Australian Army Relief Support in Australia

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02/16/2019

Due to the effects of the unprecedented weather event in Northern Queensland on farmers and their livestock in the region, The Australian Defence Force has been asked to provide critical lift support. 

Joint Task Force 646 established a forward operating base out of Cloncurry in western Queensland on 9 February 2019, where three MRH-90 helicopters will be able to more effectively support communities affected by severe flooding. 

Crew from the Australian Army’s 5th Aviation Regiment are working out of Cloncurry to help distribute aviation fuel to farmers and civilian contractors so they can refuel their own aircraft to distribute feed to livestock cut off by flood waters. 

Joint Task Force 646 was established to coordinate and manage Defence’s response to the disaster and works with Commonwealth agencies, Queensland authorities and local mayors to assist affected communities in Western Queensland.

Australian Department of Defence

February 12, 2019

F-35 at Red Flag 19-1

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Pilots and maintainers from the 419th Fighter Wing and 388th Fighter Wing’s 4th Fighter Squadron and 4th Aircraft Maintenance Unit are participating in Red Flag 19-1 at Nellis AFB, Nevada. 

This is wing’s second Red Flag with the F-35A, America’s most advanced multi-role fighter, which brings game-changing stealth, lethality and interoperability to the modern battlefield.

Red Flag is the Air Force’s premier combat exercise and includes units from across the Air Force and allied nations. 

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, NV, UNITED STATES

02.06.2019

Photo by Ronald Bradshaw 

388th Fighter Wing 

Operation HIGHROAD (2)

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02/15/2019

The training of Afghan Tactical Air Coordinators (ATACs) by coalition forces, including Australians, is having a significant impact on Afghanistan’s battles with insurgents. 

In early December, the Afghan Air Force conducted its first night-time air strike inflicting heavy casualties on insurgents and destroying enemy munitions stores. Operation Highroad is the Australian contribution to the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan. Australia contributes about 300 Defence personnel to the train, advise and assist mission.

December 16, 2018

Australian Department of Defence

RAAF F-35s Commence Flight Operations

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02/14/2019

F-35A aircraft commenced scheduled flying operations at RAAF Base Williamtown during the last week of January 2019.

The two aircraft from No 3 Squadron began a phase of operations designed to verify and validate the jet’s capabilities.

These operations will continue for the next two years, in the lead-up to the declaration of the Initial Operational Capability at the end of 2020.

The first two F-35A Joint Strike Fighters A35-009 and A35-010 arrived in Australia on 10 December 2018.

Australian Department of Defence

January 30, 2019

Japanese Chief of Staff for Maritime Self Defense Force Visits the Australian Navy

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Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Michael Noonan, AO, RAN hosted Chief of Staff for the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force, Admiral Yutaka Murakawa in Sydney for a Counterpart Visit on the 29th January 2019.

This is Admiral Murakawa’s first visit to Sydney, Australia which included wreath laying at the HMAS Kuttabul Memorial and Imperial Japanese Navy Midget Submarine memorial at Fleet Base East, Sydney.

Admiral Murakawa met officers and sailors from HMA Ships Hobart, Canberra, Kuttabul, Waterhen, Gascoyne and Huon.

Australian Department of Defence

January 29, 2019

Strategic Partnering Agreement for the Future Submarine Program  

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On February 11, 2019 the Government announced the formal signing of the Strategic Partnering Agreement for the Future Submarine Program between Defence and Naval Group. 

The signing, held at Russell Offices, Canberra, was attended by Australian Prime Minister the Hon Scott Morrison, MP, Minister for Defence, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP and French Minister for the Armed Forces, Madame Florence Parly 12 regionally superior ‘Attack’ class submarines are being designed and built for the Royal Australian Navy under the Future Submarine Program. 

The full range of other activities required to deliver this major program, including the development of the submarine construction yard in Osborne South Australia, are continuing. 

The delivery of the first ‘Attack’ class submarine will be in the early 2030s.

Australian Department of Defence

February 11, 2019

RAAF C-27J in Aussie Disaster Relief

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On 9th February 2019, No. 35 Squadron from RAAF Base Amberley was called in to start supporting the North Queensland flood relief effort from Mount Isa. 

Two Royal Australian Air Force C-27J Spartan aircraft and crew worked with the Australian Army’s 9th Force Support Battalion to deliver urgent aircraft fuel for civilian helicopters to drop fodder and hay to livestock and farmers in the isolated Richmond and Julia Creek areas.

Australian Department of Defence

February 10, 2019