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The world’s largest maritime exercise, RIMPAC 2024, will take place from June 27 to August 1, 2024, hosted by the Commander of the US Pacific Fleet. The Australian Defence Force (ADF) will participate with the HMAS Sydney, a Hobart Class guided missile destroyer, and a P-8A Poseidon aircraft.

This exercise will include 40 surface ships, three submarines, 150 aircraft, and approximately 25,000 personnel from 29 nations. Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Greg Bilton, emphasized Australia’s commitment to regional partnerships and alliances.

RIMPAC 2024 will cover scenarios such as disaster response, humanitarian assistance, maritime security operations, and warfighting. Air Commodore Louise Desjardins noted this as HMAS Sydney’s first RIMPAC, highlighting the evaluation of training and live-fire capabilities.

The start of RIMPAC 2024 follows recent announcements of enhanced defence cooperation between Australia, the US, and Japan, including a planned missile defence live-fire exercise in 2027 and collaborative projects in advanced military technology.

ED: The video below should be an item for my “Smile it’s Friday” 

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#batshitbonkersbritain #katiehopkins #greenparty #election | katie hopkins | TikTok

The Australian federal government has commissioned two Guardian Class patrol boats from Austal Australia, valued at $39 million. These 39.5-metre steel-hull vessels, to be built in Henderson, Western Australia, are scheduled for delivery in 2026. This order supplements the 22 Guardian Class patrol boats previously ordered under the Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project (SEA3036-1) since 2016, with 19 already delivered to 12 Pacific Island nations.

Austal CEO Paddy Gregg highlighted that these additional boats extend the production of the proven vessel platform, designed and constructed by Austal in Henderson and serviced in Cairns, Queensland. Gregg expressed gratitude for the continued support from the Australian government and the role these vessels play in enhancing the maritime capabilities of Pacific Island nations.

The Guardian Class patrol boats, faster and with better amenities than previous models, are equipped for various missions, including border patrol, regional policing, and search and rescue operations. The Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project now includes 24 vessels with a total contract value of approximately AU$400 million.

Austal’s service centre in Cairns continues to provide in-service support, employing over 100 people in engineering and sustainment roles. The Guardian Class design builds on Austal’s proven platforms, including the Bay, Armidale, and Evolved Cape Class patrol boats.

By Richard Barry OAM

Since 1996 I have been lobbying successive governments to have a large cohort of Vietnam veterans fully recognised for their valiant and lawful service. Over the years I succeeded in securing support letters from several ex-Prime Ministers, ex-Deputy Prime Ministers, former Governor-General, retired senior Vietnam veterans (all have the RVCM some with two tours), several ex-servicemen’s associations including branches of the RSL plus the Vietnam Veterans Federation of Australia and the National Servicemen’s Association of Australia, Vietnamese Community and Vietnamese veterans (ARVN & Rangers) plus politicians from all sides of parliament – the full list fills twelve A4 typed pages. Yes, there have been a few naysayers but to be fair they have not read my appeal submission containing undisputed facts. They are in the minority, and I’ll never be able to convince them otherwise.

My campaign was on the way for approval when the then Coalition Minister for Veterans’ Affairs gave it a green tick for the then Minister for Defence to take it to Cabinet. Many senior Labor shadow ministers wrote letters to the government saying, “get it done”. Unfortunately, the May 2022 election intervened and I had to start all over again. In October 2023 the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs decided NOT to make a decision because he felt it was unlawful for him to do so.

The campaign continues. In the meantime, I happened across a recommendation made by Honours and Awards in 2022 regarding a fresh interpretation of the eligibility criteria for the RVCM. The Tribunal submitted the recommendation to the Minister who in turn refused to approve it but was subsequently overruled by the Australian Government Solicitor.  To my mind this was an opportunity too good to ignore.

I am writing a tome about this saga which is now in excess of 1,200 pages and almost ready to self-publish. Over the years at my request, I have received in excess of 200 testimonials from Vietnam veterans and their families – some are horrendous to say the least. So, because I had their email addresses I alerted them to the Tribunal decision. These men had served more than 60 but less than 181 days in South Vietnam. Through no fault of their own many were sent home having completed their national service obligations or were sent home suffering from accidents and/or terrible diseases. None had been ‘thanked’ by the former Vietnamese government by way of the RVCM.

Since November 2023 I have assisted 65 Vietnam veterans lodge their applications for the RVCM and so far, 18 have received the medal in the mail. I am helping 15 widows and children as well because many veterans have since passed away. The children and/or grandchildren want to march on Anzac Day proudly wearing the full complement of their hero’s medals. Who could blame them? The most encouraging aspect of my campaign is the huge number of veterans, who have the RVCM, being so supportive. That gives me heart to push forward.

Many of these men have been called “short-timers” or “second-class veterans” by their comrades and because of this irresponsible name calling have refused to march on Anzac Day. This should not be happening in 2024. There are no ‘diplomatic sensitivities’ because the Vietnamese government ceased to exist in 1975 and our government has since approved the issue and wearing of foreign (Vietnamese) awards like the recent Republic of Vietnam Unit Citation. There is minimal cost involved and no avenues for compensation will arise.

So, if you or the families of the deceased would like to pursue this matter, I invite you to contact me anytime ([email protected]) and I will assist you with the very easy application process. All this work is done on a voluntary basis and I have been awarded the RVCM.

There is much more I can add to this campaign, but I realise space is limited. I am more than happy to answer questions especially those who, for one reason or another, don’t want these men (and their families) fully recognised for their contribution to the war especially those who were compulsorily conscripted under the threat of two-years jail if they failed to register. The mandatory time in country is of no consequence because I have a list of those who perished in the first few weeks of stepping on foreign soil. I sincerely thank those veterans who endured twelve months and without equivocation have fully supported my campaign.

9news

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed disappointment over the recent decision to honour  war veteran Ben Roberts-Smith, highlighting a significant failure to recognize the complexities surrounding the case. Albanese notably refrained from offering congratulations to Roberts-Smith, underscoring his distance from King Charles’ decision.

Roberts-Smith, Australia’s most decorated soldier, appeared at Western Australia’s Government House this week to receive a coronation medal from King Charles III. This special honour, bestowed on all Victoria Cross recipients, was awarded despite the contentious circumstances surrounding Roberts-Smith. Although he retains his Victoria Cross due to the absence of criminal charges, a defamation trial concluded he had committed war crimes in Afghanistan. This verdict, however, is currently being appealed by Roberts-Smith’s lawyers.

In a statement today, Albanese made it unequivocally clear that the decision to recognize Roberts-Smith was entirely the prerogative of the King and not influenced by the Australian government. “This was the decision of the Palace to give all Victoria Cross recipients a further award,” he stated in an interview. Albanese continued, “It certainly wasn’t a government decision.”

The first 2024 Presidential debate has come to a close. For many, it served as a moment of clarity, while for others, it brought about a wave of confusion.

My Impressions

The new microphone system didn’t pose significant issues. While it reduced the likelihood of heated exchanges, it maintained order during the debate. Contrary to some online concerns, CNN did not “abuse” this system. However, CNN did attempt to assist Biden at times by cutting him off when he appeared to be mumbling. This intervention sparked mixed reactions, with some viewing it as an attempt to protect the President, while others saw it as a necessary measure to keep the debate on track.

Despite this, it appears that people across the political spectrum agree that Biden should step down due to his apparent difficulty in remembering things and forming coherent sentences and thoughts. Even left-wing media outlets went into panic mode. CNN reported that Democrats found Biden’s performance “dismal.”

Overall, the first 2024 Presidential debate has set the stage for a contentious and closely watched election season. As candidates continue to campaign and prepare for future debates, the issues raised, and impressions formed during this initial encounter will undoubtedly influence the strategies and narratives moving forward.

The first batch of Advanced RACU (Rifle Accessory Control Unit) Commander Systems, developed by Canberra-based Kord Defence, will be supplied to Ukrainian special operations soldiers. This delivery is part of the Australian government’s $100 million military assistance package announced in April by Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles.

The RACU Commander System, a weapon-mounted, programmable control unit, allows soldiers to manage electronic devices such as radios, torches, and lasers without removing their hands from their rifles. At a launch event in Canberra on June 19, Kord confirmed the system’s compatibility with rifles of both Western and Eastern designs.

Ukrainian Ambassador Myroshnychenko expressed gratitude for Australia’s support, highlighting the resilience of the Ukrainian people and the international coalition backing Ukraine. He thanked Deputy Prime Minister Marles for his visit to Ukraine and for including Kord’s systems in the latest aid package.

The systems are expected to be operational in the conflict zone within a week, following the earlier donation of ten units for evaluation. Kord’s managing director, Dr. Peter Moran, emphasized the system’s benefits, enabling soldiers to maintain focus and control on the battlefield.

The RACU system features a programmable three-button controller that can be mounted on a quad rail or similar system. It allows for various control configurations and can be used with a range of adapters for wired or wireless operation. Each system includes a radio, headset, torch, laser, and a training app to ensure proper use.

Soldiers from 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment during a section attack on Exercise Septimus Stride 24 at Townsville Field Training Area.

LIKE venereal diseases, it’s difficult to argue nuclear power effect differs vastly between civilian and military applications.

Both have common, attendant myths.

Painful premature unnecessary deaths, genetic mutations, weeping sores which don’t get better, these foolish things remind us the only certainties are in the minds of ill-informed, though perhaps well intentioned activists.

Physicists Marie and Pierre Curie pioneered nuclear research, particularly medical applications, though without the safety precautions which have since been applied.

Marie died of radiation complications, Pierre was killed by a horse and cart.

The risks of fatal exposure to uncontained radioactive elements have been all but eliminated, save for tea drinking Russian dissidents.

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Sensible precautions can contain reaction | Australian Defence History, Policy and Veterans Issues (targetsdown.blogspot.com)