Cop That
RAN minesweeper Bandicoot and DMS’s Seahorse Mercator were “siezed” by RAN and NSW Police boarding parties when suspected of carrying drugs last week.

Torpedo trials a success
Successful trials were recently held on board HMAS Parramatta (CMDR Mike Noonan) to test the capability of a new lightweight anti-submarine warfare torpedo for the Navy and RAAF.


Geraldton honours Hudson
Solemn ceremony in Solomons


Health and safety under microscope
Defence will begin new research on Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) practices across the organisation in March.


Voyage south successful
The Royal Australian Navy’s Eastern Fleet oiler, HMAS Success (CMDR Mark McIntosh) has returned to Australia after making a 7,000-kilometre dash into the Antarctic to help frigate HMAS Warramunga (CMDR John Vandyke) arrest an alleged toothfish poacher.


Travel card on the way
Travel by all Defence members is about to undergo massive change designed to save millions of dollars.

Navy reunion could attract big numbers
A chance meeting between two Korean War naval veterans at the Redfern RSL Club 18 months ago could now result in one of the largest re-unions Australia has ever seen.


Birthday celebrations for RAN
From humble beginnings, the Royal Australian Navy has grown into a force to be reckoned with and, on March 1, will celebrate its 103rd birthday.


Language skills to be taught
Sailors on patrol boats will soon be learning Indonesian as part of a trial aiming to increase the effectiveness of boarding operations in Australia’s northern waters.

Parra names its RHIBs
They are the names for the high speed rigid hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs) carried by the City of Parramatta’s “own” warship, HMAS Parramatta.

Briefs
Park to open, Sailing opportunity, Pollies on parade

Protector tests fleet readiness
“Situation red, incoming Mirage carrying Exocet, bearing 240,” the voice over the tannoy warned the ship’s company of HMAS Newcastle.

Sydney comes of age
HMAS Sydney (CMDR Peter Quinn) celebrated her 21st birthday following Fleet Divisions at Fleet Base East last month, in the city for which the ship is named.

Bendigo claims a major win
HMAS Bendigo (LCDR Bryan Parker) has proved to the Fleet that she has one of the finest crews of the Patrol Boat force by winning all three major events during the annual Minor War Vessels Concentration Period.


Major US award for CDRE
Commodore Jack McCaffrie, AM, CSM, RANR, has been awarded the US Legion of Merit for his outstanding service as Naval Attache, Washington, during the period 2000– 2002.

Band trade sax for Steyrs
When 17 members of the Royal Australian Navy Band headed off to do a series of Christmas/ New Year gigs they not only packed their saxophones, trumpets and drums, they also took Steyr rifles, bullet proof vests and helmets.

Briefs 2
Frequent flyers, Eagle turns 50, Health review, Parko wins


Medallion minted for mighty Anzac
HMAS Anzac’s involvement in the Iraq conflict has been commemorated in an unusual way by the Perth Mint.


Brolga flys home to Freo
The former RAN Minesweeper Auxiliary, ex-MSA Brolga has returned to her “home port” Fremantle, WA, where she was built in 1975 by Australian Shipbuilding Industries.

Shooting from the hip
Some outgoing commanding officers have ridden off on camels, in limousines, mini helicopters or on vintage boats.

End of a fishy affair
A model of the Patagonian Toothfish was presented to HMAS Warramunga (CMDR John VanDyke) during a recent visit by Theo Kailis, Chairman of Austral Fisheries.

Bulletin Board