Iran is sponsoring attacks on US bases.

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.

C-27J Spartans Grounded.

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.

Vale 217464 Brian Harrison Rees – 1RAR Coral veteran.

Sadly, I advise of the death of a Frontline member, Brian Rees.

Brian’s son Craig advised that he passed away peacefully at 8:00am on 15th December at RAAFA Bull Creek WA.

Brian served with 1 RAR in SVN during the Battle for Fire Support Coral in 1968.

Brian was a loving Brother to Edward, Graham, John & Lorraine

Dad to myself, Damo Rees, Mike Ellyard & Carolyn

Pop to Ashlee, Brodie, Shayla, Brock, Bonnie, Jake, Jess, Riley, Polly & Clancy

There will be a service at Karrakatta on the 21st December @ 10am Norfolk Chapel KARRAKATTA WA

There will be some food & drinks after service for 1 hour.

Please don’t bring any flowers, but if you wish to do something, please donate to the Diabetes association on Brian Rees behalf.

RIP Dad 1947-2023

 

Should we be concerned in Australia?

Read this chilling report from Holland. Geert Wilders, a Member of the Dutch Parliament, delivered a speech in New York, introducing an Alliance of Patriots and announcing the Facing Jihad Conference in Jerusalem. Here is an excerpt from his speech:

Dear friends, thank you very much for inviting me. I come to America with a mission. All is not well in the old world. There is a tremendous danger looming, and it is very difficult to be optimistic. We might be in the final stages of the Islamization of Europe. This is not only is a clear and present danger to the future of Europe itself, but also a threat to America and the sheer survival of the West.

The Europe you know is changing. You have probably seen the landmarks. But in all of these cities, sometimes a few blocks away from your tourist destination, there is another world. It is the world of the parallel society created by Muslim mass-migration. All throughout Europe, a new reality is rising entire Muslim neighbourhoods where very few indigenous people reside or are even seen. And if they are, they might regret it. This goes for the police as well. It’s the world of head scarves, where women walk around in figureless tents, with baby strollers and a group of children. Their husbands, or slaveholders if you prefer, walk three steps ahead. With mosques on many street corners.

Many European cities are already one-quarter Muslim: just take Amsterdam, Marseille, and Malmo in Sweden. In many cities, most of the under-18 population is Muslim. Paris is now surrounded by a ring of Muslim neighbourhoods. Mohammed is the most popular name among boys in many cities. In some elementary schools in Amsterdam, the farm can no longer be mentioned because that would also mean mentioning the pig, and that would be an insult to Muslims.

I could go on forever with stories like this. Stories about Islamization. A total of fifty-four million Muslims now live. San Diego University recently calculated that a staggering 25 percent of the population in Europe will be Muslim just 12 years from now. Bernhard Lewis has predicted a Muslim majority by the end of this century.

Now these are just numbers. And the numbers would not be threatening if the Muslim immigrants had a strong desire to assimilate. But there are few signs of that. The Pew Research Centre reported that half of French Muslims see their loyalty to Islam as greater than their loyalty to France. One-third of French Muslims do not object to suicide attacks. The British Centre for Social Cohesion reported that one-third of British Muslim students are in favour of a worldwide caliphate.

The second thing you need to know is the importance of Mohammed the prophet. His behaviour is an example to all Muslims and cannot be criticized. Now, if Mohammed had been a man of peace, let us say like Ghandi and Mother Theresa wrapped in one, there would be no problem. But Mohammed was a warlord, a mass murderer, a paedophile, and had several marriages – at the same time. Islamic tradition tells us how he fought in battles, how he had his enemies murdered and even had prisoners of war executed. Mohammed himself slaughtered the Jewish tribe of Banu Qurayza.

If it is good for Islam, it is good. If it is bad for Islam, it is bad. Let no one fool you about Islam being a religion. Sure, it has a god, and a hereafter, and 72 virgins. But in its essence, Islam is a political ideology. It is a system that lays down detailed rules for society and the life of every person. Islam wants to dictate every aspect of life. Islam means ‘submission’. Islam is not compatible with freedom and democracy because what it strives for is sharia. If you want to compare Islam to anything, compare it to communism or national socialism; these are all totalitarian ideologies.

The public has wholeheartedly accepted the Palestinian narrative and sees Israel as the aggressor. I have lived in this country and visited it dozens of times. I support Israel. First, because it is the Jewish homeland after two thousand years of exile up to and including Auschwitz; second because it is a democracy, and third because Israel is our first line of defence. This tiny country is situated on the fault line of jihad, frustrating Islam’s territorial advance. Israel is facing the front lines of jihad, like Kashmir, Kosovo, the Philippines, Southern Thailand, Darfur in Sudan, Lebanon, and Aceh in Indonesia.

Israel is simply in the way. The same way West-Berlin was during the Cold War. The war against Israel is not a war against Israel. It is a war against the West. It is jihad. Israel is simply receiving the blows that are meant for all of us. If there would have been no Israel, God forbid, to go down, it would not bring any solace to the West. It would not mean our Muslim minorities would suddenly change their behaviour and accept our values. On the contrary, the end of Israel would give enormous encouragement to the forces of Islam. They would, and rightly so, see the demise of Israel as proof that the West is weak and doomed. The end of Israel would not mean the end of our problems with Islam but only the beginning. It would mean the start of the final battle for world domination. If they can get Israel, they can get everything.

So-called journalists volunteer to label any and all critics of Islamization as ‘right-wing extremists’ or ‘racists’. In my country, the Netherlands, 60 percent of the population now sees the mass immigration of Muslims as the number one policy mistake since World War II. And another 60 percent sees Islam as the biggest threat.

Yet there is a greater danger than terrorist attacks, the scenario of America as the last man standing. The lights may go out in Europe faster than you can imagine. An Islamic Europe means a Europe without freedom and democracy, an economic wasteland, an intellectual nightmare, and a loss of military might for America – as its allies will turn into enemies, enemies with atomic bombs. With an Islamic Europe, it would be up to America alone to preserve the heritage of Rome, Athens, and Jerusalem…

Dear friends, liberty is the most precious of gifts. My generation never had to fight for this freedom; it was offered to us on a silver platter, by people who fought for it with their lives. All throughout Europe, American cemeteries remind us of the young boys who never made it home, and whose memory we cherish. My generation does not own this freedom; we are merely its custodians. We can only hand over this hard-won liberty to Europe’s children in the same state in which it was offered to us. We cannot strike a deal with mullahs and imams. Future generations would never forgive us. We cannot squander our liberties. We simply do not have the right to do so.

 

 

KC-30A RETURNS FROM MODIFICATIONS IN SPAIN.

Media release photo: Senior Airman Mackenzie Cooper.

The inaugural KC-30A multi-role transport tanker (MRTT) of the Australian Defence Force has concluded its mission in Spain, having undergone significant enhancements in communications and cyber capabilities. This aircraft, a modified Airbus A330 serving air-to-air refuelling and strategic airlift roles for the Royal Australian Air Force through No. 33 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland, has successfully completed a two-year Heavy Air Lift Systems Program Office (HALSPO) initiative.

The upgrades encompass secure high-frequency and very high-frequency radios, encryption devices, and tactical data link improvements. Anticipated benefits include enhanced communication safety and efficiency, improved command, control, and situational awareness, along with a substantial 300% increase in KC-30A data throughput.

Group Captain Brent Taylor, Officer Commanding 86 Wing, emphasised the significance of these advancements in augmenting combat air mobility capabilities. He noted that the modernization efforts would enable better integration and operations with other Defence and allied aircraft.

The rest of the Royal Australian Air Force’s KC-30A fleet is slated to undergo similar upgrades by 2025.

The KC-30A MRTT is equipped with two air-to-air refuelling systems: an advanced refuelling boom system on the tail and all-electric refuelling pods under each wing. These systems are controlled by an air refuelling operator in the cockpit using 2D and 3D screens. The aircraft can transfer over 100 tonnes of fuel to various platforms, including F/A-18A/B Hornets, F/A-18F Super Hornets, E/A-18G Growlers, E-7A Wedgetails, C-17A Globemaster III, P-8A, and other KC-30As.

Group Captain Russell Barton highlighted the challenge of integrating and adapting U.S. technology to a European platform during the project that now ensures enduring relevance, reliability, and state-of-the-art capability.

VALE 3786658 ROBERT BRUCE BAKER – 5RAR

4 May 1945 – 10 December 2023

PTE Robert Baker, passed away peacefully on Sunday 10 December in St Georges Hospital, Kew, VIC.

A first intake National Serviceman did his recruit training at 2 RTB. On 10 September he proceeded to join C Company, 5 RAR, to complete his Corps Training. Bob then moved to 2 Platoon, A Company and later to CHQ as a signaller. He was part of A Company’s sojourn in New Guinea and then deployed to Vietnam on 8 May 1966. Bob completed the Battalion’s full 1966-67 tour of duty and returned to Australian on 12 May 1967.

The Funeral Service for Bob will be after the Christmas period because of family commitments.

Regards,

Gary Townsend

5 RARA Membership Officer/Tiger Tales Editor

garyt.5rar@gmail.com

Looking for – 1734180 Lancelot (Lance) Norman Sanderson -RAE

Hi Ray

Thanks to you and your team for the work you put into Frontline.

I have just read the article on the 17th Construction Squadron in Frontline 13/12/23.

I am writing is see if you have contact with those that put the article together the reason being we are trying to make contact with Lancelot (Lance) Norman Sanderson 1734180 who served in 1969 with the Royal Australian Engineers 17th Construction Squadron in Vietnam

Lance was a member of the Coolum Beach Surf Club before joining the army and his mates from that time would like to make contact if Lance can be found and is interested.

I am a current member of the Coolum Surf Club and ex 3RAR.

Thanking you in advance

Regards

Basil Caffery

Learn From Sad History

Written by: Lana Starkey and Colleen Harkin

Millennials’ support for ‘socialism’ would wane if they were taught more of its true nature and tragic history, report IPA Research Fellows Lana Starkey and Colleen Harkin.

Long branded narcissistic, entitled, and politically apathetic, the ‘Me me me’ millennial generation—those born between 1980 and 2000—are now the largest voting group in Australia. If the polls are correct, their attitude towards politics can be summed up in three red emblazoned words: ‘Tax the rich’. In 2021, ‘the world’s most famous left-wing millennial’, New York Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, attended the exclusive Met gala ball wearing an ivory Brother Vellies gown with the provocative slogan emblazoned in red across the back. The stunt drew a mixed reaction with some criticising it as hypocritical while others praised Ocasio-Cortez for audaciously demanding the uber-rich cough up at their own exclusive event. Whatever the effect, the stunt was appropriately glib, and along with a rise of socialist-leaning candidates across the Anglosphere over the same period, it prompted a reassessment of generation Y’s political preferences, hitherto considered largely incoherent.

To continue reading this article click the link below.

Learn From Sad History – IPA – The Voice For Freedom

AGED CARE FOR VETERANS

A number of weeks ago, our Association was advised by Noel McLaughlin, Chair of the RAAC Corporation, that there was an issue with Aged Care that affects veterans with DVA entitlements. The issue also affects war widows – that is widows of veterans who were either TPI or EDA, and widows who may have been issued with Gold Cards.

Basically, when any person moves into Aged Care, they are required to sign a Deed of Agreement. This apparently extinguishes the rights of the person (veteran) to pursue medical and dental treatments under their entitlements provided by the DVA. Once a veteran signs an agreement to enter aged care, that veteran is bound by the terms and conditions to use all medical/pharmaceutical/psychological and any other treatment processes the company operating the aged care facility provides. This also applies to ‘war widows’!

It is important to note, that signing the Deed of Agreement does not affect a member’s pension entitlements. Veterans will continue to receive their fortnightly pension.

The Association had experienced this situation first-hand when transport had been requested for a senior officer – in a nursing home – to attend the 50th Commemorative event for the end of the Vietnam War. DVA indicated that it was not their problem as the person concerned was living in an aged care facility, and ‘My Aged Care’ (a Federal Government department) should provide the transport. My Aged Care denied the request.

This issue has been raised at the Ex-Service Organisations Round Table (ESORT) as a matter of significance as My Aged Care has no appreciation or understanding of the unique nature of military service and the physical, psychological and cognitive/neurological consequences of service to the nation. In essence, actions such as these remove the level of comfort and security blanket that veterans, including many of us, rely on as we enter our twilight years.

The RAAC Corporation has advised that this issue is being addressed by a number of ex-service organisations. DVA has been advised that Billy Hughes stated in 1917, that ‘when you come back, we will look after you’. Senator Millen, during the Second Reading speech of the Australian Soldiers’ Repatriation Bill 1917, stated ‘I have put before the honourable senators a proposition representing the duty we owe to these returned soldiers’.

We can only hope that DVA addresses this issue to ensure that the rights of veterans are not trampled.

Russ James Secretary
1st Armoured Regiment Association

 

Bowen calls for Bolt’s sacking.

Climate change minister Chris Bowen is urging News Corp to dismiss columnist Andrew Bolt following a controversial column in which Bolt asserted that Australians are weary of “kowtowing to the primitive.” Bolt criticized Bowen’s actions at the Cop28 climate summit in Dubai, accusing him of connecting the government’s tribalism and anti-oil stance. The summit concluded with nearly 200 countries agreeing to transition away from fossil fuels.

In his address at the summit, Bowen emphasized the importance of respecting Indigenous people’s knowledge and traditions in addressing climate change. Bolt dismissed these remarks as “brainless posturing,” questioning the selective nature of Bowen’s respect and whether it extended to non-white Indigenous groups.

Bolt further criticized Bowen’s stance by contrasting it with what he perceived as the abandonment of “primitive” beliefs by non-Indigenous societies through reason and science. He specifically targeted Aboriginal people, mentioning a legal challenge against a gas project based on the disturbance of a crocodile believed to inhabit the area since the Dreamtime.

Bowen responded on social media, condemning Bolt’s characterization of First Nations people as “primitive” and calling for his dismissal by News Ltd. Bolt defended his position, clarifying that he referred to the belief in a crocodile deity, not the Aboriginal people themselves.

The column also delves into the federal court dispute between Tiwi Islanders and Santos over a proposed gas pipeline, where Indigenous beliefs about the Crocodile Man and the Rainbow Serpent were presented as evidence.

Bolt, known for opposing emissions reduction measures and dismissing climate science, has a history of promoting views contrary to mainstream climate science.