In this episode we have a quick look at the perils of helicopter operations, particularly at low level and at night. Then there was the next round of AUSMIN talks and the usual Australian forelock tugging. If the US was really our friend they would offer several things: new Virginia class submarines instead of used; a refund of our $3 billion subsidy to their shipbuilding sector; and an agreement to take submarines back for disposal at the end of their lives. We also have a look at the future of SEA 1100 and the suggestion from prime contractor Luerssen to transition from building Arafura class offshore patrol vessels to heavily armed corvettes – something that could be managed quickly and with relative ease.