Million happy hits Navy has more than a million good reasons to demonstrate that its faith in the world of “cyber recruiting” has been well justified.

Westralia’s future decided The former HMAS Westralia is set to begin a new life in oil and gas exploration after being sold to Upstream Petroleum Pty Ltd in partnership with Helix Services Pty Ltd (USA) for $2.75M on January 16.

Back from the Gulf As Navy News was going to print HMAS Warramunga (CMDR John Hielscher) and her crew of 206 returned home to Fremantle after a successful six-month deployment to the Persian Gulf as part of Operation Catalyst.

Ship now ready for Sirius work Following two weeks of work-ups, HMAS Sirius (CMDR T. G. Crawford) was assessed as “unit ready” after successfully passing her Unit Readiness Evaluation on December 12.

Can’t help that sinking feeling The towers were taken down by controlled fall. Selected guy wires on each tower were severed using small cutting charges at ground anchor points, allowing each tower to fall over in a planned direction.

Navy’s honourable mentions HMAS Parramatta and CMDR Jonathan Mead, the ship’s CO dur-ing its deployment to the Gulf in 2005-06, were among the Navy recipients of Australia Day honours this year.

Ride worth the money The answer to the $64,000 question of how much money someone would pay for the sea-ride of a lifetime on a Collins class submarine has been answered with a bid for – exactly that – $64K.

Boats on the move The countdown is on to the decomissioning ceremonies for HMA Ships Ipswich and Townsville. Plans are underway to send the boats out with a bang.

WO takes another step up the ladder After 37 years, life on the ocean wave, or anywhere near it, retains its great allure for Navy’s David Baker, recently promoted to LEUT.

Sydney up for milestone HMAS Sydney (CMDR Guy Holthouse) and her hard-working ship’s company have reached another important milestone in the $1 billion FFG Upgrade Program.

Australia celebrates with pride The Navy played a key role in the Australian Defence Force’s contribution to Australia Day celebrations on January 26.

Ship a little older HMAS Arunta (CMDR Luke Charles-Jones) celebrated her eighth birthday on December 12.

Brisbane’s day outy One of the largest commitments to Australia Day took place in Brisbane with close to 200 Navy, Army and RAAF personnel taking to the “parade ground” or working quietly in the background.

Killen’s legacy recalled Former Minister for the Navy, Sir James “Jim” Killen, passed away on January 12. Here is a tribute written by ex-WOCD Larry Digney.

Stirling challenge One of the key areas for the Sea Change program is to improve opportunities for a better lifestyle. CPO Darren Dyball and PO Scott Harriden report on the Inter-Command Challenge held at HMAS Stirling last year.

Ashes scattered HMAS Toowoomba (CMDR Jaimie Hatcher) paused off Cottesloe Beach on departure to the Gulf to pay respects to a member of the Navy family.

Smart study scheme A key element of Sea Change is being a “smart Navy” and providing members with worthwhile education and continuing professional development opportunities throughout their career.

Last wish granted A Vietnam veteran from Humpty Doo has had his dying wishes granted, returning to the sea he served on for 27 years.

Briefs
Fleet Command now launched
Survey to be conducted
Plan unveiled to redevelop site