The new CH-53K is the most powerful helicopter in the Pentagon’s inventory and it provides a critical long-range, heavy-lift capability.
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Check Out This Marine CH-53K Carrying An F-35C While Refueling From A KC-130T (twz.com)
Woodside Energy, an Australian petroleum giant, recently faced a significant decision from its shareholders regarding its climate plan. During the company’s annual general meeting on April 24, shareholders voted on various matters, including the chairman’s position and a proposed action plan for transitioning to net zero emissions.
Despite the re-election of Chairman Richard Goyder with strong support, the climate plan put forward by the management was rejected by 58.4 percent of shareholders. While this vote is non-binding, it reflects a clear divergence between the company’s vision for decarbonization and the sentiments of the majority of its shareholders.
Woodside’s climate action plan aimed to achieve reductions in both direct and indirect emissions, setting ambitious targets for the coming years. However, the shareholder vote suggests that there is significant disagreement among investors regarding the company’s approach to addressing climate change.
In response to the outcome, Chairman Goyder expressed disappointment but also emphasized his respect for the shareholders’ decision. He noted the complexities of the energy transition and highlighted the extensive engagement efforts undertaken by the company with shareholders and proxy advisors over the past year.
During the meeting, Goyder underscored the challenges faced by Woodside in pursuing renewable energy investments, citing the need for sufficient demand and willingness from customers to make necessary trade-offs, particularly regarding financial considerations.
While acknowledging the concerns raised by shareholders, Goyder also recognized the substantial costs incurred by many of Woodside’s customers in the current energy landscape. This acknowledgment underscores the delicate balance the company faces in navigating the transition to a lower-carbon future while meeting the needs of its stakeholders.
In February, Minister for Defence Richard Marles and Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy unveiled Boeing Defence Australia’s pivotal role in maintaining the fleet of 29 AH-64E Apaches through a seven-year Initial Support Contract. The agreement encompasses comprehensive support, including maintenance, engineering, aircrew and maintainer training, and logistics.
Meanwhile, in a symbolic gesture of partnership, Boeing raised the Australian flag at its AH-64 Apache helicopter production line in Mesa, Arizona. This customary flag-raising ceremony, extended to all Apache customers, underscores the expansion of the global Apache fleet. Australia, set to become the 18th nation to operate the Apache as an attack helicopter, will contribute to a fleet exceeding 1,280 helicopters worldwide.
Christina Upah, vice president of Boeing Attack Helicopter Programs, expressed pride in welcoming Australian partners to Mesa, emphasizing the enduring commitment to Australia symbolized by the raised flag. She emphasized that the flags adorning the facility serve as a constant reminder of Boeing’s dedication to delivering the world’s most advanced attack reconnaissance helicopters.
At the event, Major General Jeremy King, Head of the Australian Defence Department’s Joint Aviation Systems Division, voiced his immense pride in witnessing the Australian flag hoisted at the production facility, which will play a central role in producing Australia’s new fleet of Apache attack helicopters.
Additionally, Australian suppliers including Axiom Precision Manufacturing, Cablex, Ferra Engineering, and Thomas Global Systems, pivotal contributors to the Australian and international Apache fleets, were present at the ceremony, further solidifying the collaborative effort.
IN 2017 at the National Press Club, Labor defence spokesman Richard Marles declared, “Partisanship in the area of defence strikes me as indulgent and ultimately a little contrived”.
He added, “It ought not be how we do business”.
On 17 April in the same location he declared, “The Liberals were a defence disaster.
“When the Albanese Government came to office we inherited a mess.
“The Liberals were one of the worst defence governments in our nation’s history at a time when Australia could least afford it.”
Partisan, indulgent and contrived.
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The Australian Army and two prominent companies have inked a memorandum of understanding, signalling their joint commitment to bolstering the army’s amphibious capabilities centred around BMT’s CAIMEN Large vessel.
In this collaboration, DNV will lend its expertise to BMT, customizing the CAIMEN Large to precisely match the requirements of the Australian Army. This strategic alignment aims to mitigate technical risks and minimize any disruptions to scheduling.
The CAIMEN has been meticulously engineered by BMT to facilitate the direct transport of hefty rolling and cargo payloads to various terrains such as beaches, hard standings, or ports. Notably, it boasts the versatility to undertake international voyages and navigate challenging open sea conditions.
This enhanced capability aligns seamlessly with the Australian Defence Force’s renewed emphasis on littoral operations, as highlighted in a recent statement. Graeme Nayler, BMT’s regional managing director for APAC, expressed confidence in the partnership’s ability to yield a ship design that prioritizes risk management.
By teaming up with DNV, BMT gains access to unparalleled expertise in certification and technical advisory services. This ensures that their designs adhere to rigorous standards and significantly contribute to Australia’s defence strategy. Nayler emphasized the potential of this collaboration to deliver heightened operational capabilities to the Australian Army.
Tim Holt, DNV’s area manager for maritime, echoed Nayler’s sentiments, expressing excitement about the opportunity to collaborate with BMT on such a crucial initiative. He stressed the importance of embedding the highest design standards into the CAIMEN Large from the outset, underscoring their joint commitment to providing a future-ready defence capability.
The unveiling of the 2024 Australian Defence Export Catalogue heralds a milestone, showcasing an impressive array of offerings from over 300 Australian defence industry enterprises, marking a significant 20% surge from its predecessor. Within its pages lie a testament to Australia’s prowess in defence technology, featuring a diverse range of equipment, including surplus assets from the Australian Defence Force, such as the esteemed Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV) and the robust Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle.
Of particular note is the recent pivotal contract inked by the Australian Government with Thales Australia, amounting to a substantial $160 million agreement. This deal aims to procure an additional 78 Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles for the Australian Defence Force’s arsenal. Manufactured in the heart of Bendigo, Victoria, these Bushmasters uphold Australia’s commitment to domestic production excellence, with the inaugural batch slated for delivery in the anticipated year of 2024.
The significance of exporting Australia’s defence technology and capability to global markets cannot be overstated, resonating deeply with the core objectives outlined in the Defence Industry Development Strategy. These armoured vehicles represent more than mere machinery; they symbolize a tangible manifestation of Australia’s commitment to bolstering national security and fortifying its position as a formidable player in the realm of defence exports.
Queensland Premier Steven Miles has acknowledged the strong possibility of being ousted from power in the forthcoming October 2024 election. This admission follows closely on the heels of the parliament’s recent passage of legislation committing Queensland to attaining 75 percent renewable energy by 2035.
Taking the reins from Annastacia Palaszczuk in December 2023, Miles, a member of the Labor party’s far-left faction, faces an uphill battle according to recent polling. A YouGov survey indicates Labor trailing behind the Liberal National Party (LNP) by a margin of 44 to 56.
Addressing this polling data, Mr. Miles conceded the likelihood of losing his position as premier, stating, “It is likely, very likely” that David Crisafulli of the LNP will assume the role. This statement, as reported by the Courier Mail, underscores the sobering reality of the electoral landscape.
Despite the passage of ambitious emissions reduction targets, Mr. Miles emphasized the importance of Crisafulli presenting a viable plan to meet these objectives. He noted Crisafulli’s initial opposition to the plan while urging him to outline concrete strategies for achieving the 75 percent reduction target in emissions, to which he has lent his support.
In navigating the complex terrain of energy policy and electoral dynamics, both candidates are tasked with demonstrating their commitment to addressing Queensland’s environmental challenges while balancing economic considerations.
Ceremony commemorating the recovery of 20 sets of remains of 7th NVA Division soldiers – Battle of Balmoral May 1968.
Battle of Balmoral May 1968 – 7th NVA Division Remains-Recovery: Friday 26 April 2024.
The Australian Ambassador to Vietnam – Andrew Goledzinowski, the Defence Attache – Group Captain Michael Jensen, the Assistant Defence Attache – Lieutenant Commander David Ngothanh, and the Administrative Assistant WO2 Duncan Reid attended the remains-recovery ceremonies in Chòi Dúng hamlet of Bình Dương Province on Friday 26 April 2024. 3RAR Vietnam veteran (Coral and Balmoral) John Bryant – wearing light grey pants and white shirt with tie, and Luke Johnston (son of a 3RAR veteran and a Vietnam resident – seen offering incense) also participated in the ceremonies.
Regards, Ernie Chamberlain
The Martin B-57 Canberra, a twin-engine tactical bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, served for thirty years with the U.S. Air Force. But NASA still flies three B-57s, meaning the bomber, first flown in 1953, has been in service of some kind for over seventy years.
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The Martin B-57 Canberra Bomber Is Still Flying After 70 Years | The National Interest