Aussie Patrol Boat Training for Border Security

Posted on | by Caroline Teames
01/17/2017

01/17/2017: HMAS Ararat is one of the Royal Australian Navy’s patrol boat fleet based in northern Australia.

 The fleet operates 365 days a year to defend against potential civil maritime threats, including illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing, narcotics trafficking and irregular maritime arrivals.

 In order to provide this continuous capability, the 15 ships and their crews train regularly to ensure they carry out all tasks smoothly, meeting Navy’s mission “to fight and win at sea.” 

Credit: Australian Ministry of Defence:12/06/16

 

The Last A-4 Retires

Posted on | by Caroline Teames
01/12/2017

01/12/2017: Wednesday Dec. 21, 2016 the QF-4 Phantom II retired from active duty. Over the last 53 years the Phantom became one of the most beloved airframes in the Department of Defense.

 While this aircraft was an inanimate object, it connected to thousands of people on an emotional level as it served as a symbol of hope and freedom during one of the most difficult times our country has faced.

 Lt. Col. Ronald King, 82nd Aerial Target Squadron Detachment 2 commander and the last active duty Airman to pilot the QF-4, describes his experience serving with the Phantom.

 HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, NM, UNITED STATES

 Video by Senior Airman BreeAnn Sachs: Holloman Air Force Base Public Affairs Office:12/21/2016

 

 

Signing of Submarine Build Framework Agreement Between France and Australia

Posted on | by Caroline Teames

01/12/2017: Prime Minister of Australia, the Honorable Malcolm Turnbull, and the French Minister of Defence, Mr. Jean-Yves Le Drian, visited Keswick Barracks in Adelaide on 20 December 2016 for the official signing ceremony of the Framework Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the French Republic Concerning Cooperation on the Future Submarine Program.

Also in attendance was Minister for Defence Industry, the Honorable Christopher Pyne, Vice Chief of the Defence Force Vice Admiral Ray Griggs, Deputy Secretary Strategic Policy and Intelligence Rebecca Skinner and Director General Submarines Branch Commodore Tim Brown.

 Credit:Australian Ministry of Defence:12/20/16

 See our articles on the submarine program:

 https://sldinfo.com/the-new-australian-submarine-a-discussion-with-dcns-australia/

 https://sldinfo.com/focuspublications/australias-new-class-of-conventional-submarines/

 https://sldinfo.com/building-submarines-in-australia-shaping-a-new-combat-capability-in-the-pacific/

 https://sldinfo.com/building-a-new-class-of-conventional-submarines-the-australian-case/

Semper Fi: 100 Year Marine Corps Reserve and to Marine John. J. O’Leary

Posted on | by Caroline Teames

01/12/2017: Retired 1st Lt. John J. O’Leary, a Marine veteran of World War II, celebrated his 100th birthday Dec. 23, 2016.

O’Leary fought on Guam and witnessed the bombardment of Iwo Jima as a member of 3rd Joint Assault Signal Company.

Semper Fi from SldInfo.com on Vimeo.

 

Video by Sgt. Ian Leones :Marine Forces Reserve:OLATHE, KS, UNITED STATES:12.28.2016

 

 

 

Operation Legacy Australia Kokoda Challenge

Posted on | by Caroline Teames
12/24/2016

12/24/2016: Major General Stuart Smith AO, DSC, Legacy Australia Ambassador and former Legacy ward, has today launched a joint initiative with Legacy Australia Chairman, Mr Tony Ralph which will see Australian Defence Force (ADF) Members mentor Legacy youth in a leadership development challenge, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Kokoda Campaign.

In preparing for the 96-kilometre trek, 10 sailors, soldiers, airmen and airwomen will also be selected to act as individual mentors to the Legacy youth in what Defence has called ‘Operation LEGACY AUSTRALIA KOKODA CHALLENGE 2017’.

MAJGEN Smith said: “Kokoda has its place in Australia’s national identity. Often depicted as the ultimate physical challenge for contemporary Australian pilgrims, this journey will reveal the best in both ADF members and Legacy youth”.

Credit: Australian Ministry of Defense:11/18/16

Overview on SPMAGTF Southern Command Deployment

Posted on | by Caroline Teames
12/22/2016

12/22/2016: Wrapping up a six-month rotation, Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Southern Command (SPMAGTF-SC) re-deployed to the United States Nov. 21, 2016.

With the approval of the Government of Honduras, the unit was based out of Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras from June-November, where they operated across the northern-tier of Central America as the rapid response force assigned to U.S. Southern Command’s area of responsibility.

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South:11/29/2016

Long Range Raid Exercise

Posted on | by Caroline Teames
12/20/2016

12/20/2016: U.S. Marine Corps VM-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162, 2nd Marine Air Wing, Marine Air Group 26, conduct a long range raid as a part of an urban exercise, from Twentynine Palms, Calif. to Yuma, Ariz., Nov. 12, 2016.

The Marines of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 conducted a long range raid in conjunction with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division during an urban exercise, as a part of Integrated Training Exercise (ITX) 1-17 in preparation for the upcoming Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force.

YUMA, AZ, UNITED STATES

11/12/2016

2D Marine Division Combat Camera