Free Republic

WE are, as the torturous lyrics of our national anthem remind us, a nation girt by sea, a condition that ensures that we rely heavily for our continued existence on ships. One wonders, then, why the Royal Australian Navy and the contractors that supply it have such an appalling record in delivering naval vessels that go anywhere near performing the tasks required of them to defend our island continent.

The Royal Australian Navy Anzac Class Frigate HMAS Toowoomba arrived home today, following a six-month deployment to the Northern Persian Gulf. Her ship’s company of 183 men and women were greeted by the Minister Assisting the Minister of Defence, Mr Bruce Billson, the Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Dayvd Thomas AM CSC, RAN, and family and friends. Toowoomba was stationed in the Northern Persian Gulf as part of Operation Catalyst, Australia’s commitment to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq, from January to July of this year. “I would like to pay tribute to the crew of Toowoomba for their professional...

The Royal Australian Navy Anzac Class Frigate HMAS Toowoomba arrived home following a six-month deployment to the Northern Persian Gulf. Her ship's company of 183 men and women were greeted by the Minister Assisting the Minister of Defence, Mr Bruce Billson, the Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Davyd Thomas and family and friends. HMAS Toowoomba was stationed in the Northern Persian Gulf as part of Operation Catalyst, Australia's commitment to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq, from January to July of this year. During her time in the Gulf, Toowoomba conducted 65 boarding and security patrols, more than 300 boat...

At least one person was killed and two were wounded in a large explosion in Gaza City on Sunday afternoon, Palestinian witnesses said. Ambulances were rushing to the scene. Dr. Moaiya Hassanain, a Palestinian hospital official, identified the dead man as a Mohammed Abdel-Al, 22, of Gaza City. The victim was said to be a member of the Palestinian Resistance Committees. The IDF denied any involvement. The military did not rule out the possibility that it was a work accident, and that a bomb in the car had exploded prematurely. Tawfiq Abu Khoussa, spokesman for the Palestinian Interior Ministry, said...