SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDESERVING …...Navy SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDESERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE Volume 53, No. 2, February 18, 2010 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian

SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDESERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDESERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE

NavyVolume 53, No. 2, February 18, 2010 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Navy

NavyNavyNavyNavyNavyNavyNavyNavyNavyNavyNavyNavyNavyVolume 53, No. 2, February 18, 2010 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian NavyVolume 53, No. 2, February 18, 2010 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian NavyVolume 53, No. 2, February 18, 2010 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian NavyVolume 53, No. 2, February 18, 2010 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Navy

NavyVolume 53, No. 2, February 18, 2010 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Navy

NavyNavyVolume 53, No. 2, February 18, 2010 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Navy






NavyVolume 53, No. 2, February 18, 2010 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian NavyVolume 53, No. 2, February 18, 2010 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Navy

MEET NAVY’S

SETTING THE EXAMPLE: CPOCISSM Paul Stuart is Navy’s new Face of Honour.Photo: LSIS Nadia Monteith

FACE OF HONOUR

SEE PAGE 2

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HONOURHONOURSPECTACULAR

NAVY NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/navynews February 18, 2010

02 NEWS

DirectorRod Horan (02) 6265 [email protected]

EditorAlisha Welch (02) 6266 7707Mob: 0434 622 [email protected]

Sub-EditorTammy Collie(02) 6265 [email protected]

Senior ReporterMichael Brooke (02) 9359 [email protected]

Photographer/ReporterLSIS Paul McCallum (02) 6266 [email protected]

Reserves CorrespondentLCDR Antony Underwood (02) 6265 [email protected]

Sports CoordinatorJohn Martin (02) 6265 [email protected]

Advertising Tim Asher (07) 3332 7651Mob: 0414 552 [email protected]

Manager Navy Internal CommunicationsLEUT Kate Mathews (02) 6265 [email protected]

SubscriptionsTrish Dillon (02) 6266 7607 [email protected]

Postal AddressR8-LG-041, Russell Offices, Canberra ACT 2600

Navy News Editorial Board➤ Rod Horan, Director Defence

Newspapers➤ Alisha Welch, Editor Navy News➤ LEUT Kate Mathews, Manager

Navy Internal Communications➤ WON Mark Tandy, Warrant Officer

of the Navy➤ CMDR Dina Kinsman, Director of

Reserves (Navy)➤ LCDR Tony Underwood, Reserves

Correspondent

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A MEMORIAL to one of the RAN’s favorite sons lost in World War II, CAPT Hec Waller DSO and Bar RAN, is nearing completion and will be unveiled and dedicated in his home town, Benalla, by the Senior Naval Chaplain, REV Garry Lock, at 2pm on March 14.

The ceremony will be attended by the Chief of Navy VADM Russ Crane, AO, CSM, RAN, other dignitaries, members of the Waller family and the public, and sup-ported by the RAN Band.

After a distinguished career in the Mediterranean during 1940-1941, CAPT Waller was lost when HMAS Perth was sunk in Indonesian waters in 1942.

It is believed the memorial, located in the memorial precinct of the Benalla Botanical Gardens, will be the only purpose-built and sculptured tribute to this Australian hero.

For further information contact the President of the Benalla RSL, David Cornish, on (03) 5762 5342 or (03) 5762 1118, or email kurrajong@ benalla.net.au

Fitting tribute to RAN legend

Setting the example – meet Navy’s new Face of HonourBy LCDR Fenn Kemp

NAVY’S nationwide search to find a new Face of Honour has ended, with a WA-based CPO submariner chosen from an impressive list of candidates.

The 17-year Navy veteran admits he is a little embarrassed by all the attention, but when he told his wife and three children about his new title, they were very excited.

“When I explained the importance of the Navy Values to my wife, she took a real interest and is very excit-ed,” CPOCISSM Stuart said.

He said to be chosen as the Face of Honour was humbling and a little daunting, but he was ready to step up.

As for his leadership style, CPO Stuart prefers to lead by example.

“I am more of a hands on person,” he said. “If something is going to hap-pen I’d rather be part of the solution.”

Chief of Navy VADM Russ Crane, AO, CSM, RAN, said Honour encom-passed everything Navy does.

“If you live by the Navy Values you can’t go wrong,” CN said.

The competition was organised by

the office of HNPAR, RADM Trevor Jones. Divisional officers were asked to submit appropriate candidates late last year.

Acting Director of Communication and Coordination CMDR Liz Mulder said the New Generation Navy project was designed to highlight a funda-mental Navy Value.

“We have heard a lot of talk about Navy Values recently,” CMDR Mulder said. “Honour sums up what we all strive to live by every day. Honour

is about doing our best – not just for ourselves but also for each other and for Navy in general. Without Honour we have no pride. ‘Make Navy proud, make Australia’ proud is a key NGN Signature Behaviour.”

CPO Suart’s face will now be placed on the latest Navy Honour poster series, which is due out in coming months. Work has already begun on updating the remaining Navy Values posters throughout the year.

CPOCISSM Paul Stuart joined the RAN in October 1993, starting out as a radio operator and a direct entry submariner.

After completing his initial submarine training, CPO Stuart joined HMAS Ovens and achieved submarine sea qualification in 1995.

After several operational deployments, CPO Stuart began Collins class conversion training and later posted to HMA Ships Farncomb, Dechaineux and Collins.

CPO Stuart is currently working out of HMAS Stirling in the Submarine Operational Preparedness branch.

Who is he?

AS PART of a raft of new meas-ures to accelerate reform of the ADF Payroll and Pay System, the Government has established a task force to fix payroll problems.

The Pay Remediation Task Force, to be co-chaired by VCDF LTGEN David Hurley and Deputy Secretary Defence Support Martin Bowles, was announced by Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science Minister Greg Combet on February 2, with immedi-ate effect.

Mr Combet promised a review of the entire process for payment of deployed allowances and to put in place improved checks and balances to ensure members are paid correctly.

“There is no doubt the ADF payroll system still needs remedial work,” Mr Combet said.

“These measures are aimed at recti-fying current deficiencies.

“The Task Force will drive the ongoing reform of the ADF pay and personnel processes, and report to min-isters on a monthly basis. In keeping with the Strategic Reform Program, this will include the consolidation of all military payroll processing under one area of responsibility within 18 months.”

Remediation of pay issues for mem-bers deployed to operational areas such as the Middle East Area of Operations is a key focus of the Task Force. This includes the recent issues that have been experienced with the overpay-ment of the International Campaign Allowance (ICA). The Task Force, in conjunction with Headquarters Joint Operations Command, is fully check-ing all personnel in receipt of ICA for pay day February 18, 2010.

“Defence have already embarked upon a ‘technical refresh’ of the cur-rent human resource and payroll sys-tem,” Mr Combet said.

“This refresh will upgrade the tech-nology and provide a modern platform that will stabilise the current system and prepare for the development of a robust payroll system of the future.”

THE TASK AHEAD

Mr Combet has directed the Task Force to achieve the following 10 objectives:➤ Review and report on the adequa-

cy of existing payroll procedures and compliance with them.

➤ Create a small specialist deployed civilian payroll administration cell that will drive consistency between the in-theatre and in-country pay-roll processing.

➤ Undertake quality assurance checks of International Campaign Allowance payments.

➤ Promote a common customer access channel including the 1800 DEFENCE number for members and their families to contact about pay related issues.

➤ Review the entire process for pay-ment of deployed allowances and put in place revised checks and balances to ensure members are paid correctly.

➤ Enhance quality assurance proc-esses that provide greater focus on control, supervision and check-ing of personnel data from local commanders to the transaction processing area.

➤ Widen the current performance management regime to include control and compliance reporting on payment of ADF allowances.

➤ Develop a systematic forward-look-ing audit program to support the controls and compliance reporting around payroll processing.

➤ Emphasise the mutual responsibili-ties and accountabilities of all per-sonnel involved in the pay process, to meet their responsibilities on pay administration.

➤ Issue further official advice outlin-ing the steps being put in place to improve the payroll system. This advice will also emphasise the obli-gation of personnel to meet their responsibilities on payroll matters including review of payslips and

notification of errors as soon as possible.

WHO TO CONTACT

➤ Defence members, managers and commanders can contact the Defence Service Centre on 1800 333 362 or email [email protected] regarding any pay matter. In some instances these may be referred to the cen-tral Military Pay Administration Centre operated by Defence Support for more detailed investi-gation.

➤ Pay staff or people with queries about the task force or the Payroll Improvement Project, can email [email protected], phone (02) 626 63474 or fax (02) 626 78834 for information.

➤ Watch the DRN home page for news about the Task Force’s intran-et and internet sites going online.

THE CDF and the Secretary of Defence have issued a Joint Directive that reiterates the responsibilities and accountabili-ties of members and commanders.

Commanders at all levels and administrative staff are responsible for ensuring they observe due dili-gence, and correct processes and controls are implemented, to ensure pay issues are identified and recti-fied as soon as possible.

In addition, each individual has a

mutual obligation to ensure that the pay and allowances paid each fort-night reflect their circumstances.

Personnel are encouraged to check their Salary Variation Authority online regularly.

In line with Defence values, all members have a responsibility to report any anomalies they discover in a timely manner through their chain of command, and/or to their supporting administrative staff.

If you have a deployment pay issue, and are still deployed, contact

your in-country or ship pay repre-sentative.

If you have returned from deployment and have a query regarding your deployment pay, you need to contact your supporting administrative staff, or contact the nearest Customer Service Centre in your location or by calling 1800 333 362.

Ensure that you have your Pay and Allowance Entitlement Calculator at hand when making the enquiry.

Pay system action

The Government has also endorsed a long term plan which will replace Defence’s current three pay systems with a more modern personnel ICT system, with a maturity date of around three to five years.

“It is important the Government and ADF members have confidence in the integrity of pay and personnel processes,” Mr Combet said.

“The Government understands that the volume of manual transactions,

which last year amounted to over three

million, means human error is always

a possibility. But the number of incor-

rect payments is unacceptable.”

Take responsibility for your pay

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03NEWS

By Michael Brooke

THE Navy has cheered an impor-tant construction milestone for the Canberra-class Landing Helicopter Docks (LHD), which the 2009 Defence White Paper states will be the centre-piece of the ADF’s new expeditionary capability.

Navy personnel at HMAS Kuttabul, where the 27,000-tonne amphibious ships will be based, applauded the start of the construction of the hull of the second LHD.

The cutting of the steel for the hull of LHD 02 by the Spanish shipbuilder Navantia, some seven weeks ahead of schedule, bodes well for Joint Project 2048.

The construction milestone also serves as an important reminder of the large amount of training and prepa-ration required before the LHDs are delivered in only a few years time.

The LHDs, which will form a key part of the ADF’s broader amphibious deployment and sustainment system, are scheduled to enter service in 2014 and 2016.

RAN speakers at the 2010 Sea Power Conference said the new amphibious capability posed many challenges and would need to be a centrepiece of both Navy and Army, requiring changes in thinking, priori-ties and training.

LHD ahead of schedule

IMPRESSIVE: The Armaris LHD starboard quarter view. Photo: Armaris

YOU will have heard by now that a new inquiry will be opened into a range of matters arising from equity and diversity issues on board HMAS Success.

This independent investigation will be carried out by a senior retired judge and has my full support. If the system needs fixing then let us fix it. As I have said previously, we owe it to all of those involved in this matter to get it right.

I know some of you will be disappointed and frustrated but our processes must be fair and able to withstand scrutiny. I am determined to make sure that we provide the highest standard of justice for the wellbeing of all our people. Of course this does not flag any lessening of my desire to address any allegations of behavioural concerns, whenever they arise, to determine if they are true. We owe it to our people and our values to do this. Just because these matters are hard to resolve doesn’t mean we will baulk at doing so.

I would also like to take this opportunity to correct reports you may have read in some media that Navy claimed there was a “sex ledger”. This is completely incorrect. At no stage did Navy ever state this. Continuing reports of this nature are damaging to the process and, more importantly, damaging to our people.

All of us must make proper behaviour at sea and ashore a fundamental priority. If wrongdoing has occurred, and I stress this has yet to be established, those responsible must be brought to account. In this and every other case involving Military Justice, we owe to all parties concerned a guarantee of an impartial and robust hearing.

– Chief of Navy, VADM Russ Crane, AO, CSM, RAN

Chief speaks out on Success inquiry

CN MESSAGE

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04 NEWS

By Annabelle Haywood

MAKING the Change facilitator train-ing was recently held for land-locked Navy personnel at RAAF Base Wagga, to teach those responsible for training new recruits in the aviation area.

LCDR Martin Jolley, the senior Navy officer on the base, said many of the Navy trainees had already done training in the Signature Behaviours and Navy Values.

“For these brand new trainees, this is not ‘New Generation Navy’ – it is the only Navy they have been exposed to,” LCDR Jolley said.

The four Making the Change engage-ments currently being undertaken will complement the knowledge the Navy trainees already have, as all recruits are now introduced to the Navy Values and Signature Behaviours during recruit training.

These sessions will allow Navy train-ees at RAAF Wagga to discuss these Values and Behaviours in the same way

that all other Navy members have, in ses-sions facilitated by their instructors.

Wagga-based Navy instructors under-took the facilitator training under the guidance of NGN Culture team members CMDR Gary Brown and CPO Warren Humphrey.

All Navy members who have under-taken ‘Train the Facilitator’ train-ing, should now be delivering the four engagements to their colleagues and staff.

The four engagements give an over-view of the Signature Behaviours, and then focus specifically on People, Professionalism and Performance. All four sessions should be completed by all Navy members by June 30.

For information on the Making the Change Program, see the NGN intranet at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/navyweb/sites/NGN/default.asp?page=109133&Title=Making%20the%20Change

Making the change

By Michael Brooke

THE Navy has joined hands with more than 1000 war veterans and the RSL to launch a series of commemorative activities in the lead up to the 65th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific Day (VP Day) in WWII.

More than 250 people includ-ing Veterans’ Affairs Minister Alan Griffin and COMAUSFLT RADM Steve Gilmore attended the cer-emony called ‘Keeping the Spirit of ’45 Alive’ at North Bondi RSL on February 7.

RADM Gilmore praised the hero-ism of Australian WWII Service per-

sonnel who contributed to Japan’s surrender on August 15, 1945, which ended four years of fighting in the Pacific and hostilities in WWII.

“We in uniform today owe a great deal to the veterans of former conflicts,” RADM Gilmore said.

“Our name as a nation and as a Defence Force has been forged by the courage, commitment, depend-ability, fortitude and resilience of those dedicated men and women who have served Australia proudly.

“They inspire us with their exam-ple and our nation rightly owes them its deepest and most sincere grati-tude.”

Numerous events and activities

will be conducted in the lead up to the 65th anniversary of VP Day on August 15, when there will be a commemoration ceremony and parade at the Cenotaph at Martin Place in Sydney.

The 65th anniversary of VP Day is being commemorated by the Eastern and Northern District Councils of the RSL (NSW) to honour the serv-ice and sacrifice of the many thou-sands of Australians who served in the Pacific during 1941-1945.

During that period, more than 19,000 Australians lost their lives, 15,000 were wounded and 22,000 were taken prisoner.

Heroes of the Pacific remembered

BORDER Protection Command (BPC) has a new leader at the helm.

RADM Tim Barrett took up the role of Commander BPC on February 9 and said he was looking forward to an exciting and challeng-ing tenure.

“BPC has an exceptional repu-tation throughout the Australian Government and the ADF due to its strong command, highly skilled team and critical work in the mari-time domain,” RADM Barrett said.

“I am delighted to take up the role. I look forward to working closely with the team, learning more about the issues and leading BPC forward this year.

“The Command deals with a number of significant threats at the border such as people smuggling, illegal foreign fishing, counter ter-rorism and more, and I will ensure BPC continues to deliver a coordi-nated national security response to protect the nation’s wellbeing.”

CDF ACM Angus Houston emphasised the importance of the Commander BPC role and said he looked forward to the contribu-tion RADM Barrett would make in supporting Customs and Border Protection and the ADF.

Former Commander RADM Allan du Toit ended his posting to BPC on February 8 and has now taken up his new position as Deputy Chief Joint Operations Command.

During RADM du Toit’s time as commander he was a leading

New hands on the helm at Border Command

figure in engaging with his Asia-Pacific counterparts and success-fully strengthened relationships with international stakeholders across the world including Pakistan, New Zealand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Singapore, France and the United States.

Customs and Border Protection CEO Michael Carmody thanked RADM du Toit for his valuable con-

tribution to BPC during his two year posting and welcomed the new com-mander.

“I would like to congratulate RADM du Toit on his leadership during a time of heightened activity at the border. I wish him all the best in his new position and welcome RADM Barrett to our senior execu-tive team,” Mr Carmody said.

OVER TO YOU: RADM Tim Barrett (left) receives best wishes for his new role at Border Protection Command from outgoing commander, RADM Allan du Toit.

IMBEDDING VALUES: Officers and sailors partici-pate in the NGN Making the Change’ workshop at RAAF Wagga.

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05NEWS


HMAS Glenelg (LCDR Shane Doolin) recently visited Colombo, Sri Lanka in order to build rela-tions between the two nations.

At the beginning of her four-day visit, Glenelg was greeted by the Sri Lankan Navy (SLN) band which played Waltzing Matilda and Advance Australia Fair while Glenelg came alongside.

During the visit, CO LCDR Doolin and his fellow officers attended a function at the Western Naval Area Wardroom, hosted by Commander Western Naval Area, RADM A.R. Amarasinghe.

Glenelg was entertained with superb hospitality and entertainment

from the SLN band again while being introduced to a smorgasboard of local cuisine.

Glenelg was also visited by the Commander of the Navy for Sri Lanka, VADM T.S.G. Samarasinghe, who was fascinated by the technol-ogy and design of the RAN’s newest Armidale class patrol boat, before being hosted for a lunch and cocktail party that saw Australian cuisine like emu, kangaroo and crocodile steaks served to guests.

The SLN Cultural Display Troupe also performed a colourful cultural display for members of the ship’s company who were united in their praise.

Glenelg strengthens ties with Sri Lankan Navy

COLOURFUL GREETING: (Above) Sri Lankan cultural dancers welcome Glenelg’s ship’s company to their nation.SHIP TOUR: (Right) ABBM Brian Mobbs poses with a group of children who toured the ship.WITH THE BOSS: (Below) The kids pose for a photo with Glenelg’s CO, LCDR Shane Doolin.

By LCDR Antony Underwood

THE hard work of three Reservists has enabled the RAN to share part of its maritime warfare heritage with a large number of Australian Navy Cadet (ANC) units around Australia.

Thanks to the efforts of Bernie Carton from the Torpedo Maintenance Facility at Fleet Base West and retired clearance divers CMDR John McAree, LCDR Jak Wilson and CPOCD Gordon Lucas, 23 ANC units have received a Mark 44 tor-pedo as a tangible connection with the fighting units of the RAN.

Mark 44 lightweight torpedoes were in the RAN armament inventory for dec-ades and used by most NATO countries. They could be launched from guided mis-sile destroyers, guided missile frigates, from helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft and as part of the Ikara Australian ship-launched anti-submarine missile.

With encouragement from the Deputy Chief of Navy, the men worked with staff at the HMAS Stirling-based Torpedo Maintenance Facility, weapons systems contractors, Thales, and staff at Defence Establishment Orchard Hills to have a number of the 2.64 metre-long torpedoes rendered inert.

“Demilitarisation involved removal of the warheads and their batteries,” LCDR Wilson said.

Reserves torpedo Navy cadet units

Each torpedo was delivered to the training ships with a certificate of authen-ticity that guaranteed the item had been rendered safe.

LCDR Wilson said the reactions from members of the cadet units made the effort involved very worthwhile.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE: CDT CPO Jack Stewart and his CO LEUT Colin Edgar, with the Mark 44 tor-pedo gifted to TS Paluma.Photo: Graham Davis

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06 NEWS

By CMDR Andy Clowes

AFTER cyclones Neville and Olga formed off the Queensland coast in late January, a decision was made to move the Navy’s attached ves-sel, Malu Baizam, from Thursday Island to HMAS Cairns.

With no qualified OIC available, the call went out to Reserve Standby OICs.

CMDR Roger Priest , who works for the Maritime Division of the Queensland Department of Transport, took on the task and flew to Thursday Island ready and roar-ing to get the job done.

“Queensland Transport have always been particularly proactive when it comes to the Reserves and this occasion was no different,” CMDR Priest said.

No stranger to the Malu Baizam, CMDR Priest has driven the boat many times before during regu-lar postings as the acting Resident Naval Officer Thursday Island (RNOTI) since 2004.

CMDR Priest teamed with CPOMT Steve Gibson for expert training and, because the pair had worked together before in the Torres

DEDICATED: CPO Steve Gibson (left) and CMDR Roger Priest with Malu Baizam. Photo: ABBM Clayton Marshall

By LEUT Grant McDuling

A NEW command structure, new oper-ational requirements and new train-ing opportunities have resulted in this year’s ‘new look’ Fleet Concentration Period (FCP) with participation by RAN, RNZN and RAAF units.

Running over an eight-week period that began on February 8, and divided into four distinct phases, FCP 10-1 will, for the first time, see concentrated at-sea exercises involving three weekly ‘mini wars’ instead of just one at the end of the exercise period.

According to Commodore Training, CDRE Daryl Bates, the aim of FCP 10-1 is to increase the overall readiness of the Fleet.

“In line with changing operational requirements and to make maximum use of available RAAF aircraft during the at-sea phase, we will be using the East Australian Exercise Areas (EAXA) as well as operating off the coast of Newcastle, Cairns and Townsville and the Herald Island (HITA), Cowley Beach (CBTA) and Shoalwater Bay (SWBTA) Training Areas,” CDRE Bates said.

During Phase Zero (February 1-7) the ships conducted passage to Fleet Base East or conducted a shakedown in prepa-ration for Phase One (February 8-14), which was a week-long harbour phase. Individual and collective training objec-tives, as well as the aviation reconstitu-tion period, were conducted during this phase. Phase Two (February 15 to March 12) is the sea phase, which sees the Fleet of RAN and RNZN split up into three separate task units − Surface Task Unit, Mine Clearance Diving Task Unit and Amphibious Task Unit − while HMA Ships Newcastle and Warramunga will conduct unit readiness workups, while HMAS Parramatta completes a mis-sion readiness workup. Phase Three is

TASMANEX, a five-day tactical transit to Auckland, New Zealand, for a port visit followed by the Long Navigation Course.

“This year we will be using lessons learned from our recent experience in observing the Royal Navy’s sea training processes,” CDRE Bates said.

“The first week at sea will aim to improve basic mariner skills, followed by a week each of anti-surface warfare, anti-air warfare and anti-submarine war-fare. Each week will culminate in a ‘mini war’ where Fleet standards will be meas-ured to determine the success of training and progress made towards achieving the exercise objectives.”

The Mine Clearance Diving Task Unit will be kept busy during Ex Mulgogger, which will be conducted in the EAXA from February 22 to March 19. The Amphibious Task Group will be tested during SQUADEX and Ex Sea Lion, which are basic-level amphibious collec-tive training activities.

“SQUADEX will take place in the HITA and CBTA from February 15 to 25, while Ex Sea Lion will take place in the SWBTA from March 1-12,” CDRE Bates said.

Ships taking part in FCP 10-1 include HMA Ships Anzac, Darwin, Arunta, Warramunga, Newcastle, Ballarat, Sirius, Manoora, Huon, Diamantina, Gascoyne, Balikpapan, Brunei, Betano, Labuan, Tarakan,Wewak, Bandicoot and Wallaroo, along with HMNZ Ships Te Mana and Canterbury. Aircraft will be contributed by 723 SQN, 816 SQN, 817 SQN, 92 WNG, 5 SQN, 78 WG, 81 WG, 82 WG, 41 WG, PELAIR and EWTS.

CDRE Bates said lessons learned throughout FCP 10-1 would be logged and assessed on a daily basis, with ‘fire-side chats’ encouraged between ships’ operations officers and COs.

Fleet’s new direction

Rushing to lend a hand

Strait on Malu Baizam, teamwork fell into place quickly.

Assistant to RNOTI, ABBM Clayton Marshall, had Malu Baizam ready to go when they arrived at Thursday Island, taking care of all the myriad pre-passage preparations with victualling, weapons, medical, safety equipment and chart/ECDIS corrections.

The passage south from Thursday Island went to plan and, after refuel-ling and rest stops along the way,

Malu Baizam was safely delivered alongside at HMAS Cairns.

When not working as a sen-ior manager within the Maritime Division of Queensland Transport, CMDR Priest works as an ana-lyst with the Navy’s Geospatial Intelligence Library providing amphibious-specific intelligence in support of the ADF’s operations and exercises. In 2008 he was awarded the Federation Star after 40 years service in the Reserves.

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07NEWS

By CDRE Ranford ElseyDGRES-N

DG’s HEADS UP DG’s HEADS UP

WITH only a few weeks gone in 2010, it’s evi-dent that this year will mark a significant mile-

stone in the use of Navy Reservists contributing to capability and out-puts.

The Capability Review is well underway with the goal of determining the best possible outcome for Navy. This will inform the Naval Reserve (NR) postings in the next FY.

With budgetary constraints being felt across the ADF through efficien-cies sought under the Reserve Reform Stream of the Strategic Reform Program (SRP), funded reserve com-mitment positions must deliver capa-bility where it’s most needed. Further, there will be no supplementation of NR funding in the next FY.

Given that the last major review of NR positions was carried out in 2001 – albeit with modifications over the intervening years – it is timely that this current Capability Review focus on delivering capability under SRP. The NR is not alone in this. Both Army and Air Force Reserves are undergoing similar reviews.

As further details come to hand,

DGRES-N’s New Year MessageNR members will be informed of employment opportunities. If you do not receive the weekly NR email-out that details job opportunities and important signals and DEFGRAMS, I encourage you to provide your email address to LCDR ‘Paddy’ Flynn at [email protected], who is the RRP Manager in HMAS Harman.

“This year will mark a significant milestone in the use of Navy Reservists.”

I had the opportunity to attend the Seapower 2010 conference in Sydney over the last week in January.

The theme centred on amphibious and joint operations from the sea and provided a stimulating and informa-tive program of speakers representing the ADF and other countries’ forces.

Given the RAN’s acquisition of two landing helicopter dock (LHD) ships over the next five years, the dis-cussion was highly relevant.

The use of Reserves in this aspect of naval service was seen as desirable and relevant and I foresee further work being undertaken over the next few years to flesh out just what capability can be provided on a part-time basis.

I encourage NR members to continue to serve on a part-time or full-time basis. Your contribution to Australia’s defence is both recognised and appreciated.

THE East Timor Defence Force (F-FDTL) has been provided with a first hand look at Australian patrol boat operations during a visit by HMAS Albany (LCDR Bill Triffitt).

The Chief of the East Timor Defence Force, MAJGEN Taur Matan Ruak, and a delegation of senior officers and instructors, were invited aboard the patrol boat to sail from Dili to the port of Com.

T h e C o m m a n d e r o f t h e International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in East Timor, CDRE Stuart Mayer, said the visit to HMAS Albany was particularly important for the F-FDTL with East Timor soon to take posses-sion of two Oecussi class patrol boats.

“East Timor is in the process of significantly increasing its capacity to protect its maritime area and the ISF is assisting where we are able to do so,” CDRE Mayer said.

“The range of exercises that were undertaken also gave senior East Timorese military personnel insight into a number of the challenges faced in operating a patrol boat force.”

MAJGEN Matan Ruak said the RAN’s demonstration and instruc-tion provided valuable knowledge for when the new East Timorese patrol boats became operational.

Valuable insight for East Timor Navy

SHARING KNOWLEDGE: RAN boarding officer LEUT Bradley Morgan shakes hands with East Timor Defence Force officer, LEUT David Santos, after boarding party practice on board HMAS Albany.Photo: ABIS Jo Dilorenzo

NAVY http://www.defence.gov.au/news/navynews/ September 20 , 2007

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09NEWS

By Cristy Symington

PROVOST Marshal of the ADF COL Martyn Reed has warned deployed members about ordering, posting or bringing home illegal items from overseas exercises and operations.

He said the ADF Investigative Service would pursue people found trying to bring such items, including bladed weapons and martial arts devic-es, into Australia.

“Although items like weapon parts, knives, alcohol and body building supplements may be readily availa-ble overseas, many are illegal to bring home,” he said.

“If you post items home, carry them in accompanied baggage, or in unaccompanied baggage, you will get caught.”

The ADF works closely with Australia Post, Customs and Border Protection Services to ensure baggage and mail is checked before arrival in Australia.

Cus toms Nat iona l Manager Investigations Richard Janeczko said in a statement that Customs had a number of measures in place to intercept illegal substances.

“There is every chance you will be detected and the penalties can include severe fines or imprisonment,” he said.

“Customs is dedicated to prevent-ing the importation of prohibited items including performance and image enhancing drugs.”

Passengers may have their baggage searched or x-rayed to identify goods of interest to border control agencies.

Customs uses dedicated technology

Declare or beware, ADFIS warns

that analyses particles collected from passenger baggage and other personal items, postal articles or items of cargo to detect traces of illicit substances. They also have dogs trained to detect illicit drugs, firearms and explosives.

Australia Post also has measures in place for identifying prohibited items with 100 per cent of mail screened on arrival to Australia.

COL Reed said importing illegal items was extremely serious and trying to fool agencies by using false names

and addresses could still be tracked back to the offender.

Importation of certain bladed weap-ons, martial arts goods and sporting goods is controlled under the Customs Regulations. The penalty for import-ing prohibited items is a fine of up to $275,000 or imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both.

For more information about what items are prohibited to be brought back to Australia, visit www.customs.gov.au or ask your local coxswains.

BANNED: Just some of the items that members are not permitted to bring into the country.

A website offering up-to-date information and advice on investigative matters for ADF members

and commanders is now available.The Australian Defence Force

Investigative Service (ADFIS) launched the site as part of the unit’s mission of providing a professional investigative capability in support of the chain of command.

Provost Marshal ADF COL Martyn Reed said the content available on the site provided commanders with information to assist them in ensuring effective discipline was maintained within their unit, in accordance with the military justice framework.

“The website was launched as part of the program of improving ADFIS capabilities to disseminate vital infor-mation to units about how investiga-tions are conducted,” he said.

The site offers a Commanders Tool Box that includes details and current policies relating to:➤ critical incident management and

reporting; ➤ discipline; and ➤ information management.

The tool box is a one stop shop for anyone seeking information on military justice and policing matters. It also includes key contact details within ADFIS.

The site also details ADFIS inquiries,

New website launched

including how they are conducted and how they are assessed.

Guidance on alcohol and drug edu-cation is available, as well as content relating to evidence handling and pres-ervation applicable to units or individu-als deploying overseas.

Recruitment information is available for members of the ADF considering a career as a Service Police Investigator and interested in joining ADFIS.

Opportunities are available to full-time and part-time ADF members across all ranks and Services.

“This is an exciting time for ADFIS as we are growing our capability and providing improved career opportuni-ties for our investigators,” COL Reed said.

Visit the ADFIS intranet site at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/vcdf/sites/adfis

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10 NEWS

By LCDR Mick Gallagher

NAVY Reservists paraded at The Shore School in North Sydney late last year to launch Reserve Forces Day (RFD) parades to be held throughout Australia in 2010.

This year gives special recognition to ADF mem-bers who, when serving as Reservists, were awarded a medal for voluntary serv-ice overseas.

In 2010 there will be 20 cities holding parades and celebrations throughout Australia.

Further information is at www.rfd.org.au

Reserve Forces Day launched

By Graham Davis

LAST month hundreds of cadets across Australia donned naval uniforms and left home for a week to participate in ANC activity camps and courses.

Navy News visited one of the camps, which was centred on Brisbane-based TS Paluma (LEUT Colin Edgar, ANC).

Fifty-five cadets from TSs Paluma, Moreton Bay, Gayundah, Diamantina, Norfolk, Magnus, Vampire and Tyalgum gathered at the ship positioned beside Moreton Bay at Shorncliffe.

To guide, supervise and train them were 10 very experienced adult ANC officers.

“It was set as a fun week interspersed by some important training,” LEUT Edgar said.

On the first morning the cadets and their instructors attended the swimming pool at Army’s Gallipoli Barracks, where they completed five evolutions, includ-ing swimming under a jib while wearing

All action at Navy Cadet camps

a life-jacket, swimming 25 metres to the end of the pool, then treading water for 10 minutes unaided.

Back at Paluma, some cadets partici-pated in sail training in three Corsairs, while others took canoes up a local creek.

Other activities during the Paluma-based camp included a visit to the river class frigate, HMAS Diamantina I at the Maritime Museum in Brisbane, a day at Wet ‘n’ Wild, and an inspection of the nearby Volunteer Marine Rescue base.

SAFETY FIRST: CDTLS Daniel Row checks the buoyancy vest of CDTSMN Zoe Allan. Photo: Graham Davis

By LEUT Lauren Rago

“5, 6, 7, 8 and right turn. 5, 6, 7, 8 quick march. Left, left, left, right, left, twist, kick and jump.” This is the interpretative drill heard throughout HMAS Cerberus on February 1 as 20 dancers from Network Ten’s So You Think You Can Dance experienced the Navy for a day.

Defence Force Recruiting (DFR) Navy Marketing recently embarked on a media sponsorship package with the popular So You Think You Can Dance reality TV show. Each year DFR pur-chases advertising space in high rating TV series. This year they went one step further and developed a cost effective and powerful package that presented unique integration opportunities with the show’s top 20 dancers.

The top 20 dancers undertook the mud run, high ropes course and a PT session at Cerberus to further devel-op their teamwork skills, boost confi-dence, test physical fitness and have some fun.

The experience was filmed and aired on the program’s top 20 show-case episode where the best dancers are introduced to Australia. Initially a little apprehensive at the sight of the activities planned for them, the danc-ers committed whole heartedly and enjoyed the experience.

“I think they’re mad,” Kieran McMahon, a ballroom latin dancer from Melbourne, laughed.

“You can see the camaraderie with the Navy people, you can see how they would all help each other,” Matt Geronimi, also a ballroom latin dancer, said.

“It helped with overcoming fear so was good for us all. Competition dancers have their own different fears, whether it is learning other genres, the stage or the camera. It showed us if you put your mind to something you can do it.”

“I think the mud run prepared us for long rehearsals in that you don’t give up, you dig deep,” Kieran said.

LSPTs Trish Muller and Nathan ‘Nato’ Adamson were the physical trainers who led the dancers for the day.

“It was so scary. I was shaking. But it was really good. I definitely think you need to have courage to join the Navy.” – Rene Ritchie

“They were motivated, they were upbeat and they willing to do every-thing,” LS Muller said. “They had a lot of confidence on the high ropes. They were very fit looking people.”

Rene Ritchie, a contemporary jazz dancer from Tasmania, was the first to tackle the high ropes course.

“It was so scary. I was shaking. But it was really good. I definitely think you need to have courage to join the Navy. I actually feel really honoured to be here and do this stuff,” Rene said.

When asked about their thoughts on the Navy, all the dancers had good things to say.

“I never thought about joining, but I think I would enjoy this kind of envi-ronment. You would focus on building strengths of all kinds and I think you would grow up heaps,” Heath Keating, a jazz lyrical dancer from the Gold Coast, said.

All the stars agreed the meals at the Senior Sailors’ Mess were “awesome” and that the uniforms looked pretty cool.

“When they walked past some trainees from Recruit School and saw them doing the exact same style of PT as they did, the dancers were impressed and pretty pleased,” LCDR Dave Zanker from DFR said.

DFR selected So You Think You Think You Can Dance as the prop-erty for their Navy media activation for a number of reasons. As well as being a high rating program among their primary target audience, there are obvious shared values between the two fields. Teamwork, perseverance and determination, being there for your mates and the importance of physical fitness are relevant to both dance and the Navy training environment.

“It is very important DFR’s target

Cerberus puts on its dancing shoes

audience is aware of the role fit-ness plays in the Navy and how val-uable it is to the individual and the organisation,” CMDR Elizabeth Mulder, Director Navy Reputation Management, said.

“We want to remind people that fitness is part of daily life in the Navy, for work and for play.”

Dancer Heath will look back on the experience with pride.

“During the group photo at the end of the mud run I thought this is one of those moments in life you always remember and look back on,” Heath said.

The activities filmed at Cerberus aired on national television on So You Think You Can Dance on February 10. LSPT Muller and Adamson will also continue to support the top 20 danc-ers’ fitness regime by taking them for weekly PT sessions in Sydney. These sessions, along with Navy branding, will appear on a dedicated Navy sec-tion at the Ten SYTYCD website. The Navy section will also include a down-loadable fitness program and a link to comprehensive Navy fitness webpages called ‘Ship Shape’ at defencejobs.gov.au.

CLEANING UP THEIR ACT: The top 20 dancers from Network Ten’s So You Think You Can Dance program experience a day in the life of the Navy at HMAS Cerberus.


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11NEWS

By CMDR Greg Swinden

TWENTY-SIX RAN officers were among the 172 people to graduate from the demanding Australian Command and Staff College late last year.

At a ceremony at the Australian Defence Force Academy on December 3, the Chief of Navy Prize for the officer who achieved the best overall results was awarded to CMDR Grant O’Loughlan. An aviator who joined the Navy in 1988 as a seaman officer, CMDR O’Louglan completed pilot training in 1995 and has seen extensive operational service.

The A.M. Synnot Prize, named in honour of former CDF ADM Sir Anthony Synnot, was awarded to CHAP Murray Lund. The prize is awarded to the officer who displays the best written communication skills during the Navy Single Service module of the course.

CMDR Robert ‘Fitz’ Gentry, USN, was awarded the G.R. Griffiths Prize for the best oral communication skills during the Navy Single Service module.

CMDR Rache l Durb in was awarded the Commandant’s Prize for 2009. This award is presented to the person who consistently demonstrates a superior level of commitment to improving their command and staff skills.

The Lonsdale Medallion, for the RAN Staff Acquaint Course, was awarded to LCDR Jeff Milward.

WOs Scott Brown and Dave Munro also completed the Navy Single Service module and were awarded a Graduate Certificate in Maritime Studies from the University of Wollongong.

By LEUT Ron Brown

GOVERNOR-General Quentin Bryce has reviewed the 2009 graduating class of the RMIT Officer Scheme on parade at HMAS Cerberus.

The December 11 parade included more than 1200 officers, sailors, soldiers and airmen currently serving with the RAN’s premier training establish-ment. The Queen’s Colour was paraded to mark the occasion.

The graduating class comprised 22 of the lat-est technical officers and covered specialist areas in weapons electrical engineering, marine engineering, weapons electrical aviation engineering and aviation engineering. It also contained a nursing officer for the first time.

During the ceremony, MIDN Ronald Trigg was awarded the Sir Brian Murray RSL Commemorative Sword, while MIDN Shannon Martin, who attained the highest aggregate score in studies, was awarded the Australian Marine Technologies Prize.

The Governor-General spoke of recently spend-ing time at sea in RAN warships and being deeply impressed by the skill, professionalism and discipline of the men and women she saw at work in an envi-ronment of expanding technology.

“As engineering graduates, you will be at the cen-tre of this [technological] change,” Ms Bryce said.

“It will fuel and drive your careers and your rich contributions to our national defence.”

Cerberus on show

ALL DRESSED UP: Governor-General Quentin Bryce reviews the Vice Regal Ceremonial Divisions at HMAS Cerberus. Coincidentally it was also CAPT Sheldon Williams’ final parade as CO. INSET: The Governor General and outgoing CO CAPT Williams address the parade.Photos: LSIS Nina Nikolin

Flood of awards

12 13CENTRESPREAD


Military spectacular2010 Edinburgh Military Tattoo

After a successful tour in 2005, the Edinburgh Military Tattoo returned to the Sydney Football Stadium this month to celebrate its 60th anniversary year. More than 1500 performers from around the world, including Massed Pipes and Drums, Highland Dancers and the stirring Lone Piper, combined to create a dazzling display of colour, music and precision drill.The show, which took place from February 4-7, celebrated 60 years of valour, mateship and glory, and featured international bands from the UK, USA, Switzerland, China, Norway, Russia, Trinidad and Tobago and New Zealand, as well as a combined ADF band that opened the show in true Australian style.LSIS Paul McCallum and LCDR Andrew Stackpool were backstage and filed these reports from Sydney.

THE 2010 Edinburgh Military Tattoo at the Sydney Football Stadium began with a bang as

Australia’s Federation Guard (AFG) welcomed the audience with a volley from their SLRs and a salute to the guest of honour, NSW Governor Marie Bashir.

While the AFG began the fes-tivities, the RAN Band Sydney Detachment joined forces with their Army and Air Force counterparts to keep the party going.

The audience was glittering like a thousand fireflies as their cam-eras flashed – even the rain failed to dampen the spirits, or the sound, of the pipers as they strangled their cats in tune.

After demonstrations of bagpipes and superb displays of drill by His Majesty the King of Norway’s Guard, a Chinese dragon dance and some

Russian’s laying down a spoons med-ley, the ADF band rocked the house, opening with an AC/DC classic.

With the audience pumped, and tributes played for all deployed per-sonnel, the bands broke into their own routines highlighting their indi-vidual styles.

As the band re-formed, a touch-ing tribute was made to the victims of last year’s Black Saturday bush-fires in Victoria, before nine vocal-ists, including ABMUSN Damien Dowd, LSMUSN Tracy Kennedy and ABMUSN Gemma Tilly, combined to sing I still call Australia home.

ABMUSN Tilley said it was quite a challenge coordinating the singers, with each Service providing three people.

“We are all solo vocalists so getting the timing and harmony right was the hardest part,” AB Tilley said.

“But performing on such a huge

occasion – with all the international performers – helps you lift your per-formance.”

After missing out on performing at the Edinburgh Tattoo as a member of the Welsh Guard Band in England, lateral transferee ABMUSN Stuart Malcolm finally got the chance to per-form at this year’s event in Australia.

“I have performed for the Royal family on many occasions but always missed the Edinburgh Tattoo,” AB Malcolm said.

“I can’t believe I had to transfer to the RAN Band to finally perform in a Tattoo!”

The night ended with all 1500 per-formers on the arena, while tributes were made to those currently serving and those who have been killed or injured from all militaries across the world.

– LSIS Paul McCallum

WHEN the RAN Band marched into the arena for the first perform-ance on the night of

February 4, few of the cheering audience realised they were seeing history being made.

Proudly leading her charges was the band’s first female CPO and female Drum Major, CPOMUSN Camille Martin.

The RAN almost missed out. For six years, CPO Martin was a Reservist musician with the Army’s 1st Division Royal Australian Artillery Band in Brisbane while she completed her Bachelor of Music and Graduate Diploma in Music Performance at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music.

On completion, she decided to obtain a reliable income that also allowed her to pursue her passion for music. In addition to playing her

French Horn and her casual work with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Queensland Philharmonic and various other professional music ensembles around Brisbane, she enjoyed the camaraderie of her Defence colleagues. A military career seemed in order.

“The Army Band was not recruit-ing at the time, so I decided on Navy instead,” CPO Martin said. She enlisted in July 1995.

It seems to have been a mutually fortuitous choice. Over the course of her 15-year career, CPO Martin has performed in most major parts of Australia as well as a wide range of international venues, including in South East Asia, the South Pacific, Middle East and Turkey.

Her skills as a musician and leader were recognised and, in 2008, she was promoted to CPO, the first female

to attain that rank in the RAN as a musician.

“It is something I am very proud of,” she said.

CPO Martin said playing with a military band was completely differ-ent to playing with an orchestra.

“For a start, you don’t get to play with strings, the music is very differ-ent and, at times, I do miss playing with strings. However, I also enjoy playing with military bands. It’s not just about marching; it’s about being in uniform and I feel very proud to be a serving member.”

Although she has led several cer-emonial parades, the Tattoo was the biggest parade in which she has par-ticipated and she was excited at being a part of it.

“It was a fantastic show and to be a part of it was wonderful.”

– LCDR Andrew Stackpool

PUMPING: ABMUSN Damian

Dowd gets into the mood,

singing an AC/DC classic.

IN TUNE: The RAN band performs in the 2010 Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

IN THE LEAD: CPOMUSN Camille Martin is the first female Drum Major

in the RAN and hopes other females

will follow in her footsteps.Photos: LACW Casey Gaul

Main photo: Hmailton Lund/SCG Trust

Your paper

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14 PERSONNEL


By Robert McComas

TOLL Transitions is set to take over relocation administration services for Defence removals after the com-pany won both the Removal and Relocation Administration Services Contracts.

The change will occur from July 1, 2010 and there will be no reductions to members’ relocation administration and removal entitlements under the new contract.

Defence Housing Australia (DHA) will continue to manage the allocation and tenancy of Service residences and approval of rent allowance.

The information submitted in the Application for Removal to Toll Transitions will be shared by Toll with DHA to allow it to begin its processes for vacation and allocation of Service residences.

The information will also be shared so rent allowance payments can be finalised. Members receiving rent allowance will still be required to sub-mit a final rent receipt.

A detailed Defgram will be released soon and signals to ships and establish-ments will be released with relevant information.

Removal admin set to change

Organisation

administration

responsibility

Submission of

Application for

Relocation

Date of removal

upliftContact number

DHA Before July 1, 2010

Before August 31, 2010 139 342

Toll TransitionsBetween March 1 and June 30,

2010

After September 1, 2010 onwards 1800 819 167

Toll Transitions After July 1, 2010 After July 1, 2010 1800 819 167

What improvments can I expect?

1. A dedicated case manager will be available to answer all relocation administration and removal questions.

2. An increase in the number of Case Management locations.

3. Provision of information on goods currently held in store.

4. All information can be accessed from a new website.

5. Increased monitoring of service delivery at uplift and delivery.

Who should I contact?

There will be a transition period during which DHA is complet-ing on-going removals and Toll Transitions begins taking over responsibility.

The responsible organisation for administering the relocation will be determined by the date of removal uplift.

The table below identifies the key dates and contact details.

ADMINISTRATION REMOVAL CHANGES: Changes to the removal process will begin on July 1 after Toll Transitions won both the Removal and Relocation Administration Services Contracts.Photo: LAC Aaron Curran

IN BRIEFTHE Government is invest-ing more than $150 million over the next decade into the ADF Rehabilitation Program, which helps wounded ADF members return to service or transi-tion to the care they need.

Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science Minister Greg Combet said the Government had also allocated funding of an addi-tional $83 million over the next four years to implement the recommendations of the recent mental health review.

“This includes enhancing the mental health workforce, improving mental health training and expansion of programs to support mem-bers who are suffering from post traumatic stress disor-der,” Mr Combet said.

A NEW Australian Submarine Program Office will be established in Adelaide next month.

Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science Minister Greg Combet said the establishment of the joint Australian Submarine Program Office was a vital step towards achieving the submarine output Government expects.

“The Australian Submarine Program Office will be established in Adelaide to

jointly manage submarine availability required by Government,” Mr Combet said.

“The idea for a new project office follows discussions between Navy, the Defence Materiel Organisation and ASC Pty Ltd on how better results can be achieved.

“This marks the start of a new part-nership that will set the basis for a strong and enduring submarine capability over the next decade,” Mr Combet said.

Increased focus on submarine availability

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THE discovery of the wreck of the Australian Hospital Ship Centaur will enable families of the Australians on board the ship to know the resting place of their loved ones, 66 years after she was sunk north east of Brisbane.

A phone hotline has been estab-lished to assist relatives of those who were on board the ship when it was sunk in 1943. Relatives can now call 1800 019 955 to receive information about a memorial service, which will be held in March 2010.

A website also has details about the memorial service and includes details of how relatives can register to receive more information about the memorial service scheduled for March 2.

The website can be found at http://www.army.gov.au/AHS_Centaur.asp

15FEATURES


Comfort for loved onesMemorial to be held next month to commemorate AHS Centaur

THEAustralian Hospital Ship will enable families of the Australians on board the ship to know the resting place of their loved ones, 66 years after she was sunk north east of Brisbane.

lished to assist relatives of those who were on board the ship when it was sunk in 1943. Relatives can now call 1800 019 955 to receive information about a memorial service, which will be held in March 2010.

memorial service and includes details of how relatives can register to receive more information about the memorial service scheduled for March 2.

www.army.gov.au/AHS_Centaur.asp

TIME TO REMEMBER: Images of the Centaur deep in the ocean. Photos: MAJ Arthur Dugdale

History of the AHS Centaur

BUILT at Scotland’s Greenock Shipyard in 1924, the 3222 ton

Australian Hospital Ship Centaur served as a cargo ship on the run between Singapore and Fremantle before World War II.

Her shallow draft and simple design made her ideal for conversion to a hospital ship following the beginning of hostilities in Papua New Guinea.

She was commissioned as Australian Hospital Ship Centaur (AHS47) on March 12, 1943.

In May 1943 the Centaur steamed from Sydney with 332 personnel on board, including medical staff, field ambulance personnel and her crew of merchant seamen.

Sydney was a city in fear. Long-range Japanese sub-marines had attacked the harbour using midget subma-

rines and launched aircraft to conduct surveillance on the anchorage.

One submarine, I-177, had surfaced off shore and shelled Sydney with her deck gun before submerging and head-ing north toward Brisbane.

The Japanese sub pack had hunted down a number of merchant ships along the east coast, and I-177 was waiting

east of Moreton Island as the Centaur steamed north during the night of May 13, 1943.

In accordance with the Hague Conventions, the Centaur was clearly identifi-able as a hospital ship, being painted white and marked with large red crosses.

She was fully lit and her voyage had been well publi-cised through neutral diplo-matic channels, yet the pre-cautions served only to make her an easier target when, at 4.10am on May 14,1943, the Japanese submarine torpe-doed the hospital ship.

The ship exploded, prob-ably as a result of a hit on the fuel bunkers.

The death toll was the highest of any merchant ves-sel sunk by a submarine in the Pacific theatre of war.

Of the 332 persons on board, only 64 survived.

east of Moreton Island as the Centaurthe night of May 13, 1943.

Hague Conventions, the Centaurable as a hospital ship, being painted white and marked with large red crosses.

voyage had been well publi-cised through neutral diplo-matic channels, yet the pre-TRAGEDY: AHS Centaur was

sunk by a Japanese sub on May 14, 1943.

AN ERA has ended at the Fleet Air Arm (FAA) with the passing of LCDR Bob ‘Windy’ Geale (Rtd), just weeks after being recognised at HMAS Albatross Ceremonial Divisions with a Commander FAA Commendation.

As a young Canadian Naval Airman 2nd Class, LCDR Geale graduated in 1944 from Number 59 Royal Navy Telegraph/Air Gunners’ Course at HMS St Vincent.

He flew the Fairey Barracuda torpedo-bomber from the carrier HMS Formidable in 1946 and, over the next four years, he flew the Firefly and the Mosquito, serving in Ceylon and Northern Ireland and flying from the RN carriers Colossus, Triumph and Victorious.

He transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy in 1950 and opened the second chapter of his flying career, qualify-ing as an observer and being promoted to LCDR. The Canadian Navy carriers HMCS Magnificent and Bonaventure were two of Windy’s ships, as was HMCS Terra Nova for his bridge watchkeeping training upon being commissioned.

The final chapter in LCDR Geale’s fly-ing career was in Australia after he trans-ferred to the RAN as a Tracker TACCO

End of an era at FAA

(tactical coordinator) in 1969. He went on to be the senior observer in both 851 and 816 Squadrons (HMAS Melbourne II) and, in 1978, served as the CO of 851 Squadron.

He retired in 1985 after nearly 43 years service in three navies, only to begin his voluntary role with the FAA Museum with barely a break in service.

LCDR Geale was held in the highest regard by everyone he knew.

LEGEND: LCDR Bob ‘Windy’ Geale receives his FAA Commendation.


16 HISTORY

SIR John Augustine Collins was born on January 7, 1899, in Deloraine, Tasmania and, in 1913, at

just 14 years of age, was one of the first cadet midshipmen to join the newly-opened RAN College, based at Geelong, Victoria.

Upon graduating in 1916, Acting SBLT Collins was sent to England to serve with the Grand Fleet at war with Germany. It was during this service that he specialised in gun-nery and, in 1923, was awarded the CMDR Egerton Memorial Prize for the highest score in practical gun-nery.

Upon his return to Australia he held various appointments as Gunnery Officer, including the appointment of Squadron Gunnery Officer.

Collins spent time as the CO of HMAS Anzac (destroyer), com-pleted a naval staff course and spent two years at Admiralty War Plans. When World War II broke out he was Assistant Chief of Staff at the Navy Office and took on the second post as Director of Naval Intelligence.

In 1939 he returned to sea in command of HMAS Sydney and took station in the Mediterranean Sea. Collins’ gunnery expertise came to light as Sydney sank the Italian light cruiser Bartolomeo Colleoni and pursued her sister ship Giovanni Delle Bande Nere who, due to great-er speed, was able to escape.

Among other achievements in the Mediterranean, Sydney was the first vessel to make her way through the heavily mined Straits of Otranto. She sank the Italian destroyer Espero and took part in several other engage-ments, including the Battle of Calabria

It was for his command of HMAS Sydney that then-CAPT Collins was awarded the Companion of the Order of the Bath.

Subsequent appointments as Chief of Staff to Commander-in-Chief, China, and Commodore Commanding the British Far Eastern Squadron, which was based on Java, saw him awarded the honour of Commander in the Order of Oranje Nassau by Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands.

In 1943 CDRE Collins returned to England to assume command of the cruiser HMAS Shropshire, a gift from the British Empire to replace the lost HMAS Canberra. Under Collins’ command, Shropshire took part in many Pacific campaigns and, in June 1944, Collins was promoted to the rank of Commodore 1st Class and given command of the Australian Squadron, then operating as a task force with the US 7th Fleet.

It was during the American land-ings at Leyte in the Philippines on October 21 that CDRE Collins, embarked in his flagship HMAS Australia, was wounded when a Japanese dive bomber struck and severely damaged the bridge, kill-ing CAPT Emile Dechaineux and 30 others on board.

After being evacuated back to Australia, CDRE Collins was made an Officer of the US Legion of Merit for his work in the South Pacific.

Recovering from his injuries, he was briefly appointed Naval Officer-in-Charge Fremantle before resuming command of the Australian Squadron in July 1945. On board HMAS

To have a fleet of submarines named after you is no mean feat. LSIS Paul McCallum looks at the namesake of our silent service submarines, VADM John Collins.

Master of the gunsMaster of the guns

THREE CHEERS: CAPT Collins aboard the cruiser Shropshire calling for three cheers for His Majesty King George VI.Photo courtesy AWM: 041556_1.JPG

MEDITERRANEAN PATROL: CAPT Collins on the bridge of HMAS Sydney patrolling off the coast of Italy.Photo courtesy AWM: 002447_1.JPG

Shropshire, Collins entered Tokyo Bay for the Japanese capitulation and was aboard the USS Missouri for the signing of the Instrument of Surrender.

After the war, CDRE Collins attended the Imperial Defence College in England when he was informed that he and CDRE Harold Farncomb were to be promoted to the rank of RADM, thus becom-ing the first graduates of the RAN College to attain flag rank.

In 1948, RADM Collins was appointed First Naval Member of the Australian Commonwealth Naval Board and Chief of the Naval Staff, a post he retained until he retired on February 23, 1955. In 1951 he was awarded a K.B.E.

VADM Collins swallowed the anchor in 1955 and was appointed High Commissioner to New Zealand until his final retirement in 1962. He passed away in Sydney in 1989 aged 90.



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17GANGWAY

WHICH SWITCH?: LSMT David

Gaylard on board HMAS Darwin.

Photo: ABIS Evan Murphy

LEFT 100, UP 100: LSET Adam Smith in the 76mm gun local control station on board HMAS Darwin.Photo: ABIS Evan Murphy

STEADY HAND: ABMT Michael Watkins in the central control station on board HMAS Darwin.Photo: ABIS Evan Murphy

IN KEY: ABET Richard Szlicht in the RICER com-partment on board HMAS Darwin.Photo: ABIS Evan Murphy

ALL SMILES: SMNET Michael Van Der Wel on board HMAS Darwin.Photo: ABIS Evan Murphy

READY TO HOIST: ABCIS Sara De Boer prepares the flags in the flag bin on board HMAS Melbourne while entering Newcastle Harbour.Photo: ABIS James Whittle

Defence Relocation Services are changing in 2010Effective 1 July 2010 Toll Transitionswill be the primary contact for all ADF member and family relocations.

Freecall 1800 819 167 or visit www.tolltransitions.com.au

Freecall 139 DHA (139 342) or visit www.dha.gov.au

Toll Transitionswill be responsible for the co-ordination of ADF member and family relocations and relocation entitlements and allowances.

Defence Housing Australia will manage ADF member and family housing and related services.

PACKING UPLIFT

VEHICLE TRANSPORT

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REDEVELOPMENT


19GANGWAY

IN CHARGE: POMT Nicholas Alexander on the

electronic control console in the central control sta-

tion on board HMAS Melbourne.

Photo: ABIS James Whittle

R & R: ABET Jason Hansen takes some time out on board HMAS Darwin.Photo: ABIS Evan Murphy

HIGH VOLTAGE: LSET Evan Palmer tests the voltage on radar equipment on board HMAS Darwin.Photo: ABIS Evan Murphy

YOUR MOVE: LSET Brett Montgomery takes time out to play chess with LSCSO Damian Bramstedt in the junior sailors’ cafe on board HMAS Darwin. Photo: ABIS Evan Murphy

KEEPING WATCH: ABCSO Tegan

Knight mans the surface console in

HMAS Darwin’s operations room.

Photo: ABIS Evan Murphy

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YOUR DEPLOYMENT CHECKLIST

VOLUMETHRE

10/10

Financial Advisers:THEFACTS

UP-TO-DATE: Goals and knowledge are vital when contemplating investment. Photo: LAC Aaron Curran

THE key thing to remember is that no matter what state the economy is in, there

are some basic principles for investing that always apply.

You should never make an investment without doing your homework.

The cycleThe investment mar-

ket goes through cycles. Understanding the nature of these cycles can help you manage the timing of your investments and re-adjust your portfolio as necessary to minimise risk and take advantage of opportunities.

Many investors think that, if the share market is boom-ing, it must be a good time to buy shares and, if the market is falling, they should stay away or sell out. They could be right – buying shares on the up is generally a good idea, and so is minimising losses.

However, depending on the precise timing of the trades, they may be making a mistake.

If you buy at the top of the market and sell out when the market bottoms, you stand to make significant losses. If you stay away when prices are at rock bottom, fearing further falls, you could miss out on potential gains when the market rises. It’s impos-sible to identify the perfect time to buy or sell shares.

A sound approach is to remember your goals – no matter what state the market is in.

Market movements can affect even high quality investments. But no matter what stage the investment cycle is at, your portfolio should be diversified and should reflect your tolerance for risk.

Looking aheadYou may want to achieve

Are you thinking of taking up an investment offer or are you deciding what to do with some savings? ASIC Chairman Tony D’Aloisio has some advice.

Before investing think about:

Your goals Some people have a simple investment goal: get rich quick. Some succeed, others get hooked into schemes that promise the world but can get them into deep water. Start by identifying what you want to achieve.

Timing Setting a timeframe for each of your goals will help you stay motivated.

Risk levels Where do you fit on the risk-taking spectrum? Different investments carry different levels of risk. To sleep easy at night, be clear about the likely risks of the investments you are looking at before you invest.

Your style Some people like to be in control and do things for themselves. They are con-fident they have the knowledge to make investment decisions. If that’s your style, you may want to develop your own port-folio of investments. On the other hand, you may prefer to invest through profes-sionally managed investment funds.

Your values Your investment goals will reflect your values. But your values may also affect what you decide to invest in. Many peo-ple want to take a socially responsible approach to investing, looking for indus-tries that produce ‘clean’ energy or that promote sustainable development.

TAKING STOCK

some goals in the short term and have other goals for the medium and long term. Think about how much you can afford to invest and for how long.

Start with an easy goal such as taking a trip or pay-

ing off your credit card. Then, once you’ve achieved that goal, you’ll feel more confident about going after your long-term goals.

Some investments can be easily cashed in, like shares in publicly-listed companies,

while others, like term depos-its, don’t allow you to readily access your funds.

For more information on how to invest, go to www.fido.gov.au or call ASIC’s infoline on 1300 300 630.

Is it time to invest?


20 FINANCE

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9

A HANDFUL of members each year get caught out by progressive over-load.

It can be misunderstood at both ends of the training scale – where to start and where it will lead is a com-plexity to some.

There are some simple rules that should be followed so the exposure to injury can be reduced, and a training goal can be accomplished.

Some members on their first days of training energetically thrust into the session as though they’re 10 foot tall and bullet-proof.

They could be the bloke lifting the biggest weight uncontrollably or run-

ning with ankle weights on and a pack fully loaded.

If the body hasn’t adapted to that load, it won’t respond favourably. Injury is the most common outcome.

But, progressively, the body can adapt and some surprising physical achievements can be realised.

Professionals within sports show us all that progressive application can provide human movement brilliance.

You may not get to be Roger Federer; however, you’ve not had his progressive exposure. You can, how-ever, reach a fitness goal that you’ve underestimated regardless of who you are or where you’ve started from.

Don’t go too hard too earlyThe best training results are gained by progressively increasing the intensity of your work-outs, says CPL Dean Cook.

Simply add 10 per cent of increased volume or intensity each regular train-ing week. Goals will be reached with progressive overload.

It’s at that stage when you’ve a new lease on life with a greater movement economy, that you use the gains and think bigger.

If there’s a mountain you’ve man-aged to climb after thinking you did not stand a chance, once you’re at the top look to the next highest.

When you’ve accomplished a pro-grammed schedule and reaped the physical fitness rewards, it’s time to find a new program and work towards a bigger and better outcome.

Some suggested stages of progression are:

1 Foundation or base training – appli-cation of initial strength and cardiovas-cular exposure, which allows greater

intensities and volumes to be experienced in future training elements.

2 Build or develop – approach the train-ing elements as a record, a token of your last efforts, then make or break

your best.

3 Specialise towards a goal – adapt the human movement education and cardiovascular gains towards achieve-

ment currency. You can thus allow a level of success to be linked to the journey of your personal progressive challenge.

EASY AS 1-2-3

HEAVY GOING: If your body has not adapted to that load, injury could be the result.

Photo: LAC Aaron Curran


21HEALTH

For more information visit www.adcu.com.au,call 1300 13 23 28 or

visit your local ADCU branch.

Fees and charges apply. Full terms & conditions available on request. Australian Defence Credit Union Ltd ABN 48 087 649 741 AFSL No. 237 988

Shopping for a car loan?It’s easy to drive away with the car you want!

22 SPORT


By John Martin

HOT chips, porridge and perhaps even pancakes will be on the early-morn-ing menu for POET Dion Blair when he competes in the world solo 24-hour mountain-bike championship in Canberra in October.

You see, he does not want to make the same mistake as he did in the 24-hour event last year.

“My nutrition let me down then,” he said.

“From 5am I didn’t take enough food and liquid and I really suffered for it.”

It hit him about 18 hours into the race – which seems a bit harsh after he had ridden through the cold of the night, lap after lap on an undulating, sometimes rocky, 20km circuit that demanded all his concentration.

“I was crawling from 8am onwards. I was hurting quite badly.”

He still managed to finish 10th though, which was good enough to get him across the qualifying line for the world titles this year.

And that’s an achievement which already makes him feel proud.

This will be the first time the world championships have been held in the southern hemisphere and as many as six past world champions will be competing.

POET Blair, a Guided Missile Launching System Instructor from the Combat Systems Maintenance School at HMAS Kuttabul, will be just one of a number of cyclists from Navy, Air Force and Army who have qualified for the race, adding some tri-Service rivalry to the event.

“That rivalry will be a good added extra for motivation and determination but we’ll all be aiming for the top step.”

The others would not expect anything less of him.

Since POET Blair started riding in

late 2004, he has been at the forefront of the results tables.

He started by winning the road race at the Arafura Games in 2005.

In 2007, he won the overall Defence road title.

Last year he repeated the dose by winning the overall Defence road cham-pionship but, more relevantly for this race, he also won the Defence endurance mountain-bike title.

He focused on his mountain-bike skills, contesting a number of races over varying distances – culminating in the gruelling Scott 24-hour race, which was held at the Mt Stromlo Forest Park in Canberra – the same venue where the world titles will be held.

Twenty-four hour events usually run from noon on a Saturday to noon on the Sunday.

The aim of the race is to complete as many laps around a laid out track in that time. How the riders choose to do that is up to them. Some schedule in naps in the pits during the night.

Others, like POET Blair push on in the dark, the path lit only by two small LED-powered lights attached to his hel-met and handlebars, fighting the fatigue and pain.

POET Blair has two mountain-bikes and he will use them in turn during the race.

While he’s riding one his pit crew, comprising girlfriend Suzie Peterson and two other cyclist friends, will clean and mechanically check the bike as well as supply food, water and encouragement on each lap.

This time they will record exactly how much he eats and drinks and make sure he is taking on the right amount of calories to keep sufficient energy up.

Oh, and they’ll be responsible for getting him those hot chips, porridge and pancakes.

You are what you eat

By CPO Grant Pilgrim

SURF boat crews from Western Australia descended on Leighton Beach on December 12 for round three of the ‘Navy – The Team Works’ Surf Rowers League, where they com-peted for the right to represent WA at the upcoming national titles.

Of special significance to Navy were the crews from the City of Perth Surf Life Saving Club and their new boat the ‘Stephen Slattery’, which was being raced in competition for the first time.

The boat is named in memory of PO Stephen Slattery, who was tragi-cally killed in the Shark 02 air crash in Indonesia in 2005.

PO Slattery’s family donated the boat to the club during a launch the previous weekend so all eyes were eager to observe how the boat would fare.

Competing against rivals in the

reserve boats division, the ‘Stephen Slattery’ won three heats and a semi-final before lining up against the top six contenders in the final.

The race was hotly contested in the 38-degree heat, with the ‘Stephen Slattery’ powering away during the last 50 strokes to win by almost two boat lengths.

Steve Bowler, the sweep of the crew, said the crew at the City of Perth Surf Life Saving Club felt extremely privi-leged and honoured to row the ‘Stephen Slattery’.

“The Navy support, sponsorship and involvement at both the launch of the ‘Stephen Slattery’ and the boat series has been exemplary,” Mr Bowler said.

“We aim to share the success and appreciation with the Slattery family and the Navy.”

THE WINNING TEAMS: Navy members and the City of Perth surf boat crew gather around the ‘Stephen Slattery’ surf boat during her first competition. Photo: Seng Mah

Memorial surf boat proudly undefeated

You are what you eatON TOP OF THE WORLD: POET Dion Blair during the 2009 Scott 24-hour race.

National Tri ChampionshipsADSTA National Sprint Distance Championships

750m swim/20km cycle/5km runPart of the Huskisson Triathlon Event 20 Feb 10

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ADSTA National Long Course Championships2km swim/83km cycle/20km run

Part of the Huskisson Triathlon Event 21 Feb 10______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ADSTA National Olympic Distance Championships1.5km swim/40km cycle/10km run

Part of the SparkeNBN Newcastle Triathlon 21 Mar 10 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ADSTA National Ironman Championships3.8km swim/180.2km cycle/42.2km run

Part of the IM Australia Port Macquarie 28 Mar 10______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Further details at the ADSTA DRN website http://intranet.defence.gov.au/RaafWeb/sites/ADSTA/

or email [email protected] membership is free and open to all triathletes from

beginner to elite. Join now to enjoy the support and benefits.

23SPORT


SPORT SHORTSCalling all bowlersTHE ACT and Southern NSW inter-Service Tenpin Bowling Championships will be held on March 5 in Canberra with the venue yet to be confirmed.

Check in time will be 0900hrs for a 0930hrs start.

Team selection is open to all permanent, active reserve and public service members.

The championship will comprise nine games and total pinfall for each Service will determine the winner.

On completion of the nine games the top two bowlers from each of the three Services and public service have automatic entry. An order of merit is then used to select the rest of the ACT-SNSW Combined Services Team.

Nominations close COB March 2.

Nominations should be forward-ed to SGT Keiran Wyllie at [email protected]

For further information contact SGT Wyllie on (02) 6266 1632 or by email.

By LTCOL Adam Boyd

TEAMS from New Zealand, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia and possibly Japan will take on the sen-ior Australian Services Rugby Union (ASRU) team in the biennial Pacific Nations Military Cup in Canberra in October.

This is one of the highlights of the 2010 program unveiled by ASRU in part-nership with single Service rugby unions from Navy, Army and Air Force.

The chairman of ASRU CDRE Grant Ferguson said he was looking forward to the busy year ahead.

“The program represents our most extensive undertaking in many years and I am delighted with the match and tour opportunities on offer,” CDRE Ferguson said.

“It’s really important for us to get the key information circulated as early as

possible so players and their commanders can plan the year ahead.”

In the lead-up to the annual men’s and women’s Australian Services Rugby Championship in May, the senior men’s teams from the three Service unions will play a match against their New Zealand counterparts.

The US Combined Services team will travel to Australia in mid-July for a five-match tour, including two games against the Emerging ASRU team.

Emerging ASRU is a new initiative that strives to provide an opportunity for Defence’s best up-and-coming players to further hone their skills and competitive-ness at the senior representative level.

More detailed information on the 2010 pro-gram will be available soon via ASRU’s web-site at www.servicesrugby.asn.au

➤ May 8-15: Single Service unions prep-aration camps

➤ May 16-22: Services Championship in Canberra

➤ June 3-7: ARU Women’s National Championships in Canberra, preceded by a one-week ASRU camp

➤ July 4-18: Tour by French Navy hosted by RAN Rugby Union

➤ July 17-31: US Combined Services tour, including Emerging ASRU matches

➤ October 10-23: PACMIL Cup in Canberra, preceded by a one-week ASRU camp

ASRU announces 2010 calendar

By Michael Brooke

THE hard-tackling sailors from HMAS Waterhen wrote themselves into Navy rugby league history by winning the Patron’s Cup for the third time in suc-cession.

Waterhen edged the gallant sailors from FSU-‘A’ 8-4 in a thrilling final to win the Patron’s Cup rugby league com-petition, played at Sydney’s Randwick Barracks on February 9.

The heroes of Waterhen’s victory were LSPT James ‘Dusty’ Miller, who scored a spectacular try from a bomb, and AB Luke Palethorpe, who posted the match winner in the dying minutes.

AB Palethorpe said lady luck smiled on him when he found himself floating on the wing with a clear run to the try line.

“It was a really hard match blessed with one magic moment when I scored near the corner-post without a hand being laid on me,” he said.

The victory marked a welcome and triumphant return to the playing field for LSPT Miller, who was hospitalised after colliding with the goal-post at last year’s Patron’s Cup.

“The spectators said it was a great feat

to catch such a towering bomb and dive over the try-line but I’d rather give credit to the kicker,” he said.

Waterhen’s third successive vic-tory in this prestigious Navy competi-tion marks the dawn of a new dynasty in RAN rugby league.

However, Waterhen’s barn-storm-ing finish was made easier by HMAS Albatross’ plucky 8-4 victory over the Kiwis from HMNZ Te Mana, who recovered from a sluggish start to win the Patrons’ Shield to the tune of 20-4 over FSU-‘B’.

Several of Waterhen and FSU’s players were rewarded for their strong performances with selection in the Navy rugby league team, which recently began training in prepara-tion for the football season starting in March and for the tri-Service rugby league championship in Townsville later this year.

Among Waterhen’s best perform-ers was SMNCD Dan Harris, who played impressively in every posi-tion but fullback, to be named the ‘Dixie Ford’ Most Valuable Player of the tournament.

SMNCD Harris ran and tackled strongly throughout the tournament

Three in a row for Waterhen’s warriors

and has now set his sights on helping Navy to victory in the inter-Service competition and also a weekend A-grade competition in Cronulla–Sutherland.

This year’s Patron’s Cup was con-

tested by nine teams, which makes it

one of the most successful in its 15-

year history.

TOUGH GAME: Waterhen (yellow) managed to break away from FSU-‘A’ after a tough struggle. Photo: ABIS Hayley Clarke

RAMS wantedTHE ADFA Rams Australian Football Club are seeking Canberra-based Australian Rules players to join the club for season 2010.

Any interested players are requested to contact CAPT Rodney Davis at [email protected]

2010 key rugby dates



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PATRON’S CUP

SHOWDOWN

P23

Documents

SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDESERVING …...Navy SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDESERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE Volume 53, No. 2, February 18, 2010 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian