NSW Office for Veterans Affairs’ Post

Please join us in commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day today, June 6, 2024. On that historic day in 1944, Allied forces launched a massive invasion of Normandy, France. More than 150,000 troops participated in this pivotal battle that led to the liberation of Europe from Nazi occupation. Today is a time to remember the heroes, the sacrifices made, and celebrate peace and freedom. For our aviation history enthusiasts, the Douglas C-47, affectionately known as the ‘Gooney Bird’, played a crucial role in the D-Day invasion. On the night before D-Day, more than 23,000 paratroopers from American and British divisions boarded C-47s. These troops were dropped behind enemy lines to secure strategic targets. Despite bad weather and anti-aircraft fire, the C-47s successfully delivered the paratroopers to their landing zones. The C-47 was also the backbone of the Allied military airlift during World War II. It could carry up to 6,000 pounds of cargo over long distances. More than 10,000 C-47s were built, serving with the Army Air Forces, U.S. Navy, and Royal Air Force. As the proud owner of an exclusive fleet including several Basler BT-67s (which are remanufactured DC-3C/Douglas C-47 aircraft), AIRTEC plays a critical role in supporting several strategic U.S. and partner nation programs leading operations with these impressive aircraft. Their legacy lives on as they often outperform modern day aircraft capabilities and their adaptability, reliability, and ruggedness continue to make them a valuable asset across diverse missions. Whether conducting research or patrolling the skies, our BT-67s, specially modified for today’s missions, continue to soar above and serve admirably. #DDay80 #DouglasC47 #BaslerBT67 #Freedom #AviationHistory #AIRTEC #GlobalAirborneMissionSolutions

Dunlop Aircraft Tyres Wins $7.6 Mln US Military Contract According to the Defence Logistics Agency, Dunlop Aircraft Tyres Inc. in Mocksville, North Carolina, secured a USD 7.6 million contract to supply aircraft tyres to the US military. The firm-fixed-price deal, spanning three years with no option periods, was awarded after a competitive acquisition process with three bids. The contract supports the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps, and the performance completion date is set for 19 August 2027. Funding for the contract will come from fiscal 2024-2027 defence working capital funds. #defensecontract #militarysupplies #aerospace #defenseindustry #militarycontracting #usmilitary #aviation #aircrafttyres #defenselogistics #militarysupport

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 | 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐀𝐂𝐄 • Defence Australia | 𝐋𝐢𝐞𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐭𝐨𝐧 Australia's participation in Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2024 (RIMPAC) serves as a testament to the profound camaraderie shared with the United States and the robust military alliances established with other key regional defense partners, articulated Lieutenant General Bilton. In the intricately woven tapestry of the Indo-Pacific region, where multifaceted strategic challenges loom large, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) remains steadfast in its commitment to reassuring our allies of Australia's significant capacity and determination to honor and uphold our alliances, agreements, and bilateral relationships. This year's iteration of RIMPAC is set to encompass the involvement of 29 nations, featuring a formidable fleet comprising 40 surface ships, three submarines, as well as ground forces representing 14 national armies. Additionally, the exercise will boast a diverse array of more than 150 aircraft and an impressive deployment of approximately 25,000 personnel from across the globe. The convergence of such a vast and varied coalition of nations and military assets in the expansive training areas surrounding the Hawaiian Islands from June 27 to August 1, 2024, underscores the significance and scale of Exercise RIMPAC as the premier international maritime exercise of its kind. Australia's active engagement in RIMPAC not only showcases the nation's military prowess and professionalism but also reinforces its strategic presence and commitment to upholding a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region. Through its involvement in this multinational exercise, Australia reaffirms its willingness to work closely with global partners to tackle mutual security issues and enhance stability in the region. As Exercise RIMPAC unfolds, the ADF's universal dedication to collective security and cooperation stands as a resolute affirmation of Australia's role as a responsible global actor and a steadfast ally in advancing peace and stability across the dynamic and strategically vital Indo-Pacific landscape. #Australia #USA #APAC #Navy #Military #Proud

Thirty-three years ago - toward what would end up being the end of Operation Desert Storm - the ordinance crew from Attack Squadron Three-Five (VA-35) loaded 22 Mk-82 500lb (230 kg) unguided, low drag general purpose bombs onto our squadron's A-6E Intruder. During the Persian Gulf War it is estimated that 4,500 GBU-12/Mk-82 were dropped onto Iraqi forces - all loaded by the strong backs of sailors and airmen. From the pictures below the task of uploading 22 500 pound bombs on a single aircraft is hard, back breaking labor. The burden of loading these weapons onto a four aircraft division only added to the daily stress and fatigue for the crew who worked tirelessly for more than 6 months. That's more than 45,000 lbs (22 tons) of ordnance - not to mention the time it took to prepare the weapons for safe release. The dedication and commitment by our Navy sailors never wavered - true unsung heroes of VA-35 and Navy Squadrons deployed in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf. As a young naval officer, division officer, and squadron pilot I watched them toil, without complaint, instead joking and chiding each other to do more despite their exhaustion. On this given day I decided to help decrease their burden loading those weapons - just one sailor helping another - silently - without hesitation. Regardless of rank - are you willing to roll up your sleeves - and help those who never ask for help? Are you uninhibited by hierarchy? #navy, #navalaviation, #leadership, #usnavy, #innovation, #usna, #calledtoserve

The Price of Power: U.S. spends $13.6bn yearly to maintain military aircraftsMaintaining the world's most advanced military aircraft comes at a hefty price. The United States Air Force and Navy gulp  $13.6 billion annually to keep their fleets operational. Aging aircraft, specialised maintenance requirements, and parts shortages contribute to rising costs, challenging both branches to balance readiness with budget constraints. Despite these challenges, the U.S. remains a dominant force in the air, showcasing the high cost of maintaining military power. #USMilitary #AircraftMaintenance #DefenseSpending

 Winston Churchill

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲: 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟔𝐭𝐡 🌍🚢✈️ 𝐃-𝐃𝐚𝐲: 𝐋𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐖𝐖𝐈𝐈 On 6 June 1944, D-Day marked a turning point in WWII with an immense logistical effort. 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐝 💼⚓️ - Troops and Equipment: 156,000 Allied soldiers transported by sea and air. - Naval Armada: 5,000+ ships and landing craft, supported by 11,000 aircraft. - Supply Chain: Mulberry harbours ensured rapid cargo offloading. 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 🛠️🔧 - Higgins Boats: Essential for ferrying soldiers and equipment. - Pipeline Under the Ocean (PLUTO): Underwater pipelines supplied fuel. - Airborne Operations: Paratroopers and glider-borne soldiers secured key positions. 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐃-𝐃𝐚𝐲 🕊️🌟 D-Day set a new standard for military logistics. The coordination, innovation, and scale of the operation are a testament to effective transportation planning. Remembering the events of 6 June 1944 and honouring the bravery and ingenuity that changed WWII. #DDay #OperationOverlord #Logistics #TransportationHistory #Innovation #WWII #MilitaryLogistics #SupplyChain #NormandyInvasion #ThisDayinHistory #OnThisday

China Is Determined to Sink U.S. Navy Aircraft Carriers in a War Beijing’s three existing carriers do not hold a flame to Washington’s eleven, making the need for carrier-killing missiles - that can sink U.S. Navy aircraft carriers, in theory -  much more important. Why does China seem obsessed with sinking U.S. Navy aircraft carriers? As tensions between China and America continue to ramp up, all eyes are on the South China...

My infographic poster on the history of military aviation! 🛩️ "Sixty Key Military Jet Aircraft: From World War II to the Cold War's End", #AviationHistory #InfographicDesign #GraphicDesign

During World War I, transportation underwent significant advancements to meet the demands of a global conflict. Railroads became the backbone of military logistics, facilitating the rapid movement of troops, weapons, and supplies to the front lines. Motor vehicles, including trucks and ambulances, were extensively used for the first time, enhancing mobility and reducing reliance on slower, horse-drawn transport. The war also saw the expanded use of aircraft for reconnaissance and the transportation of critical messages. Additionally, naval transportation, including submarines and convoys, played a crucial role in maintaining supply lines and enforcing blockades. #WWI #MilitaryLogistics #TransportationHistory #RailroadsInWar #MotorVehicles #AircraftDevelopment #NavalWarfare #WarTechnology #MilitaryInnovation #HistoricalTransportation #contentmaker #articlewriting #contentwriting #contentdevelopment #contentmarketing #academiccontentwriting