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Last time we spoke about the North Borneo Offensive. General Buckner's 10th Army captured strategic locations, including Shuri Castle, marking a turning point. Simultaneously, General Eichelberger's forces liberated Mindanao, overcoming tough Japanese defenses in the mountainous terrain. As they approached Malaybalay, fierce resistance resulted in heavy casualties, but the Americans persisted, inflicting significant losses on their foes. By June 9, the Americans pressed further into the enemy's defensive lines, leading to intense combat. The Marines landed on the Oroku Peninsula, where fierce fighting revealed the tenacity of the Japanese defenders. General Ushijima prepared for a final stand, as American forces began to encircle and dismantle Japanese positions. As the campaign unfolded, Australians under Brigadier Whitehead launched the North Borneo Offensive, landing on Tarakan and swiftly pushing the Japanese into the rugged interior.  This episode is Victory at Okinawa Welcome to the Pacific War Podcast Week by Week, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about world war two? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on world war two and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel you can find a few videos all the way from the Opium Wars of the 1800's until the end of the Pacific War in 1945.  Okinawa was more than just a battlefield; it became a symbol of sacrifice, the last heroic stand of a fading empire. By this point in the war, Japan was facing inevitable defeat, yet their resolve remained unbroken. They clung to the samurai spirit, determined to fight to the bitter end out of honor and duty. The stakes were high. Japan needed precious time to fortify its home islands, to stretch the conflict as long as possible. To achieve this, over 100,000 brave souls were sent into the fray, sacrificing their lives to slow the American advance and inflict as many casualties as they could. As we've explored in previous episodes, this fierce determination fueled their resistance. And now, we stand at a pivotal moment, the final days of the Battle of Okinawa, the last major confrontation of the Pacific War. As we last left the battlefield, it was June 16, General Buckner's 10th Army had made significant strides, capturing most of southern Okinawa and finally breaking through the last major enemy defenses at the Yaeju Dake-Yuza Dake Escarpment. The remnants of General Ushijima's 32nd Army were now locked in a desperate fight to hold onto the Kiyamu Peninsula, slowly being pushed back toward the sea and their ultimate demise. The following day, June 17, the assault continued with renewed determination. General Geiger's 3rd Amphibious Corps pressed on through Kunishi Ridge, while General Hodge's 24th Corps worked to consolidate its hard-won gains in the escarpment. On the west coast, General Shepherd's 6th Marine Division took action as Colonel Roberts' 22nd Marines stepped in to relieve the weary 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines at the northern slope of Mezado Ridge. With a fierce spirit, they began to push southward, successfully securing most of the ridge. To the east, General Del Valle's 1st Marine Division forged ahead. Colonel Snedeker's fresh 3rd Battalion took over from the exhausted 1st Battalion and advanced 1,400 yards to seize the high ground just east of Mezado. Meanwhile, the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines fought hard to capture the remaining positions of Kunishi Ridge, achieving only a gradual extension to the east. Colonel Griebel's 3rd Battalion moved in behind them to reinforce the isolated Marines, bravely fending off a fierce counterattack under the cover of night. Further east, Colonel Dill's 382nd Regiment systematically eliminated the last enemy positions in the Yuza-Ozato-Yuza Dake area, while Colonel Halloran's 381st Regiment held firm and maintained their lines. In a key maneuver, Colonel Pachler's 17th Regiment launched a successful assault, capturing Hill 153 before Colonel Green's 184th Regiment took over during the night. Lastly, Colonel Finn's 32nd Regiment secured the reverse slopes of Hill 115, preparing to launch an attack on Mabuni and Hill 89. By nightfall, Hodge's 24th Corps had firmly secured all the commanding heights of the Yaeju Dake-Yuza Dake Escarpment. Most of Mezado Ridge and Kunishi Ridge were now in American hands, and Colonel Wallace's 8th Marines had landed in the rear to bolster the western push. For the first time, American forces across the line looked down upon nearly eight square miles of enemy-held territory, a staggering view of what lay ahead. Realizing they were forced from their last defensive positions and that their destruction was imminent, the 32nd Army began to unravel, collapsing into chaos. On June 18, Hodge's troops seized the opportunity to strike decisively. The 32nd Regiment advanced down the coast toward Mabuni, facing increasing resistance. The 184th Regiment moved down the reverse slopes of Hill 153, closing in on Medeera, while the 381st Regiment speedily crossed the plateau, tackling scattered enemy fire to seize the high ground just 400 yards north of Medeera. Simultaneously, Dill's 3rd Battalion crashed through a rugged maze of caves and pillboxes, making a daring 600-yard advance to the base of the rocky ridge north of Aragachi. To the west, Griebel's 1st Battalion circled the eastern end of Kunishi Ridge, battling heavy resistance to gain the lower slopes of Hill 79. Further west, Roberts' 2nd Battalion pushed through the 3rd and aimed for Kuwanga Ridge, successfully seizing an 1,800-yard stretch by late afternoon. As they advanced, the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines moved forward to occupy the eastern end of the ridge. Meanwhile, the remainder of the 22nd Marines began to mop up the remnants of resistance on Mezado Ridge. Tragedy struck when Colonel Roberts was tragically killed by a sniper near his observation post during this operation. Lieutenant-Colonel August Larson would succeed him in command. Sadly, Roberts would not be the only American commander to fall that day. In the heart of the Marine line, the 8th Marines were finally called into action in the morning to relieve the weary 7th Marines. After a rigorous artillery bombardment to soften up the enemy defenses, Wallace's 2nd Battalion began its advance south toward the Kuwanga-Makabe Road, successfully capturing the high ground just north of the road by late afternoon. Meanwhile, General Buckner decided to visit Wallace's command post on Mezado Ridge around midday. He observed the 8th Marines' steady progress in the valley, taking stock of their relentless push forward. Tragically, as he was leaving the observation post, disaster struck. Five artillery shells rained down, one striking a coral outcrop near him. The jagged shards of coral filled the air, and Buckner was mortally wounded in the chest. He died within minutes, just days shy of achieving his goal: the complete capture of Okinawa. With Buckner's passing, General Geiger, as the senior troop commander, took over temporary command of the 10th Army for the remainder of the battle. Buckner became the highest-ranking American military officer killed in World War II and would hold that somber distinction throughout the entire 20th century. On June 18, the final written order from General Ushijima of the 32nd Army outlined a daring escape plan. He designated an officer to lead the "Blood and Iron Youth Organization," tasked with conducting guerrilla warfare once organized combat had ceased. Simultaneously, he ordered his remaining troops to make their way to the northern mountains of Okinawa, where a small band of guerrillas was rumored to be operating.  In his message he congratulated them on fulfilling their "assigned mission in a manner which leaves nothing to regret." He urged them to "fight to the last and die for the eternal cause of loyalty to the Emperor." This movement was not to happen in haste. Soldiers were instructed to travel in small groups of two to five over the course of several days. They were urged to don civilian clothes and avoid confrontation whenever possible. In a clever stratagem, most of the army staff officers were directed to leave the command post disguised as native Okinawans, aiming to infiltrate American lines and find safety in northern Okinawa. Some individuals, like Colonel Yahara, were entrusted with the mission of reaching Japan to report to the Imperial General Headquarters. Others were tasked with organizing guerrilla operations, focusing on harassing the rear areas of the 10th Army and Island Command, determined to continue the fight against the American forces in any way they could. Again I have read Yahara's book on the battle of Okinawa and despite being full of apologetic stuff and attempts to make himself look better, its one of the most insightful books on the Japanese perspective. You get a lot of information on how bad it was for the Okinawan civilians in caves, harrowing stuff. I highly recommend it. The American attack pressed on into June 19, though it faced delays due to the influx of civilian and military prisoners. Not all of the 32nd Army survivors were imbued with a will "to die for the eternal cause of loyalty to the Emperor." Loudspeakers mounted on tanks in the 7th Division's front lines and on LCI's that cruised up and down the coast line were successful in convincing over 3,000 civilians to surrender. Far more significant, however, were the 106 Japanese soldiers and 238 Boeitai who voluntarily gave up during the division's advance on 19 June. The relentless attack of American troops, coupled with intensive efforts by psychological warfare teams, brought in increasing numbers of battle-weary Japanese and Okinawans who had decided that the war was lost and their cause was hopeless. It is not inconceivable that every enemy soldier who surrendered meant one less American casualty as the wind-up drive of Tenth Army continued. Despite these challenges, the 32nd Regiment advanced to within just 200 yards of the outskirts of Mabuni. Meanwhile, the 184th and 381st Regiments coordinated their efforts, closing in on Medeera from the south and east. The 382nd Regiment pressed forward, overcoming fierce resistance as they reached the ridges overlooking Aragachi. Tragically, General Easley became the third major high-ranking casualty in just two days. The 5th Marines launched multiple assaults on Hills 79 and 81, but their efforts were met with fierce opposition and ended in failure. Wallace's 3rd Battalion, facing only light resistance, captured Ibaru Ridge, the last high ground before the sea, before pushing onward to the coastal cliffs. On the eastern front, Griebel's 3rd Battalion successfully seized Makabe and then joined forces with the 8th Marines to secure the coastal zone. Colonel Shapley's 4th Marines advanced alongside the 8th Marines throughout most of the day but were unable to reach the coast, halted by a formidable enemy position along the Kiyamu-Gusuku hill mass. Further south, Colonel Whaling's 29th Marines passed through the 22nd Marines and moved rapidly, also facing light resistance, reaching the base of the Kiyamu-Gusuku hill mass to link up with the 4th Marines before nightfall. As darkness enveloped the battlefield, Shepherd launched an attack on the hill mass. The 4th Marines successfully seized Hill 80, but they could only establish strong positions on the left flank of Hill 72. The 29th Marines encountered minimal opposition as they swept forward toward the southern coast. Meanwhile, the 5th Marines continued their relentless assaults on Hills 79 and 81, managing to capture most of Hill 79 before losing the crest at the last moment. Their tank-infantry assaults against Hill 81, however, once again ended in defeat. Looking east toward Hodge's front on June 21, the 382nd Regiment cleared out the last remnants in Aragachi, while the 381st Regiment seized the northern outskirts of Medeera. In the dark hours of June 20, the last courier contact was made between the Medeera pocket and the Hill 89 pocket. General Amamiya, commander of the 24th Division, issued a desperate order directing all his units "to fight to the last man in their present positions." At the time he gave this ultimatum, he had very few infantrymen left to defend the Medeera position. The relentless advance of the Marines had nearly annihilated the 22nd and 32nd Regiments, while the 96th Division had decimated the 89th Regiment at Yuza Dake and Aragachi. With their ranks severely depleted, the remaining defenders were a ragtag collection of artillerymen, drivers, corpsmen, engineers, Boeitai, and headquarters personnel drawn from nearly every unit of the L-Day island garrison. Those who managed to avoid surrender or sought to evade capture fought with the fierce determination of fanatics, resolutely defending their positions against overwhelming odds. Meanwhile, Colonel Coolidge's 305th Regiment, engaged in a vigorous mopping-up operation behind the lines of the 96th Division, prepared for an assault on Makabe Ridge. The 184th Regiment managed to secure the hills overlooking Udo, and despite facing fierce resistance from hidden enemy forces in coral outcroppings and caves along the coastal cliffs, the 32nd Regiment fought its way to the eastern slope of Hill 89. Throughout June 21, a series of small local attacks and mopping-up actions occupied most units of the 24th Corps, often interrupted to allow large numbers of civilians and soldiers to surrender. In spite of the bitter and costly resistance, the 32nd Regiment successfully secured Mabuni and advanced up to the tableland atop Hill 89. Coolidge's 1st Battalion launched an assault on the hill south of Medeera behind a heavy mortar barrage, successfully capturing its crest. The 5th Marines completed the capture of Hill 79 and undertook a heavy, costly assault that ultimately led to the capture of Hill 81. The 7th and 8th Marines began the crucial task of flushing out remaining Japanese holdouts, while also dealing with the increasing wave of soldiers and civilians choosing to surrender. The 4th Marines executed a successful double envelopment of Hill 72 that secured the strategic Kiyamu-Gusuku ridge, and the 29th Marines met only very light resistance during their sweep of Ara Saki, the southernmost point of the island. This swift progress and the obvious collapse of major enemy opposition prompted General Geiger to declare that the island of Okinawa was secure and that organized enemy resistance had come to an end. That night, in a tragic turn of events, Generals Ushijima and Cho committed Seppuku in the cave housing their command post.  On the night of June 21, Lieutenant General Ushijima Mitsuru and Lieutenant General Cho Isamu, the commander and chief of staff of the 32nd Army, fulfilled their final obligation to the Emperor in a deeply traditional manner. In accordance with the warrior code of their homeland, they atoned for their inability to halt the American advance by committing Seppuku. On the evening of their planned departure, Ushijima hosted a banquet in the cave that served as their command post, featuring a large meal prepared by his cook, Tetsuo Nakamutam. The banquet was generously complemented with sake and the remaining stock of captured Black & White Scotch whisky provided by Cho. At 03:00 on June 22, both generals, adorned in their full field uniforms decorated with medals, led a small party of aides and staff officers out onto a narrow ledge at the cave entrance, which overlooked the ocean. American soldiers of the 32nd Regiment were stationed less than 100 feet away, completely unaware of the solemn preparations taking place for the suicide ceremony. First, Ushijima bared his abdomen to the ceremonial knife and thrust inward, followed by Cho, who then fell to the ground. As Ushijima made his final act, a simultaneous slash from the headquarters adjutant's saber struck his bowed neck. The two generals were secretly buried immediately after their deaths, their bodies going undiscovered until June 25, when patrols from the 32nd Regiment found them at the foot of the seaward cliff-face of Hill 89. General Cho had penned his own simple epitaph, stating, “22nd day, 6th month, 20th year of the Showa Era. I depart without regret, fear, shame, or obligations. Army Chief of Staff; Army Lieutenant General Cho, Isamu, age of departure 51 years. At this time and place, I hereby certify the foregoing.” Their deaths were witnessed by Colonel Yahara, who was the most senior officer captured by American forces. Yahara had requested Ushijima's permission to commit suicide as well, but the general had refused, saying, "If you die, there will be no one left who knows the truth about the battle of Okinawa. Bear the temporary shame but endure it. This is an order from your army commander." While many die-hard groups continued to fight until annihilation, an unprecedented number of Japanese soldiers, both officers and enlisted men, began to surrender. On that fateful day, Operation Ten-Go's final breaths were marked by the launch of the two-day tenth Kiksui mass attack, which saw only 45 kamikaze aircraft take to the skies. While this desperate attempt succeeded in sinking LSM-59 and damaging the destroyer escort Halloran, as well as the seaplane tenders Curtiss and Kenneth Whiting, the next day would bring even less impact, with only two landing ships sustaining damage during the final attack of the campaign. As communications from the 32nd Army fell silent, a deeply regretful Admiral Ugaki was forced to conclude the grim reality of their situation. He felt “greatly responsible for the calamity” but recognized that there was seemingly no alternative course that might have led to success. Throughout the defense of Okinawa, approximately 6,000 sorties were flown, including at least 1,900 kamikaze missions. However, the losses were staggering, with over 4,000 aircraft lost during these attacks. In contrast, Allied forces suffered the loss of 763 planes in the Okinawa campaign, with 305 of those being operational losses. Since the operation commenced, naval losses for Iceberg totaled an alarming 4,992 sailors dead, with 36 ships sunk and 374 damaged, accounting for 17% of all American naval losses in the Pacific War. Meanwhile, extensive and coordinated mop-up operations in southern Okinawa were essential before the area could be deemed secure for the planned construction of supply depots, airfields, training areas, and port facilities. In response, Colonel Mason's 1st Marines and Colonel Hamilton's 307th Regiment established blocking positions in the hills above the Naha-Yonabaru valley to thwart any Japanese attempts to infiltrate north. On June 22, the four assault divisions that had previously shattered the Kiyamu Peninsula defenses received orders to prepare for a sweeping advance to the north. Their mission was clear: destroy any remaining resistance, blow and seal all caves, bury the dead, and salvage any equipment, both friendly and enemy, left on the battlefield. The following day, General Joseph Stilwell arrived to take command of the 10th Army during the mop-up phase of the campaign. Meanwhile, units from the 1st and 6th Marine Divisions were engaged on the Komesu and Kiyamu-Gusuku Ridges, while the 7th Division probed Hill 89 and Mabuni. In the Medeera pocket, Coolidge's 3rd Battalion successfully seized Hill 85 on June 22. The 96th Division intensified its focus in the Medeera-Aragachi area, with elements of the 381st Regiment mopping up the last holdouts in the ruins of Medeera by June 23. Two days later, after a thorough search of the area south of the Yaeju Dake-Yuza Dake Escarpment, the 10th Army finally initiated its drive northward, with both corps taking responsibility for the ground they had captured in the previous month. On the morning of June 26, the reinforced Fleet Marine Force Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion landed unopposed on Kumejima, marking it as the last and largest of the Okinawa Islands selected for radar and fighter director sites. By the end of June, the mop-up operations in southern Okinawa had resulted in an estimated 8,975 Japanese killed and 3,808 prisoners of war added to the 10th Army's total. Overall, the Americans counted a staggering total of 10,755 prisoners of war and 107,539 Japanese dead, along with an estimated 23,764 believed to be sealed in caves or buried by their comrades. This cumulative casualty figure of 142,058 was "far above a reasonable estimate of military strength on the island," prompting 10th Army intelligence officers to conclude that at least 42,000 civilians had tragically fallen victim to artillery, naval, and air attacks due to their unfortunate proximity to Japanese combat forces and installations. American losses were also substantial, with 7,374 men recorded dead, 31,807 wounded, and 239 missing, in addition to 26,221 non-battle casualties. But now, it's time to leave Okinawa and return to Borneo to continue covering the North Borneo Offensive. As we last observed, by mid-June, General Wootten's 9th Australian Division had successfully executed two major amphibious landings on Brunei Bay. Brigadier Porter's 24th Brigade occupied most of Labuan Island, with the exception of the Pocket, while Brigadier Windeyer's 20th Brigade secured the Brunei area. By June 16, Wootten decided that since the enemy was withdrawing and showing no signs of mounting an attack, he would take control of the high ground stretching from Mempakul and Menumbok to Cape Nosong. This strategic move aimed to prevent the enemy from utilizing the track from Kota Klias to Karukan and to secure beaches for supply points during the planned advance northward. Accordingly, Porter ordered the 2/28th Battalion to reduce the Pocket. The recently landed 2/12th Commando Squadron was tasked with mopping up the outlying areas of the island. Meanwhile, the 2/32nd Battalion began preparing for an amphibious movement to Weston on the mainland east of Labuan, with plans to reconnoiter across country and by river towards Beaufort. The 2/43rd Battalion and the 2/11th Commando Squadron were also set to prepare for an amphibious reconnaissance in the Mempakul area. On June 14, the 2/28th Battalion launched its initial attack against the Pocket, following an artillery barrage. However, they were forced to withdraw in the face of intense machine-gun and mortar fire. In response, the 2/12th Field Regiment took over, bombarding the Pocket for the next six days and nights, hurling a staggering total of 140 tons of shells into it. On June 16, the 2/28th Battalion launched another assault, this time supported by tanks from the north, successfully capturing Lyon Ridge, despite sustaining heavy losses. After several more days of relentless artillery, naval, and air bombardment, the 2/28th launched a final assault on June 21, just as the Japanese attempted to send two raiding parties to infiltrate through the Australian lines and attack Labuan town and its airstrip. Although these raiders managed to catch the confused defenders off guard and inflicted several casualties, they were ultimately dealt with swiftly and without causing significant damage. Meanwhile, with the combined support of tanks and artillery, the 2/28th Battalion attacked the reduced garrison at the Pocket, breaking through Lushington Ridge and Eastman Spur to eliminate the remaining Japanese positions and completely clear the area. By the end of the Battle of Labuan, the Australians had achieved a decisive victory, with 389 Japanese soldiers killed and 11 taken prisoner, while suffering 34 Australian fatalities and 93 wounded. In parallel, following a successful reconnaissance on June 16, the 2/32nd Battalion landed unopposed at Weston on June 17. They quickly secured the area and established a patrol base at Lingkungan. Over the next few days, Australian patrols began probing north towards Bukau, occasionally clashing with Japanese parties. A company from the 2/32nd Battalion also established a patrol base at Gadong up the Padas River, finding no Japanese presence in the surrounding regions. From this position, the Australians were able to patrol along the Padas River in small craft, discovering they could reach Beaufort rapidly using this route, catching the enemy off guard. Meanwhile, on June 19, the 2/43rd Battalion and the 2/11th Independent Company landed unopposed at Mempakul, further solidifying the Australian presence in the area. Two days later, while the commandos worked to clear the Klias Peninsula, the 2/43rd Battalion launched an amphibious expedition up the Klias River. This mission successfully navigated through Singkorap and reached Kota Klias, confirming that Japanese forces were not present in significant strength along the river. As a result, the 2/43rd Battalion set out on June 22 to occupy Kota Klias without encountering any resistance. Given this positive momentum, Brigadier Porter ordered the 2/28th Battalion to take over operations from the 2/32nd Battalion in and around Weston. At the same time, the 2/43rd Battalion was tasked with marching through Kandu to attack Beaufort from the north. Additionally, the 2/32nd Battalion was directed to probe north along the Padas River and along the railway, drawing enemy attention away from the main Australian advance. Looking south, while the 2/17th Battalion remained around Brunei and the 2/15th Battalion probed along the river toward Limbang, Windeyer had ordered the 2/13th Battalion to prepare for an amphibious movement to the Miri-Lutong area. Brunei town had been severely battered by Allied bombers and Japanese demolitions. The troops were critical of the air force's practice of bombing conspicuous buildings even when they were unlikely to contain anything of military importance. In Brunei, for example, the bazaar and the cinema were destroyed, but neither was likely to have contained any Japanese men or material and their destruction and the destruction of similar buildings added to the distress of the civilians. The infantryman on the ground saw the effects of bombing at the receiving end. “The impression was gained, says the report of the 20th Brigade, that, in the oil producing and refining centres-Seria, Kuala Belait, Lutong, Miri much of the destruction served no military purpose. The destruction of the native bazaar and shop area in Kuala Belait, Brunei, Tutong and Miri seemed wanton.“ On June 16, the 2/17th finally moved out and occupied Tutong, successfully crossing the river at its mouth. From there, the battalion began its movement along the coast toward Seria. However, despite the strategic importance of the town's oil wells, there was only one encounter with the enemy at the Bira River on June 20 before the town was occupied the following day, only to find the oil wells ablaze.  At Seria, the oil wells were ablaze. From the broken pipes that topped each well, burning oil gushed forth like fire from immense, hissing Bunsen burners. The pressure was so intense that the oil, as clear as petrol, only ignited several inches away from the pipe. Once ignited, it transformed into a tumbling cloud of flame, accompanied by billowing blue-black smoke. At approximately 1,000 feet, the plumes from more than 30 fires merged into a single canopy of smoke. This horrifying spectacle of waste persisted day and night. The men around Seria fell asleep to the hissing and rumbling of an entire oilfield engulfed in flames and awoke to the same din. The Japanese had set fire to 37 wells, destroyed buildings and bridges, and attempted to incapacitate vehicles, pumps, and other equipment by removing essential components and either discarding them in rivers or burying them. Consequently, the Australian engineers faced the daunting task of extinguishing the fires with only their own equipment, along with abandoned gear they could repair or make functional. They relied on assistance from local natives who had observed the Japanese hiding parts and employed methods of improvisation and selective cannibalization to tackle the crisis. Meanwhile, by June 19, raiding elements of the 2/15th Battalion had successfully secured Limbang. From this location, they began sending patrols up the Limbang River toward Ukong, along the Pandaruan River to Anggun, and east toward Trusan. The following day, after a naval bombardment by three American destroyers, the 2/13th Battalion landed unopposed at Lutong and quickly secured the area. On June 21, the Australians crossed the river and advanced into Miri without facing any resistance, successfully occupying the town and its oilfield by June 23. Turning their attention back north, on June 24, the 2/43rd Battalion began its advance toward Beaufort, swiftly moving through Kandu and reaching a position just north of the Padas River the next day. In response to their progress, Brigadier Porter ordered the 2/32nd Battalion to seize the railway terminus and the spur leading down to the river just south of Beaufort, while the 2/43rd focused on capturing the high ground dominating Beaufort from the north and east. This coordinated attack was launched on June 26. By the end of the day, the leading company of the 2/32nd had reached the Padas River, approximately 2,000 yards west of the railway terminus, while the leading company of the 2/43rd secured the railway north of the Padas, similarly positioned about 2,000 yards from Beaufort. On June 27, the 2/43rd continued their offensive, rapidly capturing the high ground overlooking Beaufort. During the afternoon, one company ascended Mount Lawley and pursued the retreating Japanese, cutting off their escape route at a track junction, while another company moved into the town, taking possession early that night. In the following hours and throughout June 28, the Australians faced a series of heavy counterattacks as they worked to consolidate their positions. Meanwhile, the 2/32nd Battalion successfully captured the railway terminus, encountering only slight opposition, with one company executing a wide flanking maneuver to the Padas just upstream from Beaufort. Under heavy bombardment from artillery and mortars, the bulk of the 368th Independent Battalion began to retreat along the Australian-held track in the early hours of June 29. While many were killed during this withdrawal, most managed to escape. At intervals groups of two or three walked into the company area in the darkness and were killed. Fire was strictly controlled, and one platoon was credited with having killed 21 Japanese with 21 single shots fired at ranges of from five to 15 yards. One Japanese walked on to the track 50 yards from the foremost Australian Bren gun position and demanded the surrender of the Australians who were blocking the Japanese line of retreat. According to one observer his words were: "Surrender pliz, Ossie. You come. No?" He was promptly shot. One company counted 81 Japanese killed with "company weapons only" round the junction and estimated that at least 35 others had been killed; six Australians were slightly wounded.  By morning, the fighting was virtually over, and the mop-up of the disorganized enemy force commenced. The attack on Beaufort cost the 24th Brigade 7 men killed and 38 wounded, while the Australians counted 93 Japanese dead and took two prisoners. Meanwhile, the 2/28th Battalion secured Lumadan village, where it made contact with the 2/32nd. Porter then ordered this battalion to pursue the retreating Japanese eastward, successfully securing the Montenior Besar railway bridge by July 4. The 2/32nd Battalion proceeded to attack toward Papar, encountering little opposition as they captured Membakut on July 5, followed by Kimanis on July 10, and finally Papar on July 12. Turning back south, the 2/17th Battalion occupied Kuala Belait on June 24, where they discovered evidence of a massacre of Indian prisoners of war.  Indian prisoners of war began reaching the lines of the 2/17th Battalion at Seria on June 22. By the end of the month, a total of 41 had arrived, reporting a horrific event: on June 14, the Japanese had slaughtered a portion of a group of more than 100 Indian prisoners at Kuala Belait. The Australians discovered 24 charred bodies at the site, along with evidence indicating that others had also been killed. A report by the 2/17th noted, "The motive for the massacre is not clear, and whether a partial loss of rations, the waving of flags, or simply Japanese brutality was responsible cannot be determined." The surviving Indians were found to be starving, with many suffering from illness. Colonel Broadbent remarked, "The loyalty and fortitude of these Indians has been amazing and is a lesson to us all. Even now, their standard of discipline is high." Two days later, patrols made contact with the 2/13th Battalion at the Baram River. Pushing south along Riam Road, the patrols of the 2/13th clashed with the Japanese at South Knoll, which they captured by the end of the month. Throughout July, the 2/13th continued patrolling down Riam Road against some opposition, eventually pushing the Japanese beyond Bakam by August. At the same time, the 2/17th conducted deep patrols southward from Kuala Belait, particularly along the Baram River toward Bakung, Marudi, and Labi. Overall, Australian losses during the North Borneo Offensive totaled 114 killed and 221 wounded, while they captured 130 prisoners and accounted for at least 1,234 Japanese killed. Following the conclusion of conventional military operations, Wootten's troops began to support the efforts of Australian-sponsored native guerrillas operating in Sarawak under Operation Semut and in British North Borneo as part of Operation Agas.  Between March and July 1945, five Special Operations Australia “SOA” parties were inserted into North Borneo. The Agas 1 and 2 parties established networks of agents and guerrillas in northwestern Borneo, while the Agas 4 and 5 parties, landed on the east coast, achieved little in their missions. The Agas 3 party investigated the Ranau area at the request of the 1st Corps. The results of Operation Agas were mixed; although its parties established control over their respective areas of operation and provided intelligence of variable quality, they were responsible for killing fewer than 100 Japanese soldiers. In parallel, as part of Operation Semut, over 100 Allied personnel, mainly Australians, were inserted by air into Sarawak from March 1945, organized into four parties. These parties were tasked with collecting intelligence and establishing guerrilla forces. The indigenous Dayaks of Sarawak's interior enthusiastically joined these guerrilla groups, essentially allowing SOA personnel to lead small private armies. No. 200 Flight RAAF and the Royal Australian Navy's Snake-class junks played crucial roles in this campaign, facilitating the insertion of SOA personnel and supplies. The guerrilla forces launched attacks to gain control of the interior of Sarawak, while the 9th Division focused on coastal areas, oilfields, plantations, and ports in North Borneo. The guerrillas operated from patrol bases around Balai, Ridan, and Marudi, as well as in the mountains and along key waterways, including the Pandaruan and Limbang Rivers, and along the railway connecting Beaufort and Tenom. Their objective was to disrupt Japanese troop movements and interdict forces as they withdrew from the main combat zone. The RAAF conducted air strikes to support these lightly armed guerrillas, who at times had to evade better-armed Japanese units. These guerrilla forces successfully raided several key towns and facilities, significantly disrupting enemy movements and efforts. It is estimated that over 1,800 Japanese soldiers were killed in North Borneo through guerrilla actions, particularly by the fearsome Dayak people, whose fierce tactics and local knowledge played a crucial role in these operations. I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. In the final throes of the Pacific War, the Battle of Okinawa became a fierce battleground of sacrifice and honor. As American forces, led by General Buckner, advanced, they shattered Japanese defenses, pushing them into a desperate retreat. On June 21, General Ushijima and Lieutenant General Cho, recognizing their imminent defeat, committed seppuku, adhering to the samurai code. The chaotic battle led to staggering casualties, with many Japanese soldiers surrendering, realizing their cause was lost. By June's end, Okinawa was secured, symbolizing not only a victory but also the tragic cost of war, with countless lives lost on both sides.

Start making American submarines here now – and don’t panic. That’s the hot tip for Anthony Albanese heading into his first face-to-face with Donald Trump, as doubts grow over the AUKUS deal. Find out more about The Front podcast here. You can read about this story and more on The Australian's website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Tiffany Dimmack. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How the Royal Australian Navy turned me into an entrepreneur. In Episode 2, I take you back —To the version of me who was completely untethered.Craving more, but stuck in toxic patterns, addiction, and validation loops that nearly cost me everything.Joining the Royal Australian Navy wasn't the goal.It was the lifeline.Not because of the discipline or the uniform.But because it cracked me open.It stripped me of every false layer I thought I had to wear to be accepted…And it forced me to meet the real me for the very first time.This episode is raw, it's honest — and it's for the woman who's ever asked:“Why did it have to happen like that?”Because maybe, just maybe, it didn't happen to you…It happened for you.I'm so proud of this chapter.Not because it was easy.But because it built the woman who could lead a movement like this.And now, I want to help you find the strength in your story, too.So I've created 3 powerful offers to meet you exactly where you are —Whether you're still searching for your spark, or ready to set the whole thing on fire:1.⁠ ⁠She's The Standard Playbook – $11Mind. Body. Soul.Your foundation for alignment and grounded feminine power.⁠https://buy.stripe.com/fZe2b48LXad652gdQR⁠2.⁠ ⁠Becoming Her – $27The inner work, identity shifts, and embodiment rituals that helped me step into this woman.⁠https://buy.stripe.com/7sI170bY970UcuI8wy⁠3.⁠ ⁠Savage CEO – $147The behind-the-scenes blueprint of how I built my brand, grew my audience, and monetized my truth.⁠https://buy.stripe.com/dR6cPI6DPdpieCQ5kkLIKE • SHARE • SAVE • FOLLOW & TAG@thereal_sineadjkrelle@shesthestandardpodcastThat's where I hang out the most. Come say hi.Sinead xx

In 2007, Jeremy Austin was asked by the Royal Australian Navy to help them identify the remains of an unknown sailor from World War II. Using the best forensic DNA technology, he embarked on a quest to figure out who this man was and to track down his surviving descendants.This episode of Conversations explores DNA science, world war 2, Australian navy, history, technology, family history, HMAS Sydney, genealogy, unidentified remains 

For review:1. Houthi rebels have downed 6 MQ-9 Reaper Drones since 15 March, and 15 Reapers since October 2023. The U.S. Air Force has about 280 Reapers in its inventory, each costing about $28 million, according to the Congressional Research Service.2. Iran Fortifies Nuclear Sites. Commercial satellite images taken on March 29 showed hardened entrances to (nuclear) complexes beneath Mt. Kolang Gaz La.3. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Wednesday told Hamas to release hostages it is holding in order to eliminate what he said was Israel's pretext to continue its war in Gaza.4. Deadly ambush by Hamas on an IDF vehicle operating inside Israeli-held buffer zone, illustrates the terror group is still a dangerous threat.5. Crimea Becomes a  Key Issue in Russia-Ukraine Peace.6. Chinese aircraft carrier CNS Shandong (17) once again deployed again to the Philippine Sea, marking the second time this month.7. Royal Australian Navy Enlisted Sailors Graduate US Navy Nuclear Power Training Course. Eight Royal Australian Navy sailors graduated from the six-month course on April 18 and are now qualified to handle the reactors and other associated systems on the nuclear attack boats that Canberra is set to receive under the 2021 AUKUS Agreement.8. Northrop Grumman reported a $477 million loss on the B-21 Raider bomber in the first quarter of 2025, as higher costs for manufacturing and materials affect the company.The B-21′s inflation adjusted average procurement unit cost is about $692 million.The Air Force plans to buy at least 100 B-21s but has left the door open to buying more bombers.

In this special defence aviation episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Robert Dougherty catches up with Cliff Kyle, Sikorsky Australia general manager and former Royal Australian Navy Fleet Air Arm aerospace engineer, on the sidelines of the Avalon Australian International Airshow. The pair discuss the modernisation of the Australian Defence Force's rotary aircraft fleet, including: Uplift in the Australian Army's UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter capability. The servicing and operations of the Royal Australian Navy's MH-60R Seahawk helicopter fleet. Kyle's perspectives on workforce growth, apprenticeship plans, training and sustainable infrastructure. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Karl von Müller, capitano dell'incrociatore leggero SMS Emden, si porta nell'Oceano Indiano per portare avanti una solitaria guerra di corsa contro i traffici mercantili alleati. I risultati che ottiene rendono lui e la sua nave una vera celebrità in Germania, e uno spauracchio nel Regno Unito.Seguimi su Instagram: @laguerragrande_podcastSe vuoi contribuire con una donazione sul conto PayPal: podcastlaguerragrande@gmail.comScritto e condotto da Andrea BassoMontaggio e audio: Andrea BassoFonti dell'episodio:Australian War MemorialMike Carlton, First Victory: 1914. Australia, Heinemann, 2013Vic Cassells, The Capital Ships: Their Battles and their Badges, Simon & Schuster, 2000Cocos, TreccaniJ. Corbett, Naval Operations. History of the Great War based on Official Documents, Imperial War Museum, 2009Todd Crowell, Bloody Dawn in Penang, Naval History, U. S. Naval Institute, 2013Denis Fairfax, John Collings Glossop (1871–1934), Australian Dictionary of Biography, 1983Friedrich Forstmeier, SMS Emden, Small Protected Cruiser 1906—1914, Warship Profile 25, Profile Publications, 1972Tom Frame, No Pleasure Cruise: The Story of the Royal Australian Navy, Allen & Unwin, 2004Erich Gröner, German Warships 1815–1945, Naval Institute Press, 1990Paul Halpern, Naval History of World War I, U. C. L. P., 1994Hans Hildebrand, Albert Röhr, Hans-Otto Steinmetz, Die Deutschen Kriegsschiffe: Biographien – ein Spiegel der Marinegeschichte von 1815 bis zur Gegenwart, Mundus Verlag, 1993David Howarth, Le corazzate, Mondadori, 1988Arthur Jose, The Royal Australian Navy, 1914–1918. Official History of Australia in the War of 1914–1918, Angus & Robertson, 1941John Keegan, Intelligence in War, Vintage Books, 2004V.V. Khromov, Kreysera tipa "Zhemchug", Morskaya Kollekcya, 2005Gerhard Koop, Klaus-Peter Schmolke, German light cruisers of World War II: Emden, Königsberg, Karlsruhe, Köln, Leipzig, Nürnberg, Naval Institute Press, 2002V. Lobichin, I. Stoljarov, I. Aladin, Еще раз о гибели крейсера «Жемчуг», Istoricheski Rosvik, 1996R. K. Lochner, The Last Gentleman of War. The Raider Exploits of the Cruiser Emden, Naval Institute Press, 1988Francis March, History of the World War, U. P. U. S. C., 1919 Hans Mehl, Naval Guns: 500 Years of Ship and Coastal Artillery, Naval Institute Press, 2002Narrative of the Proceedings of H.M.A.S. Sydney, Naval Review, 1915Ajay Saini, How German cruiser ‘Emden' struck terror in the heart of the British Empire, and became a Tamil word, The Hindu, 2020Gary Staff, Battle on the Seven Seas, Pen & Sword Maritime, 2011The Emden at Panang, The New York Times, 1914The War at Sea, The Independent, 9 November 1914Tragedy in Penang, 2017Dan Van der Vat, Gentlemen of War, The Amazing Story of Captain Karl von Müller and the SMS Emden, William Morrow and Company, 1984Keith Yates, Graf Spee's Raiders: Challenge to the Royal Navy, 1914–1915, Naval Institute Press, 1995In copertina: gruppo di marinai (o di nativi?) in posa di fronte al relitto dell'Emden arenato alle isole Cocos, anni '20 o '30, foto di Allan Green.

On this week's podcast, I speak with Ashley Semmens. Ashley spent 18 years in the Australian Navy, enlisting in 2005 into the direct entry program as a Clearance Diver. Ashley deployed multiple times, which included Op Resolute Border Security, OP Manitou, a human remains recovery in Tongan deep waters, and two deployments to Afghanistan on OP Slipper providing Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Reconnaissance to the Infantry combat team whilst on patrol in Afghanistan and during the withdrawal of Afghanistan in 2021.  In 2022, he was medically discharged at the rank of Chief Petty Officer, now he volunteers his time to the Clearance DiverTrust. Clearance Divers (CDs) are the Australian Defence Forces' specialist divers. CD tasks include specialist diving missions to depths of 54 metres, surface and underwater demolitions, and the rendering safe and disposal of conventional explosive ordnance and improvised explosive devices. Ash is about to take on his toughest challenge yet, he has set his sights on becoming the first person to swim the English Channel — in a peculiar backwards manner. To achieve the record, Ashley will need to swim on his back for more than 15 hours, not in a traditional backstroke, but dolphin kicking while facing the sky, with minimal use of his arms. He said preparing for the 34.2-kilometre swim was as much mental as physical. The kicking is effectively how I would work in my previous profession, he said. But as a clearance diver, I will be taking mental resilience into the swim. The channel swim is set for June 2025 and aims to raise money for the Navy Clearance Divers Trust. Good luck, Ash, you got this! This is a raw story owning all your faults and redemption! To donate to the cause, see the link below https://ncdt.org.au/donations/sponsor-ash-in-a-world-first-finning-across-the-english- channel/ Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Ashley Semmens Editor: Kyle Watkins

Deputy Director of Maritime Operations Darren GroganAs a highly decorated Royal Australian Navy officer, Darren Grogan has dedicated more than 30 years to serving and leading in Australia’s naval forces. From commanding frontline ships to representing Australia abroad, his career has taken him across the globe. Now the Deputy Director of Maritime Operations for the Pacific Fleet, Darren plays a vital role in strategic defence planning. Passionate about leadership and service, he continues to inspire the next generation of military professionals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Una delle più minacciose formazioni navali della Germania si ritrova isolata nel mezzo dell'Oceano Pacifico. Circondata da ogni lato da territori nemici, il suo abile comandante, sceglie di provare ad attraversare da parte a parte il più grande oceano del mondo, per colpire i traffici alleati e cercare di raggiungere la madrepatria.Seguimi su Instagram: @laguerragrande_podcastSe vuoi contribuire con una donazione sul conto PayPal: podcastlaguerragrande@gmail.comScritto e condotto da Andrea BassoMontaggio e audio: Andrea BassoFonti dell'episodio:Geoffrey Bennett, Naval Battles of the First World War, Pen & Sword Military Classics, 2005Jamie Bisher, The Intelligence War in Latin America, 1914–1922, McFarland & Company, 2016Bombardment of Papeete, American Forestry, University of Harvard, 1915Copra, TreccaniJ. Corbett, Naval Operations. History of the Great War based on Official Documents, Imperial War Museum, 2009Noëlle Destremau, Michel Gasse, La défense de Tahiti – Septembre 1914, 1999Evening Star, 07/04/1917Ernest Fayle, Seaborne Trade, History of the Great War Based on Official Documents by Direction of the Historical Section of the Committee of Imperial Defence, 1920Friedrich Forstmeier, SMS Emden, Small Protected Cruiser 1906—1914, Warship Profile 25, Profile Publications, 1972J. Gray, Amerika Samoa: A History of American Samoa and its United States Naval Administration, United States Naval Institute, 1960Erich Gröner, German Warships 1815–1945, Naval Institute Press, 1990Bruce Gudmundsson, On Armor, Praeger Publishers, 2004Paul Halpern, Naval History of World War I, U. C. L. P., 1994Hans Hildebrand, Albert Röhr, Hans-Otto Steinmetz, Die Deutschen Kriegsschiffe: Biographien – ein Spiegel der Marinegeschichte von 1815 bis zur Gegenwart, Mundus Verlag, 1993Richard Hough, Falklands 1914: The Pursuit of Admiral Von Spee, Periscope Publishing, 1980 Arthur Jose, The Royal Australian Navy, 1914–1918. Official History of Australia in the War of 1914–1918, Angus & Robertson, 1941Ian McGibbon, The Shaping of New Zealand's War Effort, August–October 1914, New Zealand's Great War: New Zealand, the Allies & the First World War, Exisle Publishing, 2007Robert Robinson, Electronic Warfare in WW1Stephen Smith, The Samoa (N.Z.) Expeditionary Force 1914–1915, Ferguson & Osborn, 1924Lawrence Sondhaus, The Great War at Sea: A Naval History of the First World War, Cambridge University Press, 2014Hew Strachan, The First World War: To Arms, Oxford University Press, 2001Gary Staff, Battle on the Seven Seas, Pen & Sword Maritime, 2011 Sydney Morning Herald, 22 October 1914J. B. Taltavall, How the Fanning Island Cable Station Was Captured and Destroyed by the Germans, Telegraph and Telephone Age, 1914Dan Van der Vat, Gentlemen of War, The Amazing Story of Captain Karl von Müller and the SMS Emden, William Morrow and Company, 1984In copertina: cartolina celebrativa delle navi dello Squadrone Tedesco dell'Asia Orientale. Da sinistra a destra: incrociatore leggero SMS Nürnberg, incrociatore leggero Dresden, incrociatore corazzato Scharnhorst, incrociatore corazzato Gneisenau, incrociatore leggero Leipzig.

Send us a textOn today's Zero Limits Podcast I chat with Adam Slott Special Air Service Regiment and co founder of Pillars for Pilgrims a not for profit assisting veterans of the Australian Defence Force.Adam join the Defence Force in 1992 spending 4 years in the Royal Australian Navy. Adam service transferred to the Australian Army as a cavalryman posting to 2 Cavalry after 3 years he transferred to the Infantry posting other 6RAR where he had his sights on the SASR. Adam completed selection for the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) in 2002 and upon completion of his reinforcement training he was posted to 1 Squadron. Adam deployed on multiple operational deployments including Afghanistan, Iraq, the Middle East, East Timor, Asia, Africa and participated in numerous domestic counter terrorism duties.Pillars for Pilgrims was founded from Adam's deep commitment to supporting his fellow veterans, particularly SAS and international SOF veterans in WA. His personal mission addresses four critical challenges: the lack of local services tailored to the unique needs of contemporary veterans, the frustrating bureaucratic red tape that often delays access to vital support, the need for meaningful reintegration opportunities beyond occasional social gatherings, and the importance of holistic rehabilitation that prioritises mental well-being alongside physical recovery.His goal is to create a space where veterans feel respected, appreciated, and supported, ensuring they know they are not only part of a legacy but also a community that continues to stand by them. www.3zeroscoffee.com.auInstargram @3zeroscoffee Discount Code 3ZLimits Website - www.zerolimitspodcast.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/zero.limits.podcast/?hl=enHost - Matty Morris www.instagram.com/matty.m.morrisSponsorsGatorz Australia - www.gatorzaustralia.com15% Discount Code - ZERO15(former/current military & first responders 20% discount to order please email orders@gatorzaustralia.com.auGetSome Jocko Fuel - www.getsome.com.au10 % Discount Code - ZEROLIMITS

Kamala (Nayni) Sharma-Wing has been appointed as the first full-time Hindu chaplain at HMAS Harman within the Royal Australian Navy and the Australian Defence Force. In an interview with SBS Hindi, she expressed her enthusiasm for this challenging yet rewarding role.

In this episode Hamish and Geraldine examine the strategic thinking behind AUKUS. If China has undertaken the most rapid military expansion of any country since WWII, how does the AUKUS pact factor into Beijing's thinking? And does a plan that ties us more closely to the United States make us more or less safe?NOTE: This podcast was first released on 20 December 2024.GUESTS:Zhou Bo – Senior Colonel (Ret.) of China's People's Liberation Army, is Senior Fellow at the Center for International Security and Strategy, Tsinghua University. Vice Admiral Mark Hammond - Chief of the Royal Australian Navy.Hugh Jeffrey - Deputy Secretary Strategy, Policy, and Industry, Department of DefenceGET IN TOUCH: We'd love to hear from you! Email us at global.roaming@abc.net.au

SCARC is having a car boot sale on March 22nd at the clubrooms, 85 Godfreys Rd, Bli Bli. Entry and traders' tables are free, but we require bookings to secure a traders' spot. Hi - I'm John, Secretary of the Darling Downs Radio Club and this is QNews for Sunday 9 March. I'm sure you all know the phrase "We live in interesting times", and this time is spectacularly interesting. QNews is assembled on the Thursday before broadcast, and written before that... so as I record this segment pretty much everything I say is going to be a best guess. The club meeting on Monday 10 March will be Simon VK4TSC and Alan VK4AL from the Brisbane WICEN group talking about emergency preparedness: what WICEN is and not, how it operates in our region and how you can get involved. All great topics and extremely relevant to dealing with emergencies. TARC did the 2025 Defence Welcome to Townsville Expo. 1st March, the birthday of both the Australian Army and the Royal Australian Navy saw the running of the Defence Welcome to Townsville Expo, organised by the Directorate of Regional Engagement, Defence Member and Family Support, Joint Support Services Division, Military Personnel Organisation, Department of Defence. Hello, I'm Geoff Emery, VK4ZPP, and I've been thinking. It is just weeks ago that areas to the north were fighting the force of nature with homes flooded and roads cut. Only last week I commented on the vague pattern that was the path of Cyclone Alfred and wished him away. This week the south of Queensland and northern New South Wales are feeling the brunt of what a cyclone can provide and we have no assurance that the system is moving far away or dissipating any time soon. My earliest memories of weather like this are of being stranded on the farm that my parents owned and getting the thrill as military aircraft flew low over the paddocks and dropped fodder to stock on adjoining farms. Back then, the rescue boat was a sturdy wooden vessel propelled by about half a dozen oarsmen whose task was to best the raging brown water to offer assistance. Local radio amateurs used shortwave radios to pass messages to and from the flood-bound areas. I was too young to know that they were involved, then. These days the communities depend on the services of emergency workers and volunteers and the boats tend to be metal and powered by petrol engines. A smaller crew means more goods or passengers can be taken aboard. Radio amateurs may assist on an ad-hoc basis or some are involved in local disaster support but the ubiquitous mobile phone is thought by many to provide communications and safety. As we have personally experienced, when the cell service runs out of battery power people can be without communications for days until battery charging is provided by emergency generators or re-connection of mains electricity. It was with a certain feeling of satisfaction that I watched news reports of retailers running out of generators as the seriousness of the impending threat dawned on people. It is perhaps too late to remind listeners about the service an amateur station can provide if there is preparation for conditions like the passage of a cyclone. However, the whole situation should provide a lesson in preparedness on personal, domestic and community levels. As we can't be sure of where Alfred will travel before finally blowing itself out, we should be encouraging others to be properly prepared in the next few days and then look over what did and didn't work for them. For all those directly affected I trust you stay safe and the disruption to you and your friends and family is not too great. I personally know many amateurs live in the path of the cyclone or its area of influence. I hope your antennas came down when you wanted them and not when the gales hit. I trust you kept your food fresh and the lights stayed on. I'm Geoff Emery VK4ZPP and that's what I think….how about you?

As Trump and China reshape the world, Defence Minister Richard Marles and shadow Andrew Hastie lay out their vision at the Defending Australia summit in Adelaide. Find out more about The Front podcast here. You can read about this story and more on The Australian's website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Kristen Amiet, and edited by Josh Burton. Our regular host is Claire Harvey and our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Defence experts are warning the navy has a critical need for equipment and staffing, with some saying it needs to align closer to the Royal Australian Navy. Ellen O'Dwyer reports.

In this exciting new episode of Bourbon Lens, hosts Jake and Scott sit down with Greg Keeley, the co-founder of Larrikin Bourbon Co., to dive deep into the building (and rebranding) of a bourbon company. Together, they discuss the origins of Larrikin Bourbon Co., the brand's ethos, and what makes their whiskey stand out in a crowded market. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there.  We are thankful for your support over the last 6 years. We must give the biggest shoutout to our amazing community of Patreon supporters! As always, we'd appreciate it if you would take a few minutes time to give us feedback on Bourbon Lens podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 Star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a written review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and X.  Also, consider supporting Bourbon Lens on Patreon for some of the behind the scenes, to earn Bourbon Lens swag, join the Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or guest suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com. Check out BourbonLens.com to find our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens   About Larrikin Bourbon Co.: Larrikin Bourbon Co. is the true-blue embodiment of the American Dream: a craft distillery built from scratch with a fair dinkum, no-nonsense approach to making bloody good bourbon. Our founder, LCDR Greg Keeley, USN (ret), has had a wild ride. Greg's journey kicked off in a vineyard Down Under, to national security professional, and eventually landed in the extraordinary world of distilling. As a Service-Disabled Navy Combat Veteran, Greg has the unique honor of commissioned service in both the United States Navy and the Royal Australian Navy, with combat roles in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Pacific. Raised in Oz, he also served with the Australian Federal Police. At Larrikin, we're not here to spin yarns about bourbon dating back to the Pilgrims. Our focus is dead simple: what kind of Kentucky whiskey do we want in our glass? Our goal? To craft extraordinary, novel Kentucky whiskies that we're stoked to pour. We figured, why not bring a bit of Aussie cheek to America's native spirit, blending tradition with a pluck and irreverence. So here's to great bourbon, good mates, and creating something truly special. Cheers, cobber!

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Jennifer Parker, expert associate at the National Security College - Australian National University and a former Navy officer, to discuss the future of the Royal Australian Navy's surface fleet. The pair discuss the recent debate about the utility of small missile boats in the Australian context and their applicability for the Royal Australian Navy. The pair also discuss: China's recent deployment of a surface action group, currently operating 150 nautical miles off the coast of Sydney, and the challenges the Royal Australian Navy currently faces in responding to these subtle provocations. The growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific and increasing competition in our region, placing mounting pressure on the RAN to secure Australia's critical sea lines of communication and maritime trade. What options and avenues are open for the next Australian government to rapidly increase the Navy's capability while avoiding the trap of "silver bullet" capabilities that may leave us with a lopsided force. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Send us a textOn today's Zero Limits Podcast I chat with John Armfield Clearance Diver from the Royal Australian Navy.John enlisted into the Royal Australian Navy in 2003 and served just over 20 years predominantly as a Clearance Diver. During his service John deployed on multiple operations including Operation Slipper with 5/7 RAR as part of the Explosive Ordinates Disposal team with army engineers.Further to John's story, his brother Andrew joined the Australian army in 2001 deploying to East Timor as an infantryman and then later service transfer to the Royal Australian Airforce. In 2011 Andrew's mental health had declined and he committed suicide and where this story goes south is John only found out about the existence of an internal report into his brother's death 10 years after the traumatic event. John presented to the Royal Commission about serious failures he encountered in the ADF's treatment of his brother and spoke about a hostile culture as he grappled with the circumstances of Andrew's death. www.3zeroscoffee.com.auInstargram @3zeroscoffee Discount Code 3ZLimits Website - www.zerolimitspodcast.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/zero.limits.podcast/?hl=enHost - Matty Morris www.instagram.com/matty.m.morrisSponsorsGatorz Australia - www.gatorzaustralia.com15% Discount Code - ZERO15(former/current military & first responders 20% discount to order please email orders@gatorzaustralia.com.auGetSome Jocko Fuel - www.getsome.com.au10 % Discount Code - ZEROLIMITS

On today's Zero Limits Podcast I chat with John Armfield Clearance Diver from the Royal Australian Navy.John enlisted into the Royal Australian Navy in 2003 and served just over 20 years predominantly as a Clearance Diver. During his service John deployed on multiple operations including Operation Slipper with 5/7 RAR as part of the Explosive Ordinates Disposal team with army engineers.Further to John's story, his brother Andrew joined the Australian army in 2001 deploying to East Timor as an infantryman and then later service transfer to the Royal Australian Airforce. In 2011 Andrew's mental health had declined and he committed suicide and where this story goes south is John only found out about the existence of an internal report into his brother's death 10 years after the traumatic event. John presented to the Royal Commission about serious failures he encountered in the ADF's treatment of his brother and spoke about a hostile culture as he grappled with the circumstances of Andrew's death.

Podcast: Industrial Cybersecurity InsiderEpisode: How to Secure OT Environments Without Disruptions with Dan Cartmill, TXOne NetworksPub date: 2025-02-04Get Podcast Transcript →powered by Listen411 - fast audio-to-text and summarizationThe cybersecurity challenges of industrial environments are unique and complex, requiring a shift in mindset from traditional IT security strategies. Dan Cartmill, Sr. Global Product Marketing Director for TXOne Networks, joins Dino Busalachi for this episode. They discuss the critical divide between IT and OT security, why collaboration is essential, and how organizations can take the first steps toward securing their industrial control systems (ICS). Drawing from his experience in the Royal Australian Navy, IT security, and product marketing, Dan shares key insights on the operational risks of cybersecurity tools, the importance of ownership in security decisions, and why companies must move beyond fear-based approaches to focus on practical, incremental solutions. If your organization struggles with securing legacy systems, aligning IT and OT teams, or justifying cybersecurity investments, this episode offers real-world strategies and actionable takeaways.Chapters:00:00:00 - The First Step to Securing OT: Why You Can't Afford to Wait00:01:00 - Meet Dino and Dan: A Conversation on Industrial Cybersecurity00:01:51 - From the Navy to Cybersecurity: Dan's Journey into Protecting Industrial Systems00:05:30 - The Biggest Cybersecurity Challenges Facing Industrial Environments Today00:09:00 - IT vs. OT: Who Owns Cybersecurity and Why It Matters00:14:01 - Breaking Down Silos: How Collaboration Can Make or Break Your Security Strategy00:22:35 - Cybersecurity is a Team Sport: How the Right Partners Can Make All the Difference00:25:00 - Think Globally, Act Locally: Why OT Security Must Be Customized for Each Plant00:29:15 - Who Owns OT Security? Why IT and OT Leaders Need a Unified Strategy00:33:00 - The Power of Collaboration: Bringing IT, OT, and Vendors to the Same Table00:36:10 - The Cost of Cybersecurity: Why Companies Struggle to Justify OT Security Investments00:38:45 - Legacy Systems & Cyber Risk: Why Ignoring the Problem is Not an Option00:40:53 - The Takeaway: Why Action Beats Perfection in OT SecurityLinks And Resources:Dan Cartmill on LinkedInTXOne NetworksDino Busalachi on LinkedInCraig Duckworth on LinkedInThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Industrial Cybersecurity Insider? Have some feedback you'd like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube to leave us a review!The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Velta Technology, which is the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Listen Notes, Inc.

Captain Mark Sinclair was born in Manchester, UK, and emigrated to Australia in 1960. He served 20 years in the Royal Australian Navy up to the rank of Commander. During his extensive sea time he served in a tanker, icebreaker, minesweeper, destroyers and numerous hydrographic ships and aircraft. He navigated 4 ships and commanded 3 ships. He has sailed extensively all his life, and in 2018 participated in the Golden Globe Race (GGR) circumnavigating single-handed in Coconut in 332 days with one stop in Adelaide, and participated in the 2022 GGR, retiring in Lanzarote to attend his son's wedding. He then sailed across the North Atlantic to Trinidad. He skippered Explorer in the 2023 Ocean Globe Race, circumnavigating again. He holds Yachtmaster Offshore and Yachtmaster Ocean certification and has sailed over 90,000 nautical miles.  We talk about the 2108 GGR, sailing long passages, sailing conservatively, heavy weather, selecting his GGR boat - a Lello 34, the Mini Globe Race, the Ocean Globe Race, beautiful moments, difficult situations, Cape Horn, baking bread, how he has his boat set up for solo passagemaking, favorite places, and more. Photos and links are on the shownotes page  Support the show through Patreon

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by travellers and entrepreneurs Frank van der Linde and Kerry Leach. The pair are the new owners of two decommissioned Royal Australian Navy minehunters - HMAS Norman and HMAS Hawkesbury. The former military vessels have been towed more than 3,800 nautical miles from Newcastle, Australia, to Cebu, Philippines, as they prepare for a new lease on life as private superyachts. The trio discuss: The origins of the two minehunter vessels, how the sale was completed and some complications along the way. The challenges of using former military equipment in the commercial industry and documenting their journey via the YouTube channel, Living the Oneironaut Life. The plans for the vessels and the construction efforts still to come. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Happy New Year, and welcome back. Today we have Greg with Larrikin. This was such a great episode and a great chat, conversation flowed well and was very interesting. Hope you enjoy it, but first a word from our sponsors. Hinterhausdistilling.com Badmotivatorbarrels.com/shop/?aff=3 https://www.instagram.com/zsmithwhiskeyandmixology?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Patreon.com/the_whiskeyshaman Live the larrikin Way. Larrikin (n.) Australian slang. A person who disregards convention; a maverick. Larrikinism was a reaction to rules imposed by British officials on the young country of Australia. Our whiskey reflects this bold spirit of good-natured irreverence, and relies on character, not ceremony. You may not know Larrikin the word- but you do know these Larrikins;Annie Oakley, Crocodile Dundee, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Pete Mitchell and Steve Erwin. We're greg & katie. From Lawrenceburg to Larrikin—our name might've evolved, but our mission's still as solid as a rock. Larrikin Bourbon Co. is the true-blue embodiment of the American Dream: a craft distillery built from scratch with a fair dinkum, no-nonsense approach to making bloody good bourbon. Our founder, LCDR Greg Keeley, USN (ret), has had a wild ride. Greg's journey kicked off in a vineyard Down Under, to national security professional, and eventually landed in the extraordinary world of distilling. As a Service-Disabled Navy Combat Veteran, Greg has the unique honor of commissioned service in both the United States Navy and the Royal Australian Navy, with combat roles in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Pacific. Raised in Oz, he also served with the Australian Federal Police. At Larrikin, we don't muck around. We're not here to spin yarns about bourbon dating back to the Pilgrims. Our focus is dead simple: what kind of bourbon do we want in our glass? That's what gets us out of bed. Our goal? To craft extraordinary, novel whiskies that we're stoked to pour and even prouder to share. We bring a bit of Aussie cheek to American whiskey, blending tradition with a whole lot of passion. So here's to great bourbon, good mates, and chasing something truly special. Cheers, cobber! We are LARRIKIN. BLOODY GOOD BOURBON…and the experts agree. Private Barrel Program Our Private Barrel Program is the bee's knees. Handpicked casks that are as rare as hen's teeth. Each barrel is a one-of-a-kind gem—unrepeatable and extraordinary. Simply put, some barrels are just outstanding—first among equals. Choose your barrel in person at the distillery, or remotely, with a curated experience from the comfort of your home, office, or club. Thanks to the new-fangled inter-web, you can taste, evaluate, and select your cask with real-time guidance from our distiller - and find your perfect single barrel select. Let's clear the air: we don't blend our Private Cask selections. We bottle bourbon or rye straight from one single barrel - that you choose. No mucking about. Once it's bottled, there is no more. Your hand-picked bourbon is one-of-a-kind and impossible to replicate. Your Larrikin Bourbon Select bottles feature the barrel's special details like your logo or message along with age, proof, and mash bill. Whether you're a retailer, distributor, bourbon club, individual with a great taste in bourbon or charity group, your bottles are uniquely yours. Depending on the cask's age, you'll get between 140 and 240, 750ml bottles. Rule of thumb, the older the cask, the fewer bottles. No wait, no drama, just bloody good bourbon.  

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by the newly confirmed federal president of the Navy League of Australia, Mark Schweikert, to discuss the proud history of the league in supporting the mission of the Royal Australian Navy. The pair discuss the long-standing history of the Navy League and its earliest days supporting public interest in and engagement with the Royal Australian Navy dating back to its foundation in 1901. They also discuss: The services the league provides to current and former naval personnel, including the opportunity to discuss and deliberate on the issues facing the nation's sea power. The importance of the Royal Australian Navy and naval sea power for Australia and critical capabilities worth considering further development on, including fixed-wing naval aviation. The role the league plays in working with Defence and naval cadets to encourage more Australians into the Navy. Schweikert's long history of association with the Navy and the league and his ambitions for the future of the league. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode, My guest Becky Evans and I dive deep into the impact of consistent, healthy habits on cultivating a positive mindset and achieving lasting results. Together, they explore the importance of mindfulness, movement, and nourishing nutrition in day-to-day life. Becky shares her straightforward 12-minute morning routine, focused on gratitude, hydration, and movement, designed to set the tone for a positive day. We opened up about their life transitions and how those experiences shaped their passion for helping others. Becky's journey, from serving in the Royal Australian Navy to transitioning into holistic health, highlights the powerful role of self-care and resilience. They discuss the power of small changes and consistency, using examples like the British cycling team's success with 1% improvements and how even starting with a 1K run can set the stage for larger goals. Their conversation emphasizes that small, mindful adjustments can lead to substantial and sustainable transformation. Tune in to learn: The essentials of cultivating healthy habits for a positive mindset. How small, consistent changes can lead to significant transformations. The importance of embracing self-care and authenticity in your journey. If you love to find out more about Becky go to: her website at: http://www.beckyevans.com/ or follow her on Instagram at: www.instagram.com/itsbeckyevans If you loved this episode please hit the SUBSCRIBE button on your favourite platform to make sure you never miss another great episode like this.

Today in 1920, the Royal Australian Navy added a woman to its ranks for the very first time. Her name was Nancy Bentley, she was six years old, and the Navy “enlisted” her in an effort to save her life. Plus: starting tomorrow in New Orleans, it's Beignet Fest. Before her time – the tale of Navy's first female sailor (NavyHistory.au) BEIGNET FEST  We'd like to enlist you to support our show on Patreon --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/coolweirdawesome/support

Lachlan Vidler is the director of Atlas Property Group and is an active investor. After completing his business degree he joined the Royal Australian Navy, serving for six years. During this time he also completed his masters in finance and decided to delve into management consulting, working with some huge global names. It was this switch in professions that ultimately led Vidler to see investing as a full-time job. Join us in this episode of Property Investory to hear how Vidler's role as logistics warfare officer in the Navy, equipped him with the skills to rise in the world of property investing. You'll learn how his unconventional childhood has shaped who he is today and given him the confidence to take on anything! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lachlan Vidler is the director of Atlas Property Group and is an active investor. After completing his business degree he joined the Royal Australian Navy, serving for six years. During this time he also completed his masters in finance and decided to delve into management consulting, working with some huge global names. It was this switch in professions that ultimately led Vidler to see investing as a full-time job. Join us in this episode of Property Investory to hear how Vidler's role as logistics warfare officer in the Navy, equipped him with the skills to rise in the world of property investing. You'll learn how his unconventional childhood has shaped who he is today and given him the confidence to take on anything! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this former Navy and Air Force member, it was important that his life after service involved giving back to the Australian Defence Force community. In this episode of the ADF Property Podcast, co-hosts Laine Poirier and Discover Buyers Agency's Kane Dury talk to Wayne Bemet, a financial adviser with National Service Financial, a holistic defence-based financial services enterprise. Dury started National Service Financial in 2017 after serving 19 years with the Royal Australian Navy and Air Force and receiving a medical discharge. He shares what led him to establish a business to tackle the problem of ADF members not making the most of their service financially. The trio discuss the importance of property in creating a solid financial foundation, and Dury explains how his property transactions have allowed him to build a life for himself and his family.

Eliza Callaghan served in the Royal Australian Navy, and took her holidays to coincide with country race meetings. From the middle of the ocean to remote Queensland, because she loves racing. Growing up helping her Pop, Ilfracombe trainer Boy Forster, Eliza knew from a young age she wanted to be involved in the racing industry, and started learning the race day ropes early. Owning and strapping is where Eliza has found her niche, with New York World currently racing in her colours at country tracks. And... Eliza is also the only** country strapper to have also strapped a Group One winner! **not fact checked :) Eliza lead Apache Chase for his Kingsford Smith Cup win in 2022 for Aunty and trainer Desleigh Forster.  More Than Mail is proudly brought to you by Brodie Agencies, McKinlay. Contact Jim Brodie on 0427468713. You can follow More Than Mail adventures on Instagram, on Facebook, or at morethanmail.com.au  Or, you can send me an email hello@morethanmail.com.au

In this episode, we talk to Ms Abigail Bradshaw, the Head of the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC). Throughout her career, Abi has held a number of critical security related positions, including within the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and various senior roles in the Department of Home Affairs. Ms Bradshaw began her career in the Royal Australian Navy, was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross in 2005 and holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Asian Studies. A fascinating start to a remarkable career in the public service. In this episode (part 1 of 2), Abi talks about her career and the increasing relevance of the ACSC. She provides a unique perspective to the cyber challenge, one that is based on resilience uplift across the economy. As always, it was great to speak with Abi and I know you'll enjoy the discourse. Cross examining Ms Abi Bradshaw (Part 1). Here we go…

Taken on strength with the Royal Australian Navy between the wars and named for her sister ship who had sunk the German raider Emden during WW1, HMAS Sydney (II) gained fame as lucky ship during operations in the Mediterranean Theatre in World War 2. Involved in a number of actions in that theatre, including the sinking of the Bartolmeo Colleoni, while barely sustaining any damage herself, she came to be considered invincible. This reputation followed her into the waters off Western Australia and in action against a German raider, the Kormoran. The result would be the opposite of her sister ship's meeting with the Emden. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 'Naval Graves Project' identifies and pays respect to the last resting places of sailors from the Royal Navy, Australian Colonial Navies, Commonwealth Naval Forces, and the Royal Australian Navy prior to 1914. 

U.S. Lieutenant Tyler Brown and Royal Australian Navy Lieutenant Joe Melbin join John Stanley in the studio to discuss the large U.S. Navy vessel, USS Emory S. Land, a 198-meter-long, 12-story logistics and maintenance hub currently docked in Sydney Harbour.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just like putting a fitness program together to train the body to be healthy, fit, flexible, and strong; we can do the same for your brain. Sustainable high performance requires an inside out approach and there are critical inflection points in our lives where it is vital to 'do an inside job.' Are you armed with the skills to do this?Listen to a live recording of Andrew presenting his Inside Job presentation to ACTA, where he leverages neuroscience (scientific study of the nervous system and brain) performance psychology and 20 years experience coaching some of the world's leading athletes, CEOs, and entrepreneurs.   Performance psychology shows training the mind is like learning a new skill, like playing the guitar or ice skating. And we need to keep practising (reps and sets) and have the right coaching and support until we become competent and gain mastery.Learn to be calm under pressure through front-loading cognitive skills, so they can then be drawn upon when needed most. In this episode Andrew explores:3:40 His backstory and why he needs to tap into mental skills on a daily basis.6:25 The challenges facing leaders, listening to your body's warning signs and getting excited (or not) about living to 100 years old.11:40 Critical inflection points in your life where you need to do and Inside Job and the biological and sociological defaults we all have to navigate.17:35 How to do an IOS upgrade on your mind, the 12 Essential Mental Skills and why stoicism is such an important part of storytelling.22:05 How to deal with the 70,000 thoughts you have reach day, the Reticular Activating System and Andrew's first real heart break.29:00 Self-awareness, Tim Tszyu's dedication to training his body and brain, the importance of storytelling.35:20 Being calm is trainable, getting the right balance between stress and recovery right, and the physiology of stress.38:10 A day in the life of an athlete vs a a day in the life of a corporate worker, micro recovery breaks, and the inverted U hypothesis.42:00 Andrew and Angela Poon's experience participating in the Royal Australian Navy's Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET), the 3x3x3 Down Regulation method and how to Up Regulate (add energy when you need it).52:30 How Commonwealth Bank CEO Matt Comyn trains mental skills, awareness around how you show up as a leader and being aware of energy levels for you and your team energy (social contagion theory) 58:15 Q&A session led by Chris Mclachlan from CBA Use Code "PIPODCAST10" to get 10% off your Lumo Coffee order:https://lumocoffee.com/Learn more about Andrew and Performance Intelligence: www.andrewmay.com Find out more about Andrew's Keynotes : https://www.andrewmay.com/keynotes/Follow Andrew May: https://www.instagram.com/andrewmay/If you enjoy the podcast, we would really appreciate you leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Play. It takes less than 60 seconds and really helps us build our audience and continue to provide high quality guests.

On this week's podcast, I speak with former Royal Australian Navy veteran Jennifer Wittwer CSM.   Jennifer Wittwer joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1981 as a supply officer. She went on to have an international career as a thought leader, humanitarian, and advocate for women's rights, equality, and empowerment. Some of her roles in uniform have included being the first ADF Gender Advisor to NATO Operations in Afghanistan, and a secondment to UN Women in New York. She is also the Author of Against the Wind How women can be their authentic selves in male-dominated professions.  We spoke about being a female in the Navy during the '80s and '90s and the changes that Jen saw over her 40-plus years of service.     Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Jennifer Wittwer Editor: Kyle Watkins Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway

The Commander of the entire Canadian Military joined me for a crucial discussion about Mental Health, and culture in the CAF. General Wayne Eyre has committed to clean up the culture in the CAF. We had a heartfelt conversation about how things were, how they are, and how they need to be. Please share your thoughts on our conversation, and PLEASE help to save lives by sharing this episode. Wayne Eyre - Wikipedia Eyre was commissioned into the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry in 1988.[3] In 1993 Eyre, who was a captain at the time, was deployed to Croatia as part of the United Nations Protection Force. He took part in Operation Medak Pocket in which he commanded a reconnaissance platoon, which witnessed the aftermath of ethnic cleansing in the village of Lički Čitluk.[9] He became commanding officer of the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry in 2004.[10] He went on to become commander of 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group in 2009 and,[3] after that, Deputy Commanding General of Operations for the United States Army's XVIII Airborne Corps in 2012, in which role he was deployed to Afghanistan.[10] He was appointed General Officer Commanding 3rd Canadian Division and Joint Task Force West in 2014.[10] In May 2018,[11] Eyre became the first non-American to serve as deputy commander of the United Nations Command in South Korea.[11][3][12][13] He was succeeded by Vice Admiral Stuart Mayer of the Royal Australian Navy in June 2019, and returned to Canada as Commander Military Personnel Command.[14] On July 12, 2019, it was announced Eyre would be appointed the commander of the Canadian Army, effective from August 20.[14][15] Eyre was appointed acting chief of the Defence Staff on February 24, 2021, following the stepping aside of Admiral Art McDonald pending an investigation by the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service.[16][17][18] He was promoted to full general on August 13, 2021[19] and appointed as the official Chief of Defence Staff on November 25, 2021.[20] Eyre was made a Commander of the United States' Legion of Merit on April 24, 2021.[4] He had previously been appointed as an officer of the American order while a brigadier-general in 2015 and,[21] in 2020, was awarded an Oak Leaf Cluster (second award) to the Legion of Merit.[22] On March 15, 2022, Eyre, along with 313 other Canadians, was banned from entering Russia, in protest of the Government of Canada's opposition to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.[23] --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tango-romeo/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tango-romeo/support

Mike Deeks CSC, Group Managing Director, Blue Ocean Marine Tech Systems Pty Ltd Mike assumed the role of Group MD of Blue Ocean Marine Tech Systems (BO-MTS) in September 2021. BO-MTS is a proudly Western Australian company servicing the offshore energy and defence sectors in Australia and the UK, utilising disruptive persistent uncrewed autonomous underwater vehicles fitted with an array of mission specific sensors. Prior to joining BO-MTS, Mike was based in London as the Western Australian Agent General. Mike's role was to represent Western Australian interests and promote Western Australia, throughout the UK, Europe and Israel, as a great place for investment, trade, research and development, education, training, and tourism. Mike had a 32-year naval career including command of three Oberon class submarines and the Fleet Replenishment ship, HMAS Success. His last role in the Royal Australian Navy was as the Commander of the Australian Submarine Group and the Senior Defence Officer in WA. He retired in the rank of Commodore in 2005. Awards include the Conspicuous Service Cross, the Australian Service Medal (Special Operations clasp), the Defence Force Service Medal (three bars) and the Australian Defence Medal. He is a Freeman of the City of London. Mike has a wealth of experience in Marine and Defence Industries, previously holding senior executive roles with L3 Nautronix, Raytheon and Civmec.Mike is currently a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Governance Committee for Parkerville Children and Youth Centre, a NFP organisation.Past Board roles include Non-Executive Directorships with the Pilbara Ports Authority and Dampier Port Authority, Deputy Chair of the Governing Council of Challenger Institute, member of the WA State Training Board, Chair of Stepping Stones Child Development Centre, member of the Menzies Australia Institute Advisory Board, Kings College, London, and member of the Britain Australia Society Advisory Board. Mike holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New South Wales and a Master of Management from the Macquarie Graduate School of Management (NSW). He is a Graduate (with Distinction) from the US Naval War College (Newport, RI) and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.Mike is very happily married to Jenny and they have three wonderful children and six delightful grandchildren. Mike's pastimes and other interests include sailing (having completed four Sydney to Hobart yacht races), walking, bike riding, family times, attempting to play the bagpipes (it only has nine notes – how hard can it be!!), reading and practicing his Christian faith. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How does Australia's recently released National Defence Strategy (NDS) differ from a Defence White Paper?What are the merits of having a bipartisan approach to defence policymaking? How important is it to clearly communicate these concepts to the public?Is the NDS' focus on deterrence and denial well-suited to today's geopolitical landscape?Should Australia have an unclassified National Security Strategy and National Military Strategy to complement the National Defence Strategy? In this episode, Elizabeth Buchanan and Andrew Carr join David Andrews to analyse the merits and shortcomings of the 2024 National Defence Strategy. Dr Elizabeth Buchanan is an Expert Associate at the ANU National Security College (NSC). She is also an Associate Researcher with the French Ministry of Armed Forces' Institute for Strategic Research, Senior Fellow at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, and was previously Head of Research for the Royal Australian Navy's Sea Power Centre.Dr Andrew Carr is a Senior Lecturer at the ANU Strategic and Defence Studies Centre. He is also currently a member of the ANU-Defence Strategic Policy History Project, writing a history of Australian Defence White Papers from 1976-2020.David Andrews is a Senior Policy Advisor at NSC. Show notes: · Launch of the 2024 National Defence Strategy by the Hon Richard Marles MP· 2024 National Defence Strategy and 2024 Integrated Investment Program· Defence White Papers· Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN)We'd love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to NatSecPod@anu.edu.au. You can tweet us @NSC_ANU and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on future episodes. The National Security Podcast is available on Acast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

By Jared Samuelson Jennifer Parker and Peter Jones join the program to discuss Australian naval capabilities in the littoral. Of note, this episode was recorded prior to the release of the Enhanced Lethality Surface Combatant Fleet review. Jennifer served over 20 years in the Royal Australian Navy. She is an expert associate at the National … Continue reading Sea Control 508 – Australian Capabilities in the Littoral with Jennifer Parker and Peter Jones →

The sinking of HMAS Voyager in 1964, following a collision with HMAS Melbourne during a night-time exercise off New South Wales, resulted in 82 fatalities. Miscommunication and poor visibility were identified as primary causes, highlighting deficiencies in naval procedures and equipment. Subsequent reforms were implemented within the Royal Australian Navy to enhance ship-to-ship communication, radar systems, and operational practices, emphasizing the crucial importance of effective communication and safety protocols in maritime operations and the inherent risks involved.Join Holly & Matthew as they delve into the aftermath, where reforms sparked by a Royal Commission reshaped naval protocols.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

The sinking of HMAS Voyager in 1964, following a collision with HMAS Melbourne during a night-time exercise off New South Wales, resulted in 82 fatalities. Miscommunication and poor visibility were identified as primary causes, highlighting deficiencies in naval procedures and equipment. Subsequent reforms were implemented within the Royal Australian Navy to enhance ship-to-ship communication, radar systems, and operational practices, emphasizing the crucial importance of effective communication and safety protocols in maritime operations and the inherent risks involved.Join Holly & Matthew as they delve into the aftermath, where reforms sparked by a Royal Commission reshaped naval protocols.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

PREVIEW: #AUSTRALIA: Excerpt from a conversation with colleague Gregory Copley, re the plans to grow the Royal Australian Navy --  and re the disappointment that Australia is accepting a subordinate role in the defense  of the Indo-Pacific from several possible predator states.

Daniel Hurst, Guardian Australia's foreign affairs and defence correspondent, speaks to minister for defence industry Pat Conroy about the Albanese government's decision on Tuesday to increase naval funding, following advice that the country's warships were too old and not suited for strategic threats. Minister Conroy also discusses the treaty with Tuvalu to manage vulnerability to sea level rises, and humanitarian assistance to the Middle East.

#AUSTRALIA: Reawakening the Royal Australian Navy. . Gregory Copley, Defense & Foreign Affairs https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/australia-to-build-biggest-navy-since-second-world-war-amid-asia-pacific-arms-race/ar-BB1iAYFD Coal Wharves Brisbane

"Larger and Lethal." That's the stated objective of a $54 billion dollar overhaul of the Royal Australian Navy to prepare for potential conflict in the Indo-Pacific. The new blueprint sees new frigates built offshore and heavily armed unmanned vessels acquired, with several existing shipbuilding programs curtailed or axed.

In this bulletin, the Royal Australian Navy's fleet of surface warships to be boosted; the widow of Russian opposition leader, Alexei Navalny, says she'll continue her husband's work; and, in rugby union, New Zealand Crusaders' fullback, Will Jordan, out of the Super Rugby Pacific campaign due to injury.

“The eye should learn to listen before it looks.” – Robert Frank Australian photographer Wayne Quilliam used to consider his camera as a tool, but today it's become his “companion.” This is just one of the inspiring takeaways from our chat for the new monthly podcast series, “Picturing World Cultures.” Listen in as Quilliam describes his journey—from growing up on the island state of Tasmania knowing little about his indigenous roots, to gaining a fascination with culture while traveling with the Royal Australian Navy, to his current roles as a leading indigenous imagemaker and cultural ambassador.  When it comes to making pictures, Quilliam differentiates between an older approach of maintaining photographic objectivity and more contemporary methods for immersing yourself in a story to have a stronger sense of connection with subjects, and a better understanding of what that story will become.  We also discuss aboriginal cultural protocols, and Quilliam offers surprising insights into the unique relationship between culture and skin color in Australia's indigenous communities.   Stay to the end for tips about photographing culturally sensitive subjects by listening for images rather than seeing them, and Quilliam's following parting advice. •    Know who you are as a person and what your role is within the journey. •    Make sure you're as informed as possible about your subject and the who, what, how, why, when, and where of the story and end goal. •    And most important, offer total respect to both the land and people as part of your photographic process. Above photograph © Wayne Quilliam Guests: Wayne Quilliam For more information on our guest and the gear he uses, see: https://blogd7.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/picturing-world-cultures-wayne-quilliam-australiatasmania Stay Connected: Wayne Quilliam Website: https://aboriginal.photography/ Wayne Quilliam Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waynequilliam/ Wayne Quilliam Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AustralianAboriginalPhotography/ Wayne Quilliam Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/waynequilliamphotography/# Wayne Quilliam book Culture is Life: https://www.hardiegrant.com/au/publishing/bookfinder/book/wayne-quilliam_-culture-is-life-2nd-edition-by-wayne-quilliam/9781741178760 Wayne Quilliam interactive exhibit “Connection”: https://www.thelumemelbourne.com/connection

Mark Sinclair has sailed the seas his entire life, both professionally and as a hobby. He served for 20 years in the Royal Australian Navy, commanding three ships and navigating four, at the time when celestial was still the primary means of offshore navigation. He participated in both the 2018 and the 2022 Golden Globe Races on his Lello 34 COCONUT, and is currently racing as skipper on EXPLORER in the fully crewed Ocean Globe Race. August and Adam caught up with Captain Coconut in Southampton just days before the start of the OGR. -- If you liked this conversation you'll LOVE The QUARTERDECK, 59 North's 'deep dives on the art of seamanship.' Join our interactive community and get involved in the conversation at quarterdeck.59-north.com. First two weeks FREE, then multiple pricing options thereafter.  -- ON THE WIND is presented by Forbes Horton Yachts. Get in touch with Forbes today about buying or selling a boat. The show is also presented by AG1. Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase. Go to drinkAG1.com/ONTHEWIND.