HMAS Adelaide conducts night operations with U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Cobras, UH-1Y Hueys during RIMPAC....Pic by Petty Officer 2nd Class Kelsey Hockenberger

I've been monitoring the conversation that a few Aussies have been having on the blog.

If what they're saying is true then they will have an impressive Army in just a few years.  Capable across the board when it comes to land tasks.  Considering the quality of the average Digger in comparison to other troops in the region I'd say they'll be extremely formidable.

The above pic bothers me though.

The lack of Aussie aircraft on that big sparkling deck is worrying.  I know its going to take time.  I know that they're doing it by the numbers.

But as things stand now we can add the HMAS Adelaide to our amphibious shipping numbers.  We'll get a chance to use it to greater effect than the Aussie Army unless they pick up the pace...and of course assuming they allow us to use it.