RAA Liaison Letter 2024 - 2025 Edition

RAA Liaison Letter 2024 / 2025 Edition 18 full-time staff alongside their highly motivated citizen soldier peers. After the initial live-firing of NASAMs in 2023, 16 Regiment consolidated its qualifications, across all Battery’s on the new system, and is now an all-NASAMs unit. The Regiment also welcomed its largest intake in many years of new Air and Missile Defence soldiers and officers to staff the unit with Army’s newest kit. With our Regiment transitioning from a maximum reach of 30 kilometres to beyond 500km in twelve short months, it is imperative that we as Gunners grasp all of the opportunities before us, and move forward with an implacable drive, that is humble, yet confident of our future. We must ‘think strategically, and act operationally’ – we are getting some of the most impressive kit on the market, now we must plan and operate each of the systems to maximise their intended impact. Out Gunners are up to this, so let’s ‘make hay’. In closing, I would highlight that our service in the Royal Regiment goes by breathtakingly fast – be proud of what you are doing, and do it well. Those who have gone before you did their part - Once a Gunner, Always a Gunner after all. Congratulations to our new appointment holders, to the new COs, RSMs, BCs and BSMs. Good Shooting, Ubique Head of Regiment Coin Battle of Coral Bravery Recognition after 57 Years Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) Colonel Ian Francis AHEARN DSM, OAM (Retd) Awarded on 16th of May 2025 C ITATION F OR DISTINGUISHED LEADERSHIP IN WARLIKE OPERATIONS AS THE G UN P OSITION O FFICER WITH 102 ND F IELD B ATTERY DURING THE B ATTLE OF F IRE S UPPORT P ATROL B ASE C ORAL FROM 12 TO 16 M AY 1968. Colonel (then Lieutenant) Ahearn led a desperate defensive action to repel a well-prepared and numerically superior enemy at Fire Support Patrol Base Coral on 12 May 1968. His leadership, initiative and actions prevented the enemy completely overrunning the 102nd Field Battery and the likely loss of many more lives. During a subsequent attack on 16 May 1968, he directed staff of the Battery Command Post and under intense enemy fire communicated fire orders to each gun platform to ensure a coordinated defence against the enemy forces. Lieutenant Ahearn’s inspirational leadership, initiative and actions were in keeping with the finest traditions of the Australian Army and the Australian Defence Force. Editor: The belated nature of this thoroughly deserved bravery award is not simply an example of the award quota system but is a snapshot of the Australian publics changing view on our involvement in the war in Vietnam. The Tet offensive in 1968 was the start of the anti-war moratoriums to force the Government to c hange its commitment to an unpopular war. OFFICER, WO & SNCO FAREWELLS If you have 20 or more years full-time and/or part-time service & have not been farewelled & still wish to be, please contact Major DT (Terry) Brennan for officers & WO1 A (Tony) Charles for WO & SNCOs. Alternatively, if you are aware of anyone who was overlooked no matter how long ago and they still wish to be invited please pass on their contact details. It is never too late to attend the Regimental farewells.