The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has deployed to Anderson Air Force Base, Guam to participate in the United States Navy-led exercise, Sea Dragon 2024.

From 8 to 24 January, two RAAF P-8A Poseidon aircraft and 51 personnel will conduct anti-submarine warfare missions alongside US Navy P-8A Poseidon, Indian Navy P-8I Neptune, Republic of Korea Navy P-3CK Orion and Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force Kawasaki P-1 aircraft.

The participating nations and aircraft will conduct a range of flying missions to track, identify and target submarine vessels, demonstrating their capacity to work together and operate effectively.

Exercise Sea Dragon Detachment Commander, Squadron Leader Jacqueline Killian, said the exercise provides an environment for the participating nations to further develop their interoperability and share tactics with one another.

“Exercise Sea Dragon provides a unique opportunity for crews from RAAF No. 11 Squadron to gain tactical experience conducting anti-submarine warfare missions with our Indo-Pacific partners,” Squadron Leader Killian said.

“Across the two weeks of the exercise our aviators will overcome a range of challenges, working to safely and effectively operate together.

“The training accomplished on Exercise Sea Dragon will ensure we are prepared to integrate within a maritime environment and provide effective deterrence for Australia’s maritime security.”

The P-8A Poseidon remains the RAAF’s primary anti-submarine warfare platform and will continue to provide maritime security both domestically and deployed overseas.

The ADF is providing support to the Queensland Police Service via the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in response to floods affecting North Queensland communities following Ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.

From December 17, personnel from HMAS Cairns and 51st Battalion, Far North Queensland Regiment, have been providing assistance to Cairns residents affected by flooding, in support of emergency services.

Cairns Mayor Terry James, described the effort of the ADF personal as crucial to response efforts following ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper both within the Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) and on the ground in the community.

“The precision and planning acumen bought by the ADF has been nothing short of remarkable, their ability to coordinate and plan is world class,” Mayor James said.

“I have been able to reach out to the Commander and his team who have provided solutions to the complex problems we are facing.”

Members from 51st Battalion, Far North Queensland Regiment, HMAS Cairns and Army’s 5th Aviation Regiment responded as soon as possible and have been assisting with immediate emergency evacuation efforts across the region to help keep the community safe.

Following requests from emergency services via NEMA, Defence deployed two Army CH-47F Chinooks and two AW-139 helicopters from Townsville to Cairns.

The helicopters assisted transporting about 150 emergency service personnel and equipment to Cairns, and evacuated isolated residents.

Corporal Charlotte Mears, flight crew on the AW-139 dedicated to the emergency response provided by the ADF, has reflected on the effort.

“The community has been great to work alongside and are grateful for our help and very patient given the circumstance they are facing. The flood can be a scary time for everyone,” Corporal Mears said.

“When they knew Defence was coming, it seemed to help calm them and we could see the relief on their faces when we arrived.

“There are people who have lived in this community for a very long time and say they have never seen anything like this.”

The Commanding Officer of Cairns, Commander Alfonso Santos, said Defence helicopters evacuated about 290 civilians from Wujal Wujal in North Queensland from December 19 to 21.

“Defence will remain responsive to changing requirements and continue to adjust to meet the needs of affected communities as identified by the Queensland Government and the Local Disaster Management Group – Cairns Region,” Commander Santos said.

ADF personnel have moved more than 10 tonnes of stores, including food and medical supplies into remote communities by Army helicopters. They also transported Red Cross personnel.

The Commander of Joint Task Group 629.3, Brigadier Richard Peace, said he was proud of the efforts of his group in supporting the North Queensland communities.

“Our soldiers are mucking in by supporting local and state emergency services personnel, and together, under very challenging environmental circumstances, doing whatever they can to support the people of Cairns and surrounding communities,” Brigadier Peace said.

Defence is continuing to provide support to isolated communities through the evacuation of people and transportation of supplies.

Soldiers from the 7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (7RAR), 2nd Health Brigade, and Land Combat College bid farewell in a ceremony held at Defence Precinct Edinburgh in Adelaide. This marked their departure for Operation Kudu in the United Kingdom. The 90-member contingent is set to contribute to Australia’s ongoing support in training the Armed Forces of Ukraine in response to continuous Russian aggression.

On January 8, alongside family, friends, and local and federal politicians, members of South Australia’s Ukrainian community actively participated in the ceremony. The event featured a Ukrainian Orthodox blessing and traditional customs. Acting Defence Minister Matt Thistlethwaite expressed pride in the troops heading to the UK, emphasizing their role in defending the Ukrainian people and assisting in the training of Ukrainian soldiers against Russia’s illegal acts of aggression.

President of the Association of Ukrainians in South Australia, Frank Fursenko, underscored the crucial ties between Australia and Ukraine, highlighting the significant impact of the war and acknowledging Australia’s support as vital for Ukraine’s situation.

This deployment represents the fifth rotation of Australian troops and the inaugural participation of 7RAR in the UK-led multinational training mission. Major Michael Jack, the contingent commander, expressed readiness to lead his soldiers, emphasizing the qualities of 7RAR soldiers as physically and mentally tough, professional, compassionate, and courageous. The focus of the mission revolves around basic infantry tactics, leadership, and small-team training.

Commander of the 9th Brigade, Brigadier Tim Orders, reminded the troops of the importance of their mission, stating that their presence symbolizes hope and solidarity in a time of need. He highlighted that their efforts would not only strengthen the coalition’s resolve but also uphold the values of democracy and peace worldwide.

Read before opening the attached video.

The experiment is carried out with a small 1.5V lithium battery cell! Take a good look at the state of the container that held the water following the test!

In an electric car, all the batteries represent 400 volts direct and weigh 180 kg. It’s in English but the images are enough to explain the phenomenon. Lithium mixed with water explodes and releases enormous intensity of heat. This is why firefighters can’t put out a fire on an electric car!

This is the main reason why we don’t want electric cars in underground car parks.

ED: I sent the following email to the CEO of Woolworths, Mr Brad Banducci MBA, LLB, BComm (Acc). Should you wish to send your own message his email address is [email protected]

Remember to be respectful if you wish to get your thought across. 

Att: Mr Brad Banducci MBA , LLB, BComm (Acc)

Dear Mr Banducci,

I trust this message finds you well. I am writing to express my deep disappointment and frustration concerning Woolworths’ recent decision not to actively promote Australia Day. While I understand the commercial considerations behind not endorsing an unprofitable product, it is disheartening to witness a lack of support for Australia Day, especially in light of Woolworths’ enthusiastic promotion of events such as Halloween.

The implications of this decision raise questions about the company’s trajectory and its alignment with the values of a significant portion of its customer base. This choice seems inconsistent with principles of inclusivity and a genuine understanding of the Australian way.

My initial disappointment with Woolworths arose when shareholder funds were used to support what I perceive as a misguided referendum. While I was willing to attribute this to a lapse in judgment, the decision on Australia Day further compounds my concerns. I feel compelled to express that it is my firm intention to seek alternatives to Woolworths whenever possible. This sentiment is shared by many of my network subscribers who harbor similar apprehensions about the company’s current direction.

The prevailing trend of “wokeness” in Woolworths and other corporations within the corporate landscape is, in my opinion, perplexing and not in line with the Australian way of life. The term “woke” itself has come to symbolize a feigned state of awareness that often disregards genuine self-reflection and justice within one’s own behaviour.

In conclusion, I earnestly hope that Woolworths takes a moment to reassess its decision-making processes and gives due consideration to the sentiments of its diverse customer base. Engaging in open dialogue and understanding the broader values of the Australian community would undoubtedly contribute to a more inclusive and customer-centric approach.

Thank you for your time, and I appreciate your consideration of my concerns.

Sincerely,

Ray Payne OAM

Frontline Veterans Network

[email protected]

ED: OOOOPS Sorry seems I forgot to post the link yesterday.

ALL the faux hysteria over the Albanese government’s “failure” to contribute further to operations in the Red Sea lacks understanding of Australia’s regional military history.

It also lacks understanding of a potentially long war Israel didn’t want but created through poor political leadership and ideological arrogance.

It was a situation foreseen by ardent Zionist Albert Einstein, who warned his close friend, first Israeli president David Ben Gurion of challenges maintaining a just and inclusive society.

He also warned militarisation created potential for enduring conflict with Israel’s neighbours.

Australia fought two Middle East wars out of misplaced Imperial loyalty rather than protecting its immediate interests.

CLICK LINK to continue reading.

WONG’S TRIP A MESSAGE: ‘AUSTRALIA MUST BE NEUTRAL’ | Australian Defence History, Policy and Veterans Issues (targetsdown.blogspot.com)

There are thousands of roundabouts across Australia and frequent drivers would probably meet one every day. But, as common as they are, roundabout road rules are often misunderstood. Motorists should know what a roundabout is, what they’re for and the road rules that govern their use. So have a read of the below to refresh your understanding.

Roundabouts manage the traffic flow at intersections. They move traffic in one direction around a central island. Vehicles can turn left or right, go straight ahead, or make a full turn (U-turn). Part 9 of the Road Rules 2014 details the legislation that covers roundabouts. Reg 114 explains how to give way when entering or driving in a roundabout, and reg 118 outlines indicating when leaving a roundabout. The road rules do not change depending on the size of the roundabout.

The basic rules to remember.

The roundabout sign means Slow Down, prepare to Give Way and if necessary, stop to avoid a collision.

• When approaching a roundabout, you must get into the correct lane, indicate if turning, and give way to traffic already on the roundabout.
• Enter the roundabout when there is a safe gap in the traffic.
• If you need to change lanes, you must indicate and give way to any vehicle in the lane you’re moving into. You can only change lanes where there’s a broken white line. You must not change lanes if the line is unbroken.
• When exiting a roundabout, whether you are turning left, right or straight ahead, you must always indicate a left turn just before you exit, if practicable.
• Look out for bicycles on a roundabout. They are entitled to use a full lane. Bicycle riders must follow the same rules as other drivers on roundabouts. However, on a multi-lane roundabout, they can use the left lane to turn right. When turning, they must give way to vehicles leaving the roundabout. Look out for bicycles stopped in the left lane who are giving way to vehicles leaving the roundabout.

Giving way when entering or driving in a roundabout

• A driver entering a roundabout must give way to:

(a) any vehicle in the roundabout, and

(b) a tram that is entering or approaching the roundabout.

For this rule, give way means the driver must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision. There is no specific legislation stating one must give way to the other if entering the roundabout at the same time, only that you must give way to any vehicle already in the roundabout.

However, common sense must prevail. As the rule states, a driver must slow down enough to be able to stop to avoid a collision if necessary. Many drivers enter and approach roundabouts too fast and if there was a collision and it was a result of them not slowing to be able to avoid a collision, then they may face penalties from the authorities.

Roundabout risks to watch for:

• Take extra care whenever you drive in a roundabout.
• Keep an eye out for cars that are leaving the roundabout.
• Be careful if changing lanes in a roundabout, particularly when leaving.
• Look out for vehicles that are making a full turn.
• Watch for pedestrians, bicycles, long vehicles and motorcycles.

In a dramatic twist of events, Yemen’s Houthi rebels have boldly declared their direct confrontation with the United States, as revealed by the organization’s leader in a gripping televised speech. The leader fervently vowed to persist in their campaign of targeting ships in the Red Sea until the blockade of Gaza by Israel is lifted.

As tension escalated, the U.S. intensified its strikes on Houthi targets, prompting President Joe Biden to candidly admit to reporters that the military actions undertaken by his administration so far had not achieved their intended effect. In a challenging exchange with journalists in Washington, D.C., Biden questioned the efficacy of the strikes, acknowledging that they had not succeeded in halting the Houthi rebels and indicating that the attacks would persist.

Adding to the escalating narrative, the White House, in a surprising move, redesignated the Houthi rebels as a terrorist organization, reversing the decision made in 2021 to delist the group. This decision set the stage for further confrontations between the U.S. and the Houthi rebels.

Thursday night witnessed the fifth airstrike by the U.S. on Houthi targets in Yemen. American jets focused on anti-ship missiles, which U.S. Central Command revealed were poised for launch into the southern Red Sea. The situation intensified as the conflict unfolded on multiple fronts.

In a personal attack on the American president, the Houthi leader, Al-Houthi, scorned Biden as “an elderly man that has trouble climbing the stairs of an airplane yet is traveling 9,000 miles to attack those that wanted to stand by the oppressed people of Gaza.” The war of words heightened the animosity between the two sides.

The origins of this conflict trace back to the Houthi rebels’ retaliation against Israel’s relentless bombardment of the Gaza Strip, coupled with their objection to U.S. support for such actions. The Biden administration, along with the U.K. government, initiated retaliatory strikes against the Houthi rebels on January 12, following weeks of the group’s numerous attacks on ships navigating the Red Sea.

The plot thickens as the U.S. reclassified the Houthi rebels as a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist,” a decision that drew retrospective criticism as it reversed the delisting in 2021. The consequences of this intricate geopolitical saga unfold, leaving the world on edge and wondering about the next chapter in this unfolding story of conflict and confrontation.

ED: I sent this out back in August 2023 and I’ve been asked to send it out again.

The Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation (the Citation) was awarded by the former Government of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam) to military units that distinguished themselves in battle. Initially, only a limited number of Australian units across the three services were approved to accept and wear the Citation emblem.

All Australian military units under the operational control of the United States Military Assistance Command Vietnam are now eligible for the Citation emblem.

Eligibility

Eligible units/elements of the three Services, including qualifying dates, are documented at the specific links below:

List of Navy Units Eligible for the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation (PDF, 178.6 KB)

List of Air Force Units Eligible for the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation (PDF, 181.01 KB)

List of Army Units eligible for the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation (PDF, 191.07 KB)

Application

Eligible individuals can submit an application. Under ‘Application Type’ select Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with PUC.

Applications will be assessed against veteran service records and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Nominal Roll of Vietnam Veterans.

Personal records do not need to be supplied in order for Defence to assess an application for the Citation emblem. The Directorate of Honours and Awards will make contact if further details are required.

Family members of deceased Vietnam veterans who may be eligible are asked to submit an application. See Granting of Unissued Service Awards of Deceased Members.

Wearing

Individuals are not eligible to wear the Citation emblem until they have been formally approved to do so through the application process.

The Citation is a singular emblem, and once approved and received following assessment, should be worn in accordance with respective Service guidelines.

Please note that approval to wear the Citation emblem does not give a person the authority to wear the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry (Medal) which is an individual decoration awarded to a number of Australians by the Government of the Republic of Vietnam in recognition of individual acts of gallantry.

Exchange

The Palm device on the Citation emblem is bronze. Some Citations were historically issued incorrectly with a gold Palm device. Personnel in possession of an incorrectly issued Citation emblem may return it for replacement.

Ensure full name, service number, address and contact details are included with the returned device to the address below:

Directorate of Honours and Awards
Exchange Citations
PO BOX 7952
Canberra BC ACT 2610