Ak Mc News

Despite the oft sung words in the national anthem, Australians live often detached from the reality that “…our home is girt by sea”. In Canberra on 30 January, senior Defence leaders gathered at the Australian War Memorial to help launch a book that highlights Australia’s reliance on sea trade and a formidable Navy to protect sea lanes and prosperity. In the presence of His Excellency, General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK, MC (Ret’d), Governor General of Australia, Dr Brendan Nelson, Director of the Australian War Memorial, quoted the opening of the national anthem as he spoke at the launch of “Navy and the Nation” written by the Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Tim Barrett.

Throwing their hats in the air today marked not only the end of their time at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), but also the start of a new phase in the military careers of 224 officer cadets and midshipmen. The Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia, His Excellency, General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK, MC, was joined by the Minister for Defence Personnel, the Hon Dan Tehan MP, the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, AC, and other distinguished guests and families at the 2016 Graduation Parade. The achievement was extra special for ADFA as it marked the graduation of ADFA’s 30th class. Graduates from ADFA’s first class, who graduated in 1986, were also invited to attend the celebration.

Australia has farewelled a Royal Australian Navy ship that has served the country for over three decades in a ceremony today on Sydney Harbour. The Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove, AK MC (Retd), together with the Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, and Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Tim Barrett, AO, CSC, RAN, attended the decommissioning of HMAS Sydney, at her homeport of Garden Island, Sydney. Minister Payne paid tribute to the service of ship’s company past and present. The Australian White Ensign was lowered from the ship for the last time, and handed to Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander David Murphy, RAN, as is the tradition for Navy during decommissioning ceremonies.

The Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove, AK, MC (Retd), together with the Assistant Minister for Defence Stuart Robert, MP, and Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Tim Barrett, AO, CSC, RAN, today attended the decommissioning of HMAS Tobruk to bid the ship a fond farewell in Sydney. “In a time-honoured tradition, the Australian White Ensign was lowered for the last time and handed to Commanding Officer, Commander Leif Maxfield,” Mr Robert said. Tobruk provided sterling service and contributed to operations in Somalia, East Timor and the Solomon Islands, and conducted extensive work both in Australia and around the South West Pacific. “She has been the workhorse of the Fleet,” Mr Robert said.

The Royal Australian Navy operated Sail Training Ship Young Endeavour set sail from Sydney today for a 12-month voyage, circumnavigating the globe. Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, Darren Chester, attended the departure from Fleet Base East, and spoke with members of the Royal Australian Navy crew and the 24 young Australians who will sail the ship on the first leg, to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. "The navy crew and young Australians who set sail from Sydney today represent every Australian state and territory.

Governor General of Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove, AK, MC (Retd), together with the Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon Mr Tony Abbott, MP, were the guests of honour today as Australia’s first Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) was welcomed into service in the Royal Australian Navy. The Australian White Ensign was raised for the first time, signaling that HMAS Canberra III was formally commissioned into the Fleet. Navy, Army and Air Force members of ship’s company lined the aircraft hangar as invited guests witnessed the historic event. Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Tim Barrett, AO, CSC, RAN, said the commissioning was a step towards developing the future of the Navy. “HMAS Canberra is an exciting addition to the Royal Australian Navy.

The Royal Australian Navy operated Sail Training Ship, Young Endeavour, is undergoing maintenance work in preparation for a 12-month world circumnavigation. It is the vessel’s first deployment of this nature in more than 20 years. Darren Chester MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defense, visited Royal Australian Navy crew and maintenance team members to view STS Young Endeavour in the Captain Cook Graving Dock in Sydney. Chester said the Royal Australian Navy contribution…