Pacific Arms race is real.

Wow. South Korea appears to be extra serious in relation to sea power. I suppose it comes from having NKorea, China etc right on your doorstep!

H/T  http://alert5.com/

http://www.defensenews.com/article/20131026/DEFREG03/310260005/S-Korea-Envisions-Light-Aircraft-Carrier

Horrie the War Dog

http://www.abc.net.au/local/photos/2013/10/28/3878550.htm

Horrie was found in the Western Desert by Australian troops during WW2, and kept as a mascot. He is attributed as saving many lives as he could hear the Stukas coming up to two minutes before the diggers could.
Listen to the audio. Go the Terrier!

Classic Aussie TV ad

Another Beer Ad!

Classic Australian TV ads

                                         Best to start with a Beer 

VB.  Not my favourite beer, but you can't deny that this is an ad that stays in your memory.

For better of worse.

Dornier 17 to be recovered after more than 70 years

Dornier 17 to be lifted from 50ft below ocean.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22380915

Dornier 17 Sonar image.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/special/panels/13/may/bomber/img/graphic_1367513277.jpg

They will have to immerse to aircraft in a water/citric acid bath for 18 months to stabilise the corrosion of the aluminium.  After more than 70 years in the salt water this will be a delicate job. I hope all goes well, as this is the last surviving example of this aircraft.

EA-18G for the RAAF

                     Growlers, Supers and Lightning II's

FA18F Super Hornet

http://australianaviation.com.au/2013/05/new-build-growlers-renewed-commitment-to-f-35-mark-new-defence-white-paper/

Well, it looks like the RAAF will get a mixed fleet of F35's, Super Hornets and Growlers.
One thinks that this may turn out to be a shift to the RAAF being a mini USNavy replica!
Why don't they scrap the bulk of the F35's, and align themselves more with the USN/USMC ?
The RAAF seems to be more deeply embedded with the USN than the USAF!
And it fits more with Army wanting to be a mini USMC.
I guess if the USA had allowed the the sale of the F22 to Australia, this position may have been reversed.
Maybe forget the F35A, think about the STOVL F35Bs for the Canberra class LHDs and fill the rest of the gaps with late production FA-18 Supers.
At least the RAAF would have actual REAL aircraft to fill the squadrons with, not paper planes!

USN EA18G

Only in the NT. Cat Napping with a twist!

I sometimes can't believe what  the NT News will print. But at least it keeps me amused!

http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2013/04/15/319672_ntnews.html

Big Lizard. Croc at Fogg Dam

http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2013/04/10/319468_ntnews.html

A 4.2m saltwater crocodile caught in a trap a Fogg Dam, SE of Darwin.
I have been to this dam a few times, both in the dry and the wet seasons. I have always looked into the dark water under the beautiful lotus lilies and wondered how big the crocs would be here. Well, I'm glad that I have always stayed in my Landcruiser!

F15E One of my favourite aircraft!

F15E       why aren't we flying these ships  down under?  F35???

I remember seeing F15's landing at Williamtown AFB back in the 1980's.  At the time the RAAF were still flying the Mirage 111C.   F18 Supers are a good stop gap, but if we can't get the F22, F15SE well, at least they have two by engines!



L

What would Les do with: Kim Jong Un?

What to to do with Kim Jong Un?

Well, Les, being a Vietnam Vet, would probably call in an airstrike!  F4 Phantom or F100 Super Saber would do the job!    No eating spiders here, hey Bear!   Bomb the ass off this peanut!

What would Les do?

What would Les Hiddens (Bushtucker Man) do in a particular  situation.
Well.  I guess the big Bear wouldn't make it in the world according to Les.

And you know what????

If it's good enough for Les.......it's good enough for me!

Sorry Bear!

Croc Bait. Northern Territory's Daly region.

Even the crocs would spit him out!

http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2013/04/04/319219_ntnews.html

Ahh Darwin

As I sit here in the same old, same old Newcastle NSW, my mind drifts to the Northern Territory of Australia.  NOT a state, but a territory!  What does this mean?   
Well to my mind it means that this part of the largest island on earth is not important enough to the "pen-pushing, desk-sucking, blotter-jotters" in Canberra. ( General Sir Anthony Cecil Hogmanay Melchett VC DSO KCB)

This part of the largest island on the planet is extremely important to the Commonwealth of Australia.
Why it is continually dismissed by the rest of Australia is beyond me. Maybe it is that most Australians have never been to Darwin or any other parts of this captivating place. I guess it's cheaper, and has more bogan 'street cred', to say your went to Bali or Phuket.

Anyway, here are some of my favourite pics from the NT.

Corroboree Billabong NT

Mandorah NT

Mataranka NT

Rainbow Bee Eater, Longreach Waterhole, Elliot NT

Chairs Millionaire,   Longreach Waterhole, Elliot NT 

Longreach Waterhole,  Elliot NT

Mindil Beach Markets, Darwin NT

Snappin' Handbag

On'ya Tommy.
One less lizard to worry about!

http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2013/02/07/317413_ntnews.html