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NEWSNAVYThe official newspaper of the Royal Australian Navy

Volume 59, No. 5, April 7, 2016

MISSION SUCCESS

HMAS Canberra returns home from Operation Fiji Assist

– Page 3

723SQN in Antarctica

Pages 4-5

Young Endeavour feature

Pages 13-16

INSIDE

2 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS April 7, 2016

Director David Edlington (02) 6265 4650

Editor Sharon Palmer: (02) 6266 7612

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Dallas McMaugh

FORMER RAN and Australian Army personnel received long overdue recognition for the role they played as air gunners with the RAN Helicopter Flight Vietnam (RANHFV) when they were pre-sented with specially designed Gunner’s wings in ceremonies around Australia at the end of last month.

These servicemen were drawn from non-flying categories and called upon to do their duty with-out formal or recognised training, when they flew with the US Army’s 135th Assault Helicopter Company Experimental Military Unit (EMU).

CDRE Vince Di Pietro, who made many of the presentations, said the men were doing their duty dur-ing extraordinary times in extraordi-nary ways.

“These men volunteered to carry out the duties of a door gunner as an innovative response, born of neces-sity, to meet an urgent need at the

time,” CDRE Di Pietro said. “Due to the unconventional

nature of their duties, most received little or no recognition for their extraordinary duties on their return from active duty.”

Frank Eyck, John Waskiw, Kevin Camm, John Martin, John MaCartney and Peter Vidler were the first recipients of the Gunners Wings at a ceremony held at Nowra’s Fleet Air Arm Museum on March 22.

Michelle Thorpe was also present to accept the award on behalf of her father Jim Hill, a regular volunteer and much missed presence at the Museum.

The Fleet Air Arm Museum’s Vietnam-era Bell UH-1 Iroquois provided the perfect backdrop for the presentation. A mannequin in the air gunners seat is even dressed in a uniform which once belonged to wings recipient Kevin Camm.

Asked what the certificate and wings meant to him Mr Vidler said, “one helluva lot”.

“Ninety per cent of my time in

IN RECOGNITION of his service while participating in sustained aerial flight in support of allied combat ground forces in the Re-public of South Vietnam. During the period of his Service, he par-ticipated in aerial missions over hostile territory to support opera-tions against communist aggres-sion. During these flights, con-ducted by day and night, in fair weather and foul, he displayed

a high order of air discipline and acted in accordance with the best traditions of military service in a role for which he volunteered to contribute to the accomplishment of the tasked mission, in spite of the hazards inherent in repeated aerial flights over hostile territory. By his professionalism and devo-tion to duty, he has brought great credit upon himself, the Royal Australian Navy and Australia.”

Wings over Vietnam

MASTERING the multi-domain environment in times of peace or war is the way ahead for increased joint effects for Defence.

That’s the view of CN VADM Tim Barrett, who recently addressed the annual Air Power Conference, held in Canberra.

VADM Barrett told the confer-ence that integration in multi-domain operations provided an effective

deterrent in times of peace and a potent capability in times of war.

“We live in a world of combat reality where situational awareness and the ability to engage an adver-sary across the multi-domain space are critical,” VADM Barrett said.

He emphasised the importance capability planning played in deliv-ering technological superiority and advanced skills in the land-sea-air domain.

VADM Barrett joined CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies and CA LTGEN Angus Campbell at the conference.

AIRMSHL Davies told the conference, which focused on joint effects and multi-domain integration, that people working on the frontline and in a networked environment needed to fit seamlessly with other operators.

“What I liked at the conference

was seeing quite a few Army and Navy uniforms,” AIRMSHL Davies said.

“To provide the Government and joint force commanders with the best possible air power options, primarily through technologically advanced systems, we need to have a skilled and supported workforce,” he said.

Former PO Peter Vidler (above) in Vietnam and (right) being presented with his wings and a certificate by CDRE Vince Di Pietro during a ceremony held at the Fleet Air Arm Museum, Nowra. Photo: LSIS Sarah Williams

CN addresses air power conference

Vietnam I was in the operations cen-tre, working night shift.

“I would do flight manifests and decode missions and we’d work four or five nights and then were sup-posed to have three days off.

“I would sleep for the first day and then volunteer for gunner duty and spend the next two days flying.

“Because my main duties were in the operations centre I hadn’t seen the need to do flying training before we left Albatross but there I was,

leaning out of the aircraft, secured by a belt and a long strap. We soon grew very attuned to the helicopter’s every movement. Even though we wouldn’t hear the bullets around us we could tell by the movement of the helicopter when it was time to get back inside – which we did prompt-ly! There was a lot of adrenaline.”

“I’ve waited 46 years for this rec-ognition, so yes, it means a helluva lot and I will wear these wings with pride.”

CITATION ON CERTIFICATE

CDRE Vince Di Pietro presents former AB John Waskiw with his wings and certificate (above), and (right) Mr Waskiw in action in Vietnam. Photo: LSIS Sarah Williams

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3NEWSApril 7, 2016 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

���About 500 tonnes of humanitarian aid and disaster relief stores distributed throughout Fiji.

��30,000 litres of drinking water supplied.

��910 hygiene packs delivered.

��Eight schools and two medical centres repaired by Australian and Fijian military engineers on Koro island.

��Stores for the repair of six schools delivered on Taveuni island.

��About 1000 ADF troops deployed.

��Continued presence of 200 ADF personnel for continuing assistance.

OP AT A GLANCE

Special aid targets women’s needsLCDR Jacqueline Swinton

FEMALE ADF personnel and a member of DFAT attended a key leadership engagement in Nasau Village on Koro Island, Fiji, on March 18.

Conducted as part of Operation Fiji Assist, the engagement deliv-ered aid purchased using donations from ADF personnel deployed as part of the Australian whole-of-gov-ernment response.

The aid was targeted at women and children and included items such as underwear, nappies, sanitary products, cooking and eating uten-sils, school books and stationery.

Deputy Maritime Logistics Officer LEUT Michelle Rayner, who facilitated the fundraising, said personnel from HMAS Canberra were pleased that the money raised was able to provide some basic necessities to women and children on Koro who had lost everything.

“Everyone on board Canberra was keen to support the women on Koro by having an inter-departmen-tal challenge to make donations,” LEUT Rayner said.

“Through donating, Canberra personnel were able to feel involved and offer their support to the people of Koro where it was much needed.”

The key leadership engagement was organised by LCDR Jacqueline Swinton, JTF635 Legal Officer and Gender Adviser, as part of

the implementation of Australia’s National Action Plan on United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325, Women Peace and Security in ADF Operations.

LCDR Swinton said her role was to advise the Commander on the integration of a gender perspec-tive and consideration of the experi-ences and needs of women and girls, across a range of complex issues in the planning and execution of opera-tions.

LCDR Jacqueline Swinton speaks to a Fijian woman on Koro Island during Operation Fiji Assist. Photo: LSIS Helen Frank

LEUT Will Singer

M E M B E R S o f d iv i n g t e a m s AUSCDT1 and 4 have conducted underwater repairs on an important mooring buoy, near Koro Island, Fiji.

AUSCDT4 discovered the buoy while conducting a wharf and seabed survey in support of Operation Fiji Assist 2016.

A reconnaissance diver sent below to investigate discovered a shackle pin missing at the end of the buoy’s cable, leaving its weight as the only stability point for the mooring.

Officer in Charge Underwater Damage Repair CPOCD Drew Mitchell of AUSCDT1, said the job was part of the teams’ priority to repair the damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Winston.

“The lack of a secure mooring point in the jetty’s location was an extremely dangerous situation,” PO Mitchell said. “The outcome could

have been catastrophic if the buoy had ended up on the reef as a result of not having a place to secure.”

Using underwater navigation sys-tems, clearance divers identified the buoy’s original coordinates and trav-elled back to the site, locating the large concrete flooring anchor.

The divers reconnected the cable using inflatable lift bags, setting the buoy back in its correct position.

CPO Mitchell said the repair of the buoy was a satisfying task for the divers.

“The task proved the equipment and team’s capability to carry out the underwater repair job, which also turned to be a training target that we have now achieved,” CPO Mitchell said.

“The Fijian people have benefited from our work and we have benefited from the experience.”

Divers fix, secure damaged buoy

Canberra first op a success

Clearance divers inspect the mooring buoy that came loose from its anchor point off Koro Island.

HMAS Canberra’s return to Sydney on April 1 marked the end of the flagship’s first operational deploy-ment after a month-long mission to Operation Fiji Assist.

Canberra and RAAF aircraft transported much needed humanitar-ian aid and assistance immediately in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Winston after a request from the Fijian govern-ment.

The amphibious ship departed Brisbane on February 26 with 60 tonnes of emergency relief supplies, three MRH90s and about 760 ADF personnel, including engineers, car-penters, electricians and plumbers.

CJOPS VADM David Johnston said Navy, Air Force and Army personnel had completed a remarkable effort while deployed to the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission

“Canberra embarked engineering assets, medical teams, helicopters, underwater clearance teams and a range of vehicles and small boats in order to work alongside the Republic of the Fijian military forces,” VADM Johnston said.

“On arrival, we focused our sys-tems with Canberra out to the north-east of the main island, particularly in the islands of Koro and Taveuni.

“What we’ve found, and we’ve been able to take off the back of sig-nificant training work in Canberra and the amphibious force preparation late last year, is a demonstration of just how much you can perform both with these ships and the embarked forces.”

VADM Johnston said despite the tragic circumstances of the event, one of the real positives had been the daily interaction Australian personnel had with the soldiers, men and women of the Fijian military forces.

“The opportunity to work together on the ground in Fiji has been wel-comed by both communities and we’ve found that there’s been a very strong collective sense of purpose in provid-ing humanitarian systems together and enabling us to work shoulder-to-shoulder.”

These sentiments were echoed by President of Fiji George Konrote, who visited the ship on March 24.

President Konrote offered his appreciation to JTF635 for the tireless work supporting the Fijian authorities’ disaster relief efforts.

“Words alone are not enough to express our gratitude for your help,” President Konrote said. “You came to assist us in our hour of need and we are humble and grateful.”

Commander JTF635 at the time of

the visit, CAPT Brett Sonter, said the visit was an honour for the men and women deployed on the operation.

“Before the visit, President Konrote had met JTF635 personnel in Suva and the members of the rotary wing detachment at Nausori International Airport,” CAPT Sonter said.

“We are extremely grateful he took time to come and visit JTF635 person-nel in Canberra, who were proud to help the Fijian people.”

CAPT Sonter passed command of JTF635 to LTCOL Scott Hill on March 26, signifying the transition to a land-based operation, with a focus on the provision of engineer and rotary wing support to the Fijian government and military forces.

About 160 personnel will be located in Suva, reaching out to com-munities still suffering from the effects of the cyclone.

Four MRH90s from the Townsville-based 5th Aviation Regiment will remain in Fiji.

The President of Fiji, George Konrote, greets ABET Timothy Wallington during his visit to HMAS Canberra. Photo: POIS Yuri Ramsey

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4 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS April 7, 2016

ANYONE needing a Squirrel helicopter recovered from Antarctica should look no fur-ther than 723SQN.

The maintainers from 723 are definite-ly the “go-to” team when it comes to the AS350 Squirrel, so when the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) needed assis-tance removing three of them, LSATA Jodie Khan, POATA Mark Anderson and LSATA Tim Graham were given the rare task.

The team was collected from HMAS Albatross in an RAAF C17 Globemaster aircraft and flown to Hobart. From there they were taken to Wilkins Aerodrome near South Casey Station, a permanent base in Antarctica managed by the AAD.

The Wilkins runway is located on a glacier and only operates during the Antarctic summer, so it was important to get the AAD helicopters out before winter set in.

LS Khan said she was “over the moon” at the opportunity. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime chance,” she said.

“I’m from Queensland so I’m defi-nitely not used to that level of cold but it was all part of the experience.

“Even the departure briefs were dif-ferent to our usual guidelines. The AAD gave us videos to watch, which explained how to dress to stay warm, to vacuum our clothes to remove any seeds which may contaminate the environment, and they also stressed the importance of not touch-ing the penguins.”

LS Graham said it was an adventure that most people don’t get to experience.

“But while we were going into the unknown in terms of wilderness and cli-

mate, we were on familiar territory when it came to the task ahead of us,” he said.

PO Anderson said the pre-departure period was intense because of the rela-tively small timeframe.

“Morale is always high at 723, and everyone was keen to help out in whatev-er way they could to ensure our success, “PO Anderson said.

“Everyone at the Squadron pulled together to make this happen, they appre-ciated what a great opportunity this was.”

As well as their expertise, the team provided specialised equipment including aircraft lashings, handling wheels, a spe-cial towing arm and loading ramps devel-oped by 723SQN specifically for loading Squirrels into a C17.

“Working on ice presented a few unknowns, but we were working with the AAD team who were very familiar with that environment, so the RAAF, the AAD, and Navy worked together,” PO Anderson said.

“It wasn’t entirely straightforward; our Squirrels are slightly different to the AAD’s, which meant we had to readjust the ramps.

“It was a bit tricky to get them lined up perfectly. We were on the ground for just five hours, with 20km/h winds and temperature of minus 17c.

“But we were so focused on the job it wasn’t until the end of the day that we could stop and take it all in,” PO Anderson said.

“We were waiting on the runway and I was shuffling in the snow when I saw the light blue ice of the glacier below us which is when I really got my bearings, and a sense of where we were.”

723SQN ICES IT

LSATA Tim Graham, LSATA Jodie Khan and POATA Mark Anderson on the ground in Antarctica at Wilkins Aerodrome near South Casey Station.

A mission to Antarctica was a rare opportunity for members of 723SQN, Dallas McMaugh reports.

One of the Squirrels on board the C-17 Globemaster III.

5NEWSApril 7, 2016 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

723SQN ICES IT

Forecaster takes his skills to the extremeLCDR Peter Croce

AFTER months enduring sub-zero temper-atures, LEUT Wade Lamberth has returned to Australia and is enjoying wearing “boar-dies and a T-shirt” again.

LEUT Lamberth has been braving bliz-zards, ice and freezing conditions while plying his professional skills as the Navy’s meteorology officer in Antarctica.

The warfare officer, who specialises in weather forecasting, deployed to the South Pole late in 2015, wrapping up his tasking in the frozen continent last month.

He said the highly sought-after Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) role to support Australian researchers, mainly based at Davis Station, took his skills to the extreme in one of the world’s most remote areas.

“As a meteorologist, this job is awe-some and certainly my time and experi-ences here will remain with me for the rest of my life,” LEUT Lamberth said.

“You get everything from beautiful crystal clear days where the icebergs are glistening out in the bay, to a few days later when the wind is quite exfoliating, the snow is blinding and the only thing you can do is huddle in the mess to stay warm.

“My job is to ensure I give the people working here the best possible indication of what the upcoming weather will be.

“The weather can change so quickly down here, so whether for field parties, scientific research, or aviation, it’s critical they all know what the weather will do – I usually get it right!”

A typical day for LEUT Lamberth

included reviewing satellite imagery, tak-ing observations from automatic weather stations and a twice- daily weather balloon flight.

Once the weather balloon responds with the atmospheric temperature data, he is able to combine the information with model data and knowledge of localised effects to generate a forecast.

He said the Australians were highly regarded and were able to provide a confi-dent forecast out to four days.

“The team places a lot of faith in you to get the forecast correct,” he said.

“There are projects that are really time critical, so it can be vital to ensure a weather window isn’t missed, or that they won’t be hit by a blizzard.

“It’s so isolated and the weather can be so extreme. I’m not exaggerating when I say if I get the forecast wrong, people may find themselves in a life-threatening situation.

“But I enjoy the challenge, taking that pressure and using it to focus and push yourself – it’s something my time as a MWO taught me.”

LEUT Lamberth said his interest in forecasting came about as a result of the relationship between how we do our job at sea and the impact the weather has on us. Being at sea is an amazing experience but not so enjoyable when the weather has closed in and a swell is rolling through.

“It’s an interesting job that has taken me from compiling the information on weather forecasts for land forces in the Middle East, to Navy ships in waters around Australia,” he said.

Meteorologist LEUT Wade Lamberth gives the thumbs up from an inflatable boat during a task near Davis Station.

Squirrels belonging to the Australian Antarctic Division are prepared by 723SQN maintainers for transport back to Australia. Photos: LSATA Tim Graham

7NEWSApril 7, 2016 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

THE inaugural Defence Maritime Science and Technology Strategy was signed in Canberra on March 22.

Head Navy Capability RADM Jonathan Mead said the strategy was co-developed by Navy, Air Force, CASG and DST Group.

“It is symbolic of the One Defence approach, where we are moving to a partnership between the Services and Groups,” RADM Mead said. “We are all in this together.”

The strategy document was co-signed by RADM Mead and Acting Domain Program Manager Maritime, DST Group, David Kershaw.

Entitled Shaping Defence Science and Technology in the Maritime Domain: 2016-2026, the new strategy outlines future areas of focus for Defence capability and objectives, and identifies which areas of science and technology have the potential to support their development.

The strategy considers existing strategic guidance, changes in the maritime operational environment and current maritime science and technology support to Defence, and aims to inform and shape future sci-ence and technology capabilities.

The five primary focus areas for science and technology support identified, that cover the breadth of support required for the maritime domain, are:

Inaugural science strategy

♦ decision superiority;♦ mission survivability in a high-

threat environment;♦ joint and combined operations;♦ creating and shaping the future

force; and♦ seaworthy and airworthy fleet.

The strategy notes that, while the five focus areas require enduring support, they encompass a num-ber of specific priority areas that address current and future maritime challenges.

The strategy identifies the fol-lowing priority areas as intended to

inform and shape science and tech-nology capabilities:♦ information integration and

interoperability;♦ robust and protected networks

and infrastructure;♦ task group operations;♦ theatre anti-submarine warfare;♦ integrated air and missile

defence;♦ enhanced current capability.

To obtain a copy of the strategy email NSACorrespondence@drn.mil.au

RADM Jonathan Mead and Dr David Kershaw at the signing of the inaugural Defence Maritime Science and Technology Strategy.

Wounded, injured and ill athletes will compete in the second Invictus

Games in Florida next month. Photo: LSIS Jayson Tufrey

LSIS Jayson Tufrey

DEFENCE’S wounded, injured and ill (WII) athletes will compete against the world’s best in the second iteration of the Invictus Games to be held in the US from May 8-12.

The Invictus Games is an international adap-tive sports event for serving and former WII per-sonnel, which aims to build upon participants’ individual rehabilitation and recovery programs.

The word Invictus means ‘unconquered’. This embodies the fighting spirit of the WII per-sonnel and demonstrates what these tenacious men and women can achieve, post injury.

The games harness the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation, and gen-erate a wider understanding and respect for those who serve their country.

The 2016 games will be held in Orlando, Florida, at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in the heart of Disney World Resort.

Australia is planning to send a team of up to 40 athletes, including three Navy, 14 Army, three Air Force members and 20 veterans, sup-ported by the Returned and Services League.

The Invictus Games are an initiative of HRH Prince Harry who, on a trip to the Warrior Games in the US in 2013, saw how the power of sport could help personnel physically, psycho-logically and socially.

As a result, London hosted the inaugural Invictus Games in 2014.

Prince Harry said he was delighted the US had taken up the challenge to host the next games.

“I have no doubt the US will set the bar even higher than London did and put on a great show,” he said.

Cont ingen t Commander COL Phi l Langworthy said it was important for the ADF to be represented at these games.

“It’s probably the ultimate opportunity for our athletes to experience and participate in adaptive sport; second only to the Paralympics,” he said.

“It’s well accepted now that adaptive sport can play a key role in a service person’s recov-ery and return of a higher degree of wellbeing.

“The Games are a fantastic setting where our athletes can mix with both coalition and non-coalition countries with whom we’ve served, when many of the injuries initially happened.

“That sense of mateship and camaraderie you get from competing at an international level is pretty special.”

Prince Harry said the games had shone a spotlight on the unconquerable character of cur-rent and former servicemen and women, and their families, and their “Invictus” spirit.

“These games have been about seeing guys sprinting for the finish line and then turning round to clap the last man in,” he said.

“They have been about teammates choosing to cross the line together, not wanting to come second, but not wanting the other guys to either.

“These games have shown the very best of the human spirit.”

Australia’s participation in the Invictus Games is part of a broader adaptive sports pro-gram that involves ADF and veteran WII com-peting in events such as the Canadian Allied winter sports camp and the US Navy, Marines, Army and Air Force trials.

The ADF and RSL’s cooperative approach is providing a firm foundation for a potential Australian bid to host the 2018 Invictus Games.

Warriors to face the best in Florida

♦ wheelchair basketball♦ wheelchair rugby♦ wheelchair tennis♦ athletics (100m, 200m, 400, 1500, 4

x 100m, discuss, shot)♦ powerlifting (benchpress only)♦ archery (compound and recurve)♦ cycling sprint (time trial and criterium)♦ indoor rowing (endurance and sprint

event)♦ sitting volleyball♦ swimming (50m freestyle, 50m

backstroke, 50m breaststroke, 100m freestyle, 4x50m)

♦ navigation challenge

INVICTUS SPORTS

8 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS April 7, 2016

LCDR Alistair Tomlinson

NAVY will again feature in the upcoming series of Coast Australia – this time in an episode that focuses on Jervis Bay on the NSW south coast.

In production for its third series, sequences filmed off HMAS Creswell in early March have added to participa-tion from Navy Hydrographers in series two, in an episode looking at the Great Barrier Reef.

Support from Navy was again an obvious choice by documentary mak-ers Great Southern Television noting the long association with the natural harbour of Jervis Bay from both land and sea.

The Royal Australian Naval College was opened on the shores of the Bay in 1913, and its anchorages have been used by naval vessels for more than a century.

CO Creswell CAPT Stephen Hussey said his daily norm of train-ing, boatwork, helicopter activities and ship movements in the region would provide compelling viewing for most Australians.

“Even though we’ve been here for more than 100 years, it’s still impor-tant to show the public what we do, in particular our training, and how it contributes to national security,” CAPT Hussey said.

Director Matthew Thomason said Navy’s participation was essential because of the range of unique and exciting roles undertaken in the region.

“The Australian Navy obviously has a vital presence around our coastline, which is why there is a high level of public interest in what it does,” Mr Thomason said.

During a single day, with the sup-port of both Shoalhaven bases HMAS Albatross and Creswell, the documen-tary makers were able to participate in wet water winching by 723SQN, rigid-hulled inflatable boat training and a Colours ceremony.

“We were really impressed with the professionalism and cooperation shown by the Bell 429 helicopter aircrew and members of Creswell,” Mr Thomason said.

“It was clear how much pride they take in their work and they are a great credit to Navy and the whole of Australia.”

Navy imagery specialists also sup-ported the shoot, providing additional camera angles and specialist advice on filming Navy evolutions.

The third series of Coast Australia has been commissioned by pay TV pro-vider Foxtel and will be presented by historian and archaeologist Neil Oliver.

Navy stars in Coast

723SQN pilot LEUT Mark Green is interviewed by Great Southern Television for the Coast Australia documentary program.

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9NEWSApril 7, 2016 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

LEUT Des Paroz

THE Navy’s final three landing craft heavy – ex-HMA Ships Balikpapan, Betano and Wewak – were officially signed over to the Philippines Navy at a ceremony held at Darwin’s HMAS Coonawarra naval base on March 8.

As workhorses of the Navy for some four decades, the vessels sup-ported a wide range of military, peacekeeping and humanitarian exer-cises and operations around Australia and the Indo-Pacific region.

Since the gifting of two of the LCH sister ships last year, the Philippine Navy has also found the ships provide an important opera-tional capability.

Commander of the Philippine Navy’s Sealift Amphibious Force CDRE Rene Medina led a small team to Darwin and Cairns to officially take ownership of the three craft.

“The Philippine Navy com-missioned BRP Ivatan (ex-HMAS Brunei) and BRP Batak (ex-HMAS Tarakan) in 2015, bringing them into service as part of our Sealift Amphibious Force,” CDRE Medina said.

“These ships have already started to fulfil an important role comple-menting the Philippine Navy fleet,

and we look forward to these three ships also joining the fleet.

“We are grateful to the Australian Navy for safeguarding all three while we have been working to coordinate the handover.”

Representing the ADF at the handover ceremony was CO Coonawarra CMDR John Navin, a former landing craft CO.

“As the CO of Balikpapan in 2000-01, I had the pleasure of com-manding the ship while she served in support of peacekeeping operations in East Timor,” CMDR Navin said.

“This was a high-tempo opera-tional role for Balikpapan and her sisters – an important role that show-cased the versatility of the class.

“Commanding one of these ships has been a highlight of my career to date, and I am pleased to see that all six former RAN LCH are continu-ing their service with the navies of Australian partners – five of them with the Philippines and one with the PNG Defence Force.”

After an inspection and handover ceremony, Balikpapan and Betano were moved from the hardstand at Coonawarra to a waiting sealift ship, which will take them back to the Philippines where they will be refit-ted and readied for the next chapters of their lives.

New home for workhorsesLast LCHs to Philippines

CMDR John Navin presents CDRE Rene Medina with the signed certificate of acceptance for the three LCH vessels at HMAS Coonawarra. Photo: LEUT Desmond Paroz

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10 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS April 7, 2016

WO John O’Brien

SENIOR high school students and teachers from Sydney’s north recently had a close look at Navy when they visited HMAS Penguin for a Youth Leadership Forum.

CO Penguin CMDR Ian Campbell welcomed the group and told the stu-dents to enjoy the experience.

“It was a great opportunity for the students to see how the team works in Navy and to hear about some of the many opportunities Navy offers in terms of career options,” CMDR Campbell said.

Twenty-seven students and six teachers from Mosman High, Balgowlah Boys Campus, Cromer Campus, Mackellar Girls High, the Forest High and Oxford Falls Grammar attended.

The day was all about personnel from Penguin providing an insight into how the team works, what we do and how we do it.

ABCD Rowan King was on hand to brief the students and gave everyone a close up view of the KM37 Diving Helmet used by clearance divers.

“It was a great opportunity to give the senior students a look into the life of a clearance diver,” he said.

The program included a tour of the tunnels at Middle Head where the group was escorted by a NSW Parks and Wildlife guide who provided an

Lessons on Navy life

in-depth commentary about the his-tory of the tunnels and the various gun mounts.

In the afternoon, POPT Rhod Hunter took the group for some lead-ership exercises.

PO Hunter managed a session

where the students conducted some minor team-building and leadership activities with the PT staff.

“This included working as a team in order to find a solution to cross-ing a simulated flooded river,” PO Hunter said.

“It is always an enjoyable and rewarding experience to give the youth of today an insight into what our job entails and to assist them with developing their teamwork and leadership skills.”

Industry conferenceTHE Defence and Industry Conference will be held at the National Convention Centre in Canberra on June 15. Deputy Secretary Capability and Sustainment Group Kim Gillis said the conference would provide a critical platform for government-to-business and business-to-business interactions. “This year’s event will bring together keynote speakers, decision-makers, equip-ment operators, project managers and prime and small-to-medium enterprises from across the Defence and industry sector,” Mr Gillis said. Registrations can be made at www.defence.gov.au/casg/DoingBusiness/Industry/Findingopportunities/defencein-dustryconference

Jawun nominationsTHE Directorate of Indigenous Affairs is calling for nominations from LCDR/CMDR/CAPT mem-bers to participate in the Jawun Indigenous Community Placement Program. The program matches individual skills with the needs of an indigenous community in Australia. Project work is allocated based on this need and is com-pleted over a six-week placement. Nominations for round three close on May 13. Round three will run from July 11 to September 24. For more information visit http://intranet.defence.gov.au/People/sites/indigenousAffairs/comweb.asp?page=52990&Title=Jawun

IN BRIEF

ABCD Rowan King briefs students on the KM37 Diving Helmet.

Photo: WO John O’Brien

WO John O’Brien

HMAS Penguin personnel again sup-ported the annual Balmoral swim com-munity fundraiser at Balmoral Beach held on March 13.

CO Penguin CMDR Ian Campbell said it was a worthy cause to support.

“It was terrific for Penguin to provide support for the annual Swim for Cancer, which is an excellent community fund-raiser event,” CMDR Campbell said.

“This year a large amount of schools were represented and it was good to see so many members of the local commu-nity from the Mosman area out in force, competing in the wide range of swim events.”

More than 1000 people partici-pated in some capacity on the day, and

between $130,000 and $140,000 was raised for the Children’s Cancer Institute.

Personnel from the RAN Dive School and the Hydrographic School helped set up the course, and Defence Force Recruiting personnel were on hand to provide information and advice to the many swimmers who enquired about joining the ADF.

The RAN Band performed at the rotunda, delivering a great performance and proved to be very popular.

“Penguin had been a keen supporter of the Balmoral Swim for Cancer and the Children’s Cancer Institute for the past six years,” CMDR Campbell said.

“This is a great community event for a very worthy cause and we are proud to be a part of it.”

Penguin shows support for swim

CO HMAS Penguin CMDR Ian Campbell congratulates Matt Rofe, of the Castle Hill RSL Dolphins swim club, after his team won the Penguin Shield relay event at the Balmoral Swim for Cancer.

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LEUT Todd Fitzgerald

TRAINEES undertaking an intensive 18-month medical course have completed their first clinical placement.

The 20 men and women aged 18 to 28 worked for three weeks at aged care facilities on Sydney’s North Shore.

ABML-C Monique Grace described it as “difficult and con-fronting” at times but “overall a great learning and life experi-ence”.

“I joined the Navy for the challenge, adventure and oppor-tunities that I would not get in other jobs, and I certainly got all those things here,” AB Grace said.

Her highlight was befriending resident and former sailor Arthur Berry.

“Talking to him and listening to his old school sailing stories was very interesting,” AB Grace said.

“All the residents had amazing life stories and being around them warmed my heart.”

The ADF Medic Course is conducted at the RAN’s Medical School at HMAS Penguin in Sydney and at the Army School of Health in Wodonga.

Trainees are expected to conduct five clinical placements totalling 26 weeks, including in community and mental health, acute care, emergency and with the NSW Ambulance Service.

Officer-in-Charge of the RAN Medical School LCDR Bronwyn Low said clinical placements were an essential part of providing the Royal Australian Navy with a skilled workforce.

“Trainees cement skills on placement which they have learned in the classroom; nursing and interpersonal skills which will be invaluable as they further their careers,” LCDR Low said.

“The staff at the aged care facilities were very impressed by the professionalism and knowledge of the trainees, many of whom had an enormous positive impact on the behaviour of the residents.”

Qualified medics are an integral part of Navy ships and shore establishments and are leading the way in humanitarian assis-tance and disaster relief operations like the one in Fiji.

On graduation the group will return to the Fleet as endorsed enrolled nurses and paramedics.

Real life medic placements

ABML-C Monique Grace spends some quality time with former sailor and aged-care resident Arthur Berry while on her clinical placement as part of her medical course.

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13YOUNG ENDEAVOUR – FOUR-PAGE FEATUREApril 7, 2016 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

VOYAGE OF A LIFETIME

IT MAY have been wet and dis-mal in Sydney when the crew of Sail Training Ship (STS) Young Endeavour returned on March 17,

but the weather didn’t dampen the spirits of the crew as they returned from an unforgettable 12-month voy-age circumnavigating the world.

CO Young Endeavour LCDR Gavin Dawe, who is on his third posting to the ship, and second as CO, said the voyage had a number of highlights.

“Sailing around Cape Horn was a high point of the voyage because not many ships or captains go that way any-more,” he said.

“Participating in a sail-past with other warships at the Centenary of Anzac Dawn Service at Gallipoli, and later laying a wreath, was a really mov-

ing experience, especially with the young crew.”

LCDR Dawe said what he enjoyed most about Young Endeavour was the youth development program.

“It’s a really good program as far as self-development is concerned,” he said.

“We’re seeing young Australians grow through their experiences in the ship.

“We put through 24-27 young people on an 11-day voyage and we had 208 over the course of the round-the-world voyage.

“I’ve seen more than 2000 young Australians go through the program.”

According to LCDR Dawe, people benefited from the experience because it got them out of their comfort zone.

“They learn to work as part of a

team and it takes them away from their normal experiences,” he said.

LCDR Dawe said Navy members who volunteered for a posting to the ship underwent an 11-day suitability assessment and if they made the grade they were posted to the ship for two years.

“There are 15 Navy staff members who work with Young Endeavour, but only nine actually in the ship,” he said.

“They work on rotations of 12 days’ duration with two voyages on and one off.”

When Young Endeavour isn’t at sea, she goes through twice-yearly maintenance cycles with six weeks in April-May, and two to three weeks in September.

Executive Director Young Endeavour

Youth Scheme Stephen Moss welcomed the ship’s return to Australia, marking the completion of a five-year project to undertake a circumnavigation of the world.

“The scheme has been offering voy-ages in STS Young Endeavour for over 28 years, providing development oppor-tunities for more than 12,500 young Australians, and a further 10,000 youth from organisations supporting those with special needs,” Mr Moss said.

“To have provided the opportunity for more than 200 young Australians and 30 Navy crew to represent Australia on the world stage – particularly at the Anzac Centenary Commemoration and the 2015 Tall Ships Races – is a remark-able achievement.

“I am proud to have led the small

team that achieved this. Its dedication and hard work behind the scenes has, for the best of reasons, gone on mostly unnoticed.

“This included the planning of the entire 2015 world voyage and port visit program, the excellent logistic support to Young Endeavour, and the coordina-tion of youth crew joinings and depar-tures in all overseas ports – all of which was outstanding.

“A tall ship provides a unique and powerful environment to conduct out-door education because it immerses trainees in novel and completely unfa-miliar situations where they are com-pelled to adapt,” Mr Moss said.

For more information on Young Endeavour see: www.youngendeavour.gov.au

For aspiring mariners, being part of the crew of Young Endeavour is a rewarding experience, SGT Dave Morley reports.

The youth crew of STS Young

Endeavour man the yards as the ship

prepares to dock at Fleet Base East, after circumnavigating the

world. Photo: LSIS Tom Gibson

♦12 months ♦65,000km♦18 countries♦200 youths

1514 YOUNG ENDEAVOUR – FOUR-PAGE FEATURE www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS April 7, 2016

LEUT Matt McGrath hugs his partner Erika Lelkes before departing on a 12-month circumnavigation of the world.

Voyage launched a careerLEUT Matt McGrath enjoyed his

voyage as a youth crew member so much that he sought a posting to Young Endeavour after joining the Navy.

He first embarked in the ship sailing up the Queensland coast from Brisbane to Mackay when he was16.

After studying and working in the shipping industry he joined the Navy in 2010 as a MWO, and chose a posting in Young Endeavour as the ship’s training officer.

“I chose to join Young Endeavour because I knew about the program from having sailed as a teenager,” he said.

“I enjoyed that voyage and knew it would be an interesting career opportu-nity, as well as a fun job.”

LEUT McGrath set sail from Sydney in December 2014 for the eight-month journey across the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans to Europe.

He sailed through the Mediterranean and into the North Sea to race Young Endeavour in the annual tall ship races in August, where the ship placed fifth, and 18th on corrected time.

LEUT McGrath found the role very different from his previous Navy post-ings.

“Crewing Young Endeavour is very rewarding, with lots of unique experi-ences, but it’s not as easy as most peo-ple think,” he said.

“Embarking a new youth crew every few weeks or months is challenging.

TWO trans-Atlantic crossings, catching a cable car up to Cape Town’s Table Mountain, and sailing through the North Sea

in company with 80 other tall ships was how one Navy officer spent part of 2015.

ADFA divisional officer LEUT Miquela Riley joined Young Endeavour and her world voyage crew in Cadiz, Spain, navigating through the Gibraltar Strait and into the Mediterranean Sea.

From navigation challenges in Europe, such as the Corinth Canal in Greece, the English Channel and the tall ship races, LEUT Riley trained her replacement on two trans-Atlantic cross-ings before disembarking in Cape Town, South Africa.

LEUT Riley arrived at Cape Town’s Victoria and Alfred waterfront in late November and said the city was fantastic.

“We received an amazing welcome, from both the people on the wharf and some local seals and humpback whales,” she said.

The world voyage crew joined local youth for a community cricket clinic, and also volunteered to paint a school in the township of Durbanville.

“We visited Robben Island, and had an opportunity to tour the region before the ship set sail for the final voyage home to Australia,” LEUT Riley said.

“Crossing the Atlantic from Rio de Janeiro was my final passage of the voyage.

“Awesome winds allowed the ship to sail the whole way, which was fantastic, and we got really close to lots of wildlife – whales, seals, and lots of fish.”

“The flat seas we experienced when we left Rio soon became big swells as we got going into the Atlantic Ocean.

“We also had the opportunity to sail in company with the Chilean Navy tall ship Esmeralda.”

LEUT Riley posted to Young Endeavour because she wanted a differ-ent Navy experience.

She said working in Young Endeavour brought challenges that a navigator wouldn’t encounter on other

Trip off the chart, says navigator

Captain shares thoughts in log on the last legWELCOME to the final night

of Young Endeavour’s 2015 world voyage.

In the 12 months that we have been away from Australia we have sailed more than 35,000 nautical miles, visited 18 countries and embarked over 200 young Australians, six New Zealanders and one trainee from Malta, who have all con-tributed greatly to the success of the world voyage and who I am sure will remember this experi-ence for the rest of their lives.

For the staff and crew of Young Endeavour this year has been a huge challenge.

Rounding Cape Horn, par t ic ipat ing in Centenary of Anzac commemorations at Gallipoli, taking the ship back to the United Kingdom for the first time since she was built 28 years ago, participating in the North Sea Tall Ship Regatta

with the world’s great tall ships, crossing the Atlantic Ocean on three separate occasions and finally rounding the Cape of Good Hope, crossing the Indian Ocean and arriving safely back in Australia, has been a major achievement for all of us and we are extremely proud of these achievements.

The majority of the staff crew has completed just over eight months of the world voyage, which is a long time to be away from their families and they have done an amazing job.

Never once have they lost their focus or passion for the ship and program that we proud-ly run, and all of them are great ambassadors for Australia and the RAN.

Working behind the scenes supporting the ship is the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme which has done a wonderful job with

the selection of world voyage crews, logistical support and even providing staff to meet and farewell crews and to organ-ise tours in some of the ports. Without their continuing support this voyage would not have been as successful as it has been.

Finishing this log entry tonight I would like to thank the world voyagers of passage eight and all of the world voyagers who sailed with us during 2015.

You are a wonderful group of young Australians and it has been a pleasure to have you on board and to share this great adventure with you.

Th is w i l l be the f i na l Captain’s log for the world voy-age, as the ship will now go into a reduced activity period until the next youth development voy-ages.

Yours AyeCaptain Gav

CO Young Endeavour LCDR Gavin Dawe with the staff crew of voyage seven. Photo: LSIS Paul McCallum

Navy ships, such as the amount of notice to find anchorages and rendezvous points.

“I’ve never been in company with 80 tall ships before, and that, as well as nav-igating through all the spectator craft, is something I would never do otherwise in the Navy,” LEUT Riley said.

“The atmosphere was great, and everyone was there to have a good time sailing, working hard, and meeting other tall ship sailors.

LEUT Riley would definitely recom-mend a posting to Young Endeavour for other navigators.

“The weather and environmentals are not something I had previously consid-ered as a navigator,” she said.

“When you are driving a warship and have maximum power available at all times you don’t get this experience. “Instructing is also very rewarding. My current posting is as a divisional officer at ADFA, so working in Young Endeavour with a similar age group, who are also civilians, has been really helpful.

“When the new Navy, Army and Air Force cadets arrive, I’ll be well placed to help them make the transition to military life.”

POMUSN Brett Douglas gives orders as the voyage 7 crew sets the jib as the ship crosses the Atlantic Ocean.Photo: LSIS Paul McCallum

LEUT Miquela Riley said she would recommend the experience to other navigators.

“They each bring new experiences to the ship, and it’s good to see what they each accomplish and to know they’ve had a great time during each and every voyage.”

LEUT McGrath said another chal-lenge was the extreme weather on an open deck.

“I climbed the mast in 60-knot winds in Cadiz, Spain, holding on to the yard-arm to untangle a line, and struggling to get back to the foremast,” he said.

“We went really fast at times, and it’s always busy, and always demanding to safely sail on the open ocean with a crew of young Australians.”

LEUT McGrath said the world voyage was amazing and offered him opportunities he would not otherwise have had.

“The people are the same, but we’ve been to places I would never see on a grey ship,” he said.

“Gallipoli on Anzac Day, pilotages in Europe and South America, and sailing through the Corinth Canal in Greece were some of the many things to see and experience.

“Sitting on the course yard to see that impressive sight was a highlight at the end of an eight-month deployment.”

World voyage crew 7 member Elise climbs the main mast to prepare the mainsail for setting, before Young Endeavour sails from Rio de Janeiro to Cape Town. Photo: LSIS Paul McCallum

The crew of Young Endeavour talks to SGT Dave Morley about their time on board the ship.

Young Endeavour under sail, passes

Sugarloaf Mountain, as she enters Rio de

Janeiro during the World Voyage.

Photo: LSIS Paul McCallum

Young Endeavour makes its rendezvous with Chilean Navy sail training ship Esmeralda in the Atlantic Ocean. Photo: LSIS Paul McCallum

Young Endeavour sails into Fremantle at the end of her circumnavigation of the world.

YOUNG ENDEAVOUR – FOUR-PAGE FEATURE

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SGT Dave Morley

YOUTH crew member Stuart Bryson, 25, who joined STS Young Endeavour on a rainy evening in Southampton,

UK, said he’d never forget his first day at sea.

“A greener crew you could not find, and we were all greener within hours, as we tackled the tumult of the English Channel,” he said.

“I had never experienced anything like it; I’d never even sailed on a ship before.

“But the pressure of these condi-tions kicked my dormant survival instincts into gear.

“I became like a human sponge, absorbing not only every instruction bellowed by my watch leader, but also soaking up half the North Atlantic sea in the process.”

Stuart met royalty in London, shipbuilders in Lowestoft and naval crews from Russia to Ecuador and from Poland to Portugal, before com-pleting his section of the voyage in Amsterdam.

“I made enduring friendships, tempered by a common experience of discovery and team achievement,” he said.

“These friends are people I admire and respect.

“We have a bond that will see many of us work together on community projects and in our business or public

endeavours. It’s started already, and I can’t wait to see this extraordinary group of young people grow,” he said.

Caitlin Stephenson, 29, sailed Young Endeavour’s world voyage passage three from Cadiz in Spain to Canakkale in Turkey, where she took part in the Centenary of Anzac com-memorations.

She said the defining link between her crew was their Anzac spirit.

“Everyone had a connection with the Anzacs and we all shared our sto-ries during our voyage,” she said.

“For me, being part of this voyage was truly significant because my great-great uncle Frank fought at Gallipoli.

“His battalion was among the first to land in Anzac Cove on April 25, 1915.

“Additionally, I work for Boeing Defence Australia, which directly sup-ports the ADF through its capabilities, products and people, so it’s a con-nection that makes me feel incredibly proud.”

Caitlin said her voyage was “not your typical Mediterranean Cruise”.

“It was serious sailing and hard work,” she said.

“On our first night at sea, we were faced with gale-force winds in the Strait of Gibraltar.

“These were tough conditions for experienced sailors, but many in our crew had never sailed before.”

Caitlin said the ship was forced to return to Cadiz when it was unable to

Crews bonded on voyage

find sufficient shelter to anchor.“You can imagine the disappoint-

ment and physical exhaustion of the crew,” she said. Some swore they wouldn’t continue, but they all did

“Through the leadership of our

fearless Captain Gav, and inspirational Navy crew, we learnt the meaning of resilience and tenacity.

“We all persisted, getting through this challenge, and we continued with the knowledge we could courageously

face any other trials our journey pre-sented.”

Caitlin said the group bonded through and quickly adapted to life at sea. “We learnt all we could and had the best time together,” she said.

SGT Dave Morley

YOUNG Endeavour’s third engineer, LSMT Shaun Ware, joined the Navy in 2003 and has travelled the world.

He said his time in the ship had been a highlight of his career and he wouldn’t hesitate to do it again.

“I really enjoyed having the ability to ply my trade and take ownership of a vessel, which is difficult in a normal Navy setting,” LS Ware said.

“They allowed me to develop and diversify my skill set and make the posi-tion my own.”

One of his more unusual tasks during the world voyage was filling the ship with more than a tonne of water from 10-litre water cooler bottles in Turkey, as the water there was not certified for drinking.

“This evolution was quite inventive and definitely not something that would happen in normal day-to-day routine,” he said.

“Another unusual task was snorkel-ling under the ship to check the pro-pulsion system and hull throughout the world voyage.”

LS Ware said it was difficult to pin down the highlights of the voyage.

“I would have to say rounding Cape Horn, the carnival in Rio, sailing up the Thames into St Katharine dock and attending a civic reception at Trinity House with royalty present were some of them,” he said.

“Others included visiting Lowestoft, where the ship was built, and compet-ing in the tall ship races in Norway, Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands, and then rounding the Cape of Good Hope.

“Being from a military family, attending Anzac Cove on the 100th anni-versary of the Anzac landings was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

LS Ware particularly enjoyed seeing the transformation of the youth crew during the different stages of the voyage from fresh-faced on day one to experi-enced sailors by their last port-of-call.

“The seamanship, leadership and team-building skill they mastered will stay with them for life, whether it is on a sailing platform or in a boardroom,” he said.

Rare opportunity for third engineer

LSMT Shaun Ware performs some checks after climbing the foremast on board Young Endeavour during the first leg of its world voyage. Photo ABCSO: Steven Thomson

– Caitlin Stephenson

We learnt all we could and had the best time together.

These friends are people I admire and respect.

– Stuart Bryson

16 FEATURES www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS April 7, 2016

17PERSONNELApril 7, 2016 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

CMDR Fenn Kemp

SAILORS and officers joined forces to discuss how to fix problems and take action during a landmark workshop at HMAS Albatross on March 14.

Since the CN issued his innovation challenge last year, a growing number of personnel have heeded the call to think differently.

Forums like this are designed to teach participants to think laterally, and to set clear goals.

Following a successful pilot in October, this was the first of several innovation seminars to be rolled out. Some 30 members attended, drawn from a wide range of areas, includ-ing the FAA, Albatross and HMAS Creswell.

Units represented were NASPO, HQFAA, TA-AVN, RANTEWSS, 808SQN, Albatross Command, 723SQN, 725SQN and AMAFTU.

COMFAA CMDR Chris Smallhorn also attended in a high-level show of support for the innovation cause.

Organiser LCDR James Edmondson said calls to innovate were sometimes smothered under a moun-

tain of regulations, which could lead to cynicism.

“This is a classic argument and one that is sometimes difficult to counter,” LCDR Edmondson said.

“The rules are there to ensure the safety of our people and equipment, but at the same time, we are in the pro-fession of arms, and as such, we need to be able to be creative, innovative and think outside the box.”

With this in mind, the innovation seminars are designed to provide the participants with an understanding of how they might turn an idea into some-thing that can help the Navy achieve its mission to fight and win at sea.

The seminar participants were given a number of tools and the chance to practice exploring an idea through a series of engaging exercises.

All were asked to leave their uni-forms at home as rank can stifle the thinking process.

The next seminar will be run for SURFOR in Sydney on April 11. Requests for vol-unteers will be coordinated by SURFOR staff; alternatively you can contact NGN on NavyNGN@defence.gov.au and also join the Navy Innovation Group on Forcenet.

Personnel take part in a challenge during the first official Innovation Forum at HMAS Albatross. Further forums will be held across the country in the coming months.

MAPS tool speeds up processingWITH up to 500 personnel movements a day across our amphibious fleet, Navy has rolled out its tried and tested Manpower Analysis and Planning System (MAPS) tool – now with data from all three services – in to HMA Ships Canberra and Adelaide.

Both ships are also using the ‘Souls on Board’ electronic keyboard, which interfaces with MAPS, to account for almost 500 soldiers, sailors and airmen and airwomen per ship as they move on and off during exercises and opera-tions.

Introduced into the Fleet nine years ago in Major Fleet Units, MAPS is a tool that can be used online or offline to manage logistics, personnel admin-istration and support, both at sea and ashore.

Drawing data from PMKeyS, Navy uses MAPS to manage personnel via one tool, which reduces the complex-ity from using various databases and spreadsheets. The search capabil-ity of MAPS allows complex queries, including personnel holding multiple proficiencies and unit posting profi-ciency data in a matter of seconds.

When a person is posted on board, all their details are available, and an accurate watch and station bill can be produced in 20 minutes.

More information regarding the MAPS roll-out can be found on the intranet at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/NavyWeb/sites/DNP ISM/.

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18 FEATURES www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS April 7, 2016

OF THREE Tasmanian broth-ers who joined the Navy as bandsmen in 1938, two died seven months apart in 1941,

and one became a POW of the Japanese three months later.

Bandsman Perce Partington, the youngest of the three brothers, was the first to enlist, followed eight weeks later by middle brother Arnold, and then old-est brother Les seven months after that.

Arnold was posted to HMAS Canberra I and died from acute appen-dicitis four days after his 25th birthday, off the east coast of Africa, on April 6, 1941.

He is the sole WWII Australian ser-viceman buried on Mauritius and is interred in the Phoenix Cemetery, near the town of Vacaos.

Les was posted to HMAS Sydney II and was listed as killed on November 20, 1941, following the ship’s sinking off the coast of Western Australia by the German raider Kormoran.

Perce fared only slightly better, becoming a prisoner of the Japanese after his ship, HMAS Perth I, was sunk during the Battle of Sunda Strait on the night of February 28, 1942.

Members of HMAS Anzac II’s ship’s company held a commemora-tive service at Arnold’s grave during Exercise Northern Trident last July.

His niece, Jenni Chinner, Perce’s daughter, flew to Mauritius to take part.

She said the trip was incredibly spe-cial to her and one of the most emo-tional moments was Anzac’s arrival at Port Louis.

“It brought all three brothers really close to me,” she said.

“They all loved their ships, Dad par-ticularly, as he had been one of Perth’s commissioning crew that went to England to pick her up.

“The Mauritius Police Band was playing on the wharf and it was quite emotional.

“The ceremony at the cemetery was also moving, and the fact we, as a nation, have been commemorating those who lost their lives in both World Wars is a special acknowledgement they have not been forgotten by their nation or their Navy.”

Ms Chinner said her father Perce didn’t talk much about his war experi-ences at all.

“What they went through was beyond the comprehension of most peo-ple. Even the officers at Changi didn’t believe how bad it was on the railway when some of the survivors were sent back there after the line was complet-ed,” she said.

“Dad joined the Navy after losing his job at a Hobart hardware store for taking the afternoon off to watch Don Bradman play cricket.

“He died aged 80, on March 30, 2001, a few days after being hit by a car in Adelaide on the day of Don Bradman’s funeral.”

Ms Chinner spent a lot of time with her grandparents as a child.

“I don’t know how my grandmoth-er coped,” she said, “because for six months after the sinking of Perth she didn’t know if my father was alive or not, until a Red Cross card came through saying he was a POW.

“Dad was aware, before Perth was sunk, both his brothers had died; indeed he had Arnold’s ivory mah-jong set on board when his ship sank, to his regret.”

Ms Chinner said her family was pleased to hear of the Navy’s Partington Bugle (see story below).

“Nobody in the family knew any-thing about it until I stumbled across mention of it,” she said.

ABMUSN Dorian Broomhall performs the Last Post with the Partington Bugle during a ceremonial planting of a symbolic Lone Pine Tree at the Crib Point Cemetery, Victoria. Photo: ABIS Cassie McBride

Bugle holds special place SGT Dave Morley

A NAVY Band bugle, dedicated to Bandsman Arnold Partington, has become a cherished item for one Navy musician.

Melbourne-based Tasmanian ABMUSN Dorian Broomhall is the current custodian of the ‘Partington Bugle’.

AB Broomhall said the current series of bugles the Navy Band used were all inscribed with a fallen bandsman’s details.

“Former CPOMUSN Dave Hardstaff researched the Partington brothers and when he heard Arnold Partington was going to be hon-oured in this way he lobbied for the bugle to be assigned to RAN Band Tasmania,” AB Broomhall said.

“The true significance of the bugle wasn’t properly made known to me until the then commander of NHQ Tas, CMDR Tony Vine, took an interest in the story and did some research of his own, unearthing Arnold’s service record.

“Then I began to realise how lucky I was to share some his-tory with another bandsman from Tasmania, and I decided to make sure I held on to this particular bugle.

“I felt I had a connection with the story behind it, perhaps more so than other buglers and their inscribed instruments.”

AB Broomhall said this connec-

tion was accentuated when he met some of Arnold’s family recently.

“I don’t want the instrument to end up in a storeroom somewhere at the end of its service,” he said.

“There was some talk of donat-ing it to a museum when the instru-ments are replaced, and that will

be a conversation I will have with both the family and the Director of Music – Navy at the time.”

AB Broomhall joined the Navy Reserve in 2008 when he was look-ing for a part-time job and consider-ing a career in music.

Tribute to brother in arms

Clockwise, from top left: Jenni Chinner at the grave of her uncle, Arnold Partington, at the Phoenix cemetery, Mauritius; a young Arnold Partington in uniform; Ms Chinner with HMAS Anzac’s embarked band LSMUSN Bruce McIntyre, ABMUSNs Kirsten Hobbs, Thomas Brooke, Racheal Byrnes and Blair Reardon; and Ms Chinner lays a wreath on her uncle’s grave during the commemorative service. Photos: LSIS Paul McCallum

A relative got the chance to pay her respects to a long-lost uncle far from home, reports SGT Dave Morley.

The Warranty Scheme for loss or damage to household goods incurred during a removalhas recently been amended. The change applies to domestic removals where the goodshave been uplifted on or after 1st March 2016 including consignments uplifted fromstorage.

With effect from 1st March 2016, the Warranty Scheme allows for new replacement cover to beapplied to items which fall within predefined categories and age limits.

In cases where more than minor damage to an item has occurred, members will be supplied with anew replacement item if Toll Transitions decides that repair of the old item is not economical and theitem is eligible for replacement in accordance with a table (see below) of age-based item inclusions.

The existing like-for-like replacement or compensation cover will continue to apply to itemswhich fall outside the specified age limits.

RememberNot every item that sustains damage will be replaced with a new item or compensation paid at newvalue. In the first instance damaged items will be repaired where practicable and compensationpaid for minor damage.

Read Toll’s “Your Defence Relocation Guide - Version 9” and answers to FAQs available atwww.tolltransitions.com.au/defence for full details of the Warranty Scheme.

For more informationFreecall: 1800 819 167

www.tolltransitions.com.au/defence

Relocating? TherearechangestotheWarrantySchemeforhouseholdgoodsupliftedonorafter1stMarch2016

Item If the notice or loss or damage is for… and the date of manufacture is.. then the item maybe replaced..

1 an electrical item with a new replacement value of $500 or moreExamples: Television, Surround Sound Audio System, Vacuum Cleaner

within 10 years of the removal uplift date new-for-old.

10 years or more before the removal uplift date like-for-like.

2 an electrical item with a new replacement value of less than $500Examples: Computer Monitor, Kettle, Small Television

within 5 years of the removal uplift date new-for-old.

5 years or more before the removal uplift date like-for-like.

3 an electrical white-goodExamples: Refrigerator, Freezer, Microwave, Washing Machine, Dryer,

within 15 years of the removal uplift date new-for-old.

15 years or more before the removal uplift date like-for-like.

4 a furniture itemExamples: Bed, Dining Table, Chest of Drawers, Lounge Suite

within 10 years of the removal uplift date new-for-old.

10 years or more before the removal uplift date like-for-like.

5 other itemsExamples: Picture frames, bicycles, BBQ, crockery, plastic tubs

within 7 years of the removal uplift date new-for-old.

7 years or more before the removal uplift date like-for-like.

19FEATURESApril 7, 2016 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

CPL Mark Doran

MEDITERRANEAN family values are reputed to be strong and can transcend many generations, but one Australian sailor of Greek heritage has dis-covered an even bigger, extended family on board HMAS Darwin.

ABML-P Kathy Kiryakos celebrated Harmony Day on March 21 in the Middle East region while on Operation Manitou.

AB Kiryakos works in Darwin’s ship’s registry and is primarily responsible for personnel man-agement and administration of the ship’s company.

“Every day is different aboard the warship,” she said.

“I’m also a member of the ship’s emergency medical team and assist the flight deck team when called upon. We were constantly training and doing damage control exercises during the work-ups as we prepared for the mission.”

AB Kiryakos said she was the first member of her family to join the military.

“It was a spur-of-the moment decision to join the Navy in 2013,” she said

“It really came down to an advertisement I saw in the newspaper.

“I completed a business traineeship when I fin-ished school, so the ML-P trade suited me well.

“Enlisting was a shock to my system as I hadn’t done a lot of sport or fitness training before.

“Now I am fit, on my first sea posting, my first deployment, and my first time overseas.

“It is all new and very exciting,” she said.AB Kiryakos is from a large Greek commu-

nity. She grew up speaking and writing Greek at home and during her schooling at the Oakleigh Greek Orthodox College in Victoria.

“I am the youngest child of a close-knit family, but I was the first to leave home,” she said.

“Darwin’s crew is also close-knit as they are always encouraging and looking out for each other.

“It is the best part of the Navy and I have made many new friends.

“My family misses me, but they are very proud.”

Since leaving Australia with Darwin, AB Kiryakos has already visited ports in South-East Asia, India and Bahrain.

From February 23-25, Darwin joined the French Carrier Strike Group Charles de Gaulle to provide escort, force protection support and com-bined training operations in the Gulf of Oman.

The Charles de Gaulle Carrier Strike Group is deployed to the Gulf to participate in operations against Islamic State militants in Iraq as part of US Naval Forces Central Command’s Task Force 50.

During the Australian warship’s counter-terrorism mission, Darwin will also visit places such as Muscat in Oman and Port Victoria in the Seychelles.

AB Kiryakos said it was an eye-opening expe-rience to be a part of Operation Manitou on board the frigate.

“I can see we will make a difference,” she said.“We are putting all our training into practice

and we will help to keep illicit drugs off our streets.”

In harmony with the crew

ABML-P Kathy Kiryakos at the Naval Support Activity base in Manama, Bahrain. Photo: CPL Mark Doran

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21FEATURESApril 7, 2016 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

GOOD mates CPOMUSN Mark Ham and Army WO2 Kris Amiet have overcome adversity to complete 82km

of wilderness running in Tasmania during the weekend of March 4-6, rais-ing more than $6000 for Mates4Mates.

Initially CPO Ham and WO Amiet were to run Tasmania’s iconic overland track from north to south, starting with the assent of Cradle Mountain and complete the run at Lake St Claire 48 hours later.

However, because of recent fires in the area, some tracks were closed and the pair was unable to compete the run in its entirety.

They instead completed a half marathon around Cradle Mountain on March 4, a full marathon across the Overland Track the next day, and then a half marathon on Mount Wellington on March 6.

Unsurprisingly, CPO Ham said they were both tired, yet exalted, by the end of the weekend.

“We were disappointed that we were not able to complete the entire Overland Track,” CPO Ham said.

“With safety as our number one concern, and after considering other options, we chose to complete the trek in the best possible way, noting all the logistical and support-crew challenges.

“We were superbly supported by both Navy and Army members based in Tasmania, including WO2 Sean O’Toole, LSML-NS Kristy Debnam,

Mates go bush for matesTwo veterans took to the Tasmanian wilderness last month for an important cause, LEUT Adam Grover reports.

CPL Matt Heyward and ABCSO Kyle Wade-Cooper, who were outstanding in their positive attitudes in both the lead-up and on the event days.

“We cannot thank them and their commands enough for their support,” CPO Ham said.

Mates4Mates is a non-profit organisation which provides support to wounded, injured and ill current and

ex-serving Defence members and their families.

Support includes physical rehabili-tation and wellbeing, psychological services, and employment and educa-tion support.

Both CPO Ham and WO Amiet are returned veterans of Operation Slipper in Afghanistan.

The run provided a practical

opportunity to help other veterans in their time of need.

“This run allowed me to combine my love of fitness and the outdoors with my strong desire to engage with others and to help veterans and their families,” WO Amiet said.

CPO Ham said he was pleased with the end result.

“While the enforced change in

plans was not great news, the fact we completed the run over some of the most rugged and spectacular terrain made the achievement very special,” he said.

“To know that there are people out there supporting us and Mates4Mates made it easier to get through the tough times – so thanks to everyone who supported us and donated.”

CPOMUSN Mark Ham and Army WO2 Kris Amiet before the start of their half marathon around Cradle Mountain, left, and at Navy HQ in Tasmania, inset.

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22 TRAINING www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS April 7, 2016

AUSTRALIAN and Indonesian naval patrol boats have successfully com-pleted Exercise Cassowary in waters off Darwin.

The Australian Armidale-class patrol boat HMAS Wollongong joined two Indonesian patrol boats, KRI Sampari and Layang, for the four-day

exercise from March 21-24 focusing on surveillance, security, and interdic-tion operations.

CO Wollongong LCDR Scott Wilson said the annual exercise was an important training activity for the two navies.

LCDR Wilson said the exercise involved everything from communi-

cation and safety drills, through to boarding operations. “Conducting regular exercises with our colleagues from the Indonesian Navy is important as it enhances our ability to operate together,” LCDR Wilson said.

“It’s also a great chance for us to build friendships and undertake pro-fessional exchanges.”

LCDR Wilson said it was an impor-tant exercise on the training calendar because of Australia’s long maritime border with Indonesia and our mutual and abiding interest in the security and stability of the maritime domains we share.

The location of the annual event alternates between the two countries.

Cassowary a success

HMAS Wollongong in formation with KRI Samapri and Layang as they approach Darwin Harbour at the end of Exercise Cassowary. Photo: ABIS Kayla Hayes

Defending Australia and its National Interestswww.defence.gov.au

FUNDAMENTALINPUTS TOCAPABILITY

The Defence and Industry Conferencecontinues to be a key event for Defence andindustry collaboration.The Government has a clear intent to reset andtransform the Defence and industry relationship. Usingthis intent, and acknowledging industry as a fundamentalinput to capability, the 2016 conference will focuson delegate involvement with concise and thought-provoking presentations, Q&A panel sessions andinteractive feedback on key topics.

With a renewed focus on efficiency and relevance, thiswill be a highly affordable, practical and productiveconference.

For more information about the conference, including theevent program and how to register, visit our websitewww.defence.gov.au/casg/DplusI/

CANBERRA CONVENTION CENTRE – 15 JUNE

23TRAININGApril 7, 2016 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

CPL Mark Doran

HMAS Darwin’s boarding party teams boosted their counter-terrorism skills ahead of patrols in the Middle East region on Operation Manitou.

During Darwin’s stopover in Manama, Bahrain, the Australian sail-ors conducted visit, board, search-and- seizure (VBSS) tactics training from February 15-18.

The fas t -paced combinat ion of classroom and practical train-ing was provided by the US Coast Guard Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA) Maritime Engagement Team (MET).

The MET shared its extensive VBSS expertise from their con-tinuing counter-narcotics efforts in the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and Eastern Pacific, as well as their more recent lessons learnt in the MER.

CO Darwin CMDR Phillip Henry said many hours and numerous board-ing serials were conducted during earlier training for the boarding party teams at Jervis Bay, on the NSW south coast.

“The teams focused on vessel boarding and seizures, which will be similar to the operations we undertake at sea,” he said.

“The VBSS training with the Coast

Crew fine-tunes boarding skills

Sailors from HMAS Darwin conduct visit, boarding, search-and-seizure training on a dhow provided at the US Coast Guard facility in Manama, Bahrain. Photos: CPL Mark Doran

Guard in Bahrain gave their skills a final polish.”

The MET facilities in Bahrain include a 300sqm ‘ship-in-a-box’ and a 10m fishing dhow with live role play-ers provide by the Coast Guard and US Marine Corps.

Activities during the intensive three-day course included boarding procedures, defensive tactics, commu-nications, questioning and search tech-niques. It also involved close-quarter combat tactics, the use of force, and care of battle casualties.

Darwin’s boarding teams were put through multiple scenarios including approaching a dhow and boarding,

searching and asking basic questions of the master and crew. These were designed to help analyse the effective-ness of their intelligence-gathering techniques.

Special Agents of the USN Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) provided focused training to fine-tune the sailors’ skills in counter-narcotic and search techniques.

The NCIS agents of the Middle East Field Office Transnational Crimes Unit (TCU), based in Bahrain and assigned to CTF150, will accompa-ny Darwin on patrol to provide law enforcement expertise.

CMDR Henry said he believed the training of Darwin’s team during the past seven months had made it the best in the Fleet.

“Our preparations included the unit-ready work-up, which was five weeks of intensive training supported by the Sea Training Group, to assess us on our ability to operate in the mari-time environment,” he said.

“We then did a maintenance peri-od before conducting our three-week mission-ready work-up to assess our readiness for the mission.

“It has been a long process to get here, but we were well supported by Navy and other ADF agencies.”

A member of the dhow crew, played by a US Marine, is searched during the training exercise.

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The annual Rent Allowance (RA) review is coming soon. Thisreview checks your personal circumstances and confirms yourongoing RA entitlement.

Get ready for the review now by obtaining a current rent receiptor tenant ledger from your real estate agent.

From 12 April if you are selected for the review:

• you will receive an email notification and be notified viayour dashboard in Online Services

• log in to Online Services, upload your tenant ledger andanswer eight simple questions.

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Survey to gauge drinking habitsHave your say in the alcohol survey and help shape cultural improvements

VCDF wants selected sailors to participate in an alcohol survey to help Defence better manage alcohol abuse in the ADF. Photo: LSIS Jayson Tufrey

AN ANNUAL alcohol sur-vey has been introduced for ADF members to help Defence track improvements

in cultural reform. The irresponsible use of alcohol is

a common problem in the Australian community and evidence from the 2010 ADF Mental Health and Wellbeing Study shows the ADF is not immune.

VCDF VADM Ray Griggs said Defence had an obligation to address anything that might be impacting on the health and performance of ADF members.

“The ADF aspires to be a leader in the prevention and management of alco-hol-related issues,” VADM Griggs said.

“Drinking at unsafe levels, even if only occasionally, can have seri-ous impacts, especially when it comes between family members and mates.”

In 2014 , t he ADF Alcoho l Management Strategy and Plan 2014-2017 (ADFAMS) was launched.

It provides a four-year framework within which the ADF will take decisive action to minimise alcohol-related harm and draws on sound evidence from the National Drug Strategy 2010-2015 and World Health Organisation regarding the most effective approaches to mini-mising harm from the use of alcohol.

The ADFAMS has three aims: enhance operational capability;

reduce personal harm; and,

minimise organisational costs.

These aims will be achieved through the following strategic objectives:

Leadership: reinforce accountabil-ity of leadership to create a positive and consistent alcohol culture;

Systems, programs, policies and protocols: enable ADF members to modify their use and management of alcohol through evidence based systems, programs, policies and protocols;

Knowledge, skills and resourcing: build capacity through knowledge, skills and resourcing to enable everyone to share the responsibility for maintaining a positive alcohol culture;

Evaluation and continuous improvement: continuously improve the ADF alcohol culture through monitoring, feedback and data management; and

Partnerships: build partnerships with internal and external com- munities through effective communication.

The new survey is part of ADFAMS and 20 per cent of ADF members will be selected at random to participate.

“If you are selected, I urge you to participate,” VADM Griggs said.

“Your input will provide Defence with an accurate and balanced view of alcohol consumption and culture that exists today, help us track our improve-ments in cultural reform, as well as tar-get reform efforts.

“Even if you do not drink or do not drink regularly, I encourage you to con-tribute to this survey.

“Your input is very important as we progress through our Pathway to Change initiatives.”

For more information on the ADFAMS, visit www.defence.gov.au/Health/DMH/Docs/AlcoholManagementStrategyandPlan.pdf

25HEALTHApril 7, 2016 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

4 Squadron Combat Control

APPLICATIONS FOR 2016NOW OPEN

More information is available athttp://intranet.defence.gov.au/raafweb/Sites/4SQN

Suitability screening will be conducted at RAAF Base Williamtown overthe period 06-10 June 2016

Applications via EOI will close 02 May 20164sqn.combatcontrol@defence.gov.au

INTEGRATE, SYNCHRONISE AND CONTROL AIRPOWER AT THETACTICAL LEVEL TO ENABLE THE EXECUTION OF PRECISON STRIKE

AND ADVANCE FORCE OPERATIONS

SGT Dave Morley

IN A nail-biter, Navy Tridents clinched a 22-20 win after the siren against an Air Force team at North Ipswich in the Combined Armed Services Rugby League tournament on March 5.

President of RANRL LCDR Darren Nembach said Air Force was leading 20-16 with one minute remain-ing when Navy ran the ball on the last tackle from just inside the Air Force half.

“Half-back ABMT Jack Le Prou linked to our left-side prop ABBM James Ryan, who crashed through the Air Force defence,” he said.

ABBM James Ryan then passed to left-centre ABCD Keven Allsopp, who carried a number of defenders from 10m out to crash over to score a try, levelling the score at 20-20.

Navy kicker ABMT Joshua Wolfenden set up for the conversion as the final siren sounded and, calmly, potted the ball over the black dot.

LCDR Nembach said he was pleased Navy won the game with their defence. “Having a completion rate of 43 per cent doesn’t usually result in a win, but we hung in there with our defence,” he said.

“Last year we beat Air Force 35-34 with a field goal with only 15 seconds to go, so doing it two years in a row is priceless.

“I was really proud of the team the way they dug in and believed in them-selves.”

Tridents win nail-biter

The player’s player was awarded to second-rower SMNBM Edward Murphy, who played the full 80 min-utes in his first game for Navy.

The Tridents went down 22-8 in their game against Army at the West Arana Rugby League Football Club main field on March 9.

LCDR Nembach said Navy had a number of opportunities to score but didn’t take advantage of them.

“The scoreboard was not a true reflection of the game with Army scor-ing four tries to two,” he said.

“Army were a lot fresher and I suppose the short turnaround between games contributed to our demise, but the team showed plenty of heart throughout.

“In fact, Army and Air Force play-ers and officials all commented on how close the Navy team were.

“The camaraderie displayed by the players was second to none and I’m extremely proud of their efforts.”

LCDR Nembach said the games were tough and played in good spirit.

“There was quite a lot of banter going on out on the field and that’s where it stayed,” he said.

“All three teams did the ADF and their service proud.”

ABCD Carl Keighran takes one of Air Force’s players to ground, assisted by ABCD Luke McWhirter.

Photo: Sharlayne Adams

HEAD coach of the Navy Football Federation (FFA), LCDR Jim Ford, praised the efforts of both teams in making the finals of the annual Viking six-a-side challenge.

Navy FFA registered an open women’s and men’s team in the competition held at Forster-Tuncurry, where more than 120 teams battled it out during the week-end of March 12.

In the wake of Saturday’s results, the men’s team was placed in the C Grade draw where they made the semi-final, but lost 1-0.

The women played their first two games on Sunday, sneaking a 1-0 victory in both, setting up a grand final meeting with Sydney team TBA, which has held the title for five of the past six years.

The second half saw TBA take advantage of some tired legs and a diminished squad – because of injury – to win the game 3-1.

“It was a valiant effort by the women this weekend,” LCDR Ford said. “Unfortunately not the result we wanted, but overall a successful weekend on the pitch and a very positive result in expanding the Navy FFA profile.”

The next competition is the NAIDOC Cup in Nowra on July 8.

Anyone interested in joining Navy Football is encouraged to contact LEUT Stephen Cole at NavyFFA@drn.mil.com.au

Both soccer teams make the finals

26 SPORT www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS April 7, 2016

27SPORTApril 7, 2016 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

LEUT Todd Fitzgerald

HMAS Cerberus won the men’s division of the 2016 Mons Cup rugby union competition, nar-rowly beating Fleet Base West 10-7 at Randwick Barracks in late March.

HMAS Albatross, favourites to win the cup for the fourth year in a row, only managed fourth after losing 19-7 to HMAS Cairns in the battle for third place and the Wally Long Plate.

The Barbarians won the women’s trophy, accounting for both HMA Ships Adelaide and Success in a round robin format.

Director of Navy Rugby Union CMDR Darren Grogan said it was one of the most com-petitive cups in years, with eight men’s and three women’s teams competing from bases and ships all over Australia.

“The standard of both men’s and women’s rugby continues to impress, along with an improve-ment in the depth of players, most notably in the women’s competition,” he said.

“This year saw the most par-ticipating teams for many years, and there would have been more except for Navy’s commitment to Operation Fiji Assist,” CMDR Grogan said.

Canberra made history last year as the first ship to field both a men’s and women’s side.

CMDR Grogan praised the participating ships and bases for demonstrating their commitment to supporting both the women’s and men’s format of the game.

COMAUSFLT RADM Stuart Mayer attended and was impressed by the standard of play.

He presented the men’s and women’s most valu-able player awards to ABBM Thomas Ketchell and SMN*MT Michaela Peck respectively.

The Mons Cup is an annual Navy rugby union competition which was first played in 1969 at HMAS Penguin, Sydney.

SBLT Katherine Mulheron

MORE than 400 Defence members laced up their runners to compete in the HMAS Cerberus Cross Country Championships on March 23.

Being Navy’s largest triservice training establish-ment, the annual cross county event allows members from all Services to pit their fitness against col-leagues with some friendly rivalry.

From serious athletes, to those just wanting a personal challenge, participants run a 6km course for individual placement in 12 divisions, as well as to determine the departmental winner of the Grey Smith Cup.

SMN*MT Mathew Rose was surprised that he crossed the finish line first in a course time of 23min 51sec. SMN Rose said he liked to run as a way of easing stress and to achieve an overall feeling of wellbeing.

“Running, or any sport that you enjoy, is a great way of staying fit, achieving goals and letting go of any stress you might feel,” he said.

“Navy has helped me with my fitness goals in particular, and I think it has changed my personality and made me improve in many areas.

“The fitness opportunities offered to Navy people have given me new goals and actually make me look forward to serving at sea and reaching more goals in my future career.”

Achieving the best female time of 27.04, SMN*MT Michaela Peck was pleased with her results. Being a keen rugby league player, having been awarded the women’s most valuable player during the Mons Cup the week before, fitness is important to her, but running is something new.

“I love sport and staying fit and I see it as an important part of our job. If you’re not fit you can’t give your job the best effort possible,” SMN Peck said.

“I enjoy team sports the most, but any physi-cal activity improves fitness, gives enjoyment and decreases stress.

“You can leave your phone behind and clear your head, and competing can help some people build confidence.”

The Grey Smith Cup was won by the electronic technicians from the technical training faculty.

More than 400 lace up for cross country

XO HMAS Cerberus CMDR Melanie Verho presents SMN*MT Michaela Peck with the women’s trophy (top) and SMN*MT Matthew Rose with the men’s trophy (above) after the 2016 HMAS Cerberus Cross Country Championships. Photos: LSIS Dove Smithett

Cerberus surprise winners of Mons

Barbarian SMNCSO Mahalia Ellis, of HMAS Watson, offloads to ABML-SC Gaby Bryan after stealing possession from HMAS Adelaide. Photos: ABIS Chantell Brown

Team members from HMAS Cerberus celebrate their win over HMAS Cairns in the semi-final during the Mons Cup rugby competition semi finals held at Randwick

SPORTVolume 59, No. 5, April 7, 2016

SHOCK TITLECerberus ends Albatross’ dominance in Mons Cup – Page 27

SMN*ET Lachlann Taylor, of HMAS Cerberus, left, and LEUT Josh Friend, of HMAS Stirling, contest a during the men’s final game of the Mons Cup rugby competition held at Randwick Barracks.Photo: ABIS Chantell Brown