Army infiltration?
I was disappointed to notice in the latest edition of Navy News that as well as the Reserve supplement we had absorbed the Army into our sailors' paper.
The report of the Navy v Army rugby match was obviously written by an unnamed khaki comrade as was the report on the female match (the same writer?).
If that were not enough the movie, dvd & video, tv and two book reports were submitted by the old enemy! My consternation was further inflamed when I read the pongo pti's fitness tips and the Sick Bay column scripted by the soldiers' 'scab-lifter'!
Are we so journalistically challenged, or have Defence cutbacks invisibly melded the respective Service papers. I await your reply.
Grant Henley
Grant.Henley1@defence.gov.au

No, no cutbacks or invisible melds. With the approval of the services we have introduced 'common' pages to make better use of resources. Since sport is largely tri-service anyway, a reporter will now cover such an event for all three newspapers (the rugby reports were actually written by one of our civilian reporters), fitness, reviews, medicine, and investment now share a common thread, that which is best for the reader. - Asst Ed.

Successful reunion
We wish to thank members of your editorial staff for running the notice relating to the 13th National Reunion of the Royal Australian Navy Corvettes Association on the Gold Coast.
More than 750 people attended, including wives and partners, with many meeting for the first time in more than 60 years - a stirring interlude for those former shipmates.
Your assistance in making this reunion known to your readers in the Naval family was greatly appreciated and we again thank you for your valued support.
TM See,
President, RAN Corvettes Association, QLD Branch.

Memories of 'Link' live on
June 4 marked 12 months since the sad passing of LS Daniel 'Link' Linklater.
Link's first posting was on the HMAS Hobart, which is ironic really, as his stepfather Klaus was on the original crew that brought the Hobart from USA to Australia.
On behalf of Link's family and his daughters Ainsley and Kyal, I would like to thank everyone who wrote letters of condolence and shared funny stories and photographs of the good times that they had with Link, throughout his 12 years in service.
I haven't heard back from some people who initially contacted, offering to send photographs, so I am enclosing my contact details below.
For those of you who served with Link, I am sure you will always have fond memories of the big man with the big voice, who had the capacity to make everyone who came in contact with him feel good, for simply being in his presence.
Take care and warm wishes.
Sam Strecker (Link's mum).
1323 Lyell H/Way, Sorell Creek, Tasmania, 7140.
Email: klstreck@tassie.net.au
Ph: 03-6261 4929(H), 03-6230 7607.

Assurance for insurers
As the crisis in the insurance industry deepens, which is having massive implications for all parts of Australian life and society, my eyebrows rose a little to see adverts in Navy News for a firm specialising in military compensation claims.
I have no doubt that the firms who advertise provide a service and are honourable.
However, given that State Premiers are already talking in the media about restricting this type of advertising in the face of the current crisis, I wonder whether the Navy News editorial board will give consideration to the appropriateness of continuing to accept advertising from compensation lawyers.
Andrew St.John-Brown
LCDR, RANR
Maritime HQ.
Our official policy on advertisements is as follows: "Advertisements that do not reflect Navy values, in particular to equity and recognition of diversity, will not be accepted. Sourcing of advertising will be undertaken by Public Affairs and Corporate Communications staff, with the editorial board reserving the right to reject advertisements that do not adhere to Navy values". We monitor the situation. Asst Ed.

Somali reunion
I refer to a Somali Vets 10th Anniversary Reunion for 2003. Momentum is building from Somali Vets still serving in the ADF and from those who have retired for a national reunion of all Somali veterans to take place in Sydney on ANZAC Day 2003.
The aim is to include all personnel who served with Op Iguana, Op Solace, UNITAF, UNOSOM I and II. More information will follow later this year.
We want to keep the format as simple and cost free as possible, so currently the proposed format is to be, for a rallying point to be found somewhere in the Sydney CBD, participation in the ANZAC Day March, followed by a reunion at a venue TBA.
Any offers of assistance or help would be appreciated. The Somali Veterans Association, which formed in Mogadishu in 1993, is still going and if anyone would like their name and contact details registered on the data base (at no cost) please contact Mr Gary Conquest via e-mail at sweetfa@bigpond.com.
CAPT John O'Grady,
Keswick Barracks,
Keswick, SA.

Defence Library Service has the answers
It is interesting to note your discussion on the recent appearance of the Princess Royal in Navy uniform.
While the answer was eventually found, much running around could have been saved by one call to the Defence Library Service.
The DLS has a range of research and information services and incidentally has copies of the Navy List for at least the past 20 years.
For all such information enquiries, no matter how small or large, contact the library around Australia on 13 31 39 or see our site on DEFWEB.
Katherine Diehm,
Defence Library Service,
Canberra.