14 July 2010
Chief Of Navy Unveils Memorial for Junior Recruits

Vice Admiral Crane had the pleasant task of dedicating a memorial to the men who joined the Royal Australian Navy, as boys, under the auspices of the Junior Recruit Training Scheme.

Vice Admiral Crane welcomed the honourable Nick Goiran, MLC, representing the Premier of Western Australia and graduates of the Junior Recruit Training Scheme, along with their families to the dedication of the Junior Recruit memorial.

The memorial commemorates the commitment and service of the 13,000 15 and 16-year-old boys who joined the Royal Australian Navy as Junior Recruits between 1960 and 1984.

The memorial was unveiled and dedicated on the 50th anniversary of the start of Junior Recruit training in the former HMAS Leeuwin by the Chief of Navy, himself a former Junior Recruit.

 12 July 2010
ADF personnel farewell Japanese Defence Ship Kunisaki departing Singapore during PP10

Australian Defence Force and partner nation personnel man the rails of United States Naval Ship (USNS) Mercy to farewell Japanese Defence Ship Kunisaki as they part ways on departure from Singapore during Pacific Partnership 2010. USNS Mercy is enroute to Indonesia to conduct disaster relief exercises.

Australia is participating in the annual US-led humanitarian assistance mission. Seventy ADF personnel over three rotations will join USNS Mercy over the next three months.

The PP10 mission marks the fifth year of Australian support, and will provide engineering and medical assistance in Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, East Timor and Papua New Guinea.

Aimed at strengthening international relationships and interoperability for disaster relief throughout South East Asia and Oceania, ADF personnel will be based out of USNS Mercy in Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia and East Timor. Additionally, RAN assets HMA Ships Labuan and Tarakan will provide assistance with ship to shore movements in some countries.

14 July 2010
Boss Lift and the ADFPP members - experience life on the Solomon Islands

Civilian employers of Defence Force reservists have experience first hand the conditions and challenges faced by their employees whilst serving on operations overseas. Twenty employers recently joined their reservist employees currently deployed to the Solomon Islands in support of Operation Anode. Now in its fourth year of operation, Exercise Boss Lift is designed to inform and promote to employers the important tasks being conducted by their reservist employees by providing them with a chance to experience service life in the field via such activities as kit demonstrations, range shoots and base tours. Exercise Boss Lift provides each Operation Anode reserve rotation with the opportunity to showcase the skills they have developed during their service in the Solomon Islands back to their local workplaces in Australia.

12 July 2010
Solomon Islands 32nd Independence Anniversary parade

Civilian employers of Defence Force reservists have experienced first-hand the conditions and challenges faced by their employees whilst serving on operations overseas. Twenty employers recently joined their reservist employees currently deployed to the Solomon Islands in support of Operation Anode. Now in its fourth year of operation, Exercise Boss Lift is designed to inform and promote to employers the important tasks being conducted by their reservist employees by providing them with a chance to experience service life in the field via such activities as kit demonstrations, range shoots and base tours. Exercise Boss Lift provides each Operation Anode reserve rotation with the opportunity to showcase the skills they have developed during their service in the Solomon Islands back to their local workplaces in Australia.

Participants of Exercise Boss Lift and the Australian Defence Force Parliamentary Program visit villagers

Civilian employers of Defence Force reservists have experienced first-hand the conditions and challenges faced by their employees whilst serving on operations overseas. Twenty employers recently joined their reservist employees currently deployed to the Solomon Islands in support of Operation Anode. Now in its fourth year of operation, Exercise Boss Lift is designed to inform and promote to employers the important tasks being conducted by their reservist employees by providing them with a chance to experience service life in the field via such activities as kit demonstrations, range shoots and base tours. Exercise Boss Lift provides each Operation Anode reserve rotation with the opportunity to showcase the skills they have developed during their service in the Solomon Islands back to their local workplaces in Australia.

10 July 2010
Private Scott Palmer - farewelled in Darwin

Private Scott Palmer was laid to rest today (Saturday 10 July 10) after a service in Darwin.

Private Palmer was killed in action in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan on 21 June.

He was awarded the Australian Active Service Medal with clasps IRAQ, East Timor and International Coalition Against Terrorism (ICAT), the IRAQ Campaign Medal, the Australian Defence Medal, the Australian Service Medal with clasp Timor – Leste, the Australian Defence Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and the NATO ISAF Medal. PTE Palmer was also awarded the Returned from Active Service Badge from a previous deployment.

Family, fellow commandos and dignitaries attended the 10am service at Christ Church Anglican Cathedral.

Prime Minister Ms Julia Gillard, Minister for Defence, Senator, The Honorable John Faulkner, Minister for Defence Personnel, the Honorable Alan Griffin MP, federal opposition leader Mr Tony Abbott MP, shadow spokesman for Defence, Senator, the Honourable David Johnston, shadow spokesman for Defence Science and Personnel, the Honourable Bob Baldwin, Chief Minister for the Northern Territory, the Honourable Paul Henderson MLA, Member for Lingiari, the Honourable Warren Snowdon MP, leader of the Northern Territory opposition Mr Terry Mill MLA and Senator for the Northern Territory Senator, the Honourable Nigel Scullion, attended the service.

Military dignitaries included Chief of Defence, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie, Special Operations Commander Australia, Major General Timothy McOwan, and Regimental Sergeant Major- Army, Warrant Officer First Class Stephen Ward.

08 July 2010
The toil of filming a ratings winner

Master chef Australia filmed at Holsworthy Barracks in Sydney, where the nine remaining contestants were put through a grueling two-hour bush trek and to cook for 100 hungry soldiers.

08 July 2010
Exercise Precision Red

Exercise Precision Red 01/10 has seen Air Force conduct high-intensity deployed airfield operations across Northern Queensland. Two C-130J Hercules were used to train aircrew in the methods and tactics of flying the aircraft in the Middle East Area of Operations. Three remote airfields in the Townsville and Shoalwater Bay Field Training Areas were established by Air Force Combat Support elements during the Exercise.

07 July 2010
Prime Minister visits HMAS Broome

Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon Julia Gillard, sailed onboard HMAS Broome to see a simulated boarding exercise first-hand following her announcement of the Government's immigration policy.

07 July 2010
Defence commemorates the service of Indigenous men and women

Each year, Defence conducts a memorial service to honour Australia’s Indigenous service personnel. The memorial service highlights the long-standing association between Defence and the Indigenous community.

This year’s memorial service was at the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Memorial, located on the slopes of Mount Ainslie, Campbell ACT.

                        Memorial service to honour Australia’s Indigenous service personnel on the slopes of Mount Ainslie, Campbell ACT.

07 July 2010
The next 'tranche' of Super Hornets

The arrival of these aircraft brings the Australian fleet to eleven, with the first five Super Hornets being welcomed to Australia on March 26 this year.

The Super Hornets, affectionately referred to as ‘Rhinos’, make a tremendous addition to the Royal Australian Air Force’s fleet of air combat aircraft. The Super Hornet brings an enhanced air combat capability to Air Force that will allow Australia to maintain its regional air combat superiority, effectively contribute to regional security and enhance interoperability with coalition partners.

Australia’s Super Hornets will ensure there is no air combat capability gap during the transition to the Joint Strike Fighter force and maintain our regional air superiority throughout the withdraw of the F-111 and classic Hornet fleets.

The total Super Hornet programme investment is approximately $6 billion over the next decade, which includes acquisition and all support costs as well as personnel.

Number 1 Squadron are working together with the Australian Super Hornet project team, the Air Combat Transition Office and Air Combat Group to achieve Initial Operating Capability at the end of the year. This will result in an operational air combat squadron of aircraft with associated trained personnel, weapons and logistics support. By the end of 2012, the Super Hornet capability will be mature with 24 aircraft being operated in Australia.

06 July 2010
Final King Air handover for No. 38 Squadron

On 6 July 2010, the eighth and final King Air for No. 38 Squadron was handed over at RAAF Base Townsville. The King Air is serving as an Interim Light Transport for the Australian Defence Force, providing efficient, reliable and responsive transport across Australia and the greater region. The first three King Airs were handed over from Army Aviation in November 2009, and five new aircraft have been delivered to the Squadron.

06 July 2010
Tactical Communications Course 0039 bush phase

After spending three weeks training at RAAF Richmond's No. 1 Combat Communication Squadron (1CCS), students of TACTCOMMS course 0039 deployed to the Singleton Training Area in New South Wales to consolidate their knowledge in a tactical field environment.                                  

Having travelled from RAAF bases all over Australia to participate in the course, the students were kitted out with their packs, webbing and F88 Steyrs before disappearing into the bush to set up and operate Tactical Air Command Posts (TACP) and smaller satellite radio communication posts known as 'Step Ups'.

Iroquois in Service

A Sqn 5 Avn Regt Iroquois Helicopters Rolling out from the Pick-up Zone after loading up with Officer Cadets during exercise Borneo, at Wide Bay Training Area.

A visit to Lavarack Barracks in Townsville was part of the agenda for the Hon Greg Combet MP Minister for Defence Materiel and Science. He inspected the site for the 3RAR barracks, watched a Weapons Tactical Training Simulator shoot and spoke to soldiers who are members of the 3rd Brigade

05 July 2010
Mentoring Being Conducted on Combined Patrols

All across the First Mentoring Task Force (MTF1) area of operations, partnered mentoring is being conducted on mounted and dismounted combined patrols.

Local communities are experiencing an ever increasing security presence from the southern Baluchi Valley to the northern Chora reaches, as well as east through Mirabad.

As a part of this effort, Afghan National Army (ANA) and MTF1 soldiers from a Chora Valley Patrol Base conduct a dismounted patrol through the villages and green farmland of the region.

Ongoing combined ANA and MTF1 security operations involving infantry, combat engineer and reconnaissance capabilities in Uruzgan, have achieved multiple layers of effects including an increased rate of Improvised Explosive Device “find and render safe” percentages, increased cache finds, and enhanced trust fostered within local communities.

05 July 2010
Battlefield Circulation Tour

MTF-1 Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Mark Jennings is moving around his command and meeting the soldiers a part of his battlefield circulation tour of the Australian Mentoring Task Force area of operation.

Lieutenant Colonel Jennings also met with members of the Afghan National Army as a part of his tour.

The soldiers under his command are currently partnering members of the Afghan National Army to create a combined presence through the region providing security against insurgent forces.

Ongoing successful partnered operations are delivering results and clearly demonstrates the Afghan National Army are on their way to eventually taking over security operations in Uruzgan province.

Operations are focussed on improving the lives of local people through increased security, and community liaison and engagement to set the conditions for development in areas such as health, education and public works.

1st July 2010
Herbie finally home to rest in peace

Around 100 engineers and soldiers from the 1st Mentoring Task Force attended the commemorative service for Herbie, the explosive detection dog killed in an IED blast that claimed the lives of two Australian soldiers in the Mirabad Valley Region on 7 June 2010.

The service was held for Service Number 476 Explosive Detection Dog Herbie early on 10 June. Herbie's mate Bundy, a black Staffy Cross featured prominently in the service as he clearly missed his playmate.

Commanding Officer of the 1st Mentoring Task Force Lieutenant Colonel Jason Blain delivered a eulogy for Herbie with the service held by 1st Mentoring Task Force Padre Captain Al Lavaki.

The engineers, soldiers and explosive detection dogs said their last farewells at the service with a memorial headstone to be emplaced inside the dogs' kennel areas at Multinational Base Tarin Kowt.

The service for Sapper Darren Smith, Herbie's handler, and Sapper Jacob Moerland was held at the Multinational Base in Tarin Kowt on 9 June.

                                                                        Two medals awarded to Explosive Detection Dog Herbie for his combat service in Afghansistan.

05 July 2010
Service for Private Timothy James Aplin

Private Timothy James Aplin was laid to rest today (Mon 5 Jul 10) after a service in Brisbane.

Private Aplin was killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan on 21 June. He was awarded the Australian Active Service Medal with East Timor, Iraq and ICAT clasps, the Infantry Combat Badge, United Nations Medal with Ribbon UNTAET, the Iraq Campaign Medal, The Australian Defence Medal, The Defence Long Service Medal, and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal.Private Aplin has also been awarded the Return from Active Service Badge from a previous deployment.

Family, fellow commandos and dignitaries attended the 10am service at St John's Cathedral, Brisbane.

Prime Minister Ms Julia Gillard, Minister for Defence, Senator, The Honourable John Faulkner, Secretary for Defence Dr Ian Watt, federal opposition leader Mr Tony Abbott MP, Queensland Premier, The Honourable Ms Anna Bligh MLA, and attended the service.

Military dignitaries included Chief of Defence, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie, Special Operations Commander Australia, Major General Timothy McOwan, and Regimental Sergeant Major- Army, Warrant Officer First Class Stephen Ward.

01 July 2010
Funeral service for Private Benjamin Chuck

Hundreds of friends, family and colleagues have farewelled Private Benjamin Chuck in a moving funeral service held in his hometown of Yungaburra.

27 year old Private Benjamin Chuck was killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan last week. He has been awarded the Australian Active Service Medal with Clasp ICAT, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the NATO IASF Medal, the Infantry Combat Badge and the Australian Defence Medal.

The Hon Julia Gillard MP, Prime Minister, Senator the Hon John Faulkner, Minister for Defence, the Hon Tony Abbott MP, Leader of the Opposition, Senator the Hon David Johnston, Shadow Minister for Defence, the Hon Anna Bligh MLA, Premier of Queensland, Dr Ian Watt, Secretary for Defence, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston AC AFC, Chief of the Defence Force, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie AO DSC CSM, Chief of Army, Major General Tim McOwan DSC CSM, Special Operations Commander Australia, local dignitaries and soldiers from the Sydney based 2 Commando Regiment attended the funeral.

02 July 2010
No. 460 Squadron RAAF reformation ceremony

After almost 65 years since it was disbanded at the end of the Second World War, the Royal Australian Air Force has officially reformed No. 460 Squadron (460SQN). The reformation ceremony was held beneath the Australian War Memorial’s “G for George” a Second World War 460SQN Lancaster Bomber which flew 90 operational missions during the height of the bomber offensive.

30 June 2010
Marine Exercise 10

A major multi-lateral exercise climaxed in East Timor yesterday (25 June 10) when a multinational force raided Manatuto Prison.

US Marines, Australian and New Zealand soldiers of the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) and the East Timor Defence Force (F-FDTL) concentrated on the prison in the country’s east for two raids that tested interoperability and operational planning.

The prison raids culminated with an assault by F-FDTL, ISF and US Marines, including air support from the USS Peleliu and the Timor Leste Aviation Group (TLAG).

More than 100 F-FDTL soldiers participated in the MARINE EXERCISE 10 (MAREX 10), also called EXERCISE CROCODILE.

The Exercise focused on professional development and arms corps advice to the F-FDTL. It also included community support activities such as engineering, medical and community relations programs.

The participating Marines landed from USS Peleliu and comprised the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (15 MEU).

The ISF personnel included Australian soldiers of 8/9 Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment (8/9 RAR) and 2/1 Battalion, the Royal New Zealand Regiment (2/1 RNZR).

2010
Ships Arrive for Exercise RIMPAC

The Australian Defence Force’s largest international maritime exercise, Exercise Rim-of-the-Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010 is designed to test interoperability with 14 Pacific Rim nations.

Approximately 1200 personnel will be participating including members from Australian Navy ships HMAS Kanimbla, Newcastle and Warramunga, Navy Clearance Divers, members of 2 RAR from Townsville and members from 11SQN and 92WG from RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia.

This year will mark the 22nd RIMPAC. It will be hosted by the US Third Fleet over a
five week period, finishing on the 1st August 2010.

                                                                                                       United States Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAVP7 RAMRS) approach HMAS Kanimbla in Pearl Harbor.

4th July American Independence Day fireworks
American Independence Day marks the start of a new stage of the Rim of the Pacific Exercise. The Sea Phase begins this week.

                     View of Independence Day fireworks from the wharf where HMAS Newcastle is berthed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii for RIMPAC 2010.

05 July 2010
Aviation Museum tour provides WWII reminder

Personnel from HMAS Kanimbla, including 817 Squadron visited the Pacific Aviation Museum at Pearl Harbour.

They are deployed in Hawaii for Exercise RIMPAC 2010.

Aircraft and personnel from 817 Squadron are currently attached to HMAS Kanimbla providing aviation support for the exercise.

This is scheduled to be the final RIMPAC for 817 Squadron's Sea King helicopters which retire from service in late 2011.

Pacific Aviation Museum on historic Ford Island occupies World War II-era hangars which still bear the scars of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.

06 July 2010
RAR Embarks In Amphibious Phase Of RIMPAC 2010

The Australian Defence Force’s largest international maritime exercise, Exercise Rim-of-the-Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010 has commenced in Hawaii.
RIMPAC is designed to test interoperability with 14 Pacific Rim nations.
Approximately 1200 ADF personnel will be participating.
This year marks the 22nd RIMPAC. It will be hosted by the US Third Fleet over a five week period, finishing on the 1st August 2010.

06 July 2010
Commodore Mayer visited Australian contingents based at the Marine Corps Base in Kaneohe Bay

Commodore Mayer visited Australian contingents based at the Marine Corps Base in Kaneohe Bay as part of his role as Commander of all Australian elements of Exercise RIMPAC 10. Australian Clearance Diving Team Four demonstrated advanced underwater equipment to Commodore Mayer and Exercise Commander Vice Admiral Rick Hunt. Commodore Mayer also addressed Bravo Company from Townsville’s 2 Royal Australian Regiment, as well as Australian AP – 3C Orion aircraft maintainers

12 July 2010
United States Marine Corps conduct launch and recovery training from the tank deck of HMAS Kanimbla