More Defence news: 08 December 2008 - 14 December 2008

AUKMIN JOINT STATEMENT ON DEFENCE COOPERATION

11 December – Australia’s Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, and United Kingdom (UK) Secretary of State for Defence, the Rt. Hon. John Hutton MP, met at the Australia-United Kingdom Ministerial (AUKMIN) Dialogue in the UK on 28 November 2008.

The purpose of the meeting was to review the nations’ operational cooperation, identify ongoing defence interests and set out a strategic framework to guide their future relationship.

Mr Fitzgibbon and Mr Hutton acknowledged Australia and the UK’s shared history, common ideals, closely aligned strategic outlooks and priorities.

Mr Fitzgibbon and Mr Hutton affirmed the nations’ intent to maintain and build upon the existing momentum by establishing annual senior-level military and civilian Defence Policy Talks, which they said will serve as a conduit between high-level strategic intent and practical outcomes for future Ministerial meetings such as AUKMIN.

More: Media release | Image Gallery | Joint Statement [PDF-80.0 KB]

Future Leaders on Parade at ADFA

11 December – Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, congratulated more than 200 Officer Cadets having graduated from the Australian Defence Force Academy.

The graduating class of 2008 joined more than 500 of their colleagues on the Academy Parade Ground to celebrate in front of family and friends at the Graduation Parade.

Five graduate cadets were among those who were recognised for their outstanding achievements.

During the Graduation Parade, the Academy’s most prestigious award, the Commander in Chief Medal, was awarded to Midshipman Wei Chong Benson Chian, of the Republic of Singapore Navy, by the Governor-General, Her Excellency, Ms Quentin Bryce, AC.  This Medal is awarded to the most outstanding graduate in the fields of military and academic achievement as well as leadership, personal example and performance of duty.

The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston AC AFC, presented the Chief of the Defence Force Sword of Honour for leadership to Officer Cadet Jessica Van Voglepole, who displayed the highest standard of leadership and officer development amongst the graduating class. Midshipman Danica Ellicott, Officer Cadet Alison Heenan and Officer Cadet Cavin Wilson were awarded the Chief of Navy, Chief of Army and Chief of Air Force prizes respectively.

More: Media release | Image Gallery

The future of Defence’s child care program

10 December – Today, the Receiver of ABC Learning Centres announced that 15 of the 20 child care centres where Defence children have priority access have been declared viable, and will be open as normal, and trading as part of the ABC Group in 2009.

The announcement will bring relief to parents from Wodonga to Townsville.

Five Defence priority centres are still under review, parents of the 49 Defence children enrolled are ensured that talks are underway to provide ongoing services past the end of March 2009.

Plans continue to be made for a seamless transfer of the operation of the 21 Defence-owned and leased centres to a new provider.

Families are encouraged to continue to seek further updated information from the DEEWR dedicated website: www.mychild.gov.au, or from the Defence Community Organisation website: www.defence.gov.au/dco.

Navy sponsors surf boats

09 December – Today, the Royal Australian Navy was launched as the naming rights sponsor of the Australian Surf Boat Rowers League at Manly beach.

Deputy Fleet Commander, Commodore Simon Cullen, AM, RAN, Mr Bert Hunt, President of Australian Surf Rowers Association and Lieutenant Commander Adrian Lister, Defence Force Recruiting welcomed the combined partnership.

The inaugural Navy, The Team That Works, Surf Rowers National League will showcase the sport of surf boat racing around the nation, in every state this summer.

A total of 24 event days and venues are planned from November to February, culminating in annual interstate Surf Boats Teams Challenge, and the 2009 Australian Open Surf Boat Championships at Broulee in February.

More: Media release

Navy mourns loss of Sub-Lieutenant James Bennett

09 December – On 30 November 2008, Royal Australian Navy Officer, Sub-Lieutenant (SBLT) James Bennett, went missing when he fell victim to strong currents while swimming at Devil’s Pool, Babinda Boulder, 70 kilometres south of Cairns.

An extensive search involving the Queensland Police, the North Queensland Fire and Rescue Service and an Emergency Services specialist dive team located a body on 2 December.

“Our deepest condolences are extended to James’ family and friends during this very sad time,” Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Russ Crane, AM, CSM, RAN said.

SBLT Bennett was serving in the Mine Hunter Coastal HMAS Norman, which was visiting Cairns before returning home to Sydney, NSW.

More: Media release

ADF scholarships for Defence families

09 December – An annual joint scholarship initiative between Defence and American Field Service (AFS) Intercultural Programs Australia, will give two students each from Navy, Army and Air Force families and two from Defence civilian families the opportunity to enjoy the challenges of living and studying in another country.

Last week, eight students were awarded with scholarships and will live and study overseas next year.

More: Media release

Navy women given a boost by a new program

09 December – Last week, the Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP, applauded a move to enhance the leadership skills of women in the Navy.

Navy is implementing a Women’s Leadership Program, providing the opportunity for six women, from the rank of Leading Seaman to Commander, to participate in symposiums and events by Australian Women and Leadership Forum.

The program includes a two-day symposium, which will bring together high quality female leaders from both the private and public sectors, to discuss leadership techniques and thinking.

More: Media release  

All-female crew celebrates C-17’s second birthday

08 December – The Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) heavyweight lifter, the C-17A Globemaster III, has celebrated its second anniversary of service with RAAF.

To mark the occasion RAAF’s first all-female crew took to the skies in the mammoth aircraft, operated by No.36 Squadron from RAAF Base Amberley.

Pilot in command was former No. 36 SQN commanding officer, Wing Commander Linda Corbould, aided by co-pilot, Flight Lieutenant Sam Webster.  Sergeants Paula Ivanovic and Julie Snell were the loadmasters for the flight.

For Wing Commander Corbould this flight held extra significance, as it was her final flight in command of the Globemaster.  Wing Commander Corbould handed over command of No.36 Squadron in late November.

More: Media release