HMAS Brisbane

2 Tours: 20 Mar 69 -13 Oct 69, Mar 71-15 Oct 71

Together with other Australian destroyers, HMAS Brisbane provided Naval Gunfire Support (NGFS) along the South Vietnamese coast. Her second deployment was the last combat tour of a RAN destroyer.

HMAS Perth

3 Tours: 2 Sep 67 – 10 Apr 68, 14 Sep 68 – 20 Apr 69, 14 Sep 70 – 8 Apr 71

On 18 Oct 67, during her first deployment, Perth was hit by an artillery shell which penetrated one deck. In her six-month deployment HMAS Perth came under fire four times and was the only Australian ship hit by enemy fire.

HMAS Hobart

3 Tours: 7 Mar 67 – 27 Sep 67, 22 Mar 68 -11 Oct 68, 6 Mar 70 -17 Oct 70

Between 1967 and 1971, Australian destroyers were attached to the United States Seventh fleet for six-month tours of duty. HMAS Hobart was the first Australian destroyer deployed. During her second deployment to Vietnam, Hobart was accidentally attacked by US aircraft. The ship was damaged and two Australians were killed. During her second deployment Hobart was under fire on three occasions. The deployment was mainly involved in NGFS in support of a joint Australian/ARVN sweep between the Long Hai hills and the coastline.

HMAS Vendetta

15 Sep 69 -11 Apr 70

HMAS Vendetta was the only Australian-built warship to serve in Vietnam and was the first Australian Daring Class destroyer to see active service. During her one deployment, Vendetta steamed 39,558 miles and fired more than 13,000 shells.

Clearance Diving Team 3

6 Feb 67 – 11 Apr 71

In early 1967 a team of one officer and five sailors known as Clearance Diving Team 3 formed for service in Vietnam. The team was assigned to Vung Tau Harbour defence between Feb 67 and Aug 70, and was then stationed at Da Nang until Apr 71 when the unit was withdrawn from Vietnam. Eight contingents saw service in Vietnam.

RAN Helicopter Flight Vietnam

16 Oct 67 – 14 Jun 71

On 16 Oct 67 eight RAN helicopter pilots and support staff joined the US Army 135th Assault Helicopter Company in Vietnam. The RAN contingents served with the Americans till 1971. The RAN pilots flew their last mission on 8 Jun 71 and the experiment of a mixed Australian Navy and American Army helicopter unit had been successful.

RAN Detachment 9 Squadron RAAF

Jun 66 – May 69

The RAN Detachment of 9 Squadron RAAF comprised eight Fleet Air Arm pilots operating in direct support of the 1st Australian Task Force. Australian Force Logistic Support All three Australian services provided logistic support to Australian forces in Vietnam.

HMAS Sydney

May 65 -11 Mar 72

The troop transport HMAS Sydney was the first RAN ship to have operational service in Vietnam. She completed 22 voyages in 7 years.

Also serving with HMAS Sydney were:

Detachment of 725 Squadron (8 April – 19 June 1967) and
Detachment of 817 Squadron (1 December 1967 – 16 February 1968, 26March 1968 – 26 April 1968, 18 May 1968 – 16 June 1968 and circa 28 October 1968 – 6 December 1968)2

HMAS Jeparit

9 Jun 66 -15 Mar 72

Formerly the Australian National Line cargo ship – MV Jeparit. She completed 43 voyages to Vietnam carrying military supplies and civil aid cargoes. She was commissioned into the RAN on 11 Dec 69 and paid off on 15 Mar 72.

HMAS Boonaroo

May 66

Formerly the Australian National Line cargo ship – MV Boonaroo, was commissioned into the RAN 1 Mar 67 and paid off 8 May l967. She completed 2 voyages to Vietnam.

RAN Medical Officers

Thirteen RAN RANR and RANVR served in Vietnam. Some served on the Australian destroyers and others with the 1st Australian Field Hospital and with the US Army and Naval Hospitals.

RAN Chaplains

Fleet Chaplains attended to the spiritual needs of RAN, and allied servicemen in Vietnam.

Operation Marauder, a collaborative effort between the 173rd Airborne Brigade and the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR), unfolded in the challenging terrain of the Plain of Reeds within the Mekong Delta. Spanning from January 1 to January 8, 1966, this military endeavour showcased the coordinated deployment and strategic prowess of the participating forces.

The operation kicked off on January 1, 1966, as 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 1 RAR, and C Battery, 3rd Battalion, 319th Artillery Regiment, which included 161 Battery, Royal New Zealand Artillery, were airlifted into Ba Tri airfield from Hậu Nghĩa Province. The initial phase saw the establishment of a formidable presence on the ground, setting the stage for subsequent engagements.

On January 2, 2/503rd encountered a well-entrenched Viet Cong force upon landing at Landing Zone Wine. A fierce battle ensued, with the 2/503rd receiving support from artillery fire and air assistance. Despite the challenges, the unit successfully overran the VC position, discovering 111 deceased insurgents. The subsequent days of the operation witnessed sporadic contact with the Viet Cong, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of the allied forces.

Tragically, on January 3, 1966, two rounds fired by 161 Battery accidentally landed on C Company, 2/503rd, resulting in the loss of three paratroopers and the injury of seven others. Investigations later revealed that the tragic incident was caused by damp powder affecting the trajectory of the artillery rounds.

Simultaneously, the Australian contingent from 1 RAR engaged in extensive patrolling activities from January 2 to January 6. While making small, sporadic contact with the enemy, resulting in the elimination of two Viet Cong members, the Australians also discovered an ammunition cache and several substantial rice caches. On January 5, a patrol from 1 RAR engaged a VC platoon near Hoa Khanh, forcing the enemy to break contact and retreat.

One of the notable achievements of the operation occurred on January 6 when the 2/503rd located the abandoned headquarters of the 506th Battalion. This discovery proved instrumental as the allied forces recovered arms, ammunition, maps, and personnel rosters, providing valuable intelligence for future operations.

Operation Marauder, with its blend of airborne deployment, ground engagement, and strategic discoveries, underscored the effectiveness of joint military efforts in countering insurgent forces. The operation’s success in neutralizing a significant Viet Cong position and obtaining valuable intelligence showcased the determination and proficiency of the 173rd Airborne Brigade, 1 RAR, and their allies in the Plain of Reeds during this critical period of the Vietnam War.

The Gloster Meteor, a distinctive British jet marvel, lingered on the aviation stage long after the curtains fell on World War II. With a staggering production count of 3,875 units, it outpaced all contemporaneous British jet aircraft. While the German Luftwaffe showcased its jet prowess with the Me-262, Me-163 Komet, and He-162 during the war, the Meteor’s narrative remains overshadowed, an unsung hero in the jet-powered chronicles of the time.

In the crucible of wartime innovation, the Gloster Meteor made its operational entrance nearly parallel to the Me-262. Yet, its historical footprint is not as prominent, perhaps owing to its initial mission – intercepting the V-1 Buzz Bombs, rather than engaging in direct aerial confrontations over Germany like its German counterpart. This unique facet sets the Meteor apart from its better-acknowledged contemporaries.

The origins of the Meteor trace back to the visionary mind of George Carter in 1940, a period when turbojet technology was still in its nascent stages. Despite Germany’s acclaim for birthing the first operational jet fighter, Britain was, in fact, at the forefront of this revolutionary technology. Gloster, having crafted the last British biplane fighter, the Gloster Gladiator, merely a decade prior, took up the challenge of developing a single-seat, jet-powered interceptor.

While Carter, inspired by the Me-262, opted for twin engines, the Meteor differed with straight wings, a distinctive departure from the swept-back wings of its German counterpart. Positioned in the forward fuselage, the cockpit offered superior visibility, a design feature that enhanced the pilot’s situational awareness.

Initially dubbed the Gloster Thunderbolt, the aircraft faced a nomenclature clash with the American Republic P-47 Thunderbolt. Consequently, the name Meteor was chosen, not with an eye on Germany’s Me-163 Komet, but rather fittingly reflecting the era’s trend of associating early jet aircraft with celestial objects. Considered alternatives included Ace, Reaper, Scourge, Terrific, and Wildfire.

In stark contrast to the rapid development cycles of American P-47 Thunderbolts and P-51 Mustangs, the Gloster Meteor’s journey was characterized by methodical, albeit slow, progression. While the German urgency to deploy the Me-262 as a superweapon resulted in a rushed, potentially hazardous aircraft, the Allies prioritized the Meteor’s airworthiness and safety. Although both the Me-262 and Meteor achieved operational status by mid-1944, circumstances dictated that they never crossed paths in aerial combat.

The Meteor’s primary wartime role was to intercept V-1 flying bombs, a mission that underscored its limited range due to rapid fuel consumption. This stood in stark contrast to the Me-262, which, despite its fuel inefficiency, operated within familiar skies. Post-World War II, the Meteor continued its service, attaining a production volume of 3,875 units, an unmatched feat among British jet aircraft of the era.

While the Meteor did not encounter German jet fighters, it found itself in the crucible of the Korean War, serving with the Australian Air Force. However, it faced formidable opponents in the Soviet-designed North Korean and Chinese Mig-15 fighters, marking its struggle against advancing aviation technology. Despite its shortcomings, the Meteor remained operational until the 1980s, gracing the skies under the banner of Ecuador’s Air Force.

The final flight of the last airworthy Gloster Meteor at Bruntinghorpe Airfield in Leicestershire in January 2019 marked the end of an era. This venerable aircraft, now housed in the Classic British Jets Collection, serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Gloster Meteor, an often-forgotten chapter in the annals of aviation history.

The US Department of Defence has declared an additional security aid package to address Ukraine’s critical security and defence requirements. In the latest move by the Biden Administration, the 53rd tranche of equipment slated for delivery from DOD inventories to Ukraine since August 2021 encompasses additional air defence equipment, artillery ammunition, anti-tank weapons, and various weaponry valued at approximately US$200 million.

The specific systems set for delivery comprise AIM-9M air defence missiles, air defence system components, High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) ammunition, 155mm and 105mm artillery rounds, high-speed anti-radiation missiles, TOW missiles, Javelin and AT-4 anti-armour systems, obstacle clearing demolitions, over 4 million rounds of small arms ammunition, equipment safeguarding critical national infrastructure, as well as spare parts, generators, maintenance, and other ancillary equipment.

The commitment of the United States to support Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression remains steadfast. Highlighting the impact of coalition capabilities on the battlefield, it was noted that Ukraine has successfully reclaimed more than half of the territory seized by Russia since February 2022. Emphasizing the importance of standing against Kremlin aggression, the statement warned that failure to do so could invite more bloodshed and chaos.

Secretary of Defence Austin expressed confidence in the weakened state of the Russian military, asserting that Putin’s attempt to demoralise the Ukrainian people had instead demoralised the Russian military. Collaborating with allies and partners, the United States aims to assist Ukraine in consolidating and expanding its battlefield gains while concurrently building a future force capable of deterring Russian aggression in the years to come.

In this critical juncture, the United States is resolute in its determination to aid Ukraine in defending its territory and citizens. The overarching goal is to deter Russia from further aggression, including any potential threats against NATO allies, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the defence of freedom on the global stage.

ED: For those interested in the future of communications.

Researchers at a prominent aerospace institute in China have made a significant advancement in the realm of next-generation 6G communication. This progress involves the accomplishment of the inaugural real-time wireless transmission.

The term “6G” denotes the sixth generation of cellular networks, representing the upcoming frontier in telecommunications that pledges enhanced and swifter communication compared to existing technologies. While 5G networks are currently being deployed worldwide and offer reduced latency during data transmission, 6G networks are anticipated to further minimize latency while optimizing the use of the electromagnetic spectrum.

The noteworthy aspect of China’s achievement lies in the potential applications of 6G cellular networks. These applications include high-definition virtual reality (VR), holographic communication, and other data-intensive tasks. The researchers employed a specialized antenna to generate four distinct beam patterns at a frequency of 110 GHz. This innovative approach facilitated the transmission of data at a rate of 100 gigabits per second over a 10 GHz bandwidth, representing a substantial improvement over existing capabilities.

The technology employed for this real-time data transmission is identified as terahertz orbital angular momentum communication, as detailed in the SCMP report. Terahertz pertains to communication within the frequency range of 100 GHz to 10 THz of the electromagnetic spectrum. The higher frequency range of this technology allows for accelerated data transfer rates and increased information transmission. Terahertz communication has also garnered attention for potential applications in military environments due to its capacity for high-speed and secure communication.

Another noteworthy aspect of the researchers’ accomplishment is the utilization of orbital angular momentum (OAM) in the transmission. This encoding technology enables the simultaneous transmission of more information. The researchers harnessed OAM to transmit multiple signals on the same frequency, showcasing a more efficient use of the spectrum.

While the practical implementation of these technologies may take several years, the researchers also showcased advancements in wireless backhaul technology, which could be deployed soon. In traditional cellular networks, data is transmitted from devices to base stations and then to core networks through fibre optic cables. Given the anticipated increase in base stations, fibre-based transmission is expected to become more costly and time-consuming. The use of wireless technology for backhaul aims to provide flexibility at lower costs, potentially benefiting existing 5G communication.

Looking ahead, the significance of 6G communication technology extends to short-range broadband transmissions, such as those involving lunar and Mars landers and spacecraft. The U.S. government has taken note of China’s strides in the communication industry and is exploring avenues to advance similar technology domestically, seeking to reassert U.S. dominance in this domain.

For those of you with Smart TVs with YouTube capability may I offer this video and music that can be played in the background on Christmas Day.  Ray

Installation of command, control, communication, and computer systems into Australian artillery is poised to commence, with the initial batch of Australian Type AS9 and AS10 Huntsman artillery units in South Korea. These systems, vital for Protected Mobile Fires capability alignment with the Army’s C4 Force Structure, have been delivered and are ready for integration.

As part of the project, tactical communication systems and related components will be integrated, ensuring seamless interoperability within the joint force and coalition partners. Notably, the transfer of CORTEX software development source code and expertise from Europe to KDAu is a key aspect of the initiative.

In November of the current year, the Australian Defence Force conducted a test firing of the AS9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzer, equipped with a C4 system, at Port Wakefield in South Australia. This demonstration, overseen by the Joint Proof and Experimental Unit, marked a significant step in confirming the AS9’s role in the protected mobile fire systems category, complementing the in-service M777 155mm lightweight towed howitzer artillery.

The LAND 8116 Protected Mobile Fires project also involves the integration of the Army’s existing 155mm ammunition into AS9 and AS10 units. The joint fire interoperability achieved through this integration reinforces Australia’s collaborative approach with coalition partners.

Looking ahead, the Australian-variant AS9 Huntsman is anticipated to be manufactured at a new Hanwha Defence Australia facility near Avalon in Victoria. The construction plan includes 30 AS9 Huntsman units and 15 AS10 armoured ammunition resupply vehicles. Elphinstone, situated on the north coast of Tasmania, will play a role in the manufacturing process by producing the hulls and turrets. The first AS9 is scheduled to be completed in Australia, rolling out by the end of 2025.

Beyond the overseas testing, additional trials will be conducted in Australia, with a specific focus on assessing the vehicle’s protection against small arms fire and shrapnel. This comprehensive testing regimen underscores the commitment to ensuring the reliability and effectiveness of the Australian artillery system in diverse operational scenarios.

War of words needs moral actions to suit

EVERY pacifist’s dream is a world without armies, weapons or conflict. If that’s OK with the rest of you, which it never is because human nature is inherently disposed to multiple ideas and disputation thereof.

As the Old Testament book of Isaiah warned, “he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.”

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War of words needs moral actions to suit | Australian Defence History, Policy and Veterans Issues (targetsdown.blogspot.com)

At the forefront of current concerns is the immediate peril faced by American forces in the region due to a recent surge in attacks in Iraq and Syria. Additionally, there has been a notable increase in assaults on commercial shipping in the Red Sea, posing a direct risk to U.S. warships. The intensification of these attacks has prompted growing calls for the Biden administration to adopt a more robust response, with both current and former officials expressing frustration over the perceived inadequacy of the Pentagon’s actions in deterring further violence.

Iran-backed militia groups have been responsible for launching a staggering 94 attacks, involving drones and rockets, against U.S. positions in Iraq and Syria since October 17. A Defence Department official, speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of operational issues, provided this information. The attacks have resulted in at least 66 U.S. service members sustaining minor injuries, with 19 diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries.

Despite multiple responses from U.S. forces, including precision airstrikes on facilities linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and affiliated groups in Syria, the attacks persist. Notably, an AC-130J gunship was deployed last month, targeting proxy forces. Additionally, five militants preparing to launch a drone strike in Iraq were separately eliminated. However, these measures have yet to effectively curb the ongoing attacks.

Simultaneously, Houthi rebels, supported by Tehran and based in Yemen, have escalated their strikes on international shipping in the Red Sea. This has increasingly drawn in U.S. warships, with many targeted civilian ships either owned or operated by Israel or Israeli companies or crewed by Israelis. The USS Mason, a destroyer, intercepted a drone heading towards the ship while responding to reports of a suspected Houthi assault on a commercial oil tanker last Wednesday, as reported by an official. The situation underscores the complex and multifaceted challenges the U.S. faces in the region, necessitating a comprehensive and strategic approach to address the evolving threats.

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has decided to ground several of its C-27J Spartans after the discovery of structural cracking in these aircraft. This move follows the US Coast Guard’s decision to suspend the use of all 14 of its Spartans, citing the presence of cracks of varying degrees. The US Coast Guard stated that their Spartans would remain grounded until a thorough evaluation could be completed.

The manufacturer, Leonardo, had previously issued an Alert Service Bulletin instructing operators, including the RAAF and US Coast Guard, as well as the military forces of Italy, Mexico, and other nations, to inspect for cracks near the attachment points of the horizontal and vertical stabilizers to the fuselage.

A spokesperson for the Australian Defence said that the Royal Australian Air Force had initiated inspections on its C-27J fleet and identified similar structural issues. Aircraft found to have cracking will not be flown until a comprehensive engineering assessment has been conducted.

Leonardo issued a statement reassuring that the problem is fixable and should have minimal impact on operations. The manufacturer has already identified a repair solution, which can be implemented at customer premises by the operators without requiring significant effort. Leonardo emphasized that the reported issue is not expected to affect planned aircraft operations.

As of now, Australia operates 10 C-27J Spartans through No. 35 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley. This squadron primarily focuses on peacetime operations such as search and rescue and aeromedical missions. The RAAF initially acquired the C-27J as a replacement for the Caribou, intending to fill the gap between the Chinook and the larger Hercules and C-17 Globemaster aircraft.