News, Articles and Comment

Ed. Rear Admiral James Goldrick AO CSC RAN (Retired) (1958–2023) was a towering figure in Australian and international naval thought – a commander at sea and ashore, a scholar of maritime history, and a teacher whose influence reshaped generations of naval professionals. His life’s work bridged the helm and the classroom, the bridge and the seminar room, the Royal Australian Navy, and its partners around the world. Given the breadth of his influence across command, education, and maritime thought, this volume seeks to consolidate and extend that legacy through critical reflection.

BRE. The latest book review is now available. It considers a timely book exploring the history of Australia’s naval alliances with the UK, the US, and the AUKUS pact.

Ed. With Operation HIGHMAST complete, the author, Commander UK Carrier Strike Group (COMUKCSG), provides a retrospective on the deployment, demonstrating the range of defence engagement, diplomacy and deterrence embodying the flagship mission. A 10 minute read.

Ed. Our correspondent provides an appreciation of Royal Navy leadership maintaining strategic direction during the COIN era.

Ed. The author proposes adapting the Royal Australian Navy’s ‘Ship Zero’ concept for the Royal New Zealand Navy, by providing a pathway for crew training and integration before platforms are fully delivered. A 15 minute read.

Ed. The expert author, at the invitation of the Royal Navy Strategic Studies Centre (RNSSC), provides a sweeping overview of the condition of British shipbuilding and makes direct recommendations for improvement. A 25 minute read.

Ed. The author revisits the issue of seablindness [112/2, p. 264], comparing the history of defence unification in the UK and US and taking stock of the situation today. A 30 minute read.

Ed. Our correspondent, no stranger to the question of submarine procurement, suggests a third alternative for the future RN submarine force.

Ed. In this article the expert authors pursue arguments in favour of conventional submarine development in the RN, with the goal of reducing strain on Service personnel and increasing the versatility of submarine operations. A 10 minute read.