Navy Victoria Network

04/10/2026

Australia joined Pacific partners to strengthen maritime security and protect vital fisheries resources during Operation Nasse, conducted across the Pacific region in September.

Led by the French Armed Forces in New Caledonia, the operation brought together security partners from Fiji, Naoero, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu, supported by defence, fisheries and law enforcement agencies from Australia, France, New Zealand and the United States.

Australia and Pacific partners monitor more than 262,000 square kilometres of ocean to deter illegal fishing activities.

04/10/2026

Two Navy ships have rendezvoused in the South China Sea before continuing their regional presence deployments across the Indo-Pacific.

HMAS Sydney and HMAS Stuart conducted training together in international waters, including anti-submarine warfare exercises, aviation operations, boarding party training, cross-deck professional exchanges and ship-handling manoeuvres.

Navy maritime forces HMAS Sydney and HMAS Stuart rendezvous during regional presence deployments.

01/10/2026

The new Veteran Mental Health Incentive is supporting general practitioners (GPs) and psychiatrists to spend more time with veterans and provide ongoing, coordinated mental health care. The incentive is designed to make it easier for veterans to access mental health support through Veteran Card arrangements and support health professionals in the provision of care to the veteran community. https://www.dva.gov.au/news/latest-stories/veteran-mental-health-incentive-supports-ongoing-mental-health-care

01/10/2026

“As we step back and hand full primary responsibility for Iraq’s security to the Government of Iraq and the brave people of Iraq, US and Coalition forces stationed across the region will remain ready to respond to any ISIS threats that arise,” CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper said.

“As we step back and hand full primary responsibility for Iraq’s security to the Government of Iraq and the brave people of Iraq, US and Coalition forces stationed across the region will remain ready to respond to any ISIS threats that arise,” CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper said.

01/10/2026

The potency of two of the Royal Navy’s newest ship-busting missiles was confirmed in landmark firings with United States allies against a specially prepared ex-US Navy warship in the North Atlantic.

HMS Portland is a Type 23 (or ‘Duke-class’) frigate based at HMNB Devonport in Plymouth. Find out more about her history and role here.

01/10/2026

At least two Royal Australian Navy Arafura Class offshore patrol vessels will be homeported at HMAS Cairns, strengthening defence industry and regional security in Northern Australia. The first, HMAS Arafura, is scheduled to be home ported in Cairns in early 2027.

At least two Royal Australian Navy Arafura Class offshore patrol vessels will be homeported at HMAS Cairns, strengthening defence industry and regional security in Northern Australia.

28/09/2026

𝐁𝐑𝐎𝐀𝐃𝐒𝐈𝐃𝐄
Our September edition of BROADSIDE is now available to view.
Please feel free to share widely.

28/09/2026

𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐍 𝐁𝐈𝐑𝐃𝐈𝐄𝐒: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐎𝐍!
Whether you turned spanners on Trackers, flew Sea Kings, or are currently working on, or flying in Navy’s modern airframes, it is time to muster.

If you are a birdie, ever were a birdie, and as long as you know what a SeaHawk, a Squirrel, a Draggie, a Taipan or even a Sea Venom looks like, you’ll be welcome.

Only eligibility is that you spent at least one day in the Navy as part of the Naval Aviation branches (flying, fixing or supporting) or have/had a significant connection with Australian Naval Aviation.

The Victorian Birdies Banyan is locked in for Saturday, 21 November 2026 at the Box Hill RSL (1500–1800).
What to expect:

27/09/2026

The U.S. Navy’s Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program will exceed $200 billion and take more than 50 years to execute, but the program is not regularly evaluated for its costs, risks and performance, according to a new Government Accountability Office report.

The lack of oversight could lead to Congress making consequential decisions “based on incomplete information, thus risking billions in taxpayer dollars.”

The Navy's generational effort to improve poor conditions and outdated infrastructure at U.S. shipyards lacks oversight and parameters, a watchdog found.

27/09/2026

Pharmacists are not typically the first profession associated with military health, yet their contribution is critical.

From optimising medication use and providing advice on the introduction of new classes of Navy ships to supporting healthcare delivery on operations, pharmacists play a vital and diverse role in sustaining the health and readiness of ADF personnel.

A wide range of clinical, operational, logistical and leadership opportunities exist for pharmacists in the ADF.