Less than two months after joining Momentum Media’s Defence Connect, senior journalist Robert Dougherty and media strategist Benjamin Foster enjoyed attending the launch of Navy Week 2023.
HMAS Canberra Commanding Officer Captain Jace Hutchison with Defence Connect media strategist Ben Foster on the bridge of the HMAS Canberra.
Last week, the chief of the Royal Australian Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, AM, RAN, opened the Navy’s gangways, launching Navy Week 2023.
It began on Thursday, 23 February 2023, and will end on Wednesday, 1 March 2023, when the Navy will celebrate its 122nd birthday.
Events were held in every state and territory around Australia to showcase the Navy’s capabilities, including fleet base open days, capability demonstrations, ceremonial sunsets, sporting events, and community concerts.
Learning on the job at Momentum Media
Momentum Media’s defence brand Defence Connect was personally invited to join the official launch of Navy Week at a special media event held at Garden Island Fleet Base East in Woolloomooloo, along with other major networks such as Channel 7, Channel 9, and Channel 10.
Defence Connect sent two newcomers to the event: journalist Robert Dougherty and media strategist Benjamin Foster, who joined Momentum Media less than two months ago.
The best way to learn is to get your hands dirty on the job, and Mr Dougherty and Mr Foster did precisely that by spending time with the Royal Australian Navy.
Indeed, representing Defence Connect provided them access to, and a tour of, the landing helicopter dock on the HMAS Canberra.
They were also taken on a private cruise on an amphibious LHD landing craft on Sydney Harbour, and given a private navigational tutorial by HMAS Canberra commanding officer Captain Jace Hutchison on the ship’s bridge.
Mr Foster said being given an insight into the activities of the Royal Australian Navy first-hand demonstrates the capabilities of Defence Connect and its unique access to the Australian defence industry.
“Having started at Momentum Media in mid-January 2023, being able to get exclusive media access (along with other major networks) was a real privilege,” he told Momentum Media.
“I'll cherish this memory for a long time.”
Recalling his experience, Mr Dougherty said there were many highlights throughout the day, but singled out one.
“One of the high points of the tour for me was exploring the bridge with the commanding officer. We also discussed the latest trends in unmanned vehicles, autonomous sea vehicles, and drones with the captain,” he told Momentum Media.
A US Apache attack helicopter on the deck of the HMAS Canberra for compatibility trials.
The potential of automation
Defence Connect asked Captain Hutchison for his views on the value of autonomous landing and patrol craft being trialled internationally, such as the US Navy’s USNS Apalachicola Spearhead Class expeditionary fast transport.
Captain Hutchison responded: “I think that there’s efficiencies to be gained in the use of automation, in the projection of stores and equipment ashore. If you take humans out of that loop then we’ve got the ability to operate continuously in that automated type of concept.
“However, in terms of taking personnel out of harm’s way, I don’t think you would gain as much there because at some point after (you’re) actually carrying personnel or going to be met by personnel on the other end (on shore).”
The HMAS Canberra is the lead ship of two Canberra Class amphibious assault vessels, the largest ships ever constructed for the Royal Australian Navy.
Canberra Class ships are able to supply air-land-sea amphibious deployment for the RAN and support a landing force of over 1,000 embarked personnel with weapons, ammunition, vehicles, and stores.
The HMAS Canberra can ferry humanitarian or disaster relief deliveries, military supplies or equipment from ship to shore with LCM-1E landing craft and helicopters.
Apache attack helicopter
Mr Dougherty also reported on Defence Connect that the Australian Defence Force is trialling an Apache attack helicopter on the HMAS Canberra, with US military, Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force present onboard the ship to oversee the trial.
Captain Hutchison said the helicopter could become a significant asset for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
Mr Dougherty exclaimed that discussing compatibility trials of an Apache attack helicopter currently housed on the ship’s flight deck was another highlight of the day.
“We spoke to aviation maintenance staff about the prospect of working on the helicopter and its inclusion in future Australian Army operations,” he said.
Captain Hutchison overlooking the US Apache attack helicopter.
A day in the life in the Navy
Alongside gaining valuable insights into the Navy crew about their deployments and experiences in the ADF, Mr Dougherty and Mr Foster spoke with crew members and officers, and were given a tour of their living quarters, exercise deck, and the 25mm defence cannons on the ship.
They were also treated to lunch in the officers’ mess.
Defence Connect keeps spreading its wings
Hot on the heels of Navy Week, Mr Dougherty and Mr Foster will join Momentum Markets director Phil Tarrant at the Avalon 2023 Australian International Airshow and Aerospace and Defence Exposition this week, a global business, defence and public event.
This presents Defence Connect with an opportunity to network with key senior civil aviation, aerospace, space and defence industry, military and government decision-makers from around the world.
Commenting on the air show, Mr Dougherty said: “Having spoken to defence staff and made some contacts in the Navy, Ben and I look forward to networking with global members of the defence industry this week.”
Mr Foster concluded: “We will see some of Australia's cutting-edge technology in the defence space at the expo.
“What a start to life at Momentum!”