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Combat training for pilots Combat training for pilots
Date Uploaded: 15 May 2012

Squadron Leader Phillip Frawley teaches future fighter pilots the finer points of air combat during a brief held at No. 76 Squadron at RAAF Base Williamtown. Squadron Leader Frawley has just turned 60 and is the oldest current fighter pilot and instructor in the Royal Australian Air Force.
Skills put to the test Skills put to the test
Date Uploaded: 15 May 2012

The 2012 Australian Army Skill at Arms Meeting (AASAM), conducted at Puckapunyal Military Range, pitched the best soldiers against each other in a tough combat-like environment. Since 1984, AASAM has been Australia's premier military shooting tournament, with a growing reputation worldwide. The activity is open to all Australian Defence Force members and also attracts champions from 16 international defence forces.

Exercise Triton Drop conducted in Afghanistan Exercise Triton Drop conducted in Afghanistan
Date Uploaded: 07 May 2012

Combined Team Uruzgan and Afghan National Army teams conducted the stretcher carry during Exercise Triton Drop in Tarin Kot, Uruzgan Province. Members of Mentoring Task Force 4 and Combined Team Uruzgan competed with Afghan National Army personnel during the training activity, which consisted of a kit check, tourniquet application, stretcher carry, a 5km route march and a range shoot. The Afghan National Army team was the overall winner of the day and was awarded a certificate and a compass for each member.
Thousands gather for Gallipoli commemorations Thousands gather for Gallipoli commemorations
Date Uploaded: 25 Apr 2012

Standing in the shadow of the Sphinx, more than 6000 people kept a dedicated vigil through a cool night at the Anzac Commemorative Site, Gallipoli. Representing that Anzac spirit in Gallipoli were the uniformed men and women of Australia’s Federation Guard, who formed a catafalque party alongside members of the New Zealand Defence Force.
Dawn Service in Fremantle Dawn Service in Fremantle
Date Uploaded: 25 Apr 2012

An Army member of Catafalque Party resting on arms reverse as the Navy bugler salutes during the Australian National Anthem at the Anzac Day dawn service at Monument Hill, Fremantle, Western Australia. Navy personnel both across Australia and overseas have paused to remember the sacrifices made by those service men and women who have come before them at sea, on land or in the air. Navy has a long and proud history which continues today as sailors selflessly serve their country in Australia and overseas.
Anzac Day commemorated at the Australian War Memorial Anzac Day commemorated at the Australian War Memorial
Date Uploaded: 25 Apr 2012

Members of the crowd participate in the singing of the Hymn, "O God, our help in ages past" at the conclusion of the 2012 Anzac Day Dawn Service at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra. Anzac Day commemorations remember the original Anzacs who died on 25 April 1915 and also honour the service men and women who have served and died in all wars, conflicts, peacekeeping, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance missions.
ADF in Anzac Day commemorations ADF in Anzac Day commemorations
Date Uploaded: 24 Apr 2012

Australian soldier Private Kris Binet will be among members of Australia's Federation Guard taking part in Anzac Day commemorations at Gallipoli on 24-25 April 2012. The Federation Guard will provide a protective catafalque party for the Day Dawn Service at the Anzac Commemorative Site and, later that morning, at the Australian Memorial Service at Lone Pine. Around a dozen members of Australia’s Federation Guard travelled to Turkey as part of an Australian Government delegation commemorating the 97th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings on 25 April 1915. Anzac Day ceremonies will be held in Australia and around the world to honour those who have served in wars, conflicts, peacekeeping, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance missions.
Federation Guard practises for Anzac Day services Federation Guard practises for Anzac Day services
Date Uploaded: 20 Apr 2012

Australia's Federation Guard member Lance Corporal Cameron Peterson stands in front of the statue 'Simpson and his donkey' outside the Australian War Memorial, during lead up training to Anzac Day 2012 commemorative services in Gallipoli, Turkey. Around a dozen members of Australia’s Federation Guard are in Turkey as part of an Australian Government delegation commemorating the 97th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings on 25 April 1915.

*This image has been digitally manipulated - this image has been merged with 20120405adf8106603_140 to enhance the statue in...'
Aeromedical evacuation of wounded soldiers Aeromedical evacuation of wounded soldiers
Date Uploaded: 12 Apr 2012

RAAF Aeromedical Evacuation (AME) and Critical Care Teams combined to fly home seven Australian soldiers who were wounded in Afghanistan. The soldiers received specialist care at the US Landstuhl Regional Medical Centre in Germany before embarking upon an Australian C-17 fitted out with medical equipment for the journey. The four AME teams and Critical Care Officers deployed at short notice for the mission. The seven soldiers were wounded when an Afghan National Army soldier turned upon them and opened fire immediately following a parade at a patrol base in Kandahar Province. Three Australian soldiers, Captain Bryce Duffy, Corporal Ashley Birt and Lance Corporal Luke Gavin, were tragically killed in the incident on 29 October 2011.
Military vehicles on the move Military vehicles on the move
Date Uploaded: 02 Apr 2012

Approximately 390 Military vehicles, including LandRovers, trucks, M1A1 Abrams tanks, Australian Light Armoured Vehicles (ASLAVs), Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles and M113AS4 Armoured Personnel Carriers were moved from Darwin's Robertson Barracks to the East Arm Wharf from late March. The move was in preparation for two shipments to the Shoalwater Bay Training Area, north of Rockhampton, for a series of exercises. All vehicle moves during the period were conducted under strict conditions set by Defence to minimise the impact on the Darwin community. The move offered the public a glimpse of some of the Australian Army’s state-of-the-art equipment.

Combined arms demonstration Combined arms demonstration
Date Uploaded: 02 Apr 2012

Exercise STURT’S GAUNTLET was a combined arms demonstration for the Australian Command and Staff College conducted by elements of 1st Brigade, along with members of the 16th Air Land Regiment from Woodside Barracks. The exercise aimed to showcase how the Australian Army might work together in an hybrid threat scenario, and involved a Mechanised Platoon mounted in M113 armored personnel carriers, an M1 Abrams Tank and an Engineer Section working together to neutralize an enemy position. A M777 155mm Howitzer and mortar section provided Indirect Fire Support, with elements from 16th Air Land Regiment providing cover from an air attack and facilitating a link to intelligence aircraft from the RAAF.
Students attend Defence 2020 challenge Students attend Defence 2020 challenge
Date Uploaded: 28 Mar 2012

Students have attended the Defence 2020 Youth Challenge at the Australian National Maritime Museum. Defence 2020 is a multi-faceted education program designed to encourage young Australians to become informed about the role of Australia's Defence Force and to engage in constructive dialogue on a wide range of Defence related issues such as national security and our rights and responsibilities as global citizens.
Aussie entertainers visit Defence forces in Middle East Aussie entertainers visit Defence forces in Middle East
Date Uploaded: 26 Mar 2012

Comedian Mick Molloy, country music artist Chris E Thomas and Doug Weaver, and AC/DC cover band Damnation recently entertained Australian Defence Force personnel during a Forces Entertainment Tour to the Middle East Area of Operations. The performers gave a series of well received shows at Tarin Kot, Kandahar, Kabul and Al Minhad. The Australian entertainment industry has a long and proud tradition of supporting ADF personnel deployed overseas. This most recent Forces Entertainment Tour of the MEAO is the 20th by Australian performers.
Performers visit troops in Middle East Performers visit troops in Middle East
Date Uploaded: 25 Mar 2012

Comedian Mick Molloy, country music artist Chris E Thomas and AC/DC cover band Damnation recently entertained Australian Defence Force personnel during a Forces Entertainment Tour to the Middle East Area of Operations, including Afghanistan. The performers gave a series of well received shows at Tarin Kot, Kandahar, Kabul and Al Minhad. The Australian entertainment industry has a long and proud tradition of supporting ADF personnel deployed overseas, contributing significantly to their morale.
This most recent Forces Entertainment Tour of the MEAO is the 20th by Australian performers.
HMAS Choules passes first capability test HMAS Choules passes first capability test
Date Uploaded: 20 Mar 2012

The Royal Australian Navy’s new amphibious ship HMAS Choules has successfully completed its first major amphibious training tasks. Navy and Army have come together during the last three weeks for the amphibious exercises SQUADEX and SEA LION. Exercise SQUADEX provided practice for drivers of Army and Navy landing craft along with a variety of vehicle types as they drive on and off HMAS Choules. The internal docking facility can be flooded to a depth of up to three metres so landing craft and the ship’s own landing barges actually drive inside the hull while the ship is at sea, taking on their cargo of vehicles and people in safe and controlled conditions. For exercise SEA LION, HMAS Choules was joined by the New Zealand amphibious ship HMNZS Canterbury, Australian Army personnel from Townsville’s 3rd Brigade and planning staff from all three services around Australia. This exercise focused on ensuring the ADF is prepared for a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief incident in our region.
HMAS Newcastle conducts Long Navigation Course HMAS Newcastle conducts Long Navigation Course
Date Uploaded: 15 May 2012

In her role as Fleet Training Ship, HMAS Newcastle and Ship's Company undertake duties such as sea-riding days for Royal Australian Navy recruits, billets for Royal Canadian Navy sailors on exchange and Long Navigation Course, which provides training and assessment of future navigation officers.
Meeting the locals in East Timor Meeting the locals in East Timor
Date Uploaded: 15 May 2012

Private Alex O' Keeffe plays with the local kids during a patrol by Anzac Company's 2 Platoon in Dili, East Timor on 23 April 2012. Reservists from the Royal Victorian Regiment are members of Anzac Company in East Timor as part of the International Stabilisation Force (ISF). The ISF is supporting the East Timor security forces to maintain a stable and secure environment, at the invitation of the government of Timor-Leste.

Medical team supporting troops at Kandahar Medical team supporting troops at Kandahar
Date Uploaded: 07 May 2012

A Military Police Officer from the Role Three Multi-National Health Facility in Kandahar, Afghanistan guides an ambulance carrying wounded soldiers into the hospital. The facility is a world class combat trauma hospital that treats coalition servicemen and women, as well as personnel from the Afghan National Army and Police who are wounded in southern Afghanistan. The facility is currently led by the US Navy and is supported by a multi-national team of medical professionals from Coalition nations. Australia’s contribution to this team includes a surgical team, a nursing officer and a doctor from the RAAF and two army medics.
Sacrifice remembered at Villers-Bretonneux Sacrifice remembered at Villers-Bretonneux
Date Uploaded: 25 Apr 2012

Members of the Australian and French public attended the 2012 Anzac Day Dawn Service at the Australian National Memorial in Villers-Bretonneux, France. The memorial and service honoured all Australian soldiers who died on the Western Front as well as the many who returned wounded, in body and spirit, and who, like their country, would be forever changed by the First World War. On 25 April 1918, three years to the day after the landings at Gallipoli, the Australian 13th and 15th Brigades, with the assistance of British units, counter-attacked Villers-Bretonneux, securing the town and halted the German advance to Amiens.
Governor-General joins troops in Afghanistan for Dawn Service Governor-General joins troops in Afghanistan for Dawn Service
Date Uploaded: 25 Apr 2012

'The Governor-General of Australia, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC laid a wreath during the Anzac Day 2012 Afghanistan Dawn Service at Multi-National Base Tarin Kot.
The Governor-General joined with the troops to pay tribute to those who have sacrificed their lives while serving. Approximately 500 people attended the Dawn Service, where an honour roll was called, honouring those who had sacrificed their lives while serving in Afghanistan. A traditional ANZAC Day breakfast followed the Dawn Service.
Dawn Service at Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance Dawn Service at Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance
Date Uploaded: 25 Apr 2012

The Anzac Day Dawn Service at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Victoria was one of many held around Australia to mark the 97th anniversary of arrival of the original ANZACs at Gallipoli during World War I. Anzac Day honours all Australians who have served and died not only in combat but in peace-keeping, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance missions.
Training in Afghanistan Training in Afghanistan
Date Uploaded: 20 Apr 2012

Explosive Detection Dog, Matilda, and Sapper Adam Thomlinson, Mentoring Task Force Four (MTF-4) training at Multi National Base Tarin Kot in Afghanistan. Matilda is one of the canines helping to save lives, including recently locating an improvised explosive device on a route which was targeting a convoy.
Live fire exercise under way in Queensland Live fire exercise under way in Queensland
Date Uploaded: 13 Apr 2012

A live fire exercise using F/A-18F Super Hornets is being conducted at Townsville Field Training area during Exercise Black Dagger. The exercise, being held 11-23 April 2012, is part of the Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) course, conducted by Number 4 Squadron from RAAF Base Williamtown, NSW. The aim of the JTAC course is to graduate selected Australian Defence Force personnel in the planning, briefing, controlling and reporting of close air support on the battlefield for ADF and major coalition partners.
HMAS Melbourne conducts boarding HMAS Melbourne conducts boarding
Date Uploaded: 06 Apr 2012

HMAS Melbourne’s boarding party conducted a Flag Verification boarding on a dhow (local ship) in the Gulf of Oman as part of the Royal Australian Navy's contribution to Operation Slipper. Under the direction of Combined Task Force 150, the boarding party embarked to ascertain the vessel's registration details. The boarding party spoke with the Master of the ship, confirming the number of personnel onboard, their port of origin and the purpose of their transit. On completion, the boarding party disembarked and returned to HMAS Melbourne. The routine maritime operation is consistent with the Combined Maritime Forces aim to enhance goodwill and confidence of mariners in the area of operations, which spans over 2.5 million square miles.
Air Force celebrates 91 years Air Force celebrates 91 years
Date Uploaded: 02 Apr 2012

A service was held on Friday 30 March to mark the 91st anniversary of the formation of the Royal Australian Air Force as an independent service (31 March). The service was held at the RAAF Memorial Grove near Canberra to commemorate and honour all those who served and are still serving in the RAAF. Warrant Officer of the Air Force, Warrant Officer Mark Pentreath CSM, and the Air Force Division of Australia's Federation Guard took the salute on the behalf of all Australia's airman as a 7m x 3.5m Royal Australian Air Force Ensign was raised at Regatta Point in Canberra, on the Canadian Flagpole. The Ensign raising ceremony signalled the dawn of Air Force anniversary ceremonies.
HMAS Parramatta returns from Operation Slipper HMAS Parramatta returns from Operation Slipper
Date Uploaded: 02 Apr 2012

Petty Officer Belinda Kelso with her parents Jo and Michael Kelso and best friend Cassie St John on the wharf with HMAS Parramatta in the background at Fleet Base East, Sydney after her return from Operation Slipper. HMAS Parramatta returned to Australia on 31 March following a successful six-month deployment to the Middle East. Family and friends gathered at Fleet Base East in Sydney to celebrate the return of the 191 crew members on board the Anzac Class Frigate. HMAS Parramatta was in the Middle East to participate in counter-terrorism operations in the Gulf of Oman, North Arabian Sea, Bab Al Mandeb and Straits of Hormuz, as part of Operation Slipper and Combined Maritime Forces. The crew also conducted important counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden and in the waters off the Horn of Africa and the Somali Basin.
Exercise FARU SUMU in Northern Territory Exercise FARU SUMU in Northern Territory
Date Uploaded: 27 Mar 2012

Ten F/A-18F Super Hornets from RAAF Amberley's No. 6 Squadron and Combat Control Team (CCT) personnel from RAAF Williamtown's No 4 Squadron are participating in Exercise FARU SUMU, being held in the Northern Territory from 11-29 March 2012. Exercise FARU SUMU is conducted out of RAAF Darwin, Tindal and Delamere Weapons Range.
New Defence satellite launched New Defence satellite launched
Date Uploaded: 25 Mar 2012

A Defence hosted payload on an Intelsat communications satellite was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on 25 March 2012. The satellite is a critical component in the ADF’s communications capability and will increase the effectiveness of the ADF’s capabilities worldwide.
Clean up after Townsville storm Clean up after Townsville storm
Date Uploaded: 22 Mar 2012

Townsville based 3rd Brigade (3 BDE) responded to requests from the Council and Queensland Police Service to provide immediate clean-up to areas of Townsville affected by a severe storm. 3 BDE deployed approximately 120 troops into the community in support of the response to the severe thunderstorms which struck Townsville on 20 March. 3 BDE troops will remove debris and clear roads to ensure residents can move through the area safely.
Exercise to prepare for Afghanistan deployment Exercise to prepare for Afghanistan deployment
Date Uploaded: 19 Mar 2012

Mentoring Task Force – Five (MTF-5) started its preparation for deployment to Afghanistan with Exercise Long Khan at the Townsville Field Training Area from 5-18 April. Sappers from 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment, gunners from 1st Regiment Royal Australian Artillery and troopers from 2/14th Light Horse Regiment joined forces with the 3rd Battalion The Royal Australian Regiment infanteers in the extremely wet conditions at High Range where the entire MTF was in the field for an Afghan-like atmosphere.