For further information regarding this Class Action;   enclosed is the website address for Gordon Legal, the   Veterans’ Privacy Breach Class Action Investigation Team.

https://gordonlegal.com.au/services/class-actions/veterans-privacy-class-action/

To protect your medical and personal information privacy; I recommend that join me and register your objection with Gordon Legal.

You must also register your protest with DVA, below, please find my letter to DVA, withdrawing my consent of third party access to my details:

Pass this information on to all of your fellow Gold Card Veterans.

For your amendment, Ralph Wollmers’ letter to DVA: 

E:  [email protected]

Dear Department of Veterans Affairs,

The inaugural sea trials for the US Navy’s Virginia Class attack submarine, New Jersey (SSN 796), have been successfully completed, marking a crucial step in its journey towards active duty. Over several days at sea, the vessel underwent rigorous testing of its vital systems and components, as announced by Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), the US military shipbuilder, on February 29th.

These tests encompassed a range of operations, including the submarine’s first submergence, as well as high-speed manoeuvres both on the surface and submerged. The Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division will continue to conduct further testing before formally delivering the vessel to the US Navy.

Jason Ward, the Vice President of NNS Virginia Class submarine construction, remarked, “Taking New Jersey out for the first time is a significant milestone and the first major test of the submarine’s capabilities at sea. Both New Jersey and her crew performed exceptionally well. This was truly a team effort between shipbuilders, thousands of suppliers around the country, and the crew. We look forward to delivering New Jersey to the Navy soon so it can begin its service to our nation.”

New Jersey, the 23rd Virginia class submarine, holds the distinction of being the first submarine designed with gender integration modification. It was christened in November 2021 and is slated to be the 11th delivered by NNS.

In December 2023, a historic moment occurred as the US Congress passed the 2024 National Defence Authorization Act (NDAA), authorizing the transfer of three Virginia Class submarines to Australia for the first time. This move seeks to ensure Australia’s critical submarine capability leading up to the delivery of Australian-built SSN-AUKUS from the early 2040s.

The NDAA also establishes a national exemption for Australia and the United Kingdom from US defence export control licensing and includes them in the US Defence Production Act. Specifically, it greenlights the transfer of two in-service and one off-the-production-line Virginia Class submarine to Australia, with the option for Australia to seek congressional approval for the purchase of additional submarines.

Furthermore, the act authorizes the maintenance of US submarines by Australians in Australia, coinciding with increased port visits by UK and US nuclear-powered submarines, as well as a rotational presence starting as early as 2027 under Submarine Rotational Force West. The most intricate maintenance activity on a US nuclear-powered submarine in Australia to date is planned at HMAS Stirling in the latter half of 2024.

This significant decision received approval from both the US Senate and the House of Representatives, marking a collaborative effort to bolster submarine capabilities and strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.

Radical pro-Palestinian group evades police crackdown after chilling footage emerges of ‘terrorist’ activists in Melbourne

A radical group of pro-Palestinian extremists in Melbourne has avoided any police crackdown despite chilling footage emerging of their leader declaring the activists as “terrorists”.

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Radical pro-Palestinian group evades police crackdown after chilling footage emerges of ‘terrorist’ activists in Melbourne | Sky News Australia

The moon, seen from the Arctic Circle, between Russia and Canada. It only lasts a few seconds, but it’s worth seeing.  It’s a spectacular sight. Imagine that you are in a location between Canada and Russia and suddenly and for just 30 seconds, the moon appears in all its splendor and disappears before your eyes. It looks like the moon is going to collide with the earth. Even more impressive AND for just 5 seconds, a total eclipse of the sun takes place. It is unprecedented and spectacular!

The video was shot in REAL-TIME. The phenomenon happens at the “perigee”:  the closest point of a heavenly body’s orbit around the Earth, where the proximity of the moon is so evident that, suddenly, we realise the great speed at which the Earth is moving. This effect is only visible once a year and lasts for just 30 seconds… Astronomers figured out those exact 30 seconds and had the cameras rolling. Fortunately, they had a clear sky. Absolutely amazing!!

Watch this happen on the video. Total sun eclipse is ONLY 5 seconds… within seconds the sun is back. The moon re-appears and moves away in that 5 second interval.

Operation Babylift, a monumental effort to evacuate children from South Vietnam amidst turmoil, unfolded as a beacon of hope amidst chaos. Commencing on March 22, 1975, with the United States spearheading the airlift of 10,000 refugees daily from Da Nang, Australia swiftly joined in, initiating its own airlift of orphans the following month.

Regrettably, tragedy struck early on when the inaugural flight to the United States tragically crashed a mere 12 minutes post-take off, claiming the lives of 143 babies and volunteers, including two compassionate souls from Adelaide who had selflessly volunteered to aid the children. Despite this heartbreaking setback, the resolve to continue the mission remained unyielding.

Operation Babylift’s noble intentions sparked varied reactions, with some viewing it as a commendable humanitarian endeavour while others expressed apprehensions regarding the welfare of the children upon reaching Australia.

Yet, challenges persisted even after the children’s safe arrival Down Under. During transit, many lost their identification tags, complicating the task of reuniting them with their families. Moreover, the process of matching orphans with pre-approved adoptive families added layers of complexity.

Upon arrival in Australia, the orphans underwent thorough medical examinations, revealing a spectrum of health issues ranging from severe to minor. Some required immediate hospitalization, prolonging the wait for anxious adoptive parents eager to embrace their new family members.

Tragically, not all stories ended in joy, as some children succumbed to their ailments shortly after arriving in their new homeland, underscoring the harsh realities faced amid such upheaval.

Despite the hurdles, Operation Babylift ultimately succeeded in evacuating approximately 3000 orphans from Vietnam in April 1975, leaving an indelible mark as a testament to resilience, compassion, and the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity.

The Lockheed AC-130 gunship stands as a formidable marvel of aerial warfare, born from the venerable C-130 Hercules transport aircraft lineage and transformed into a lethal ground-attack platform. Its evolution into a fearsome weapon of war has been marked by a series of enhancements and modifications that have endowed it with unparalleled capabilities on the battlefield.

At its core, the AC-130 is distinguished by its formidable armament, which comprises a diverse array of anti-ground weapons meticulously integrated into its airframe. These weapons range from heavy-calibre cannons, such as the GAU-12/U Equalizer or the M102 howitzer, to precision-guided munitions like the AGM-176 Griffin missile and the GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb. Such a comprehensive armament suite enables the AC-130 to engage a multitude of targets with precision and devastating effect.

Complementing its lethal firepower are sophisticated sensors, navigation systems, and fire-control mechanisms, which empower the AC-130 with unparalleled situational awareness and precision targeting capabilities. These advanced systems, coupled with cutting-edge technology, enable the gunship to operate effectively in diverse environments and under challenging conditions, ensuring precision strikes against enemy targets.

Unlike conventional fixed-wing aircraft, which often rely on advanced targeting systems for precision strikes, the AC-130 primarily employs visual targeting techniques. This reliance on visual acquisition necessitates operating at low altitudes, typically around 7,000 feet, to ensure clear visibility of ground targets. Despite the inherent risks associated with its large profile and low operating altitudes, the AC-130’s crew demonstrates unparalleled skill and bravery, executing close air support missions with remarkable precision and effectiveness.

Furthermore, the gunship’s preference for nighttime operations further underscores its tactical versatility and survivability. Under the cover of darkness, the AC-130 capitalizes on the element of surprise, exploiting the reduced visibility to evade enemy detection and deliver devastating blows to hostile forces with impunity.

In essence, the Lockheed AC-130 gunship stands as a testament to ingenuity and innovation in military aviation, embodying the pinnacle of aerial firepower and close air support capabilities. Its unrivalled combination of firepower, precision, and endurance renders it an indispensable asset on the modern battlefield, capable of decisively shaping the course of conflict in favour of friendly forces.

Appendix from Peter Edwards, A nation at war : Australian politics, society and diplomacy during the Vietnam War 1965–1975: the official history of Australia’s involvement in Southeast Asian conflicts 1948-1975, volume VI, Allen & Unwin, Crows Nest, NSW, 1997

The National Service scheme was introduced by the Menzies Government in November 1964 and operated until December 1972, when the newly elected Whitlam Labor Government suspended it. The scheme was based on a birthday ballot of twenty-year-old men who had registered their names with the Department of Labour and National Service (DLNS). If balloted in, these men were called up to perform two years’ continuous full-time service in the Regular Army Supplement, followed by three years’ part-time service in the Regular Army Reserve. National servicemen on full-time duty were liable for what was called ‘special overseas service’, which included combat duties in Vietnam. When the scheme was introduced the Government planned to raise 4200 servicemen during the second half of 1965, then 6900 annually thereafter. This would create the desired Army strength of 37 500 full-time soldiers. In August 1965 Menzies announced that from 1966 the annual intake would be maintained at 8400 (two intakes of 4200), resulting in an Army strength of 40 000. He explained that the Government’s decision had been made ‘in the light of the successful introduction of the national service scheme and bearing in mind all the various commitments, at home and abroad, which our forces might be required to undertake’.

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Appendix: The national service scheme, 1964-72 | Australian War Memorial (awm.gov.au)

Electric vehicles (EVs) present distinct differences from their traditional petrol-powered counterparts, manifesting in various ways, some apparent (farewell, gas stations!) and others more subtle, such as their susceptibility to cold weather conditions. In the realm of EVs, plummeting temperatures equate to a reduction in driving range, sometimes to a significant degree. It’s crucial for EV owners to grasp the limitations of their vehicle’s range, particularly in cold weather, to avoid the inconvenience of being stranded due to a depleted battery. Fortunately, there are measures one can take during colder seasons to mitigate range anxiety and enhance overall range performance.

Research findings from AAA suggest that EVs may experience a decline of approximately 40% in their range when temperatures plummet from 22 degrees Celsius to 0 degrees Celsius. This decrease in range can be attributed to multiple factors, including the natural loss of battery capacity in colder climates and the heightened energy demand for cabin heating. Additionally, utilizing climate control features like heated seats and steering wheels further drains the vehicle’s battery, thus impacting its overall range.

For instance, an EV with a stated range of 250 miles may see its available range dwindle to a mere 150 miles in freezing temperatures. Notably, this estimation pertains to new EVs; used models are likely to exhibit even lower range capacities due to the inherent degradation of rechargeable batteries over time and with usage. Geotab, a company headquartered in Las Vegas specializing in monitoring battery health in numerous EVs, reports an average annual battery degradation rate of approximately 2.3%.

Photo: 2nd Cavalry Regiment, dismounts from an Australian light armoured vehicle at Townsville Field Training Area, Queensland. photo by Captain Brittany Evans.

Troopers hailing from 2nd Cavalry Regiment recently undertook a series of rigorous anti-armour exercises at the Piccadilly Gate within the expansive Townsville Field Training Area, during the month of February. This strategic endeavour was meticulously designed to assess and fortify their prowess in dismounted operations.

The comprehensive training regimen encompassed a multifaceted approach, incorporating live-fire exercises employing an arsenal comprising the formidable 84mm Carl Gustaf and EF88 Austeyr weaponry. With unwavering focus, both A and B Squadron units honed their skills in executing anti-armour stalks while operating without the support of mounted vehicles.

Under the vigilant guidance of Troop Sergeant Emilio Escobar, the squadrons embarked on a series of meticulously orchestrated section live-fire assaults. These engagements were orchestrated to simulate a full-mission scenario, complete with a meticulously crafted enemy-threat simulation. Through these exercises, the troopers adeptly demonstrated their ability to effectively neutralize enemy armoured assets, thus affirming their readiness for combat.

Speaking to the significance of these anti-armour stalks, Sergeant Escobar underscored their pivotal role in eliminating hostile targets while maintaining a discreet profile through foot mobility. “It is imperative that we master the art of anti-armour stalk training,” remarked Sergeant Escobar. “Our mission is clear: infiltrate, strike decisively, and swiftly withdraw.”

Photo: Trooper Lachlan Hinspeter, of 2nd Cavalry Regiment, dismounts from an Australian light armoured vehicle at Townsville Field Training Area, Queensland. Photo by Captain Brittany Evans.

Indeed, while the cavalry prides itself on its mounted reconnaissance capabilities, the importance of proficiency in dismounted operations cannot be overstated. Sergeant Escobar emphasized the dual nature of their responsibilities, stating, “We must excel in both mounted and dismounted tactics to effectively fulfill our duties as soldiers in the Australian Army.”

By embracing a holistic approach to military readiness, these troopers stand poised to confront any challenge with unparalleled skill and versatility. Through their unwavering dedication to mastering both mounted and dismounted tactics, they epitomize the ethos of excellence that defines the Australian Army.