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AIRF RCEVol. 60, No. 14, August 9, 2018 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force
Pitching in for exercise Pages 2-3
BACK IN BLACK
Two of our F/A-18A Hornets taxi to the lines as an F-16D from the Singapore Air Force lands after a mission during Exercise Pitch Black.Photo: CPL David Gibbs
Meet our Chief of Joint Operations
Page 4 Pages 10-11
Epic flight marks 75th anniversary
EDITORIALDirectorDavid Edlington
EditorLawrence Dutrieux: (02) 6266 7612
ReportersSGT Max BreeSGT Mark DoranCPL Bill SolomouCPL Sebastian BeurichCPL Julia WhitwellPTE Renee Breeze
[email protected] Editor, Air Force News, R1-GF-C037, PO Box 7909, Department of Defence, ACT 2600
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2 August 9, 2018RCEAIR FExercise Pitch Black
FLGOFF Belinda Scott
EXERCISE Virtual Pitch Black took virtual train-ing to a new level for Air Force even before the live exercise launched.
Virtual Pitch Black was conceived as a work-up to Exercise Pitch Black.
The main training audiences came from No. 41 Wing, which provided ground-based command and control of air assets; No. 2 Squadron, which provided airborne command and control with its E-7A Virtual Wedgetail; and No. 37 Squadron, operating in the low-level tactical environment using its C-130J full-motion cockpit simulator.
Exercise Director WGCDR Mick Tully said Virtual Pitch Black provided training opportunities and exposure to environments for the aircrew and operators.
“A highly experienced team was contracted through MilSkil in order to develop a set of sce-narios that would adequately prepare the train-ing audience for the live Pitch Black exercise,” WGCDR Tully said.
“This MilSkil team filled key white-force roles to ensure maximum realism for briefing, planning and execution. The exercise was able to fully meet intent.”
The virtual exercise was enabled by Air Warfare Centre – Distributed Training Centre (AWC-DTC) at RAAF Base Williamtown, and used a system developed by the Defence Science and Technology Group.
Simulator sites across Air Force are networked using the Defence Training and Experimentation Network, with the AWC-DTC enabling exercise control as well as blue and red force injects.
Beyond the ability to connect remote simula-tors for mission execution, Virtual Pitch Black ena-bled air battle managers, ground and air, to active-ly plan with fighter aircraft and C-130J Hercules aircrew.
C-130J Hercules Lead Planner FLTLT Chris Bennie said it was a perfect introduction for junior C-130 crews.
“Scenarios facilitated the airlift role nicely
THE Air Force Rock Band marked its first ever Northern Territory performances during community engagement activities in the lead up to Exercise Pitch Black.
It took to the stage at the Royal Darwin show on July 27 and performed for the community at Batchelor, south of Darwin, on July 30.
RAAF Band XO and Music Director FLTLT Daniel Phillips said he and the band members saw the performances as an opportunity to give back to the people of the Northern Territory.
“The support of the local community here in the Northern Territory is so important to the con-duct of Exercise Pitch Black and Air Force in general,” he said.
“We were really excited to come along and offer up some rock ’n’ roll as a small thank you.”
The new eight-member itera-tion of the RAAF Rock Band was only fully formed recently when the final member, female vocalist ACW Samantha Morley, joined the band.
FLTLT Philips said the group has gone from strength to strength since then.
“They’ve really been under the pump to get their two set lists up and running in time,” FLTLT Phillips said.
“It’s been really impressive to see them go from zero to 100 to bring this fantastic professional show together.
“We love coming up to the Northern Territory. The people are so welcoming and friendly.”
Meanwhile, the Air Force bal-loon completed a two-week tour of the Northern Territory in support of Exercise Pitch Black community engagement activities.
In that time, more than 1000 people flew in the balloon, includ-ing 300 passengers for tethered flights at the Royal Darwin Show.
Balloon Flight Commander SQNLDR Sam Wright said the team of six personnel had enjoyed engaging with the community and seeing the Top End from an elevated perspective.
“We visited schools in Darwin, Batchelor and Katherine and engaged with school students and the community to highlight the exercise and promote a positive image of Air Force,” SQNLDR Wright said.
“The response from the commu-nity was exceptional.
“Our school trip to the Nightcliff Primary School was the biggest day of walkthroughs we have ever had, with 650 school students taking a close look at the balloon.”
Results are real
and allowed crews the opportunity to practise establishing contracts with the offensive counter air, strike and command and control packages,” FLTLT Bennie said.
The AWC-DTC will continue to expand the networked virtual capabilities for Air Force, with these types of exercises becoming more and more common.
The intent of the AWC-DTC is to provide a standing capability within Air Force to conduct distributed training in the virtual environment on demand.
“We are merging simulators that have existed
separately, but not together as one. We are creating a training system that is integrated and enables a level of complexity, density, scale and fidelity that can work for all,” WGCDR Tully said.
“Live, virtual and constructive activities allow Air Force to integrate and exercise our advanced capabilities and tactics in a safe and secure envi-ronment without the necessity and cost of getting them airborne.
“Exercises like Virtual Pitch Black demon-strate the value of virtual training while enabling the continual development and expansion of Air Force’s distributed training capabilities.”
Top showing from band and balloon
SGT Anthony Bicknell controls a red force aircraft during Exercise Virtual Pitch Black at RAAF Base Williamtown. Photo: SGT Guy Young
The Air Force Band performs for crowds during the Royal Darwin Show. Photo: CPL David Gibbs
Crew inflate the Air Force balloon for the Royal Darwin Show just before Exercise Pitch Black. Photo: CPL Steve Duncan
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3August 9, 2018RCEAIR F Exercise Pitch Black
FLGOFF Monique Lonsdale and FLTLT Alyssa Vickridge
AERIAL refuelling and duelling have been features of our engage-ment with international partners at Exercise Pitch Black 18.
One of our KC-30As supported the long trip by French Air Force Rafale fighter aircraft to Australia, which gave the French the oppor-tunity to conduct air-to-air refuel-ling operations with the Australian tanker.
RAAF and Indian Air Force fast-jets flew together for the first time over Australian soil as they put their aircraft to the test in a series of sim-ulated dogfights.
More than 4000 military person-nel from 16 different nations are participating in Exercise Pitch Black in the Northern Territory. The exer-cise started on July 27 and continues until August 17.
This year is the largest in the exercise’s history and features an increase in international support.
Our KC-30A played a key role in helping the Rafales fly to Pitch Black for the first time.
French Air Force Detachment Commander COL Arnaud Brumetta said although it was a long journey for his team to come to Australia, they were excited to have the oppor-tunity to train in a new environment with so many different nationalities.
“Pitch Black gives our person-nel the opportunity to participate in work exchanges with the ADF, which is important for profes-sional and personal growth,” COL Brumetta said.
“We are proud of our aircraft.
Rising to the occasion
Exercise Pitch Black is the RAAF’s biennial capstone international engagement activity.
It involves more than 4000 personnel and 140 aircraft from Canada, France, New Caledonia, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Sweden, Thailand and the United States.
Forces are predominantly based at RAAF Bases Darwin and Tindal, and a forward operating base at Batchelor Aerodrome, south of Darwin.
The Batchelor Airfield com-ponent includes a field hos-pital, stability and security operations, and the C-27J operating remotely in the exercise for the first time in the Northern Territory.
FAST FACTS
The Rafales travelled a long dis-tance with over 20 hours of flying to arrive in Australia with no technical issues.”
The Indian Air Force has visited Exercise Pitch Black as part of the International Observer Group since 1998 but this year is the first time they have brought aircraft over to participate, much to the satisfaction of one of its pilots, WGCDR Ajit Krishnan.
“It was a wonderful experience to fly in formation with the RAAF
jets over the Australian coast line and I feel very blessed to have been given the opportunity,” he said.
“I saw a lot of pictures of the F/A-18A before coming to Australia, but to see it here in person both in the air and on the ground, it is a beautiful thing,
No. 77 Squadron pilot FLTLT Vincent had the honour of being among the first in the RAAF to take on the Indian Air Force’s highly manoeuvrable multi-role Su-30 Sukhois during a mission planned and executed as a dual-nation effort.
“It’s the first time I’ve ever flown against a Sukhoi and I’ve got to say it’s a pretty impressive air-craft,” FLTLT Vincent said.
“For me it was definitely an incredibly valuable learning experi-ence and it’s certainly a great mem-ory I’ll take away from the exer-cise.”
He said although it was their first time exercising together, the simi-larities between the two countries far outweighed the differences.
“We discovered through the planning phase that we both share very similar procedures and pro-cesses for planning and executing our missions,” FLTLT Vincent said.
“Of course there’s always a lan-guage or terminology barrier when working with new countries.
“But working together to over-come those barriers and build a great base of understanding is what exercises like Pitch Black are all about.”
The exercise aims to strengthen regional partnerships, improve inter-operability between nations and pro-mote regional stability.
French Air Force Rafales fly in formation with a
33SQN KC-30A en route to Australia to participate in
Exercise Pitch Black in the Northern Territory.
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Feature RCEAIR F August 9, 20184
AFTER taking the reins as operational top dog, the first Air Force CJOPS, AIRMSHL Mel Hupfeld, is
looking forward to working in a “com-plex strategic environment” for the coming four years.
His focus will be making sure the people on the ground realise the importance of their work.
“There’s not one deployed person whose work isn’t valuable to our mis-sion. I want everyone to realise how important the work they do is and how much I value it,” AIRMSHL Hupfeld said.
“Flying hasn’t been the thing that’s kept me in the system through the years. For the latter part of my career, it’s been about the people I’ve worked with and the feeling that through them I can contribute to making a differ-ence.
“Sometimes there are people who don’t realise how important their role is. But I do, and my staff know, and I want to be out there to support them as much as I need to support the overall operational outcomes for Australia’s security.”
In an uncertain world where opera-tional support has to be provided in our region and worldwide, AIRMSHL Hupfeld said the biggest challenge he, and Defence, faced was the need to be agile, responsive and ready for what-ever the government may need.
“We can plan well ahead for a number of opportunities, but things pop up all the time,” he said.
“ISIL’s rise was foreseen by few and we don’t know when or where the next natural disaster will occur.
“We want to work alongside our key partners to be ready to support and secure our region, but that takes work and effort from many more people than me.
“There are so many people we have to integrate, coordinate, understand
For a man who just wanted to fly fighters, moving back into operations as CJOPS has brought back the excitement, CPL Sebastian Beurich reports
MEET OUR
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and communicate with to deliver col-lectively what government needs.”
When he joined the Air Force AIRMSHL Hupfeld just wanted to fly and never thought he would make it to the three-star level.
“I wanted to fly fighters, then I wanted to keep flying fighters and then I thought it might be nice to be the CO of a fighter squadron,” he said.
“I didn’t stop flying until I was the Air Commander. Then I was put into a staff job in Canberra, which was a big levelling step.
“Going from a staff role back into operations has brought back all of the excitement I felt when I was fly-ing fighters. Being CJOPS is a really exciting and unique, but challenging, role.”
After being in a Canberra-based force design role for the past few years, AIRMSHL Hupfeld said meet-ing the people producing “extraordi-nary outcomes” would be the most rewarding part of his new role.
“I could lock myself in my office and spend 24 hours a day reading and signing documents, but the key to making decisions is getting out and understanding what we’re trying to do
and how we’re doing it. I recognise our people give their all to their jobs, especially while deployed, so I want to make their work not just more effec-tive, but also more efficient, so the right level of work gets done,” he said.
“It’ll make Defence a more profi-cient force, but it’ll also give people more time to achieve a good work-life balance, which everyone – including the senior leadership – needs.
“I want to get home at night and spend time with my wife and family, recharge, then come back to the office the next day to work as hard as I can. But I also want to make sure everyone else gets the same opportunity.”
Even though he has referred to himself as a “joint officer”, rather than an Air Force officer, for a while now,
AIRMSHL Hupfeld’s love of flying hasn’t dimmed over his 38-year career.
He owns a light aircraft, which is being refurbished, as well as a share in a P-51 Mustang, the aircraft that kick-started his love of fighter aircraft on a school day in his hometown of Broken Hill.
“I remember my dad came burst-ing into my classroom, which he never did, and dragged me out to the local airport to see a Mustang take off,” AIRMSHL Hupfeld said.
“Along with the Spitfire, the Mustang has always been one of my favourite aeroplanes, so when an opportunity came up to buy a share of one, I couldn’t say no.
“It’s based up in Caboolture, so I haven’t had an opportunity to fly it in
a few years, but all up I have about 70 flying hours in it.
“It’s a wonderful little aircraft – 1600 horsepower in front of you on a huge propeller is fantastic. It really is a great fighter.”
His humble origins as a country boy haven’t completely worn off as AIRMSHL Hupfeld encourages eve-ryone to “come and say g’day” if they see him out and about.
“If I’m out visiting the troops, I want the focus to be on the people, from whatever part of the organisation, who are doing wonderful, amazing, extraordinary work,” he said.
“I just happen to be there learning about what they do.”
AIRMSHL Mel Hupfeld is the first Air Force CJOPS.
Top: AIRMSHL Hupfeld talks to Air Task Group personnel in the
Middle East last month.Above: Then AIRCDRE Hupfeld
piloting a P-51 Mustang in Queensland in 2009.
Photos: Jay Cronan, POIS Andrew Dakin
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AIR Force C-17A Globemasters have delivered emergency relief supplies to Laos following a dam collapse on July 23.
More than 3000 people were displaced and up to 1000 peo-ple missing after flash flooding caused by the collapse in Laos’ Attapeu Province.
G l o b e m a s t e r s d e l ive r e d $800,000 worth of aid from the Australian Government in partner-ship with the UN, at the request of the Laotian Government.
The first flight departed RAAF Base Amberley on July 26 with tents, water containers, cooking utensils and hygiene kits.
A second flight left Amberley with tents and bed nets on July 29.
A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade crisis response team also deployed to Laos to
support coordination of assistance and recovery efforts.
Defence Minister Marise Payne said Australia’s thoughts were with the people of Laos affected by the tragedy.
Senator Payne said Australia was ready to provide further assis-tance if required.
Australia and Laos have main-tained more than 66 years of dip-lomatic ties.
The relationship is under-pinned by close people-to-people links, strong business ties and a development cooperation program of about $42 million a year.
Defence cooperation with Laos includes training positions for peacekeeping, governance and finance, English language training and support to Laos’ participation in international forums.
C-17s bring relief
Sharing to improve safetyTHE safety professionals of Air Force and Navy have shared their combined cross-force safety knowledge and experi-ences at a meeting at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia.
The No. 25 Squadron and Submarine Force safety cells covered areas such as industry information, working at heights issues and hazardous chemical manage-ment methods.
The safety teams aim to continue sharing information and establishing a positive safety culture that will flow on to their units and workplaces.
This will be achieved through ongo-ing regular meetings to further discuss common hazards and trends, suggest improvements and share solutions to improving their safety management sys-tems.
From left, LAC Joel Madelaine, SGT Tim Cahill and CPL Karly Bagley load pallets of Australian aid supplies for Laos onto a 36SQN C-17A Globemaster. Photo: CPL Jesse Kane
5August 9, 2018RCEAIR F News
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FeatureRCEAIR F August 9, 2018 7
LIFE IN THE RAAFOn true course
FLGOFF Bel Scott meets a leading aircraftwoman charting a career as an intelligence analyst
A seminar on the diversity of intelligence roles and asso-ciated travel opportunities were what caught the atten-
tion of a budding Air Force member.Although a Defence career had
been in the back of LACW Hermione Wald’s mind in her school years, the seminar shifted her focus to become an air intelligence analyst with Air Force.
LACW Wald said she wanted to do something interesting and challenging “that offered opportunities for a long-term career, working with a team and travel”.
“I applied through Defence Force Recruiting in my final year of uni-versity and have never looked back,” LACW Wald said.
“I’m working within the Air Mobility Tactical Intelligence Flight at RAAF Base Richmond.
“The job involves a lot of analytical work with most of the training around learning different thought processes, understanding red and blue capabili-ties, and learning how to brief.”
LACW Wald is posted to No. 87 Squadron, an intelligence unit at the Information Warfare Directorate with-in the Air Warfare Centre at RAAF Base Edinburgh.
She said air intelligence analysts worked in a variety of units around
Australia and performed many differ-ent jobs within the mustering.
“Collectively, our squadron enables air power and is responsible for the provision of mission intelligence for Air Force to fight and win in war,” she said.
“My role has seen me travel within Australia as well as overseas, meet and work with people from different coun-tries and trades, and be involved in a number of complex exercises. That exposure and those experiences are by far my favourite part of the job.”
Owing to the nature of their work, personnel in air intelligence analyst – operational intelligence roles are not always afforded the luxury of windows and natural light.
“It isn’t for everyone, but for those who find the lifestyle appealing they are likely to find a very rewarding career ahead,” LACW Wald said.
“Air Force is the career I’ve cho-sen. I’m hoping to continue to chase opportunities as they present them-selves.”
As for what comes next: “I’m enjoying kick-boxing, reading and spending time with my partner and my greyhound, Gunny, an ex-racer who was rescued,” LACW Wald said.
“Getting deployed would be a tick off the old bucket list.”
Air Intelligence Analyst LACW
Hermione Wald, of 87SQN, prepares a
mission brief.Photo: CPL Casey Forster
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8 August 9, 2018RCEAIR FOperations
SGT Mark Doran
FOR GPCAPT Ross Bender, deploy-ing to the Middle East on Operation Okra meant being a commander twice with the Air Task Group (ATG).
GPCAPT Bender first assumed command of the Task Unit that includ-ed the F/A-18F Super Hornet, KC-30A multirole tanker transport and E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft for four months.
He then became Commander ATG at the Combined Air Operations Centre (CAOC) for the rest of his deployment.
When he first arrived at the coali-tion air operations base as Commander of the Task Unit, the Daesh threat in Iraq was still high and the Hawija Offensive launched by the Iraqi Army had just begun.
Australia is a part of the US-led global coalition’s air campaign which provided the Iraqi Security Forces with an unmatched battlefield advantage as it restricted Daesh’s ability to operate openly, disrupted its leadership and depleted their forces and morale.
GPCAPT Bender said the ATG had supported Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve in its efforts to defeat Daesh in Iraq and Syria since 2014.
“When strike aircraft ceased opera-tions in January and the Air Task Group was restructured, I moved to the nerve centre of the air campaign, the CAOC, as Commander ATG and Senior National Representative,” he said.
Seat at the head table
“The CAOC provides the command and control of airpower throughout the US Central Command area of respon-sibility, which covers 20 nations from North East Africa across the Middle East to Central and South Asia.
“The daily air missions across the
region are all planned and executed by the CAOC and my role was to repre-sent the ADF’s air assets and opera-tional tasking in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
“I also represented Australia’s national interests for our caveats,
rules of engagement, compliance with domestic and international law, and how our ADF personnel are employed as embeds.”
To facilitate airpower operations, the CAOC relies upon the expertise of joint and coalition teams within five
divisions – Strategy, Combat Plans, Combat Operations, Air Mobility, and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance.
GPCAPT Bender said working in the largest CAOC in the world was an amazing experience.
“I witnessed how the tactical mis-sions are shaped and how strategic operations are planned and execut-ed while the coalition deals with the international complexities of the Syrian conflict,” he said.
He said the people of the ATG con-tinued to make valuable contributions to Operation Inherent Resolve.
“The men and women are up to the challenge,” he said.
“They’ve demonstrated their dedi-cation, commitment, initiative, resil-ience and innovation at all levels.”
GPCAPT Bender handed over command of the Air Task Group to GPCAPT Pete Mitchell on July 22.
GPCAPT Mitchell, who deployed with the ATG in 2015, said he looked forward to the challenge and respon-sibility of being in command on his latest deployment.
“It’s an honour and privilege to lead this Air Force team on operations, and one which has been very well led by GPCAPT Bender,” GPCAPT Mitchell said.
“I look forward to working with our men and women as one Air Force team that continues to deliver an out-standing and meaningful contribution to Operation Inherent Resolve.”
A view of the Combined Air Operations Centre in the Middle East, where GPCAPT Ross Bender served as Commander Air Task Group and Senior National Representative. Photo: supplied by USAF
THE first ADF Fitness Leaders course, hosted by No. 26 Squadron at RAAF Base Williamtown in May, attracted 23 Air Force personnel and an Army mem-ber.
CPL Amana Lewis, of No. 1 Combat Communications Squadron, received the Student of Merit Award and said she would recommend the course “to any-body interested in physical training who would like to motivate their peers”.
The next course will be at RAAF Base Amberley with dates to be advised. Expressions of interest will be advertised in unit routine instructions and details will be available from base PTIs.
9August 9, 2018RCEAIR F News
Eamon Hamilton
A MODEST graduation ceremony at RAAF Base Richmond signalled an important milestone for the No. 35 Squadron workforce.
Having completed the Loadmaster Initial Qualification (LIQ) course, CPL Adam Ware became the first locally trained C-27J loadmaster with no expe-rience on another aircraft type.
Until recently, all 35SQN LIQ courses have been largely conducted in the United States, or involved students with loadmaster experience.
CPL Ware enlisted in the Army in July 2012 as a supply coordinator and transferred to the Air Force last year.
“I developed an interest in becoming a loadmaster as I wanted a position with more responsibility and to be involved with the Air Force’s newest capability,” CPL Ware said.
“I was happy to go to any of the platforms in Air Mobility Group, but with my experience I knew my knowl-edge and skills would be well utilised for the C-27J’s role.”
Having deployed on Operations Okra, Accordion and Slipper, CPL Ware was keen to apply his experience in the new role.
“I’m looking forward to work-
ing closely with Army and Special Operations Command units, and see-ing the unit and aircraft develop as a whole,” CPL Ware said.
WOFF Shaun Segon, a loadmaster with 35SQN Training Flight, said a pre-vious Australian-based LIQ course had been conducted as a trial with three qualified loadmasters.
“Those loadmasters brought a lot of experience from other platforms they’d served on,” he said.
The LIQ course runs for about four months and two courses are conducted each year.
“It’s all completed at RAAF Base Richmond aside from trips to Amberley and an ‘around Australia’ trainer,” WOFF Segon said.
“Each student graduates as a D-category loadmaster who can con-duct airdrops of container delivery stores, night-vision goggle operations, and combat offloads of cargo,” WOFF Segon said.
CPL Ware’s graduation follows the first Australian-trained technicians at 35SQN being qualified onto the C-27J in June 2017.
From late 2017, pilots at 35SQN likewise began conducting most of their C-27J training in Australia, with several weeks on a simulator in Italy.
SGT Mark Doran
FOR LAC Isaac Sesay, the biggest challenge of deploying to the Middle East “is how much I’m missing my family”.
LAC Sesay has been working at Australia’s main air operations base in the Middle East as a communications and information system control-ler (CISCON) with the Theatre Communications Group since February.
LAC Sesay was born in Sierra Leone and the family-orientated man said six months away from home was a big commitment.
“As you can imagine, with my African herit-age, my family is huge and extremely important to me,” he said.
“My grandfather came from a family of 15 and my father from a family of seven.”
LAC Sesay moved to Australia in 2007 to join others in his family and start a fresh life.
Soccer was a huge part of his life in Sierra Leone, where he played in the premier league. But
when he moved to Australia he decided it was time to concentrate on a long-term career to support his family.
LAC Sesay said he was proud to be the first in his family to serve with the ADF.
“I’m also proud to represent Air Force, my unit – No. 1 Combat Communications Squadron – and espe-cially my family on operations,” he said.
“The work the ADF is doing in the Middle East region reminds me Australia gave me an opportunity for a new life and we are providing a similar opportunity for the people here.”
Working in the Middle East was a learning experience every day.
“I was at a stage of my CISCON career where I thought it would be hard to be surprised. But working in the deployed environment is completely different to working at RAAF Base Williamtown or being on exercises in Australia
– there are always surprises. We have to adapt quickly in this region to fix any issues and ensure we keep our systems online.
“A highlight has been the role I’ve played in mission-critical events.”
Missing his family is no surprise
Loading up a first
A COMMEMORATION service for one of Australia’s leading WWI air aces, Sir Ross Macpherson Smith, was held at North Road Cemetery in Adelaide in June. Air Force and the RAAF Association (SA) hosted the service to mark the 96th anniversary of Sir Ross’ burial, with full military honours, in 1922.
Sir Ross was one of the most highly decorated airmen of the Australian Flying Corps.
CO Air Warfare Centre AIRCDRE Joe Iervasi said: “Sir Ross Macpherson Smith and his brother, Sir Keith Macpherson Smith, were knighted for their epic endur-ance flight in a Vickers Vimy aircraft from Britain to Australia in 1919. The flight from London to Darwin is often compared to the Apollo landings on the moon.”
Sir Ross was killed in England in 1922 while testing an aircraft for an around-the-world endurance flight.
Air ace remembered
IN BRIEF
Inspiring recruitsA GROUP of Indigenous recruits visited the RAAF Wagga Aviation Heritage Centre on July 6 as part of the Indigenous Pre-Recruit Program, a six-week residential course for Indigenous men and women seeking a career with the ADF.
ACW recruit Jessica Faulkner (pic-tured below, at right, with other recruits at the museum) said she was inspired by her father to join the ADF. “He is still serving in the Army as a WO2. I decided to try a different role as I wanted to work with animals. I discovered Air Force Security and thought I’d like to work in this area.”
Motivated to train
LAC Isaac Sesay in the Middle East
with pictures of his large family.
Photo: SGT Mark Doran
CPL Adam Ware has graduated as the first domestically trained C-27J loadmaster.Photo: CPL David Gibbs
10 11RCEAIR FNo. 37 Squadron anniversary August 9, 2018
EPIC VIEW FROM ABOVE
THE call sign “Odyssey” said it all, as No. 37 Squadron celebrated its 75th anniver-sary with a formation flight,
featuring seven aircraft, over Sydney Harbour.
Established in Melbourne on July 15, 1943, the squadron started with courier missions across Australia, then to New Guinea and, soon after, to post-war Japan.
Since 1966 it has sustained almost every major Defence opera-tion around the globe, from the Pacific and South-East Asia to Africa and the Middle East.
With so much of its work con-ducted away from home, 37SQN reunited its past with its present for its 75th anniversary.
Highlights included the formation flight on July 13, and a Family Day for the squadron’s 400 workers and a reunion for about 600 people on July 14.
CO 37SQN WGCDR Matt Cooper said his first posting to the unit was in 1999, when it was being equipped with the C-130J Hercules.
“While I wasn’t in command for the vast majority of the events
throughout our squadron’s his-tory, I still feel a sense of pride and achievement for what’s come before,” WGCDR Cooper said.
“We have a rich history of provid-ing support to those who need it the most, especially during humanitarian assistance and disaster relief opera-tions.
“We also provide an operational effect to support Defence and gov-ernment objectives – especially in the Middle East – which has been a consistent output for generations.”
Many of 37SQN’s missions have required up to two aircraft to be deployed for extended periods, as has been the case with the ongoing Air Mobility Task Group in the Middle East.
“The nature of our work often requires our people to be sent away at short notice and for long periods,” WGCDR Cooper said.
“It’s a rare occasion that we’re able to have seven aircraft available to fly a formation, and it’s our oppor-tunity to say thanks to the public and our people for their support through-out our history.”
37SQN Senior Engineering
Officer SQNLDR Matt Grinham said the squadron’s technicians were keen to make the formation flight happen for the anniversary.
“To increase our chances of sup-porting a six-ship formation on July 13, we adjusted the shift structure to maximise the maintenance per-sonnel available the day before the event,” SQNLDR Grinham said.
The maintenance workforce needed to make aircraft available for formation practice flights in the days beforehand.
“All eight aircraft on strength at 37SQN were serviceable and ready before the fly-past,” SQNLDR Grinham said.
“This is a significant undertaking and reward for the hard work the guys and girls put in leading up to the event.”
37SQN Chief Instructor SQNLDR Adrian Willey said close-formation flying with a 50-tonne Hercules over Sydney was challenging.
“Every captain in the formation was a senior instructor with exten-sive close-formation experience on other aircraft types, but doing it in the C-130J was a little bit different,”
he said. “The C-130J carries much more inertia and is far less manoeu-vrable than the smaller aircraft the instructors originally trained on.”
Pilots practised formation flight in the simulator before moving into the real thing for two-ship formations, and steadily increasing the number of aircraft.
Shortly after midday on July 13 the Hercules, with 350 tonnes of aircraft and 128,000 horsepower between them, taxied to the RAAF Base Richmond runway in an “ele-phant trail”.
“On the day of the fly-over, we were able to launch a seventh air-craft as a media platform. The shots taken over the harbour were stun-ning,” SQNLDR Willey said.
“The formation of seven C-130Js was truly massive, and special clearances had to be obtained from Sydney air-traffic control to fly through the harbour and around greater Sydney.”
More on 37SQN’s milestone – Page 12
Assembling 37SQN aircraft for an ‘odyssey’ over Sydney to mark the squadron’s 75th anniversary was a
journey in itself, Eamon Hamilton writes
A formation of 37SQN Hercu-les fly over Sydney Harbour
as part of the squadron’s 75th anniversary celebrations.
Photo: CPL David Gibbs
See footage at: http://video.airforce.gov.au/play/5797#
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No. 37 Squadron anniversary RCEAIR F August 9, 201812
NO. 37 SQUADRON was established at RAAF Station Laverton near Melbourne on July 15, 1943. It later relocated to RAAF Station Essendon and provided courier and airlift ser-vices around Australia and into New Guinea/Dutch East Indies.
The squadron was disbanded in February 1948 then re-established in February 1966, when it was relocated to its present home at RAAF Base Richmond.
The squadron was initially equipped with the Lockheed Lodestar transport and later the Douglas Dakota. Since 1966 it has operated variants of the C-130 Hercules.
Among the squadron’s achievements are: 1945 – Along with Nos. 36 and 38
Squadrons, it begins flying a courier route around Australia and into Japan three times a week.
1966 – Squadron is re-established and receives its first C-130Es in August. Begins flying missions to support Australian and New Zealand forces in South Vietnam.
1972 – Brings home the Australian Army Training Team (which in August 1962 was the first Australian unit deployed to South Vietnam).
1973 – Tours the Jackson Pollock painting Blue Poles, purchased by the Australian Government, around Australia; delivers a Murray Grey stud bull to Beijing in the first landing by an RAAF aircraft in China.
1974 – Delivers the first aid flight to Darwin after Cyclone Tracy.
1975 – Joins the Air Force response to the Communist invasion of South Vietnam, including humanitarian resupply, and evacu-ation of war orphans and embassy staff from Saigon; delivers 450 tonnes of supplies to Cambodia and Laos.
1979 – Receives two Boeing 707 transport aircraft; evacuates Australian citizens from Tehran during Iranian Revolution.
1986 – Supports Pope John Paul II’s tour of Australia, with C-130Es carrying the Popemobile.
1989 – Supports Operation Immune, the Federal Government’s response to the domestic pilots’ dispute.
1998 – Conducts search and rescue mis-sions during Sydney to Hobart yacht race.
1999 – Supports UN-led Interfet follow-ing independence of Timor-Leste; C-130J Hercules brought into the squadron’s ser-vice.
2000 – C-130E retired from service. 2001 – Carries Centre for Disease Control
from Atlanta to New York City after September 11 terrorist attacks.
2002 – Joins Operation Bali Assist I. 2003 – Supports ADF in Middle East. 2004 – Responds to Boxing Day Tsunami in
Indonesia under Operation Sumatra Assist. 2005 – Responds to Nias Earthquake in
Indonesia under Operation Sumatra Assist II; aeromedical evacuation response under Operation Bali Assist II.
2006 – C-130H Hercules are brought under 37SQN as 36SQN prepares to transition to the C-17A.
2012 – C-130H retired from Air Force ser-vice.
2013 – Supports Operation Philippines Assist following Typhoon Haiyan.
2014 – Airdrops humanitarian supplies to Iraqi civilians fleeing Daesh terrorists.
2016 – Awarded Meritorious Unit Citation for 15 years of Middle East service.
Proud record of service
A C-130E, used by 37SQN in the 1960s.Photo: GNL RAAF Museum
A C-130J Hercules from 37SQN in the air near RAAF Base Richmond before the 75th anniversary fly-over in Sydney. Photo: CPL Casey Forster
LAC Daniel Lake helps Garry Gaul try out an emergency oxygen mask at the 37SQN Family Day to help celebrate the squadron’s 75th anniversary. Photo: CPL Casey Forster
Above: A 37SQN C-130H on display during an open day in 2008 as Air Force marked 50 years of operating the Hercules aircraft. Below: Two 37SQN C-130Js wait at Butterworth in Malaysia as part of Operation Sumatra Assist in 2005.
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FLTLT Stef Anderson
CONTINUING a theme of firsts for No. 92 Wing, P-8A Poseidon opera-tions staff established a combined Mobile Tactical Operations Centre (MTOC) during Exercise RIMPAC, which wound up on August 2.
They embedded within a com-bined MTOC with US Navy and Indian Navy personnel who were also operating P-8 aircraft, and members of the Canadian and New Zealand air forces.
Established in a series of tents next to the flightline, the MTOC served an operations, mission plan-ning and mission analysis role, with areas set aside for each nation to conduct pre- and post-flight plan-ning.
Engineering Officer FLTLT
Karthikeyan Durairaj said work-ing in a combined MTOC allowed Australia to share facilities and capabilities.
“While we had our own mis-sion planning equipment, we shared basic facilities like the tents and communications systems, which reduced the burden on our own per-sonnel,” he said.
“We also completely integrated the operational support functions for the Australian and US P-8s.”
The Australian complement was made up of operations staff, an engineer, communication elec-tronic technicians, and communica-tions and information systems con-trollers, as well as personnel from No. 1 Combat Communications Squadron.
US Navy LCDR Tres James,
OIC Combined Watch Floor, said the combined MTOC was success-ful and would continue on future exercises.
“The ability for us to have a sin-gle watch floor has allowed us to integrate completely between all of our crews from the US, India and Australia,” he said
“It’s been a great experience, and I think we’ve made some last-ing friendships.”
FLTLT Dura i ra j sa id the Australian personnel learnt a lot from operating with their US coun-terparts.
“RIMPAC is a good experience for our personnel,” he said
“It’s good for us to see how the US Navy and Indian Navy both work, how other aircraft all contrib-ute to joint air power.”
Shared tents lighten loads
Hawaii exercise hits the target
13August 9, 2018RCEAIR F Training
LAC Travis Philipson and SGT Jeremy Watson prepare information for dissemination inside the Mobile Tactical Operations Centre during Exercise RIMPAC.Photos: CPL Nicci Freeman
FLTLT Stef Anderson
WHEN the P-8A Poseidon fired its first Harpoon missile and two torpedoes on Exercise RIMPAC, it was a significant moment for everyone who works on the aircraft.
LAC Jake Irvine (pictured), of No. 11 Squadron, worked as an armament tech-nician on the P-8A in Hawaii during the exercise and said seeing the Harpoon hit-ting its target was a highlight.
“Often in my job we load missiles for training but don’t get to see the result. This was the first time we’d fired missiles from the P-8A, so it was a great opportu-nity,” he said.
LAC Irvine appreciated the oppor-tunity to work with foreign military and be exposed to different cultures during RIMPAC.
“It was great to meet people and see the difference, whether it be in a civilian or aircraft maintenance sense,” he said.
He also valued the chance to work with avionics technicians.
“I’ve been cross-trained in avionics, but because it’s not my background it was a challenge to keep up with the avionics team. I really enjoyed learning something different.”
LAC Irvine joined the Air Force eight years ago to “get out of my small country town and travel the world”.
“I chose armaments because I was always interested in weapons and I thought it would suit me. It’s paid off for me. I’ve lived all over Australia, done heaps of overseas trips, and working on different aircraft is challenging.”
LAC Paul McGarrigan, of 11SQN, manoeuvres a torpedo in preparation for loading on to a P-8A Poseidon during Exercise RIMPAC.
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Feature RCEAIR F August 9, 201814
SHE has identified victims of the Bali bombings, the Boxing Day tsunami, avia-tion disasters, fires and homicides, but the toughest challenge for FLTLT Dr Kirsty
Wright is giving names to fallen Australian sol-diers.
The specialist reservist, with No. 2 Expeditionary Health Squadron, is a forensic biologist with major crime experience who led Queensland’s Skeletal Remains Project, managed the National Criminal Investigation DNA Database, and assisted in the recovery and identification of Queensland boy Daniel Morcombe in 2011.
She now leads a team of forensic biology researchers who are developing world-class foren-sic methods for the ADF.
“My role within the ADF is to develop and implement DNA capability to identify victims of current conflicts and disasters,” she said.
“I have assisted in delivering an integrated forensic response that provides swift overseas deployment of a mobile mortuary.
“This can be used to help accurately identify deceased more rapidly in foreign theatres.”
FLTLT Wright’s other role is with Unrecovered War Casualties – Army (UWC-A), which investi-gates remains of Australian soldiers from historical conflicts.
“UWC-A is strongly supported by the Air Force and Navy through access to their forensic officers, and has worked jointly and collaboratively with the Air Force on recovery and identifications involving their unaccounted members. It is very much a joint effort,” she said.
FLTLT Wright said DNA could survive in bones for thousands of years, and new technology could unlock secrets once thought impossible to reveal.
“DNA passed down to a WWI soldier by their mother (mitochondrial DNA) can be used to identify them using distant maternal relatives. Likewise for paternally inherited DNA (from the Y-chromosome),” she said.
“The DNA recovered from WWI and WWII bones can reveal a person’s ancestral origins, and hair and eye colour.”
This was especially useful technology for WWII remains recovered from the Kokoda Track, where there was often no other way to tell if the soldier was Japanese or Australian.
FLTLT Wright said the ADF forensic cases were the most challenging she had encountered.
“Standard methods used for criminal cases, in many instances, can’t be used on historical military remains and DNA research targeted specifically for ADF needs is critical,” she said.
“The Australian Army Research Centre has provided wonderful support, which is allowing my research team to develop world-class methods and establishing the ADF as a leader in new DNA technology.
“There is a lot of international interest in our work, and I’m proud to be doing this on behalf of the ADF, and I’m thankful for the ongoing support that the RAAF provides.”
More information on UWC-A can be found at army.gov.au/our-work/unrecovered-war-casualties
A flight lieutenant is leading a team of forensic biologists developing world-class methods to identify remains
Giving names to fallen
FLTLT Kirsty Wright takes DNA samples from families of the Boxing Day tsunami victims in Thailand.
Above: Members of the Unrecovered War
Casualties – Army team work with locals to find
a WWII battlefield in Papua New Guinea.Right: FLTLT Kirsty
Wright, who works with the team to identify remains of soldiers.
Toll Transitions is ready to assist you.Complete your Application for Relocation (AFR) and Inventory online today. Once your AFR and Inventory are submitted you will be assigned a Toll Transitions Case Manager who will contact you to get things moving.
So go to www.tollgroup.com/movemaestro/defence to access and complete your AFR and Inventory. If you have any questions, or require assistance completing your AFR or Inventory online call Toll Transitions on 1800 819 167.
InventoryIf you have moved with Toll previously, you have the convenience of being able to access your previous Inventory of household goods and personal effects at www.tollgroup.com/movemaestro/defence and can update and edit it as required for your new move.
What is a Pre-Removals Visit (PRV)?The purpose of the PRV is to clarify all of the particular needs of your removal, such as access conditions, whether items need special attention, confirmation of the size of your move and your unpack election and to make the necessary arrangements that are required to meet your needs.
Your Toll Transitions Case Manager will let you know if a PRV is required for your relocation. If your move does require a PRV, a Toll Transitions Consultant will call you to arrange a suitable time to visit your home.
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FeatureRCEAIR F August 9, 2018 15
A WORLD-first testing capabil-ity has put Australia leaps and bounds ahead in certifying plat-forms in the latest generation of
friend-or-foe identification systems.The ADF Identification Friend or Foe
(IFF) Test Capability – Ground (AITC-G) is the first mobile containerised test unit of its kind.
It was designed as part of Project AIR90, which is upgrading IFF systems, to certify all Defence platforms, including the RBS-70 missile launcher, and Tiger and MRH-90 helicopters, in the new Mode 5 standard.
ADF IFF Technical Centre manager MAJ David Paterson said the testing unit put Australia up to eight years in front of some partner nations.
“Australia is leading the world in the integration of Mode 5 IFF across all our platforms,” MAJ Paterson said.
“The US, which devised the Mode 5 standard, does its testing on a grand scale, with hundreds of thousands of platforms. We can’t do that, so we had to manufacture our own test capability.
“Many of our regional and international partners also don’t have the ability to con-duct their own mobile testing, so they are keenly interested in using the AITC-G.”
Made up of two containers – the service and radar modules – the testing unit houses up to three staff, with its own sleeping and operations areas and power generation. It was procured through a 12-month rapid acquisition process from Australian com-pany Varley Group and Telephonics.
AIR90 IFF Test and Evaluation Manager Scott Lovell said the testing unit had attracted worldwide attention.
“The equivalent US system has a two-year lead time for bookings and provides results after six months for military plat-forms. The AITC-G has a booking lead time of four weeks, and can provide results for both civilian and military platforms in as little as half an hour,” he said.
The AITC-G is deployed to Woomera on US-led certification activities before it begins certifying of ADF platforms.
For more information, visit: drnet/DMO/ifftc/Pages/Welcome.aspx
New unit identified as a friend
AIR90 Identification Friend or Foe Test and Evaluation Manager Scott Lovell talks to ADF and civilian partners in the service module of the ADF Test Capability – Ground unit during a showcase of the system at RMC. Inset: The unit’s radar (front) and service modules. Photo: CPL Sebastian Beurich
The ADF’s innovative mobile testing system is a world leader, CPL Sebastian Beurich reports
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HistoryRCEAIR F August 9, 2018 17
Gordon Clark
NO. 78 SQUADRON, which destroyed 10 enemy aircraft in a battle known as the Big Do in WWII, celebrated its 75th anniversary in late July.
The squadron was involved in the battle, the last major air combat in the south-west Pacific involving Australian pilots, over the Japen (or Yapen) Strait, north of New Guinea, on June 3,1944. Outnumbered three to one, 15 Kittyhawks destroyed enemy Zeros, Oscars and Judy light bombers.
The Big Do claimed the most enemy aircraft in a single combat engagement by the RAAF in the south-west Pacific.
Formed in Camden, NSW, in 1943, 78SQN first came under the command of No. 73 Wing before being transferred to No. 78 Wing in early 1944.
The squadron was initially equipped with P-40 Kittyhawks, and was an integral component of Australia’s fighting capability in WWII.
Its operations were once over-seen by WGCDR Richard Cresswell, who initiated the Fighter Combat Instructor course that developed into the Air Warfare Instructor course.
Another notable member was WOFF Leonard Waters, the only Indigenous fighter pilot during WWII.
78SQN disbanded in 1948.
For further information, contact the 78SQN Association at [email protected] or visit 78squadron.com.au
ALTHOUGH Aboriginal men were excluded from military service at the time WWII was declared, the Air Force
took a different approach, allowing Leonard (known as Len) Victor Waters to become the only known Australian Aboriginal fighter pilot of the war.
The story of WOFF Waters, a unique and inspirational, but large-ly unknown, airman, is told in The Missing Man by Peter Rees.
Mr Rees’ meticulously researched book pieces together the story from WOFF Waters’ logbook and hand-written autobiography, and the short biography My Father, the Flyer, by his daughter, the late Kim Orchard.
It also draws on interviews with the Waters family, and interviews con-ducted by Dr Robert Hall (in 1986 and 1991) and WGCDR Ken Llewelyn, who travelled with WOFF Waters on his final outback tour just weeks before he died in 1993.
Mr Rees recounts WOFF Waters’ early life when his parents, Don and Grace, and their seven children left the NSW Toomelah Aboriginal Reserve to go to Nindigully in Queensland, out of reach of Reserve authorities who could remove children from their parents.
Don and Grace were determined to give their brood an education and the freedom to be children. WOFF Waters’ life is a testament to their values – per-severance and resilience were rein-forced, as was learning to get on with others and taking responsibility.
Although WOFF Waters finished school before completing grade 8, the declaration of war in 1939 presented the opportunity to achieve his ambi-tion of becoming a pilot, thanks to Air Force’s willingness to include Aboriginal men.
He enlisted on August 24, 1942, and trained as a flight mechanic. He was later accepted for pilot training, graduating as a sergeant from No 5 Service Flying Training School, then No. 2 Operational Training Unit, from where he posted to No. 78 Squadron. WOFF Waters flew 41 strike missions in Kittyhawks from 1943 to 1945.
Squadron life involved flying oper-ational sorties, the loss of mates, close calls, and relaxing on an island where tropical fruit was plentiful and where fish were caught by dropping a hand-grenade or a 500-pound bomb from a Kittyhawk off the edge of a coral reef.
Interviews with WOFF Waters’ comrades leave the reader in no doubt he was respected as a man and a pilot, and was always accepted as an equal.
He was adamant he experienced no discrimination during his time in the Air Force and in 78SQN. Things were different after the war, with racism in full force at home.
Having settled back after the war, marrying Gladys and raising a fam-ily, WOFF Waters decided to pursue a career in civil aviation.
Like many returned fighter pilots, WOFF Waters did not meet commer-cial airlines’ criteria, but his chance
A new book tells the story of a unique pilot, writes WGCDR Mary Anne Whiting
Birthday a big deal for Big Do stars
Lost legacy found
Author Peter Rees with Air Force Indigenous History Custodian SQNLDR Gary Oakley and Director General Personnel – Air Force AIRCDRE Geoffrey Harland at the launch of The Missing Man. Photo: CPL Dan Pinhorn
came when businessman Norman Howe proposed they set up a regional aerial taxi service in St George.
Mr Howe was willing to pay for WOFF Waters to acquire his civilian pilot’s licence, and to purchase a suita-ble aircraft. But WOFF Waters’ repeat-ed applications to the Department of Civil Aviation were rejected. After his
fifth rejection, he concluded he was refused because he was Indigenous.
With his hopes of a flying career dashed, the only work available was shearing. Mr Rees recounts the later part of WOFF Waters’ life with com-passion and sensitivity. It is unfortu-nate his legacy was not fully recog-nised until after his death.
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Sample Status Defence Group Number of transactions
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sampled
Average value of
transactions sampled
Completed transactions verified by supervisor
Navy 10 12,140 1214
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Air Force 10 2913 291
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Credit cards tested June 1 to June 30, 2018
The sample testing of credit card transactions during June 2018 has resulted in nil transactions being referred to Audit and Fraud Control Division for further investigation. The credit card testing program is being reviewed to make it more targeted.
DEFENCE Families of Australia (DFA) has launched a partner-friendly employer initiative in response to an unemployment rate among ADF partners that is double the national level.
The official government adviso-ry body for families of serving ADF members has developed a checklist on its website for the “gold stand-ard” of what it takes to be a Defence partner-friendly employer.
This standard includes recruiting for skills and not purely on chrono-logical work history.
DFA National Convener Maree Sirois said this was especially important for partners who faced the challenge of gaining and maintain-ing meaningful employment when faced with interstate relocations and long ADF member absences.
Employers involved in the Prime Minister’s Veterans’ Employment
Program who meet the standard of the checklist have been invited to provide a link to the employment section of their website for inclu-sion in the initiative.
These employers are Westpac, Thales, PwC, SAAB and BAE Systems.
More information about the Initiative is available at www.dfa.org.au
18 August 9, 2018RCEAIR FPersonnel
Drive to find jobs for partners
PTE Renee Breeze
EASILY accessible mental health coach-es are now available to all Defence per-sonnel through an early intervention mental health program.
NewAccess, launched in Canberra on July 13, provides free, quality ser-vices for people with mild to moder-ate depression and/or anxiety, or those struggling with day-to-day pressures.
It is designed for people who are not already using mental health services.
Defence worked with Beyondblue to commission the program, which had been adapted for community initiatives such as headspace with encouraging results.
NewAccess Defence coach SGT Lisa Inger said the program was unique because many coaches were ex-ADF.
“We understand Defence because we’ve lived and breathed it,” she said.
NewAccess coaches are available for confidential discussions through Skype, FaceTime or a phone call between 7.30am and 8pm on weekdays.
Coaches are trained to assist people whose moods are affected by stress or uncertainty about work, living arrange-ments, parenting and family, health, iso-lation or loneliness, or finances.
The aim is to help people identify and understand their triggers, and the coach will help create a recovery plan.
“It gives people skills to take control.
Early help on hand
Our clients are able to fully participate in their recovery rather than feeling like a passenger in that journey,” SGT Inger said.
Beyondblue CEO Georgie Harman said the program taught people to pro-tect their mental health using clinically proven techniques.
Although Defence workplace stress-ors might be different, she said “at the end of the day, you are just as vulnerable as me”.
For information visit newaccessdefence.org.au
NewAccess is a free mental health program for all Defence personnel. Photo: Lauren Larking
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Proud sponsors of Air Force
Football Association
19August 9, 2018RCEAIR F Flightline
Name Years
SQNLDR Jan De Haan 42
WGCDR Raymond Hodge 40
WOFF Steven Reid 37
WOFF Paul Clarke 35
FSGT Graham Muir 33
FSGT Paul Walsh 33
FSGT Gary Reid 31
WGCDR Desiree Watson 30
SGT Jullie-Anne Trundell 30
SQNLDR Glenn Stegink 28
FLTLT Martin Young 28
CPL Jason Stephan 27
FSGT Grant Wadley 26
WOFF Matthew Davis 25
SGT Craig Baker 24
WGCDR Tytus Rogoyski 23
FLTLT David Reay 23
FSGT Stuart Allan 23
CPL Ricky Robinson 23
WGCDR Daryl Milton 22
FLTLT Thomas Perkins 22
FSGT Sean O’Rourke 22
SGT Nicole Pinder 22
CPL Troy Whitla 22
SQNLDR Annalisa De Vries 21
SQNLDR Travis Ellemans 20
SGT Tammy Betteridge 20
DEPARTURE LOUNGE
Who’s leaving after 20+ years
LAC Jason Correia, of 13SQN, gets back to the grind in the
Mechanical Equipment Operations and Maintenance Section at RAAF
Base Darwin.Photo: CPL Terry Hartin
Left: SGT Krichelle Oldis and son Keenan feed a goat at the 37SQN family day at RAAF Base Richmond.Photo: CPL Casey Forster
SGT Michael Jones conducts loadmaster
checks during a personnel reinforcement
flight as part of Exercise Hamel.
Photo: CPL Tristan Kennedy
Below: PTI CPL Allan Cottrell helps Defence Work Experience Program participant Ryan with his harness while abseiling at Bowen Mountain near RAAF Base Richmond.Photo: CPL Casey Forster
LACW Abbey Patterson, of the Expeditionary Airbase Operations Unit, at Australia’s main air operations base in the Middle East. Photo: SGT Mark Doran
SP RTAugust 9, 2018
Air Force’s CPL Peatrie Birney (right) gives an ADF teammate a lift in the game against the Australian Police.Photo: CPL Julia Whitwell
COP THAT
CPL Julia Whitwell
AN ON-FIELD police chase ended with a win for the ADF Rugby Union in the MAJGEN Ronald Grey Cup in Canberra on July 20.
The ADF struggled for possession against the Australian Police Rugby Union, pushing for 17 minutes to score their first try, which went unconverted.
ADF piled on the points with two more tries in the 28th and 30th minutes.
The police finally responded with a try just before half-time.
The second half offered few chances for the ADF to score, as the police domi-nated possession.
Another try for each team settled the score at 24-12 in the ADF’s favour.
ADF team captain Army’s CPL Nicholas MacPherson said both sides were strong and the win came from the ADF sticking to their game plan.
“We planned to use our width to attack their fringes, which worked well for us,” CPL MacPherson said.
“We had a couple of really good line
breaks in the first half, then a couple of really good second efforts from the boys.
“They came out in the second half and really stuck it to us, but in the end we managed to defend really well and turn it around.”
Air Force CPL Peatrie Birney, of No. 33 Squadron, said the score didn’t repre-sent how tight the game was.
“It was a great game, really well played. Credit to the police, they put up a really good fight and made us work for it right to the end,” CPL Birney said.
“Luckily, we were able to move the ball when we got possession. We worked on our defence a lot, which showed in this game.”
“They held the majority of the ball, but we turned it into attack and got the win.”
The annual fixture is named in honour of MAJGEN Ronald Grey, who served as CO 7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, in Vietnam, and later as the commissioner of the AFP.
The trophy was presented by Governor-General GEN Sir Peter Cosgrove (retd).
ADF evades police after hot pursuit
