Australia is transforming their naval forces to stay on top

Cross-posted at Rosemary's Thoughts.

Source: CNN.

I love Australia, and the Aussies are some of the most wonderful people. One thing I can tell you, they are quite independent. Just like we are. Wouldn't it be great if, even though it's for their own interest, they became the super-power in the Asian hemisphere? Yeah, baby!

CANBERRA, Australia (Reuters) -- Australia will build an A$11 billion ($9 billion) fleet of advanced destroyers and amphibious warships, Prime Minister John Howard said, underscoring the country's plan to remain a key Asian military power.

The purchases would transform Australia's navy into one of the most powerful in the Asia region, with two amphibious carriers able to land more than 2,000 troops, 16 attack and transport helicopters and up to 23 Abrams tanks. [Continue reading.]

So, you see that the only country who has stood shoulder to shoulder with us throughout our country's history is finally taking steps to move forward. Welcome! My only question: What took ya'll so long? (lol)

The good, the bad and the ugly

I have many articles that were written by CENTCOM on my page I have reserved for the longer stories. I know you will find many of them very rewarding, some of them sad, and some of them just, well, huh?! lol. Okay, here we go:

Medic recalls his actions during attack.

Joint effort continues at Jalalabad PRT.

Diwaniyah "returning to normal, step by step".

Group of Australians making a difference.

Iraqi Police eager to learn****

15th MEU Returns to Boxer Expeditionary Strike Group.

Relief and Appointment Ceremony with Admiral William Fallon Master Sergeant Curtis Brownhill Sergeant Major Jeffery Morin. Audio video.

Bush Condemns Attack on Iraqi Parliament.

Deployment Stress on Guard, Reserve Has Lessened, Hall Says.

Army Deployment Change Helps Sustain Surge.

Relief and Appointment.

Friday Freefly-05: A tale of two different Aussies

I've listened to this week's Freefly, and it does capture the arrogance of it all. I do, however, believe that Uncle Jimbo can best explain what happen to this week's Freefly.

Friday Freefly 05- Steve Irwin v. CNN's Michael Ware:

We did film a Freefly and it was good but I think the Gods thought we swore too much so they killed it. Today at lunch I filmed a quick replacement contrasting two Aussies: The Croc-o-gator Hunter Steve Irwin and CNN's Baghdad VIC (Varmint in Charge) Michael Ware. The Cable shows have recently had Ware on breathlessly deriding comments from John McCain and Joe Lieberman that Baghdad was not simply hell on earth. I mean who better to know that you can't leave the Green Zone without being instantly slaughtered than him. He didn't leave and voila, he's still alive.

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