Above: OC IOSS 6ESR MAJ Kyle Ferguson promoted Recovery Technician LCPL Ekblad to CPL
During a short halt between recovery tasks on Exercise Talisman Sabre, OC OSS 6ESR MAJ Kyle Ferguson had the honour of promoting Recovery Technician LCPL Ekblad to the rank of Corporal.
This well-earned promotion recognises a capable junior leader whose technical skills, leadership, and reliability are vital to the team’s success — especially in the demanding tempo of field operations.
Congratulations, CPL Ekblad — a truly outstanding achievement!
Images and information courtesy of Defence
ALTC News - Wodonga
The Royal Thai Army Military Technical Training School (MTTS) dropped in at Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering earlier this month in the spirit of connection and shared learning.
The Schools began a re-establishment of a once close relationship dating back to the Vietnam War era, which saw Australian instructors teaching at (MTTS), Thai trainees learning in Australia and the @ADF donating tooling to the MTTS.
RAEME trainees at ALTC aren’t just learning how to fix things. They’re learning how to do it under pressure — no shortcuts, no guesswork, and definitely no calling roadside assist.
Well-developed competencies - sound trade skill, up-to-date knowledge, and brilliant work attitudes
Images and information courtesy of Defence
Huntsman AARV completes deepwater testing at H-ACE - Geelong
Above: AS10 Huntsman Armoured Ammunition Resupply Vehicle (AARV) undergoing testing at the H-ACE’s (Hanwha Armoured vehicle Centre of Excellence)
An AS10 Huntsman Armoured Ammunition Resupply Vehicle (AARV) recently underwent testing at the H-ACE’s (Hanwha Armoured vehicle Centre of Excellence) deepwater test facilities, successfully fording at multiple depths.
The activity was conducted to certify Defence Australia members who will operate the Huntsman family of vehicles, as additional testing is completed under the LAND 8116 Phase 1 Protected Mobile Fires program.
Above: AS10 Armoured Ammunition Resupply Vehicle and AS9 Huntsman Self-Propelled Howitzer.
“Activities such as this are how we demonstrate the maturity of our design and the advanced test features incorporated into the H-ACE,” Hanwha Defence Australia CEO, Ben Hudson, said.
“This activity was a milestone for the program, as it represents the significant skills uplift and knowledge transfer occurring under the program.”
Throughout the multi-day activity, incoming production staff also had the opportunity to undertake the training, as HDA’s Geelong based workforce expands to manage Australian production.
Images and information courtesy of Hanwha Defence Australia
UH-60M Black Hawks arrive at Oakey
Above: An Australian Army UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter arrives at Swartz Barracks, Oakey, 26 June 2025.
Swartz Barracks in Oakey has once again become home to part of the Australian Army’s Black Hawk fleet, with three UH-60M helicopters now operating from the Army Aviation Training Centre. This marks the establishment of the Army’s second UH-60M Black Hawk operating node and a significant step in developing a sovereign training capability. Following initial operations at Holsworthy Barracks in New South Wales, flying training will progressively transfer to Oakey from 2026, reaching full capacity by 2029. The move underscores Defence’s commitment to enhancing utility helicopter support for both domestic and regional operations.
Above: LTCOL Krystal Wright discusses Blackhawk introduiction to Army.
The initiative is backed by more than $9 million in infrastructure upgrades at Swartz Barracks and strong collaboration with defence industry partners including Lockheed Martin Australia and Sikorsky Australia. Commander of Army Aviation Command, Major General David Hafner, said the modernisation of Army’s aviation capabilities is vital to maintaining tactical speed, reach and firepower. “The continued introduction of the UH-60M Black Hawk will ensure our Defence Force is equipped to meet future security challenges,” he said. By 2030, 18 Black Hawks will be based at Oakey, operated by the Army Aviation Training Centre and the 5th Aviation Regiment.
Images courtesy of Defence and aviation photo digest and information courtesy of Defence
Women in RAEME (WIR3) Cocktails at Gaythorne - Fri 28 Nov 2025
CPL Greg Martin honoured for 45 years in uniform - Sydney
Above: Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, AO, DSC, presents CPL Greg Martin with the sixth clasp to the Reserve Forces Medal.
In a proud moment of recognition, Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, AO, DSC, presented Corporal Greg Martin with the sixth clasp to the Reserve Forces Medal, marking an extraordinary 45 years of dedicated service to the Australian Army Reserve. The award, also known as the Second Federation Star, acknowledges Greg's decades-long commitment to service, not only in uniform but also within his community. Alongside his military career, CPL Martin has served almost 35 years with the NSW Police, eight years with the NSW Rural Fire Service, and 14 years in local government with Cobar Shire Council, where he held roles including Deputy Mayor and Acting Mayor.
Greg began his Army Reserve journey in Sydney while completing an apprenticeship with the NSW Railways. Since then, he has served at multiple units including 3 Transport Squadron Workshops, 1/15 Royal NSW Lancers, 2 Training Group, and the School of Military Engineering. Now a Driver Training Instructor at the University of NSW Regiment, CPL Martin trained both Regular and Reserve soldiers on Mercedes G-Wagons and is rolling out training on the new MAN vehicles. Earlier in his career, he qualified as a recovery mechanic, operating heavy recovery vehicles, a role he described as the most enjoyable of his long and varied service.
UNSWR acknowledges and deeply values the experience and dedication CPL Martin brings to the team, and looks forward to his continued contribution.
Images and information courtesy of Defence
