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Planning Underway for Japan-US-Australia Joint Military Exercises

Darwin, Australia — November 17, 2024

Defence Minister Richard Marles will host senior defence officials from the United States and Japan in Darwin on Sunday to strengthen security ties and plan for joint military operations in northern Australia.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has arrived in Australia for his final visit as a senior official of the Biden administration, amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific and the impending leadership transition in Washington. Secretary Austin will join Minister Marles and Japan’s Defence Minister Nakatani Gen in trilateral discussions focused on enhancing regional stability and collective deterrence, as concerns grow over Beijing’s assertive actions in the South China Sea and the potential for conflict over Taiwan.

Central to the talks is the integration of Japan’s Rapid Deployment Brigade into joint military training exercises with the US Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D). Diplomatic sources confirm that Japan’s deployment will begin with the next rotation of US Marines in 2025, marking a historic step in defence collaboration.

Minister Marles highlighted the significance of the meeting:
“The trilateral partnership between Australia, Japan, and the United States is built upon shared values, deep trust, and an unbreakable commitment to Indo-Pacific stability and security. By working together, we bolster our collective deterrence capabilities and send a strong signal in support of peace and sovereignty in our region.”

The Marine Rotational Force-Darwin, established in 2011 under a 25-year agreement, deploys approximately 2,000 US personnel annually from April to October. Japan’s inclusion represents a significant enhancement to the exercises, reflecting deepening ties and shared strategic objectives among the three nations.

Shadow Defence Minister Andrew Hastie underscored the importance of closer cooperation:
“The Japanese face challenges similar to ours, particularly with increasing incursions by Chinese forces into their territorial waters. Integrating Japan into exercises with the US Marine Expeditionary Force in Darwin opens new opportunities for regional stability and enhanced security partnerships.”

This meeting follows a symbolic visit by then-Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to Darwin in 2018, commemorating 75 years since the city was bombed by Imperial Japanese forces during World War II. The inclusion of Japan in defence initiatives underscores the evolution of regional partnerships in the face of contemporary challenges.

The talks also come as the US continues a major infrastructure investment across northern Australia under its Force Posture initiatives. In addition, the AUKUS partnership remains a cornerstone of Australia’s defence strategy, with US nuclear-powered submarines scheduled to rotate through HMAS Stirling in Western Australia from 2027, ahead of Australia’s acquisition of its own Virginia-class submarines in the 2030s.

After the trilateral meeting, Secretary Austin will travel to the Philippines, attend the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting in Laos, and make a historic stopover in Fiji, further demonstrating the United States’ enduring commitment to regional alliances.

Photo: The first group of Australian Army nurses of 8th Field Ambulance to arrive in Vietnam in May 1967. From left to right; Lieutenant Colleen Mealy, Lieutenant Margaret Ahern, Captain Amy Pittendreigh, Lieutenant Terrie Roche. AWM P00582.045.

Australia sent over 50,000 defence personnel to serve in South Vietnam and its surrounding waters between 1962 and 1973. It was a controversial politico-military commitment which led to 519 Australian deaths and over 3,000 men were evacuated home with wounds, injuries or illnesses.

A largely forgotten part of those personnel were the female nurses who served during the conflict; some went overseas to treat casualties on the frontline, whilst many dealt with the wounded who were later sent back home.

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Home and Away; Australian Nurses during the Vietnam War | Anzac Memorial, Hyde Park, Sydney

The 2nd Commando Regiment, part of the Australian Army’s Special Operations Command, conducts strategic strike, domestic counter-terrorism, and overseas special recovery operations. Originally formed to complement the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR), it is a self-contained, flexible force. The regiment provides the Tactical Assault Group (East) for high-risk incidents on the eastern coast of Australia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed optimism that the war with Russia could conclude more swiftly under the incoming administration of Donald Trump, who is set to assume the U.S. presidency in January 2025. Speaking in a Nov. 15 interview, Zelensky highlighted the importance of a fair resolution to the conflict, emphasizing that Ukraine’s sacrifices must not be undermined by an unjust peace.

“A just peace is critical for us,” Zelensky said. “The war will end, but the exact timeline remains uncertain. However, with the policies of this new administration, there’s potential for a faster resolution. This approach aligns with their commitments to their society, which they take very seriously.”

Zelensky revealed that his discussions with Trump were constructive, with Ukraine clearly outlining its vision for peace. “Trump listened to our stance, and I didn’t hear anything that contradicted our position,” he said.

When asked whether Trump had pressured Kyiv to negotiate with Moscow, Zelensky firmly rejected the notion, reaffirming Ukraine’s independence in decision-making. “Throughout this war, Ukraine has shown—whether in talks with Trump, Biden, or European leaders—that a ‘sit down and listen’ approach does not work with us,” Zelensky asserted.

During his campaign, Trump frequently referenced his ability to manage relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his first term (2017–2021). He claimed that his firm stance had prevented Putin from advancing on Ukraine, describing the country as “the apple of his eye” in Putin’s ambitions.

“I told him, ‘You’re not going in,’ and he didn’t,” Trump said during an October campaign event. Following his electoral victory, Trump reportedly issued a warning to Putin against escalating the war. The Kremlin, however, denied any such communication had taken place.

Trump’s return to the White House brings uncertainty regarding the future of U.S. military aid to Ukraine, which has been a cornerstone of Kyiv’s defence against Russia’s full-scale invasion. U.S.-Russia relations have significantly deteriorated since the February 2022 invasion, with Putin now widely shunned by Western nations.

As Ukraine navigates this new chapter, Zelensky remains focused on achieving a resolution that secures his nation’s sovereignty while upholding the values of justice and independence. Whether Trump’s administration can deliver on its promise of a quicker end to the war remains to be seen.

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) operated H-13 Sioux and UH-1 Iroquois (“Huey”) helicopters during the Vietnam War, but the most iconic was the UH-1 Iroquois, which became synonymous with troop transport and medevac operations.

Australian Hueys in Vietnam:

• The RAAF’s No. 9 Squadron deployed 16 UH-1 Iroquois helicopters to Vietnam in 1966.
• These helicopters were primarily used for:
  • Troop insertion and extraction.
  • Medical evacuations.
  • Resupply missions.
  • Fire support and reconnaissance.

The squadron served until 1971, when Australia began withdrawing its forces. At any one time, the number of Hueys in operation would vary due to rotation, losses, and replacements, but 16 operational aircraft was the standard.

The total number of Hueys (from all countries) that served in Vietnam, the U.S. military deployed approximately 7,013 Hueys during the war.

Frontline – By Ray Payne OAM

In my view, Australia stands at a critical crossroads when it comes to immigration and housing policies, with significant challenges fuelling a national debate.

Migration remains a contentious issue, deeply tied to economic and social concerns. The housing crisis has brought this debate to the forefront, as families across the nation struggle to secure affordable homes. Increasing migration has added pressure to an already strained housing market, prompting calls to pause immigration until infrastructure catches up.

Recently, Peter Dutton has underscored migration concerns, advocating for tighter border controls and citing examples of released detainees and foreign nationals entering the country as signs of a flawed system. His critiques have fuelled public fears about the economic and social impacts of rising migration numbers.

The housing crisis is undeniably central to this discussion. Rapid population growth driven by immigration has far outpaced the construction of affordable housing. Some argue that temporarily halting migration could ease the crisis, allowing time to address infrastructure gaps.

I believe Australia’s migration policies need thoughtful reform. Addressing the root causes of the housing crisis while aligning immigration with the nation’s capacity to support newcomers is essential. Balancing these challenges requires nuance and care to safeguard both economic prosperity and social harmony.

Australia has an opportunity to remain a land of opportunity and inclusivity, but this will require addressing these complex issues with clarity and compassion.

The Times – Nick Fotheringham

WASHINGTON: The case for nuclear power as a cornerstone of national security is becoming increasingly undeniable. Former Trump administration officials Lucian Niemeyer and Brian McCormack articulate why nuclear energy is a vital resource in strengthening the United States’ defence capabilities while enhancing energy resilience and sustainability. With President-Elect Donald Trump signalling renewed commitment to nuclear energy during his campaign, the U.S. has an opportunity to solidify its energy security.

President Trump’s commitment to an “all-of-the-above” energy policy, including nuclear, reflects the urgency of ensuring resilient, reliable energy for national defence. In his first term, significant strides were made in collaboration with the Pentagon, Department of Energy (DOE), and the White House Office of Management and Budget. Nuclear power played a pivotal role in these efforts. Trump’s pledge to fast-track projects like nuclear reactors underscores the alignment of energy policy with defence objectives.

Nuclear energy offers unique benefits for military operations, especially for critical missions where reliability and compact, high-power energy sources are paramount. The Department of Defence (DoD) has safely operated nuclear reactors on submarines and aircraft carriers for over six decades, providing an impeccable record of operational safety and strategic value.

Critics like Alan J. Kuperman argue against nuclear energy on military bases, citing costs and risks. However, modern advancements in reactor technology counter these claims. Today’s reactors feature passive safety mechanisms like natural air circulation and convection for cooling, reducing or eliminating the need for backup power. Innovations in nuclear fuel, such as TRISO (tri-structural isotropic particle fuel), enhance safety by containing uranium in corrosion-resistant layers, minimizing risks even in attack scenarios.

Kuperman’s perspective, while well-intentioned, fails to acknowledge these advancements. It parallels judging contemporary automobile safety based on outdated 1950s designs. Modern nuclear technology has significantly evolved, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, National Energy Labs, and private industry.

Nuclear energy is experiencing a renaissance in the United States. States like California, Michigan, and Pennsylvania have reversed decisions to close nuclear plants, recognizing their critical role in grid stability. The private sector is investing heavily in nuclear projects to meet the demands of a digital economy, providing an alternative to diesel generators and intermittent renewable sources.

The Department of Energy, under both Republican and Democratic administrations, has consistently supported nuclear power. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm emphasized its importance in achieving carbon-free electricity and national sustainability goals.

The U.S. military is leading the charge in exploring nuclear energy applications. The Army is actively evaluating proposals for nuclear power installations, while the Air Force and Navy have launched initiatives to integrate nuclear technology into their operations. Projects like DoD’s Project Pele, a transportable nuclear reactor under development at Idaho National Laboratory, exemplify the military’s forward-thinking approach.

These initiatives are more than experiments; they are foundational to securing energy independence and operational resilience. The potential for nuclear power extends beyond defence applications, promising benefits for civilian infrastructure and the broader energy grid.

The challenges surrounding nuclear energy cannot be ignored, but they are surmountable. Misguided fears and misinformation must not overshadow the clear benefits of this technology. Careful testing, thorough assessments, and continued innovation will demonstrate nuclear power’s value for national security.

As Niemeyer and McCormack argue, the United States stands at the threshold of a new energy frontier. By embracing nuclear power, the nation can secure its defence infrastructure, reduce vulnerability to energy disruptions, and lead the world in sustainable energy innovation. The stakes are too high to let outdated arguments derail progress. Nuclear power is not just a choice for energy policy it is a necessity for national security.

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Washington Post

The US Congress recently held a landmark hearing on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP), commonly known as UFOs, where officials and experts discussed an issue once confined to the realm of conspiracy theories. As more military officials, intelligence agents, and journalists come forward, the line between scepticism and belief has never been thinner.

Compelling Testimonies and Vanished Evidence

One of the most striking testimonies came from Retired Navy Rear Admiral Timothy Gallaudet. He shared that he’d received an email detailing “multiple near-midair collisions” between military aircraft and a UAP. However, when he went to locate it, the email had vanished, inexplicably deleted. This story echoes the challenges investigators have faced in tracking what some say is a decades-long government cover-up. Gallaudet further testified about a 2017 satellite image showing a disc-shaped UAP. If such images exist, they could be some of the most compelling pieces of visual evidence yet, but the question remains whether the public will ever see them.

Decades of Secrecy Under Fire

Luis Elizondo, a former Pentagon intelligence official with significant experience in the field, spoke out forcefully about “excessive secrecy” around UAPs within intelligence circles. Elizondo argued that these objects have not only been sighted repeatedly but have out-maneuverer even the most advanced U.S. military aircraft, suggesting capabilities that go beyond known adversarial technology. According to him, this secrecy has hampered efforts to understand and address what may pose genuine national security threats.

Security Concerns and Intelligence Risks

Elizondo also shared troubling insights about where these sightings frequently occur near military installations and nuclear sites. The potential for intelligence gaps if these are indeed foreign or extraterrestrial technologies would be massive, potentially even an intelligence failure of historic proportions. The possibility that an advanced, unknown technology could hover near or infiltrate sensitive locations suggests that UAPs may present a far more immediate threat than previously acknowledged.

A Vault of Unseen Evidence

Journalist Michael Shellenberger offered a view into what might be one of the most extensive UAP databases in the world. According to Shellenberger, intelligence agencies have stockpiled hundreds, if not thousands, of high-resolution images and videos of UAPs, stemming from a classified program that began in 2017. He argued that without transparency, public trust erodes and speculation runs rampant. These assets could potentially shed new light on the nature of these phenomena — but they remain hidden from the public eye.

The Plausibility of UFOs: An Evolving Perspective

So, where does this leave us on the question of UFOs? For years, the stigma around “UFO sightings” made it nearly impossible for credible professionals to voice concerns without fear of ridicule. But recent developments, including this hearing, suggest a new era of openness. As credible witnesses describe near-impossible manoeuvres by unidentified objects and a global community of governments and researchers begins to pay attention, dismissing UFOs as mere folklore may no longer be tenable.

The hearing served as a significant step forward, but whether it will lead to transparency, understanding, or even answers is uncertain. Are UFOs real? We might finally be in a position to find out  but only if those holding the secrets are willing to share.

ED: From my inbox from a member in the US. 

Defence Media Release

Australia and Singapore today celebrated the opening of new and expanded facilities at Shoalwater Bay Training Area.

The opening coincided with Exercise Trident, the signature biennial joint training exercise between the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

Australia’s Secretary of the Department of Defence, Mr Greg Moriarty AO, and Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for Defence, Mr Heng Chee How, opened the new facilities developed under the Australia-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The Shoalwater Bay Training Area has been expanded to meet the future needs of the ADF and facilitate an increased presence of SAF personnel conducting unilateral training in Australia.

Up to 6,600 SAF personnel will now be able to train for a single nine-week period each year, compared to the previous 45-day period.

New infrastructure and range developments at Shoalwater Bay Training Area include:

• two urban operations live fire facilities, the first of their type in Australia,
• combined air-land ranges,
• camp accommodation for up to 2,000 personnel, and
• medical, administration, exercise control facilities and supporting infrastructure.

Mr Moriarty said the new facilities would enhance training outcomes for Australia and Singapore.

“The expansion of the training area will enable the ADF and SAF to concurrently conduct our own unilateral training, and also support enhanced bilateral training and complexity.”

Exercise Trident 2024 is designed to enhance both nations’ ability to project a combined land force from sea-to-shore, manoeuvre inland and secure an objective.

“This is the latest milestone in our nations’ Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and we welcome the opportunity to continue to learn from each other in a joint exercise environment,” Mr Moriarty said.

Exercise Trident has grown in scope and scale to enhance interoperability between the Australian Defence Force and Singapore Armed Forces since it was first held in 2013.

This year, Exercise Trident 2024 will focus on airmobile, littoral and urban combat operations. It will involve more than 1,900 SAF and ADF personnel, two ships and include a combined science and technology component focusing on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) interoperability.