The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

AIRF RCEVol. 56, No. 15, August 14, 2014 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

TAKE TO THE

SKIESExercise Pitch

Black 2014 roars to life

in Darwin

PAGE 4A flight of No. 3 Squadron F/A-18 Hornets arrives at RAAF Base Darwin for Exercise Pitch Black. Photo: CPL David Said

EXERCISE HELLFIRE – SPECIAL LIFTOUT

OPERATION BRING THEM HOME – PAGES 4-5

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Call for members of public to commentHAVING released the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the flying operations of the F-35A Lightning II, Defence is invit-ing members of the community to comment.

Commander Air Combat Group AIRCDRE Tony Grady said it was important for community members to have their say.

“These documents represent the most comprehensive environmental study ever undertaken by Defence and demonstrate Air Force’s com-mitment to transparency with the Australian community about Air Force operations, including aircraft noise,” AIRCDRE Grady said.

“I encourage people to read the documents.”

Comments must be received by 5pm on September 19 to be incor-porated in to the final EIS.

The draft EIS compares the environmental impacts between the flying operations of the current F/A-18A/B Hornet and the F-35A aircraft.

The EIS process provides an opportunity for the community to provide submissions on the content of the study.

The F-35A will provide Australia with a fifth-generation aircraft, to replace the ageing F/A-18A/B Hornets and enable air superiority

into the future. Australia has com-mitted to 72 F-35A aircraft to be based at RAAF Bases Williamtown and Tindal.

The aircraft will visit RAAF Bases Darwin, Pearce, Amberley, Townsville and Edinburgh for train-ing.

The first F-35 aircraft will arrive in Australia in late 2018.

Around $1.5 billion in new facilities and infrastructure will be constructed.

Submissions on the draft EIS can be submitted via the website at www.f35evolution.com.au

F-35A heralds new era

THE first two Australian F-35A aircraft, known as AU-1 and AU-2, rolled out of the Lockheed Martin F-35 facility at Fort Worth in the US on July 24.

CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown and Senator Mathias Cormann attended the event in Texas, along with representatives from industry and the US Defense Department.

“Today represents a very sig-nificant day for the RAAF as we start the transition of the ADF into a fifth-generation enabled defence force,” AIRMSHL Brown said.

“Much has been said about the capabilities of the F-35. For me, the most impressive thing about the aircraft is what it brings to the fight in terms of situational aware-ness and decision dominance. Not just for the pilot in the F-35, but

for the entire joint, combined, air, land and maritime forces deployed in and around the area of opera-tions.

“The F-35 gives you an expo-nential leap over preceding aircraft in situational awareness, and that’s the key factor in fifth-generation capability.”

AIRMSHL Brown said the air-craft would be a catalyst for evolu-tion – and in some areas revolution – for both the Air Force and for the ADF.

“The F-35 is perhaps the great-est opportunity for evolution the RAAF has been presented with for a generation,” he said.

“We are introducing into ser-vice a revolutionary capability and our evolution as a force must align with the opportunity this offers us.

If I looked at the F-35 as a replace-ment for the Hornet, I would undermine from day one the real capability of this aircraft.”

AIRMSHL Brown praised the work of all involved in realising the Australian F-35.

“I thank the leaders of the US Department of Defense, and their equivalents in the partner nations, for their superb efforts over many years, and their fortitude and vision to see through the difficult birth of the F-35, which will pro-vide a key pillar for Australian defence and security over the com-ing decades,” he said.

Initial RAAF pilot training will begin in the US in early 2015.

From 2018, the ADF will start ferry flights of the aircraft to Australia.

‘For me, the most impressive thing about the aircraft is what it brings to the fight in terms of situational awareness and decision dominance. Not just for the pilot in the F-35, but for the entire joint, combined, air, land and maritime forces deployed in and around the area of operations. – AIRMSHL Geoff Brown

LOCKHEED Martin chairman, president and CEO Marillyn Hewson pointed out the poignancy of the rollout of Australia’s first F-35As.

“It’s fitting that in the year Australia commemorates 100 years of military avia-tion, we also mark the arrival of the most advanced fighter ever developed,” she said.

The first military flight in Australia happened on March 1, 1914, when LT Eric Harrison, wearing fur-lined jacket, leather helmet and goggles, flew a Bristol Boxkite biplane over a former sheep paddock at Point Cook.

A little more than a century later, one of the world’s most advanced aircraft has entered the picture.

“The F-35 Lightning II will lay the foundation for the next century of Australia’s military air power,” Ms Hewson said.

The US Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, Frank Kendall, said the rollout represented a milestone in the US-Australia partner-ship – which was a union built on strength, friendship and technological innovation.

“We join Australia, as one of our origi-nal partners, to celebrate this rollout and the numerous Australian contributions to the Joint Strike Fighter program,” he said.

“For both our nations, this program represents an exponential leap in capabil-ity on the cutting edge of technology and an integral component of our ongoing joint commitment to stability and peace in the Asia-Pacific.”

Senator Mathias Cormann, who rep-resented Defence Minister Senator David Johnston at the event, said being a partner in the program was not just about the lead-ing-edge capability the aircraft represented.

“The US-Australian Alliance and engagement on collaborative defence pro-grams is crucial to Australia maintaining the capability edge it needs,” he said.

He said there were significant oppor-tunities for Australian industry, including making 722 sets of vertical tails, producing composite panels for the fuselage, manu-facturing the weapons carriers, decoy flares and other components.

“I expect Australian industry do very well on the F-35 program over many years,” he said. “Some 30 Australian companies have been directly involved in the F-35 pro-gram to date, and more than $412 million in production orders have been won with only about 3 per cent of aircraft production completed to date.”

After airworthiness and acceptance activities, the aircraft will be ferried to Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. They will be inducted into the 61st Fighter Squadron where US and Australian pilots will train together.

Look how far we’ve come in a century

1914

2014

AU-1 and AU-2 rolled out

CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown delivers his speech at the rollout in Texas. Photo: Beth Steel/Lockheed Martin

LT Eric Harrison makes Australia’s first military flight in a Boxkite at Point Cook on March 1, 1914.

The F-35A will lay the foundation for the next century of Australia’s military air power.

VADM Ray Griggs took on one of Defence’s busiest and most diverse roles when he became VCDF.“I know how important it is, not only

being the deputy to the CDF, but the group head responsible for the delivery of some critical enabling services to the ADF and the broader Defence organisation,” VADM Griggs said.

The most visible of those enabling agen-cies are joint health, joint logistics and joint education.

“I also manage the not-so-visible areas of the ADF, such as reserve and cadet policy, and the Australian Civil Military Centre. I’m the authority of the Joint Capability Coordination Group and ensure CDF is supported through the Military Strategic Commitments Division.”

Three years as Chief of Navy have pre-pared him well for the complex portfolio.

“As a service chief you are a member of both the ADF and Defence senior leadership where you are exposed to a lot of issues,” he said.

“This exposure has allowed me to step eas-ily into this role.”

VADM Griggs’ main focus will be to ensure the ADF works efficiently and effec-tively as a joint force.

“We need to have a pragmatic and sensible approach to joint capability, not one driven by ideology,” he said.

“We should be focusing on the things we can do, within the resources we have, and do it as effectively as possible.”

He said people’s opinions on joint capa-bilities were influenced largely by where they served.

“It’s shaped by their jobs and experiences, where they are in their careers and how joint capability will affect their roles,” VADM Griggs said.

“What senior leaders need to remember is that for most of our people, what happens at a unit level is the most important thing happen-ing in their professional lives.

“We also have to be careful not to over-think joint capability. When people saw the ADF work together in Afghanistan, for exam-ple, they understood we are a small force and the only way we can be really effective is if we don’t duplicate functions and if we work as a team.

“Chief of Army sums it up really well: ‘Australia needs its ADF far more than it needs its Navy, or its Army or its Air Force’. The sum of the parts of the ADF is what mat-ters.”

VADM Griggs said the ADF’s current joint command and control arrangements had been one of the success stories of our joint journey.

“It is not something our people wake up each day thinking about, but they receive the benefits of good command and control. It is the most crucial enabling capability to the suc-cess of any operational activity,” he said.

He cited Joint Operations Command as

VCDF has no illusions about the extent of his to-do list

one area that had worked well and had been a significant benefit to the ADF during the past seven years.

VADM Griggs is fully aware of the need for the ADF to be responsible in its spending and strategic planning.

“We have to be disciplined about spending, and remember whose money it is – the taxpay-ers,” he said.

“With the outcomes from the Force Structure Review and the 2015 White Paper, which are currently under way, we will aim to produce the best ADF the country can afford.

“We have to remember we don’t have any birthright to funding and the government will fund Defence based on its understanding of the current strategic situation.”

During his tenure, VADM Griggs will continue to work on cultural change within the ADF.

“Cultural change is a hard thing to do and is a long-term activity,” he said.

“I think we’ve made enormous strides across the whole department with cultural change in the last few years. In particular, our focus on the treatment of women, on sexual orientation for example, by allowing person-nel to march in the Mardi Gras, and improved indigenous awareness and inclusion within the ADF.

“We need to move towards a culture that

includes and not one that excludes. To achieve this we need everyone committed to the pro-cess.”

VADM Griggs wants to engage Australia’s Islamic community to help that process of change.

“A few months ago I met with the Grand Mufti of Australia and spent a fantastic after-noon getting a perspective from the Islamic community in Australia on the issues affecting this important part of our community,” he said.

“We have a significant number of Muslims in Australia. We don’t particularly engage well with them, nor are they represented in the ADF the same way they are compared to the overall demographic of the country.

“I see this as an important and challenging aspect of our cultural journey.”

In terms of health challenges facing the ADF, he believes understanding and aware-ness of PTSD are vital.

“I think we’ve done a lot of work break-ing down the stigmas associated with mental health issues and it has been crucial to man-aging the cases we have seen and treated,” VADM Griggs said.

“There’s always more we can do and we’ll continue to get better at this as we learn more. The important aspects of treating it are break-ing down the stigma, having good detection methods and having good treatment options.”

Handling PTSD, cultural change and engaging the Islamic community are just some of the challenges ahead, as WO2 Andrew Hetherington reports.

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‘We should be focusing on the things we can do, within the resources we have, and do it as effectively as possible.

– VADM Ray Griggs

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GLOBEMASTER loadmaster SGT Ben Russell says this has been one of the toughest but most important missions of his career.

“I mentally prepared myself on the transit over, I think we all did,” he says.

“I was aware of the type of things we were going to see.

“I will say this; it will be a de-ployment that I’ll never, ever forget – especially given how the interna-tional community has come together to try and make the best of this tragic situation and give the victims of MH17 the dignity and respect they deserve.”

As a loadmaster, SGT Russell supervises and assists in the loading and unloading of cargo and pas-sengers.

It is a difficult labour-intensive job, but one which he has worked towards for his entire career.

“I always wanted to serve my country and originally I did that working as an air dispatcher in the Australian Army but I saw the RAAF loadmasters in action and realised that’s what I wanted to do,” SGT Russell says.

“As a loadmaster you see a lot of the world, sometimes under good circumstances, sometimes not. I have travelled to many exotic places and I have definitely witnessed more than the average soldier, sailor or airmen.”

No rest for giants of air

LAC Mark Robertson, top, and CPL Adrian Bradley, of 36SQN, perform routine maintenance on a C-17A.

Three RAAF C-17A Globemasters at Eindhoven Airfield in the Netherlands. Photos: CPL Jake Sims

‘It will be a deployment I’ll never, ever forget’

FLTLT Cath Friend

THE Northern Territory skies were alight with the sight of up to 110 international aircraft as Exercise Pitch Black 2014 started.

More than 2300 participants from around the world are calling the Territory home for Australia’s largest biennial Air Force exercise on home soil from August 1-22.

ACAUST AVM Mel Hupfeld said the exercise featured the cutting edge of modern military aviation technology with a mix of first-time and returning participants, making it the most advanced contingent in the event’s 24-year history.

“The Northern Territory is ide-ally placed for exercise participants to bring together aircraft to conduct operations that feature a range of realistic and simulated threats found in the modern battlespace

environment,” AVM Hupfeld said. “Conducting Exercise Pitch Black 14 is a massive undertaking, not just for aircrew and maintainers, but also for the planning that is involved.”

Aircraft from Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, Thailand and Australia are operating from RAAF Base Darwin, while at RAAF Base Tindal, more Australian aircraft are working alongside counter-parts from the US and French New Caledonia.

First-time participants include the French Armed Forces from New Caledonia with the CN-235 and the United Arab Emirates with six Mirage 2000-9 and the A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport.

Returning to Pitch Black is the Royal Thai Air Force, bringing for the first time the JAS-39 Gripen aircraft, the Republic of Singapore Air Force with F-15s, F-16s, G550

and KC-135 and the US Air Force with F-16s. The RAAF is repre-sented with F/A-18A Hornets, F/A-18F Super Hornets, C-130J Hercules, B300 King Airs, E-7A Wedgetail and a combat control team.

The Royal New Zealand Air Force has also sent a support ele-ment.

Outside the Northern Territory, Pitch Black is being supported by KC-30 Multi Role Tanker Transports from RAAF Base Amberley and two B-52 Stratofortresses from Anderson Air Force Base in Guam.

Participants will use one of the largest training airspaces in the world to practise offensive counter air and offensive air support opera-tions with large formations.

Further coverage next edition.

110 international aircraft light up Pitch Black skiesAircrew from 1SQN after returning to RAAF Base Darwin during Pitch Black. Photos: CPL Craig Barrett

A RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornet takes off from RAAF Base Darwin.

A Republic of Singapore Air Force F-15 takes off from RAAF Base Darwin.

SGT Ben Russell fastens a chain being used to secure a vehicle bound for Ukraine.

New phase in Bring Them HomeDefence continues to support Operation Bring Them Home, the AFP-led whole-of-government response to the tragic loss of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over Ukraine, as CAPT Chris Rickey reports.

A Globemaster is loaded with cargo at Eindhoven Airfield. A casket is carried from an RAAF Globemaster by Netherlands Defence Force personnel.

DEFENCE support to the Dutch-led police-led International Mission for the Protection of the

Investigation into the MH17 disas-ter has included two RAAF C-17A Globemaster aircraft with planning and support staff operating from Eindhoven in the Netherlands.

Defence planning and liaison staff have been working with their Dutch and Malaysian partners in The Hague and liaison, communication and sup-port staff have supported the interna-tional mission in Ukraine.

Defence also deployed a strategic aeromedical evacuation team and surgical capability and pre-positioned appropriate force elements in Europe to support Operation Bring Them Home.

Additional RAAF C-17A Globemaster and KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft have moved personnel and equipment to the Netherlands from Australia.

On August 6, the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and the Australian Prime Minister’s Special Envoy, ACM Angus Houston (retd), announced the initial phase of the police mission to recover remains by the MH17 crash site had now con-cluded.

Since Operation Bring Them Home began, Air Force has worked tirelessly to repatriate the victims of downed aircraft MH17.

As at August 7, the RAAF C-17As had conducted 26 intra-theatre flights and flown more than 130 hours in support of the mission.

These figures are set to increase as the C-17As turn their focus to sup-porting movement of personnel and equipment out of Ukraine as the inter-national police-led mission moves into a new phase.

Earlier, the C-17A Globemasters performed the tragic but dignified task of transporting 132 caskets from Ukraine to the Netherlands on flights over July 23-26.

The missions were run in con-cert with a Dutch Air Force C-130 Hercules, which also transported remains from Kharkiv to Eindhoven Airfield.

While on the tarmac at Kharkiv International Airport on July 25, the RAAF flight crew was visited by Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop, who travelled from Kiev to thank ADF personnel involved in the recovery and repatriation effort.

Teams of people, some ADF and Dutch military, others Ukrainian air-port workers, assisted in the solemn task to carry the caskets onto the C-17As in Kharkiv for the three-hour flight to Eindhoven.

For RAAF pilot FLTLT David Whyte, the dignity and cooperation are some of the defining factors on a mission of this nature.

“The Netherlands military is extremely appreciative of us being here and of course vice versa,” he said. “They have done everything they can do to assist us, which is crucial in a situation like this where we are trying to secure the best possible out-come for everyone under really tragic circumstances.”

Out on the flightline, scores of Netherlands Defence Force personnel formed up to receive the caskets and provide a guard of honour as the Last Post echoed across the area.

From Eindhoven the convoy trav-elled 80km to the Hilversum military base, where the arduous task of formal identification started.

“It has been a priority for all Australians involved in this mis-sion to assist the government of the Netherlands. By remaining flexible we will be able to get this job done in the best way possible,” FLTLT Whyte said.

The Globemasters also delivered essential supplies and specialist equip-ment to investigators working near the crash site in the Ukraine.

RAAF loadmasters, such as SGT Peter Clark, of No. 36 Squadron, form a crucial element of this assistance mission.

“For us it’s back to loadmaster basics, we are doing everything as there is minimal support at the airport in the Ukraine,” he said.

“Our departures from Kharkiv Airport are timed down the minute to ensure the operation stays on schedule so we are definitely work-ing very hard.We are all experiencing every emotion on this task from tears through to smiles.

“It is definitely one of those opera-tions that touches you from the inside out, so yes, it’s been pretty emotional.

“It is definitely a task that I will look back on and think, ‘that’s why I joined the Air Force and became a loadmaster’.”

HALF the Air Force’s fleet of massive C-17A Globemaster transport aircraft has provided support to Operation Bring Them Home.

Since the start of the operation, two C-17As have been providing an intra-theatre heavy-lift capability.

The aircraft have moved people, equipment and sup-plies between Eindhoven Airfield in the Netherlands and Kharkiv International Airport in Ukraine.

The aircraft operate nearly 24 hours a day, seven days a week to support the international recovery and investi-gation effort focused on downed Malaysia Airlines flight MH17.

A third C-17A arrived on a logistics flight from Australia on August 1 with additional air crews and tech-nical equipment.

Air Mobility Task Force Commander SQNLDR Dean Bolton said the third aircraft’s payload and passengers ensured the Globemasters continued to operate at a high tempo.

“So far we have not missed a single scheduled mission and that’s due to both the outstanding endurance and per-formance of the aircraft and the RAAF maintenance and technical personnel who are doing everything they can to keep us in the air and on schedule,” he said.

“Everyone deployed here and everyone back at No. 36 Squadron has been supporting us 100 per cent, which has resulted in an amazing rate of effort from the guys working on the ground and our pilots and flight crews in the air.”

SQNLDR Bolton said the crews were continually overwhelmed by the support they had received from the Royal Netherlands Air Force.

“We wouldn’t be able to achieve everything we want to do here without their support,” he said.

“They are professional and very similar to us in many ways. The fact we are all working towards a common goal is helping make an extremely difficult task just that little bit easier.”

The third C-17A has now returned to Australia.

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LEUT Peter Croce

FLTLT Dee Cherry has achieved a life-long dream to deploy on operations and honour her family’s proud military his-tory that includes a Victoria Cross recip-ient from World War I.

Personnel capability officer FLTLT Cherry, of No. 4 Squadron, is the military assistant to the Chief of Staff Headquarters Joint Task Force 633 (JTF633) COL Iain Muir at Camp Baird in the United Arab Emirates as part of Operation Accordion.

This is her first operational deploy-ment and something she will remember for a long time.

“My brother Liam and I are the fifth generation of our family to have served in the ADF,” she said.

“He was deployed with Operation Slipper in 2012 as an Army transport driver in Kabul.

“The fact that we have both been able to deploy, albeit in different loca-tions, is a special connection that we will have forever.”

FLTLT Cherry said her motivation for joining the ADF was family tradi-

tion and a sense of duty to serve her country.

She is related to Army officer CAPT Percy Herbert Cherry, who was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross and Military Cross for two sep-arate actions in France in March 1917.

“His courage, determination and sacrifice are an inspiration and his devotion to duty fills me with a sense of immense pride,” FLTLT Cherry said.

She said 4SQN had a particular operational focus being the only ADF JTAC schoolhouse and home to com-bat controllers.

“Working at 4SQN has provided me with detailed knowledge around these unique capabilities and the training that goes into graduating a JTAC or combat controller,” she said.

“Having the opportunity to deploy and work within the JTF633 head-quarters builds on this knowledge.

“It gives me a greater understand-ing of the bigger operations picture and an awareness about what comes into play within this space by virtue of my exposure to correspondence from within theatre.”

FLTLT Dee Cherry discusses administrative matters with the Chief of Staff Headquarters Joint Task Force 633 COL Iain Muir at Camp Baird, above, CAPT Percy Herbert Cherry VC.

Main photo: WO2 Rob Nyffenegger

Photo: Australian War M

emorial

6 August 14, 2014RCEAIR Fperations

CPL Nick Wiseman

SEVEN Australian specialist medi-cal officers at the forefront of their chosen fields are continuing Australia’s contribution to the ISAF’s Role 3 Multinational Medical Unit at Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan.

An Australian Specialist Health Group (SHG) team has contributed to the US-led facility since May 2012.

The group provides much-needed services while personnel also gain valuable skills by taking part in emer-gency medical situations not normally experienced in Australia.

Emergency physician and reserv-ist WGCDR Andrew Rosengarten said there was still a steady stream of work despite less operational activi-ties in the area.

“We’re experiencing things we just don’t see at home,” he said.

“Not everything we do here is combat related though; we also deal with everyday medical problems.”

These include appendix remov-

als as well as treatment for stomach bugs, headaches and broken limbs.

Perioperative nurse LEUT Jen Evans said she had been involved in some interesting procedures.

“We’ve operated on military dogs here, which is something I had not expected to experience when I left Australia,” she said.

The present SHG comprises anaesthetist WGCDR Bruce Paix, emergency physician WGCDR Rosengarten, general surgeon SQNLDR Michael Rudd, periopera-tive nurse FLGOFF Louise Cole, peri-operative nurse LEUT Jen Evans and Intensive Care Unit nurses LEUT Tara Muscat and CAPT Timothy Hughes.

The Australian team members agreed a lot of strong relationships had been made, which has included teaching their international colleagues Australian slang and enjoying their attempts to use it.

The team hands over to a new rotation later this month.

Anaesthetist WGCDR Bruce Paix treats a patient in the operating room of the Kandahar Role 3 Medical Facility. Left, Australian team members WGCDR Andrew Rosengarten, WGCDR Bruce Paix, SQNLDR Michael Rudd, CAPT Timothy Hughes, LEUT Jen Evans and FLGOFF Louise Cole. Photos: CPL Nick Wiseman

Following family footsteps

Role 3 work continues

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Task force repatching ceremonyCPL Nick Wiseman

“YESTERDAY I commanded one operation, today I command three,” Commander Joint Task Force 633 MAJGEN Craig Orme said at the repatching ceremony at Camp Baird in the United Arab Emirates.

For many years, personnel deployed with Headquarters Joint Task Force 633 (HQJTF633) have worn the familiar scorpion patch, but MAJGEN Orme explained it was time for a change in conjunction with the operational redesign, which took effect on July 1.

“With the operational changes I felt it was an opportunity to change who we are,” he said.

“The new patch features the triservice colours to represent the ADF and a kangaroo superimposed over the top.

“It may be cliché but the kangaroo uniquely identifies us as Australian.”

MAJGEN Orme said it was im-portant to ensure other nations who worked closely with JTF633 could easily identify who we were.

“When we communicate who we are, we’re communicating to others, not ourselves,” he said.

“A kangaroo cannot be mistaken as anything but Australian.”

After presenting HQJTF633 personnel with their new patches, MAJGEN Orme took the opportunity to talk about the recent operational changes and support that personnel at Camp Baird, serving on Opera-tion Accordion, will now provide to Operations Slipper and Manitou in the Middle East Region.

Operation Accordion is the operational support mission based at Al Minhad Airbase in the UAE, Operation Slipper is the mission in Afghanistan to train, advise and assist the Afghan National Security Forces and Operation Manitou is Australia’s contribution to mari-time safety, counter-terrorism and counter-piracy operations.

7August 14, 2014RCEAIR F perations

LEUT Peter Croce

FLTLT Shane Anderson says his view of Afghanistan’s rugged terrain is pretty special and that is just one of the perks of being an Air Force pilot.

FLTLT Anderson is deployed to the Middle East for Operations Accordion and Slipper as a C-130J Hercules transport pilot.

He is one of a few personnel deployed to the Middle East Region who are assigned to more than one operation as a result of flying aircraft to and from Afghanistan.

He said he was spending plenty of time in the cockpit during his third deployment to the Middle East to maintain the air bridge of sup-plies and personnel between Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates and bases in Afghanistan.

“As the aircraft captain, I am responsible for safe and efficient C-130J operations eve-rywhere in the world that I fly my aircraft and crew,” he said.

“As the pilot in command, we conduct operations to enable delivery of passen-gers, cargo and specialised equipment. In Afghanistan we conduct flights directly for

Australian personnel and also carry out flights to move people and cargo for ISAF.

“It’s a great job but you can’t afford to take your responsibilities lightly.”

FLTLT Anderson said the biggest personal challenge he had encountered this deployment was dealing with a mechanical failure of the nose wheel steering system of his aircraft on landing.

“This failure caused my aircraft to depart the runway at speed but having the support of an exceptionally professional and well-trained crew ensured the overall safety for the crew and passengers involved,” he said.

“The efforts of our exceptional mainte-nance team ensured that aircraft ‘Cargo Cat’ was back flying to contribute to Operation Slipper with minimal delay.”

He is looking forward to seeing family and loved ones on his return home.

“This is my third deployment and in total I have been away from home for a year,” FLTLT Anderson said.

“I know how tough it is for my loved ones back home, so spending quality time with them is my number one priority.”

INVESTIGATION UPDATEAN ONGOING investigation by the Directorate of Defence Aviation and Air Force Safety (DDAAFS) has determined that the mechanical failure of a C-130J Hercules’ nose wheel steering system led to the aircraft leaving the run-way on landing at Kabul International Airport on April 24.

The DDAAFS Aviation Incident Investigation Team (AIIT) is continuing to examine why the component failed.

Deputy Director Aviation Safety WGCDR Bill Savill said that the AIIT had high praise for the actions of all involved.

“The aircrew responded to the emergency profes-sionally and their actions ensured a safe outcome in try-ing circumstances,” WGCDR Savill said.

“Subsequent efforts and support by maintenance personnel and specialist advisers were also commend-able, enabling the ready identification of the issue, reme-dial action to be taken in the shortest possible time and the aircraft returned to safe operational service.”

The aircraft stopped about 70m from the runway and was later towed to a safe area for examination and repair.

The best view of all

FLTLT Shane Anderson in front of a Hercules on the flightline at Al Minhad Air Base and, inset, on the flightdeck. Photos: WO2 Rob Nyffenegger

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Personnel from no. 13 (City of Darwin) squadron rolled up the sleeves of their new General Purpose Uniforms (GPU) to lend a hand at the fifth annual Darwin Harbour Clean-Up.

The event, held on July 9, was an op-portunity to help raise awareness about the sources and effects of rubbish ending up in the sea.

Co 13sQn WGCDr Wes Perrett said the squadron was happy to help.

“13sQn has participated in the Darwin Harbour Clean-Up activities for a number of years,” he said.

“Personnel are proud to be able to contribute to the community in which they reside.”

ACW Megan McAuliffe took part in the clean-up, starting the day at Coconut Grove and collecting rubbish along the beach before moving along to nightcliff.

“The unit found some interesting items including some trolleys,” ACW McAuliffe said.

“Before going down to the wharf and putting the rubbish into the trash bins, some items were given to local artists for their work.”

she said it was great to show off the new uniform in public.

“It was a privilege to be one of the first bases to get the new GPUs and I felt proud to be able to wear the new uniform out in public,” she said.

“It was pleasing to not get confused with other services and to have our own identity.”

rAAF Base Darwin personnel are among the first Air Force members to receive the new GPU, which was officially launched ear-lier this year by CAF AIrMsHl Geoff Brown at the Centenary of Military Aviation Airshow at rAAF Williams – Point Cook in Victoria.

The new dark-blue and metal-grey uniform will replace the current camouflage uniform, also worn by Army.

It will be worn while undertaking general daily duties and in non-warlike environments, such as humanitarian assistance activities and when providing assistance to the civil community, such as the Darwin Harbour Clean-Up.

The Air Force-wide rollout of the new uniforms started in July and most members are expected to receive their first set of GPU by the end of 2015.

Clean up shows off new look

ACW Megan McAuliffe and AC Rylan Delamare pick up rubbish as part of the Darwin Harbour Clean-Up. Photo: ABIS Nicolas Gonzalez

ACW Chloe Stevenson and FLTLT Colin Lambkin

RAAF Base Tindal personnel hosted CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown when he visited the base from July 17-18.

Escorted by SADFO and CO No. 17 Squadron WGCDR Mark Larter, AIRMSHL Brown was provided with a base operations seminar and tour of 17SQN sections.

The section tour included a search and rescue helicopter visit to Delamere Air Weapons Range, where CAF was briefed on upgrade work that enhanced capability and improved staff morale.

WGCDR Larter said it was great to see AIRMSHL Brown return to RAAF Base Tindal where he visited resident units and interacted with members.

“The members at RAAF Base Tindal were pleased to learn their Chief decided to conduct a short notice visit and were proud to host him,” WGCDR Larter said.

“The base has been on exercise mode since May and will continue to support international and domestic exercises until the end of year.

“Wi th Exe rc i se P i t ch B lack

approaching, AIRMSHL Brown’s acknowledgement of the base’s profes-sionalism and hard work was timely, appreciated and morale boosting.”

Throughout his visit, AIRMSHL Brown was particularly interested in Air Force personnel’s opinion on the new General Purpose Uniform, which is cur-rently being rolled out across the coun-try.

RAAF Base Darwin and RAAF Base Tindal are the first Air Force bases to receive the new uniforms.

OIC Supply Services FLGOFF Calum McDonald, of 17SQN, said CAF was satisfied with the progress of General Purpose Uniform issue.

“He seemed pleased by the strong reception of welcome the new uniform had received from RAAF Base Tindal personnel,” he said.

“He said the comments he received thus far had been very positive.”

A formal dinner was also held, where AIRMSHL Brown presented a CAF Gold Commendation to 17SQN Business Manager Sonya Arnold.

WOFF Gary Woods was also hon-oured with a CAF Gold Commendation.

CAF visit to ‘blue’ north impresses

CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown speaks with personnel from No. 75 Squadron at RAAF Base Tindal. Photo: CPL Terry Hartin


Clare Cronan

TWO dozen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from Brisbane high schools have toured RAAF Base Amberley as part of the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) indig-enous Australian science and infra-structure development winter school.

The program, now in its second year, aims to increase access and par-ticipation in tertiary education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

WGCDR Michael Rowe and WOFF Don Taylor, the Air Force Senior Indigenous Recruitment Officer, accompanied the students for the dura-tion of the four-day program, including the half-day visit to Amberley on July 3.

The students were shown an Air Traffic Control tower environment, Airfield Defence Guard capabil-ity, Base Health Services Flight with a focus on humanitarian aid and air transportable hospital capability, an operational C-17A Globemaster and the flight line environment.

After lunch at the Airmen’s Mess they also toured the RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre.

WOFF Taylor said the hospital-ity shown by the Amberley team was exceptional.

“It was very encouraging to hear a strong message about Air Force values from the speakers throughout the day, beginning with CO No. 23 Squadron WGCDR Simon Nickson and WOFF Gary Thompson,” he said.

WGCDR Nickson explained the students would be given an opportunity to meet many Air Force people from different backgrounds with a wide vari-ety of experience and qualifications.

“We made it clear that Air Force is a values-driven organisation that embrac-es these differences. And we made a point of acknowledging these young-sters as leaders in their own right,” WGCDR Nickson said.

WOFF Thompson, a Queensland

OFFCDT Alexandra Hendry

RAAF BASE EDINBURGH welcomed some of South Australia’s indigenous Australian football players on July 1.

They were in Adelaide for the 10th SANFL Aboriginal Lands Cup, which was played between the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands and Maralinga Tjarutja Lands Teams before the Port Adelaide versus Essendon match at Adelaide Oval on July 5.

The tour of the base was part of

a week-long career and leadership development program.

Senior ADF Officer GPCAPT Martin Nussio welcomed the 17 to 23-year-old participants, who were shown around the base including an AP-3C Orion, F/A-18 test aircraft and the WTSS.

GPCAPT Nussio said Defence’s involvement with the cup was part of the Defence Reconciliation Action Plan. “Building networks and positive relationships with indigenous com-munities is very important to us and

part of our reconciliation mission,” GPCAPT Nussio said.

“Defence’s reconciliation vision is to realise our mission and values by being truly representative of the nation we serve. Accordingly, we aim to increase annually the numbers of indigenous Australians who are attracted to and apply for a Defence career.

“We hope our visitors left with a better understanding about Defence and the exciting and diverse opportu-nities we have to offer.”

Winter school visit

Aircraft Research and Development Unit F/A-18 Hornet Test pilot SQNLDR Peter Tippner talks to the indigenous footballers. Photo: CPL David Gibbs

Edinburgh’s warm welcome

IN BRIEFNursing scholarshipTHE University of Queensland and the RSL South Eastern District have commemorated the service and sacrifice made by World War I nurses with the launch of the Matron Grace Wilson RSL SED Scholarship. Matron Grace Wilson served as a nurse with the AIF on the Greek Island of Lemnos, treating Anzac casualties, as well as in Egypt and England. The $30,000 scholarship is for a current or former ADF nursing officer or reservist to undertake postgraduate study at UQ’s School of Nursing and Midwifery. For more information contact Susan Kellett on [email protected] or 0144 024 125. Applications for the scholarship can be made at www.nursing-midwifery.uq.edu.au

Annual dinnerPERSoNNEL, family and friends are invited to the 2014 Defence Christians Dinner, to be held in Canberra on September 5. ADF Anglican Bishop Ian Lambert will deliver the keynote address, ‘Fighting Phantoms’. The cost of the dinner is $60 a person and bookings must be made by August 22. For more informa-tion, contact Lisa Thomas on (02) 6266 4950 or [email protected]

Fight the good fightTHE Military Christian Fellowship (MCF) ‘Fight the Good Fight’ seminar will be held at Russell offices, in the R1 Theatre on September 6. The seminar will encourage and equip Defence personnel to fight the good fight in the physical and spiritual bat-tlespace. Keynote speakers will include ADFA Commandant AIRCDRE Alan Clements and Chairman MCF LTCoL Jamie Van Heel. The cost is $40 a per-son and bookings must be made by August 22. For more informa-tion, contact Lisa Thomas on (02) 6266 4950 or [email protected]

Airfield Defence Guard CPL Gene Wills, of No. 1 Security Forces Squadron, with student Zeiai during the Indigenous Australian Science and Infrastructure Development Winter School visit to RAAF Base Amberley. Photo: LAC Brenton Kwaterski

Bidjara Aboriginal man, encouraged the students to consider tertiary study, including options available through the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra.

“Many of these youngsters will be the first person in their own families to finish Year 12, let alone think about going on to university,” he said.

“So it is very important that we encourage these youngsters to see ter-tiary study and professional careers as

possible options for them. The highest education is most important.”

For many of the students, despite living close to Amberley, this was their first opportunity to engage with ADF personnel and get a taste of what life on a large Air Force base is really like.

Professor Anita Lee Hong, a senior Aboriginal academic and director of the QUT Oodgeroo Unit, is the driving force behind the winter program.

“We’ve developed this program to

inspire Year 10 and 11 students to finish Year 12 with good grades in subjects that will open up tertiary science and infrastructure pathways,” she said.

“On this program, we showcase a wide variety of tertiary careers and pro-fessional role models. This is important because it opens their minds to what is possible for them.

“It’s about promoting awareness, self-belief, focus and the rewards from hard work.”

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Lauren Norton

AS WGCDR Clive Wells celebrated his 40th year of service to Air Force last month, he couldn’t believe how quickly time had passed.

“When I look back, the 40 years have just flown by,” he said.

“I’d recommend joining up to any-one for the experiences you gain and the opportunities that are available – it’s a great life.”

CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown presented WGCDR Wells with a Federation Star and certificate of service at RAAF Base Amberley on July 10.

“I was honoured that CAF took time out of his very busy schedule during his visit to Amberley to present me with the award and certificate of service,” he said.

WGCDR Wells joined the Air Force straight from high school in January 1974.

“I had always had an interest in aircraft and flying and saw the Air Force as an opportunity to fulfil these dreams,” he said.

“Over the last 40 years, the variety of jobs that I’ve had has been interest-ing and fulfilling.

He credits the wealth of experi-

ences and opportunities for keeping him interested and engaged.

These have included working with industry as Equipment Liaison Officer – Botany, NSW, which no longer exists, and Supply Liaison Officer – USAF at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, in the US.

He was also involved in plan-ning and monitoring the roll-out of the Standard Defence Supply System across Air Force and Navy, the sale and delivery of the Mirage aircraft and equipment to the Pakistan Air Force, and the delivery of F-111 display air-craft to non-Defence historical organi-sations.

“With posts either within Australia or overseas I have the opportunity to take on different job aspects and chal-lenges,” WGCDR Wells said.

“I’ve never been bored.”Two of WGCDR Wells most mem-

orable moments happened at either end of his career.

The first was going to Darwin in 1975 as a young cadet officer to assist in reconstruction activities after Cyclone Tracy, the other was 36 years later during the Queensland floods.

“I was CO No. 23 Squadron and XO RAAF Base Amberley when the

Career has flown by

2011 floods devastated our region,” he said.

“I saw firsthand how the squadron and base pulled together with limited manpower to support the air opera-tions for flood relief that were occur-ring across Queensland – all while the base itself was going under from the flood waters.

“I had the opportunity to be engaged with a team of profession-

als who worked to have an operation-al airfield within hours of the flood waters subsiding in order to facilitate humanitarian air operation activities.

“In both instances, to be able to use the training and resources at hand to make a real difference to commu-nities in need, particularly the com-munity that I and my family lived and worked in, brought far more satisfac-tion than any personal success could.”

Having now transitioned to the Active Reserve, WGCDR Wells is working at No. 295 Squadron devel-oping training requirements to support Combat Support Group activities.

“I’m also looking forward to completing my Master of Museum Studies, which hopefully will provide me with opportunities to continue my association with aircraft in historical organisations,” he said.

CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown presents WGCDR Clive Wells with his Certificate of Service. Photo: CPL Peter Borys

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SQNLDR Fiona Van Der Snoek

As the graduating class of 03/14 Initial Officer Course stood to atten-tion on parade with swords in hand, reviewing officer AIRCDRe Gary Martin inspected the graduates, stop-ping at each and every one to con-gratulate them on their achievements.

But there was one graduate of whom he was particularly proud – his daughter, FLtLt Lisa Martin.

As he paused to congratulate her, AIRCDRe Martin whispered, “I’ve been told I can break from tradition and give you a hug.”

taking FLtLt Martin by surprise, he leant over and gave his daughter a congratulatory hug before continuing on to review the rest of the parade.

“It was a very special moment and it made it more personal,” FLtLt Martin said.

FLtLt Martin was in the final stages of applying for medical school when she gave serious thought to joining the Air Force through the Undergraduate scheme.

“I actually started the application

process without any discussion with Dad,” she said.

“I wanted it to be my choice and not be swayed by anyone else. I told Dad that I was applying just before sit-ting one of the final interviews.”

AIRCDRe Martin said the gradua-tion parade was a special time for his family, as it is for families of all the graduates.

“It’s a day that we have looked forward to since she signed up at Parramatta seven years ago,” he said.

“I was on a trip in honolulu and I got a phone call to say that Lisa had just been at a recruiting interview and I was bemused; ‘at what?’.

“she said, ‘I’m joining the Air Force,’ and that was it. that was the first time we had spoken about it.”

FLtLt Martin credits her Dad’s career as an influencing factor in her decision to join.

“here was a man that to me was respected, loyal, honest, stood up for those around him and would excel in the tasks that he was given,” she said.

“I had seen this throughout my life and respected that. I guess I wanted to

make him as proud of me as I was of him.”

FLtLt Martin has always had an interest in using her medical training to give back to those less fortunate and she is looking forward to being a part of an organisation she believes in and one that has a proud history of helping those who need it.

she has now posted to No. 3 Aero-medical evacuation squadron in Richmond where she will undergo fur-ther Air Force specific medical officer training until mid November when she will be classified as operationally ready.

“I’m on call over Christmas so that is when the job and the fun times begin,” FLtLt Martin said.

AIRCDRe Martin said if he was 21 he would be joining up all over again because there were exciting times ahead for Air Force.

“What is in store for the future, the capabilities, the way that we are look-ing after our people, and managing them in a responsible way, it’s going to be a fantastic time ahead and Lisa will love every minute of it,” he said.

the Air Force Balloon visited the Australian Defence Force Academy to set up an evening cold-inflation demonstration for school students on July 16.

Years 5 and 6 students from st Joseph’s school in Oberon, NsW, visited the balloon as part of their school excursion program in Canberra.

D Flight Commander Air Force Balloon sQNLDR Damian Gilchrist and his crew demonstrated the intri-cacies of how the balloon operates, including principles of flight, flight communications and ballooning his-tory.

“the evening introduced them to the Air Force, how accessible avia-tion can be and the skill and team-work it takes to fly safely,” he said.

sQNLDR Gilchrist said the stu-dents were enthusiastic, despite the cold weather.

“Well accustomed to living at alti-tude and dealing with cool evenings, the students shrugged off a cold breeze and enjoyed hearing the his-

tory of hot air ballooning, the science behind flying a lighter than air craft,” he said.

“the wonder of walking inside a balloon envelope and feeling the power of the balloon burners also held their attention.”

An important component of the Air Force Balloon’s mission is to visit areas throughout Australia to promote Air Force by interacting with the general public.

“students can get up close to the balloon, see it built up from its com-ponents and even assist in those team tasks,” sQNLDR Gilchrist said.

“When students visit Canberra they enjoy learning about our nation-al institutions.

“having the Air Force Balloon experience ensures the RAAF, and the ADF in general, are a major part of the impressions the students take away from Canberra.”

the balloon will visit the Gold Coast and Murwillumbah from August 25 to september 6.

Lofty experience

Proud family ties on parade

SGT Bradley Ebert describes the characteristics and make-up of the balloon envelope to students. Photos: LAC Michael Green

SQNLDR Damian Gilchrist describes the operations of the Air Force Balloon

during the visit.

AIRCDRE Gary Martin congratulates his daughter, FLTLT Lisa Martin, on parade. Photo: CPL Steve Duncan

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Simone Liebelt

AIR FORCE members at RAAF Base Edinburgh now have access to top-qual-ity sports and rehabilitation equipment, courtesy of the RSL’s South Australian branch.

RSL-SA donated $5000 worth of equipment to the base on July 8 to help support serving members with their reha-bilitation and transition needs.

More than 200 base personnel filled the gym for the occasion, hosted by T/SADFO GPCAPT Greg Weller and attended by RSL-SA CEO Sam Jackman and other representatives of RSL-SA, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and Soldier On.

Ms Jackman said the initiative was about more than just helping to care for personnel’s health and wellbeing – it was also about changing perceptions.

“We’re not necessarily about old men down at the club on Anzac Day,” Ms Jackson said.

“We certainly look after them but it’s our mission to also look after you.”

GPCAPT Weller said it was through close relationships with support organi-sations such as the RSL that Defence was making real progress in caring for members’ wellbeing.

“We have made significant inroads in recent years around the notion of wellbe-ing and it’s something we can’t do by ourselves – it needs to be done by part-nership,” GPCAPT Weller said.

“I have been really impressed with how RSL-SA is forward leaning with respect to wellbeing and transitioning

support to the current force, not just vet-erans from previous wars. It is great that the RSL is looking at how it can make itself more relevant, more approachable, to the current serving and younger vet-eran.

“This is an important donation. It also reflects the partnership that Defence and support organisations are developing and will hopefully continue to develop into the future more proactively.”

The equipment included suspension trainers, power bands, abdominal mats and kettle bells.

PTI SGT Brett Harris, of 24SQN, said it was a welcome addition.

“The mission of the RSL branch is to care for the health and wellbeing of the service and ex-service community, which links together with the PTI mus-tering as one of our major roles is to promote and facilitate the health and wellbeing of Defence members,” he said.

“So this donation goes hand-in-hand with both our missions.”

For more information on the RSL, visit www.rsl.org.au

Paul Lineham

A LENGTH of ironbark timber from one of the original 1940s buildings at RAAF Base Amberley has been lovingly crafted into a portable cross by an Army tradesman.

Carpenter SPR Steven Mlinaric, of 9th Force Support Battalion, responded to a request from No. 23 Squadron to create a cross for ceremonial purposes.

Over a period of two weeks, he hand-shaped and crafted the rock-hard timber into a free-standing cross.

WOFF Dan Dennison, of 23SQN said the base required a portable ceremonial cross for use when wet weather precluded ser-vices in the memorial gardens.

“We found this old timber

in a store and thought we could perpetuate some base history in a long-lasting and meaningful way,” he said.

With an eye for symmetry and perfection, SPR Mlinaric set out to design and build the cross.

When he found the timber almost too hard for power tools he resorted to hand sawing, planing, shaping and sanding.

Accepting the cross on behalf of the base, SADFO AIRCDRE Tim Innes said it was symbolic of today’s RAAF Base Amberley.

“We’re more than an Air Force base as we proudly have a sig-nificant Army presence with the 6th Engineer Support Regiment and 9th Force Support Battalion,” AIRCDRE Innes said.

Reshaping historyAIRCDRE Tim Innes congratulates SPR Steven Mlinaric for his efforts. Photo: CPL Shannon McCarthy

RSL bolsters gym

PTI CPL Shannon Tucker demonstrates some exercises using the donated equipment; inset, RSL branch CEO Sam Jackman and CPCAPT Captain Greg Weller hold the plaque that celebrates the donation to the RAAF Base Edinburgh gym. Photos: CPL David Gibbs

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CPL Aaron Curran

IN A MAJOR boost for the fitness of personnel at RAAF Base Richmond, a new all-weather group fitness centre was opened on July 17 by ACAUST AVM Mel Hupfeld.

The building is a multi-purpose facility equipped to accommodate a range of group fitness activities includ-ing circuit training, basketball, netball, soccer, volleyball and badminton. It complements the existing gym facility.

Combining the unique capabilities of Air Force Engineering (AFENG) personnel and civilian contractors, the $650,000 facility was completed on time in only 79 days.

Project Manager FLTLT Michael Brady said although there were some challenges, the mix of AFENG and civilian contractors worked well.

“The AFENG troops were extreme-ly flexible,” he said.

“That was important in absorbing the scope creep and the project and financial risks inevitable in accelerated projects like this one.”

FLTLT Brady said an example of this flexibility was when AFENG electricians designed and installed the building’s electrical system.

“When a supplier delivered an item that was not of our specification, instead of returning the item risking further delay and expenditure, the sparkies redesigned the electrical sup-ply system for that item,” he said.

Combined team’s success

A PROMOTION luncheon was held at RAAF Base Richmond on July 17 in what is hoped to be a reintroduction of a tradition.

ACAUST AVM Mel Hupfeld attend-ed the lunch put on for the 38 members from across the base who had been pro-moted to sergeant in January or who had been identified for promotion next year.

Outgoing CMC of the Sergeants’ Mess WOFF Ian Wheatley, along with the Squadron Warrant Officers, hosted the event.

“This was the reintroduction of an event that was traditionally held in the mess each year,” WOFF Wheatley said.

“Unfortunately, it had disappeared from the mess calendar, however, we hope that this will be a regular event once more.”

SGT Shaun Ward, of No. 22 Squadron, was one of the guests and said the experience was valuable.

“It was a great afternoon, at a great location,” he said.

“AVM Hupfeld reminded us all of

the role we play as leaders and the great responsibility we have; not only to our troops but also to command.”

WOFF Wheatley said AVM Hupfeld took the time to speak with personnel after the lunch about what his expecta-tions were for senior non-commissioned officers in today’s Air Force.

“ACAUST told us of a practice he has employed during his career, and that is to work two up and one down. Meaning that when you get a tasking from your supervisor, think first of what their super-visor requires before you hand the task down to your troops,” WOFF Wheatley said.

“He said by doing this you will have a better understanding of exactly what is needed to complete the task to the required standard and a better under-standing, in some cases, of the bigger picture.”

Members were then briefed on the customs and traditions of the mess and what their responsibilities were in being a serving member of the mess.

New leaders are part of tradition

Newly promoted and soon to be promoted senior non-commissioned officers and members of the Sergeants’ Mess during a promotion luncheon at RAAF Base Richmond. Photo: CPL Veronica McKenna

“The civilian contractors were also invaluable.”

The facility’s construction was concrete tilt panel and FLTLT Brady said the tilt panel specialists were able to erect the building shell with-in five weeks of the start of on-site works.

“The construction of the facility

required 450 tonnes of concrete – about 60 truckloads,” he said.

“The pier footings for the building extend two-and-a-half metres into the ground to support the weight of the walls and roof.”

Up to 30 AFENG personnel from No. 95 Wing Airfield Engineering Flight, including officers, works

supervisors, electricians, plumbers, carpenters and plant operators, took part at various times during construc-tion.

FLTLT Brady said a typical pro-ject management team would nor-mally consist of a project manager, a project engineer and a works supervi-sor.

“The contributions of the Airfield Engineering Flight officers and works supervisors were critical in the suc-cess of the project,” he said.

“These members provided valu-able assistance in the planning and coordination of on-site works that otherwise would have been out of my capacity.”

Left, LACs Samuel Lucas and Owen Maxwell work together to build a wall at RAAF Base Richmond’s new sports facility. Above, CPL Troy Daniel and LAC Sean Carroll play a game of badminton after the opening.Photos: CPLs David Said and Veronica McKenna

14 15RCEAIR F August 14, 2014Centrepiece

SQNLDR Lindsay Paterson

For the first time, Air Force personnel provided communications support to the Australian element participating in rIMPAC.

For the communications experts from No. 1 Combat Communications Squadron (1CCS) based in Townsville, this was a great opportunity to enhance their skills in a multinational environment and a natural experience progression from exercises such as Pitch Black.

FSGT Mick Cannon, CPL Jake Do-herty and LAC Shane Perry provided direct support for computer network issues to the Australian National Com-mand Element based at Joint Base Pearl Harbor – Hickham, making sure that the communications systems worked effectively.

This was the first time they had been to Hawaii and the first time they had taken part in any overseas exercise.

“This was a great opportunity to

experience working with other nations and gain some information on how to best work with them,” FSGT Cannon said.

“Everyone was very professional and I am hoping the experience will be of benefit to the team when I return to my home squadron.”

SGT Peter Smith and CPL rob Durighello provided support to the Combined operations Centre at Hickham Air Field Base, working under the guidance of Combined Forces Air Component Command Communica-tions Director SQNLDr ron Batchel-dor.

SQNLDr Batcheldor said Air Force communications specialists had no problem taking on such a major task for Exercise rIMPAC.

“The unofficial motto of 1CCS is ‘no comms: no bombs’, which is a pretty accurate description of what the guys did – providing interoper-able network support for rIMPAC,” SQNLDr Batcheldor said.

SQNLDR Lindsay Paterson and LEUT Sarah West

No. 92 Wing deployed three AP-3C orions and about 140 aircrew, mainte-nance, operations and support staff to RIMPAC.

After their arrival in Hawaii on July 4, the pilots conducted aircraft diversion training to familiarise themselves with the approaches to various aerodromes in Hawaii if the runway at Kaneohe Bay was unavailable.

“This gives us the confidence to safe-ly get ourselves out of every situation while we’re here,” said pilot FLGoFF Thomas Flemming.

FLGoFF Flemming said he thought there were more P3s at Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay during the exercise than anywhere else in the world.

“It’s pretty amazing, it was great to have the chance to work with all these other nations,” he said.

Co-pilot FLGoFF Marc Smith said the large number of aircraft in the air-space at one time could be a challenge.

“We were operating in a very busy airspace and in proximity with other aircraft, but we always maintained a safe distance – it was a pretty dynamic envi-ronment,” he said.

“one of our first tasks on the exer-cise was to conduct a range clearance where the P3 ensures an area is clear for weapons and equipment trials, and for proper environmental stewardship.

“Kaneohe Bay is very different to the environment at home – there are big hills all around and there are a large number of aircraft from different coun-tries participating in the exercise. There were some different rules to learn and we needed to adapt quickly to work effectively with other nations.

“I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to work with so many other nations in such a fantastic environment.”

Tactical Coordinator FLTLT Pete Cunningham was responsible for the tactical coordination and employment of the AP-3Cs.

“I was involved in the detection of illegal maritime activity and counter-piracy operations. As far as I am con-cerned RIMPAC is the very best exer-cise for maritime patrol operations, and I can’t think of any better location,” FLTLT Cunningham said.

RIMPAC started with basic anti-sub-marine activities involving an independ-ent submarine with one crew and then activities increased in complexity with either multiple submarines or multiple surface vessels from different countries by the end of the exercise.

“When we do something like RIMPAC we can focus on the anti-sub-marine and anti-surface warfare. This is the challenging and really interesting part – we really get a work out,” FLTLT Cunningham said.

Co Australian orion Detachment WGCDR David Hombsch said RIMPAC was a perfect opportunity to hone mari-time warfare skills with a range of coun-tries.

“It’s very important that we are inter-operable with Rim of the Pacific nations and this exercise is one of the key activities to hone our skills,” WGCDR Hombsch said.

“our involvement in the search for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 is an example of how important it is to get the interoperability part right.”

MoRe than 800 ADF person-nel took part in RIMPAC, the world’s largest naval exercise, which ended in Hawaii on

August 1.Australia sent three AP-3C orion

aircraft, HMAS Success and subma-rine HMAS Sheean, and a rifle com-pany from 5th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, to the exercise to conduct military training with defence forces from 21 other Pacific Rim nations.

At the start of the exercise on June 26, ADF officers were appointed to three senior RIMPAC command positions for the first time.

AIRCDRe Chris Westwood served as Combined Forces Air Component Commander, RADM Simon Cullen as Deputy Commander of the Combined Task Force and CDRe Peter Leavy as expeditionary Strike Group Commander.

The theme of RIMPAC 2014 was ‘Capable, Adaptive, Partners’ and AIRCDRe Westwood’s role demon-strated the closeness of our alliance with the US and the strength of our military relationships with other partners.

“RIMPAC provides a unique train-ing opportunity,” AIRCDRe Westwood said.

“As the world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides realistic, relevant training that increases participants’ abilities to plan, commu-nicate and conduct complex maritime operations and air forces have a signifi-cant role to play.”

Air Force had four contributing roles in RIMPAC: the Combined Forces Air Component Commander role, a team of about 50 RAAF members in the Air operations Centre who orches-trated the air campaign, three AP-3C orions contributing directly to the mar-itime patrol and anti-submarine warfare operations, and a number of No. 41 Wing air combat officers stationed with the Hawaiian Regional operations Centre conducting air battle manage-ment operations for the exercise.

RADM Cullen said the experi-ence gained by the ADF in leading the expeditionary Strike Group would prove invaluable when the nation’s new Canberra-class landing helicopter dock (LHD) ships were introduced into ser-vice later this year.

“Having men and women from the Navy, Army and Air Force command this large, multinational amphibious task group at RIMPAC has greatly expanded the depth of knowledge and experience we have,” RADM Cullen said.

“Not only operating in and around large ships, such as the US Navy’s amphibious assault vessels and our incoming LHDs, but also coordinating ground forces and air assets to achieve operational and humanitarian objec-tives.”

Chief of Joint operations VADM David Johnston said operational capa-bility would be greatly enhanced by the ADF’s participation at RIMPAC.

“We have already seen a real-world scenario this year in the Pacific region, which demonstrated that cooperation among a large group of partner nations is sometimes crucial to conduct a mis-sion that would be an insurmountable task for an individual nation,” VADM Johnston said.

“The search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 covered an enormous search area which was only possible because a group of nations, all partici-

pating in RIMPAC, operated together with a common goal.

“exercises like this give us an opportunity to refine and enhance our interoperability with each other, so we can work efficiently and effectively together when real situations arise.”

Defence Parliamentary Secretary Darren Chester also travelled to Hawaii as part of the Australian Defence Force Parliamentary Program (ADFPP).

During the visit, the ADFPP group visited members of No. 92 Wing to see an AP-3C orion.

“RIMPAC is an outstanding oppor-tunity for Australian servicemen and women to work closely with defence personnel from 21 other countries and learn from their experiences, or pass on our expertise,” Mr Chester said.

“The Australians at RIMPAC are highly regarded for their capacity to both lead at the highest level and make a strong contribution as part of joint forces on the ground, in the air, or at sea.

“experiencing RIMPAC as part of the ADFPP helps to build mutual understanding between MPs and our servicemen and women.”

IT’S A WRAPAir Force has key roles as Australia strengthens international partnerships during Exercise RIMPAC.

THE EXERCISEExErCISE rIMPAC is a biennial military training exercise conducted to strengthen international maritime partnerships, enhance interoper-ability and improve the readiness of participating forces for a wide range of potential operations.

During rIMPAC, participating forces exercised a wide range of ca-pabilities, from disaster response and maritime security operations to sea control and complex warfighting.

The relevant, realistic training included amphibious operations, gunnery, missile, anti-submarine and air defence exercises, as well as military medicine, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, counter-piracy, mine clearance opera-tions, explosive ordnance disposal, and diving and salvage operations.

Land and air components played key roles to exercise the joint effort in a maritime environment.

This year marked the 24th rIMPAC. With 22 nations participat-ing, rIMPAC 2014 was the biggest iteration of the maritime exercise ever conducted.

Australia has participated in every exercise since it began in 1971.

Forty-nine surface ships, six sub-marines and more than 200 aircraft were manned and crewed by 25,000 personnel from across the Pacific rim over the course of the exercise.

Communications first

CPL Rob Durighello, CPL Jake Doherty and SQNLDR Ron Batcheldor, of 1CCS, speak with US Air Force and Royal Canadian Air Force personnel at Joint Base Pearl Harbor – Hickam. Photo: AB Chantell Bianchi

FLTLT Melissa Houston discusses dynamic manoeuvers with LT Junior Grade Jake Stevens-Haas, of the US Navy, during USS Ronald Reagan’s free-play exercise portion of RIMPAC. Photo: SMN Jonathan Nelson, US Navy

Crews’ chance to hone skills

CHAP Jean Johns speaks with FLTLT Russell Adams aboard one of three RAAF Orions. Photo: PO Paul Berry

CO Australian AP-3C Orion detachment WGCDR David Hombsch, right, speaks with avionics technician CPL Andrew Jamieson during a pre-flight inspection. Photo: MC1 Carlos Gomez, US Navy

US Navy LT Joshua Saunders, far right, briefs pilots, FLTLT Russell Adams and FLGOFF Thomas Flemming, and flight engineer WOFF Ron Day before pilot diversion training. Photo: PO Paul Berry

FLGOFF Ben Hepworth conducts final checks before a range clearance exercise over Hawaii. Photo: AB Chantell Bianchi

Combined Forces Air Component Commander AIRCDRE Chris Westwood, standing, looks in on CAPT Kyle Welsh, of the Royal Canadian Air Force, CMDR David Fulcher, of the US Navy, and WGCDR Mark Simpson in the Combined Air Operations Centre at Joint Base Pearl Harbor – Hickam. Photo: LS Peter Thompson

FLTLT Pete Cunningham, of 10SQN, exits an Orion following a range clearance exercise. Photo: AB Chantell Bianchi

An RAAF Orion prepares for takeoff from Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay in Hawaii. Photo: LEUT Sarah West

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Trek from WOODFORD to BRISBANE

via D’AGUILAR STATE FOREST on a 100km JOURNEY

ANYONE looking at the Point Cook airfield in August 1914 would have been excused if they thought the area had

changed little in the five-and-a-half months since the first flight of the Bristol Boxkite.

The 100th anniversary of that event, Australia’s first military flight, was cel-ebrated at RAAF Williams – Point Cook on March 1 this year.

But as important a milestone as it was, it was only a start – only one of the necessary steps needed to establish military aviation in Australia.

This month marks the next two important achievements for the Australian Flying Corps.

On August 17, 1914, the Central Flying School (CFS) – the only unit of the fledgling Australian Flying Corps (AFC) – started its first two courses.

The first was a pilot’s initial fly-ing training course consisting of four Army officers, while the second was a mechanics course consisting of six students.

The graduates of these two courses were to make a significant and, in some cases, enduring contribution to the AFC in World War I and the formation of the RAAF in 1921.

Richard Williams, later to com-mand the RAAF, looked back on his first day of training in These Are Facts: The Autobiography of Air Marshal Sir Richard Williams, KBE, CB, DSO – and wrote the school “was by no means established.”

“Near the sea was a corrugated iron shed large enough to house the Boxkite ... and another room about 20 feet by 12 which was the office,” he said.

“At the northern end on the property a wooden barracks block housed the other ranks ... For the Officers, includ-ing those under instruction, tents had been erected.”

Training for the six mechanics was done on the job, with the trainees actively involved in the routine mainte-nance of the aircraft that were carrying the trainee pilots into the air each day.

The mechanics typically conducted servicings, repaired faults and kept the aircraft clean under the direction of experienced technical staff of CFS led by WOFF Henry Chester.

A frequent task was to recover the Boxkite to its hangar from whatever point the pilot had landed the machine on the airfield.

One of the trainee pilots, Thomas White, attempted to relieve the mechan-ics of the task of aircraft recovery one day by attempting to land the Boxkite as close as possible to the hangar.

He misjudged his landing and impacted the end of the hangar just below the roof line. White was not hurt, but the mechanics had a major task in rebuilding the aircraft.

That White should have so badly managed his landing should come as no surprise.

The training for the four pilots was ad hoc at best.

Despite the experience of the two flying instructors at CFS, CAPT Henry Petre and LT Eric Harrison, there appeared no structure to the training

Training begins for WWI

Just 13 days after Australia entered World War I in August 1914, Central Flying School started its first two courses – and the graduates went on to make a significant contribution to the war effort and formation of the RAAF in 1921, as RAAF Historian Martin James writes.

and key components of the course were apparently ignored.

Williams noted: “There was no aerobatics and indeed if one banked enough to say that a turn was definitely not flat one ran the risk of a reprimand for dangerous flying.”

Later, he wrote, the students did a written examination.

“But we had had neither instruction nor examination in the erection of aero-planes and engines, nor was anything of this sort mentioned in the school syllabus as laid down in Military Orders”.

For all its shortfalls by today’s standards, the flying training provided at Point Cook in 1914 was similar to what was being provided in Britain and Europe at the time. Indeed, the final flying test before qualifying for their ‘wings’ was conducted in accordance with the international standards then in place.

By November 1914 all of the train-ees had graduated in their chosen disci-plines, just in time to participate in the war that was engulfing the world.

Thomas White who famously misjudged one of his landings.

Personnel and students of the Central Flying School’s first two courses in late 1914.

THE students of the courses which started on August 17, 1914, went on to very differing fates.

Of the four pilot trainees, Richard Williams went on to lead No. 1 Squadron Australian Flying Corps (1SQN AFC) in Palestine.

Promoted to lieutenant colonel, he was placed in charge of the RAF’s No. 40 Wing.

He became the first Chief of the Air Staff of the RAAF.

Thomas White served in the AFC’s Half Flight in Mesopotamia, was captured by the Turkish forces, escaped and made his way back to England via Russia. He later served in the Australian Parliament.

George Mertz was killed while serving with the Half Flight in Mesopotamia after a forced landing behind enemy lines.

David Manwell went on to become a captain within 1SQN AFC in Palestine and later served as a staff officer in London.

Of the mechanics, Leslie Carter went on to serve throughout World War I, and joined with Richard Williams to make the first non-stop flight between Melbourne and Sydney in 1920.

Carter retired from the RAAF as a wing com-mander in 1945.

Norman Dyer was to serve within the AFC, Australian Air Corps (AAC) and the RAAF, retiring at 60 as a flight lieutenant engineer in 1949.

George Mackinolty served with distinction within the technical and later equipment branches of the AFC, AAC, and later RAAF, and retired as an air vice marshal.

Reginald Mason served in the AFC but little is known about his service after his training in 1914.

Hugh McIntosh rose to warrant officer within the AFC but transferred to the AIF in 1918 and dis-charged in 1919.

Arthur Murphy served with great distinction in the AFC, first as a mechanic and later as a pilot. He returned to NCO rank in the post-war AAC and was the senior airman at the formation of the RAAF.

Murphy moved to manage the technical and engineering aspects of the RAAF. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Force Cross.

WHAT BECAME OF THEMRichard Williams with a Boxkite engine.Photos: Office of Air Force History

Feature RCEAIR F August 14, 201418

A MATES4MATES Kokoda Trek helped FSGT Frank Alcantara put some of his demons away “in a huge way”.

After deployments to Rwanda, East Timor, Bali after the first bombings and Iraq, FSGT Alcantara was diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder.

“I live with the memories of the horrors I saw there and live with these every day of my life,” he said.

“They are a collage of visual and mental memories that bombard me every day 24/7.

“The Kokoda Trek, however, showed me clarity in my life for the first time in two years since my medi-cal return to Australia, and it has defi-nitely helped me.

“Mentally I am clearer, physi-cally I am so much fitter and I would love to do this again with my son, LS Christian Alcantara, a member of NUSHIP Canberra, next year.”

FSGT Alcantara, of HQ Health Services Wing RAAF Base Amberley, said the trek from July 12-20 was a journey of self-discovery during which everyone bonded with someone.

“The Kokoda Trek was a life changer for me and I feel so much bet-ter for going there, and Mates4Mates provided that for me,” he said.

“As they say, you have to ‘walk the walk to understand it’.

“It’s more than physical prowess, but mental strength [is needed] as well to get through it.

“I actually ended up with heat exhaustion on day one, but a veteran PNG porter, Steven, helped me through with his wisdom and soft tones.

“He told me: ‘Baby steps Frank, look at the ground and you will get there, there is no hurry’.”

FSGT Alcantara said the diggers who fought along the Kokoda Track were never far from his mind as he made the trek.

“I also did this to honour my late father-in-law, who like many others returned to Australia in 1942 as part of the 7th Division Rats of Tobruk, to fight alongside the 39th Battalion on the Kokoda Track,” he said.

“I am honoured to have the oppor-tunity to gain a small insight into the

conditions our unforgotten heroes fought under, which I believe will provide me with some closure to some issues I suffer from.”

FSGT Alcantara’s message to ADF members who may be suffering PTSD is simple.

“The hardest step is always the first one, but you just need to say, ‘I need help, please help me’,” he said.

“Air Force has helped me all along the way and this journey is just one of many examples of how they have helped me.

“My mission here is to make all aware of the ever increasing issue of PTSD and that it can, in many ways,

be challenged and collared along the way.”

FSGT Alcantara will soon dis-charge from the ADF after nearly 35 years’ service. He remembers his final deployment to Al Minhad Air Base in United Arab Emirates in 2012, where he was medically evacuated due to PTSD, depression and anxiety.

“I could see the changes in me but thought it would be OK like all the other deployments,” he said.

“Sadly, I felt the stress of 16-18 hour days and by about two-thirds into it, I just went into meltdown.”

FSGT Alcantara said it was tough to accept but felt he did the right thing.

“The lesson learnt, and it’s a hard step to take, is to ask for help when you see things going badly,” he said.

“There are many agencies out there to help, you just need to take that first big step and say, ‘I need help’.

“Rehabilitation from PTSD is only a reach away, you just need to ask and the ADF will provide.”

FSGT Alcantara set out to raise $1000 for Mates4Mates but finished by raising $10,150.

Members can seek help for PTSD by call-ing the Defence All-hours Support Line on 1800 628 036, or contacting their local ADF health centre, mental health professional, chaplain or duty officer/officer of the day.

Life-changing trekPTSD sufferer FSGT Frank Alcantara gained a lot of positives from walking the Kokoda Track, SGT Dave Morley reports.

FSGT Frank Alcantara formed strong bonds with friends on the trek. With trek porters at Brigade Hill, above; and assembled with the group at Kokoda village at the start of the trek, below.

FSGT Frank Alcantara crossing one of many creeks during the trek. ‘‘Baby steps Frank,

look at the ground and you will get there, there is no hurry.’” – Encouragement from a

porter named Steven

FSGT Frank Alcantara used some words of wisdom to keep him and his mates going on the Kokoda Track.

They are based on a mantra he learnt while he worked as a combat survival instructor in Townsville at the Combat Survival Training School for four years.

“The rest is something I have said to myself and my medic students for years,” he said.

“I combined both together and recited them on the track as I thought it was fitting.

“Surprisingly enough, every-one thought they were apt for the journey we were all undertaking together.”

Remember:Pain is momentary.Failure is forever.Try and do everything you do with passion, excellence and pride.Even in adversity.And at the end of the day you will return home with honour.

WORDS THAT MOTIVATED

FSGT Frank Alcantara with retired SQNLDR Belinda Johnstone at the end of the trek. The friends met while serving together in Rwanda in 1995.

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Passing on sea skills

SGT Kurt Sayed used his fitness and tenacity to get through a tough course, SGT Dave Morley reports.

SGT Kurt Sayed, a PTI at RAAF Base Townsville’s Combat Survival Training School (CSTS), is now qualified to plan

and run adventurous training sea kay-aking courses at his unit.

He was one of 12 sea kayaking Unit Adventurous Training Leaders (UATL) and two Adventurous Training Leader Instructors (ATLI) from across the ADF who quali-fied after attending courses run by Adventurous Training Wing (ATW).

SGT Sayed, the only Air Force member on the course, said the UATL course set him up well to develop challenging activities.

“As a PTI, I had the fitness and tenacity for the arduous course which is certainly not for the faint-hearted,” he said.

“I would highly recommend this course to anyone who has the ability and mental resilience to attend, as I believe it is an asset in developing leadership, teamwork and individual skills required within the ADF.”

Sea kayaking UATL CAPT Sheldon Toto, of 9 Force Support Battalion at RAAF Base Amberley, said the courses were conducted from 2/17 Royal NSW Regiment’s Erina Depot near Gosford on the Central Coast during May and June.

“The UATLs are now qualified to plan, facilitate and execute demand-ing sea kayaking adventurous training activities for the ADF,” he said.

“The ATLIs are capable of

FeatureRCEAIR F August 14, 2014 19

instructing and assessing on future sea kayaking courses, ensuring the longevity and sustainability of the skillset.”

SGT Sayed praised all the instruc-tors for the extremely high standard of skills that were developed while on course.

“Their ability to pass on their knowledge to develop required skill-sets gave us the confidence to achieve

the challenges set, with their high level of perceived risk, like rock-hopping and surfing in sometimes dangerous situations,” he said.

“The training provided was of the highest standard and ATW should be commended on their instructors’ ability to provide this high level of training.

“The course was certainly a chal-lenge and clearly demonstrated the

aims and definition of adventurous training.”

SGT Sayed said he would be put-ting what he learnt on the course into practice at the CSTS.

“My CO is a proactive individual who believes that the qualities that are developed through adventurous train-ing are beneficial to a more effective work ethic,” he said.

“I will be planning and running a

mini-expedition sea kayaking course, planning with the executives within my unit and meeting objectives that my CO would like to develop in both individual and group qualities.”

Anyone interested in undertaking a UATL/ATLI course should visit the ATW intranet site at intranet.defence.gov.au/armyweb/sites/atw/ and consult their chain of com-mand.

SGT Kurt Sayed battles the surf. He says the sea kayaking course is not for the faint-hearted.

Feature RCEAIRF August 14, 201420 FeatureRCEAIR F August 14, 2014 21

Research paid divi-dends for linguist FLTLT Ian Gargano when the Japanese Defence

Minister visited UN workers in sudan.

FLTLT Gargano and LTcOL James Brownlie are attached to the Japanese contingent, which is mostly made up of engineers tak-ing part in construction projects.

When they heard the Japanese Defence Minister was visiting, FLTLT Gargano said he decided to do a bit of research the night before his arrival.

“as he walked down the line shaking our hands, I wished him ‘happy birthday’ to which he jumped back amazed and laughed,” FLTLT Gargano said.

Following in the footsteps of the past four australian rotations, one of the major projects the two

officers have been part of with the Japanese workers has been the construction of three dou-ble-storey faculty buildings at the University of Juba.

While civilian contractors did the construction, specialist Japanese engineers conducted quality control and the australians worked between both groups seamlessly.

While many of the Japanese could understand and speak english, FLTLT Gargano was kept busy as a linguist and said a stay in Japan had come in handy.

“I spent five years in Japan where I taught english,” he said.

“having spent time there immersed in their culture has allowed me to do my job here better.

“They have often been sur-prised when they see I am familiar with how they do things.”

A viation safety is always important no matter where or what the situa-tion and SQnLDR Daniel

olsen is right out the front as part of operation aslan.

Deployed to Juba as part of the United nations Mission to South Sudan, he travels through-out the country as Staff officer aviation Safety.

“i work with two others and we’re responsible for implement-ing the safety management sys-tem for the mission,” he said.

“our primary role is to inves-tigate incidents and conduct risk assessments and from this we provide recommendations to commanders to mitigate future risk.

“By removing or limiting occurrences and hazards we can ensure all aircraft are fit for flying and fulfil contractual obligations, increasing operational efficiency, not just safety.”

When not at work at the United nations, SQnLDR olsen lives at australia House in Juba with 16 other australians. He said he had really enjoyed his first deployment.

“i’ve enjoyed living with a close-knit group and establishing close working relationships with numerous foreign military per-sonnel,” he said.

“it really is the stand-out part of the deployment.”

SQnLDR olsen, who arrived in Juba in early april, said the city was more developed than he had expected and he was impressed by aussie House.

“the house is a great size for the amount of people here with a good amount of force protection,” he said.

“the only downside is that we have to provide for ourselves.

“Shopping, cooking and clean-ing are part of the daily routine, and in a country where nothing is easy to achieve it’s an additional stressor – but we look after each other like an extended family.”

as part of the Un mission, all members are paid an allowance for rent and food with groceries bought from the shops in the community in which they live.

A DF personnel deployed to Juba as part of Operation aslan have used their spare time to help out at a local

orphanage. The group visited a girls’ orphanage

that houses 23 girls ranging from age three to 13.

These girls often come from broken homes where families cannot afford to raise them.

air Force sGT Janelle heise said it was great to see the difference the visits made to the children.

“It’s wonderful to get out there and kick a ball around with them,” she said.

“You have to be careful though, they are so beautiful and it is hard not to get attached.”

LeUT aaron Goedecke came up with the idea and said it was great to spend time with the children.

“although what we do is very sim-ple and not much to us, they cherish the extra company and are always excited when they see us return,” he said.

“The time that we have spent with them has been priceless.”

WhILe most of the contin-gent on Operation aslan are kept busy with their United Nations duties,

three dedicated people work to keep everything running smoothly in the background.

The team, known as the National support element, consists of OIc FLTLT Jude chew, Force Protection Warrant Officer WO2 Dave sauer and senior Non-commissioned Officer air Force sGT Janelle heise.

FLTLT chew said there was not much his role did not include when it came to keeping everything running smoothly for the australian contin-gent.

“every day is different here in Juba,” he said.

Jobs can range from overall man-agement of admin, finance, opera-tions and the day-to-day running and maintenance of australia house.

having spent three months in south sudan, FLTLT chew has real-ised just how much things are taken for granted back in australia.

“Many locals don’t have basics like running water or power,” he said.

“I’ve realised I can’t complain.”he said the job could be frustrat-

ing because local maintenance might not be to the standard required.

“It is something that requires careful management,” FLTLT chew said.

australia house is home to 17 australians with a further four living elsewhere around the country.

With no running water, power or sewerage to the city of Juba, manage-ment of the house is not a light job.

WO2 sauer is responsible for force protection and the equipment store.

sGT heise looks after the admin-istration of the contingent.

This includes everything from managing leave to organising the mail.

“It can be very chaotic just getting through immigration, let alone the fact there doesn’t seem to be any road rules,” she said.

“everything takes longer here due to communication difficulties. even the grocery shopping is difficult as you need to go to many different shops to get what you need.

“simple things like mailing one parcel can take more than an hour.”

a positive aspect to her deploy-ment has been making friends with members from other countries who are also part of the UN mission in south sudan.

sGT heise spent easter in Uganda this year and said she had been lucky enough to be deployed twice on anzac Day.

“It’s always that much more spe-cial to celebrate anzac Day on opera-tions,” she said.

assisting sGT heise and other members of the australian contin-gent is local service provider John Wakonyo. he speaks the local lan-guage and his local knowledge is invaluable.

“having John around has made sourcing local produce and equip-ment much easier,” sGT heise said.

“Things would be much harder without him.”

HELPING SOUTH SUDAN

OPERATION Aslan is the deployment of ADF personnel to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.

The Operation formally started on September 23, 2011.

ADF personnel transitioned to Operation Aslan from Operation Azure.

About 20 ADF personnel are deployed on Operation Aslan.

ADF personnel are not deployed in combat roles and are engaged in key headquarters positions, aviation and logistics support roles, as well as act-ing as military liaison officers.

On July 9, 2011, the Republic of South Sudan became the newest coun-try in the world, following a six-year peace process than began with the signing of a Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005.

The new UN Mission in South Sudan was established to support the new Republic of South Sudan to build a via-ble and secure future for its people.

Defence, along with other govern-ment agencies, is closely monitoring the situation in South Sudan because of conflict within the country.

Air Force personnel are among the ADF contingent deployed to South Sudan on Operation Aslan. CPL Nick Wiseman visited them in Juba.

OIC National Support Element FLTLT Jude Chew.

Every day presents different challenges

Many happy returns

WHY THEY ARE THERE

Priceless experienceSGT Janelle Heise, left, and Army SGT Camille Reed play ball with a child during a trip to the girls’ orphanage.

SGT Janelle Heise, back left, SQNLDR Keith Bateman, middle left, SQNLDR Daniel Olsen, front left, LEUT Aaron Goedecke, right, and LTCOL Adam Hogan, far right, with girls at an orphanage in Juba, South Sudan.

SQNLDR Daniel Olsen in front of a UN helicopter. He travels the country investigating incidents and conducting risk assessments.

Photos: CPL Nick Wiseman

SGT Janelle Heise with a girl from the orphanage.

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22 August 14, 2014RCEAIR FFlightline

SQNLDR Zalie Duffy, of 78WG, won the women’s division of 4SQN’s Warrior Workout at RAAF Base Williamtown. The Warrior Workout is a charity event open to all service person-nel and raises funds for the Commando Welfare Trust Fund (CWTF). The event was dedicated to the memory of CPL Cameron Baird VC, who was killed in Afghanistan on June 22, 2013. This year, 28 participants accepted the challenge and, after a full morning of running with sand-bags, straining at the bench press, throwing wall-balls, swinging kettle bells and jump-ing on boxes, nearly $3000 was raised for the CWTF from the donations of partici-pants and spectators. SQNLDR Zalie Duffy, centre, runs the first phase of the Warrior Workout. Photo: CPL Melina Young

WGCDR Les Hughes assists retired SQNLDR Bob Cowper during a visit to the Australian National Memorial and Commonwealth War Cemetery at Villers Bretonneux in France. Photo: CPL Oliver Carter

CPL Simon Baldry and LACW Deanna Duckham check passports in the Visa Coordination Office at Al Minhad Airbase in the UAE. Photo: WO2 Rob Nyffenegger

CO 35SQN WGCDR Bradley Clarke presents a cheque for just over $1000 to Westmead Children’s Hospital Fundraising Administrator Milica Milic after members visited the hospital. They raised the money at a movie night at the RAAF Base Richmond Cinema. Photo: LAC Aiden Galea

LAC Jacob Taylor shows his grandfather Keith Morgan the flight deck of a C-130J during the 37SQN family day. Photo: SGT Ricky Fuller

Photo: CPL Colin Dadd

Nursing officers FLGOFF Laura D’Alterio, front, and FLTLT Trish Graham in an Expeditionary Role 2 Health Facility. Photo: CPL Shannon McCarthy

MeMBeRS of the RAAF Institute of Aviation Medicine (AVMeD) have visited the Marryatville Primary School in Adelaide to present a student her prize for winning the 2014 RAAF F/A-18 Hor-net Tail Art competition.

Chloe Bornholm won a “Defence experience” for herself and her classmates after she entered the com-petition launched during the Clipsal 500 car race.

A Hornet flyover was the inspiration for several of the entrants, with the winning fire cracker motif demon-strating the dynamic spirit of the aircraft.

Nine AVMeD members introduced the students to a

variety of military opportuni-ties and life support equip-ment during the visit.

This included being strapped into ejection seats, trying on aircrew helmets and learning about careers within Air Force.

SGT Alex Piantadosi said the students’ also enjoyed being able to sit in a life raft and rock around with the waves of the ocean.

“The excitement of the students in our displays was a very satisfying experience,” he said.

“I will also add my apologies for the noise we seemed to generate from the student’s exuberance at the life-raft display.”

Prize for artistic skill

Chloe Bornholm is presented with a certificate and framed entry by XO Institute of Aviation Medicine SQNLDR Martin Biner. Photo: CPL Colin Dadd

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23August 14, 2014RCEAIR F Air Force Improvement

OFFCDT Alexandra Hendry

Project 147 is looking at ways to improve the performance and man-agement of technical tasks within Aerospace operational Support Group (AoSG).

AoSG performs a number of impor-tant tasks, such as installing bombs and missiles and developing countermeas-ures for our aircraft.

these tasks are vital to ADF flight test and operations, and must be man-aged effectively.

Project 147, which was introduced last September, is investigating whether AoSG can reduce its number of tech-nical management systems, and if combining or moving units to differ-ent wings within the FeG will deliver improvements.

Staff officer Logistics capability WGcDr Matthew Kennedy said the aim of the project was to identify options for improving technical man-agement across AoSG.

“With the wide variety and complex-ity of technical work being done within each of the units, there was no single ideal solution,” WGcDr Kennedy said.

“We are presently moving units between the wings, for example moving Aeronautical Information Service – Air Force from Information Warfare Wing (IWWG) to Development and test Wing (DtWG), in order to better align the technical risks they manage and to ena-ble easier integration of technical man-agement systems and better sharing of technical expertise.

“Similarly, some units such as Aerospace Systems engineering Squadron and Aircraft Stores and compatibility Squadron are being amal-gamated to recognise the integration of the technical management system and reduce overheads.”

AoSG is also planning to central-ise the management of its maintenance

KNoWN colloquially as the elect ronic Fl ight Bags , or eFBs, the Air Force Improvement (AFI) electronic

Aeronautical Information (eAI) Project is on track to be in operation by the middle of next year.

the project has procured more than 450 iPads for aircrew in Air Force, Navy and Army.

It has now passed all halfway milestones and is on track to deliver a cIoG DrN network (the Ground Sub-System) that supports the Mission System (mobile devices).

release to Hawk 127 Lead-in Fighters and AP-3cs is scheduled for mid-2015.

the AFI Project team, incorporat-ing jacobs Australia as prime contrac-tor, has integrated with an approved cIoG component, the Mobile Ict Project.

cIoG lead Vas Kandiah said the detailed design of the Ground Sub-System was well advanced and the hardware was in place for testing.

the eAI Project is also coordinat-ing a number of existing eFB trials to ensure standardisation and technical

iPads trial right on track

THE Air Command Capability Framework rolls into sustainment mode in August with two new five-year contracts now in place.

These will enable strong focused support to the FEGS as well as ensu-

ing regular upgrades and system support.

HQAC AFI is working closely with the Directorate of Capability and AFHQ to optimise capability manage-ment across Air Force.

New five-year contracts in place

AOSG project looks at technical tasks

functions, particularly to those support-ing Ict-based capability systems within IWWG.

“Focusing on evolving the current technical management systems within IWWG will allow a single system to manage the provision of maintenance support, streamlining the process,” WGcDr Kennedy said.

Future aircraft will also shape con-solidation of AoSG’s technical activi-ties in years to come.

“Future platforms such as the F-35A, P-8A and Growler have certainly influ-enced the current reviews and we will continue tailoring our approach as these concepts mature,” WGcDr Kennedy said.

WGCDR Matthew Kennedy works on Project 147. Photo: CPL Nicci Freeman

The release of mobile devices for Hawk 127 and AP-3C Orion aircrews is scheduled for mid-2015, Sandra Onus reports.

alignment with a strong emphasis on airworthiness and safety compliance.

these include Navy, Army and most of our Air Mobility Group fleet.

Army’s uptake extends across all Black Hawks and its trial has resulted in innovative ideas emerging for the iPads’ use in operations and to support shared communications and situational awareness.

the project sponsor, DAcAUSt AIrcDre Stephen Meredith, said that this unique reform project demon-strated how Air Force could drive real change across the ADF.

“In a relatively short period of time, the project and our partners will have delivered an enabling capability that saves time and resources as well as ensuring we have the latest technology in place,” AIrcDre Meredith said.

Sustainment has also been an important component of the project, with close engagement with DMo (cISSo and AMSPo).

Publication and content manage-ment is also critical with support being provided to AoSG, AIS-AF and AMSPo.

All of these component systems

will converge in 2015 for service release.

the AFI team at HQAc is already planning stage two to enable service release for all ADF aeronautical plat-forms with potential support for main-tenance.

Stage two is key in terms of ensur-ing the transformational change extends across the ADF consolidating the strategic reform initiated in 2012.

More than 450 iPads have been tested by aircrews across Defence.Photo: LAC Kai Cooling

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24 August 14, 2014RCEAIR FNew Horizon

LAC Anthony Donoghue

HEADQUARTERS Air Command (HQAC) and RAAF Base Glenbrook have been working over the past year to achieve reforms in line with the New Horizon program, which aims to improve Air Force capability in safety, efficiency, leadership, values and cul-ture.

Learning from past actions to achieve positive progress is helping to change attitudes at HQAC and RAAF Base Glenbrook.

Various initiatives have been incor-porated into workplace practices based on command-led and individually driv-en approaches.

CO HQAC WGCDR Kaarin Kooij encourages staff to reflect on past workplace challenges and experiences through case studies incorporated into the Base Weekly Notices.

This open forum allows WGCDR Kooij to share her experiences dealing with situations in the workplace.

“This encourages thought, discus-

sion and questions from staff of all levels and designations both military and civilian, about how they may have handled or reacted to the same situa-tions,” she said.

The first ‘Command Connect’ briefing was held at RAAF Base Glenbrook last October.

An ACAUST-hosted initiative, the one hour monthly briefing provides the executive direct access to all staff and is a unique opportunity to discuss organisational culture in a collegiate forum.

It aims to improve internal com-munication and networks within the headquarters with the view to improv-ing general awareness and knowledge of activities and the business of HQAC directorates.

Each briefing includes a chief of staff summary of activities and events that will occur at Glenbrook in the coming month.

Each director then provides a short overview of what their particular directorate is focused on and dealing

Small change makes a difference

with that month and the session ends with ACAUST presentations.

Chief of Staff HQAC GPCAPT Roger Parr said New Horizon initia-tives at HQAC had taken many forms.

“Some are simple and easily imple-mented with great effect,” GPCAPT Parr said.

As part of International Women’s Day 2014 at RAAF Base Glenbrook, APS staff member Giselle Boxall pre-sented a speech reminding all staff of “corridor etiquette”.

“It is important to make eye con-tact and acknowledge the person you

are passing in the corridor, smile and say hello,” she said.

“It can make all the difference.”GPCAPT Parr said this small

change in behaviour had an immediate impact on morale.

“It proves that an individual can inspire a change that can improve an entire base culture,” he said.

The Champions of Culture team has also been established to form a brains trust and mentor group for implementing New Horizon changes.

The team meets regularly to explore new initiatives for cultural support and

enrichment, manage the New Horizon SharePoint Blog and act as cultural advisers to the leadership team.

“There have been many initia-tives at HQAC and RAAF Glenbrook inspired by the New Horizon program and tailored to influence and change how we treat each other within the organisation,” GPCAPT Parr said.

Read about how HQAC and RAAF Base Glenbrook members have applied the New Horizon principles to enhance relationships within the Blue Mountains community in the next edition of Air Force News.

Giselle Boxall, DACAUST AIRCDRE Stephen Meredith, Deborah Haxton and DDCOORD/CO HQAC WGCDR Kaarin Kooij at the International Women’s Day forum at RAAF Base Glenbrook.

To find out more about Merici Collegesee our website at www.merici.act.edu.auor contact the Enrolment Officer Ms Trish Ryan on (02) 6243 4102 or by email: [email protected]

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25August 14, 2014RCEAIR F Personnel

Departure Lounge

NameSGT Kevin CarterWGCDR Clive WellsSGT Philip NicollSGT Anthony Eckert SGT Darren PorterFSGT Brett WestSGT Mark SmithSGT Jamie SteeleFSGT Peter WilliamsSGT Brian HarrisLAC Allan GilbertSGT Christopher WilliamsGPCAPT Andrew KnightSGT Nathan Wade

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Who’s leaving after 20+ years’ service

ADF members are now eligible to apply for paid medical absences using a sim-pler, more flexible framework.

Under a revised ADF policy released on August 1, the generic term ‘medical absence’ has been introduced to replace the former terms ‘sick’ and ‘convales-cence’ leave.

Acting Director Military People Policy WGCDR Tony Dolin said the revised policy placed a greater focus on recuperation.

“The policy provides increased flex-ibility for members, supervisors and health professionals, and offers a contem-porary approach to the people manage-ment aspects of illness and injury that supports other health system reforms,” he said.

Key reforms associated with the new policy include: Members can now be granted three

consecutive days of medical absence without the need to attend a health facility or supply supporting docu-mentation. Each day must be granted separately by the supervisor on that day.

� Medical absence can be created and recorded for a member who might be

unable to apply for a medical absence in the usual way. Health practitioners can report to the

member’s supervisors that the member is deemed unfit for duty if a situation arises where the member is not fit to deal with the normal administrative process. This has the added benefit of preventing any technical ‘absence without leave’ from arising. An ‘at-risk’ member, who is being

managed through a crisis manage-ment plan, uses medical absence as opposed to any other form of leave. This ensures that members continue to be positively managed by the appro-priate health authority until they are no longer ‘at risk’. Importantly, this change preserves a member’s other leave credits for more appropriate use.The revised policy governing medi-

cal absence has been incorporated into the ADF Pay and Conditions Manual, Volume 1, Chapter 5.

For more information, visit http://intranet.defence.gov.au/people/Sites/PeopleConnect/ Personnel can also obtain information about health and wellbeing at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/vcdf/sites/ADFHealthWellbeing

Medical absences to be streamlined

THE manual debit processing for uniform kit purchases will cease on August 31 following the successful imple-mentation of the Defence online clothing store.

To gain access to the online clothing store, members must register at www.defenceclothing.com.au with their PMKeyS ID and base address information.

Kit items will be delivered to members’ homes or base addresses between four to 10 business days after an order has been received.

Payment can be completed online using a debit or standard Mastercard and Visa.

ADF base clothing stores managed by Serco Sodexo will continue to provide the current level of support.

For more information see Defgram 389/2014, contact the Defence Service Centre on 1800 333 3623 or [email protected] or visit the clothing store website at www.defenceclothing.com.au

Manual kit debit processing to end

Jessica Whigham

ADF members will need to make new arrangements for their dis-cretionary allotments (deductions) with a six-month phase-out period beginning this month.

The ability for ADF members to request a new discretionary allot-ment through PMKeyS Self Service or Webform AD577 is no longer available.

Non-BSB allotments are also dis-cretionary deductions. They are volun-tary payments made using the payroll system to institutions such as charities, clubs and health funds. These do not include compulsory payments such as child support contributions, living-in accommodation charges and judgement orders, or other net pay distributions to bank accounts with BSB numbers.

While flexible remuneration salary sacrifice deductions might be consid-ered ‘discretionary’, they can comprise both pre- and post-tax components and are managed by an external service pro-vider, so will continue to be processed automatically on behalf of members through the Defence payroll system.

Assistant Secretary Personnel Systems Modernisation Brenton Searle said from payday February 12, 2015, all remaining discretionary allotments would be ceased and functionality removed from PMKeyS Self Service.

“This means that if new pay-ment arrangements have not been put in place, no further payments will be transferred to the organisation after pay-day January 29, 2015,” he said.

“The six-month phasing out period was chosen to provide members with time to cease their allotments and make other arrangements. During this time, the recipients of the allotments will also be advised of the change.”

Mr Searle said the capability for dis-cretionary allotments was first made available to Defence more than 30 years ago and provided a service that was not available through any other means.

“Modern technology has made the current discretionary deductions functionality redundant,” he said.

“Many of the Defence recipient organisations, such as Defence Health, prefer to deal via direct debit through banks and will be able to assist mem-bers with this change.”

With the phasing out of discretion-ary allotments, ADF members should log on to PMKeyS Self Service through the DRN or Home Portal and cease their deductions.

Members can also complete an AD577 on Webforms to cease allot-ments.

People wishing to continue to pay their deductions can do this through personal internet banking, using BPAY or direct debit.

For assistance with setting up deduc-tions, members should contact their bank.

For more information on discretionary allotments, click on the Frequently Asked Questions tab at http://ciogintranet/organi-sation/HRDD/PSMB/DefenceOne/ Instructions are also in PMKeyS Self Service.

Pay allotments to cease

Photo: LS Jayson Tufrey

The term ‘medical absence’ has been introduced to replace the terms ‘sick’ and ‘convalescence’ leave. Photo: LACW Jessica Smith

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26 August 14, 2014RCEAIR FHealth

Feel super with common foods

WITH the rise of so-called ‘super foods’, consum-ers are spending large amounts of money on

foods that are claimed to have signifi-cant health benefits.

These ‘super foods’ are said to deliver amazing benefits with their high levels of antioxidants and other important nutrients.

But Dr Kate Pumpa, Assistant Professor of Exercise Physiology at the University of Canberra, believes there are cheaper, scientifically proven alternatives.

Goji berriesThese are small red berries that grow in many parts of Asia and are claimed to slow ageing, improve heart health and fight fatigue.

With their high levels of antioxi-dants, it is also claimed goji berries treat cancer and depression, and are said to improve vision.

Dr Pumpa said these claims are based on anecdotal evidence, with sci-entific evidence on the benefits of goji berries being highly questionable.

“An alternative would be berries commonly found in Australia, like blueberries and raspberries, which are a quarter of the price, but still are an excellent source of antioxidants,” she said.

Chia seedsIt is claimed the small chia seeds improve heart health, stabilise blood sugar, improve mood and energy lev-els.

Native to Mexico and Guatemala, the seeds are also claimed to enhance sleep quality, brain function, help weight loss and act as an anti-inflam-matory.

Chia seeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids, but Dr Pumpa said the omega-3s in plant-based foods like chia are not as effective as the omega-3s from fish.

“A cheaper alternative is to con-sume oily fish a few times a week,” she said. “Fish is high in omega-3s and have solid scientific evidence for their anti-inflammatory properties.

“Atlantic and Australian salmon, blue-eye trevalla, blue mackerel, gem-

fish, canned sardines, canned salmon and some varieties of canned tuna are high in omega-3s.”

WheatgrassWheatgrass is taken from the common wheat plant and often sold as a juice or a powder with claims of “injecting” energy and vitality into your life, along with stimulating the immune system. It is also said to remove harmful toxins and repair damage to your body.

“The problem is there’s no rigorous scientific evidence to support those claims,” Dr Pumpa said. “But a good alternative would be dark green leafy vegetables, such as baby spinach and silverbeet.”

Dr Pumpa said consumers shouldn’t think of ‘super foods’ as a miracle solution for better health.

“Super foods sound great, but when you dig a little deeper, they are an expensive way to maintain health,” she said. “Nothing replaces a diet high in fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy and lean protein.

“Be an educated consumer and don’t get sucked into media hype.”

Super foods don’t need to be expensive or hard to find as proven alternatives are readily available

There are many sources of good vitamins and minerals

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27August 14, 2014RCEAIR F Sp rt

CPL Aaron Curran

HAVING a sharp eye and a steady hand has helped an Air Force shooter beat Army and Navy at the 50th Australian Police and Service Pistol Championships held in Brisbane from July 11 to 13.

WOFF Mike Krcevinac, of Officers’ Training School at RAAF Base East Sale, won the division two (services) compo-nent.

The Air Force team also retained the division two trophy from last year.

Making up the team were WOFFs Krcevinac and Wayne Newman and FLTLTs Wayne O’Brien, Lena Huynh and David Rolls.

It was the first time that an Air Force member had won division two since FSGT Dave Gay took it out in 2007.

WOFF Krcevinac, who has been shooting since the early 1970s, has attended nearly every championship.

“The first one I went to was in 1980,” he said.

“I have tried to attend each one, but deployments and work commitments had interrupted those plans at times.”

The pistol WOFF Krcevinac used to win the division two title was a Model 10 38 Special with a custom barrel.

“The course of fire was 90 rounds total,” he said.

“Twenty-four were fired at 50 metres from the prone, sitting, right and left hand at a barricade in a time of 165 sec-onds; five serials at 25 metres fired in timings from seven to 35 seconds; three serials at 10 metres from five to eight sec-onds and one serial at seven metres firing 12 rounds in seven seconds.”

In total, 110 shooters com-peted in the championships at the Belmont Shooting Complex in Brisbane.

The championships are open to all serving and retired mem-bers and affiliated members of eligible pistol clubs and will be held in Canberra next year.

For information on pistol shoot-ing or the Australian Army Sports Pistol Association, contact WOFF Mike Krcevinac at [email protected] (Air Force), MAJ Greg Sheppard at [email protected] (Army) or CPO Paul Cannard at [email protected] (Navy).

SGT Dave Morley

IN A show of solidarity, Navy and Army personnel lent their skills to an under-represented Air Force team in the Interservice Lawn Bowls Carnival at St Georges Basin, south of Nowra, from July 17-18.

Three members joined SGT Darren Lethlean, of Bravo Squadron at ADFA, to form an Air Force team.

The carnival went all Army’s way with its experienced lawn bowlers reclaiming the ACT/Southern NSW interservice title with three wins from three games.

Navy 1 team came in second with a narrow margin of three shots against Navy 2 team, leaving Air Force in fourth place.

SGT Lethlean said he had been “flying solo” for the past two years at interservice lawn bowls tournaments.

“I know there are a large number of Air Force bowlers in ACT who bowl quite regularly for their own individual clubs, but whether it’s time away from work or other reasons, the numbers for interservice are always low,” he said.

“I have been involved for the last three years in Canberra and I have really

bonded with the ACT ADF lawn bowlers. However, I wear the uniform with pride and honour and accept the criticism of a solo ‘RAAFie’ lawn bowler.”

SGT Lethlean said lawn bowls was a great social activity.

“It’s not expensive, you get the opportunity to socialise with former Defence members, you get to actively promote your service and numerous retired Defence members play lawn bowls.”

SGT Lethlean, who has been playing lawn bowls for four years, encourages other Air Force members to take up the sport.

“Really, find a friend who plays lawn bowls, visit the Defence Lawn Bowls webpage, and the discussion link through the DRN.”

SGT Lethlean has a strong family his-tory with lawn bowls.

His father was a state champion and player in various grades and competi-tions.

The ADF lawn bowls nationals will be held at Booval Bowling Club in Ipswich from September 14-19.

For more information, visit http://intranet.defence.gov.au/vcdf/sites/LawnBowls

Lending a bowling hand

Air Force on target

Above, WOFF Mike Krcevinac scoring the 25m series, in which he got 233 from 240. Left, members of the Air Force team at the 50th Australian Police and Service Pistol Championships – from left, WOFF Wayne Newman, FLTLT Lena Huynh, FLTLT Wayne O’Brien, WOFF Krcevinac with Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart.

SP RTAugust 14, 2014

WOFF Mike Krcevinac takes out the Division Two title at the 50th Australian Police and Services Pistol Championships

PAGE 27

EYES ON PRIZE

FIRED UP

SPECIAL LIFTOUT

Exercise Hellfire puts No. 2 Security Forces Squadron to the test

RCEAIR F August 14, 2014 EXERCISE HELLFIRE 1

No. 2 Security Force Squadron’s Quick Reaction Force clears the battlefield after a contact during a live-fire exercise as part of Exercise Hellfire 2014 at Wide Bay Training Area in Queensland. Photo: LS Jayson Tufrey

3RCEAIR F August 14, 2014EXERCISE HELLFIRE2

Set up for the futureAir Force security-related deployments date back as far as World War ii where personnel provided aerodrome security in Borneo and Tarakan.

Today, emerging aircraft, changing threat sources, establishment of super bases and unconventional expeditionary tasks are dictating that security is more important to Air Force now than ever.

Previously the Airfield Defence and Security Policing capabilities operated in-dependently, however, on July 4 last year the combined Security Forces (SECFOr)

capability was established to enhance capability to enable Air Force to support its new aircraft platforms.

For the most part SECFOr capability is now utilised for real-time operational taskings.

The blended workforce within SECFOr has meant Air Force can now deliver an expandable and broad security effect, both domestically and expeditionary, that enables the safe and secure operation of Air Force aircraft platforms.

PUT TO THE TESTExercise Hellfire gave No. 2 Security Forces Squadron personnel experience in live firing and high-effect explosives as well as the opportunity to test new capabilities, LS Jayson Tufrey reports.

AS 600 grams of plastic explosive detonates against the wall of the forward operating base (FOB), indicating an insurgent attack

with a rocket-propelled grenade, it’s game on for the troops from No. 2 Security Force Squadron.

Exercise Hellfire was held from July 6-18 at Wide Bay Training Area in Queensland.

It gave the members of 2SECFOR experience in live fire and operating under battle effects, while also requalifying members in the use of high explosives.

XO 2SECFOR SQNLDR Mark Sartori said this was the first time the squadron had participated in the exercise for some time.

“Until recently, the squadron has been heavily committed with operational deployments,” he said.

“This included 1SECFOR and 2SECFOR based in Tarin Kot, flightline security on Kandahar Airfield and other specialist roles like close personal protec-tion.”

In addition, 2SECFOR has been heav-ily involved in bridging training to support the new Security Forces capability require-ments.

With this in mind, one scenario at Exercise Hellfire was based on the squad-ron providing a security effect in support of an Evacuation Handling Centre (EHC)

where the threat to the airfield had esca-lated, albeit from a small insurgent-based enemy.

The scenario was developed in con-sultation with Combat Support Tactical Intelligence Flight, No. 87 Squadron.

2SECFOR employed Air Force Security elements including military working dogs, explosive detection dogs and airfield defence guards to provide the security effect for the EHC.

Personnel were put through their paces in scenario-based training, with FOBs and qualas, or compounds, that had an eerie resemblance to those in Afghanistan, however, were well suited to the regional scenario applied to the exercise.

The scenarios ranged from simulated probing harassment to full attacks with rocket-propelled grenades and small arms.

They were designed to not only test the responses of base security forces but also those of quick reaction forces, who deploy, in protected mobility vehicles, to counter-attack and secure the battlefield.

SQNLDR Sartori said morale was very high at the moment.

“Their performances have been great and their commitment is of a very high standard,” he said.

2SECFOR is now focusing on current exercises such as Pitch Black in Darwin, as well as preparing for the ongoing mis-sion in Afghanistan.

LS Jayson Tufrey

EXErCiSE Hellfire gave No. 2 Secu-rity Forces Squadron the opportu-nity to evaluate the new skills of the blended Security Forces (SECFOr) capability.

“in addition to the live firing, it has been the first opportunity to set up a deployed squadron headquar-ters,” 2SECFOr operations officer FLTLT Charlie Kearnan said.

“We are working up our admin, logistic and communications sup-port to the airmen in the field.”

FLTLT Kearnan said he was proud of the effort put in by both ground and airfield security forces airmen.

“Essentially what we are doing

here is upping the ante by throw-ing in a notional enemy force and scenarios that can replicate what the guys may encounter in the region,” he said.

“The highlight of the exercise was the integration of the SECFOr workforce. The diverse skills that the airmen bring to this culminating scenario is excellent.

“They have really stepped up to the plate and should all be very proud of themselves.”

FLTLT Kearnan said it had been a busy 12 months since the squadron first formed.

“We’ve had a few transitional issues to work through,” he said.

“However, we’re operating as a fully integrated force now.”

Blended security capabilities

No. 2 Security Forces Squadron’s Quick Reaction Force leaves the forward operating base to clear the battlefield after a contact during a live-fire exercise during Exercise Hellfire. Photos: LS Jayson Tufrey

A member of the Quick Reaction Force engages targets while clearing the battlefield after a contact.

Personnel from the Quick Reaction Force move out of the forward operating base after receiving a contact handover during a live-fire exercise.

RCEAIR FAugust 14, 20144 EXERCISE HELLFIRE

CPL Aaron Curran

IN THE 12 months since the estab-lishment of the new combined Security Forces (SECFOR), great strides have been made in refining its capability.

The SECFOR capability has been successfully employed oper-ationally in the Middle East and in a domestic capacity.

Most recently, the new collec-tive SECFOR capability require-ments were evaluated during Exercise Hellfire.

No. 2 Security Forces Squadron Base Security Officer SQNLDR Craig Scott, said the squadron had made significant inroads in har-nessing its security functions into a packaged force.

“We now can deliver an expandable and broad security effect both domestically and expe-ditionary,” he said.

“SECFOR can enable the safe and secure operation of Air Force flying assets.”

SQNLDR Scott said emerging aircraft, changing threat sources, establishment of super bases and unconventional expeditionary tasks were dictating that security was more important than ever to Air Force.

“2SECFOR can allocate resources to meet any security threats,” he said.

“Exercise Hellfire demonstrated this in a simulated high-threat environment, while 2SECFOR’s employment of airfield and ground

defence airman as a singular work-force at major bases showcases our domestic interoperability.”

SQNLDR Scott said that inter-operability was also proven dur-ing the royal visit to RAAF Base Amberley in April.

“An integrated SECFOR force provided security that ranged from venue screening with explosive detection dogs, access control and traffic management, crowd control, site security, motorcade control and principle protection,” he said.

“This security effect was suc-cessful and an approach that will be employed again on Exercise Pitch Black and the upcoming G20 to ensure we provide Air Force and the ADF with security which is effective in meeting any threat.”

Forces one year on and going strong

LS Jayson Tufrey

THERE is a special bond that forms between a handler and an explosive detection dog (EDD) – one which is based on the mutual trust that a dog expects from its handler, and the confi-dence in the dog to find its quarry.

The role of an EDD is to indicate the presence of explosives, both con-ventional and homemade, firearms and ammunition.

The training process varies from dog to dog and as a result it takes about 12 months to develop a competent EDD. Continuation training is undertaken on almost a daily basis thereafter.

Unlike military working dogs, whose role is security deterrence and man trailing, EDDs have an off-lead capability that, combined with their good nature, allows them to work freely among crowds while fulfilling their role requirements.

Exercise Hellfire was an opportunity to evaluate the EDDs development and capability.

CPL Heath Webber, of No. 2 Security Forces Squadron, said he couldn’t be more proud of his dog, Esky.

“It was great to see her working really well in this new environment,” he said.

“Her independence to go forward and find what she needs to has been her stand out characteristic. She has a great work ethic.”

CPL Webber has had Esky for about two-and-a-half years.

“Generally you keep the same dog for your whole career,” he said

“You keep them until they are retired through injury, or they are just not work-ing to the required standard.

“We manage all our dogs well, but every now and again Esky does get a bit spoilt.

“I love my job, I couldn’t think of anything else I’d rather do.”

The EDD capability transitioned to form part of the collective Security Force capability on July 4 last year and in doing so the requirements of the EDD were further developed.

2SECFOR’s EDD capability has been used for CHOGM and dignitary visits to Australia such as the Pope, US President Obama and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

600g of plastic explosive is detonated simulating an improvised explosive device detonation during a live-fire exercise during Exercise Hellfire. Photo: LS Jayson Tufrey

CPL Heath Webber with EDD Esky before a live-fire exercise as part of Exercise Hellfire.Photo: LS Jayson Tufrey Skills not to be

sniffed at

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