More Defence news: 17 March - 23 March 2008
| Security Detachment soldiers to return home | Commemoration ceremonies to honour HMAS Sydney II | New Defence leadership team announced | Star of Courage awarded to Shane Warburton | Graduating pilots to get their 'wings' | Indigenous youth program seeks new heights | Fourth Reconstruction Task Force farewelled | Australians win respect in Iraq | HMAS SYDNEY II found | |
Security Detachment soldiers to return home
Infantry soldiers from the 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, cavalry soldiers from the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry) and combat support troops from the 7th Combat Service Support Battalion will arrive at Brisbane International Airport following their six-month deployment. The Security Detachment (SECDET) is a combat team of about 110 personnel that provides support to the Australian Embassy in Baghdad in order to facilitate the conduct of the Australian diplomatic mission. More: Read about the role of the SECDET |
|
| 20 March - TODAY IN DEFENCE HISTORY 1917 - Victoria Cross awarded to Lieutenant FH McNamara, from 1 Squadron Australian Flying Corps. For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty during an aerial bomb attack upon a hostile construction train, when one of our pilots was forced to land behind enemy lines, Lieutenant McNamara, observing the pilot's predicament and the fact that hostile cavalry were approaching, descended to his rescue. He did this under heavy rifle fire and in spite of the fact that he himself had been severely wounded in the thigh. He landed about 180 metres from the damaged machine, the pilot of which climbed onto Lieutenant McNamara's machine, and an attempt was made to rise. Owing, however, to his disabled leg, Lieutenant McNamara was unable to keep his machine straight, and it turned over.The two officers, having extricated themselves, immediately set fire to the machine and made their way across to the damaged machine, which they succeeded in starting. Finally, Lieutenant McNamara, although weak from loss of blood, flew this machine back to the aerodrome, a distance of 112 kilometres and thus completed his comrade's rescue. 1990 - Anniversary of commissioning for HMAS Benalla. 2003 - First RAAF bomb in conflict since Vietnam dropped in Iraq. |
|
| Commemoration ceremonies to honour HMAS Sydney II 19 March - The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP, has described the national response to the discovery of the final resting place of HMAS Sydney II as "overwhelming and incredibly moving". The focus now moves to commemoration ceremonies. “Navy is planning its own, private, ceremony in the near future. It will include the laying of a plaque and wreath over the site of HMAS Sydney II,” said Mr Snowdon. Planning has also begun for a national memorial service in Sydney on 24 April. “This will provide an opportunity for families and other members of the public to commemorate the tragic loss of HMAS Sydney II and its crew members,” said Mr Snowdon. “We will be releasing further details about a venue and timings shortly.” A national commemoration will be held on the 19 November, the 67th anniversary of the loss of HMAS Sydney II. The Australian Government is also liaising with the German government regarding appropriate recognition of the loss of their sailors and the HSK Kormoran site. Meanwhile, the discovery of the wreck of HMAS Sydney II also helps close a chapter of Royal Australian Air Force history. Six RAAF members were among the ship’s 645 crew when it went down with all hands in 1941. This small party was a detachment from RAAF’s No. 9 Squadron based at Rathmines, New South Wales. The detachment was embarked to operate and maintain the Seagull V Walrus amphibious aircraft which the light cruiser normally carried for reconnaissance, gunnery spotting, and search and rescue work. More: Media release re commemoration ceremonies | Media release re Air Force detachment | HMAS SYDNEY II found |
|
New Defence leadership team announced
The Prime Minister further announced the appointment of a new Vice Chief of the Defence Force, along with new chiefs of the Navy, Army and Air Force, to take effect on 4 July 2008. Lieutenant General David Hurley will assume the position of the new Vice Chief of the Defence Force, taking over from Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie. Lieutenant General Gillespie has been appointed as the new Chief of Army, with the current Chief, Lieutenant General Peter Leahy, to retire. The new Chief of Navy will be Rear Admiral Russell Crane, who will be promoted to Vice Admiral and take over from the retiring Chief in Vice Admiral Russ Shalders. The Royal Australian Air Force will also have a new leader, with current Air Commander Air Vice-Marshal Mark Binskin to be promoted to the rank of Air Marshal when he takes over from Air Marshal Geoff Shepherd as Chief of Air Force. More: Imagery | Transcript of press conference Biographies: Biography Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston | Biography Lieutenant General David Hurley | Biography Rear Admiral Russell Crane | Biography Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie | Biography Air Vice-Marshal Mark Binskin |
|
| Star of Courage awarded to Shane Warburton 19 March - The heroic actions of former Leading Seaman Shane Warburton have been recognised with the presentation of Australia’s second highest bravery award, the Star of Courage. Shane Warburton was one of only two survivors of the tragic Navy Sea King helicopter accident on Nias Island, Indonesia, on 2 April 2005. The Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, said that Shane Warburton’s actions in saving a colleague while facing immense personal danger was a significant act of heroism worthy of such recognition. His selfless act was particularly noteworthy given that nine other ADF personnel lost their lives and he himself was seriously injured in the accident. “Shane’s actions on that terrible day were a fine display of courage and initiative, as he put himself in danger to save a mate’s life. With his selfless bravery, he has brought great honour upon himself which has now been rightfully recognised. “In a demonstration of great humility, I understand that he has said his actions were ‘just what you do for your mates’.” More: Read media release |
|
| 19 March - TODAY IN DEFENCE HISTORY 1932 - New South Wales Lancers provided the mounted escort for the Governor General at the ceremony marking the opening of the Sydney Harbour bridge. The Royal Australian Garrison Artillery Band led the way across the bridge during the ceremony. Both these units still exist as 1/15 Royal New South Wales Lancers and Australia Army Band - Sydney, respectively. 1941 - 19-21 March: Elements of 6 Division Cavalry Regiment and 2/9 Battalion (-) began operations to capture Giarabub, North Africe, by attacking and taking key observation posts. |
|
| Graduating pilots to get their 'wings' 18 March - Twenty-four pilots will graduate from No.2 Flying Training School (2FTS) at RAAF Base Pearce in Western Australia will receive their 'wings' on Thursday, 20 March. The graduates comprise 19 Royal Australian Air Force and five Royal Australian Navy pilots who will now begin conversion training on operational aircraft including the RAAF’s P3 Orions, C-130 Hercules, C-17 Globemaster III, Beech King Air, 737 VIP, Caribou and the Hawk Lead-in Fighter. The Navy graduates will begin conversion on the RAN’s Squirrel Helicopter. The student pilots have undergone an intensive 38-week course to become military pilots and upon graduation will proceed to operational units. To celebrate their achievement during the parade, a flypast using nine PC9 and four Hawk Lead-in fighters will occur. The unit graduates a calibre of military aviator of the RAAF and RAN who are capable of flying training aircraft with the skill and confidence necessary to allow ready transition to operational aircraft. As such, and in keeping with the traditions of the RAAF and RAN, the standards of flying skill and airmanship that trainees must develop at 2FTS are very high. Necessarily allied to this requirement, all members are relied upon, and empowered to excel, in their respective positions and perform the duties and responsibilities of capable members within their area of expertise. More: No.2 Flying Training School |
|
Indigenous youth program seeks new heights
The visit provided the indigenous students with a full experience of life in the RAAF with tours of Aviation Medicine, Aerospace Operational Support Group (AOSG), 92 Wing flight line and the 292 Squadron Advanced Flight Simulator. Emmanuel, Tyson and Jarrod joined Student Matters, a Centacare program coordinated by Mr Ross Tanimu, which was formed to ‘close the gaps’ for indigenous youth. Initiatives such as 11 Squadron's “Seeking the Heights” helps to make dreams come true for indigenous youth who may have never had the opportunity to experience life in the RAAF. More: Imagery |
|
| 18 March - TODAY IN DEFENCE HISTORY 1941 - 16 Brigade arrived in Greece. 1967 - 7 Combat Support Unit birthday. |
|
Fourth Reconstruction Task Force farewelled
The Member for Brisbane, the Honourable Arch Bevis MP, Commanding Officer 4th Reconstruction Task Force (RTF4), Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Yeaman and more than 400 ADF personnel took part in the parade, which featured specialist displays such as mine detection, an explosive ordnance detection robot, vehicles and equipment. The soldiers from RTF4 have also conducted an intensive period of pre-deployment training at the Wide Bay Training Area in Queensland. The Reconstruction Task Force works on reconstruction and community-based projects as part of Australia’s commitment to assisting Afghanistan achieve a stable and secure future. The Australian contribution includes skills training for the local population to ensure the benefits of the deployment continue long after the Australians have returned home. Our contribution involves approximately 400 ADF personnel. The RTF structure allows the Australian contribution to undertake construction and security activities. Additionally, the force provides project management specialists to other regional reconstruction activities. More: Pre-deployment training imagery | Reconstruction Task Force |
|
Australians win respect in Iraq
Around 200 men, women and children attended the clinic. Army medical staff treated the local people for a range of illnesses and provided medice, medical supplies and vitamins. One of the Army medics, Warrant Officer Class Two Tania Harmer, treated locals with various complaints ranging from aches and pains, to diabetes, anemia, and saw several pregnant women. “The locals were pleased to have us here. We had a good day and I think we have helped these people, at least in a small way,” she said. Al Islah district manager Mr Ali Hussein Raddad thanked the soldiers for their support and said the visit built on already strong ties with Australia. “The people of Islah are not strangers to the Australians because there are currently over 60 families from Islah living in Australia,” he said Mr Raddad also highlighted the improving security situation in his district. “They [the Australians] are here to ensure that the security situation in the region is under control and … we confirm that the security situation in the region is very stable,” he said. The MedCAP occurred during a two-day patrol to the town and surrounding countryside which included meetings with community leaders and the review of an electricity project. More: Imagery | Operation CATALYST |
|
HMAS SYDNEY II found
The discovery lays to rest one of Australia's most enduring maritime mysteries and provides a final resting place for the families of the 645 members of HMAS Sydney II. HMAS Sydney II was found following the discovery of HSK Kormoran, approximately 112 nautical miles off Steep Point, Western Australia lying in 2,560 metres of water. The Minister for the Department of Environment, Water Heritage and the Arts is being consulted to ensure the wreck site is being protected. More: Read media release | Imagery (including HMAS Sydney II file images) | HSK Kormoran found | Finding Sydney Foundation | The search begins |
|
| 17 March - TODAY IN DEFENCE HISTORY 1916 - 7 Field Regiment birthday. 1917 - Bapaume: During the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line, the town of Bapaume fell to the 2nd Division. Bapaume had been held by the Germans since 1914 and was only abandoned after extensive booby-traps had been set, to the cost of the Australians. Like many parts of the British line it changed hands again in the great German offensive of 1918. Retaken by the New Zealand Division on 29 Aug 1918 it was by that time utterly destroyed. 1953 - 2nd Battalion The Royal Australian Regiment (2 RAR) arrived in Korea to replace 1 RAR. 1978 - 12 Combat Engineer Works birthday. |
