ONCE upon a time on a Canberra hill called Russell many, many ambitious staff officers beavered away in their monkish work cells achieving, who knows what?

Apart from the poignant cry from senior officers to their juniors, “Anyone got a fag?” another regular ritual played out.

Tea ladies like Gloria Sweets patrolled corridors behind wheeled trolleys with one erratic, squeaky wheel signalling delights to come.

“Cuppa tea and a biscuit dear?” she would ask each of her loyal clientele, unfazed by rank or role.

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Defence HQ is now seeing stars | Australian Defence History, Policy and Veterans Issues (targetsdown.blogspot.com)

The F-111, officially known as the General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark, was a versatile and innovative American supersonic, medium-range interdictor, and tactical strike aircraft. Its introduction to Australia marked a significant milestone in the country’s military aviation history.

On December 4, 1973, F-111 A8-147 touched down at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Amberley, ushering in a new era for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The F-111 represented a leap forward in technology, featuring variable-sweep wings and advanced avionics that allowed it to serve a variety of roles, including strategic bombing, electronic warfare, and reconnaissance.

Over the course of 37 years, F-111 A8-147 played a crucial role in the RAAF’s operational capabilities. It logged an impressive 7,503.1 flight hours, showcasing the aircraft’s durability and adaptability. The F-111 fleet in Australia was renowned for its ability to perform low-level flying and deliver precision strikes, making it a key asset for the ADF.

In 2013, exactly ten years ago, F-111 A8-147 took its final flight as it retired from active service. Rather than being consigned to obscurity, the aircraft found a new home at the Evans Head Heritage Aviation Museum. This museum, located in New South Wales, Australia, serves as a repository of aviation history and a tribute to the men and women who have contributed to the country’s air force legacy.

The decision to preserve F-111 A8-147 at the Evans Head Heritage Aviation Museum allows future generations to appreciate the technological advancements and operational significance of this iconic aircraft. It stands as a tangible reminder of Australia’s military aviation history and the role the F-111 played in shaping the nation’s defence capabilities. Visitors to the museum can explore the aircraft’s rich history, learn about its missions, and gain a deeper understanding of the contributions made by the F-111 and the personnel associated with it during its service with the RAAF.

Rolls-Royce has revealed plans for a miniature nuclear reactor designed for lunar outposts, showcasing a conceptual model at the UK Space Conference in Belfast. Intended to provide a reliable power source for future settlements on the Moon, particularly in perpetually shadowed regions like the southern pole, this Space Micro-Reactor addresses the challenges posed by the lack of sunlight.

NASA has identified these shadowed areas as potential locations for a lunar outpost due to the likelihood of substantial water deposits. The compact nuclear reactor, exhibited during the conference, is currently operational, with Rolls-Royce engineers actively researching methods to convert its nuclear fission reactor’s heat into usable energy.

This innovative technology offers a continuous power supply unaffected by lunar darkness, positioning it as a crucial element for sustaining human presence on the Moon. Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, lauded Rolls-Royce’s pioneering research, emphasizing its potential to establish a foundation for a permanent lunar settlement. Unlike solar panels, the mini reactor’s ability to generate a constant power source allows for strategic placement on the Moon’s polar surface.

Renewables ‘reduce’ grid efficiency: ‘No way’ Labor’s grid will work how they say it will.

Nuclear expert Dr Adi Paterson says the buildout of renewables “reduces the efficiency” of the grid and there is “no way” the grid proposed by Labor will work the way they say it will work.

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Renewables ‘reduce’ grid efficiency: ‘No way’ Labor’s grid will work how they say it will | Nuclear expert Dr Adi Paterson says the buildout of renewables “reduces the efficiency” of the grid and there is “no way” the grid proposed by Labor will… | By Sky News Australia | Facebook (workplace.com)

“7 RAR” sung by Gary Seton

7 RAR sung by Gary Seton – YouTube

Five Thousand Miles by Gary Seton Music by Bobby Bare

Five thousand miles – YouTube

As military operations intensify in the southern part of the region, there are reports suggesting that Israel is contemplating a strategy to incapacitate an extensive network of underground tunnels belonging to a terrorist group in Gaza. The plan involves flooding these tunnels with seawater, as revealed by two U.S. officials. Israel’s military, however, has chosen not to comment on this flooding tactic.

The underground tunnel system is a primary target for Israel, as it has been allegedly used by the Hamas terrorist group to hide hostages, weapons, and fighters, allowing them to move undetected across Gaza. The tunnels are reportedly extensive, spanning hundreds of miles and equipped with traps, also serving as hiding places for the group’s leaders.

Although Israel has not officially acknowledged the flooding plan, satellite imagery and IDF-released photos appear to depict the connection of pipes to the sea on Gaza’s beaches. Flooding the tunnels is technically feasible, given the soft sandstone composition of the area.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the military’s efforts to encircle a specific location associated with the alleged mastermind behind a terrorist attack in Israel. The Prime Minister expressed confidence in eventually apprehending the individual, emphasizing the underground nature of the target.

Despite the potential effectiveness of the flooding tactic, there are concerns raised by residents and officials within Gaza. Leaflets distributed by the Israeli army, quoting a Quranic verse, have added to the anxiety among the population. Additionally, there are worries that the introduction of seawater could harm Gaza’s land, worsening an already critical humanitarian situation. The Palestinian Water Authority has warned of devastating effects on an underground aquifer, potentially making the region unviable. This raises concerns about the impact on the already limited food and water supply and the toll on the health of the population, with officials reporting thousands of casualties from weeks of Israeli attacks.

In the realm of modern U.S. presidents, Donald Trump stands as a polarizing figure, sparking either exuberant celebration or profound concern. His unexpected victory in 2016 marked a departure from the political norm, and he wasted no time establishing himself as the adversary of the mainstream media and traditional global alliances.

At the core of Trump’s appeal was his connection with the “forgotten Americans,” the working and middle class left behind by the forces of globalization. In his quest to “Make America Great Again,” he tapped into the sentiment that the post-Second World War order had failed these communities, promising a revival of Ronald Reagan’s era of economic prosperity.

Trump’s direct communication with the heartland of America, particularly in the Rust Belt and flyover states, resonated with those who felt overlooked. His commitment to end foreign wars and ensure that U.S. allies shared the burden garnered additional support from those tired of shouldering the costs in terms of “blood and treasure.”

The Trump administration’s transactional approach to foreign policy, coupled with the president’s bold and unapologetic style, raised concerns among the global policymaking establishment. Nations like Australia, traditionally reliant on U.S. strategic benevolence, faced the need to become self-sufficient.

Despite the initial shockwaves and apprehension following Trump’s first election, some positive aspects of his foreign policy. The administration provided weapons to Ukraine, brokered peace deals in the Middle East, and pushed European countries to increase defence spending.

The concern, revolves around the perception that a second Trump administration would be unbounded, marked by retribution, economic protectionism, and deals that are advantageous to the U.S.

A second Trump term could lead to shifts in U.S. commitments, such as potentially abandoning financial support in Europe and unsettling NATO. Others speculate on Trump’s unwavering support for Israel, possible deals with China’s president on Taiwan, and the broader tightening on global stability.

In the face of Trumps re-election, there’s a need to move beyond anguish and impose order on anxiety. The world has changed, and countries, particularly middle powers like Australia, must take more direct responsibility for their security and prosperity.

The reality is that the United States, in relative terms, is facing challenges and internal divisions. Whether under Trump or another leader, nations like Australia must adapt to a new global order, acknowledging the era of great power competition and multipolarity. Australia must prepare a transparent and collaborative approach between policymakers, elected officials, and the public to navigate this evolving landscape.

In essence, what is required is a nuanced understanding of Trump’s unconventional approach, acknowledging both positive and what we may see as negative outcomes. It encourages a pragmatic assessment of the changing global dynamics and emphasizes the need for countries to take charge of their destinies in an era of shifting power dynamics.

The Fluctus Channel uncoverS the stories that shape the resilient character of the men and women who call the depth of the sea their workplace, from routine operations and leisure to heavy-duty jobs.

Following the withdrawal of the ANZAC troops from the Gallipoli Peninsula, the doubling of the Australian Imperial Force in Egypt spawned the 105th Howitzer Battery on 8 March 1916. Less than five weeks later, the 105th was in action near Armentieres, France.

Becoming part of the 5th Australian Field Artillery Brigade (5 AFAB) in the artillery reorganisation of 11 May 1916 began a long association with this unit. The Battery served with distinction for the next three years from Passchendaele and Ypres in Belgium to Amiens and Villers Bretonneux in France, concluding its time at Thuin, Belgium after the Armistice. The unit was disbanded on 30 March 1919.

The 105th Howitzer Battery was reraised as part of 5 AFAB at Kelvin Grove, Brisbane in the Militia remodelling of 1921. It survived all the reorganisations between the wars and the hardships of the Great Depression and continued its camps and live firings at Fort Lytton, Cominya, Mt Walker and Caloundra. Mechanisation farewelled horses in 1939, and the Battery went on full time duty in 1940. Sadly, it was disbanded in the Second World War reorganisation which formed field regiments of artillery in December 1940.

Australia’s commitment to the British Commonwealth Far East Strategic Reserve led to the re-emergence of 105th Field Battery on 1 July 1955. It sailed for Malaya on 6 October 1955 to become the first unit of the Royal Australian Artillery (RAA) to fire a shot in anger since World War 2. With its headquarters in Butterworth and gun troops in Perak and Kedah states, the Battery supported British, Malay and Australian battalions till its return to Australia in October 1957.

The 105th came under command of 1st then 4th Field Regiments till it was again called upon as the first RAA unit to serve—this time in the Vietnam War. Arriving on 28 September 1965, the Battery came under operational control of the 173d Airborne Brigade (Sep) US Army, served with the 1st Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR) Group, and was awarded the US Meritorious Unit Commendation. Joining 1st Field Regiment RAA at Nui Dat in June 1966, it supported 6 RAR’s D Company at the Battle of Long Tan before returning to Australia in September.

The 105th Field Battery commenced its second tour in Vietnam on 4 February 1969 in support of 5 RAR. Though ‘home’ was at Nui Dat, in 12 months it built 31 fire support bases between Long Binh near Saigon and the south coast of Phuoc Tuy Province, fired over 76 000 rounds and returned home on 4 February 1970 without loss of life.

Since then the 105th has remained under the command of 1st Field Regiment RAA in Brisbane, witnessing the many changes of doctrine and reorganisations of peacetime soldiering. Australia’s entry into peacemaking in East Timor saw 47 members of the Battery on active service again, primarily in Civil Military Liaison Teams with 6 RAR. Second and third tours have now been completed.

The 105th became a medium battery equipped with 155-mm M198 Howitzers on 1 July 2005 with the new role of direct support to a motorised 6 RAR Group.

Subsequently, the 105th Medium Battery supported Australia’s commitment to Iraq by providing individual members on six-month detachments to the Security Detachment in Baghdad, and the Australian Army Training Team, up to the end of Australia’s commitment in July 2009.  Also in January 2009, the Battery was redesignated “105th Battery RAA” with removal of the ‘Medium’ on introduction of the M777 155mm Howitzer to the Battery.

In early 2009, a 105th Battery Troop of the 105th Battery RAA mobilised to join its British counterparts of 7 Parachute Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery for a six-month tour of Afghanistan where the Tiger Troop manned the British 105mm L118 Light Gun in operations in the Helmund Province.  The first Tiger round was fired on operations on 9 April 2009.  The final contingent of the 105th Battery Troop returned to Australia in April 2011.

Since 2011, several 105th Battery RAA Officers, NCOs, and gunners have been attached to units serving in training posts in Afghanistan, and Iraq.  In 2018 and into 2019, 105th Battery personnel were deployed in Iraq as ‘G’ (Golf) Company Task Training Unit.

105th Battery RAA remains equipped with M777 Howitzer guns, is supported by an extensive array of digital devices, and is a unit of 1st Regiment RAA based at Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera, Brisbane Qld.

By Arthur Burke OAM (Dec’d), Honorary Historian, 105th Battery RAA
(updated) July 2020

The Air Force has decided to ground a portion of its C-27J Spartans after the discovery of structural cracking in these aircraft.

The manufacturer, Leonardo, issued an Alert Service Bulletin instructing operators, including Australia, as well as military forces in USA, Italy, Mexico, and other countries, to inspect for cracks near the attachment points of the horizontal and vertical stabilizers to the fuselage.

A spokesperson from the Defence department confirmed that the RAAF has initiated inspections on its C-27J fleet and found similar issues. Aircraft with cracking will be grounded until a thorough engineering assessment is conducted.

Leonardo, in a statement, assured that the problem is fixable and is not expected to significantly impact operations. The manufacturer has already identified a repair solution, which can be implemented by operators at customer premises without requiring significant effort.

Currently, Australia operates 10 Spartans through No. 35 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley. This squadron primarily focuses on peacetime operations, including search and rescue