AIRAIRFF RCERCEVol. 62, No. 17, September 17, 2020 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

INSIDE: AIRCRAFT RETURN FROM MIDDLE EAST – Page 2 NEW HEALTH AND WELLBEING COLUMN – Page 16

WAVERIDERS

Pages 10-13

ExerciseLightning

Storm

F-35A Lightning II aircraft in formation along the Newcastle region coastline in NSW during Exercise Lightning Storm.Photo: SGT David Gibbs

2 News

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AIRAIRFF RCERCE

Living the Air Force Values: RESPECT – EXCELLENCE – AGILITY – DEDICATION – INTEGRITY – TEAMWORK

COVID-19 continues to challenge all aspects of Defence, including this year’s posting cycle.

Usually about 12,000 ADF mem-bers are posted around the country during summer, presenting a signifi-cant logistical challenge even in the best of times.

But with state and territory gov-ernments implementing interstate travel restrictions and mandatory quarantine periods, this year’s post-ing cycle will be like no other.

To ensure Defence complies with all federal, state and territory

restrictions, Defence has estab-lished the Posting Cycle Movements Coordination Cell (PCMCC), led by AIRCDRE David Paddison and embedded within the COVID-19 Task Force.

A I R C D R E P a d d i s o n s a i d Defence was minimising postings, with about half as many ADF per-sonnel relocating interstate this year.

“Our first priority is ensuring post-ings movements are safe for our peo-ple and the broader Australian com-munity,” AIRCDRE Paddison said.

“Like most ADF members, I’ve

undertaken many postings and I know how challenging they can be, especially for those with young chil-dren. COVID-19 is adding another layer of complexity and uncertainty, and we are doing everything we can to make the process as smooth as possible given the circumstances.

“To ensure we don’t exceed capacity at hotels, we’ll need to manage the movement of our peo-ple differently to previous years and stagger posting movements over a longer time period.

“Unfortunately it does mean

there will be less flexibility around posting dates. Defence people, like the rest of the community, must fully comply with state and territory bor-der restrictions.

“We know moving our families is hard, and this year will be no excep-tion. We ask for your patience and understanding as we move through the next few months, in what is already a stressful time for all.”

ADF personnel who had already received their posting orders were to follow the same steps as usual to initiate their movement plans.

Pandemic challenge to postings

AIR Force E-7A Wedgetail and KC-30A multi-role tanker transport aircraft are returning to Australia

following the final mission of a successful year-long deployment.

The aircraft have been operat-ing in the Middle East region as part of Australia’s Air Task Group 630, performing airborne com-mand and control and air-to-air refuelling.

Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said she was extremely proud of the contribution made by the ADF as part of the Coalition to defeat Daesh in Iraq.

“Australia is a strong and consistent contributor to the Coalition, and has been engaged since 2014 as part of our global responsibility to support peace and security operations,” Senator Reynolds said.

Aircraft returning from Middle East

“Since the start of the threat posed by Daesh to peace and stability in Iraq, the Coalition has liberated nearly 110,000 square kilometres and around 7.7 mil-lion Iraqis are free from Daesh oppression.

“As the year-long deployment comes to an end, I commend the crews, personnel and supporting Defence staff for their dedication, resilience and ongoing profes-sionalism, as we work with our global coalition partners.”

Commander of Joint Task Force 633 MAJGEN Susan Coyle said the deployment of the aircraft provided key capabilities to coali-tion forces in the region.

“We have been able to provide increased situational awareness across the battlespace and pro-vide air-to-air refuelling to enable Coalition aircraft to continue the fight against Daesh,” MAJGEN Coyle said.

“Ongoing support for the Coalition continues through Australian Defence Force person-nel embedded in the Coalition headquarters in the Middle East.”

All Defence personnel return-ing to Australia will isolate for 14 days to eliminate the risk of spreading COVID-19 and in line with Australian government requirements.

Pilots FLGOFF James Bailey and FLTLT Daniel Jefferies in the cockpit of an E-7A Wedgetail aircraft in the Middle East region. Below: Surveillance and control officers man their terminals in the E-7A Wedgetail. Photos: CPL Tristan Kennedy

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RCE 3September 17, 2020AIR F News

36SQN is embracing technological advancement to overcome the challenges of distance, FLTLT Clarice Hurren writes.AIRCRAFT technicians

at 36SQN are now using Microsoft HoloLens mixed-reality devices with Boeing-

developed software to maintain C-17A Globemaster III aircraft.

The trial began at RAAF Base Amberley in July to open communica-tion and new working practices with their US-based counterparts.

Normally, Boeing specialist technicians – known as the recovery and modifications services team or RAMS – travel to Australia to assist

New vision, new reality

COORDINATING and aligning military intelligence functions is one aim of the Defence Intelligence Group (DIG), formally established on September 1.

It brings together the Defence Intelligence Organisation and the Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation, Intelligence Policy and Priorities Branch from the Strategy, Policy and Industry Group.

Defence Minister Linda Reynolds announced plans for the new group on June 19, noting rapid techno-logical change and explaining the increased investment in intelligence.

“It is more important than ever that our department and military intelligence functions are coordi-nated and aligned across the entire organisation,” Senator Reynolds said.

Elements of the Joint Intelligence and Surveillance and Reconnaissance Capability program will be part of a new division that manages intelligence capability.

Chief of Defence Intelligence LTGEN Gavan Reynolds provides advice to the services on recruit-ment, training and career manage-ment of their intelligence workforces.

“My vision for the Defence intel-

ligence enterprise is anchored by the idea that we are better together,” LTGEN Reynolds said.

“We have a lot of great people across the Defence intelligence enterprise, doing really important work, who have often felt hamstrung by stove-piped functions and a lack of enterprise coordination.

“By coming together and ensur-ing early and ongoing engagement

with senior decision-makers, we will be better placed to provide intelli-gence that has a real impact.”

DIG will also prioritise and align information requirements with the national intelligence community to manage the need for intelligence products.

To learn more check out the DIG website on the DPN.

Military intelligence functions streamlined within single group

with repair and replacement for certain C-17A maintenance tasks, but because of COVID-19 restrictions they have been unable to visit.

Maintenance Team Supervisor SGT Thomas Lane said RAMS could send technical drawings, provide feedback and direct the task through the virtual space while technicians wore the devices.

“Through a secure ‘cloud’ connec-tion, my team and the technicians in the US can work seamlessly together by sharing screens and see exactly what they are seeing inside the aircraft through iris tracking,” SGT Lane said.

“The first project was to replace the flotation equipment deployment systems panels inside C-17s, which

consist of explosive components that deploy life rafts in an emergency.

“This technology is a massive ben-efit to resourcing the workforce mov-ing forward, with significant potential to empower and train less-experienced technicians.”

Boeing C-17A Field Services Manager Glen Schneider said this new

capability would see the devices used to eliminate future travel and create time efficiencies.

“After the initial maintenance activity, No. 36 Squadron will contin-ue the trial with two HoloLens devices that can be used by accompanied maintenance teams,” Mr Schneider said. “Technicians can connect with the Boeing field engineering team while they are away on a domestic or international mission and it will aid them to troubleshoot any unique main-tenance issues they encounter.”

In this digitallyaltered image,SGT Thomas Lane, from 36SQN, usesthe HoloLensmixed-realitydevice duringmaintenance of aC-17A GlobemasterIII aircraft at RAAFBase Amberley.

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4 NewsIN BRIEFTindal upgradeTHE Australian Government’s $1.1 billion program of works at RAAF Base Tindal has begun. As part of Australian commitments un-der the United States Force Posture Initiatives, the $737 million RAAF Base Tindal airfield works and asso-ciated infrastructure project will up-grade the airfield, increase aviation fuel storage, reinvest in ageing base engineering services and provide ad-ditional living-in accommodation for posted Air Force personnel. Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said RAAF Base Tindal was vital to northern Australia’s air combat capability and support to our allies.

US bombersUNITED States Air Force B-1B Lancers and B-2 Spirit bombers recently participated in a com-bined US-Australia exercise in the Northern Territory. The B1-B and B-2 aircraft flew from Guam and Diego Garcia respectively and oper-ated over Delamere, Bradshaw and Mount Bundey training areas during August. The US aircraft integrate with the Australian Army and US Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, providing a highly advanced training opportunity. While the B1-B and B-2 aircraft did not land in Australia, they were supported by US Air Force air-to-air refuelling aircraft that flew out of RAAF Base Darwin.

System deliveredTHE Australian arm of Collins Aerospace has delivered the 1000th 360-degree situational aware-ness system for the global F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program to the United States, marking a significant milestone for the program. The Electro-Optical Distributed Aperture System (EODAS) optical assembly is the eyes of the aircraft, providing the pilot with a 360-degree spherical view of their surroundings. Austral-ian industry is manufacturing parts fitted to every F-35A in production globally. Its involvement in produc-tion and sustainment is expected to exceed $2 billion by the end of 2023.

FLTLT Clarice Hurren

THE introduction of advanced non-destructive testing technology via a collaboration between Northrop Grumman, 33SQN and the Defence Aviation Safety Authority (DASA) promises to reap significant benefits for KC-30A multi-role tanker trans-port refuelling hose maintenance.

The KC-30A is fitted with two refuelling pods for hose and drogue refuelling. Each pod has a 30m refu-elling hose that has a steel braid covered in a neoprene outer sheath. Corrosion has been identified on the steel braid, making the hose unser-viceable and in some cases unsafe.

Non-destructive inspection techni-cians (NDITECH) from 33SQN and DASA recognised an opportunity for improving the maintenance and ser-vicing of the aircraft’s refuelling hose

through the introduction of electro-magnetic eddy current array (ECA) testing.

The 30m-long air-to-air refuelling hose requires a frequent inspection to detect corrosion and general wear-and-tear. These inspections are critical to maintaining the longevity of the hose and minimising the risk of in-flight hose separations.

To minimise the potential of missed defects and reduce the time required to conduct inspections, Northrop Grumman and DASA worked with EddyFi, a Canadian-based company which specialises in ECA testing, to develop a customised inspection probe using rapid-proto-typing production methods. The probe was then produced by EddyFi, and an inspection procedure developed by DASA.

The probe scans the hose in min-

utes, searching for and pinpointing corroded and damaged areas. It is mil-limetre-accurate and plugs into exist-ing NDITECH computer equipment.

WOFF Greg Wilson, from DASA’s non-destructive testing and compos-ite technology facility at RAAF Base Amberley, said this case study had influenced the design of similar tech-nology for drogue hose maintenance applications around the world.

“The ECA method removes the need for and risk of relying on visual inspections, and enables the NDITECHs to extend the lifespan of the refuelling hose – thus reducing cost of ownership for the platform,” WOFF Wilson said.

“It’s a data-gathering tool that mitigates the failure rate of hoses and provides direct feedback to NDITECHs, engineering personnel and suppliers.

“The introduction of this equip-ment has led to advancement in new applications of this technology across the Defence and civilian aviation community.”

Peter Booth, a 33SQN NDITECH reserve corporal and DASA civilian contractor, said the magnetic field and electric pulses identified areas requir-ing further analysis.

“Safety is the primary benefit of such technology, as well as enhanced quality control,” CPL Booth said.

“We can locate corrosion early, be better informed with the correct data and improve our management of it.

“This is just the start – we are always looking at future uses for ECA in partnership with uniformed, civilian and contractor personnel to achieve today’s fifth-generation capa-bility outcomes.”

New techfuels safety

80 years on and links remain strong with community

Air Force KC-30A multi-role tanker transport, A39-005, conducts an air-to-air refuelling serial with two F/A-18A Hornets during the Regional Presence deployment.

Fairey Battles lined up amid No. 1 Bombing and Gunnery School’s construction in January 1941.

Evita Ryan

IT was 1940 and World War II was in full swing.

Realising it didn’t have adequate resources to maintain the Royal Air Force (RAF) in the impending air war in Europe, the British government put forward a plan to jointly establish a pool of trained aircrew including pilots who could then serve with the RAF.

Under the scheme, Australia agreed to provide 36 per cent of the total number of proposed aircrew – 28,000 aircrew over three years.

Across Australia, seven RAAF schools were estab-lished to support the Empire Air Training Scheme, including No. 1 Bombing and Gunnery School at Evans Head on the NSW far north coast.

Reportedly the largest RAAF training facility in the Southern Hemisphere during WWII, the aerodrome was distinguished by its four runways, associated taxiways and aprons, and 17 Bellman hangars.

Extensive bombing and gun-nery ranges were established to the north and south of the aero-drome as well as a sea leg to the south.

More than 5500 Air Force personnel passed through No. 1 Bombing and Gunnery School’s training programs, including the famous Australian actor ‘Chips’ Rafferty and flying hero Leonard Fuller, DFC.

At its peak, the school had some 70 Fairey Battle single-engine light bomber aircraft as well as extensive bombing and gunnery ranges in active daily use to the north and south of the of the Evans Head township.

August 26 marked the 80th anniversary of the establishment of No. 1 Bombing and Gunnery School and the bond between Air Force and the Evans Head com-munity remains strong.

As Officer in Charge of the Evans Head Air Weapons Range, FLTLT Jason Van Rysbergen, from 23SQN Combat Support Group, is proud to be living in a town rich with Air Force history.

“The Evans Head Air Weapons Range has been and will continue to be a vital training asset for Air Force,” FLTLT Van Rysbergen said.

“The graves of 22 airmen that died during training are here.”

“We’re very lucky to have strong community support for the range and our small team feel extremely privileged to represent Air Force in such a unique loca-tion.”

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RCE 5September 17, 2020AIR F News

A NEW artwork by Aboriginal artist and Wiradjuri woman Trudy Sloan depicts 22SQN’s eagle motif.

Displayed in the squadron’s head-quarters at RAAF Base Richmond, the artwork is a visual reminder of the contribution that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples make to serv-ing their country, past and present, and their spiritual connection to country.

The eagle is part of the squadron’s rich World War II history and the art-work shows the eagle as the protector of the land, rivers and people.

22SQN CO WGCDR Trent Harris said the artwork created a connection between the squadron and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“It’s based on WWII nose art from one of No. 22 Squadron’s aircraft and the eagle motif was also displayed

outside the squadron lines while they were deployed in Papua New Guinea,” WGCDR Harris said.

“It highlights the unique and dif-fering perspective that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples bring to the Air Force.

“Ultimately this perspective, cou-pled with accompanying skill sets and knowledge, strengthens the unit’s capability.”

The artist was engaged through the community connections of the squadron’s Indigenous liaison officer, FLTLT Tjapukai Shaw.

FLTLT Shaw said that art was important for sharing stories in Indigenous cultures.

“For my people, artwork has been an important part of telling stories and teaching the lessons of our old people. To an Aboriginal artist, every piece

tells a story and that’s no different for this piece,” FLTLT Shaw said.

“One of my totems which link us to place and country is the wedge-tailed eagle.

“This artwork displays the simi-larities between Aboriginal culture and Air Force culture, because in a squadron we display our unit patch on our arm, which like a totem helps us to identify with a place.”

FLTLT Chloe Stevenson

A TEAM of gender advisers is incor-porating gender into the planning for Australia’s military operations in the Middle East.

CAPT Alan Bretherton, an infantry officer at Headquarters 1BDE, has recently returned to Australia from his deployment as the J5/3 and gender adviser at Australia’s main operating base.

CAPT Bretherton said he was a firm believer in the importance of the role within the broader planning of military operations.

“A gender adviser is the techni-cal specialist responsible for advising the senior commander and staff on implementing a gender perspective in the planning, execution and assess-ment processes of operations,” CAPT Bretherton said.

“For the ADF, this translates into ensuring we are considering all demographics of local populations in which we operate, in order to set the pre-conditions for enduring peace and stability.

“Men and women may display power and influence differently with male power structures being more overt and authoritative, where women often hold powerful [but hidden] infor-mal influence within communities.

“In Afghanistan, for example, women have an enormous amount of

Deepening connections22SQN personnel have a new, inspirational artwork to enjoy, FLTLT Jessica Aldred writes.

Team of advisers help bring gender into focus in the MER

Air Force officer WGCDR Jade Deveney and Army officer CAPT Alan Bretherton. Photo: PO Yuri Ramsey

22SQN CO WGCDR Trent Harris and 22SQN ILO FLTLT Tjapukai Shaw with the artwork by Trudy Sloan.Photo: CPL Dan Pinhorn

influence on the family and impact on adolescent males who make up the recruiting pool of insurgents.”

CAPT Bretherton said he ini-tially became interested in the gen-der adviser role when he attended a gender-in-military operations brief during the joint operations planner course.

“At first I thought it would be a brief promoting equality and females in Defence, but it was more than that. It demonstrated the operational impact of considering gender in operations,” he said.

“I was amazed that, based on the statistics and information, not more people were aware of it. From then on I was pretty much a solid advocate.”

CAPT Bretherton said peo-ple were sometimes surprised to encounter a male gender adviser

and that it was good for men to take on the role.

“When I stand up there as a six-foot-two infantry male and tell people this is important, it has a different effect to a female discuss-ing it, particularly when working with other nations that don’t neces-sarily have the same equality views as Australia,” he said.

WGCDR Jade Deveney is the gender adviser deployed to Operation Okra in Kuwait.

The role was something she had always been interested in.

“Working in the gender space has always been a passion of mine, partly because our world, systems and structures are so gendered, so to be able to understand the multi-dimensional aspects of this I find really interesting,” WGCDR Deveney said.

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6 Life in the RAAF

IN a world that increasingly relies on intelligence to coun-ter threats from within and beyond our shores, the role of

air intelligence analyst (AIA) is a critical one.

Operating behind a screen of necessary secrecy, AIAs are working hard behind the scenes to keep our people and our opera-tions safe.

One such AIA (Signals), CPL Alisha Edwards, is deployed to the Air Task Group on Operation Accordion in the Middle East region.

CPL Edwards’ job is mission-essential for the task group, albeit sensitive in terms of information and capability.

“I work in the specialist field of electronic warfare, which involves processing electronic emissions and radar signals into tactically advantageous intelli-gence,” CPL Edwards said.

“Intelligence support can include providing knowledge of the enemy and the area of opera-tions so that commanders can make the most appropriate deci-

sion at the most appropriate time, in order to achieve and prosecute their missions.

“This involves using a range of sources, a significant amount of information and being deter-mined and driven to find the ‘needle in the haystack’ in terms of what is important to the com-mander for mission success.”

Deployed to Australia’s main operating base in the Middle East, CPL Edwards has embraced doing her job on operations over-seas.

“This is my first deployment to the Middle East, which itself presents so many other factors and situations which are entirely new from anything else I have experienced,” she said.

“Adjusting to a new time zone, extreme heat and being away from my family has also been an adjustment.

“At the end of the day though, whether it’s from a deployed per-spective or from just working in the ADF generally, it is the peo-ple and the value each person has to bring to the team dynamic.”

Having worked within the ADF for more than six years, CPL Edwards said she had been initially drawn to the role when looking for a new challenge.

“It was a complete industry change from any job I had previ-ously. I wasn’t fulfilled in the professional role I had at that time from a personal perspec-tive,” CPL Edwards said.

“I wanted to work with an organisation that aligned with my personal values and I wanted to give back to my community. I was after something different, wanting to move away from a typical day job. I knew I wanted to be surrounded by like-minded people with drive and enthusi-asm.

“If you are open to working with upcoming and emerging technologies in a maturing and evolving industry, a role like this would be ideal. I would recom-mend this field to anyone who is solution-orientated, driven, flexible, adaptable and enjoys problem-solving and thinking outside the box.”

The rewards of a new role

Air Intelligence Analyst (Signals) CPL Alisha Edwards is deployed on Operation Accordion in the Middle East region. Photo: CPL Tristan Kennedy

After changing careers, CPL Alisha Edwards is enjoying her first deployment to the MER as an intelligence analyst, FLTLT Chloe Stevenson writes.

RCE 7September 17, 2020AIR F Life in the RAAF

SQNLDR Bruce Chalmers

Growing up in south-west Sydney, swimming and diving, a normal up-bringing for a bloke who

became a police officer, but for CHAP Troy White there was another career beckoning.

CHAP Troy White not only stud-ied law while serving the New South Wales community, but undertook theology studies as well changing his career to a pastoral one.

“In 2012 I met an ADF Chaplain in Newcastle and that inspired me to join the Royal Australian Air Force,” CHAP White said.

“As a police officer I worked in general duties, plain clothes, some undercover work and then after studying law I progressed to a police prosecutor role.

“My theology studies led me to

the profession of pastor and I decid-ed to combine my passion of sup-porting people, my faith and being able, as I did in the police, work in a chain-of-command structure that led me to join the Air Force.”

ADF chaplains are a diverse team who provide wide ranging ser-vices to ADF members, while giving pastoral support to all faiths.

Chaplains deploy on operations and exercises providing pastoral care to members while also advis-ing commanders and supervisors on morale and welfare of troops and communities interacting with deployed personnel.

“A chaplain’s willingness to enter war zones and to accompany ADF members on humanitarian and disaster relief tasks, providing a sense of protection and peace, is an important aspect of our work,” CHAP White said.

“Defence life has the potential to be tough on families and I work hard to keep my boots on the ground, maintain a heart of care and com-passion and to be present with open ears for our amazing ADF people,” he said.

With people a strong focus of the Air Force Centenary, throughout 2020 and 2021 exceptional mem-bers who have contributed to the Air Force will be featured on www.airforce.gov.au/100 and CHAP Troy White is a fine example of the thou-sands of people who make up our Air Force.

Planning is underway for the commemoration of the Royal Australian Air Force’s formation in March 1921 and further information may be obtained at www.airforce.gov.au/100

A force for good as policeman turns chaplain

CHAP Troy White provides support, spiritual and pastoral care for the members of RAAF Base Richmond. Photo: CPL Dan Pinhorn

Growing up on the coast at Nelson Bay, NSW, SQNLDR Luke Warner spent his spare time fishing, surfing and wa-

ter skiing with family and supporting his father’s Lions Club activities.

He completed his schooling in Newcastle and undertook his tertiary education at the Australian Defence Force Academy after joining the ADF.

SQNLDR Warner has the unique record of being part of one of only two crews to have landed an F-111 on its belly.

Etched forever in his memory, the 2006 wheels-up landing was filmed by local media and became a news

SQNLDR Luke Warner was part of an F-111 crew which successfully landed the aircraft on its belly at RAAF Base Amberley in 2006, FSGT Marie Matthews writes.story across the world, highlighting the skills and abilities of Air Force person-nel to perform in any situation.

“We had been advised by the RAAF Base Amberley control tower that our left wheel had fallen off on take-off,” SQNLDR Warner said.

“It was pretty frightening at the time – we flew for four hours around RAAF Base Amberley burning fuel

while pilots and support staff both in Australia and the United States worked in simulators to develop the best land-ing plan.

“As time passed, we were pretty comfortable with what we wanted the plan to be, but waited for a decision on the recommended landing approach.

“After a number of practice runs we landed, catching the arrestor cable

and with sparks flying everywhere and significant fuel still on board, we jumped from the jet as quickly as we could as there was a real chance of an explosion.

“I still cop lots of flak for how quickly I got out of the jet!”

SQNLDR Warner remains work-ing at RAAF Base Amberley for Headquarters 82WG.

THE AF2021 team has been gathering stories about past and present members who have made an exceptional contribu-tion to Air Force.

These stories will be shared through Air Force social media and website platforms showcas-ing the critical role our people have played in building the world’s best Air Force over the past century.

More information about Air Force 2021 is available at our website www.airforce.gov.au/100

Centenaryonline

Special place in history

See footage at: youtu.be/i5jQDOxBl_M

SQNLDR Luke Warner, with an F/A-18F Super Hornet. Photo: CPL Colin Dadd

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Emergency skills honedFLTLT Dean Squire

RAAF Base Richmond personnel exercised their emergency response at a mock-crash site that looked good enough for a movie set.

A Holden was set on fire with a casualty trapped inside to test the skills of the base’s first responders.

The 22SQN firefighting team quickly extinguished the flames and set to work freeing the injured driver.

CPL Justin Whalan led the rescue effort and said the exercise gave crew an insight on what to expect in an emergency on the base.

“It exposes them to pressure and operating in a space they’re not com-fortable with outside of their normal training environment,” CPL Whalan said.

The casualty in the scenario was a dummy, but the choreography to deal with injuries was real, measured and deliberate.

Military police and members of 1SECFOR played their part closing roads, managing traffic and securing the scene.

Metal cutters were used to cut the door of the Holden to free the casual-ty and medical teams quickly treated the injured driver.

TRAINEES from 79SQN have completed two weeks of introductory fighter training at RAAF

Base Learmonth for Exercise Western Phoenix.

With support from 2EHS and 25SQN, trainees furthered their development in formation, navigation and low-flying skills over the Exmouth region and the Hamersley Range in Western Australia.

Detachment Commander FLTLT Kim Shearman said the exercise was a big success.

“It was a fantastic opportu-nity for the Hawk trainees to extend their training by conduct-ing deployed operations out of RAAF Base Learmonth,” FLTLT Shearman said.

“The airspace and terrain in the region allows the unit to conduct advanced formation and navigation training without the additional constraints of the busy airspace surrounding Pearce.

“The squadron were fortunate that the exercise was undertaken because of the reduced COVID-19 phase-four restrictions.”

Hawks stretch their wingsPilots had plenty of airspace during Exercise Western Phoenix, FLGOFF Sarah Griffin writes.

Above: Hawk 127 Lead-In Fighters from 79SQN during Exercise Western Phoenix. Left: One of the aircraft at RAAF Base Learmonth, Western Australia.Photo left: Mitchell Henry

LAC Trent Ferrier during the exercise. Photo: SGT Greg O’Neill

Defence Bank Limited ABN 57 087 651 385 AFSL / Australian Credit Licence 234582.

To our ADF members onOP COVID-19 ASSIST.

10 Exercise Lightning Storm

SETTLED on farmland in Oakey, Queensland, was a small team from 114MCRU supporting Exercise Lightning

Storm.Deployed away from their home

base at RAAF Base Darwin for six weeks, the team provided coverage of the local airspace for the aircraft participating in the exercise sce-narios overhead from RAAF Bases Williamtown and Amberley.

Air Battle Manager at 114MCRU FLGOFF Morgen Parry-Grass said the specialist team consisted of com-munications electronics technicians, cooks, network technicians, air sur-veillance operators and ground support equipment technicians (GSETECH) deployed to support the training activ-ity at the remote location.

“Our road convoy from Darwin with 10 vehicles took five days and the set-up of the radars, radio antennae and satellite communications equip-ment was another week,” FLGOFF Parry-Grass said.

“If you compare our role to a foot-ball team, the service 114MCRU pro-vides is acting as the ‘coach’.

“We feed local airspace informa-tion and data to contribute to the over-all air picture [the field] and direct the aircraft [players] accordingly from our operations cabin – through the control-lers we are communicating with back home in Darwin.”

As part of the unit’s ground capa-bilities, 114MCRU also drove its

‘BlueJay’ truck to Oakey in support of Exercise Lightning Storm – a highly technical and unique vehicle that can be parked in ground black spots to amplify and repeat radar signals and data transmission.

“We are a fully mobile unit that can deploy air surveillance and air bat-tle management capabilities at short notice to regional and remote parts of Australia,” FLGOFF Parry-Grass said.

The regular travel was one of the perks for 114MCRU GSETECH SGT Greg Shields.

“One of the benefits of being posted to 114MCRU is that we are constantly testing our military skills. In other words, we train how we fight which means we regularly deploy on training activities,” SGT Shields said.

Additionally the unit’s success could be attributed to a keen focus on encouraging all personnel to be leaders and strive for excellence.

“Our unit pride is really strong and individuals at all ranks are given responsibilities above and beyond what is generally expected at their level,” SGT Shields said.

“This was demonstrated again through the successful training out-comes achieved by personnel during this deployment.”

114MCRU is part of Surveillance and Response Group’s No. 41 Wing which delivers precision air defence and air battlespace management for the joint force.

114MCRU personnel displayed pride and skill in their remote Queensland location, FLTLT Clarice Hurren writes.

‘Coach’ makes the calls

114MCRU Air Battle Manager FLGOFF Morgen Parry-Grass coordinates the battlespace from a deployed cabin. Inset: The remote 114MCRU site. Photos: CPL Colin Dadd

Clockwise from above: Air Surveillance Operator CPL Steven Schulz with the BlueJay truck, Ground Support Equipment Tech-nician SGT Greg Shields, and Supplier LACW Alicha Coetzee prepares a shipping container for transit.

RCE 11September 17, 2020AIR F Exercise Lightning Storm

EXERCISE Lightning Storm concluded after three weeks of intensive aerial combat training on the east coast of

Australia.Running from August 10 to

September 4, the exercise was a key Air Force activity designed to integrate people and systems with the F-35A Lightning II.

Commander Air Combat Group AIRCDRE Tim Alsop said the exer-cise was an essential part of continua-tion training to ensure air and ground forces could maintain their operational readiness, despite the challenges pre-sented by COVID-19.

“Lightning Storm was an oppor-

tunity to test the ability of our people to operate at a sustained high rate of effort while conducting a trial ‘deploy-ment’ of the F-35A to the 3 Squadron hangar,” AIRCDRE Alsop said.

“The team proved that they could operate effectively from a deployed location, while also using the opportu-nity to identify and tweak any issues.”

Running a major exercise during COVID-19 hadn’t been without its challenges but ultimately it had pushed participants to consider alternate ways of doing business.

“COVID-19 is a hurdle, but it forced the team to adapt to a ‘con-tested environment.’ Through deliber-ate and lateral thinking, we were able

to modify many existing protocols to support the higher rate of effort,” AIRCDRE Alsop said.

“Exercise Lightning Storm has ensured Air Combat Group have been able to get back on track with the train-ing continuum. With the cancellation of Exercise Pitch Black 20, we lost an important component of our annual large force employment training.

“We have a number of new capabil-ities across Air Force and our ability to bring them together in a complemen-tary and integrated package is what makes us so successful.

“The long hours of realistic training are key to our ability to turn out world -class air and ground crew.”

An integration of personnel and platforms has played out on the east coast, FLTLT Alyssa Vickridge writes.

Pushed to reach our peak

Bettina Mears

JOINING units across the coun-try to build the air surveillance picture, Air Force personnel from 3CRU deployed from

RAAF Base Williamtown to the Corin-di regional area in support of Exercise Lightning Storm.

A small contingent of special-ist technical and logistics personnel made the journey to northern NSW in convoy from their home base at RAAF Base Williamtown transporting a surveillance radar, communications cabin and satellite terminals to engage in real-time training scenarios. The team also included network specialists and cooks.

Exercise Lightning Storm com-prises overland and overwater defen-sive and offensive counter-air training activities across large portions of the east coast of Australia.

Established on the soccer fields in the outskirts of Corindi, 3CRU deployed TPS-77 radar capability to provide an essential surveillance pic-

Greatteam effort

ture which is transmitted by satellite to the unit’s control and reporting centre (CRC) at RAAF Base Williamtown.

Back home, skilled 3CRU person-nel operated the CRC that provides tactical command and control of air operations.

3CRU Detachment Commander FLGOFF Andrew Winter said 3CRU’s support to the exercise ensured this data feed was maintained to support missions.

“Our team’s important contribu-tion at the Corindi deployment site

has provided operators within the CRC at Williamtown with vital data and surveillance information to man-age aircraft postures, detect and track opposing aircraft and provide tactical direction to aircraft – essentially to assist in the coordination of the mis-sion,” FLGOFF Winter said.

In addition to 3CRU’s assets, Exercise Lightning Storm included 114MCRU’s deployable mobile con-trol and reporting centre operating out of Oakey in Queensland, the E-7A Wedgetail, KC-30A multi-role tanker transports, F-35A Lightning and other fighter aircraft from Williamtown and Amberley air bases.

For 3CRU, the exercise delivered important training outcomes.

3CRU Maintenance Manager for the deployment SGT Chris Andreou said junior members received impor-tant skilling accreditation.

“Certification of newly posted maintenance personnel to the unit as a result of the exercise has ensured that personnel are operationally ready,” SGT Andreou said.

Additional unit training outcomes included category upgrades for air battle managers and air surveillance operators, integration with other com-mand and control systems, validation of tactics, techniques and procedures to optimise operational integration with other weapon systems and more.

Reflecting on 3CRU’s training opportunities at the deployment site, FLGOFF Winter said he was incred-ibly proud of his team’s achievements, noting the unit had deployed to the Corindi area multiple times before.

“The team’s commitment and dedi-cation to the task has no doubt ensured that capability has been maintained throughout the exercise,” he said.

“Successful deployment and train-ing of this type would not be possible, however, without the community’s ongoing support of which we are grateful.”

3CRU is part of Surveillance and Response Group’s No. 41 Wing which delivers precision air defence and air battlespace management for the joint force.

LAC Nick Brown, from 3CRU, monitors the satellite link back to RAAF Base Williamtown from the Corindi showgrounds. Below: LAC Jordan Spooner checks Krone wires in a deployable cabin at the showgrounds. Photos: CPL Craig Barrett

F-35A Lightning II, A35-016, taxies out for a sortie with F/A18A/B Hornets at RAAF Base Williamtown. Photo: CPL Brett Sherriff

13September 17, 2020RCEAIR F12 Exercise Lightning Storm

A simulated deployment from RAAF Base Williamtown has been a valuable experience, FLTLT Alyssa Vickridge writes.

AN important element of an Air Force exercise is the oppor-tunity to test the capability of people and equipment away

from the familiarity of the home base. With a reduction in the ability to travel in 2020, squadrons have explored more unique ways to get the same results.

Originally planning to travel to RAAF Base Tindal to conduct Exercise Lightning Storm, 3SQN has instead put its personnel and systems to the test by conducting a simulated deployment in their own hangars at RAAF Base Wil-liamtown.

3SQN Aircraft Maintenance Officer FLGOFF Aimee Parsons said in order to make the deployment as realistic as possible each team had to prepare their work area to be transported, then team and equipment were relocated to a different area of the F-35A Lightning II facility.

“The logistics section had a lot of

prep work in the weeks leading up to the exercise as they did the checks and balances of the equipment we were pre-paring to take with us, they then set up a deployed tooling and spares section in the hangar,” FLGOFF Parsons said.

“When you conduct a move on a cargo aircraft you have strict limits with what you can take, so the deployed parameters were strictly enforced for this activity.

“The majority of the maintenance team moved into the flightline area which provided a more restricted work-ing accommodation setup, like what is often experienced in the deployed environment.

“We also amended our working day so that shift constructs mirrored that of an actual exercise, which means cover-age over a longer period each day.”

FLGOFF Parsons said due to this being the first time the squadron had ‘deployed’ the F-35A there had been a

number of invaluable learning points.“There have been a huge amount

of lessons learnt from this exercise. From how to troubleshoot unexpected software issues to experiencing how our people overcome challenges safely and efficiently in order to maintain success-ful operations,” FLGOFF Parsons said.

“With our highest rate of effort to date, the squadron has produced 100 per cent of jets required, ready to go, on time during Lightning Storm. This is an extraordinary achievement and one that has been fulfilled through the hard work and problem-solving of the whole team.

“Being our first exercise, it has also brought the team closer together. I’ve been impressed with the attitudes demonstrated at all levels with each challenge we’ve faced. It has shown that we have the flexibility required to carry out our work in a complex environment while continuing to meet training objectives.”

3SQN’SHOME WIN

Explain your role: As an aircraft fitter on the flightline, I prepare the aircraft for the pilot. Once the pilot accepts the jet we go on to assist the pilot with engine starts and final checks be-fore sending them on their way. After their flight, we do the same in the reverse, refuel, then prepare the F-35A for its next flight.How would your role differ in the deployed environ-ment?My role doesn’t change a huge amount when we are deployed. I might use a different computer here and there but overall the work and tools don’t change and our job to get the jets in the air is unchanged.Have you enjoyed the exercise?The best part of this simulated ‘deployment’ is still getting to go home each night! The activity has also created a bit of entertainment. There have been many jokes between the workforce that remained in William-town and those that “deployed to Tindal”, where we were originally supposed to be.What have you learnt during Exercise Lightning Storm?I never realised how much the increased tempo of a deployment brings different trades together. Most days we have faced some sort of challenge so we’ve had to work effectively with various trades, utilising everyone’s different level of expertise. There are so many moving parts to the exercise but the team has a lot of experi-ence to draw from.

LAC Beau Roelandts,Aircraft Fitter

FSGT Philip Armour,Security Officer

Explain your role:I am an avionics fitter, but for this exercise I have acted as a flightline troop. On the flightline we prepare the aircraft for the pilot, conduct the launch and capture and refuel them.How did you prepare for this exercise?In the weeks leading up to the simulated deployment we had personnel set up a dedicated area within the 3SQN hangar which is where we have been accessing any tooling, ground support equipment and consuma-bles that we require for the exercise.What have you learnt during Exercise Lightning Storm?This was my first exercise so it was incredible to see first-hand the ability of our teams to successfully pre-pare the jets on time, complete the required mainte-nance and servicing and even find time to boost morale with an in-house foosball competition.Have you found the exercise beneficial?Even though it was only a simulated deployment, this exercise has set the bar pretty high for me. This is largely due to how thorough the preparations for the exercise were, but can also be attributed to how well it was managed, how effectively it was executed, the communications between all levels, and the excellent attitudes of all those involved.

ACW Gabrielle GoodeAvionics Fitter

Explain your role:As a government SAP (Special Access Programs) security officer (GSSO) I provide day-to-day security management and oversee the enhanced security re-quirements required for Air Force operations.How would your role differ in the deployed environ-ment?In a deployed environment, the GSSO is also respon-sible for sustainment, routine operation, and manage-ment of the deployable duty facilities and deployable information facilities that can be set up in expeditionary settings to support advanced capabilities such as the F-35A. These portable working spaces provide mobility in the delivery of air power.What have you learnt during Ex Lightning Storm?This simulated deployment has provided an opportunity to engage in a discovery process as we introduced some existing technologies to improve deployed security operations. This activity has also facilitated a learning opportunity for those within the workforce who have not previously experienced this kind of operational environment.Have you found the exercise beneficial?The exercise has been an important learning activity. It has allowed us to analyse what key components we need for an expeditionary footprint while supporting a high rate of effort.

Explain your role:As a supplier my duties vary from stocktaking and purchasing to the use and management of complex logistics systems.What has been involved in setting up a realistic deployment environment?The deployed environment presents different challenges in the form of setting up of a functioning supply chain in order to support the platform and maintain capability. For this activity we ‘deployed’ all of the tools and equipment to a separate location from the main tool room and any requirement for equipment ‘left behind’ required authori-sation prior to use and was tracked.What have you learnt during Exercise Lightning Storm?This exercise has required me to do a lot of problem-solving, the simulation has allowed us to really expose any holes that we may not be aware of in our day-to-day processes. A lot of what we are doing is new for us, so the practise has given us an opportunity to hone and perfect our skills.Have you found the exercise beneficial?There is always going to be new data garnered from de-ployments and this simulation is no different. If anything the simulation has allowed us to cover more situations and solve more problems than may have been possible away from home.

LAC Matthew Wade,Supplier

FLTLT Alyssa Vickridge

FOR personnel at RAAF Base Wil-liamtown, a low-flying F-35A Lightning II is hardly a remarkable sight, but a low pass conducted on August 28 held great significance for WGCDR Darren Clare.

It was his last flight before handing over command of 3SQN.

Having flown more than 350 hours in the F-35A, WGCDR Clare was not only one of the first RAAF pilots selected to transition to the fifth-generation platform but was also the CO of the first Australian squadron to receive the aircraft – one of the most exciting moments in his career.

“When I got the phone call to tell me I was not only going to fly the F-35 but command the first squadron, I was sitting in a taxi with my family about to head on a holiday,” WGCDR Clare said.

Final flight full of significance for outgoing CO

“It was difficult but I had to remain calm because it wasn’t something I could talk about openly in the situ-ation, as the adrenaline kicked in it was even a struggle to hold the phone still.

“The excitement didn’t lessen on

the day I went for my first flight in the F-35. The moment signified a key milestone for me as I had reached a long-held career goal.”

WGCDR Clare said there had been so many memorable moments during his F-35A journey but none

that gave him as much pride as watching members of 3SQN evolve and gain confidence in their abilities.

“The men and women of No. 3 Squadron take a lot of pride in their work and that is what has driven the ongoing success of the capability,” he said.

“It is humbling to see what the team have been able to achieve. The results have been because of careful planning, ongoing collaboration and ingenuity of our personnel.”

WGCDR Clare said over the past few months at the squadron it was clear that the investment in people had paid off.

“We are conducting the kind of high-level pilot training that produces combat-ready pilots, as well as carry-ing out maintenance on-the-job train-ing, which has reduced the burden of sending technicians overseas to undertake training,” he said.

WGCDR Darren Clare at RAAF Base Williamtown with wife WGCDR September Clare and son Sean after completing his final flight as 3SQN CO in F-35A Lightning II, A35-015.Photo: CPL Melina Young

F-35A Lightning II aircraft, A35-015 and A35-024, fly in formation at Newcastle, NSW, during Exercise Lightning Storm. The aircraft were flown by outgoing 3SQN CO WGCDR Darren Clare and incoming CO WGCDR Matthew Harper.Photo: SGT David Gibbs

14 Legacy Week

LEGACY Week launched in South Australia on August 28 with the opportunity for fami-lies supported by Legacy to

see some of the latest Navy, Army and Air Force technology at RAAF Base Edinburgh.

On display was a P-8A Poseidon aircraft, a protected mobility vehicle, an armoured personnel carrier, an Australian light armoured vehicle, and a Navy rigid hull inflatable boat.

Legacy Week is a time for Australians to show their support for those whose loved ones have served Australia.

Senior ADF Officer Edinburgh Defence Precinct AIRCDRE Brendan Rogers said Defence valued the impor-tant role that Legacy played.

“It is comforting to know that there is an organisation that will support our Defence families when they need the dedicated support Legacy provides to families when veterans have become incapacitated or lost their life,” AIRCDRE Rogers said.

Funds raised help Legacy continue to assist about 52,000 widows, wid-owers and families Australia-wide, providing essential services including counselling, special housing, medical, advocacy and social support.

AIRCDRE Rogers said Defence

members were finding other ways to promote Legacy Week to adhere with COVID-19 restrictions.

“Normally the ADF supports the annual Legacy Week Appeal by sell-ing badges and collecting donations on street corners and in shopping cen-tres, but this year we’ve found some COVID-19 safe ways to promote the great work they do,” he said.

“We only had to ask for volunteers and were inundated with offers to help – our Defence members understand the importance of supporting our veterans.

“We are proud to support an important veterans’ organisation like Legacy.”

President of the Legacy Club of SA and Broken Hill Chris Burns said it was important to have Defence involved this year, especially with the restrictions on badge selling.

“The ADF have always been right by our side, and this year we hope to continue to build the strong relation-ship we have,” Mr Burns said.

“It’s the first time in 76 years – since 1944 – that we can’t fundraise face-to-face. We’re asking the com-munity to dig deep this year and sup-port the important work we do for the families of our veterans.”

Big display of support

Becoming a Legatee a rewarding way to helpLS Kylie Jagiello

IF you want to help support veterans’ families, becoming a Legatee may be what you are looking for.

Legatees provide care and assis-tance to Legacy, as they assist Australian families suffering after the injury or death of a spouse or parent, during or after military service.

Former CDF, GEN (retd) David

Hurley engaged with Legacy in offi-cial roles before becoming a Legatee.

“Legacy has compassion and sup-port for mates as its central themes, both of which are values I support,” GEN Hurley said.

“I may not be in an active role but I assist by providing opportunities for Legacy to hold events to recognise the hard work of its members and to thank supporters.”

People from all walks of life are welcomed as Legatees, with more than 4000 active volunteers around Australia mentoring widows and their families.

Legacy aims to enhance the lives and opportunities of supported fami-lies through various programs.

SQNLDR Mark Molachino is a Legatee in Townsville, responsible for staying in contact with five widows.

“It’s about making sure these ladies have all they need to remain inde-pendent and have the resources they need, if and when required,” SQNLDR Molachino said. “Just being available if they need you for support or a chat. Most times it’s the simple things that brighten someone’s day.”

For more information on becoming a Legatee, go to legacy.com.au/Legatees. SQNLDR Mark Molachino.

All about going above and beyond

ADF personnel have raised attention to Legacy’s important community role, FLTLT Jessica Aldred writes.

FLTLT Jessica Aldred

A BIRD’S eye view for six Defence members from the roof top of the Adelaide Oval kicked off Legacy Week in South Australia on August 31.

A number of Air Force members participated in the roof climb event, supported by the iconic Legacy Bears, to raise awareness and funds for families suffering after the injury or death of a spouse or par-ent, during or after their Defence Force service.

Airborne Electronics Analyst SGT Taryn Allen, from 11SQN, said it was fantastic to see Adelaide from the top of the oval roof and support Legacy at the same time.

“I was born in Adelaide and have lived here for the majority of my life. I was excited to see the city from a view I have never seen before,” SGT Allen said.

“Legacy is an excellent organi-sation and I have enjoyed assisting where I can over the past seven years.”

For SGT Allen, her grandfather inspired her to help out with Legacy

each year, including collecting donations at the base gate and on the streets of Adelaide in previous years.

“I believe that my grandfather, who fought for Australia in World War II, would have appreciated the efforts and intent of Legacy,” she said.

Legacy is calling on the community to show its support for Legacy Week by donating online at www.legacyweek.com.au or pur-chasing merchandise at www.legacyshop.com.au

CPL Piotr Zochowski, 11SQN, PTE Joshua Hunt, 7th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment, LS James Kerin, Naval Construction Branch, ADF Legacy Bears, SGT Taryn Allen, 11SQN LCPL Dean Cornwall, 7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment and PO Erica Lower, Navy Headquarters South Australia, on the Adelaide Oval roof.Photo: LACW Jacqueline Forester.

Air Warfare Centre and Edinburgh Defence Precinct Senior ADF Officer AIRCDRE Brendan Rogers, centre, with ADF members during the Legacy Week launch at RAAF Base Edinburgh. Photo: LACW Jacqueline Forrester

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16 Personnel

New role cements strong relationship with AWMRoz Turner

WGCDR Michael ‘Gus’ Garside, a reservist working with both Air Mobility Group and History and Heritage Branch, has been selected to become the inaugural Air Force Fellow at the Australian War Memo-rial (AWM).

WGCDR Garside, pictured, joins Navy and Army personnel in similar positions to provide a research and liaison position within the AWM’s

military history team.

In the past, Air Force has provided short-term SMEs to the Official Histories Project, oral history team and maintains an active relation-ship with the AWM

through the Collections Coordination Group and Operational Records Collection Working Group, however, there was no permanent Air Force

presence at the AWM to provide SME perspective on Air Force mat-ters or to provide an immediate liai-son presence within the AWM.

History and Heritage Branch investigated the possibility of estab-lishing an Air Force Fellow position embedded within the Military History Section of the AWM, in order to achieve a more refined and effective means of having the Air Force expe-rience reflected in the AWM.

The AWM also expressed its keenness to adopt an Air Force

Fellow in order to develop its collec-tion strategies around recent opera-tions.

The position involves a one-year posting, administered by History and Heritage Branch and super-vised by the Air Force historian, with WGCDR Garside taking up his posi-tion in January 2021.

As the supervisor for the exciting new position, Air Force Historian Martin James said Air Force had an excellent working relationship with the AWM.

“With the appointment of WGCDR Garside to the Fellow posi-tion, we are now taking the relation-ship to another level,” Mr James said.

WGCDR Garside said he was looking forward to the new role.

“To be physically based at what has become my favourite location in Australia is an exciting prospect and I feel very honoured to have been chosen for this role,” WGCDR Garside said.

AS our Air Force members find themselves working from home and faced with greater health considerations

than ever before, the Air Force News team is committed to keeping you informed of important health advice by drawing on our Air Force health ex-perts – from your physical and mental health through to spiritual wellbeing.

With people at the centre of Air Force capability, it’s critical that we maintain our health and wellbeing to ensure that we can innovate, deliver and succeed in our rapidly changing environment.

The Air Force Mental Health and Wellbeing Action Plan, established in 2017, is focused on the holistic health of our members and the benefits we can gain, both individually and as an organisation.

The Action Plan is enabled through the Air Force mental health and well-being working group.

WOFF-AF Fiona Grasby believes that ensuring our people are fit and healthy is essential for us to achieve our goals.

“I support the Air Force mental health and wellbeing working group because I know that mental, physi-

Focusing on our wellbeingToday we begin a new series of columns with members’ health in mind.

cal and spiritual fitness is essential to overall wellbeing and performance,” WOFF-AF Grasby said.

“I am focused to ensure that our intelligent and skilled workforce are supported, feel empowered and that our culture supports psychologically safe environments where people can thrive to be the best that they can be.

“This monthly health and wellbe-ing series in Air Force News helps you to learn more about your own health, gain a better understanding of our poli-cies and know where to go if you need support.”

Under the joint leadership of DCAF and ACAUST, the mental health and wellbeing working group is committed to delivering the Action Plan on behalf of CAF to ensure our people are fighting fit – mentally, physically and spiritually.

The Action Plan includes a number of focus areas including governance, education, communication, policy, programs, service delivery, support and reporting.

Importantly, the critical outcome is for all Air Force members to have the trust, courage and leadership to ask for, and offer, support if and when needed.

WOFF-AF Grasby said it was more important than ever to support each other, as the way we work con-tinues to change and evolve.

“It’s critical that all our members step up and check on each other, espe-cially when our teams become more geographically dispersed or are work-ing on split shifts,” WOFF-AF Grasby said.

“Please continue to creatively find ways to stay in touch with each other, and if you observe or hear of someone struggling, be an up-stander and con-nect them with the support that they need.”

There are many health resources available for Air Force members, including the Air Force Guide to Mental Health and Wellbeing, the

Joint Health Command COVID-19 resources and also the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Open Arms service.

Di rec to r Ai r Force Hea l th GPCAPT Andrew Ormsby said mem-bers should always seek help if they needed it, either directly through your local health centre or through one of the many digital resources.

“It’s important for our people to remain aware of the information updates coming from Joint Health Command and the State and Territory health agencies, especially with the rapidly changing environment due to COVID-19,” GPCAPT Ormsby said.

“Our people should always feel that help is available – and there are so many options to seek help, such as in person, over the phone and online.”

The Air Force Mental Health and Wellbeing Action Plan has the following focus areas, to ensure mental health and wellbeing is at the forefront of workforce plan-ning and implementation: Commander’s Intent Committees and governance Education and training Communication and aware-

ness

Policy Mental health programs Clinical care and health

service delivery Organisational and person-

nel support Reporting systems Health surveillance Organisational learning Monitoring and review

The key areas Where to lookFind out more information from: Your local health centre Air Force Health resources

on the intranet: http://drnet.defence.gov.au/raaf/Air-Force/DG_AF_HS/Pages/Directorate%20of%20Air%20Force%20Health.aspx

Air Force Guide to Men-tal Health and Wellbe-ing: https://objective/id:BP11607547

Joint Health Command COVID-19 resources on the intranet: http://drnet.defence.gov.au/JCG/JHC/COVID-19/Pages/COV-ID-19.aspx

Optimising mental health and wellbeing: http://drnet.defence.gov.au/JCG/JHC/COVID-19/COVID-19%20Optimising%20Mental%20Health%20and%20Wellbe-ing/Pages/COVID-19-Opti-mising-Mental-Health.aspx

DVA Open Arms service: https://www.openarms.gov.au/ or on 1800 011 046

CAF AIRMSHL Mel Hupfeld and WOFF-AF Fiona Grasby discuss the The Air Force Mental Health and Wellbeing Action Plan. Photo: CPL Veronica O’Hara

Keep an eye out for health and wellbeing stories each month in Air Force News.

defencebank.com.au1800 033 139

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20 Personnel

SEEING the introduction of computers, meeting a king, and deploying all around the world are just some of the

highlights of the 45-year career of SQNLDR John de Haan, who received his second Federation Star on August 27.

Enlisting in Air Force as a sup-plier in 1975, SQNLDR de Haan initially posted into the base squadron at RAAF Base Williamtown without a computer or phone in sight – a big dif-ference to today’s Air Force.

On receiving his second Federation Star from Director-General Logistics - Air Force and Head of the logistics employment group, AIRCDRE Grant Pinder, SQNLDR de Haan said it was an honour.

“Receiving the second Federation Star and sixth clasp to my Defence Long Service Medal is an honour to say the least and represents the culmination of many achievements and years served within Defence,” SQNLDR de Haan said.

“The highlight of my career was reaching the rank of warrant officer in January 2005, with the follow-on

significant milestone of receiving my commission in 2008.”

It was during his deployment to Afghanistan in 2007 that SQNLDR de Haan (then WOFF) met the King of the Netherlands, while working as the air movements officer. As a Dutch speaker, SQNLDR de Haan welcomed the King in his native language.

“During my deployment to Afghanistan I met the King of the Netherlands, Willem-Alexander – he arrived on an Australian C-130 at Kandahar airfield where I welcomed and greeted him in my native Dutch language,” SQNLDR de Haan said.

“He was surprised that he was met by a Dutch-speaking person in an Australian uniform.”

His language skills continue to play a part in his career, with SQNLDR de Haan deploying to many places. He said a chance to deploy to the Netherlands was a highlight.

“I have had the fortune to deploy on many occasions to places such as Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand, Bougainville, Netherlands, Thailand, Afghanistan and Kuwait,” SQNLDR de Haan said. “But the most interesting

Diligencein anylanguageBeing fluent in Dutch is just one of the skills SQNLDR John de Haan has brought to his long Air Force career, FLTLT Jessica Aldred writes.

position I’ve had over the years was a six-month deployment in 2013-14 as the air planner staff officer to the ISAF [International Security Assistance Force] strategic flight coordination centre in the Netherlands.

“As a native speaker, writer and interpreter of the Dutch language, it meant that I could communicate flu-ently with my Dutch counterparts.”

Currently on a continuous full time service contract with Logistics

Branch until early 2022, he has begun to reflect on his long career and the changes that Air Force has made along the way.

SQNLDR de Haan said he has become a big supporter of the positive changes taking place in Defence.

“There have been many changes made within our Defence Force over the years to an organisation which openly recognises and accommodates people from all walks of life – these

changes were needed and go a long way to better recognising who and what we are, and better articulate the boundaries of what’s acceptable and not,” SQNLDR de Haan said.

“For our younger members, remember that you are in the driver seat of your own career.

“No one but you are in charge of advancing yourself in many ways, it will not always be easy but it gets bet-ter as time goes by.”

SQNLDR John de Haan after receiving his second Federation Star on August 27 in recognition of 45 years’ service. Top left: Meeting King Willem-Alexander, of the Netherlands, in 2007.

Framework to support reservistsA NEW collaborative approach to employer relationships is set to usher in a new era of support for Air Force reservists and their civil-ian workplaces.

Recent events have again highlighted the important role reservists play in delivering cur-rent and future Defence capabil-ity. Effective relationships with employers of reservists are criti-cal to support recruitment, reten-tion and active participation.

Head Joint Support Services Division RADM Brett Wolski said the development of a new engagement framework high-lighted the criticality of positive relationships with these key ADF stakeholders.

“Defence’s new Strategic Relationship Model uses a tiered approach to relationships with employers at the national, state and local level,” RADM Wolski said.

“Our reserve and employer support staff across Australia will manage relationships with employers and reservists at the local level, developing and main-taining relationships through invit-ing employer participation in and attendance at various engage-ment activities.

“These activities are managed in consultation with the respec-tive senior ADF officers who our reserve and employer support teams work very closely with in each region.”

While currently on hold due to COVID-19 restrictions, a compre-hensive employer engagement program provides employers an opportunity to see and experience first-hand what reservists do, including BOSS LIFT, Executive Stretch and other experiences.

“From a grassroots perspec-tive, it allows us to hear from

individual employers about how Defence can implement practi-cal initiatives to remove barriers employers may experience in releasing reservists for duty,” RADM Wolski said

At the national and state level, reserve and employer support teams will work with organisa-tions and industries that employ reservists with skillsets that sup-port areas of current or emerg-ing capability needs. Support activities include annual state and national Employer Support Awards to acknowledge reserv-ists’ employers, and policy and advice for both reservists and employers on the Reserve Service Protection Act 2001, which protects employees render-ing ADF service.

https://www.defencereservessupport.gov.au/

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RCE 21September 17, 2020AIR F Personnel

It’s been a ‘privilege’A YOUNG boy from Ad-

elaide’s northern suburbs, who dreamed of travelling the world and protecting the

Australian way of life, took a brave step that would launch him on an unforgettable adventure encompassing a 47-year career with the Air Force.

At just 17, WOFF Steve ‘Swanny’ Swanson decided to enlist as a clerk (personnel capability specialist), inspired by his brother, Rodney, who was part of the Special Air Service in Vietnam.

“My brother came home and said to me ‘I was flying around in the jun-

gles of Vietnam in Iroquois helicopters and it is better to see it from the air than on the ground’ and he was right,” WOFF Swanson said

“My career has taken me to many places around the world, including an overseas three-year appointment in Butterworth [Malaysia] along with other overseas postings.

“One of my career highlights has been the Orion refit program.

“My role generally involved coor-dinating the Orion inductions into Avalon [Victoria] for refit and then bringing them back into service with aircrew test flying acceptance.

“The Orions went in as P-3Cs and came out AP-3Cs, the first ever aircraft in the Air Force to be completely inter-nally refitted with new equipment.

“I take away a lot of knowledge, lots of experiences and the best ever

memories. The biggest thing that I will miss are the brothers and sisters in uniform with whom I have worked and grown up with. They say you can pick your friends but you can’t pick your family. I say, I have had the privilege of picking, working and living with my other family most of my life.

“I will be watching on with admi-ration and respect for whatever may come your way.

“I wish my extended family well and all the best for the future.”

Commander Air Warfare Centre, AIRCDRE Brendan Rogers acknowl-edged WOFF Swanson’s achievements and his commitment to excellence.

“I’ve had the pleasure and privilege to work with Swanny over a number of postings,” AIRCDRE Rogers said.

“I want to add my thanks for his service and wish him all the very best on his next chapter.”

WOFF Swanson is planning on enjoying a fulfilled retirement, relish-ing in everything it has to offer.

WOFF Steve Swanson leaves Air Force grateful for almost 50 years of experiences, LACW Jasna McFeeters writes.

WOFF Steve Swanson prepares to take his final flight on a P-8A Poseidon at RAAF Base Edinburgh. Photo: CPL Brenton Kwaterski

Aligning our values with high performanceAS CAF has highlighted through his Commander’s Intent, our advantage as an Air Force will increasingly be a direct reflection of the quality and capability of our people.

To achieve this, a contempo-rary view of human performance is transforming the way Air Force seeks to maximise the potential of the individual and team, led by the Human Performance and Safety (HPS) directorate.

HPS Director GPCAPT Ben Cook said the best way to achieve high-performance teams was to ensure our work practices aligned with our values.

“Our core purpose is to deliver sustainable operational capability considerate of risk, which abso-lutely needs to be focused on our people,” GPCAPT Cook said.

Under ACAUST, the HPS directorate will focus on culture, sport psychology, sports science, applied human factors and practi-cal risk tools to achieve a holistic perspective of human perfor-mance. The outcome: enhanced safety performance and psycho-logical safety.

The directorate is well resourced with industry experts, including Dr Kirsten Peterson, the previous Head of Performance Psychology from the Australian Institute of Sport Phil Moreland, the former Head of Strength and Conditioning from the NSW Institute of Sport and numerous human factor and risk specialists.

Visit the HQAC A9 Human Performance and Safety DRNet webpage.

THE RAAF Welfare Trust Fund, a separate entity to Air Force, exists to provide benefits to Air Force mem-bers past, present and their dependents, and receives no government funding. Given the large number of veteran organisations across Australia, the fund tends to focus on serving members or recently separated members. The fund provides assistance to SER-CAT 6 or 7 Air Force members through low-cost loans that attract a one-off service fee to assist the fund in paying expenses. The fund has in-creased the maximum amount which can be borrowed on each type of loan by $500 to help in these difficult times.

Contact the Secretary at (rwtf@defence.gov.au) or call (02) 61287615 or go to our DRN webpage drnet.defence.gov.au/raaf/AirForce/RWTF.

Welfare Trust Fund

22 Health and Safety

Toll Transitions is ready to help you relocate

Toll Website - Mobile Responsive & Low Bandwidth versions available Toll’s website has been updated. Its more intuitive and is also mobile responsive, so you can easily progress your relocation with all your devices. If you are in a location with limited connection, there’s a low bandwidth option available via a link on the lower right-hand side of the website.

What is a Pre-Removal Visit (PRV)?The purpose of the PRV is to clarify all the particular needs of your removal, such as access conditions, whether items need attention, confirmation of the size of your move and your unpack election. If your move requires a PRV your Case Manager will advise you and a Toll Transitions Consultant will call you to arrange a suitable time to visit your home. It’s important you make yourself available for a PRV should your move require one.

Read Toll’s Defence Relocation GuideToll’s Defence Relocation Guide is a useful resource for you to understand the details you need for a successful relocation. For example, in preparing for your removal, washing machines and refrigerators must be drained, wiped dry and cleaned. Washing machine bowls should be secured by you (refer to the manufacturer’s instructions).

Complete your Application for Relocation (AFR) and your Inventory Go to www.tollgroup.com/movemaestro/defence to access and complete your AFR and Inventory. Contact your Toll Case Manager or Toll’s Customer Service Centre on 1800 819 167 if you have any queries. If you have moved with Toll previously, you will be 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.

For more informationFreecall: 1800 819 167www.tollgroup.com/movemaestro/defenceRead Toll’s “Your Defence Relocation Guide”

Defence is developing a new posting platform called PostingConnect to assist you with your posting experience. PostingConnect will be available soon.

To find out more, visit the PostingConnect website at ext.defence.gov.au/PostingConnect

CPL Veronica O’Hara

AIR Force’s newest capability is made of metal, but despite no engine, it deployed with 383SQN to Townsville Field Training Area during its annual Woomera Walk training exercise in August.

“I think our deployable gym is a first for Air Force and this was the perfect opportunity to put it through its paces,” PTI CPL Josh Mulligan said.

“It was built a couple of months ago and we’ve been using it on base to supplement our squadron gym equipment, but this was our chance to take it on the road and see how it would hold up travelling on the back of a truck.”

The idea grew after CPL Mulligan saw the US forces’ gym at Exercise Talisman Sabre last year.

“I knew the squadron had a couple of spare shipping contain-ers due for disposal and thought if I could get hold of one and addi-tional funding, I’d come up with a design and get it manufactured in Townsville,” he said.

“Once I got some designs and started the application process, it happened pretty quickly.”

A container was converted to attach two squat racks and chin-up bars to the outside and takes two people about 15 minutes to set up. Equipment is secured inside.

“383SQN personnel were pretty excited to see this capabil-ity and in knowing that if they went on a four, six or eight-week exercise, they could maintain their training and mental wellbeing as well,” CPL Mulligan said.

He noticed people would lose conditioning while deployed and said the injury risk goes “through the roof” when they returned.

“We’d have to build them up all over again when we got back,” CPL Mulligan said.

In line with ACAUST’s direc-tive to implement the Air Force physical training continuum, CPL Mulligan devised a squadron-spe-cific program to ensure functional movement and physical capacities of members to operate in a contin-gency response squadron.

CPL Josh Mulligan coaches CPL James Herdmun using a kettle bell during a physical training session at High Range Training Area near Townsville. Photo: CHAP Stuart Asquith

Taking the gym with you

RCE 23September 17, 2020AIR F Sport

ALTHOUGH from Queensland, LACW Bonnie Doyle started skiing from age five because her mother worked at Perisher

during snow season, but it was Air Force that brought her back to the slopes.

A thrill-seeker at heart, LACW Doyle experienced the adrenaline rush of Olympic-grade downhill tracks at Saalbach-Hinterglemm in Austria 18 months ago.

While in Europe with the ADF ski team, she experienced super giant slalom and European-style speed events.

“Going down at really high speeds made it a bit like skiercross,” LACW Doyle said.

“The British Armed Forces lent us their two-metre skis and it was just crazy – my helmet was starting to lift.

“The feeling was absolutely exhilarat-ing and was definitely my favourite.”

Her preferred style of skiercross involves navigating rollers, jumps, high-banked turns and tabletops on a course that resembles a motorcross track.

“I love it because I can just let go, I don’t have to slow down,” LACW Doyle said.

Unable to take place this year, RAAF Alpine Skiing Association would nor-mally hold its annual competition in August at Mt Hotham.

“You ski in and ski out, so you have to stay on the mountain all day, and while being easy to traverse, it’s a little more challenging than the other moun-

On top of the world

As a member of the ADF ski team, LACW Bonnie Doyle pursues her passion around the globe, CPL Veronica O’Hara writes.

tains so it keeps beginners away,” she said.

LACW Doyle finds the support of teammates important after a shake-up or recovering from a crash.

“I was really surprised; it’s often seen as an individual sport but talking with them and even a hug, helps in recovering from those confidence losses,” she said.

So far LACW Doyle has been to the snow three times this season, but heads to Mt Stromlo with her bicycle when she can’t be there.

She finds mountain biking similar to skiing with the muscles used and down-hill movement.

Last year at the Australian Defence snowsports competition in Perisher, LACW Doyle captained the Air Force women’s team to victory for the first time in 20 years and the men’s team also won, with Air Force crowned the ADF champion service.

“I surprised myself because I did real-ly well in slalom, which is slower and more technical, not a sport I’m generally good at,” LACW Doyle said.

At last year’s ADF snowsports competition at Perisher, LACW Bonnie Doyle led the Air Force women’s team to victory.

Main: LACW Bonnie Doyle about to head downhill at Perisher. Below: LACW Doyle spraying powder in Austria in early 2019.Main photo: LS Jayson Tufrey

SPSP RTRTSeptember 17, 2020

FLATOUT

WHITE-HOTSPEED IN THE ALPS

Page 23

LACW Bonnie Doyle competes in the skier-cross racing event at the National and

International Interservices Alpine Snow Sports Championships at Perisher ski resort in 2015. LACW Doyle, who began skiing as a five-year-old, is a member of the ADF ski team and

last year competed in Europe.Photo: LS Jayson Tufrey