HMAS Choules has returned to Fleet Base East following an 87-day Indo-Pacific deployment in support of Exercise Pacific Partnership 2026.
Pacific Partnership is a United States-led multinational activity focused on strengthening humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities across the Indo-Pacific region.
During the deployment, HMAS Choules visited the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia. Navy and other Australian Defence Force personnel worked alongside regional and international partners to strengthen relationships, improve disaster preparedness and develop coordinated response planning.
The deployment provided valuable opportunities for participating nations to share knowledge, build interoperability and enhance their ability to respond collectively when natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies occur across the region.
Welcome home to the members of the Ship’s Army Establishment and all personnel who supported HMAS Choules throughout this important regional deployment.
Congratulations on a successful mission and a safe return home.
Article adapted from information and photographs supplied by Defence
RAEME National Network - Maintenance Matters out now
Edition 08 of Maintenance Matters, the national RAEME newsletter, is now available to read online or download.
This edition introduces a new streamlined format developed in response to reader feedback. While previous editions were received positively, many readers commented on their length. The refreshed format maintains the newsletter’s focus to its core purpose, connecting our people.
Information not directly related to RAEME people will generally be presented as a short summary with a link for readers who would like to learn more.
Priority will continue to be given to:
- Articles from Associations and serving members about recent or upcoming events
- Stories about current workshop activities, exercises and plans
- Features recognising members, including honours and awards, retirements, family connections and those who have gone above and beyond in serving their communities
- Photos, photos and more photos!
Read Edition 08
The newsletter is available in three formats:
The mobile-friendly version is a new format designed to make the newsletter easier to read on phones and other mobile devices.
Congratulations to Nathan Carnie and Ben Kolstad, who share the $50 voucher for the best member submission in this edition.
The two Top End members demonstrated the RAEME value of service before self through their after-hours firefighting work in support of their communities.
Members are encouraged to lodge their stories for the opportunity to be recognised in the next edition.
Articles and other material for future editions can be submitted through the Maintenance Matters article submission portal.
The site includes templates for:
- General articles and submissions
- Nominations recognising members who have gone “Above and Beyond” in supporting their communities
- Welfare notifications, including advice about the passing or failing health of Corps members
The editorial team is seeking stories about RAEME families with two or more members who have served in the Corps.
If your family has a multigenerational RAEME connection, the team would like to hear from you. Share your details by emailing
Associations and members are also invited to nominate former-serving members who have gone above and beyond to support their communities.
If you know someone whose service to their community deserves recognition, please submit their story so their contribution can be celebrated in a future edition.
Thank you to every Association and member who contributed material to Edition 08, as well as those preparing submissions for future editions.
Call for Contributions – The Craftsman 2026
RAEME units and associations are invited to begin preparing articles for the 2026 edition of The Craftsman.
OCs, ASMs and Association Presidents are encouraged to identify members who can share their unit’s or association’s activities, achievements and highlights from 2026.
Articles should be submitted to
Photographs may be embedded in the Word document, but the original image files must also be submitted separately to ensure the publisher receives high-resolution copies. Please do not submit photographs copied from other publications or the internet.
The electronic 2025 edition of The Craftsman is availalbe here.
ADF workforce reaches 25-year high
Above: Marine Techs SGT Matthew Doogs McDougal, SGT Warren Squizz Taylor, and CPL Tyler Ty Griinke conduct inspections Aug 2026.
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) reported growth in recruitment and retention during the 2025–26 financial year, with its full-time workforce reaching its largest size in 25 years.
- The ADF enlisted more than 8,100 personnel, its highest intake in 16 years.
- The full-time workforce now exceeds 64,000 personnel, its largest size in 25 years.
- The separation rate fell to 7.4 per cent from 7.9 per cent the previous year, its lowest level in 15 years.
Recruitment increased across Navy, Army and Air Force. Defence reported almost 74,000 applications during the financial year and said it remains on track towards its target of 69,000 permanent personnel by the early 2030s.
The ADF recruits to over 300 roles, available to discover online at: www.adfcareers.gov.au
Article adapted from information and photographs supplied by Defence
Can You Help? Iraq and Afghanistan Project
Above: Craftsman Cody Hunt, a vehicle mechanic with Task Group Afghanistan, prepares for another shift in the workshops at Camp Qargha, near Kabul, while deployed on Operation Highroad 2018.
This is a fishing expedition on behalf of RAQ Life Subscriber, veteran and RSL Sub Branch member Jeff Biddle.
Jeff’s local RSL Sub Branch is developing a memorial to honour Australian Defence Force personnel who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. A veteran involved with the project suggested that incorporating a component from a Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle that had seen operational service would provide a fitting and meaningful tribute.
Jeff is seeking advice about whether obtaining such a component may be possible and, if so, where the Sub Branch should begin its enquiries.
Members with knowledge of Bushmaster fleet management, Defence disposals, heritage collections or other relevant contacts are invited to assist. Even advice about the appropriate organisation or person to approach would be greatly appreciated.
Anyone who may be able to help can contact Jeff Biddle through Facebook.
ADF Supports NFL at the G - Melbourne
Article adapted from information and photographs supplied by Defence
