WWII Catalina Aircraft Wreckage Confirmed
The Royal Australian Air Force has confirmed that aircraft wreckage found in waters south of Cairns is that of RAAF Number 11 Squadron Catalina A24-25 that crashed on 28 February 1943, killing all 11 personnel on board. Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Leo Davies AO, CSC, praised the work of all those involved in locating and confirming the identity of the aircraft. “The discovery of this Number 11 Squadron Catalina is important for Air Force and our ongoing commitment to account for our missing personnel from past conflicts; currently 3124 from the Second World War and 18 from Korea. The wreckage was first discovered 56 kilometres south of Cairns in 35 metres of water by Cairns diver Kevin Coombs in 2013…
USS Newport News Commanding Officer Relieved of Command
Rear Adm. Douglas J. McAneny, commander, Combined Task Force 54, completed administrative personnel actions involving select members of the USS Newport News (SSN 750) crew, Jan. 29, including relieving Cmdr. Matthew A. Weingart of command due to a lack of confidence in his ability to command. Capt. Norman B. Moore has temporarily assumed command of the Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine. Following a collision between Newport News and M/V Mogamigawa, Jan. 8, the submarine pulled into port in Bahrain where it is currently undergoing a damage inspection and assessment, to be followed by temporary repairs. The submarine will return to the United States once temporary repairs are complete at which time permanent repairs will be conducted.
