Edition 5206, April 15, 2010 - Department of Defence
Edition 5206, April 15, 2010 - Department of Defence
Edition 5206, April 15, 2010 - Department of Defence
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
AIRR F<br />
RCE<br />
Vol. 52, No. 6, <strong>April</strong> <strong>15</strong>, <strong>2010</strong> The <strong>of</strong>ficial newspaper <strong>of</strong> the Royal Australian Air Forc Force<br />
AMAZING<br />
COURAGE<br />
Full story P2<br />
SPECIAL BOND: Left, Air Force<br />
medics and good friends CPL Sharon<br />
Jager and FLTLT Jo Darby are proud<br />
and relieved to be together again a<br />
year after being caught in the centre<br />
<strong>of</strong> the tragic SIEV 36 explosion at<br />
Ashmore Reef (below). Above, they<br />
treat one <strong>of</strong> the survivors aboard<br />
HMAS Childers on that fateful day.<br />
Their incredible actions not only<br />
saved many lives, but forged an even<br />
stronger bond between them. Photos:<br />
LSIS Helen Frank and LCDR Brett Westcott<br />
SIEV 36 DRAMA: THE UNTOLD AIR FORCE STORY<br />
CAPT Joe Nyhan<br />
WHEN the suspected illegal entry<br />
vessel known as SIEV 36 exploded<br />
near Ashmore Island in <strong>April</strong><br />
last year, seven members <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Air Force found themselves at the<br />
centre <strong>of</strong> the tragedy.<br />
They were immediately called<br />
upon to play key roles in the rescue<br />
and medical repatriation that<br />
followed.<br />
Only now, after the conclusion<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Northern Territory<br />
Coroner’s Inquest into the explosion<br />
and deaths <strong>of</strong> five Afghan<br />
men, can the full story regarding<br />
the incredible actions <strong>of</strong> the Air<br />
Force personnel be told.<br />
Specialist medical assistant<br />
CPL Sharon Jager was on board<br />
SIEV 36 fulfilling her dual role as<br />
a Transit Security Element (TSE)<br />
member when the vessel exploded.<br />
CPL Jager was blown into the<br />
sea from the rear <strong>of</strong> the SIEV.<br />
PS IN FOCUS: MIDDLE EAST P3-6 OP RESOLUTE P<strong>15</strong><br />
Continued Page 2
2 News AIR F<br />
RCE <strong>April</strong> <strong>15</strong>, <strong>2010</strong><br />
From Page 1<br />
Watching events unfold from<br />
HMAS Childers was medical <strong>of</strong>ficer<br />
FLTLT Joleen Darby, who immediately<br />
feared the worst.<br />
“I saw the boat explode, knowing<br />
my good friend Sharon was on board,<br />
along with eight other ADF personnel,”<br />
she said. “I didn’t know whether<br />
they were dead or alive.”<br />
FLTLT Darby had to put her<br />
immediate fears and grief aside. As<br />
the only doctor on scene, she knew<br />
there would be seriously injured people<br />
needing her help immediately.<br />
She went straight from the bridge<br />
<strong>of</strong> Childers to the quarterdeck where<br />
badly burned survivors were already<br />
being plucked from the sea. With no<br />
more than a small backpack containing<br />
basic medical supplies, she began<br />
triaging and treating survivors, turning<br />
that part <strong>of</strong> the patrol boat into a hospital<br />
and ordinary sailors into nurses.<br />
It would be nearly <strong>15</strong> minutes before<br />
she would know the fate <strong>of</strong> CPL Jager<br />
and the other ADF members who<br />
were on the SIEV when it exploded.<br />
Back in the water, CPL Jager was<br />
fighting for her life. Her life vest<br />
did not properly inflate and, with an<br />
Afghan man trying to climb over her<br />
to be rescued, she may have drowned<br />
if not for the actions <strong>of</strong> the Navy<br />
RHIB (rigid hulled inflatable boat)<br />
crew who dragged her on board their<br />
boat. The Afghan man was subsequently<br />
rescued.<br />
The RHIB coxswain, AB Adrian<br />
Medbury, told the Coroner that CPL<br />
Jager’s head was only just above<br />
the water and she looked terrified.<br />
The RHIB bowman, AB Quinton<br />
Boorman, described the desperation to<br />
save CPL Jager as being like rescuing<br />
someone from his own family, such<br />
are the bonds developed when Army<br />
and Air Force personnel combine<br />
with the Navy’s patrol boat crews on<br />
Operation Resolute.<br />
It was nearly a quarter <strong>of</strong> an<br />
hour before all ADF members were<br />
accounted for and, remarkably, 47<br />
civilians were rescued within the same<br />
period. But there was no time for celebration.<br />
Two Afghan men were still<br />
missing, their bodies never recovered,<br />
and others had suffered horrific burns.<br />
With the closest hospital in<br />
Darwin, more than a day’s sail away,<br />
FLTLT Darby told the Childers CO,<br />
LCDR Brett Westcott, they didn’t<br />
have a day. She feared at least 10<br />
patients would die if they did not<br />
reach hospital within hours.<br />
In conjunction with Headquarters<br />
Northern Command, a permanently<br />
positioned tanker just 90 minutes from<br />
the site <strong>of</strong> the explosion was contacted<br />
and asked to assist. Significantly, that<br />
ship, Front Puffin, had a heli-deck and<br />
was located within helicopter range <strong>of</strong><br />
the mainland. Despair turned to hope<br />
as both Childers and Albany made<br />
best speed towards Front Puffin.<br />
Despite her terrible ordeal in her<br />
very first SIEV boarding, and ignoring<br />
her own injuries, CPL Jager immediately<br />
went to work, moving between<br />
Childers and Albany to treat survivors<br />
and showing the crews <strong>of</strong> both patrol<br />
boats what they needed to do to keep<br />
people alive and as comfortable as<br />
possible. Many have described the<br />
scene as organised chaos, the smells<br />
Director<br />
Rod Horan: (02) 6265 4650<br />
Editorial<br />
Editor<br />
Simone Liebelt: (02) 6265 2253<br />
Mobile: 0400 003792<br />
Deputy Editor and sport<br />
John Martin: (02) 6265 7219<br />
Senior reporter<br />
Andrew Stackpool: (02) 6266 7611<br />
Photographer/reporter<br />
LAC Aaron Curran: (02) 6265 1355<br />
SHARED MEMORIES: CPL Sharon Jager and FLTLT Jo Darby were praised for “exhibiting leadership<br />
way beyond their experience levels in the aftermath <strong>of</strong> the explosion”. Photo: LSIS Helen Frank<br />
Story <strong>of</strong><br />
heroics<br />
revealed<br />
and sounds forever etched in their<br />
memories.<br />
FLTLT Darby recalls CPL Jager<br />
looking immaculate and not the least<br />
bit flustered, despite what had just<br />
happened to her, and their CO said<br />
both women exhibited leadership way<br />
beyond their experience levels in the<br />
aftermath <strong>of</strong> the explosion.<br />
“CPL Jager was an inspirational<br />
medic whose role was central to the<br />
success <strong>of</strong> the rescue effort,” LCDR<br />
Westcott said.<br />
“Many more lives would have<br />
been lost if it were not for the efforts<br />
<strong>of</strong> CPL Jager and FLTLT Darby over<br />
a prolonged period.<br />
“FLTLT Darby turned sailors into<br />
nurses and the quarterdeck <strong>of</strong> Childers<br />
into a hospital ward. Her presence and<br />
actions were central to the saving <strong>of</strong><br />
the lives <strong>of</strong> those who were rescued<br />
from the water with horrific injuries.”<br />
AIR F<br />
Contact us:<br />
Email: raafnews@defencenews.gov.au<br />
Website: http://www.defence.gov.au/<br />
news/raafnews<br />
Fax: (02) 6265 6690<br />
Postal address:<br />
R8–LG–048, Russell Offices<br />
Canberra, ACT 2600<br />
The most seriously injured Priority<br />
1 casualties were taken on board<br />
Childers and subsequently transferred<br />
to Front Puffin in a painstaking operation;<br />
using a crane to lift people up the<br />
side <strong>of</strong> the massive tanker. Leaving<br />
Childers behind, Albany made for<br />
Darwin with the remainder <strong>of</strong> the<br />
casualties.<br />
As events at sea were unfolding,<br />
back in Darwin the 92WG<br />
Detachment Commander, SQNLDR<br />
Stephen Parsons, received a phone<br />
call not long after standing down his<br />
AP-3C crew following a night mission.<br />
He was told medical supplies<br />
were needed urgently for emergency<br />
air drop.<br />
A frenetic operation immediately<br />
swung into gear. An aircraft was readied<br />
for flight, crew members recalled<br />
to duty and a dash to Robertson<br />
Barracks made to gather stocks <strong>of</strong><br />
RCE<br />
Subscriptions<br />
Trish Dillon: (02) 6266 7607<br />
Email: tdillon@defencenews.gov.au<br />
Advertising<br />
Tim Asher: (07) 3332 7651<br />
Mobile: 0414 552667<br />
Email: advertising@defencenews.<br />
gov.au<br />
Disclaimer<br />
Actions<br />
recognised<br />
CPL Sharon Jager<br />
will soon be awarded<br />
a CDF Commendation<br />
for her actions on<br />
that day. A number<br />
<strong>of</strong> other awards<br />
will also be presented,<br />
including<br />
a Chief <strong>of</strong> Joint<br />
Operations Group<br />
Commendation to<br />
the Patrol Boat crews<br />
<strong>of</strong> Ardent Four and<br />
Assail Two.<br />
pain killers, burns dressings and medical<br />
consumables.<br />
The Orion launched with SQNLDR<br />
Parsons at the controls. To save time,<br />
the heli-boxes and emergency supplies<br />
for aerial delivery were assembled and<br />
packed mid-flight with the aid <strong>of</strong> volunteers.<br />
The aircraft arrived on station<br />
overhead Front Puffin just as Childers<br />
and Albany were approaching. Over<br />
the next 90 minutes, flying 50 metres<br />
(<strong>15</strong>0ft) above the water, the AP-3C<br />
crew dispatched 18 heli-boxes containing<br />
life-saving supplies. The cardboard<br />
tubes were recovered from the ocean by<br />
RHIBs.<br />
At the completion <strong>of</strong> the airdrop,<br />
in a short but moving radio broadcast,<br />
LCDR Westcott spoke directly to<br />
SQNLDR Parsons, his words and tone<br />
giving some insight into the emotions<br />
on board Childers at the time and a<br />
sense <strong>of</strong> the incredible bonds that the<br />
Notice something different this edition? read all about our new look on Page 23<br />
Air Force News N is published fortnightly<br />
by the Directorate <strong>of</strong> <strong>Defence</strong><br />
Newspapers. Printed by<br />
Capital Fine<br />
Print. The publisher reserves the right<br />
to refuse advertising if it is deemed<br />
inappropriate and to change the<br />
size <strong>of</strong> the ad, print type or other<br />
specifications if material is not<br />
compatible with our system. The fact<br />
an ad is accepted for publication does<br />
not mean that the product or service<br />
has the endorsement <strong>of</strong> <strong>Defence</strong> or<br />
Air Force News.<br />
THAT TERRIBLE DAY: Above, an<br />
AP-3C flies over Front Puffin as<br />
HMAS Childers transfers survivors<br />
to the ship. Photo: LS Jayson Tufrey<br />
Below, CPL Jager (back) and<br />
FLTLT Darby treat survivors<br />
aboard Front Puffin.<br />
Photo: LCDR Brett Westcott<br />
three services <strong>of</strong> the ADF can form in<br />
times <strong>of</strong> crisis.<br />
“[Thank you for] your sensational<br />
effort this afternoon; it’s been a long<br />
day for us as I’m sure it has been for<br />
you. Your efforts are well appreciated.<br />
I wish you good luck with the<br />
remainder <strong>of</strong> your tasking and will<br />
remember this day.”<br />
WGCDR Sandra Riley led part <strong>of</strong><br />
the Aero-Medical Evacuation (AME)<br />
retrieval effort involving C-17A and<br />
C-130 aircraft. WGCDR Riley said<br />
that when the airborne critical care<br />
and AME teams took over they were<br />
amazed the injured were in much better<br />
condition than expected, considering<br />
the conditions those on the patrol<br />
boats were working under.<br />
“What they achieved was nothing<br />
short <strong>of</strong> incredible. It would have been<br />
unbelievably difficult to treat so many<br />
seriously injured people at once with<br />
the supplies they had available, but<br />
through the judicious use <strong>of</strong> equipment<br />
they did a marvellous job under the<br />
most austere conditions imaginable.<br />
“The efforts <strong>of</strong> those who provided<br />
care in the immediate aftermath <strong>of</strong> the<br />
explosion ensured our job was made<br />
much easier during the AME from the<br />
Top End to hospitals in the southern<br />
parts <strong>of</strong> Australia.”<br />
One year on and all involved<br />
take pride in the fact that every<br />
person pulled alive from the water<br />
survived. FLTLT Darby, CPL Jager<br />
and the other six Air Force members<br />
who were involved that day now<br />
share an unspoken bond that only<br />
they and those who were there can<br />
understand.<br />
See Page <strong>15</strong> for more on Op Resolute.<br />
Air Force online<br />
AirForce.gov.au<br />
facebook.com/<br />
RoyalAustralianAirForce<br />
youtube.com/AirForceHQ<br />
twitter.com/AirForceHQ<br />
feeds.feedburner.com/<br />
RoyalAustralianAirForce
AIR F RCE <strong>April</strong> <strong>15</strong>, <strong>2010</strong><br />
perations<br />
Celebrating 20,000<br />
LAC Aaron Curran<br />
WHEN C-130 A97-440 returned<br />
to the United Arab Emirates from a<br />
Aero-Medical Evacuation (AME) <strong>of</strong><br />
wounded Australian soldiers from the<br />
1st Mentoring Task Force (MTF-1) in<br />
Afghanistan on March 19, its crewmembers<br />
got quite a surprise.<br />
They learnt that their flight brought<br />
up a milestone for the ubiquitous<br />
workhorses – 20,000 flying hours<br />
since the detachment started in 2003.<br />
The pilot <strong>of</strong> A97-440, FLTLT Glen<br />
Foster, said the achievement was a<br />
credit not only to the aircrew, but to<br />
the maintainers that keep the C-130s<br />
in the air.<br />
“You won’t see another Air Lift<br />
Group asset reach this many hours<br />
in the MEAO (Middle East Area <strong>of</strong><br />
Operations), that’s for sure,” FLTLT<br />
Foster said.<br />
The crew <strong>of</strong> A97-440 did not know<br />
that they broke the mark until they<br />
landed.<br />
“We were lucky to be the ones<br />
airborne when the milestone was<br />
reached,” FLTLT Foster said.<br />
“20,000 hours is an indication <strong>of</strong><br />
just how many rotations some <strong>of</strong> our<br />
people have done.<br />
“We have some loadmasters here<br />
on their fifth rotation in the MEAO.<br />
They have always done their job without<br />
fuss or fanfare.”<br />
Executive Officer <strong>of</strong> the C-130<br />
detachment, SQNLDR Sarah Stalker,<br />
said during the past six months the<br />
Detachment’s mission success rate<br />
had been more than 95 per cent.<br />
“An increased rate <strong>of</strong> proactive<br />
maintenance by the ground crew has<br />
provided us with a full complement <strong>of</strong><br />
aircraft more times than not,” she said.<br />
“That usually means three out <strong>of</strong><br />
three aircraft available every day. The<br />
people who crew the Hercs can do up<br />
to 18 hours per day.”<br />
In a cruel twist, A97-440 was itself<br />
‘wounded’ after picking up the five<br />
MTF-1 casualties and suffered pro-<br />
AME went like clockwork<br />
LAC Aaron Curran<br />
WITH A97-440 playing its part,<br />
ADF medical and aircrew personnel<br />
again proved their capabilities with<br />
the Aero-Medical Evacuation (AME)<br />
<strong>of</strong> wounded Australian soldiers from<br />
Afghanistan.<br />
The members <strong>of</strong> the 1st<br />
Mentoring Task Force (MTF-1)<br />
were wounded in an IED strike on<br />
their Bushmaster on March 16 in<br />
Chora, Oruzgan province.<br />
Shortly after, the C-130 from the<br />
UAE took <strong>of</strong>f with medical personnel<br />
onboard.<br />
FLGOFF Jason Lynam, FLTLT<br />
Brenda Morgan, FLTLT Al Turner,<br />
LTCOL Ge<strong>of</strong>f Matthews and CMDR<br />
Simon Winder all played a role in<br />
their safe return.<br />
Senior Medical Officer <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Australian Medical Facility in the<br />
UAE, FLTLT Carmel Newitt, said<br />
FLTLT Morgan – OIC <strong>of</strong> the AME<br />
mission – and LTCOL Matthews<br />
were already at Kandahar Airfield<br />
(KAF) conducting training.<br />
“Initially the casualties were<br />
taken to the medical facility at Tarin<br />
Kowt (TK) and three were moved<br />
to KAF for CAT scans and further<br />
investigation,” she said.<br />
“LTCOL Matthews then went<br />
forward to TK to prepare the other<br />
two for movement.”<br />
Two members were cleared<br />
<strong>of</strong> significant injuries and were<br />
returned to their unit, while another<br />
SURPRISE ACHIEVEMENT: Crew members who brought the Hercules fleet’s flying hours to more than 20,000 in<br />
the MEAO. Front, from left, loadmaster SGT Andrew Travers and aircraft captain FLTLT Glen Foster. Rear, from left,<br />
co-pilot FLTLT Chuck Baylis, loadmaster FSGT Stu Wilson and co-pilot FLTLT Alex White. Photo: LAC Aaron Curran<br />
peller damage. It was subsequently<br />
repaired and the aircraft returned to<br />
Australia as part <strong>of</strong> its scheduled rotation.<br />
The C-130s are only allocated 3000<br />
hours per year and can average up to<br />
50 flying hours per week.<br />
was evacuated to Landstuhl Medical<br />
Facility in Germany by nursing<br />
<strong>of</strong>ficer FLGOFF Lynam.<br />
The flight back to the UAE on<br />
March 19 also had returning ADF<br />
personnel on board.<br />
“When we landed, the soldiers<br />
on board were the first ones to jump<br />
up and <strong>of</strong>fer to help with the litters,”<br />
FLGOFF Newitt said.<br />
For loadmaster SGT Andrew<br />
Travers, it was his second AME in<br />
12 months. “The guys were in good<br />
spirits, laughing and joking with their<br />
mates, taking photos and giving handshakes<br />
as they said goodbye,” he said.<br />
“We had a lot <strong>of</strong> help putting them<br />
on the aircraft from the AME personnel<br />
that were with us. When the doctor<br />
said they were right to be moved we<br />
did it steadily and slowly.”<br />
The loadmasters and pilots knew<br />
about the upcoming AME the night<br />
“When we do a big rotation in<br />
and out <strong>of</strong> Afghanistan, whether MTF<br />
or SOTG (Special Operations Task<br />
Group), we have to use two aircraft<br />
per day,” SQNLDR Stalker said<br />
Much to the delight <strong>of</strong> ADF personnel<br />
on the ground, the C-130s<br />
WELCOME<br />
FACES: At<br />
the airbase’s<br />
medical facility<br />
in the UAE,<br />
from left, LTCOL<br />
Ge<strong>of</strong>f Matthews,<br />
FLTLT Brenda<br />
Morgan and<br />
FLTLT Carmel<br />
Newitt. Photo: LAC<br />
Aaron Curran<br />
before and configured the aircraft<br />
accordingly. It only takes them<br />
about half an hour to set the aircraft<br />
up for the task.<br />
After landing back at the<br />
Australian base, the patients were<br />
transported into a Canadian ambulance<br />
and taken to the new medical<br />
facility there which had been open<br />
for only two months.<br />
The AME was the first time that<br />
facility had been used in a 24-hour<br />
capacity, so it was a good test for<br />
all involved.<br />
“It was a really good response, not<br />
just from the medical staff, but from<br />
the entire base,” FLTLT Newitt said.<br />
On March 19, an AME team<br />
from 1 Expeditionary Health<br />
Squadron arrived from Australia<br />
to help with the repatriation <strong>of</strong> the<br />
five soldiers. They left for home on<br />
March 21.<br />
will remain a common sight in the<br />
skies above the Middle East, continuing<br />
their excellent record in tactical<br />
airlift.<br />
On March 24, the detachment celebrated<br />
the achievement in Aussie style<br />
– with steaks on the barbecue at dusk.<br />
HERC LOG<br />
AME personnel<br />
moved: 2308<br />
Personnel<br />
transported: 140,737<br />
Missions: 3195<br />
Sorties: 11,301<br />
Cargo (lbs):<br />
68,260,852<br />
Total hours (as <strong>of</strong><br />
March 22): 20,007<br />
3
4 perations<br />
AIR F RCE <strong>April</strong> <strong>15</strong>, <strong>2010</strong><br />
LAC Aaron Curran<br />
AIR FORCE assets are finally together<br />
on the ground in the Middle East after<br />
the move <strong>of</strong> the C-130 Detachment to<br />
the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was<br />
completed in December.<br />
The AP-3C Orion Detachment has<br />
been at an airbase in the UAE since<br />
2003 and after a few months <strong>of</strong> transition,<br />
the C-130s are now in place and<br />
continuing their excellent record <strong>of</strong><br />
service.<br />
Due to their completely different<br />
roles – C-130s are tactical airlift; the<br />
Orions are Intelligence Surveillance<br />
and Reconnaissance (ISR) – they<br />
do not rely on each other for operational<br />
support.<br />
Where they do meet is at the coal<br />
face – the maintainers and their equipment<br />
on the ground.<br />
AP-3C Shift Boss B Spider<br />
Maintenance FSGT Neil Pinker said<br />
the extra equipment brought by the<br />
C-130 maintainers was a bonus for his<br />
personnel.<br />
“The key points are commonality<br />
with their Ground Support Equipment<br />
(GSE),” he said.<br />
“We now have a greater stockpile<br />
to choose from and versatility in the<br />
use <strong>of</strong> GSE. If either <strong>of</strong> us needs a<br />
particular piece we can source it from<br />
each other.”<br />
One area FGST Pinker said that<br />
they can look at in the future is aircraft<br />
structural fitters, or metal bashers<br />
as they are commonly known.<br />
“One thing we are looking at is our<br />
metal basher capability,” he said.<br />
“The Orions have one on each<br />
shift, whereas the Hercs have one<br />
covering three shifts; maybe we can<br />
have a central metal bashing shop<br />
for all.”<br />
Deputy Australian Air Component<br />
Commander in the MEAO, WGCDR<br />
John Young, said the logistics advantages<br />
cannot be understated.<br />
“We have consolidated our efforts<br />
and removed duplication by having<br />
the two detachments here,” he said.<br />
“Instead <strong>of</strong> Air Force assets being<br />
scattered around the MEAO, we have<br />
everything here. Having a bigger air<br />
component footprint in this location is<br />
good for us.”<br />
He said it was not an easy job<br />
moving the C-130s to the UAE, but<br />
Hercs<br />
and Orions<br />
join forces<br />
when they started to arrive, the base<br />
was well and truly ready to receive<br />
them. “Everyone now operates in a<br />
Inspector General<br />
Australian <strong>Defence</strong> Force<br />
P R O M O T I N G M I L I T A R Y J U S T I C E<br />
If you’ve had a first hand experience with the DFDA or<br />
complaints process, here’s your chance to tell us about it.<br />
Our aim is to make sure you have confidence that the military justice system will deliver<br />
unbiased, timely and fair outcomes and to improve any areas where necessary.<br />
Personal experience with the system is the only requirement. You can have your say by<br />
visiting www.defence.gov.au/mjs.<br />
Your comments will be non-attributable.<br />
common location,” WGCDR Young<br />
said. “So if you need to know something<br />
you can literally just walk down<br />
the hall.”<br />
One <strong>of</strong> the challenges<br />
faced by the co-location <strong>of</strong><br />
the Orions and Hercs is space.<br />
There is limited space currently<br />
on <strong>of</strong>fer at the airbase.<br />
Australian, coalition partners<br />
and contractors all use<br />
the runway and many airfield<br />
facilities.<br />
Ramp space is tight. “The<br />
last Herc can sometimes block<br />
access to the new hangar,”<br />
FSGT Pinker said.<br />
“They don’t work the<br />
same times as us, so we have to ring<br />
them up to ask them to move their<br />
aircraft. If you move one, usually you<br />
have to move them all. It’s like having<br />
to move the Cortina to move the<br />
Kingswood to get the Torana. But we<br />
work around it to get the job done.”<br />
WGCDR Young agreed that the<br />
space is an issue and at the start it was<br />
a little dysfunctional.<br />
“We operate on a very, busy piece<br />
<strong>of</strong> ground with coalition aircraft and<br />
our own,” he said.<br />
“But we have a positive working<br />
relationship with them and that makes<br />
things work.”<br />
He said even with that issue, they<br />
all have a common aim – to get air-<br />
SHARING AND CARING: FSGT Neil<br />
Pinker, left, the AP-3C Shift Boss B<br />
Spider Maintenance, and FSGT Gavin<br />
Nott, the maintenance coordinator for<br />
the C-130 Detachment, on the flightline<br />
in the UAE. Photo: LAC Aaron Curran<br />
‘ We<br />
craft in the air and back safely, and on<br />
time. “The Orions are the great unsung<br />
achievers,” WGCDR Young said.<br />
“They may fly for 10 hours, and<br />
what they do in those 10 hours is quite<br />
incredible.”<br />
In relation to the C-130s, he said<br />
with only three aircraft in theatre, the<br />
level <strong>of</strong> cargo they move is disproportionate.<br />
“They are very efficient at what<br />
they do,” he said. “Our Orions and<br />
Hercs are all doing great work and not<br />
dropping missions.<br />
“We have the foundations <strong>of</strong> a very<br />
functional airbase here – it is not there<br />
yet, but it’s very close.”<br />
www.airforceleatherjackets.com.au<br />
have a<br />
positive working<br />
relationship with<br />
them and that<br />
makes things work<br />
– WGCDR John Young
AIR F<br />
RCE<br />
LAC Aaron Curran<br />
<strong>April</strong> <strong>15</strong>, <strong>2010</strong><br />
ASKING an eskimo to build a sand<br />
castle is something that wouldn’t, on<br />
the surface, seem possible.<br />
The same could be said for a<br />
nurse leading a major multi-million<br />
dollar construction project in the<br />
desert – except in this case it did<br />
work, and work well.<br />
GPCAPT Ge<strong>of</strong>frey Robinson,<br />
a nursing <strong>of</strong>ficer from HQ Joint<br />
Operations Command led the HQ<br />
Joint Task Force Rebasing Project<br />
Team at the Australian base in the<br />
United Arab Emirates (UAE).<br />
The AUD $63m rebasing project<br />
was completed on March 31 – the<br />
Air Force’s birthday.<br />
GPCAPT Robinson and his team<br />
<strong>of</strong> six Air Force and Army personnel<br />
took on the monumentous challenge<br />
<strong>of</strong> building a significant amount <strong>of</strong><br />
infrastructure to allow the relocation<br />
<strong>of</strong> a number <strong>of</strong> Australian assets in<br />
the Middle East to this one location.<br />
He pointed out that if it wasn’t for<br />
the dynamic, dedicated and pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />
people who made up the team,<br />
none <strong>of</strong> it would have happened.<br />
“I consider it a privilege to<br />
have worked with them,” GPCAPT<br />
Robinson said. “I got to know them<br />
personally and was guided by their<br />
expertise.”<br />
He said the efforts <strong>of</strong> the project<br />
engineers, MAJs John Venz and Lisa<br />
Platt, were particularly important.<br />
“We have established an air<br />
logistics hub in the Middle East by<br />
relocating the C-130s and the Force<br />
Support Unit from their previous<br />
locations,” GPCAPT Robinson said.<br />
“There only used to be the AP-3C<br />
Orion Detachment here on its own,<br />
but because it makes more sense to<br />
route personnel and stores that will<br />
Specialists in military compensation<br />
claims, reconsiderations<br />
and appeals.<br />
Freecall 1800 555 777<br />
www.slatergordon.com.au<br />
<br />
Reputation & Results TM<br />
<br />
Accelerate<br />
savings.<br />
Mention you saw this flyer prior to completing your initial contract and we’ll give<br />
you a choice <strong>of</strong> either a Free Nav Man C40 Portable GPS or a Teac<br />
Portable DVD Player when your new vehicle is delivered.<br />
Call us on 1300 738 601<br />
FleetNetwork<br />
Vehicle salary<br />
packaging.<br />
Save now by salary sacrificing your next vehicle.<br />
Limited<br />
Offer *<br />
perations<br />
Air hub big success<br />
BUSY BEES: ADF personnel<br />
watch the construction <strong>of</strong> new<br />
buildings on the base.<br />
end up in Afghanistan through here,<br />
a design for rebasing was done up<br />
and costed.”<br />
The rebasing project started in<br />
2008 and many people were involved<br />
in how it came together. The project<br />
was split up into six work packages<br />
they needed to complete.<br />
Work package one was the biggest<br />
and was spread across six precincts.<br />
Facilities such as the mess,<br />
gym, medical, permanent and transit<br />
accommodation was established.<br />
There is also a large logistics precinct,<br />
new range and facilities to<br />
support the air component.<br />
“In mid October, the precincts<br />
were still just flat pieces <strong>of</strong> dirt,”<br />
GPCAPT Robinson said.<br />
“Gulf Leighton – a subsidiary<br />
<strong>of</strong> Leighton Holdings (which built<br />
HQJOC) – signed the contract in<br />
early September.”<br />
He said after moving on to the<br />
base, they went to work and at the<br />
height <strong>of</strong> construction there were up<br />
to 1200 workers coming and going<br />
through the front gate each day.<br />
“The host nation has been very<br />
gracious in accommodating our busy<br />
schedule,” he said.<br />
The reason for the high work<br />
tempo was the contract stipulated<br />
that it be completed in just 81 days.<br />
“On a building project <strong>of</strong> this<br />
size, you’d expect to have at least<br />
180 days,” he said.<br />
“In the end, that is what it took.<br />
But we achieved relocation <strong>of</strong> personnel<br />
and capability by January 20<br />
and by late January over 90 per cent<br />
<strong>of</strong> construction was completed.”<br />
Units moved into their new facilities<br />
while work was still going on<br />
around them and the mess served its<br />
first meals to hungry personnel on<br />
January 26.<br />
“Due to necessity we occupied a<br />
number <strong>of</strong> the new facilities before<br />
they were finished,” GPCAPT<br />
Robinson said.<br />
“We now have a new 24-hour<br />
medical facility and a gym that is<br />
as good as anything in Australia and<br />
can cater for up to 1000 people over<br />
the course <strong>of</strong> a day.”<br />
At the other end <strong>of</strong> the base is a<br />
new 100m range, movements and<br />
warehouse facilities.<br />
GPCAPT Robinson felt honoured<br />
to be involved such a major<br />
construction, and when asked why<br />
he was chosen to lead the project,<br />
responded: “I guess nurses are particularly<br />
versatile people.”<br />
Fleet Network Pty Ltd D/L No. 20462<br />
*To qualify for this <strong>of</strong>fer you must mention this advert to Fleet Network, prior to completion <strong>of</strong> your initial contract.<br />
The <strong>of</strong>fer is subject to Fleet Network’s terms and conditions. Check our website for details.<br />
fleetnetwork.com.au<br />
5<br />
BANG ON TARGET: Members <strong>of</strong> the Rebasing Project for the Australian base<br />
in the UAE at the new firing range. From left, FLGOFF Bryce Harris, MAJ Lisa<br />
Platt and GPCAPT Ge<strong>of</strong>frey Robinson. A significant amount <strong>of</strong> infrastructure<br />
was constructed on base as part <strong>of</strong> the project. Photos: LAC Aaron Curran<br />
lateralaspect.FNW1110
6 perations AIR F<br />
RCE <strong>April</strong> <strong>15</strong>, <strong>2010</strong><br />
Setting bar<br />
on embeds<br />
LAC Aaron Curran<br />
AN AIR FORCE <strong>of</strong>ficer in Kabul, Afghanistan,<br />
is setting up the important<br />
role <strong>of</strong> looking after the increasing<br />
number <strong>of</strong> embedded personnel (embeds)<br />
in the Middle East Area <strong>of</strong> Operations<br />
(MEAO).<br />
FLTLT Wayne Donchi, an administration<br />
<strong>of</strong>ficer (ADMINO) from<br />
Canberra, is the first person to take on<br />
the position within HQ JTF 633-A.<br />
Initially deployed to Task Unit<br />
633.2.2 at Al Minhad Air Base<br />
(AMAB) in the MEAO, FLTLT<br />
Donchi was given three days’ notice<br />
to move to Kabul to start up the new<br />
position.<br />
“They needed a J1 Admin/Pers<br />
Officer for HQ Kabul,” he said.<br />
“I never thought I would come to<br />
Kabul and I am enjoying it. It is a<br />
brand new position that is looking to<br />
be manned full-time and it’s important<br />
to set the foundations for the people<br />
who follow.”<br />
The embeds across Afghanistan<br />
currently receive their administrative<br />
support through HQ Kabul and the<br />
‘A lot <strong>of</strong><br />
ADMINOS who<br />
follow will<br />
either thank<br />
me or curse me<br />
for the work<br />
I have done<br />
here.<br />
implementation <strong>of</strong> the new J1 position<br />
will enhance this capability across<br />
Afghanistan. Additionally, the J1 will<br />
provide administrative advice and<br />
guidance to the HQ in Kabul.<br />
“This position was created to facilitate<br />
the increased support requirements<br />
<strong>of</strong> the increased number <strong>of</strong><br />
embeds within theatre placing additional<br />
workloads on the current staff,”<br />
FLTLT Donchi said.<br />
“It’s going to be a big job.”<br />
After travelling from AMAB to<br />
Kabul, FLTLT Donchi moved into<br />
‘Aussie House’, the former HQ in<br />
Kabul. “KAIA will be slightly safer<br />
than Aussie House for most <strong>of</strong> the<br />
personnel as the need to drive the<br />
streets <strong>of</strong> Kabul is reduced slightly.<br />
The biggest danger to <strong>Defence</strong> personnel<br />
in Kabul is IED strikes and<br />
suicide boomers.<br />
“The biggest eye-opener is that this<br />
is happening every day throughout the<br />
theatre. There is lots <strong>of</strong> it around and<br />
the struggle with the insurgents is a<br />
constant threat.”<br />
FLTLT Donchi also has the pressure<br />
<strong>of</strong> the new position and dealing<br />
with Australia’s coalition partners.<br />
“But its all part <strong>of</strong> the job and it’s<br />
when your training comes to the fore.<br />
“I had never worked in a coalition<br />
environment before and dealing with<br />
the dynamics <strong>of</strong> all the coalition partners<br />
is interesting.”<br />
FLTLT Donchi said if the position<br />
was established full-time it would<br />
most likely become an ADMINO<br />
spot.<br />
“It is a totally new position so it’s<br />
what I make <strong>of</strong> it.<br />
“A lot <strong>of</strong> ADMINOS who follow<br />
will either thank me or curse me for<br />
the work I have done here.”<br />
<strong>Defence</strong> Honours and Awards to visit<br />
6 Capital Cities on Anzac Day<br />
On Sunday 25 <strong>April</strong>, <strong>Defence</strong> Honours and Awards staff will attend Anzac Day<br />
ceremonies in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Hobart.<br />
You and your family are invited to visit the <strong>Defence</strong> Honours and Awards display as<br />
part <strong>of</strong> the commemorative activities for the day. You will fi nd helpful staff at the<br />
following locations:<br />
The Australian War Memorial, Canberra<br />
Anzac Memorial, Hyde Park South, Sydney<br />
The Shrine <strong>of</strong> Remembrance, Melbourne<br />
Queens Park, Brisbane<br />
Stirling Gardens (prior to march) and Anzac House (at completion <strong>of</strong> march), St<br />
George’s Terrace, Perth<br />
The Hobart Cenotaph, Hobart<br />
Staff from Honours and Awards welcome this opportunity to answer any questions,<br />
provide application forms and assist with general information on medals contained<br />
within the Australian honours and awards system as well as information on Imperial<br />
and foreign awards.<br />
For more information on medals and eligibility criteria or to subscribe to<br />
automatically receive policy updates and the <strong>Defence</strong> Honours and Awards<br />
Newsletter, please visit the <strong>Defence</strong> Honours and Awards’ website at www.defence.<br />
gov.au/medals or phone the Customer Response Team toll-free on 1800 111 321<br />
between 0900 and 1700 AEST.<br />
EVER ALERT: ADMINO FLTLT Wayne Donchi at Aussie House in<br />
Kabul, Afghanistan. Photo: LAC Aaron Curran<br />
New home in Kabul<br />
LAC Aaron Curran<br />
AFTER four years, the ADF’s home in<br />
Kabul, Afghanistan, has moved to a new<br />
location at Kabul International Airport<br />
(KAIA).<br />
It replaces the affectionately known<br />
‘Aussie House’, the headquarters (HQ)<br />
in the Green Zone which has served the<br />
ADF well.<br />
Due to Australia’s ongoing commitment<br />
to Afghanistan, a new HQ was needed<br />
to accommodate the expanding number<br />
<strong>of</strong> personnel who operate from it.<br />
The HQ’s new location at KAIA<br />
North, a new multi-national facility at<br />
the airport, <strong>of</strong>fers a more traditional<br />
environment.<br />
Aussie House served as a HQ,<br />
accommodation, mess, recreation area<br />
and vehicle park all rolled into one.<br />
Personnel <strong>of</strong> all ranks worked and<br />
lived within a very small area.<br />
Buy 1 main meal, get 1 main meal FREE<br />
Present this voucher to redeem<br />
Valid ANZAC Day only. Conditions apply<br />
Deputy Commander JTF 633-<br />
Afganistan (JTF 633-A) BRIG Wayne<br />
Budd said that the move to KAIA was<br />
administratively beneficial for everyone.<br />
“The movements staff will actually<br />
be where they work the whole time,”<br />
he said.<br />
“They previously had to convoy to<br />
the airport to meet aircraft and then<br />
come back to Aussie House because all<br />
their admin was done there.<br />
“Also the move means we are going<br />
to be where the bulk <strong>of</strong> our people are,<br />
therefore reducing some <strong>of</strong> the administrative<br />
burdens on everyone.”<br />
The decision to move was made a<br />
few years ago due to the International<br />
Security Assistance Force (ISAF) HQ<br />
planning to go to KAIA from its present<br />
location in the Green Zone.<br />
Up to 70 ADF personnel will be permanently<br />
stationed at KAIA North.
AIR F<br />
RCE<br />
<strong>April</strong> <strong>15</strong>, <strong>2010</strong><br />
ON TOP OF IT: Personnel scaling a<br />
communications tower for maintenance work<br />
in the Middle East. Photo: LAC Aaron Curran<br />
Fiona van der Plaat<br />
THE future <strong>of</strong> many veterans’<br />
health care could depend on what<br />
the <strong>Defence</strong> Military Health Outcomes<br />
Program (MilHOP) finds<br />
when it turns the microscope on<br />
tens <strong>of</strong> thousands <strong>of</strong> personnel who<br />
have been, and will be, deployed to<br />
the Middle East Area <strong>of</strong> Operations<br />
(MEAO).<br />
A survey <strong>of</strong> all members who<br />
have served in the Middle East<br />
and ongoing pre- and post-deployment<br />
physiological tests on future<br />
MEAO deployed personnel will<br />
be the key to proving a crucial link<br />
between illness and deployment.<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Sandy McFarlane,<br />
principal investigator for the<br />
MilHOP studies, said nailing down<br />
scientific evidence <strong>of</strong> this link was<br />
critical, both for helping veterans<br />
who believe deployment has affected<br />
their health and for finding ways<br />
<strong>of</strong> preventing such illness.<br />
“The best evidence comes from<br />
studies that begin as close as possible<br />
to the deployments <strong>of</strong> interest,<br />
so that is why a major study <strong>of</strong> the<br />
MEAO deployments is about to<br />
begin,” he said.<br />
PROF McFarlane, from the<br />
Centre for Military and Veterans’<br />
Health at the University <strong>of</strong><br />
Adelaide, was also a scientific<br />
adviser on studies done after the<br />
first Gulf War.<br />
WHILE the <strong>Defence</strong> workforce<br />
might be young and healthy,<br />
trauma expert Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Sandy<br />
McFarlane says the ADF is facing<br />
the reality that military service<br />
exposes people to particular<br />
risks to both mental and physical<br />
health.<br />
“Dealing with this is very<br />
important if it is to maintain the<br />
performance <strong>of</strong> its members,”<br />
the chief investigator for the<br />
ADF MilHOP (Military Health<br />
Outcomes Program) studies<br />
says.<br />
MilHOP researchers will start<br />
the job <strong>of</strong> identifying the risks<br />
for military personnel by looking<br />
for a “baseline measure” <strong>of</strong><br />
ADF health in a survey to run<br />
in conjunction with the MEAO<br />
Health studies. This study will<br />
look at personnel with military<br />
service other than in the MEAO.<br />
Dr Alan Verhagen, a<br />
research fellow for the <strong>Defence</strong><br />
Directorate <strong>of</strong> Mental Health,<br />
is overseeing the survey and<br />
says it will analyse the health<br />
and wellbeing – and, ultimately,<br />
“ THEY’RE KEEPING THEIR PROMISE TO MY DAD.”<br />
DILLIN KELLY<br />
Since 1923 Legacy has kept its promise to look after the families <strong>of</strong> deceased veterans.<br />
Today 1<strong>15</strong>,000 families rely on their support. Just as we rely on yours.<br />
• Volunteer for Legacy events<br />
• Become a Legatee<br />
• Be an advocate for Legacy among friends and family<br />
• Create a fundraising project for Legacy<br />
To donate, phone 1800 LEGACY (534 229) or visit www.legacy.com.au<br />
NATIONAL PARTNERS PROUDLY SPONSORED BY<br />
News<br />
Middle East focus<br />
Support reform for<br />
our future: CAF<br />
Chief <strong>of</strong> Air Force<br />
AIRMSHL Mark Binskin<br />
MORE than 300 members <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Defence</strong><br />
Senior Leadership Group and I met to<br />
discuss <strong>Defence</strong> moving forward under<br />
the Strategic Reform Program (SRP) on<br />
March 31.<br />
Led by <strong>Defence</strong> Minister Senator<br />
John Faulkner, CDF ACM Angus<br />
Houston and Secretary <strong>of</strong> <strong>Defence</strong> Dr<br />
Ian Watt, the group considered the challenges<br />
<strong>of</strong> delivering future capability and<br />
the importance <strong>of</strong> SRP improvements<br />
succeeding right across <strong>Defence</strong>.<br />
The most important message that<br />
emerged from the day was one that Air<br />
Force senior leadership has been discussing<br />
throughout Air Force for some time<br />
now. We can’t have the new equipment,<br />
ICT and support infrastructure that is in<br />
Force 2030 without the SRP improvements,<br />
and we can’t have the improvements<br />
without everyone in Air Force and<br />
<strong>Defence</strong> doing their part.<br />
The Minister said resources wasted<br />
were resources lost.<br />
“Achieving Force 2030 in its full<br />
potential will not be possible without<br />
achieving the SRP in all its dimensions,”<br />
Senator Faulkner said.<br />
The CDF and Secretary emphasised<br />
that the SRP is the highest priority after<br />
support to current operations.<br />
This means working as one team to<br />
build a more agile, sustainable and costconscious<br />
Air Force.<br />
Working in partnership with the other<br />
services and Groups, Air Force must<br />
transition to new capabilities such as<br />
the Super Hornets, KC-30 tankers and<br />
Wedgetail and improve support, infrastructure<br />
and ICT.<br />
For each <strong>of</strong> us it means actively<br />
reducing waste and using Air Force<br />
resources like we really do own them.<br />
Making improvements will be challenging<br />
but the rewards are big.<br />
I expect all <strong>of</strong> us to be involved, to be<br />
creative and make the workplace more<br />
effective. Remember, in order for Air<br />
Force to achieve Force 2030 there is no<br />
alternative other than to implement deep<br />
and sustainable reforms.<br />
We are all a part <strong>of</strong> the future whether<br />
we’ll be here in 20 years or not.<br />
I am looking to each and every one <strong>of</strong><br />
us to lead the charge and be supportive<br />
<strong>of</strong> the changes we need to make.<br />
Our Air Force will be capability led,<br />
people focused and cost conscious. We<br />
will make this happen together and we<br />
can lead the way for the rest <strong>of</strong> <strong>Defence</strong>.<br />
There will be more information on changes<br />
in Air Force in upcoming issues <strong>of</strong> Air Force<br />
News and in a handbook to be released by<br />
the end <strong>of</strong> <strong>April</strong>.<br />
Hercules contract on track<br />
THE <strong>Defence</strong> Materiel<br />
Organisation (DMO) has reached<br />
an important milestone with<br />
industry partner Australian<br />
Aerospace and its prime subcontractor<br />
Lockheed Martin in<br />
the Through Life Support (TLS)<br />
contract for the fleet <strong>of</strong> 12 C-130J<br />
Hercules aircraft.<br />
It has met the C-130J TLS<br />
Operative Date, according to<br />
GPCAPT Michael Brown, Officer<br />
Commanding Air Lift Systems<br />
Program Office.<br />
Australian Aerospace assumed<br />
responsibility from March 11 for<br />
C-130J platform stewardship,<br />
engineering management, logistics<br />
management, and aircraft deeper<br />
maintenance.<br />
MilHOP: Beyond the MEAO<br />
He said researchers hoped to<br />
discern just how mental and physical<br />
factors work “hand in glove” on<br />
the immediate and long-term health<br />
<strong>of</strong> deployed personnel.<br />
While psychological conditions,<br />
such as post-traumatic stress disorder<br />
and depression can arise from<br />
deployment, PROF McFarlane said<br />
researchers would look at how prolonged<br />
exposure to high levels <strong>of</strong><br />
stress can disorganise a person’s<br />
physiology, particularly the ability<br />
to fight infection.<br />
Physical and environmental<br />
factors specific to the Middle East<br />
deployments – mild traumatic brain<br />
injury from blasts and the respiratory<br />
effects <strong>of</strong> constant exposure<br />
to dust, for instance – will also be<br />
investigated.<br />
PROF McFarlane said the<br />
MilHOP studies would build on<br />
knowledge gained from past investigations,<br />
such as those from the Gulf<br />
War, Bougainville, Solomon Islands<br />
and East Timor and would take a leaf<br />
from modern analyses <strong>of</strong> elite athletes.<br />
“Work done with Olympic athletes<br />
has shown that improving performance<br />
depends on careful sci-<br />
7<br />
medical needs – <strong>of</strong> up to 30,000.<br />
“I would not consider we had<br />
finished the job until we had<br />
written reports the department<br />
can use to tailor resources to all<br />
<strong>of</strong> its people,” he says.<br />
Dr Verhagen says the results<br />
will allow comparisons not only<br />
between genders, services,<br />
roles and ranks within <strong>Defence</strong>,<br />
but with the general population<br />
(using results from national<br />
surveys). These results will<br />
inform future health support<br />
systems for <strong>Defence</strong>.<br />
entific studies <strong>of</strong> physiological and<br />
psychological factors.”<br />
And this is why well members<br />
are just as important to the MilHOP<br />
studies as people with health concerns.<br />
“If you are a fit and healthy member<br />
<strong>of</strong> the ADF, you might think such<br />
studies have no relevance to you,” he<br />
said.<br />
“But the best way to help your<br />
mates is for you to be involved. We<br />
need to understand what keeps people<br />
healthy just as much as we need<br />
to find what exposures make people<br />
sick.”
8 News AIR F<br />
RCE <strong>April</strong> <strong>15</strong>, <strong>2010</strong><br />
oung pilot<br />
its the road<br />
n Hobart<br />
AN AIR FORCE <strong>of</strong>ficer cadet has<br />
successfully landed his light aircraft<br />
on a Hobart highway after it suffered<br />
engine failure on <strong>April</strong> 4.<br />
The Australian <strong>Defence</strong> Force<br />
Academy’s OFFCDT Patrick<br />
Humphries, 18, was visiting his family<br />
during the Easter break. A private<br />
pilot, he was practising aerobatic<br />
manoeuvres in a flying club-owned<br />
Victa Airtourer over Ralphs Bay<br />
when the engine failed.<br />
Responding calmly and confidently,<br />
he determined the nearby<br />
Brooker Highway was the safest<br />
place to put the aircraft down.<br />
“I considered several football fields<br />
and had a look at a couple <strong>of</strong> roads but<br />
quickly ruled them out because <strong>of</strong> the<br />
cars on them,” he said.<br />
“When I looked at the Brooker,<br />
I noticed that there were no cars on<br />
the highway as they were stopped at<br />
the traffic lights.”<br />
OFFCDT Humphries manoeuvred<br />
the aircraft beneath an overpass<br />
before his right wing hit a concrete<br />
road divider. The aircraft then<br />
clipped a tree and spun before coming<br />
to rest on an embankment.<br />
Unhurt, but concerned at the risk<br />
<strong>of</strong> causing a car accident, OFFCDT<br />
Humphries ran down the road and<br />
signalled cars to slow down, redirecting<br />
traffic until police arrived on<br />
the scene.<br />
OFFCDT Humphries is studying<br />
a Bachelor <strong>of</strong> Arts degree at ADFA,<br />
with the goal <strong>of</strong> becoming a pilot.<br />
OFFCDT Humphries tells his story to<br />
Air Force News next edition.<br />
Annual Rent Allowance Review<br />
The annual Rent Allowance review<br />
has now commenced.<br />
If you are currently in receipt <strong>of</strong> Rent Allowance,<br />
and you are included in this year’s review, you<br />
should have already received your review letter<br />
and statement. If this is the case, you will need<br />
to respond quickly.<br />
You will need to complete a statement with details <strong>of</strong> your rental<br />
situation and provide a current rent receipt or tenant payment<br />
history. NOTE: Other supporting documentation may be requested.<br />
It is important you respond to this review as it establishes if there<br />
have been any changes to your domestic circumstances that could<br />
affect your Rent Allowance.<br />
Failure to respond by the due date may cause your Rent Allowance<br />
to be stopped.<br />
If you have any questions, please contact your<br />
regional DHA <strong>of</strong>fi ce on 139 DHA (139 342).<br />
call 139 DHA (139 342)<br />
visit www.dha.gov.au<br />
Remembering<br />
Nias victims<br />
DEFENCE personnel joined<br />
relatives <strong>of</strong> those who died<br />
in the Nias accident to<br />
remember the Sea King Shark<br />
02 disaster in which nine<br />
young ADF lives were lost<br />
while on humanitarian duties<br />
in Indonesia.<br />
Led by Navy Chaplain<br />
Garry Lock, the <strong>April</strong> 1 service<br />
was attended by <strong>Defence</strong><br />
Minister Senator John<br />
Faulkner, CDF ACM Angus<br />
Houston, <strong>Defence</strong> Secretary<br />
Dr Ian Watt, CAF AIRMSHL<br />
Mark Binskin, CN VADM Russ<br />
Crane, DCN RADM Davyd<br />
Thomas and CAPT George<br />
McGuire representing HMAS<br />
Kanimbla.<br />
Addressing the service,<br />
ACM Houston recalled when he<br />
first heard <strong>of</strong> the worst tragedy<br />
that befell the ADF in his time<br />
as CAF.<br />
ACM Houston honoured the<br />
nine men and women and their<br />
families. He also recognised<br />
the two survivors, Scott<br />
Nichols and Shane Warburton.<br />
“Today I must acknowledge<br />
that for five years those who<br />
were left behind have had<br />
to endure life without [their<br />
loved ones],” ACM Houston<br />
said.<br />
“I also extend my gratitude<br />
and esteem to the survivors<br />
<strong>of</strong> this terrible accident. They<br />
too have endured five years<br />
DEFENCE’S Ministerial team has<br />
a new look with the swearing-in on<br />
<strong>April</strong> 1 <strong>of</strong> Alan Griffin as Minister<br />
for <strong>Defence</strong> Personnel, in addition<br />
to his responsibilities as Minister<br />
for Veterans’ Affairs.<br />
Greg Combet will retain portfolio<br />
responsibility for <strong>Defence</strong><br />
Materiel and Science.<br />
As the senior Minister, Senator<br />
John Faulkner has overall responsibility<br />
for all matters covered by<br />
the <strong>Defence</strong> portfolio, including<br />
Cabinet matters.<br />
Mr Griffin’s <strong>Defence</strong> Personnel<br />
responsibilities will encompass personnel<br />
policy, including workforce<br />
UNIT PLAQUES<br />
& TROPHIES<br />
Aust Army Approved Manufacturer<br />
Call John NOW<br />
Ph: 07 3408 2444<br />
Fax: 07 3408 2679<br />
<strong>of</strong> great challenge. Their<br />
courage and strength in the<br />
face <strong>of</strong> adversity has been<br />
remarkable.<br />
“Today, try as I might, no<br />
words <strong>of</strong> mine will do proper<br />
justice to the memory or the<br />
many achievements <strong>of</strong> these<br />
outstanding Australians.”<br />
The service ended with the<br />
laying <strong>of</strong> wreaths for those<br />
who were lost: SQNLDR Paul<br />
McCarthy, LEUT Matthew<br />
Davey, LEUT Jonathan King,<br />
LEUT Paul Kimlin, LEUT<br />
Matthew Goodall, FLTLT<br />
Lynne Rowbottom, PO<br />
Stephen Slattery, SGT Wendy<br />
Jones and LS Scott Bennet.<br />
Griffi n joins <strong>Defence</strong> ministry<br />
Over 25yrs<br />
<strong>of</strong> service to<br />
<strong>Defence</strong><br />
Quality supplier<br />
<strong>of</strong> plaques,<br />
trophies,<br />
medallions, desk<br />
name-plates,<br />
glassware, hat<br />
badges, general<br />
engraving<br />
email: unitplaques@bigpond.com<br />
planning, recruitment and retention,<br />
pay and superannuation, equity and<br />
diversity policy, personnel support,<br />
housing policy and health.<br />
Responsibilities that remain<br />
with Mr Combet are:<br />
T h e D e f e n c e M a t e r i e l<br />
Organisation (DMO): tendering<br />
and contracting; sustainment<br />
issues; industry capacity, structure,<br />
policy and engagement;<br />
skills policy; and equipment disposal.<br />
The <strong>Defence</strong> Science and<br />
Technology Organisation.<br />
Specific capability responsibilities,<br />
including oversight <strong>of</strong><br />
NOT FORGOTTEN:<br />
Above, CDF ACM Angus<br />
Houston salutes after<br />
laying a wreath at the<br />
Sea King Memorial; top,<br />
relatives pay tribute.<br />
Photos: LSIS Phillip Cullinan<br />
DMO involvement in acquisition<br />
strategy throughout the capability<br />
approval process; management<br />
<strong>of</strong> acquisitions after second<br />
pass approval; and assisting the<br />
<strong>Defence</strong> Minister on development<br />
<strong>of</strong> the <strong>Defence</strong> Capability<br />
Plan; <strong>Defence</strong> Capability Plan<br />
programming and budgeting;<br />
and processing <strong>of</strong> unapproved<br />
projects up to, and including,<br />
second pass stage.<br />
Mr Combet will also retain his<br />
responsibilities in terms <strong>of</strong> representing<br />
the <strong>Defence</strong> Minister in the<br />
House <strong>of</strong> Representatives.<br />
MOBILE TAX AGENT<br />
18 years’ specialising in<br />
returns for<br />
<strong>Defence</strong> Force personnel<br />
• Get your tax return done by a pr<strong>of</strong>essional.<br />
• Costs very competitive<br />
• Good reputation.<br />
Basic<br />
returns via<br />
email - from<br />
• Quality service.<br />
$99 !!<br />
• Anywhere — Anytime<br />
• Guaranteed quick turnaround<br />
• For convenience, returns by<br />
Phone - Fax - or Email, whatever suits<br />
• Negative gearing <strong>of</strong> rental properties,<br />
share portfolios and Managed Funds<br />
• FREE taxation advice.<br />
Derek Ryder, B.Bus<br />
Accountant - Licensed Tax Agent<br />
243 Darley Road, North Randwick<br />
Tel: 02 9399 8769 - Mob: 0418 603 499<br />
Email: tax243@bigpond.com.au<br />
(opposite<br />
Queens Park)
AIR F<br />
RCE<br />
<strong>April</strong> <strong>15</strong>, <strong>2010</strong><br />
Best <strong>of</strong> 2009 named<br />
CHIEF <strong>of</strong> Air Force AIRMSHL<br />
Mark Binskin has announced<br />
the winners <strong>of</strong> the 2009 Air<br />
Force Pr<strong>of</strong>iciency and Leadership<br />
Awards.<br />
The awards recognise the<br />
outstanding performance and<br />
achievements <strong>of</strong> Air Force<br />
units and personnel and other<br />
<strong>Defence</strong> personnel and elements<br />
that project or support<br />
air operations over the previous<br />
year.<br />
At the same time, CAF<br />
announced the winners <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Air Force Safety Awards.<br />
“I congratulate all award<br />
winners,” AIRMSHL Binskin<br />
said.<br />
“Your achievements are <strong>of</strong><br />
the highest order and are in<br />
keeping with the finest traditions<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Royal Australian<br />
Air Force.”<br />
The awards will be presented<br />
to the winners at the Air<br />
Force Awards night on May<br />
18 in Canberra. Further details<br />
will be released at a later date.<br />
For more information, contact<br />
FLTLT Justin Cox on (02) 6265<br />
3669.<br />
And the winners are ...<br />
Air Force Pr<strong>of</strong>iciency and<br />
Leadership Awards:<br />
The Air Force Australian Public<br />
Service (APS) Team Member <strong>of</strong><br />
the Year Award: Mr Mick Gower,<br />
RAAF Base Edinburgh.<br />
The AVM B.A. Eaton Award:<br />
CPL Michael Gifford, RAAF Base<br />
Richmond.<br />
The AVM Dietz Memorial Quality<br />
and Achievement Medallions:<br />
SGT Joanne Rankine, RAAF Base<br />
Edinburgh and Mr Glen Ridley,<br />
RAAF Base East Sale.<br />
Her Majesty The Queen’s Gold<br />
Medal: FLTLT Paul Schaper, RAAF<br />
Base Pearce.<br />
The J.R. Bartram and R.A. Kee<br />
Sword <strong>of</strong> Honour: LAC Michael<br />
Bragg, RAAF Base Williamtown.<br />
The McCarthy, Rowbottom and<br />
Jones Memorial Award: WOFF Ian<br />
Swney, RAAF Base Richmond.<br />
The Lipshut Family Bursary: CPL<br />
Lauren Cunningham, RAAF Base<br />
Edinburgh.<br />
Watch your credit card costs come down.<br />
Australian <strong>Defence</strong> Credit Union<br />
The ADCU Low Rate Visa Card<br />
Apply today and start saving<br />
The Chief <strong>of</strong> Air Force Instructor<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Year Award: FLTLT<br />
Denis Bergamasco, RAAF Base<br />
Edinburgh.<br />
The SQNLDR W.T. Riggs<br />
Perpetual Trophy: SGT William<br />
Guthrie, RAAF Base Richmond.<br />
The Thales Australia Leadership<br />
Sword: FLTLT Paul Schaper, RAAF<br />
Base Pearce.<br />
The Warrant Officer <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Air Force Instructor <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Year Award: CPL Christopher<br />
Rounsley, RAAF Base East Sale.<br />
The Air Force Association Trophy:<br />
No. 26 (City <strong>of</strong> Newcastle)<br />
Squadron.<br />
The Duke <strong>of</strong> Gloucester Cup:<br />
11SQN, RAAF Base Edinburgh.<br />
The Hawker Siddeley Trophy: 325<br />
Expeditionary Combat Support<br />
Squadron.<br />
The Markowski Cup: 1 Combat<br />
Communications Squadron.<br />
The RAAF Maintenance Trophy:<br />
44WG Detachment Darwin.<br />
*Fees and charges apply. Full terms and conditions available on request. Australian <strong>Defence</strong> Credit Union Ltd ABN 48 087 649 741 AFSL No. 237 988<br />
.<br />
Australian <strong>Defence</strong> Credit Union<br />
Australian <strong>Defence</strong> Credit Union<br />
.<br />
.<br />
The Stonehaven Trophy: Air<br />
Movements Training and<br />
Development Unit.<br />
Air Force Safety Awards:<br />
The Best Solution to an Identified<br />
Workplace Health and Safety<br />
Issue: Mr Giuseppe Di Sario,<br />
RAAF Base Edinburgh.<br />
The Best Individual Contribution<br />
to Health and Safety Category<br />
4A: Mr Bruce Hansen, RAAF Base<br />
Darwin.<br />
Commended Award: MAJ (then<br />
CAPT) Michael Virtue DCO; Mr<br />
Bradley Fleming, RAAF Base<br />
Edinburgh and SGT Kerryn Oehm,<br />
RAAF Base Tindal.<br />
The Best Individual Contribution<br />
to Health and Safety Category 4B:<br />
SGT David Griffiths, RAAF Base<br />
Amberley.<br />
Highly Commended Award: FSGT<br />
(then SGT) David Jenner, RAAF<br />
Base Darwin.<br />
Commended Award: FSGT<br />
Kristian Hein, SGT Colin Giles,<br />
RAAF Base Amberley.<br />
News<br />
The new ADCU Low<br />
Rate Visa Card enjoys<br />
one <strong>of</strong> the lowest interest<br />
rates in the market - just<br />
10.99%* p.a. ongoing<br />
on all purchases.<br />
Call 1300 13 23 28 or visit<br />
www.adcu.com.au or your<br />
local ADCU branch.<br />
9<br />
THE RIGHT STUFF: Air Force’s best for<br />
2009 will be congratulated on May 18 at<br />
the awards night. Photo: FSGT John Carroll
10 News AIR F<br />
RCE <strong>April</strong> <strong>15</strong>, <strong>2010</strong><br />
Air power looks ahead<br />
THE RELEVANCE <strong>of</strong> Sun Tzu’s<br />
widely-studied analysis <strong>of</strong> war, the Art<br />
<strong>of</strong> War, came under the microscope<br />
at the National Convention Centre in<br />
Canberra on March 29 and 30 when<br />
the Air Force held its <strong>2010</strong> Air Power<br />
Conference (<strong>2010</strong>APC).<br />
Sun Tzu was a Chinese general,<br />
strategist and philosopher who is<br />
believed to have been born in 544BC<br />
and died in 496BC. Sun Tzu’s Art <strong>of</strong><br />
War presents a philosophy <strong>of</strong> war for<br />
managing conflicts and winning battles<br />
that is as relevant today as when it<br />
was published.<br />
CAF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin<br />
said <strong>2010</strong>APC, organised by the Air<br />
Power Development Centre, was critical<br />
to the development <strong>of</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />
mastery <strong>of</strong> air power among all airmen.<br />
More than 700 Air Force personnel<br />
attended the conference, along<br />
with delegates from a range <strong>of</strong> countries<br />
including Malaysia, United Arab<br />
Emirates, China, Vietnam, Thailand,<br />
United States <strong>of</strong> America, United<br />
Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand,<br />
FIRST PRIZE: AIRMSHL Mark Binskin with<br />
the Art first prize winner John Leeden and his<br />
painting. Photos: FSGT John Carroll<br />
Call us on 1300 00 650 5 52 525 2<br />
To find out more about the WHOLESALE packages available<br />
NSW Representative:<br />
Bob Gailer - 0411 464 441<br />
T: +61 (0)8 9354 1099 F: +61 (0)8 9354 4757<br />
www.sprintdesign.com.au info@sprintdesign.com.au<br />
Australian <strong>Defence</strong> Credit UnionVisit<br />
www.adcu.com.au<br />
.<br />
Australian <strong>Defence</strong> Credit Union<br />
.<br />
THE EYES HAVE IT: Air Power Conference<br />
participants watch and learn. Photo: FSGT John Carroll<br />
Japan, Indonesia and Brunei. Their<br />
numbers included 10 foreign Chiefs<br />
<strong>of</strong> Air Force and many former RAAF<br />
leaders, including three former Chiefs<br />
<strong>of</strong> Air Force.<br />
The conference focused on four<br />
main topics: the role <strong>of</strong> air power<br />
in national security in terms <strong>of</strong> the<br />
2009 <strong>Defence</strong> White Paper; the<br />
challenges to air power in meeting<br />
its full potential in difficult geopolitical<br />
and security environments;<br />
the role <strong>of</strong> air power in irregular<br />
warfare; and key air power capability<br />
requirements such as space<br />
Military<br />
Plaques<br />
Ph: 07 5495 8259<br />
Fax: 07 5499 1231<br />
• History Plaques & Boxes<br />
•Sculptures Now stocking<br />
•Hat Badges<br />
•Desk Name Plates<br />
•Canes & Stands<br />
and Intelligence, Surveillance and<br />
Reconnaissance (ISR) identified in<br />
the 2009 <strong>Defence</strong> White Paper.<br />
The attendees heard a wide-range<br />
<strong>of</strong> perspectives from a variety <strong>of</strong><br />
speakers headed by <strong>Defence</strong> Minister<br />
Senator John Faulkner, CDF ACM<br />
Angus Houston, and the National<br />
Security Advisor, Duncan Lewis.<br />
Senator Faulkner and CDF said<br />
the Air Force was transforming from a<br />
modern Air Force to a future force characterised<br />
by fifth-generation air combat<br />
aircraft, uninhabited aerial systems, networked<br />
ISR and global reach.<br />
Naming<br />
a striking<br />
winner<br />
<strong>2010</strong> HERITAGE AWARDS<br />
and<br />
learns<br />
from the<br />
past, too<br />
NEW<br />
OWNERS<br />
NEW OWNERS- Noel &Sheralyn Vellnagel SPIT POLISHED PRESENTATIONS<br />
P.O. Box 1258 , Morayfi eld Qld 4506<br />
sales@spitpolished.com.au www.spitpolished.com.au<br />
“The Air Force <strong>of</strong> today and the air<br />
capability it provides is a key component<br />
<strong>of</strong> operations such as Operation<br />
Slipper in the Middle East and, closer<br />
to home, ADF operations to respond<br />
to the Victorian bushfires, Operation<br />
Padang Assist in the wake <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Indonesian earthquake, and Operation<br />
Samoa Assist after the earthquake and<br />
subsequent tsunami there,” Senator<br />
Faulkner said.<br />
ACM Houston said: “If the developments<br />
in Air Power in the 21st<br />
Century are as dynamic as those <strong>of</strong><br />
the preceding one, we will witness<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>ound changes in the technology<br />
and capabilities <strong>of</strong> air power and the<br />
types <strong>of</strong> conflicts in which the Air<br />
Force will find itself engaged.”<br />
In summarising the conference<br />
proceedings, DCAF AVM Ge<strong>of</strong>f<br />
Brown said the Air Force needs to:<br />
“understand the way conflict, and the<br />
critical role <strong>of</strong> air power within it,<br />
has evolved; study current and emerging<br />
characteristics <strong>of</strong> conflicts and the<br />
strategies required to prevail in them;<br />
have a strategic understanding <strong>of</strong> the<br />
JOHN Leeden’s painting The Last Air<br />
Strike <strong>of</strong> World War II was awarded<br />
first prize in the art section <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong>2010</strong> RAAF Heritage Awards which<br />
were announced at the Air Power<br />
Conference.<br />
The painting depicts 100SQN conducting<br />
the last air strike undertaken<br />
by any air force in WWII.<br />
The biennial awards, established in<br />
1987, are intended to enhance the Air<br />
Force’s historical records by encouraging<br />
individuals to produce original artistic<br />
and literary works that record and represent<br />
the range <strong>of</strong> Air Force activities<br />
since the inception <strong>of</strong> the RAAF in 1921.<br />
The <strong>2010</strong> awards were very competitive<br />
with a large number <strong>of</strong> high<br />
quality entries being received in both<br />
categories.<br />
The Heritage Awards are judged<br />
by CAF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin, with<br />
the assistance <strong>of</strong> a panel <strong>of</strong> assessors<br />
composed <strong>of</strong> representatives from<br />
the Office <strong>of</strong> Air Force History, the<br />
RAAF Museum and the Australian War<br />
Memorial.<br />
The Art first prize carried $5000<br />
winnings.<br />
The Art second prize ($2500) went<br />
to Drew Harrison’s painting Nowhere<br />
government’s requirements <strong>of</strong> the<br />
military for Australian national security;<br />
further develop air power-enabled<br />
ISR and space capabilities to meet the<br />
Future Joint Operating and Future Air<br />
and Space Operating Concepts, while<br />
at the same time, retaining capability<br />
to meet high-end conventional threats.<br />
“The presentations have challenged<br />
our perspectives <strong>of</strong> air power<br />
– in particular, where it is now, what<br />
its future may be, and the implications<br />
for Australia and its Air Force,” AVM<br />
Brown said.<br />
The conference included another<br />
important task, the launch <strong>of</strong> a book<br />
entitled The Art <strong>of</strong> Air Power written<br />
by Dr Sanu Kainikara <strong>of</strong> the APDC.<br />
Dr Kainikara’s book is the first to<br />
examine Sun Tzu’s the Art Of War<br />
and relate it directly to the concepts<br />
and theory <strong>of</strong> air power.<br />
The Art <strong>of</strong> Air Power is available through<br />
the Air Power Development Centre<br />
website, http://airpower.airforce.gov.au,<br />
and is free for all members <strong>of</strong> the ADF.<br />
WINNER’S GALLERY: The paintings on display at the conference.<br />
to Run depicting Mustang fighters <strong>of</strong><br />
3SQN pursuing an Italian fighter on<br />
Boxing Day, 1944.<br />
AIRMSHL Binskin also awarded<br />
a Highly Recommended Certificate<br />
to Conway Bown for his painting<br />
Commander – RAAF Combat Surgical<br />
Team depicting SQNLDR Sharon<br />
Cooper RN in Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan.<br />
The Literature first prize ($7500)<br />
went to Leon Kane-Maguire’s Lost<br />
Without a Trace, which tells the story<br />
<strong>of</strong> the service and loss <strong>of</strong> SQNLDR<br />
Wilbur Wackett, the son <strong>of</strong> famous<br />
Australian aircraft designer Sir<br />
Lawrence Wackett.<br />
The Literature second prize ($3500)<br />
went to Kevin Gogler’s We Never<br />
Disappoint: A History <strong>of</strong> 7 Squadron<br />
RAAF 1940-1945, a detailed history <strong>of</strong><br />
7SQN during WWII.<br />
The next RAAF Heritage Awards competition<br />
will open in 2011, with the winners to<br />
be announced at the 2012 Air Power<br />
Conference. For further information on the<br />
next competition, as well as a look at this<br />
year’s entrants and winners, visit the Air<br />
Power Development Centre website: www.<br />
raaf.gov.au/airpower<br />
Watch your credit card costs come down.
AIR F<br />
RCE<br />
<strong>April</strong> <strong>15</strong>, <strong>2010</strong><br />
POIGNANT: Catafalque Party member LACW<br />
Tobi Fischer from Australia’s Federation<br />
Guard stands with arms reversed at the RAAF<br />
Memorial ceremony. Photo: FSGT John Carroll<br />
Celebrating 89<br />
years <strong>of</strong> service<br />
AIR FORCE has celebrated its 89th anniversary<br />
on March 31 with a mixture<br />
<strong>of</strong> reflection, ceremonial and entertainment.<br />
All bases across Australia held<br />
receptions for members, visiting personnel<br />
and local dignitaries while<br />
RAAF Base Edinburgh also conducted<br />
a Flag Party and Chaplain’s service in<br />
Adelaide.<br />
All functions included a cake-cutting<br />
ceremony performed by the senior<br />
<strong>of</strong>ficer and youngest member.<br />
The significance <strong>of</strong> the day was<br />
not lost on the 14 Air Force personnel<br />
assigned to Operations Astute and<br />
Tower in East Timor. They attended a<br />
barbecue dinner staged by the <strong>Defence</strong><br />
Attaché in Dili, GPCAPT Ralph Kettle.<br />
The primary focus, however, was<br />
in Canberra where CAF played host<br />
to a service at the RAAF Memorial<br />
Grove and later a formal reception at<br />
the Australian War Memorial.<br />
In his speeches, AIRMSHL Binskin<br />
spoke <strong>of</strong> the challenges <strong>of</strong> putting a<br />
new Air Force together after WWI, and<br />
the way it had grown to become the<br />
formidable international fighting force<br />
it is today.<br />
He also reminded his audiences <strong>of</strong><br />
the reasons why Air Force celebrates its<br />
birthday and the many sacrifices <strong>of</strong> the<br />
men and women who have served in the<br />
past, including those who died on active<br />
service.<br />
“Celebrating the Air Force’s anniversary<br />
provides us an opportunity to<br />
reflect on the achievements <strong>of</strong> our Air<br />
Force,” AIRMSHL Binskin said.<br />
“It also gives us time to remember<br />
the men and women who have served<br />
before us – those whose contributions<br />
have forged the values and traditions<br />
we all hold dear today.<br />
“The historical milestones that we<br />
commemorate have a distinct relevance<br />
to our Air Force. As in 1940 in Europe<br />
and 1950 on the Korean Peninsula, Air<br />
Force men and women in the Middle<br />
East Area <strong>of</strong> Operations are once again<br />
deployed in a conflict far from our own<br />
shores as part <strong>of</strong> a multi-national coalition.<br />
An understanding and acknowledgement<br />
<strong>of</strong> our history enables us to<br />
find examples to which we aspire, and<br />
lessons we can draw upon, as we ensure<br />
our Air Force meets Australia’s defence<br />
and security needs.<br />
“That is the task we continue to<br />
commit ourselves to, as we celebrate<br />
the Air Force’s 89th birthday and guide<br />
our service into the future.”<br />
CAF paid tribute to Air Force’s<br />
people over the decades who, “through<br />
their pr<strong>of</strong>essionalism, determination<br />
and courage” have made the service the<br />
respected force it is today.<br />
“Our growth has been driven by<br />
high quality people and it has been in<br />
PARTY MOOD: From left, CPL Dee Irwin,<br />
LACW Amanda Olzard, Dee Wood and CPL<br />
Lisa Connors at the RAAF Base Darwin<br />
Officers’ Mess. Photo: LAC Glynn Jones<br />
BIG DAY BEGINS: At 8am in Canberra, WOFF-AF JJ Millar took the salute on the behalf <strong>of</strong> all Australia’s airmen<br />
as a 7m x 3.5m Air Force Ensign was raised at Regatta Point. The Ensign raising ceremony signalled the dawn <strong>of</strong><br />
all Air Force anniversary ceremonies. Air Force personnel from Australia’s Federation Guard ceremonially hoisted<br />
the Ensign by hand the full 40 metres <strong>of</strong> the mast. Photo: FSGT John Carroll<br />
our people that the Air Force has<br />
been well served through the years,”<br />
he said.<br />
CAF paid tribute to the determination,<br />
courage and sacrifice <strong>of</strong> Air<br />
Force personnel both in the past and<br />
today.<br />
“You can see determination in<br />
every unit across the Air Force. We<br />
saw it in East Timor, in the aftermath<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Boxing Day Tsunami,<br />
and in the Solomon Islands. Our Air<br />
Force men and women are rising to<br />
the challenges <strong>of</strong> war and <strong>of</strong> natural<br />
disaster in places like Afghanistan,<br />
East Timor, Solomon Islands, Sudan,<br />
and Iraq.<br />
“I mentioned the attribute <strong>of</strong><br />
courage. I have neither the time nor<br />
the words to give due homage to all<br />
the members <strong>of</strong> our Air Force who<br />
have shown outstanding courage in<br />
the carnage <strong>of</strong> war and in the supposedly<br />
quite, safe years <strong>of</strong> peace.<br />
“I am constantly humbled by the<br />
enduring human qualities that our<br />
forebears and serving members have<br />
brought to the Air Force. Their sacrifices<br />
have made the world a better<br />
place and made the Air Force values<br />
and traditions elements <strong>of</strong> real substance;<br />
they have also made us into<br />
an Air Force that I am very proud to<br />
be a part <strong>of</strong> today,” he said.<br />
HAPPY LOT: Commander CSG<br />
AIRCDRE Noddy Sawade,<br />
right, and his wife Aldona with<br />
AIRCDRE Mark Gower and his<br />
wife Julie in the Officers’ Mess at<br />
RAAF Base Amberley.<br />
Photo: ACW Rosaleen Normoyle<br />
A TOAST: GPCAPT Frank Grigson<br />
from Air Command raises a glass<br />
at RAAF Base Glenbrook.<br />
Photo: AC Christopher Hall<br />
RIGHT NOTE:<br />
CHAP Yogananda<br />
Juste-Constant<br />
leads the 89th Air<br />
Force Anniversary<br />
Commemorative<br />
Service at the<br />
Cross <strong>of</strong> Sacrifice<br />
in Adelaide.<br />
Photo: ACW Nichola<br />
Freeman<br />
News<br />
MILESTONES<br />
11<br />
JOINING THE PARTY: Above, CPL Sam<br />
McLaughlin, left, here for four months on<br />
Exercise Long Look from the Royal Air<br />
Force, with LAC Mark Shakes at RAAF<br />
Base Amberley.<br />
Photo: ACW Rosaleen Normoyle<br />
TAKING THE CAKE: Left, the birthday<br />
cake that looked too good to eat at the<br />
Officers’ Mess at RAAF Base Edinburgh.<br />
Photos: LACW Shannon McCarthy<br />
THE year <strong>2010</strong> marks some<br />
notable milestones in Air<br />
Force and Australian aviation<br />
history. It heralds the 100th<br />
anniversary <strong>of</strong> powered flight<br />
in Australia.<br />
In 1909, early aviation<br />
enthusiasts formed the Aerial<br />
League <strong>of</strong> Australia to foster<br />
aviation here. It <strong>of</strong>fered a cash<br />
prize for the first successful<br />
powered flight in Australia and<br />
persuaded the government<br />
to <strong>of</strong>fer a prize for the first<br />
locally-built aircraft.<br />
Harry Houdini won the<br />
Aerial League’s prize when,<br />
outside Melbourne on March<br />
18, 1910, he took <strong>of</strong>f in a<br />
French-built Voisin biplane he<br />
imported for the purpose. He<br />
remained al<strong>of</strong>t for more than a<br />
minute before landing safely.<br />
Then, in June, an<br />
Australian named John<br />
Duigan won the government’s<br />
prize when he successfully<br />
flew in an aircraft he had<br />
designed and built himself.<br />
In WWI, he served as a flight<br />
commander with 3SQN and<br />
was awarded the Military<br />
Cross for gallantry during the<br />
Battle <strong>of</strong> Villers-Bretonneux.<br />
<strong>2010</strong> marks the 70th<br />
anniversary <strong>of</strong> the start <strong>of</strong><br />
aircrew training under the<br />
Empire Air Training Scheme,<br />
which provided the RAF with<br />
aircrew during WWII.<br />
In <strong>April</strong> 1940, the first<br />
Australian aircrew trainees<br />
started training under the<br />
scheme. During the war 38,<br />
400 men completed basic<br />
aircrew training in Australia<br />
and three quarters <strong>of</strong><br />
them served with the RAF,<br />
predominately with Bomber<br />
Command.<br />
Australia lost 3486 men:<br />
nearly 20 per cent <strong>of</strong> all<br />
Australian deaths in combat<br />
in the war.<br />
<strong>2010</strong> marks the 60th<br />
Anniversary <strong>of</strong> Air Force’s<br />
involvement in the Korean<br />
War.<br />
On June 25, 1950, 77SQN<br />
started combat operations<br />
against North Korean forces<br />
following the communist<br />
invasion <strong>of</strong> South Korea.<br />
Initially equipped with<br />
Mustang turbo-prop fighters,<br />
as the war progressed, the<br />
squadron converted to<br />
Australia’s first jet fighter, the<br />
Meteor. Korea also marks the<br />
last time (to date), the RAAF<br />
has engaged in direct aerial<br />
combat against an enemy air<br />
force.<br />
<strong>2010</strong> also marks Air<br />
Force’s continued journey in<br />
the world <strong>of</strong> jet aircraft with<br />
the arrival <strong>of</strong> its latest fighter<br />
aircraft in the shape <strong>of</strong> the<br />
F/A-18F Rhino.
12 News AIR F<br />
RCE <strong>April</strong> <strong>15</strong>, <strong>2010</strong><br />
Humble techo scores<br />
award for top job on<br />
jet upgrade project<br />
FLTLT Skye Smith<br />
SERGEANT BEN Knabe was “honoured<br />
and humbled” when he was<br />
awarded a Head <strong>of</strong> Aerospace Systems<br />
Division (HASD) commendation recently.<br />
The commendation was awarded for<br />
SGT Knabe’s exemplary performance<br />
as an aircraft technician in the Hornet<br />
Upgrade (HUG) Resident Project Team at<br />
Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake,<br />
California.<br />
Commander Air Combat Group<br />
AIRCDRE Mel Hupfeld presented the<br />
commendation on behalf <strong>of</strong> HASD, AVM<br />
Colin Thorne, during a visit to the Hornet<br />
Upgrade Resident Project Team.<br />
“Your contribution to the Hornet electronic<br />
warfare systems upgrade and Joint<br />
Air-to-Surface Stand<strong>of</strong>f Missile integration<br />
projects has been exceptional,”<br />
AIRCDRE Hupfeld said on presentation<br />
<strong>of</strong> the commendation.<br />
“You possess a tremendous diversity<br />
<strong>of</strong> skills, knowledge and excellent<br />
trade knowledge and have successfully<br />
applied those skills to have a real impact<br />
on enhancing air combat capability.<br />
“Your ability to provide flawless maintenance<br />
capability across six Hornet trade<br />
groups with extensive system knowledge<br />
in each area is without parallel in your<br />
peer group and has been instrumental in<br />
the attainment <strong>of</strong> project objectives.”<br />
AIR FORCE BAND<br />
<strong>April</strong> 16: Force10 will support the<br />
RAAF Williams Autumn Ball at the<br />
Laverton Officers’ Mess.<br />
<strong>April</strong> 18: The Air Force Jazz Ensemble<br />
will perform at the Elmhurst<br />
Community Festival in Elmhurst,<br />
Victoria at 10.30am and 2pm.<br />
<strong>April</strong> 18: A band trumpeter will<br />
sound the Last Post and Rouse at an<br />
Anzac commemoration service at the<br />
Doncaster RSL Sub Branch at 3pm.<br />
<strong>April</strong> 19: A band trumpeter will support<br />
the Anzac Stand To Service at the<br />
Donvale Rehabilitation Hospital at<br />
10.30am.<br />
Fleet Network Pty Ltd D/L No. 20462<br />
AIRCDRE Hupfeld highlighted the<br />
importance <strong>of</strong> the work SGT Knabe has<br />
been doing and acknowledged the efforts<br />
<strong>of</strong> the whole project team.<br />
“It is impressive to see what the<br />
Resident Project Team is doing here and<br />
then see it reflected in the top level <strong>of</strong><br />
capability on [the recent] Exercise Red<br />
Flag.<br />
“These excellent results achieved can<br />
be directly attributed to the hard work<br />
members such as SGT Knabe have undertaken<br />
throughout the entire life <strong>of</strong> the<br />
project.”<br />
SGT Knabe said: “It was an honour to<br />
be singled out for such an award, but this<br />
has been a team effort and I am just one<br />
member <strong>of</strong> the team doing my job like<br />
everyone else.”<br />
The Hornet Upgrade program is arguably<br />
the most comprehensive upgrade <strong>of</strong><br />
any combat aircraft. It allows Air Force to<br />
maintain a qualitative edge over regional<br />
capabilities.<br />
HUG HAPPY:<br />
Awardee SGT<br />
Ben Knabe.<br />
<strong>April</strong> 21: The Ceremonial Band will<br />
provide musical support to the 1RTU<br />
graduation parade at RAAF Base<br />
Wagga from 11am.<br />
<strong>April</strong> 25: The Ceremonial Band<br />
will support the annual Anzac Day<br />
Dawn Service at the AFC Memorial,<br />
Point Cook from 6am.<br />
<strong>April</strong> 25: The Ceremonial Band will<br />
March in the Anzac Day parade through<br />
the Melbourne CBD.<br />
<strong>April</strong> 25: The Ceremonial Band will<br />
march in the Anzac Day parade down<br />
George street, Sydney.<br />
aviation<br />
faculty <strong>of</strong> science<br />
Get your seats allocated now!<br />
Upgrade your pr<strong>of</strong>essional qualification@ UNSW Aviation:<br />
Programs in Aviation Management<br />
<br />
Bachelor <strong>of</strong> Aviation<br />
<br />
Find out more<br />
www.aviation.unsw.edu.au<br />
or call Jamie on (02) 9385-6767<br />
TOP PILOT RECOGNISED: Pathfinder award winner FLTLT Dean Bolton <strong>of</strong> 36SQN in front <strong>of</strong> the C-<br />
17 he captained on an aid relief mission to Burma. Photo: CPL Mark McConnell<br />
Workhorse<br />
a winner<br />
FLTLT Eamon Hamilton<br />
THE TOP award for Air Lift<br />
Group (ALG) aircrew excellence<br />
has gone to a pilot at the leading<br />
edge <strong>of</strong> our C-17A force.<br />
FLTLT Dean Bolton <strong>of</strong> 36SQN<br />
was honoured with the <strong>2010</strong><br />
Pathfinder Award at a dining-in<br />
night on March 19.<br />
He was recognised for his<br />
efforts as Deputy Operations Flight<br />
Commander and Standards Officer<br />
with 36SQN.<br />
FLTLT Bolton’s citation read:<br />
“Drawing on his previous operations<br />
on C-130s he has demonstrated<br />
solid competence in his role,<br />
allowing the continued employment<br />
<strong>of</strong> the C-17A capability as it continues<br />
to expand.”<br />
The award is presented by the<br />
Pathfinder Association, formed<br />
from the Pathfinder Force which<br />
led night-time bombing raids over<br />
Occupied Europe in the Second<br />
World War.<br />
The Pathfinders were the ‘first<br />
in, last out’ over their targets, suffering<br />
devastating casualties and being<br />
among the most highly decorated<br />
units <strong>of</strong> the war.<br />
Today, ALG and the Pathfinder<br />
Association have a close relationship<br />
which is highlighted by an<br />
annual dining-in and award presentation.<br />
Veteran Pathfinders presented<br />
the <strong>2010</strong> award to FLTLT Bolton,<br />
who said he had no idea it was coming.<br />
“I was very humbled, particularly<br />
given the nature <strong>of</strong> the award,”<br />
FLTLT Bolton said.<br />
“ S p e a k i n g t o t h e o l d e r<br />
(Pathfinder) guys about the things<br />
they’ve done, to be recognised by<br />
CELEBRATION: From left, Ken Youdale, AVM Greg Evans,<br />
AIRCDRE John Oddie, WGCDR Carl Green and Cec Barlow at the<br />
Pathfinder <strong>of</strong> the Year dinner. Photo: LAC Michael Green<br />
them and considered in their world<br />
is a little overwhelming.”<br />
Joining the Air Force in 1999<br />
and initially flying C-130Js, FLTLT<br />
Bolton converted to the C-17A in<br />
March 2007.<br />
“My goals were to get qualified<br />
on the aircraft as soon as possible<br />
and qualified for all the aircraft’s<br />
roles, which I’ve luckily managed to<br />
do,” FLTLT Bolton said.<br />
“I was the captain on the first<br />
C-17A missions in to Iraq and<br />
Afghanistan. Personally that was<br />
a pretty big deal – I’d flown it on<br />
Hercules before, but to fly it on a<br />
new platform for the very first time<br />
was special.<br />
“Captaining a task for Operation<br />
Burma Assist, and achieving my airdrop<br />
command, were both big highlights.”<br />
Receiving his award, FLTLT<br />
Bolton thanked his peers at 36SQN.<br />
“Introducing a new platform and<br />
bringing it in to theatre is not a one<br />
man show – it takes a lot <strong>of</strong> planning<br />
and support from executives<br />
and maintenance to get it all lined<br />
up and to go in,” he said.<br />
“We do our job as a duty and<br />
it’s <strong>of</strong>ten good fun, but we don’t<br />
do it for recognition. But when it<br />
comes through, it’s an unexpected<br />
but pleasant surprise.<br />
“The squadron has done a great<br />
job to get it all done.”<br />
CO 36SQN WGCDR Adam<br />
Williams said the nomination was<br />
the result <strong>of</strong> FLTLT Bolton’s high<br />
personal standards at the unit.<br />
“He is experienced, and demonstrates<br />
a very high pr<strong>of</strong>essional level<br />
<strong>of</strong> flying capability and attention<br />
to detail,” WGCDR Williams said.<br />
“He’s a workhorse.”<br />
Your Vehicle Salary Packaging Experts 1300 738 601
AIR F<br />
RCE<br />
FLTLT Skye Smith<br />
<strong>April</strong> <strong>15</strong>, <strong>2010</strong><br />
Flip-fl opping for<br />
Relay for Life<br />
WITH his feet covered in blisters, FLTLT<br />
Joshua Smith perhaps epitomised the effort<br />
made by Air Force personnel this<br />
year for the Cancer Council’s Relay for<br />
Life.<br />
FLTLT Smith, who is serving in<br />
Afghanistan, set himself the task <strong>of</strong> running<br />
100km in four days.<br />
The Heron UAV task unit raised<br />
nearly $3000 among the small contingent<br />
which is managed by Air Combat<br />
Group (ACG), and one <strong>of</strong> the event<br />
organisers, SGT Anita Godfrey, was<br />
amazed at FLTLT Smith’s effort.<br />
“FLTLT Smith said that if he was<br />
unable to run the 100km in the time<br />
period, then he would personally donate<br />
the money to make up the total amount<br />
set for his challenge,” SGT Godfrey<br />
said.<br />
After two days, FLTLT Smith’s feet<br />
were covered in blisters to the extent<br />
that he had to run in thongs for a portion<br />
<strong>of</strong> the challenge.<br />
“Through either stubbornness or<br />
stamina, or a little bit <strong>of</strong> both, FLTLT<br />
Smith ran 105kms and raised $329.40,”<br />
SGT Godfrey said.<br />
Relay for Life is a fundraising<br />
event for The Cancer Council to help<br />
defeat cancer. Funds raised through<br />
Relay for Life are spent on cancer<br />
research, education, support services<br />
and advocacy.<br />
Despite the extreme desert conditions,<br />
17 members from the Heron UAV<br />
task unit also took up a treadmill challenge<br />
to run as many kilometres as they<br />
could over a four-day period.<br />
SGT Godfrey, a senior analyst, said<br />
the challenge was a team effort, using a<br />
log book as a baton to ensure only one<br />
person was on the treadmill at any given<br />
time.<br />
The relay was a personal challenge<br />
within the task unit to raise money and<br />
complete as many kms as possible. Over<br />
the four days the task unit completed<br />
581.5km.<br />
“This was amazing considering we<br />
were working very long hours over the<br />
four days, so personnel had to take time<br />
out <strong>of</strong> their rest period to join in,” SGT<br />
Godfrey said.<br />
Some <strong>of</strong> the fundraising highlights<br />
include CPL James Reilly who shaved<br />
his hair for $109.80, and FLTLT Grant<br />
Leader who wrote a poem that had to<br />
include certain words selected by the<br />
task unit. FLTLT Leader’s poetic skill<br />
helped raised $410 towards the cause.<br />
The task unit made a t-shirt that<br />
states “for cancer I ran 100kms in<br />
four days” to reward FLTLT Smith for<br />
his fundraising efforts and provide a<br />
memento <strong>of</strong> his time on deployment.<br />
Task unit members also pulled together<br />
as a team to come up with sponsorship<br />
deals across the detachment.<br />
This included CAPT Phillip James<br />
raising $50 for completing 50km in the<br />
four days and then another $5 per km<br />
for every kilometre over 50. Through his<br />
efforts CAPT James contributed $100 to<br />
the cause.<br />
DRIVING<br />
FORCE: SGT<br />
Anita Godfrey<br />
from the Heron<br />
UAV task unit<br />
in Afghanistan<br />
which did such a<br />
great job. Photo:<br />
CPL Andrew Eddie<br />
33SQN’s Purple power<br />
33SQN’s Relay for Life team<br />
members proudly parade their<br />
cause before the fundraising<br />
event on March 27. From left,<br />
CPL Brooke Jacoby-Saunders,<br />
CPL Christopher Greenall, SGT<br />
Clare O’Drisoll and SGT Craig<br />
Dunn, took part in the 18-hour<br />
walk at Ipswich, along with<br />
nine other team members,<br />
seven from 33SQN. The team<br />
completed 184 laps <strong>of</strong> the<br />
500m circuit, which equated<br />
to 92kms, raising more than<br />
$4700 for the Cancer Council.<br />
Photo: LACW Jessica Smith<br />
“The successes from this challenge<br />
were a team effort and Task Unit 633.2.7<br />
are honoured that we were given the<br />
opportunity to show our support during<br />
a fellow member’s battle with cancer,”<br />
SGT Godfrey said.<br />
Task Unit 633.2.7 ADMINO,<br />
SQNLDR Trevor Alley, praised SGT<br />
Godfrey. “She was the motivator and<br />
catalyst for the event and what was<br />
achieved,” SQNLDR Alley said.<br />
Joint effort<br />
ACG, Surveillance and Response Group<br />
(SRG) and Task Unit 633.2.7 raised<br />
more than $9000 when they joined forces<br />
to participate in the Relay for Life.<br />
CO HQACG WGCDR Tammy<br />
Hodge set members the task <strong>of</strong> raising<br />
money and running for the cause to support<br />
a member recently diagnosed with<br />
cancer.<br />
The team <strong>of</strong> <strong>15</strong> members from<br />
RAAF Base Williamtown bound together<br />
under the banner ‘Find and Fight’ to<br />
participate in the Port Stephens Relay<br />
for Life.<br />
“The team name is representative <strong>of</strong><br />
SRG’s surveillance or ‘find’ capability<br />
and ACG’s strike or ‘fight’ capability,<br />
as well as finding a cure and fighting<br />
cancer,” WGCDR Hodge said.<br />
LAC Robert Gibson from SRG took<br />
the lead in organising the event and<br />
motivated the group to ‘find and fight’.<br />
The task unit challenge coincided<br />
with the Port Stephens Relay for Life<br />
that ACG and SRG members participated<br />
in Newcastle.<br />
Smooth sailing ahead<br />
with our great rate<br />
personal loan<br />
defcredit.com.au<br />
IN BRIEF<br />
Enjoy more with a great rate and a choice <strong>of</strong><br />
flexible payment options to suit your budget.<br />
To apply, call 1800 033 139 or visit<br />
defcredit.com.au or your local Defcredit branch.<br />
Terms and conditions, fees and charges, and lending criteria apply.<br />
The terms and conditions, and comparison rate schedule are available at any Defcredit branch.<br />
News<br />
13<br />
RSL starts online branch<br />
THE RSL has established an online sub branch to<br />
make membership, support and advice services more<br />
accessible to ADF members. CDF ACM Angus Houston<br />
said that the RSL continues to play an important role<br />
in supporting our ADF members past and present. The<br />
RSL online sub-branch www.rsldefencesubbranch.<br />
com.au is accessible from the <strong>Defence</strong> Restricted<br />
Network.<br />
AVM takes Legacy reins<br />
RETIRED AVM Chris Spence was installed on March<br />
21 as the 85th president <strong>of</strong> the Melbourne branch <strong>of</strong><br />
Legacy for <strong>2010</strong>. AVM Spence enlisted in the Air Force<br />
in 1969 and retired in 2007. AVM Spence followed in<br />
his father’s footsteps when he joined Legacy in 2007,<br />
following his retirement from the PAF.<br />
Combet visits Williamtown<br />
MINISTER for <strong>Defence</strong> Materiel and Science Greg<br />
Combet visited RAAF Base Williamtown recently,<br />
meeting members <strong>of</strong> the Air Force’s Air Combat<br />
Group, Surveillance and Response Group and Combat<br />
Support Group. The visit included briefs on the Hornet<br />
Upgrade Project, future base plans, and maintenance<br />
<strong>of</strong> F/A-18, MK-127 Hawk and Wedgetail aircraft based<br />
at Williamtown. Mr Combet also inspected an F/A-18<br />
static display at 2 Operational Conversion Unit and<br />
met students undergoing their final six months <strong>of</strong><br />
conversion training before becoming qualified Hornet<br />
pilots.<br />
Magazine’s award winners<br />
SEVEN <strong>Defence</strong> and industry teams have won the<br />
2009 Australian <strong>Defence</strong> Magazine’s DMO/Industry<br />
Team <strong>of</strong> the Year Awards for Excellence. The Head<br />
Maritime Systems Division RADM Peter Marshall and<br />
DCAF AVM Ge<strong>of</strong>f Brown presented the awards at the<br />
annual dinner in February.<br />
<strong>Defence</strong> Force Credit Union Limited ABN 57 087 651 385 AFSL 234582 DEF1960_AANN (02/10)
BE PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER CALL 131901 OR VISIT DEFENCEJOBS.GOV.AU/NAVY<br />
BUILDING A SHIP OUT OF PEOPLE<br />
BY LAUREN RAGO<br />
One <strong>of</strong> the most important things to<br />
remember about a warship is that it is<br />
made up <strong>of</strong> people. It is not just steel,<br />
machinery and high tech weapons<br />
systems. It comprises a diverse<br />
group <strong>of</strong> individuals from all walks<br />
<strong>of</strong> life working in close knit teams<br />
to achieve amazing things.<br />
This idea was the premise for the<br />
new <strong>Defence</strong> Force Recruiting (DFR)<br />
brand print and online advertisement<br />
for the Navy.<br />
DFR Navy Marketing wanted a brand<br />
advertisement to complement and<br />
extend the successful Navy television<br />
commercials. The intention was to<br />
promote the compelling and unique<br />
truths inherent in Navy, which would<br />
serve to both motivate potential<br />
candidates and inspire current<br />
serving members.<br />
On 1 December 2009, DFR, advertising<br />
agency George Patterson Y&R, world<br />
renowned photographer Andréas<br />
Smetana and HMAS Albatross<br />
embarked on an ambitious photographic<br />
shoot. The idea was to literally create<br />
the shape <strong>of</strong> a frigate and the shape<br />
<strong>of</strong> an LPA out <strong>of</strong> Navy personnel and<br />
capture it as a photograph.<br />
“Interestingly, it was once we were<br />
on the shoot that we realised only<br />
an organisation like the Navy could<br />
make this ad. No one else has the<br />
level <strong>of</strong> discipline needed to organise<br />
themselves into such a unique shape,”<br />
said Chris Northam, Senior Art Director<br />
at George Patterson Y&R.<br />
The photographs <strong>of</strong> the ‘ships <strong>of</strong><br />
people’ were built by lining Navy<br />
personnel up to create the separate<br />
layers <strong>of</strong> the ship. Staging was<br />
employed to give the Navy personnel<br />
the height required for the top levels.<br />
The layers <strong>of</strong> the ship were then<br />
constructed together digitally.<br />
The Navy personnel from HMAS<br />
Albatross and various units at Fleet<br />
Base East participated in the shoot<br />
for a long nine hour day, and were<br />
subjected to constant uniform checks,<br />
drill and many hours waiting around.<br />
For photographer Andreas Smetana,<br />
it was the first time he had worked<br />
with DFR. “What I loved on this job<br />
was the commitment the Navy people<br />
showed. Such a good client to work<br />
with, and I think very much part <strong>of</strong> the<br />
shoot running smoothly,” he said.<br />
“It is always great to see the image come<br />
to life, because you get stuck on seeing<br />
the picture just in your head,” he said.<br />
The photographs have been used<br />
to create magazine and press<br />
advertisements, internet banners and<br />
posters. The idea can be applied to a<br />
variety <strong>of</strong> Navy platforms and different<br />
Navy can be featured.<br />
“It is a media neutral idea that can be<br />
used across many mediums. DFR hopes<br />
to undertake the same initiative with<br />
Submariners to create a Collins Class<br />
Submarine in <strong>2010</strong>,” said Lauren Rago<br />
from <strong>Defence</strong> Force Recruiting.<br />
A ‘making <strong>of</strong>’ video has also been<br />
created <strong>of</strong> the shoot and can be seen<br />
at www.defencejobs.gov.au/navy/.<br />
<strong>Defence</strong> Force Recruiting would like<br />
to thank HMAS Albatross, Directorate<br />
Recruitment Management Navy<br />
and Directorate Navy Reputation<br />
Management for their outstanding<br />
support. An extra special thanks goes<br />
to Warrant Officer Graeme Bromley,<br />
Executive Officer HMAS Albatross Cmdr.<br />
Darryn Jose and Leut. Kara Wansbury<br />
from Fleet Public Affairs for helping<br />
DFR realise this campaign.
AIR F<br />
RCE<br />
<strong>April</strong> <strong>15</strong>, <strong>2010</strong><br />
SQNLDR David Holt has<br />
had numerous challenges<br />
during his 24 years in the<br />
Air Force but he said none<br />
were more thought-provoking than<br />
sea-riding in Navy vessels on the<br />
frontline <strong>of</strong> Australia’s border protection<br />
efforts.<br />
SQNLDR Holt, a medical <strong>of</strong>ficer,<br />
was one <strong>of</strong> the Air Force members<br />
seconded to the Navy’s patrol boat<br />
force during maritime patrols in<br />
support <strong>of</strong> Operation Resolute.<br />
Operation Resolute is the maritime<br />
operation to protect the borders north<br />
<strong>of</strong> Australia.<br />
Permanent and Reserve Air Force<br />
medical and security personnel are<br />
assigned to Resolute, the latter with<br />
the Transit Security Elements (TSE).<br />
The TSE’s main role is to provide<br />
boarding parties and maintain security<br />
on detained foreign vessels.<br />
The members said they believed<br />
they were making an important contribution<br />
to the operation.<br />
The Air Force medical rotation<br />
comprises two doctors, one at sea and<br />
one ashore at short notice to move.<br />
One <strong>of</strong> SQNLDR Holt’s roles is to<br />
provide Potential Irregular Immigrants<br />
(PIIs) with medical care.<br />
“I was posted to Operation<br />
Resolute on January 27 for approximately<br />
two months; sea riding with<br />
the Navy’s patrol boats, which intercept<br />
the Suspected Irregular Entry<br />
Vessels (SIEVs),” he said.<br />
He served on board HMA Ships<br />
Ararat, Armidale, Bundaberg and<br />
Maryborough and was involved in 10<br />
SIEV interceptions.<br />
After a SIEV was intercepted and<br />
boarded, he would go on board to<br />
conduct medical checks <strong>of</strong> the PII.<br />
“I conducted health examinations to<br />
ensure the PIIs were fit for further sea<br />
travel and the next leg <strong>of</strong> their journey<br />
and to provide humanitarian assistance<br />
whenever it was needed,” he said.<br />
Dehydration and seasickness were<br />
the most common health issues he<br />
encountered on the SIEVs.<br />
“Overall it’s been interesting, challenging<br />
and rewarding from a pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />
perspective,” SQNLDR Holt<br />
said. “I would recommend the experience<br />
to other ADF doctors.”<br />
LAC Shayne Robbie enlisted in<br />
2007 as a security policeman after<br />
transferring from the Army. He started<br />
a four-month deployment as a member<br />
<strong>of</strong> TSE 56 in January, and made<br />
his first boarding <strong>of</strong> a SIEV in mid-<br />
February, followed by another two.<br />
LAC Robbie said the training the<br />
Air Force TSE completed was very<br />
comprehensive and contributed greatly<br />
to his confidence to get a difficult job<br />
done. It included briefings on Rules <strong>of</strong><br />
Engagement, Law <strong>of</strong> Armed Conflict<br />
and escalation <strong>of</strong> force scenarios.<br />
“In addition to force preparation,<br />
which involved weapon pr<strong>of</strong>iciencies<br />
as well as self defence, we completed<br />
a lot <strong>of</strong> boarding exercises with the<br />
Navy’s Sea Training Group,” he said.<br />
He was surprised by the tempo <strong>of</strong><br />
the operation, which <strong>of</strong>fered Air Force<br />
personnel a completely different experience<br />
<strong>of</strong> life in the Navy, and how<br />
hard the Navy patrol boats worked.<br />
“Op Resolute is a very important<br />
operation being conducted right on<br />
Australia’s door-step,” he said.<br />
CPL David Brett, a military<br />
working dog handler, volunteered<br />
for TSE service and embarked in<br />
HMAS Ararat at the same time as<br />
LAC Robbie. Both men shared the<br />
first intercept on February 17. He was<br />
relieved the first one was out <strong>of</strong> the<br />
way. “What we have done validates<br />
the training we have undertaken and<br />
gives us confidence for the remainder<br />
<strong>of</strong> the deployment,” he said.<br />
Before that, his one experience<br />
at sea was on a P&O cruise in 2005.<br />
However, Operation Resolute was a<br />
great opportunity for Air Force personnel<br />
to diversify their skill sets and<br />
see life in the other services.<br />
“This is a very important border<br />
protection and homeland security<br />
operation, which I’m proud to contribute<br />
to,” CPL Brett said.<br />
“This is also an opportunity for me<br />
and other Air Force personnel to make<br />
a small but meaningful contribution<br />
to such an important [border] security<br />
operation as Op Resolute.<br />
“This is such an important operation<br />
and it’s great to see the Air Force<br />
contributing more than just AP-3C<br />
surveillance patrols,” he said.<br />
The tempo <strong>of</strong> the operation was<br />
grinding but he was enjoying the challenge.<br />
He had struggled to get his sea<br />
legs and to adjust to life at sea, particularly<br />
to the Navy’s jargon which<br />
was “like another language”.<br />
Air Force Reservist LACW<br />
Gabrielle Gross, one <strong>of</strong> six women<br />
deployed with TSE 56, described her<br />
patrol on board HMAS Armidale as a<br />
baptism <strong>of</strong> fire.<br />
“In the five years I have been in<br />
the Reserves this is one <strong>of</strong> the best<br />
opportunities yet, as well as my first<br />
time at sea,” she said.<br />
Like CPL Brett, her biggest challenge<br />
was trying to understand naval<br />
language on board, which they call<br />
“Jack speak”.<br />
“This was a real challenge for the<br />
first few days, along with getting my<br />
sea legs,” LACW Gross said.<br />
She was confident she could perform<br />
her duties after weeks <strong>of</strong> intensive<br />
training.<br />
“The boarding training exercises<br />
we conducted with the Navy in<br />
Sapphire Bay were quite challenging<br />
but very good preparation for the real<br />
thing.”<br />
News<br />
<strong>15</strong><br />
Finding their sea legs<br />
Thirty-six Air Force<br />
personnel are serving<br />
with the Transit Security<br />
Element on Operation<br />
Resolute. Michael Brooke<br />
recently joined some<br />
<strong>of</strong> them aboard Navy<br />
patrol boats on station at<br />
Ashmore Reef.<br />
ANOTHER DAY: Medical <strong>of</strong>ficer SQNLDR David Holt prepares to be launched in a<br />
rigid hull inflatable boat from HMAS Ararat while on an Operation Resolute patrol.<br />
THE JOB: HMAS Ararat’s boarding party<br />
and Transit Security Element 56 personnel<br />
observed and apprehended a Suspected<br />
Irregular Entry Vessel (SIEV).<br />
LOOK OUT: Above, CPL David Brett<br />
comes to grips with the helm <strong>of</strong> an<br />
Armidale Class Patrol Boat.<br />
READY TO GO: Below, LACW Ingrid Balic<br />
and LACW Gabrielle Gross in front <strong>of</strong> a<br />
rigid hull inflatable boat.<br />
Photos: Michael Brooke<br />
The TSE members also conducted<br />
a number <strong>of</strong> collective training activities<br />
such as fire drills and man-overboard<br />
exercises that enabled them to<br />
integrate better with the Navy crew.<br />
“It’s been really fantastic to work<br />
with this crew. They’ve helped us to<br />
become accustomed with the way<br />
Navy does business,” she said.<br />
LACW Ingrid Balic is another<br />
Reservist, from RAAF Base Pearce.<br />
She put her civilian career as the<br />
owner <strong>of</strong> a landscaping business on<br />
hold for four months to make what<br />
she described as a small but meaningful<br />
contribution to border protection.<br />
She said she was proud to contribute<br />
to the TSE.<br />
Coverage <strong>of</strong> 92WG’s involvement in Op<br />
Resolute will feature in a future edition.
16 Centrepiece<br />
AIR FORCE <strong>April</strong> <strong>15</strong>, <strong>2010</strong> 17<br />
Rhino revolution begins<br />
As Air Force continues to celebrate<br />
the arrival <strong>of</strong> the first Super Hornets,<br />
1SQN ramps up for the next wave,<br />
writes FLTLT Skye Smith.<br />
THREE years <strong>of</strong> hard work<br />
and planning paid <strong>of</strong>f when<br />
the first five Super Hornets<br />
arrived at RAAF Base Amberley<br />
on March 26. But, the<br />
work (and fun) for 1SQN has only just<br />
begun.<br />
With the new jets safely home,<br />
1SQN personnel have little time to<br />
rest as they not only start operating the<br />
aircraft, but also training more crews<br />
for the next wave <strong>of</strong> aircraft that are<br />
expected in July.<br />
CO 1SQN WGCDR Glen Braz said<br />
the training tempo must remain high<br />
to ensure the squadron has sufficient<br />
numbers <strong>of</strong> qualified personnel for<br />
each wave, while maintaining progress<br />
toward achieving initial operational<br />
capability (IOC) in Australia.<br />
“Our aim is to achieve IOC by<br />
December 31 this year.<br />
“This means the Air Force will have<br />
12 Super Hornets on Australian soil<br />
with at least 12 qualified flying crews<br />
and full in-country logistic support,”<br />
WGCDR Braz said.<br />
The squadron will also maintain<br />
a six-turn-four rate <strong>of</strong> effort, with the<br />
ability to deploy within Australia and<br />
the near region and operate in all roles<br />
by the end <strong>of</strong> the year.<br />
To achieve this, 1SQN will continue<br />
training both air and ground crews<br />
throughout the year.<br />
The next ferry phase for 1SQN<br />
aircrew is scheduled for the June/July<br />
timeframe, which includes up to 96<br />
hours <strong>of</strong> test and evaluation flying and<br />
two weeks <strong>of</strong> Electronic Warfare flight<br />
trials at Naval Air Station Lemoore,<br />
California.<br />
During this intense period, each<br />
aircraft will undergo comprehensive<br />
maintenance and air test flights before<br />
it is accepted into service.<br />
Aircrew will undertake both day and<br />
night air-to-air refuelling qualification<br />
sorties and currency flights before<br />
embarking on the long journey home to<br />
Amberley with the next set <strong>of</strong> jets.<br />
Former Classic Hornet pilots can<br />
convert on to the Super Hornet in as<br />
few as five flights. 1SQN aircrews<br />
comprise a good balance <strong>of</strong> former F-<br />
111 and Classic Hornet crews, with<br />
air combat <strong>of</strong>ficers (weapon systems<br />
<strong>of</strong>ficer) straight from the School <strong>of</strong> Air<br />
Warfare expected later this year.<br />
The technical workforce must<br />
also complete trade qualifications<br />
and become authorised on the Super<br />
Hornet.<br />
Super Hornet maintenance teams<br />
three through nine will be trained by<br />
278SQN Technical Training Flight<br />
(TTF) – Amberley. The TTF will<br />
have their work cut out for them with<br />
a student training throughput <strong>of</strong> 120<br />
personnel per year, plus additional nontechnical<br />
and managerial courses.<br />
However, the two new integrated<br />
visual enhanced maintenance trainers<br />
(IVEMT) are due to be ready for<br />
training in September this year and will<br />
greatly enhance both student learning<br />
and instruction.<br />
Technical training will include<br />
theory consolidation, test and trouble<br />
shoot activities and performance<br />
assessments across all trades.<br />
6SQN also has a challenging time<br />
ahead with the F-111 withdrawal from<br />
service in December and then the<br />
transition to become the second Super<br />
Hornet squadron next year.<br />
There are five scheduled waves to<br />
bring home the 24 aircraft by the end<br />
<strong>of</strong> 2011.<br />
SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING<br />
NEW: Three Super Hornets are<br />
escorted in by an F-111 on the flight<br />
to Amberley. Photo: ACW Kylie Gibson<br />
BIG HUG: Above inset, SQNLDR<br />
Cameron Cornell is welcomed home<br />
by his family after the long flight from<br />
Lemoore. Photo: LACW Jessica Smith<br />
JET BROTHERS:<br />
6SQN’s CPL<br />
Jarrod Carter<br />
(left) and 1SQN’s<br />
CPL Joshua<br />
Rhodes join<br />
forces to welcome<br />
home the Super<br />
Hornets. Photo:<br />
LACW Jessica Smith<br />
BUSINESS END: Super Hornet<br />
A44-202 on the flightline at Naval<br />
Air Station Lemoore before the<br />
historic flight. Photo: ACW Kylie Gibson<br />
RHINO JOKES: CAF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin (left) and CO 1SQN WGCDR<br />
Glen Braz (right) with cartoons presented to them by Ipswich Mayor Paul<br />
Pisasale (second from lefti) and drawn by newspaper cartoonist Wil Mitchell<br />
at the welcome home reception. Photo: LAC Benjamin Evans<br />
BIG HAND: Above, from left, CDF ACM Angus Houston, US Ambassador<br />
to Australia Jeffrey Bleich, Secretary <strong>of</strong> <strong>Defence</strong> Dr Ian Watt, and DCAF<br />
AVM Ge<strong>of</strong>f Brown head the Australian/US welcome home party.<br />
Photo: LACW Tricia Wiles<br />
DAD’S BACK: Above,<br />
SQNLDR Richard<br />
Peapell is reunited with<br />
his family at Amberley.<br />
Photo: ACW Kylie Gibson<br />
Left, SGT James<br />
Russell is reunited with<br />
his daughter Annie at<br />
the ceremony.<br />
Photo: LACW Jessica Smith<br />
AIR POWER: Below,<br />
the five new aircraft<br />
near journey’s end at<br />
Amberley.<br />
Photo: SGT Rob Mitchell
18 News AIR F RCE <strong>April</strong> <strong>15</strong>, <strong>2010</strong><br />
Executives stretched<br />
to the limit at 21SQN<br />
FLGOFF Baz Bardoe<br />
THE 30th instalment <strong>of</strong> Exercise<br />
Executive Stretch, to show employers<br />
the benefits <strong>of</strong> having reservists<br />
in their organisations, has<br />
been hosted by No. 21 (City <strong>of</strong><br />
Melbourne) Squadron.<br />
More than 30 bosses from<br />
organisations as diverse as Thales,<br />
Bunnings, Suzlon Energy, and the<br />
Victoria Police, as well as local government<br />
bodies, undertook activities<br />
ranging from abseiling and water<br />
survival to marksmanship, fire fighting,<br />
leadership and problem solving.<br />
Divided into three teams named<br />
after iconic Air Force leaders<br />
(Williams, Dalton and Newton), the<br />
participants were led by a tri-service<br />
team <strong>of</strong> Navy, Army and Air<br />
Force personnel during the exercise.<br />
It provided a great opportunity for<br />
the employers to experience firsthand<br />
the invaluable skills that can<br />
be gained in the military and transferred<br />
to the civilian workplace.<br />
For many it was also a time to<br />
push the envelope, undertaking new<br />
Independent But Not Alone<br />
Enjoy the added security and companionship <strong>of</strong> like-minded<br />
people in our modern boutique over 55´s rental community.<br />
• Fresh Meals Prepared on Site<br />
• Own laundry facilities<br />
• Pets Welcome & Family Friendly<br />
• 24 Hour Emergency Call Button<br />
• Exercise in Heated Pool<br />
• Wonderfully Maintained Gardens<br />
• Live in Managers for Peace <strong>of</strong> Mind<br />
• Public Transport Close By<br />
Fleet Network Pty Ltd D/L No. 20462<br />
challenges designed to increase self<br />
esteem, personal courage and group<br />
trust. Most participants undertook<br />
the activities with enthusiasm, and a<br />
few had to overcome personal fears<br />
but the consensus was that it had<br />
been a unique opportunity.<br />
Suzlon Energy’s resident daredevil<br />
Felicity Leach set the bar high<br />
early on by taking up the challenge<br />
to abseil facing downwards.<br />
“The weekend was a wonderful<br />
way to gain insight into how reserve<br />
service can benefit groups and individuals,”<br />
she said.<br />
“It underlines the importance <strong>of</strong><br />
good planning and being able to<br />
trust team members.”<br />
Adam Gordon from Korrumburra<br />
Lime and Spreading said he freely<br />
admitted to being afraid <strong>of</strong> heights.<br />
“With the supportive and pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />
instruction I can now claim to<br />
have abseiled twice,” he said.<br />
Taranjit Sawhney from Thales<br />
also tackled the abseiling face down,<br />
but it was clear from his reaction<br />
that he had experienced the kind <strong>of</strong><br />
adrenalin rush only possible when<br />
you push outside your comfort zone.<br />
No Contract<br />
or Bonds<br />
OPEN 7 DAYS FROM 9AM TO 4PM<br />
“I would recommend it to anyone,”<br />
Mr Sawhney said. “I understand that<br />
I can now be more mission focused<br />
rather than task focused.<br />
“I was impressed by the quiet<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essionalism and leadership style<br />
<strong>of</strong> the instructors; I had expected<br />
something more regimented.”<br />
CO 21SQN SQNLDR Marcelle<br />
Mitting said 21SQN had presented<br />
a number <strong>of</strong> activities for employers<br />
and potential employers <strong>of</strong> reserve<br />
personnel during the exercise.<br />
“These activities are designed<br />
for them to experience some <strong>of</strong> the<br />
challenges faced by their employees<br />
during their military service,” he<br />
said.<br />
“A desired outcome is a greater<br />
appreciation <strong>of</strong> the reserve member’s<br />
military education and the<br />
skills they bring to the civilian<br />
workplace.<br />
“Another desired effect is to<br />
foster a favourable outlook towards<br />
reserve employees in future.<br />
“The comments made by participants<br />
throughout the weekend<br />
indicated that the activity was a success,”<br />
SQNLDR Mitting said.<br />
ROPE WORK: Left, Taranjit<br />
Sawhney from Thales (front) leads<br />
the team <strong>of</strong> Executive Stretch<br />
participants to build a bridge using<br />
heavy rope.<br />
TESTING TIME: Above, exercise<br />
participant Debra McCollum tries<br />
her nerve abseiling.<br />
Photos: SGT Dave Grant<br />
Renting<br />
Now!<br />
<strong>15</strong> ARGYLE ST, REDBANK PLAINS, BRISBANE - ENQUIRIES: (07) 3814 2600<br />
1975<strong>15</strong>8<br />
HIGH-FLYING CADETS: Current BFTS students OCDT Stephanie White,<br />
LT Erin Pederick, ASLT Samantha Gilan, PLTOFF Emily Thorvaldsson and<br />
PLTOFF Jacqueline Baird. Photo: courtesy BFTS<br />
All eyes on<br />
the prize in<br />
the skies<br />
Andrew Stackpool<br />
TWO pilot <strong>of</strong>ficers are part <strong>of</strong> the largest<br />
group <strong>of</strong> future female pilots to attend<br />
the Basic Flying Training School<br />
(BFTS) at Tamworth, NSW, and the<br />
five women also represent 25 per cent<br />
<strong>of</strong> the total course number <strong>of</strong> 20 students<br />
PLTOFFs Jacqueline Baird and<br />
Emily Thorvaldsson started putting previous<br />
flying training to good use when<br />
they recently took their first fledgling<br />
steps into a career in the skies.<br />
Along with ASLT Samantha Gilan,<br />
LT Erin Pedrick and OCDT Stephanie<br />
White, they began ADF38 basic pilots’<br />
course on February 18.<br />
PLTOFF Baird has been flying<br />
Cesna-172s since she completed Year 11<br />
in 2005.<br />
“My first experience [flying] was<br />
unreal,” PLTOFF Baird said.<br />
“To be in control <strong>of</strong> an aircraft was<br />
something I never thought I could do.”<br />
Now, she has her eyes set on a bigger<br />
aircraft; the C-17A, as well as gaining<br />
operational experience outside Australia.<br />
“I decided to enlist in the Air Force<br />
as I wanted to try something exciting<br />
that civilian aviation couldn’t quite<br />
match,” she said.<br />
“I chose Air Force specifically so I<br />
could fly transport aircraft operationally.”<br />
She is the first in her family to serve<br />
in the ADF and pursue an aviation<br />
career.<br />
She said the course was challenging,<br />
but “we haven’t started the hard work<br />
yet”.<br />
PLTOFF Thorvaldsson has set herself<br />
a wide choice <strong>of</strong> aircraft; the F/A-18, the<br />
Super Hornet or the C-17.<br />
Raised in Adelaide, she enlisted<br />
through ADFA, completing a Bachelor<br />
<strong>of</strong> Science degree. “I’ve always wanted<br />
to fly,” PLTOFF Thorvaldsson said.<br />
“The first time I went up was awesome;<br />
that’s why I chose to pursue flying<br />
as a career. The ADF is challenging<br />
and <strong>of</strong>fers me an exciting way to do it.”<br />
She said the course was going well<br />
and that her course mates were a good<br />
bunch <strong>of</strong> people.<br />
Despite their previous experience,<br />
they still have a long way to go before<br />
they become military pilots.<br />
CO BFTS WGCDR Mark Smith<br />
said the course had only just completed<br />
the six-week ground component <strong>of</strong> the<br />
course. They began flying at the end <strong>of</strong><br />
March.<br />
“They are performing very well;<br />
however, they’re only at the beginning<br />
<strong>of</strong> training and there is a long way to go<br />
yet,” WGCDR Smith said.<br />
On average they should undertake<br />
nine dual flights and go solo on their<br />
10th.<br />
“For some <strong>of</strong> them, this will be the<br />
first time in their lives,” he said.<br />
He was pleased that so many had<br />
been successful in gaining a place on the<br />
course.<br />
“It is very encouraging to see such<br />
a large percentage <strong>of</strong> females on the<br />
course,” WGCDR Smith said.<br />
On graduation, the two <strong>of</strong>ficers will<br />
post to 2 Flying Training School at<br />
RAAF Base Pearce for more advanced<br />
flying training.<br />
BFTS is responsible for all pilot basic<br />
training for the ADF. The unit, together<br />
with its contractor BAE Systems, provides<br />
basic flying training, a Flight<br />
Screening Program and a Qualified<br />
Flying Instructor (QFI) development<br />
program.<br />
Your Vehicle Salary Packaging Experts 1300 738 601
AIR F<br />
LEAD TWICE THE LIFE<br />
DMO<br />
RCE<br />
<strong>April</strong> <strong>15</strong>, <strong>2010</strong><br />
Winning<br />
in the EW<br />
world<br />
JEWOSU in the spotlight<br />
Andrew Stackpool<br />
WING Commander Pete Mitchell<br />
says the greatest challenge facing the<br />
Joint Electronic Warfare Operational<br />
Support Unit (JEWOSU) is the introduction<br />
<strong>of</strong> a significant number <strong>of</strong><br />
new ADF capabilities, all <strong>of</strong> which<br />
bring with them significant enhancements<br />
to their EW systems.<br />
“These systems are more complex<br />
and capable than anything else we’ve<br />
seen. They are integrated into the platform<br />
as a whole, not just as an add-on<br />
item,” WGCDR Mitchell says.<br />
He assumed command <strong>of</strong> JEWOSU<br />
on January 11.<br />
Based at RAAF Base Edinburgh,<br />
as part <strong>of</strong> Information Warfare Wing<br />
JEWOSU is an integral part <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Aerospace Operational Support Group.<br />
It stood up in 2002 with the amalgamation<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Air Force Electronic<br />
Warfare squadron and the Navy’s<br />
Electronic Warfare Support Section’s<br />
(RANTEWSS) Support Division.<br />
JEWOSU is a somewhat unique<br />
squadron in that it comprises Air<br />
Force, Navy, Army, APS personnel and<br />
supporting contractors.<br />
It comprises the Executive Flight,<br />
Analysis and Mission Support<br />
Flight, Countermeasures Flight, EW<br />
Systems Flight, Regulation, Quality<br />
and Training Flight and Information<br />
System Flight. It has a staff <strong>of</strong> 198.<br />
“Air Force holds the majority <strong>of</strong><br />
billets due to the greater number <strong>of</strong> Air<br />
Force systems requiring support; however,<br />
our support to Naval platforms is<br />
significant and the introduction <strong>of</strong> the<br />
[new helicopters] along with Counter-<br />
Improvised Explosive Device (IED)<br />
capabilities means the Army presence<br />
grows steadily,” WGCDR Mitchell<br />
says.<br />
The JEWOSU’s mission is to provide<br />
EW support, products and services<br />
to the three services, at home and<br />
when deployed.<br />
It also provides support to other<br />
<strong>Defence</strong> organisations, including<br />
the <strong>Defence</strong> Materiel Organisation,<br />
(DMO), <strong>Defence</strong> Science and<br />
Technology Organisation (DSTO) and<br />
<strong>Defence</strong> Intelligence Group.<br />
It maintains a close relationship<br />
with other intelligence agencies, such<br />
as RANTEWSS and the <strong>Defence</strong><br />
Signals Directorate and sister intelligence/EW<br />
agencies overseas.<br />
The unit runs two <strong>of</strong>fshore training<br />
courses and in-house training for its<br />
employees. What does JEWOSU have<br />
to <strong>of</strong>fer them as a posting choice <strong>of</strong><br />
preference?<br />
“JEWOSU is at the cutting edge <strong>of</strong><br />
the ADF’s EW capability,” WGCDR<br />
Mitchell says. “We provide opportunities<br />
for personnel to obtain in-depth<br />
knowledge <strong>of</strong> EW systems and equipment<br />
as well as being involved with<br />
development and trials <strong>of</strong> the latest<br />
electronic countermeasures and tactics.<br />
Also, Adelaide is a great place to<br />
live.”<br />
WGCDR Mitchell brings to his<br />
command a not-inconsiderable experi-<br />
TECH TESTS: Above, SGT Tony Logan and WO2 Mark<br />
Skrabal work on a system to check the EW programs on<br />
the Tiger helicopter. Photo: AC Glynn Jones<br />
Left, FLTLT Sargon Mrad uses a Baringa Laser, while<br />
CAPT Christopher Porada checks the Countermeasure<br />
Dispensing System. Photo: LACW Shannon Urie<br />
DMO MILITARY RESERVES<br />
exciting opportunities Australia wide!<br />
Exciting opportunities are available for Military Reservists in the following trades/ specialisations:<br />
» Project Managment » Logistics » Finance » Administration » Technical Trades » Engineering (mechanical & electrical) » Aircrew<br />
DEFENCE MATERIEL ORGANISATION | www.dmojobs.gov.au or call 1800 DMO JOBS (1800 366 562)<br />
ence in EW. “As a Hornet pilot I had<br />
interaction with EW systems using aircraft<br />
countermeasures, radar warning<br />
receiver and the on-board jammer,” he<br />
says.<br />
“In my previous job as capability<br />
manager for Air Combat Group,<br />
I worked closely with the Tactical<br />
Fighter Support Project Office on the<br />
operational requirements for the new<br />
capabilities for the F/A-18 through the<br />
Hornet Upgrade (HUG) 2.3 program.”<br />
JEWOSU is working with other<br />
agencies to address the challenge <strong>of</strong><br />
the new acquisitions.<br />
“The team has been involved in<br />
the acquisition process for all the new<br />
capabilities and is working closely<br />
with DMO and the Project Offices.<br />
This allowed us to start developing<br />
the appropriate level <strong>of</strong> understanding<br />
for each unique EW system and how<br />
it interacts with each new weapon system<br />
as a whole.<br />
“By building these relationships, in<br />
conjunction with those we already have<br />
with DSTO, the Force Element Groups<br />
and our coalition partners, we will be<br />
best placed to support the future EW<br />
capabilities not only for the Air Force,<br />
but the wider ADF.”<br />
Multi-tasking in EW<br />
The JEWOSU staff<br />
comprises 142 Air<br />
Force, 23 Navy, 12<br />
Army and 21 APS<br />
personnel. Eight Air<br />
Force personnel are<br />
reservists.<br />
JEWOSU runs two<br />
courses for ADF personnel.<br />
They are the<br />
EW Key Concepts<br />
and RAAF Electronic<br />
Warfare courses.<br />
Since 2008, 136 Air<br />
Force and 170 Navy/<br />
Army personnel have<br />
graduated.<br />
Between <strong>15</strong>0 and<br />
200 students are<br />
expected on 10<br />
courses to be held in<br />
<strong>2010</strong>.<br />
Approximately 30<br />
per cent <strong>of</strong> the staff<br />
deploy each year,<br />
providing EW and<br />
countermeasures<br />
support.<br />
JEWOSU uses the<br />
Ghost Bat as its<br />
badge and sponsors<br />
the Ghost Bat exhibit<br />
at the Adelaide Zoo.<br />
Feature<br />
19<br />
NET WORTH: Above, CPL Rachel Batt, a signals operator at JEWOSU,<br />
provides deployed linguist support during a recent operation.<br />
BIG CHALLENGES AHEAD: Left, JEWOSU’s new CO WGCDR Pete<br />
Mitchell (left) in the foyer <strong>of</strong> the unit with the OC <strong>of</strong> the Information<br />
Warfare Wing, WGCDR John Heinrich. Photos: LACW Shannon Urie<br />
Looking at the broader picture, with<br />
new air and naval assets and technology<br />
coming on stream, and a continuing<br />
uncertain strategic outlook, WGCDR<br />
Mitchell says there are many challenges<br />
facing the EW world in general<br />
and the JEWOSU over the next two<br />
decades.<br />
“Firstly the number and complexity<br />
<strong>of</strong> EW emitters within the region<br />
is increasing exponentially and in all<br />
domains – air, land and sea. Keeping<br />
track <strong>of</strong> these developments is a challenge<br />
in itself,” he says.<br />
“Secondly, irregular warfare and<br />
the use <strong>of</strong> remotely-detonated IEDs is<br />
a particular challenge, and EW protection<br />
in this regard is <strong>of</strong>ten very reactive.<br />
We need a networked approach<br />
to counter these threats, which will<br />
involve the use <strong>of</strong> both manned and<br />
unmanned aircraft.<br />
“With the introduction <strong>of</strong> the new<br />
platforms, our ability to collect data<br />
increases significantly – this further<br />
adds to the data processing required.<br />
“JEWOSU has the expertise and<br />
dedication to meet these challenges<br />
and looks forward to leading the support<br />
to and development <strong>of</strong> the ADFs<br />
EW capabilities.”<br />
COMPUTING POWER: ABCSOs<br />
Jaimey Strathdee, Amy Fisher and<br />
Shaun Keane work on the Naval<br />
EW library. Photo: AC Glynn Jones
Received your posting<br />
before 1 July <strong>2010</strong>?<br />
Moving before 31 August <strong>2010</strong>?<br />
You will need to talk to us as we will manage your<br />
relocation. Any postings received after 1 July <strong>2010</strong><br />
will be handled by Toll Transitions.<br />
www.dha.gov.au | 139 DHA (139 342)
AIR F<br />
RCE<br />
FINDING THE WAY: Right,<br />
10SQN’s WOFF Steve<br />
Murnik (right) explains<br />
the navigator’s station on<br />
an AP-3C to Australian<br />
Command and Staff<br />
College (ACSC) student<br />
WOFF John McMahon<br />
during a recent visit by<br />
216 personnel from ACSC<br />
to RAAF Base Amberley<br />
for a Joint Capability Tour.<br />
Photo: AC Benjamin Evans<br />
TOP GUN: Below, during<br />
the same visit, WGCDR<br />
Mark Larter (left) from<br />
the ACSC is briefed on<br />
a SR98 sniper rifle by<br />
LAC Dean Muscat from<br />
2AFDS.LAC Muscat is<br />
wearing a ‘Gillie suit’ used<br />
by snipers to camouflage<br />
themselves.<br />
Photo: ACW Rosaleen Normoyle<br />
RESUMES<br />
<br />
• <br />
• <br />
• <br />
• <br />
• <br />
• <br />
<br />
CALL<br />
1300 112 114<br />
<strong>April</strong> <strong>15</strong>, <strong>2010</strong><br />
MAX EMANUEL<br />
SOLICITOR<br />
Accredited Specialist<br />
Personal Injury Law<br />
Military Compensation<br />
Need Help? Advice?<br />
Call Max Emanuel 0418 474 306<br />
02 6257 <strong>15</strong>00<br />
www.emanuel.com.au<br />
max@emanuel.com.au<br />
EGGCITING TIME: Above, LACW<br />
Sheree Deane from the Combat<br />
Support Unit in the MEAO hops into<br />
the Easter spirit. Photo: LAC Aaron Curran<br />
CHEQUE THIS OUT: Right, 37SQN’s<br />
PLTOFF Justin Della Bosca presents<br />
Director <strong>of</strong> Inpatient Services,<br />
Hawkesbury District Health Service,<br />
Sister Kathleen Cotterill with a cheque<br />
for $250 from the 37SQN social club<br />
in front <strong>of</strong> a C-130J at RAAF Base<br />
Richmond. Photo: LAC Michael Green<br />
Ready to<br />
invest?<br />
Learn<br />
how<br />
today!<br />
BOOK NOW!<br />
To see a defence<br />
specialist in<br />
your area<br />
An experienced nancial partner helping you<br />
become nancially t, for life.<br />
For a FREE nancial tness assessment<br />
Call 1300 784 246<br />
or visit www.spect.com.au<br />
Spectrum is a Licensed Real Estate Agent, Registered Tax Agent<br />
& Accredited Mortgage Consultant.<br />
Flightline<br />
Bringing 28 years<br />
<strong>of</strong> experience to<br />
<strong>Defence</strong> personnel<br />
Australia wide to<br />
help you:<br />
Understand and utilise your<br />
<strong>Defence</strong> entitlements<br />
including DHOAS<br />
Develop, review & grow<br />
a diversi ed investment<br />
portfolio<br />
Locate properties in capital<br />
growth areas<br />
Minimise your tax<br />
Assess your loan options<br />
Best utilise your savings and<br />
fortnightly net pay<br />
Regular reviews to keep<br />
you on track<br />
Spectrum’s holistic<br />
approach to wealth<br />
creation considers:<br />
• Home ownership & Property<br />
Investments<br />
• Tax Planning<br />
• Loan Structures<br />
• <strong>Defence</strong> Entitlements<br />
• Shares & Superannuation<br />
21
22 Flightline AIR F<br />
RCE <strong>April</strong> <strong>15</strong>, <strong>2010</strong><br />
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: FSGT Trevor Jacobs<br />
(top) <strong>of</strong> 322ECSS with the plasma television being<br />
presented to the Alan Walker Cancer Care Unit in<br />
Darwin. He is currently undergoing Chemotherapy<br />
at the unit for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. During his<br />
treatment, FSGT Jacobs enlisted the help <strong>of</strong> his<br />
322ECSS colleagues to raise funds to purchase new<br />
equipment for the patients. Among those colleagues<br />
were LAC Lincoln Little and LACW Phoebe Treagus<br />
(above) who organised a coin collection at RAAF<br />
Bases Tindal and Darwin. Right, LAC Steven<br />
Richards collects a donation from FLTLT Wayne<br />
Dicks at the Tindal front gate. Photos: SGT Pete Gammie<br />
Working in <strong>Defence</strong> means<br />
36% <strong>of</strong>f petrol<br />
Ask us how!<br />
Salary packaging makes sense. You can<br />
lease a car with SmartSalary and put more<br />
in your pocket. SmartSalary’s car lease<br />
specialists will:<br />
• Source your car<br />
• Use our buying power for the best price<br />
• Handle all the paperwork<br />
• Arrange 36% discount on petrol,<br />
maintenance, rego and insurance<br />
It’s that easy and that good!<br />
Call today for an obligation-free discussion.<br />
Call us now on 1300 116 846<br />
Visit www.smartsalary.com.au<br />
FRONT LINE: Above, engineer FLTLT Rachael Webb,<br />
from the Strike Reconnaissance Systems Program Office,<br />
performs flightline maintenance on an F-111 at RAAF Base<br />
Amberley. Photo: ACW Kylie Gibson<br />
PAST AND PRESENT: Below, the Airman Aircrew’s reunion<br />
in Brisbane on March 20 provided the opportunity for<br />
36SQN’s oldest loadmaster to meet its newest. SGT Bernie<br />
Desmond graduated in 1960; SGT Shane Christall in <strong>2010</strong>,<br />
50 years after Bernie’s graduation. Photo: courtesy Colin Coyne
AIR F<br />
RCE<br />
<strong>April</strong> <strong>15</strong>, <strong>2010</strong><br />
Reserve pers<br />
branch own<br />
entity again<br />
THE Director-General Air Force Reserves (DGRES-<br />
AF) branch has stood up again as a stand-alone<br />
branch.<br />
This change to the management <strong>of</strong> Air Force<br />
Reserves took effect from March 1 and is a direct<br />
result <strong>of</strong> impacts on the Air Force Reserves cascading<br />
from the Strategic Reform Program (SRP).<br />
In 2008, DGRES-AF joined DGPERS-AF branch<br />
to facilitate the integration <strong>of</strong> permanent and reserve<br />
force personnel and management into one permanent<br />
and part-time workforce.<br />
However, the tasks associated with the SRP<br />
Reserve Stream now require further strategic adjustments<br />
to Air Force Reserve capability to make it more<br />
relevant and cost effective. Accordingly, DGRES-AF<br />
Branch has reverted back to standalone status.<br />
Under the change, DGRES-AF reports directly<br />
to DCAF and is accountable for Reserve capability<br />
policy, and the development and management <strong>of</strong> the<br />
DGRES-AF Branch.<br />
DGRES-AF will advise commanders throughout<br />
the Air Force to support the management <strong>of</strong> their<br />
Reserve capability, which will continue to be integrated<br />
into Air Force’s operational capability through the<br />
command chain under the total force concept.<br />
Also, DGRES-AF has a policy development<br />
and compliance management role for the Air Force<br />
Reserve capability, in conjunction with DGPERS-AF,<br />
which encompasses the following policy matters:<br />
the Air Force representative on the SRP Reserve<br />
Stream Steering Group;<br />
the organisation and flexible employment <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Reserve;<br />
the functionality <strong>of</strong> the Reserve, such as readiness,<br />
number, ranks and skills sets required <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Reserve;<br />
the disposition <strong>of</strong> the Reserve across the Air Force<br />
as well as other groups and divisions;<br />
the legislation and conditions <strong>of</strong> service for reservists<br />
and related policy developed in Reserve and<br />
Employer Support Division;<br />
the training <strong>of</strong> the Reserve; and<br />
the interaction <strong>of</strong> the Air Force Reserves with<br />
industry and the civilian community.<br />
Policy and development <strong>of</strong> the Reserves in these<br />
areas will be managed by DGRES-AF in close coordination<br />
and cooperation with Air Command Australia,<br />
DGPERS-AF and the Force Element Group commanders.<br />
Further information is available from Director General<br />
Reserves – Air Force GPCAPT Carl Schiller on (03) 9256<br />
3254 or carl.schiller@defence.gov.au<br />
Personnel<br />
23<br />
New look for a new age<br />
IN LINE: An<br />
aircraft brushed<br />
steel effect, a<br />
uniform dark blue<br />
colour and more<br />
prominent use <strong>of</strong><br />
the Roundel has<br />
been adopted by<br />
Air Force News<br />
to reflect the Air<br />
Force’s modern<br />
new look.<br />
Andrew Stackpool<br />
AIR FORCE News has a new look<br />
to reflect the changing face <strong>of</strong> the<br />
service.<br />
Air Force Standards and<br />
Compliance Manager Michele<br />
McGee said the changes were the<br />
result <strong>of</strong> a lengthy period <strong>of</strong> discussion<br />
and trial and error. Now,<br />
the new look better reflects the<br />
‘new age’ Air Force.<br />
“The previous blue tended to<br />
reflect the old blue/grey uniform<br />
and also gave the newspaper a<br />
dated look,” Ms McGee said.<br />
“The new look has a more<br />
contemporary feel, which better<br />
reflects the modern Air Force.<br />
“The darker blue reflects the cur-<br />
rent uniform and emulates the people<br />
who are Air Force. The steel<br />
texture reflects the aircraft, which<br />
is the whole basis <strong>of</strong> having an Air<br />
Force.”<br />
She said that the clouds have<br />
been retained but are now darker<br />
blue for a more interesting slant.<br />
These clouds will be used on<br />
feature page straps (as seen on<br />
Page 19).<br />
Also, the steel colour worked<br />
better with the red and blue <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Air Force Roundel used on the<br />
news page straps.<br />
“This, together with our Air<br />
Force branding, reflects our Air<br />
Force values and identity as a<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essional service,” Ms McGee<br />
said.<br />
She said that a modern inter-<br />
pretation <strong>of</strong> the Air Force brand is<br />
important to the organisation.<br />
“The Air Force brand is a<br />
reflection <strong>of</strong> who we are and the<br />
values that we hold as a service.<br />
This is not a revolution but an evolution<br />
to better reflect a pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />
and valued Air Force,” she<br />
said.<br />
“The brand is wider than just<br />
marketing campaigns and includes<br />
our values and behaviours; how<br />
we deliver our brand message in<br />
our internal and external communications<br />
is crucial to the image <strong>of</strong><br />
Air Force.<br />
“Air Force News has only a<br />
snapshot <strong>of</strong> our full brand but it<br />
reflects a more refined, cleaner and<br />
fresher look.<br />
“As we move further into the<br />
21st Century and look beyond, we<br />
can say that we have come <strong>of</strong> age<br />
and have evolved into a modern<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essional organisation. Our<br />
brand should reflect this,” she said.<br />
T h e n e w A i r F o r c e<br />
Headquarters Air Force Visual<br />
Identity Guidelines manual will be<br />
delivered after July this year and<br />
feature all the new elements, logos<br />
and templates for those personnel<br />
tasked to promote Air Force to<br />
stakeholders and the wider community.<br />
For further information regarding<br />
branding and how it applies to Air<br />
Force, visit http://intranet.defence.<br />
gov.au/raafweb/sites/AFHQ/comweb.<br />
asp?page=164541&Title=Air-Force-<br />
Brand
<strong>Defence</strong> Relocation<br />
Services are changing<br />
in <strong>2010</strong><br />
Effective 1 July <strong>2010</strong> Toll Transitions<br />
will be the primary contact for all<br />
ADF member and family relocations.<br />
Toll Transitions<br />
will be responsible for the co-ordination<br />
<strong>of</strong> ADF member and family relocations and<br />
relocation entitlements and allowances.<br />
ALLOWANCES<br />
UNPACKING<br />
CAR HIRE<br />
PACKING UPLIFT<br />
TEMP ACCOM<br />
Freecall 1800 819 167<br />
or visit www.tolltransitions.com.au<br />
TRAVEL<br />
VEHICLE TRANSPORT<br />
VEHICLE TRANSPORT<br />
LUGGAGE<br />
<strong>Defence</strong> Housing Australia<br />
will manage ADF member and family housing and<br />
related services.<br />
ONLINE SERVICES<br />
INVESTMENT<br />
SPECIAL NEEDS<br />
ALLOCATIONS TENANCY<br />
REDEVELOPMENT<br />
Freecall 139 DHA (139 342)<br />
or visit www.dha.gov.au<br />
CONSTRUCTION<br />
MAINTENANCE<br />
CUSTOMER SERVICE<br />
RENT ALLOWANCE
AIR F<br />
RCE<br />
<strong>April</strong> <strong>15</strong>, <strong>2010</strong><br />
Take RAAFA’s advice<br />
AIR VICE-MARSHAL Roxley<br />
McLennan (ret’d), the national<br />
president <strong>of</strong> the RAAF Association<br />
(RAAFA), has some words <strong>of</strong> advice<br />
for members thinking <strong>of</strong> leaving<br />
the Air Force.<br />
“I encourage you to seek the<br />
advice from a qualified pensions<br />
<strong>of</strong>ficer from an ex-service organisation<br />
(ESO), preferably at least six<br />
months before transitioning to civilian<br />
life.”<br />
AVM McLennan was introducing<br />
the first <strong>of</strong> a periodic column about<br />
RAAF matters that will be run in the<br />
history section <strong>of</strong> Air Force News.<br />
Major Japanese<br />
WWII defeat<br />
commemorated<br />
Past and present Air Force members joined<br />
together for the Battle <strong>of</strong> the Bismarck Sea<br />
commemoration ceremony held at RAAF<br />
Base Richmond on March 4.<br />
Photo: AC Christopher Hall<br />
22SQN pilot<br />
is mourned<br />
NUMBER 22 (City <strong>of</strong><br />
Sydney) Squadron lost its<br />
last surviving WWII pilot on<br />
February 23 when FLTLT<br />
Harold Rowell OAM (ret’d)<br />
passed away at 89.<br />
Born in Perth on December<br />
13, 1920, Harold Mitford<br />
Rowell, pictured right, enlisted in<br />
the RAAF on May 26, 1941 and<br />
eventually was posted to 22SQN<br />
in New Guinea. The squadron flew Boston aircraft.<br />
FLTLT Rowell discharged on May 5, 1945 and commenced<br />
flying with the now defunct MacRobertson<br />
Miller Airlines until he retired in 1980.<br />
He then turned his energies to community service<br />
and in 2006 received the Order <strong>of</strong> Australia Medal for<br />
service to the community through ex-service, social<br />
welfare and medical research organisations.<br />
A memorial service to him was held at Bundanoon<br />
(NSW) Uniting Church on February 26. CO 22SQN,<br />
SQNLDR Rav Singh, XO 22SQN SQNLDR Frank<br />
Galea and members <strong>of</strong> the 22SQN Association attended<br />
the service, along with the squadrons’ historian,<br />
FLGOFF (AAFC) Alan Campbell.<br />
A second memorial service to FLTLT Rowell and his<br />
deceased spouse Sylvia was held in Perth on March 11.<br />
He said that all Air Force personnel<br />
are accorded provisional membership<br />
<strong>of</strong> the association.<br />
“You may ask, ‘What is the<br />
RAAFA?’” he said.<br />
It is an ESO, similar to the Royal<br />
Australian Naval Association and the<br />
RSL; however, it has an Air Force<br />
bias. Its membership consists almost<br />
entirely <strong>of</strong> ex-RAAF personnel who<br />
wish to retain those bonds <strong>of</strong> comradeship<br />
that they experienced while<br />
serving in the service.<br />
It also assists members and<br />
former members when they are<br />
applying for compensation and/<br />
or pension entitlements under<br />
the various Legislative Acts such<br />
as the Military Rehabilitation and<br />
Compensation Act (MRCA), which<br />
currently applies to serving <strong>Defence</strong><br />
personnel.<br />
More information on the<br />
Association, its activities and the<br />
various pension and compensation<br />
Acts is available from the<br />
Association’s website at: www.raafa.<br />
org.au<br />
This article is the first in a series <strong>of</strong><br />
advice and Association news planned<br />
to be published on a periodic basis in<br />
future editions <strong>of</strong> Air Force News.<br />
Travel Insurance<br />
Wherever you’re heading on holiday, don’t forget your travel insurance. Take a look at <strong>Defence</strong> Health Travel<br />
Insurance before buying from your travel agent. We <strong>of</strong>fer a comprehensive cover at a really competitive price.<br />
We think you’ll get a better deal from <strong>Defence</strong> Health.<br />
Check us out now. Call and speak to a consultant on 1800 102 994 or visit www.defencehealth.com.au<br />
for an online quote.<br />
PROUD MEMBER:<br />
Right, State president <strong>of</strong><br />
the RAAFA Queensland<br />
Division, John Carlile,<br />
at the Air Force’s 89th<br />
birthday commemorative<br />
Service in Brisbane.<br />
Photo: LACW Jessica Smith<br />
History<br />
Your tour<br />
This information is <strong>of</strong> a general nature only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider your personal circumstances and the relevant Product Disclosure<br />
Statement in deciding whether to acquire this product. You may wish to seek independent advice. This product is underwritten by American Home Assurance Company (ABN 67 007 483 267, AFSL 230903) trading<br />
in Australia as Chartis. <strong>Defence</strong> Health receives remuneration <strong>of</strong> 20% <strong>of</strong> all premiums you pay to Chartis. The Financial Services Guide and Product Disclosure Statement may be obtained by calling 1800 102 994 or<br />
downloaded from www.defencehealth.com.au<br />
25
26 Finance<br />
AIR F<br />
RCE <strong>April</strong> <strong>15</strong>, <strong>2010</strong><br />
Driving<br />
under<br />
cover<br />
ASIC Chairman Tony D’Aloisio says look at<br />
your car insurance carefully.<br />
THE TYPE <strong>of</strong> cover you take<br />
out will affect how much<br />
you have to pay if you’re<br />
involved in an accident.<br />
So if you’re about to buy a new<br />
vehicle or if your insurance is up for<br />
renewal, shop around for the best deal.<br />
Compulsory third party<br />
Compulsory third party (CTP)<br />
insurance is the most important type <strong>of</strong><br />
car insurance. It covers death and injury<br />
to other people if you are involved<br />
in an accident. You must have CTP<br />
insurance to register your car. This is<br />
sometimes known as a green slip. Go<br />
to your state or territory roads and traffic<br />
authority website to compare quotes<br />
on CTP car insurance.<br />
Questions to ask<br />
If I crash into a luxury sports car<br />
will I be able to afford the repairs?<br />
Is my car likely to be broken into?<br />
How will I get around if my car is<br />
stolen or written <strong>of</strong>f?<br />
Choosing a policy<br />
Car insurance policies are based<br />
on either ‘agreed’ or ‘market’ value.<br />
An agreed value policy has a set dollar<br />
value for your vehicle. Market<br />
value policies value your car based on<br />
the make, model and condition. The<br />
agreed value is usually higher than the<br />
market value.<br />
When you purchase a car insurance<br />
policy you will agree to pay a<br />
premium, that is, a regular amount that<br />
covers the cost <strong>of</strong> the insurance, and<br />
you will agree to an excess, which is<br />
the initial amount you will have to<br />
pay if you make a claim on the policy.<br />
Weigh up the difference between hav-<br />
Finding it<br />
hard to help<br />
your people with<br />
financial<br />
issues?<br />
KEEP IT SAFE: Assess the risks. Make certain your pride and joy doesn’t<br />
become valueless scrap metal. Photo: SGT Andrew Hetherington<br />
ing a high premium and low excess<br />
versus paying a lower premium and<br />
having to pay a higher excess if you<br />
have an accident.<br />
Typical exclusions<br />
Make sure you understand the level<br />
<strong>of</strong> cover before signing up. All insurance<br />
policies come with ‘exclusions’.<br />
Exclusions are things not covered by<br />
your policy. Typical car insurance<br />
exclusions to watch out for include:<br />
Damage from mechanical failure,<br />
modifications, depreciation, rust<br />
and wear and tear;<br />
Lost wages if you can’t drive;<br />
Damage caused because your car<br />
was unsafe or in a race;<br />
Intentional damage;<br />
Damage caused if the driver was<br />
unlicensed, drunk or under the<br />
influence <strong>of</strong> drugs;<br />
The driver wasn’t covered by the<br />
policy.<br />
Case study<br />
LAC Smith gets into debt<br />
LAC Smith decided not to get any<br />
extra car insurance on top <strong>of</strong> his CTP<br />
because his car was old. A few months<br />
later, he hit a new sports car, which<br />
needed $10,000 worth <strong>of</strong> repairs.<br />
Because he was not insured for<br />
damage to other cars and without<br />
access to such a huge amount <strong>of</strong> cash,<br />
LAC Smith had to take out an expensive<br />
personal loan to pay <strong>of</strong>f the debt<br />
over three years.<br />
Drivers under 25<br />
The cost <strong>of</strong> insurance is determined<br />
by the level <strong>of</strong> risk your insurer is taking<br />
on.<br />
As more young drivers are involved<br />
in accidents than older drivers, most<br />
insurance companies charge a higher<br />
premium for drivers under 25.<br />
It pays to be extra vigilant with<br />
checking the details and doing all<br />
This film will help you.<br />
Watch the video or order the DVD on the website<br />
www.adfconsumer.gov.au<br />
VOLUME SIX<br />
Helping ADF<br />
members with<br />
their finances<br />
the<br />
DOs &<br />
DON’Ts<br />
VOLUME SIX<br />
ADF Financial Services Consumer Council<br />
ADF Financial Services Consumer Council<br />
WHAT YOU ARE<br />
COVERED FOR<br />
Additional types <strong>of</strong> car insurance<br />
include:<br />
CTP insurance only covers injuries<br />
or death to other people in<br />
an accident;<br />
Third party property insurance,<br />
which covers damage to other<br />
people’s property (their car or<br />
home) and your own legal costs;<br />
Third party, fire and theft insurance,<br />
which covers damage to<br />
other people’s property, and<br />
provides limited cover for damage<br />
to your own car caused by theft<br />
or fire;<br />
Comprehensive insurance, which<br />
covers damage to your own car<br />
and other people’s property if<br />
your car is in an accident (including<br />
fire) as well as theft.<br />
the appropriate paperwork and back<br />
checks before buying any vehicle.<br />
It’s wise to go to your state or territory<br />
roads and traffic authority for<br />
helpful information on what you need<br />
to do when buying a car. It’s also very<br />
important to call your insurer before<br />
you buy to find out everything they<br />
need to know about the car in order to<br />
insure you.<br />
If you’re not covered when you<br />
drive away having just bought your<br />
new vehicle and you’re involved in a<br />
crash, even if it’s not your fault, you<br />
could end up with an expensive debt<br />
and no vehicle.<br />
Visit ASIC’s consumer and investor<br />
website, FIDO at www.fido.gov.au or call<br />
1300 300 630. E-mail ASIC with topics<br />
that interest you via ADFcolumn@asic.<br />
gov.au<br />
Helping ADF members<br />
with their finances<br />
the DOs & DON’Ts
AIR F<br />
RCE<br />
RAAF WELFARE<br />
RECREATIONAL<br />
COMPANY<br />
<strong>April</strong> <strong>15</strong>, <strong>2010</strong><br />
Test yourself<br />
Is alcohol putting you at risk? Find out, says Hugh McKenzie.<br />
THE OUTPATIENT Alcohol<br />
Treatment Program (OATP)<br />
has been running since<br />
2004.<br />
It’s a four-day program run by the<br />
Directorate <strong>of</strong> Mental Health and this<br />
year has been evaluated and revised.<br />
Jennifer Harland’s background<br />
is in nursing, mental health and she<br />
has extensive experience in the drug<br />
and alcohol field. She is the National<br />
Coordinator Alcohol, Tobacco and<br />
Other Drugs Program.<br />
“You can see the change in people,”<br />
Ms Harland said. “It’s what you<br />
might call the light bulb moment or<br />
the tipping point.<br />
“During the four days, usually<br />
about the end <strong>of</strong> day two or three, you<br />
can see a change.<br />
“Some people come along feeling<br />
that they have been ‘sent’. By the end<br />
<strong>of</strong> the program they can see the value<br />
as they recognise that they do have a<br />
problem with alcohol and can change.<br />
“During the first day there is generally<br />
some resistance. By the end <strong>of</strong><br />
day two some people comment ‘Well<br />
hang on, maybe I do have an issue<br />
with alcohol’ and by the end <strong>of</strong> day<br />
four most <strong>of</strong> the evaluations that come<br />
back say: ‘I do realise that I have a<br />
problem with alcohol and I’m going<br />
to do something about it’,” she said.<br />
She considered the program a success<br />
when she heard comments like:<br />
“I wish I’d done this years ago” or “I<br />
think everyone in my unit should do<br />
this.”<br />
Marrakai Apartments<br />
Darwin<br />
2 bedroom apartment<br />
Telephone: 08 898 3711<br />
MAJ Michelle McInnes is SO2<br />
Projects in the Directorate <strong>of</strong> Mental<br />
Health and has worked as a clinician.<br />
“Many times I’ve been doing counselling<br />
one-on-one with ADF members<br />
and wished there was something<br />
like this I could have referred them to.<br />
“I think it’s a fantastic initiative<br />
because it’s a step in between those<br />
who are dependant on alcohol and<br />
require in patient care and the one-onone<br />
counselling they can get from a<br />
psychologist in the regions where they<br />
can be strapped for resources.<br />
“As part <strong>of</strong> the Mental Health<br />
Reform process we’re putting eight<br />
alcohol and drug specialists around<br />
Australia,” MAJ McInnes said.<br />
Ms Harland and MAJ McInnes are<br />
hoping to see more people attending<br />
the OATP program as they discuss<br />
their problems and seek assistance.<br />
“There is nothing quite like this<br />
program in the civilian world, so<br />
<strong>Defence</strong> members are lucky to have<br />
this level <strong>of</strong> intervention at an early<br />
stage,” Ms Harland said.<br />
The OATP objectives are to:<br />
Inform and educate participants<br />
about alcohol and other substance<br />
use and alcohol consumption;<br />
Create awareness in each individual<br />
<strong>of</strong> their alcohol consumption;<br />
Gain an awareness <strong>of</strong> the participants’<br />
alcohol use and workplace<br />
values;<br />
Assist participants to understand<br />
blood alcohol content in relation to<br />
safe drink driving practices;<br />
Explore the participants’ motivations<br />
and readiness for change;<br />
Explore the positive and negative<br />
aspects associated with engaging<br />
in risky drinking behaviours<br />
“The program was first developed<br />
by CAPT Alison Kaine and the<br />
revision has ensured that the original<br />
intent and content has been maintained,”<br />
Ms Harland said. “Some people<br />
come thinking they’re going to be<br />
lectured or hounded or talked at for<br />
four days but that’s not the case.<br />
“It’s really about each <strong>of</strong> the individual<br />
participants, it’s their course<br />
and they get an opportunity over four<br />
days to explore their own reasons for<br />
drinking,” she said.<br />
MAJ McInnes said a change in attitude<br />
became obvious in the 1980s and<br />
1990s. “There’s been a slow and gradual<br />
change in people’s attitudes in the<br />
community and that change has filtered<br />
through into the ADF.<br />
“The latest sign is the CA saying<br />
‘This is not acceptable’ he’s drawn<br />
a line in the sand. The key is getting<br />
people to realise that drinking responsibly<br />
means taking care <strong>of</strong> yourself<br />
and your mates,” she said.<br />
Read up on the ADF Mental Health<br />
Strategy at: http://intranet.defence.gov.<br />
au/dsg/sites/dmh/ or www.defence.gov.<br />
au/health/DMH/i-dmh.htm or email:<br />
DMH.mentalhealth@defence.gov.au<br />
Read SGT Andrew Hetherington’s special<br />
report on the longer live-in AREP course<br />
in the next edition.<br />
NEED A HOLIDAY?<br />
BOOK ONE OF THESE APARTMENTS<br />
CHOOSE FROM 3 LOCATIONS<br />
Ambassador Apartments<br />
Chevron Island<br />
2 or 3 bedroom apartments<br />
Telephone: 07 5531 5692<br />
Mobile: 0417 780 961<br />
Email: aambassador@bigpond.com<br />
Tuscany Apartments - Merimbula<br />
2 or 3 bedroom apartments<br />
Telephone: 02 6495 3845<br />
Email: info@tuscany.com.au<br />
HOW DO YOUR RATE?<br />
Questions 0 1 2 3 4<br />
1. How <strong>of</strong>ten do you have a drink? Never<br />
(Skip to<br />
Q9&10)<br />
2. How many drinks do you have<br />
on a typical day?<br />
3. How <strong>of</strong>ten do you have six or<br />
more drinks on one occasion?<br />
4. How <strong>of</strong>ten during the last year<br />
have you found you were not able<br />
to stop drinking once you had<br />
started?<br />
5. How <strong>of</strong>ten during the last year<br />
have you failed to do what was<br />
normally expected <strong>of</strong> you because<br />
<strong>of</strong> drinking?<br />
6. How <strong>of</strong>ten during the last year<br />
have you needed a first drink in<br />
the morning to get yourself going<br />
after a heavy drinking session?<br />
7. How <strong>of</strong>ten during the last year<br />
have you had a feeling <strong>of</strong> guilt or<br />
remorse after drinking?<br />
8. How <strong>of</strong>ten during the last year<br />
have you been unable to remember<br />
what happened the night<br />
before because <strong>of</strong> your drinking?<br />
9. Have you or someone else<br />
been injured because <strong>of</strong> your<br />
drinking?<br />
10. Has a relative, friend, doctor<br />
or other health care worker been<br />
concerned about your drinking<br />
and suggested you cut down?<br />
VACANCIES<br />
Marrakai<br />
Tuscany<br />
Ambassador<br />
LEGEND<br />
= VACANCIES<br />
= NO VACANCIES<br />
RAAF WELFARE<br />
RECREATIONAL<br />
COMPANY<br />
APRIL MAY JUNE<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Email: Info@marrakai.com.au Want more information?<br />
Check out the RAAF Recreational<br />
Welfare Company website<br />
www.raafholidays.com.au<br />
Monthly or<br />
less<br />
2 to 4 times<br />
a month<br />
2 to 3<br />
times a<br />
week<br />
27<br />
4 or more<br />
times a<br />
week<br />
1 or 2 3 or 4 5 or 6 7 to 9 10 or<br />
more<br />
Never Less than<br />
monthly<br />
Never Less than<br />
monthly<br />
Never Less than<br />
monthly<br />
Never Less than<br />
monthly<br />
Never Less than<br />
monthly<br />
Never Less than<br />
monthly<br />
No Yes, but not<br />
in the last<br />
year<br />
No Yes, but not<br />
in the last<br />
year<br />
Monthly Weekly Daily or<br />
almost<br />
daily<br />
Monthly Weekly Daily or<br />
almost<br />
daily<br />
Monthly Weekly Daily or<br />
almost<br />
daily<br />
Monthly Weekly Daily or<br />
almost<br />
daily<br />
Monthly Weekly Daily or<br />
almost<br />
daily<br />
Monthly Weekly Daily or<br />
almost<br />
daily<br />
Yes, during<br />
the<br />
last year<br />
Yes, during<br />
the<br />
last year<br />
Do not score questions 11 & 12 Total<br />
11. Do you think you presently<br />
have a problem with drinking?<br />
12. In the next three months, how<br />
difficult would you find it to cut<br />
down or stop drinking?<br />
No Probably<br />
not<br />
Very<br />
easy<br />
Health<br />
Place an X in one box that best describes your answer to each question and total your score for<br />
questions 1 to 10. See the bottom <strong>of</strong> the page for an interpretation <strong>of</strong> your score.<br />
Fairly easy Neither<br />
difficult nor<br />
easy<br />
Unsure Possibly Definitely<br />
Fairly<br />
difficult<br />
Very<br />
difficult<br />
A score <strong>of</strong> 8 or more indicates drinking in excess <strong>of</strong> low risk guidelines. Your ADF health provider<br />
can give you some information and support to help you cut down to a less risky amount. Navy<br />
members can also see their ADPA or contact their local ADPC for further assistance.
A MilHOP, SKIP<br />
AND A JUMP<br />
TO A BETTER<br />
HEALTH FUTURE<br />
For a better health service for you and your ADF<br />
teammates, participate in the MilHOP survey.<br />
milhop@cmvh.org.au<br />
cmvh.org.au/milhop<br />
1800 886 567
AIR F<br />
RCE<br />
WITH not-out scores <strong>of</strong> 66 and<br />
70 and a spell <strong>of</strong> second-innings<br />
bowling that reaped four wickets<br />
for 20 runs <strong>of</strong>f 11 overs, CPL<br />
Matt Monaghan certainly led from<br />
the front when the RAAF Base<br />
Richmond Cricket Club (RRCC)<br />
won the Hawkesbury District<br />
Cricket Association (HDCA) second-grade<br />
grand final on March 28.<br />
CPL Monaghan was rightly awarded<br />
the umpires’ Bradman Medal for<br />
his outstanding game, which helped<br />
guide the RRCC to an outright eightwicket<br />
win against civilian team<br />
Windsor at Bensons Lane 2nd Main<br />
Cricket Oval.<br />
This was the first major win by<br />
the RRCC since its rebirth within the<br />
HDCA two years ago. Last season,<br />
two teams made the finals but fell just<br />
short <strong>of</strong> going on.<br />
RRCC progressed to the grand<br />
final by finishing the roster season<br />
as minor premier and then beating<br />
Wilberforce by 11 runs in its semifinal.<br />
Before someone claims that CPL<br />
Monaghan could do no wrong in the<br />
grand final, consider this.<br />
CPL Monaghan did lose something.<br />
As captain <strong>of</strong> the team, he lost the<br />
coin toss and Windsor decided to bat<br />
<strong>April</strong> <strong>15</strong>, <strong>2010</strong> Sp rt<br />
Batsman,<br />
bowler,<br />
winner<br />
1CCS topples<br />
37SQN<br />
TWO <strong>of</strong> the busiest units<br />
at RAAF Base Richmond<br />
found time to set aside<br />
their tools and ‘wield the<br />
willows’ on the cricket<br />
pitch on February 25.<br />
No. 1 Combat<br />
Communications<br />
Squadron (1CCS) beat<br />
37SQN after facing<br />
<strong>of</strong>f on the Richmond<br />
Oval. LAC James Clews<br />
(37SQN) won the toss,<br />
opting to bowl. 1CCS<br />
posted 133, and in reply,<br />
37SQN was out for 105.<br />
first in the two-day match on a hard,<br />
even wicket with just a touch <strong>of</strong> green<br />
grass on top.<br />
Windsor looked in a commanding<br />
position before LAC Matthew Lloyd<br />
came on late in the innings (3 for 12)<br />
with help from FSGT Stephen Wynne<br />
(3 for 17). Windsor was all out for 147.<br />
TAKE THAT:<br />
Above, a magpie<br />
watches as CPL<br />
Jimmy Watters<br />
goes on the attack.<br />
AND THAT: Left,<br />
the star <strong>of</strong> the<br />
show, CPL Matt<br />
Monaghan.<br />
After an early wicket the RRCC<br />
team stabilised to be 1 for 45 before<br />
CPL James Watters (21) was dismissed.<br />
This led to wickets falling on a<br />
regular basis and the team slumped<br />
to 8 for 121 before No 10 batsman<br />
CPL Michael Douglas (21) helped<br />
WELL DONE:<br />
The victorious<br />
1CCS<br />
players have<br />
something to<br />
celebrate after<br />
beating 37SQN<br />
at RAAF Base<br />
Richmond.<br />
Photos: AC Philip<br />
Sharpe<br />
MOMENT OF IMPACT: LAC Rob Sutterby, <strong>of</strong> 37SQN, connects with the ball.<br />
CPL Monaghan (66 not out) steer the<br />
side to a first innings lead <strong>of</strong> just eight<br />
runs.<br />
With an entire day’s play left,<br />
Windsor attempted to set RRCC a second<br />
innings run chase, but lost their<br />
last eight wickets for a modest 31 to<br />
be all out for 102.<br />
CPL Monaghan again led from<br />
the front (4 for 20 <strong>of</strong>f 11 overs).<br />
PTE Jarrod Thomson and FLGOFF<br />
Benjamin Gierke <strong>of</strong>fered great support<br />
from the other end.<br />
RRCC made short work <strong>of</strong> the 95<br />
run chase.<br />
It lost an early wicket before SGT<br />
Ian Smith (19) and CPL Monaghan<br />
(70 not out) put on a partnership <strong>of</strong>f<br />
76 runs before SGT Smith played on<br />
with the win in sight.<br />
HONOUR ROLL OF<br />
OUR PLAYERS<br />
29<br />
1. CPL Matt Monaghan (C) (1CCS)<br />
2. CPL Jimmy Watters (VC) (1CCS)<br />
3. FSGT Stephen Wynne (37SQN)<br />
4. PTE Brock Gibson (176SQN)<br />
5. LAC Matthew Lloyd (1CCS)<br />
6. PTE Jarod Thomson (176SQN)<br />
7. LAC Barry Petersen (325ECCS)<br />
8. LAC Phil Hanley (325ECCS)<br />
9. FLGOFF Ben Gierke (1CCS)<br />
10. CPL Michael Douglas (37SQN)<br />
11. SGT Ian Smith (285SQN)<br />
12. PTE Dougie Linnett (176SQN)<br />
Tracking the<br />
Grand Prix<br />
An F/A-18 starts<br />
a flyover <strong>of</strong><br />
the Australian<br />
Formula 1 Grand<br />
Prix Circuit during<br />
an aerial display<br />
on March 27.<br />
Inset, the RAAF<br />
Roulettes fly in<br />
formation with<br />
a Qantas A380<br />
around Port Phillip<br />
Bay during the<br />
race. The Hornet<br />
and Roulettes<br />
were part <strong>of</strong> the<br />
ADF display at<br />
the Grand Prix<br />
at Albert Park,<br />
Melbourne.<br />
Photos: ABIS Andrew<br />
Black and CPL Steve<br />
Duncan
30 Sp rt<br />
AIR F RCE <strong>April</strong> <strong>15</strong>, <strong>2010</strong><br />
Footy<br />
stars’<br />
Anzac<br />
messages<br />
EIGHTY-EIGHT <strong>of</strong> Australia’s best<br />
AFL footballers have written heartfelt<br />
messages on guernseys destined to be<br />
worn by ADF personnel in the Middle<br />
East Area <strong>of</strong> Operations, the Solomon<br />
Islands and East Timor.<br />
Along with six Sherrin footballs,<br />
the guernseys are gifts from the<br />
Australian Football League to the<br />
ADF to help promote the Telstra<br />
‘Message to the Troops’ on Anzac<br />
Day.<br />
Outside <strong>of</strong> AFL grand final day,<br />
Anzac Day is the biggest occasion<br />
on the AFL calendar, with AFL<br />
clubs, players and fans embracing the<br />
opportunity to show their respect and<br />
appreciation to Australian servicemen<br />
and women who have served or are<br />
currently on active service overseas.<br />
The guernseys come from four<br />
teams who are scheduled to play<br />
games on Anzac Day – Richmond and<br />
Fremantle, which will play at Subiaco<br />
Oval, and Essendon and Collingwood<br />
which will play at the Melbourne<br />
Cricket Ground.<br />
ADF personnel will be<br />
photographed in the guernseys for<br />
footage to be used promoting the<br />
Message to the Troops in the week<br />
leading up to <strong>April</strong> 25.<br />
ADF representatives from the<br />
Army, Navy and Air Force were given<br />
VIP treatment when they attended the<br />
guernsey-signing day by Richmond at<br />
Punt Rd Oval last month.<br />
Air Force was represented by<br />
SQNLDR Tim Stacey, <strong>of</strong> Victoria<br />
Barracks, who can <strong>of</strong>fer a first-hand<br />
perspective on how well received the<br />
guernseys will be.<br />
He was deployed on Operation<br />
Slipper for six months, returning in<br />
January this year.<br />
“I know how much mail means to<br />
you while deployed. I have no doubt<br />
that the players jumpers and footballs<br />
will be warmly received,” he said.<br />
Pup Elliott<br />
HISTORY remembers great battles,<br />
epic challenges and even sporting<br />
events by location rather than the<br />
units or participants. So, too, will<br />
the weekend <strong>of</strong> March 27 and 28 be<br />
remembered not for those who competed<br />
but the terrain itself, Sparrow<br />
Hill.<br />
On an unexpectedly warm autumn<br />
weekend day in Canberra, ADF members<br />
rode alongside more than 3600<br />
other mountain bikers in the Mont<br />
24-hour race.<br />
This year the race was cut down to<br />
23 hours because at noon on Saturday,<br />
the usual start time, the field, includ-<br />
OLD HAND: Essendon veteran<br />
defender Dustin Fletcher.<br />
Photo: Cameron L’Estrange<br />
He said he had a great visit to Punt<br />
Rd Oval. “Thanks has to go to the<br />
AFL clubs for their support,” he said.<br />
“It’s initiatives like these that<br />
reinforce the level <strong>of</strong> respect there is<br />
for the ADF.<br />
“Many lives <strong>of</strong> people gone before<br />
us were sacrificed for the greater<br />
good, and Anzac Day is a time for<br />
reflecting on this.<br />
“It’s also a time for reflecting on<br />
the efforts <strong>of</strong> those men and women<br />
<strong>of</strong> the ADF that continue to serve on<br />
operations.”<br />
The 22 Essendon and 22<br />
Collingwood guernseys and<br />
two footballs are destined for the<br />
Middle East; 11 Richmond guernseys<br />
and 11 Fremantle guernseys and<br />
two balls will go to East Timor;<br />
and 11 Richmond guernseys and 11<br />
Fremantle guernseys and two balls<br />
will go to the Solomons.<br />
ing the <strong>Defence</strong> riders, instead<br />
did a short lap in tribute to James<br />
Williamson who died while competing<br />
at the Cape Epic in South Africa<br />
during the week leading up to the<br />
Mont.<br />
Williamson, a former Australian<br />
and world champion, was a regular<br />
participant at 24-hour events and was<br />
part <strong>of</strong> the four-man team which won<br />
the Scott 24-hour last year.<br />
For the next 23 hours, the riders<br />
threw themselves around a 19km single<br />
track course at speeds that would<br />
make some road cyclists cringe in<br />
fear.<br />
So what is single track riding?<br />
Imagine riding a bicycle through<br />
OFF THE MARK: SQNLDR Tim Stacey finds himself out <strong>of</strong> position<br />
in a marking duel with PO Adam Bamford, Richmond player Daniel<br />
Jackson and SGT Daniel van Emmerik. Photo: Foto Group<br />
Circular Quay on a Saturday morning,<br />
all the obstacles you could imagine<br />
with prams, joggers, dogs and packages<br />
conflicting with the direction you<br />
want to proceed. Now replace these<br />
objects with immovable items such as<br />
trees, rocks and a creek or two. Place<br />
these immovable objects randomly on<br />
a hillside, both up and down slopes,<br />
and then draw a Mr Squiggle path<br />
through it all randomly. At times you<br />
have covert native animals hurl pine<br />
cones and rocks in your path just to<br />
aid in obstructing passage.<br />
CPL Jarrod Hughes led the race for<br />
a short period at the Le Mans sprint<br />
start. He came ninth in the fastest male<br />
day laps, with a time <strong>of</strong> 45min 48sec,<br />
and 19th in the fastest male night laps in<br />
53min 9sec.<br />
His team, the Ghostriders, which<br />
included CPL Ryan Morgan, came<br />
second in the foursomes – open male,<br />
and placed fourth overall.<br />
Other Air Force participants included<br />
SQNLDR Tim Floyd, SQNLDR<br />
Richard Wolf, SQNLDR David Smyth,<br />
SQNLDR Greg Foord who rode for<br />
the My Camelback team; SQNLDR<br />
Cameron Leslie, FLGOFF Michael<br />
Olsen, SQNLDR Gordon Saunders who<br />
rode for the Inglorious Bustups team;<br />
and FLTLT Shane Taylor who was part<br />
<strong>of</strong> a Merida ACT four-person mixed<br />
team which won its category, came 21st<br />
outright.<br />
DOING THEM PROUD: SQNLDR<br />
Tim Stacey with one <strong>of</strong> the<br />
guernseys and Richmond players,<br />
from left, Trent Cotchin, Brett<br />
Deledio and Daniel Jackson.<br />
Photo: Foto Group<br />
Hawks full <strong>of</strong><br />
anticipation<br />
THE Air Force Hawks aim to give<br />
Navy and Army rivals a run for their<br />
money at the Australian Services Australian<br />
Football Association (ASAFA)<br />
Championships in Melbourne.<br />
The championships are due to start<br />
on <strong>April</strong> 14 at Whitten Oval.<br />
Navy dominated last year, winning<br />
both the Jim Smail Trophy for men and<br />
the Ge<strong>of</strong>f Ledger Cup for women.<br />
The president <strong>of</strong> the Air Force<br />
Football Club, FLTLT Justin Taylor,<br />
drew confidence from the Hawks’ win<br />
in the Kapooka 12s recently.<br />
“I am excited with the new talent<br />
available this year,” he said.<br />
The titles are the centrepiece <strong>of</strong> the<br />
ASAFA calendar.<br />
A championship dinner and awards<br />
ceremony will be held on <strong>April</strong> 18,<br />
when the respective men’s and women’s<br />
All-Stars’ teams will be named.<br />
The men’s team will play against the<br />
Australian Combined Emergency Services<br />
(ACES) team in a curtain-raiser to the Port<br />
Adelaide-St Kilda AFL match at Adelaide<br />
Oval on the Anzac weekend.<br />
Mountain-bikers roll up for the battle <strong>of</strong> Sparrow Hill<br />
LEADING LIGHT: CPL Jarrod<br />
Hughes in action.
AIR F RCE <strong>April</strong> <strong>15</strong>, <strong>2010</strong><br />
Sp<br />
Happy to be home<br />
The Red Bull Air Race World<br />
Championship moves to Perth<br />
on <strong>April</strong> 17 and 18, which<br />
means that one <strong>of</strong> the Air<br />
Force’s favourite sons, former<br />
WGCDR Matt Hall, will be back<br />
in our air space. And he says<br />
he’s excited at the prospect.<br />
The <strong>2010</strong> Red Bull Air Race<br />
recently kicked <strong>of</strong>f in Abu<br />
Dhabi, with a disappointing<br />
result for me.<br />
After spending the week getting<br />
faster and faster with the aircraft, and<br />
several times setting a time within<br />
the top three, we were forced out on<br />
race day due to mechanical problems,<br />
specifically being unable to start the<br />
engine.<br />
This event alone jolted me back to<br />
my past, when I sat in an F/A-18 on<br />
the ramp, trying to get it serviceable<br />
… failing an FCS BIT multiple times,<br />
the INS not kicking in on start, and<br />
Inlet Ice caution on a rainy day. The<br />
difference was that in the Air Force<br />
we were almost always able to solve<br />
the problem on the spot, or at least<br />
‘jump the spare’ and complete a successful<br />
mission.<br />
To miss a race was the most devastating<br />
‘abort’ I have ever faced.<br />
There were also some pretty good<br />
memories brought back during this<br />
race, though.<br />
While I was in the Air Force, I<br />
was fortunate enough to be sent on an<br />
exchange program to the US flying<br />
the F-<strong>15</strong>E Strike Eagle.<br />
During my tour, I ended up being<br />
deployed to the Middle East with the<br />
336 Fighter Squadron (336FS), for<br />
Operation Iraqi Freedom.<br />
While in Abu Dhabi, which was<br />
itself quite geographically close to the<br />
base I was deployed to on that operation,<br />
I received an email from a sec-<br />
Who me? Our new ironman gets<br />
a shock in triathlon marquee<br />
From Back Page<br />
It has been a stellar year for FLTLT<br />
Withers, <strong>of</strong> the Airborne Early Warning<br />
and Control Systems Program Office<br />
at RAAF Base Williamtown.<br />
In February, he finished second in<br />
the ADF long-course championships<br />
at Huskisson, NSW.<br />
And on March 21, he finished third<br />
in the ADSTA section <strong>of</strong> the Olympic<br />
Distance Triathlon held in association<br />
with the Newcastle Triathlon.<br />
That Newcastle race was certainly<br />
a landmark event for Air Force veterans.<br />
It was FSGT Craig Hardwicke’s<br />
<strong>15</strong>0th triathlon.<br />
FSGT Hardwicke, 52, placed seventh<br />
in the 50-54 age group and completed<br />
the race – which incorporated<br />
a 1.5km swim, 40km bike ride and<br />
10km run – in 2hr 56min 52sec.<br />
Afterwards, he said he’s not finished<br />
yet, either. He now has his sights<br />
set on 200 triathlons.<br />
“Newcastle was my <strong>15</strong>0th triathlon,”<br />
he said.<br />
Fleet Network Pty Ltd D/L No. 20462<br />
ond lieutenant in the 336, informing<br />
me that the squadron was nearby and<br />
wanted to drop in to say hello.<br />
As it turned out, the commander <strong>of</strong><br />
the squadron was a mate <strong>of</strong> mine who<br />
was on my instructor course.<br />
The result was 30 fighter pilots<br />
turning up to my hangar the day<br />
before race day, and talking about the<br />
transition from flying fighters to race<br />
planes. After a few photos, and a couple<br />
<strong>of</strong> stickers ‘zapped’ on my cowl,<br />
JUST<br />
KEEP<br />
GOING:<br />
SGT John<br />
Caples in<br />
the cycle<br />
leg <strong>of</strong> the<br />
triathlon.<br />
“I began in 1987 and have completed<br />
at least one triathlon every year<br />
since then. I plan on competing until I<br />
can no longer swim/bike/run.”<br />
FLTLT Withers isn’t finished yet<br />
either – though just quietly he was<br />
contemplating retiring on top.<br />
His aim before the race was to<br />
record a time that qualified him for the<br />
famous Hawaiian Ironman later this<br />
year, but he fell nine minutes short.<br />
For the record, FLTLT Withers did<br />
we said farewell and who knows when<br />
we shall catch up again.<br />
So, moving to Perth. I am excited<br />
by the prospects <strong>of</strong> a home race, and<br />
the location <strong>of</strong> Perth is exciting. It is<br />
where I graduated from pilots’ course<br />
18 years ago, and started flying jets;<br />
the Macchi then.<br />
I am excited by the support I have<br />
been getting from the ADF, and specifically<br />
the Air Force, and know that<br />
there will be a great number <strong>of</strong> friends<br />
catch sight <strong>of</strong> Tony Abbott, but only<br />
early on.<br />
He finished way, way ahead <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Opposition Leader, finishing 169th<br />
overall, which made him 14th overall<br />
in the 45 to 49 years section.<br />
The winner <strong>of</strong> the Huskisson event,<br />
SGT Craig Ewen-Crawford, was<br />
one <strong>of</strong> the pre-race favourites again<br />
at Newcastle but he had some major<br />
mechanical problems on the bike and<br />
finished in the back pack.<br />
FLTLT Withers, known for his<br />
strong bike leg, finished with a wellpaced<br />
run.<br />
Another notable performer for Air<br />
Force was SQNLDR Julian Weller<br />
who took out the second-fastest 1.5km<br />
swim <strong>of</strong> the day in 21min 41sec. He<br />
finished the race in 2hr 53min 11sec.<br />
SGT Ewen-Crawford completed<br />
the Ironman in 10hr 50min 34sec,<br />
299th overall.<br />
and associates on the ground watching<br />
and cheering me on.<br />
With RAAF Base Pearce just up<br />
the road, there is a large mobile fan<br />
base just waiting to turn up, hopefully.<br />
I am also expecting the opportunity<br />
to catch up with a lot <strong>of</strong> my old<br />
friends whom I have not seen for<br />
a number <strong>of</strong> years, just like in Abu<br />
Dhabi.<br />
The one remarkable thing about<br />
the ADF, is your old friends are<br />
Sp rt<br />
Your Vehicle Salary Packaging Experts 1300 738 601<br />
31<br />
ON HIS WAY: Left,<br />
Matt Hill soars above<br />
the Emirates Palace<br />
hotel and the Etihad<br />
Towers during the<br />
Abu Dhabi Red Bull<br />
Air Race fly in and<br />
calibration day on<br />
March 23.<br />
Photo: Mike Hewitt/Getty<br />
Images<br />
OLD FRIENDS:<br />
Below, Matt catches<br />
up with some <strong>of</strong> the<br />
US pilots.<br />
Photo: Hamish Blair/Getty<br />
Images<br />
always there, even if you have not<br />
seen or talked to them for years.<br />
So, if you are around, come to the<br />
race track and watch, cheer, bring<br />
an Aussie flag. I am proud to be<br />
Australian, and very proud to be a<br />
retired ADF and Air Force member.<br />
If you can’t get to the Perth race, follow<br />
me on my website: www.matthallracing.<br />
com or on Facebook. I will try my best to<br />
do you all proud.<br />
For more information,visit the ADSTA<br />
website: http://intranet.defence.gov.<br />
au/raafweb/sites/ADSTA/comweb.<br />
asp?page=104629 BIG EFFORT: SQNLDR Julian Weller. Photos: LACW Amy Trebilco
SP S RT<br />
<strong>April</strong> <strong>15</strong>, <strong>2010</strong><br />
CPL<br />
He didn’t even know he had won the ADF title until<br />
he was called to the stage in front <strong>of</strong> 3000 people<br />
STILL FULL<br />
OF PUFF:<br />
FSGT Craig<br />
Hardwicke,<br />
contesting<br />
his <strong>15</strong>0th<br />
triathlon,<br />
grits his<br />
teeth on a<br />
steep climb<br />
at Newcastle.<br />
Photo: LACW<br />
Katharine<br />
Pearson<br />
Matt Monaghan stars in cricket win – Page 29<br />
Our very<br />
own<br />
ironman<br />
AND THE WINNER IS: FLTLT Terry<br />
Withers who put in his usual big effort on<br />
the cycle leg. Photo: LACW Amy Trebilco<br />
AFL players’<br />
messages<br />
to ADF<br />
personnel<br />
overseas<br />
John Martin and AB Michael Baruch<br />
Page 30<br />
IN HIS 20th year as a <strong>Defence</strong> triathlete,<br />
FLTLT Terry Withers has become<br />
<strong>Defence</strong>’s ironman champion.<br />
To his own surprise, he was crowned<br />
the Australian <strong>Defence</strong> Sports Triathlon<br />
Association (ADSTA) champion at Port<br />
Macquarie on March 29 – more than a day<br />
after completing the gruelling event, which<br />
includes a 3.8km swim, a 180km bike ride<br />
and a 42.2km run.<br />
FLTLT Withers, 45, was one<br />
<strong>of</strong> 3000 people assembled in a<br />
giant marquee for the awards<br />
ceremony the night after the<br />
event, which had a wider<br />
media focus this year due to<br />
the much-heralded presence <strong>of</strong><br />
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott<br />
among the colour, movement<br />
and confusion <strong>of</strong> more than<br />
<strong>15</strong>00 entrants.<br />
FLTLT Withers had been<br />
pleased with his time – 10hrs<br />
22mins – which was nine seconds<br />
faster than his last ironman<br />
triathlon attempt 10 years<br />
ago.<br />
“I was expecting a second<br />
or perhaps third,” he said.<br />
So imagine his surprise<br />
when he was called to the<br />
stage to accept first place.<br />
Continued Page 31