AIRF RCEVol. 59, No. 21, November 16, 2017 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

Our Spartan gets the thumbs up for its first major international exercise

Pages 14-15

GOOD TO GO

35SQN Loadmaster SGT Paul Graham gives the all clear as a Container Delivery System descends under parachute during airdrop operations at Exercise Southern Katipo.Photo: SGT Ricky Fuller

OUR F-35ATesting air combat prowess with the

Indonesians Pages 4-5

DOGFIGHT ZONEMass skydive

for charity

Page 2

BIG LEAP

Pages 6-7

There’s a buzz in the air at Williamtown

EDITORIALDirectorDavid Edlington

EditorLawrence Dutrieux: (02) 6266 7612

ReportersWO2 Andrew HetheringtonCPL Bill SolomouCPL Max BreeCPL Mark DoranCPL Sebastian Beurich

raafnews@defencenews.gov.auThe Editor, Air Force News, R8-LG-047, PO Box 7909, Department of Defence, ACT 2600

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DISCLAIMERAir Force News is published fortnightly by the Directorate of Defence News. It is printed under contract by Horton Media Australia Ltd. The material published is selected for its interest. The views expressed in published articles are not necessarily those of Defence or Air Force News. Every advertisement is subject to Directorate of Defence News approval and the Directorate of Defence News may, at its discretion, refuse to accept an advertisement. The Directorate accepts no responsibility or liability in relation to any loss due to the failure of an advertisement to appear or if it appears in a form not in accordance with the instructions received by the Directorate of Defence News. Defence does not endorse the products or services published in advertisements.

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2 November 16, 2017RCEAIR FNews

Taking the plunge

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Eamon Hamilton

THE airdrop talents of No. 36 Squadron have raised more than $30,000 for Legacy, and drawn atten-tion for women in aviation.

On November 2, a C-17A from 36SQN carried 83 female skydiv-ers for the Women in Adventure Sports initiative, making two drops to RAAF Base Amberley.

Two days later, a C-17A delivered about 200 skydivers to Toogoolawah drop zone, northwest of Brisbane.

Officer Commanding No. 86 Wing GPCAPT Adam Williams said skydivers donated money to Legacy for the opportunity to participate in the jump.

“This is our second year partner-ing with the skydiving community to support Legacy with a C-17A event,” GPCAPT Williams said.

“It’s allowed us to bring attention to the work conducted by this organi-sation, and raise money in support of its charity work.”

The Legacy jump on November 4 also provided an opportunity for five Legacy youths to make a rare jump from a C-17A.

Legacy you th ambassador Brianna Anderson lost her father in 2014, and said the jump offered an insight into his experiences.

“One of my dad’s favourite things to do when he was in the Special Air Service was parachuting,” she said.

“I felt nervous and excited, and absolutely thrilled to be able to jump out of a C-17A.

“The exhilaration and rush I felt was phenomenal, and I can now see why my dad loved jumping out of ‘perfectly good aeroplanes’.”

For an ultimate ‘bucket list’ item, Ms Anderson said she couldn’t contain her excitement when she was chosen as one of five Legacy Brisbane youth leaders to participate in the event.

“I am so grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime experience and I would like to say ‘thank you’ to the RAAF, GPCAPT Adam Williams, Legacy Brisbane, Ipswich Legacy, Ramblers Skydivers and to everyone else who

made this incredible day possible,” Ms Anderson said.

GPCAPT Williams said support-ing the Women in Adventure Sports program had allowed “us to showcase the opportunities available to women in aviation, whether that be with a career or through their pastime”.

Women make up around half of all first-time skydivers, but on aver-age only about 14 per cent of those take it up as a sport.

Through the Women in Adventure Sports initiative, the Australian Parachuting Federation is seeking to shift this imbalance, as parachuting is one of the few sports where men and women are able to compete on equal footing.

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OCTOBER TRIAL RESULTS

Officer Commanding 86WG GPCAPT Adam Williams and Brisbane Legacy youth ambassador Brianna Anderson prepare to board a 36SQN C-17A.

See Legacy foot-age at: http://video.defence.gov.au/play/5443#Women in Adventure Sports footage: 5442#

Supported by Defence personnel, skydivers from the Women in Adventure Sports initiative jump out of a 36SQN C-17A Globemaster above RAAF Base Amberley.Photos: CPL Ben Dempster

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3November 16, 2017RCEAIR F Senior enlisted leaders summit

We need to lead the charge

WOFF-AF Robert Swanwick at his inaugural Air Force Senior Enlisted Leaders’ Summit held in Canberra. Photos: CPL Bill Solomou

Shaping our future needsCPL Bill Solomou

MORE than 300 senior personnel from across Australia gathered in Canberra for the inaugural Air Force Senior Enlisted Leaders’ Summit (AFSELS) from October 30-31.

A WOFF-AF and CAF initiative, AFSELS enabled SELs to reflect on our journey towards becoming the world’s first full fifth-generation work-force.

AFSELS sought to identify issues and help develop specific leadership strategies to guide airmen during our next generation evolution.

Attendees were presented with the Air Force Strategy 2017-27 and CAF’s

five change vectors: international engagement; infrastructure; people capability; joint warfighting; and com-munication and information systems.

WOFF-AF Rob Swanwick said sergeants through to warrant officers listened, discussed, learned and shared experiences to recognise past achieve-ments of Air Force and how to contrib-ute to our future strategic direction.

He said our SELs were “the key in our evolution into a fifth-generation combat force”.

“Our SELs bring unique attributes to assist in developing a future force that achieves the Plan Jericho vision and the Air Force Strategy 2017-2027,” he said.

WOFF-AF Swanwick said he and CAF were committed to empowering SELs to make decisions that would positively impact personnel, training, operational and support matters.

“SELs are encouraged to sup-port initiative and innovative thinking throughout our workforce and provide guidance and direction to command,” he said.

The summit was also an opportu-nity for Air Force’s SELs to liaise with key elements of Defence’s strategic planning and development staff.

“Air Force seeks to understand the role and the expectations of our SELs,” WOFF-AF Swanwick said.

NO. 382 Squadron WOFF Vanessa Schneider (left) said the summit “was a great opportunity to discuss real concerns, real issues that we have with the Air Force and our future to 2027”.

“For SELs, this cements the Air Force plan 2017-2027 and helps us understand how we can communicate that to our troops,” WOFF Schneider said.

“For me, it gives me a better understanding of that plan, and a better understanding of the part that we need to play.

“And, most importantly, the knowledge on how our senior leaders put their trust in us here to communicate that plan to the rest of the Air Force.”

WOFF Schneider said she would communicate the information to her troops.

“I will take the plan and the vectors to them,” she said. “As senior enlisted leaders, if we don’t lead the change, it will not happen.”

SGT Luke Goddard (right), trainer at RAAF Base Edinburgh, said the sum-mit allowed him to gain some insight and knowledge into different leader-ship styles.

“I believe this is a great oppor-tunity to engage in an exchange of knowledge and networking at the SNCO level,” SGT Goddard said.

“The best way to lead people is to gain knowledge and experience through other SNCOs and to put that into practice.”

ADFA’s Academy Sergeant Major WOFF Scott Chenery (right) attend-ed the summit to catch up with senior leaders.

“I have been out of the Air Force world for the past five years,” WOFF Chenery said.

“So getting back in and talking purely Air Force was something I enjoyed.

“Summits like this are really important – this was a great opportu-nity to listen and learn.”

Chance to engage

WHAT OUR LEADERS SAID:

Let’s guide our juniors

Listen and learn

DEFENCE Communication Station Operations Manager FSGT Susie Cole (left) said attending the AFSELS was impor-tant to improve connections.

“The conference was not only for my professional development and networking, but also to find out how the rest of Air Force is going,” FSGT Cole said.

“Being part of Chief Information Officer Group you can feel a little bit pigeon-holed and away from the Air Force family, so this is a great opportunity to connect and take back some of the information.

“For me it is the importance of support and communication, right down to the bottom levels.

“Juniors coming in are smart when it comes to their general skill set, but when it comes to Air Force, it is up to senior leaders to guide them.”

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4 November 16, 2017RCEAIR FNews

EIGHT F/A-18 Hornets from No. 75 Squadron and seven F-16 Fighting Falcons from Tentara Nasional Indonesia-Angkatan

Udara (TNI-AU) joined forces in the Northern Territory for Exercise Elang AusIndo last month.

The two-week, bilateral air training exercise aimed to enhance, develop and promote engagement between TNI-AU and RAAF.

CO 75SQN WGCDR Michael Grant said the flying aspects of the exercise, which ended on October 27, involved a building-block approach.

“The first week of the exercise entailed air combat manoeuvring – start-ing with one-on-one dogfighting and then increasing in complexity to one-on-two in order to challenge our pilots,” WGCDR Grant said.

“During the second week, our pilots coordinated during beyond-visual range integrated missions.

“Instead of one-on-one or one-on-two, we progressed to four aircraft versus an

unknown number of simulated adversar-ies.”

WGCDR Grant said training with dis-similar aircraft and learning with TNI-AU paid off for 75SQN.

“The squadron was able to build a more powerful, stronger and knowledge-able team, as such exercises facilitate opportunities to enhance our tactical mastery.”

WGCDR Grant congratulated TNI-AU personnel on their performance during the exercise and said they were outstanding in terms of capability, profes-sionalism and tactical execution.

“I’ve been quite impressed by the Indonesians. They’re crisp in their ground operations and have been professional during their briefs, debriefs and tactical execution,” he said.

WGCDR Grant said the exercise helped develop Air Force’s international relationships to “ensure that we are pre-pared to operate with TNI-AU in the future”.

Mastery bred of friendly dogfightsNeighbours enhance their cooperation by embracing their differences

An F/A-18A Hornet waits at RAAF Base Darwin to be readied for flying with Indonesian air force jets.

5November 16, 2017RCEAIR F News

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FOR ACW Kristy Stevenson and CPL Brendan Baldwin, supporting No. 75 Squadron during Exercise Elang AusIndo was an exciting experience.

ACW Stevenson, an aircraft techni-cian, was responsible for tasks such as flightline shift, launching, servicing and checking the overall condition of the F/A-18 Hornet.

“You have to be prepared for every error that may come up on the jet or prob-lem we might face during the exercise,” ACW Stevenson said.

“One of the main challenges is making sure you have everything you need to do the jobs.”

CPL Baldwin, an aircraft life support fitter, said the facilities at RAAF Base Darwin were effective and decreased the challenges for his team.

“A benefit of operating at RAAF Base

Darwin is that it’s very similar to working at Tindal,” CPL Baldwin said.

“The facilities at Darwin are great, enabling us to move in and start working with relative ease.”

Away from the flightline, ACW Stevenson said she enjoyed the oppor-tunity to socialise with members of the Indonesian Air Force, despite the language barriers.

“At the opening ceremony, we had a welcome barbecue where we got to say hello and have some small talk,” she said.

“We also got to see each other at the mess. They were always friendly, welcom-ing and so accommodating.”

CPL Baldwin said hand signals were a great way to overcome the language barrier. He said the Indonesians “had a great attitude and were eager to learn our Australian slang”.

Launch and lingo in good hands

ACW Kristy Stevenson and CPL Brendan Baldwin fit exhaust bung covers, made by the squadron’s life support fitters, to an F/A-18A Hornet during Exercise Elang AusIndo 17.

COMBAT Support Group’s Base Aviation Safety Officer (BASO) at RAAF Base Darwin played a vital role in the safe operation of Exercise Elang AusIndo 17.

No. 13 Squadron BASO SQNLDR David Anderson is passionate about ensuring nothing threatens the safety of flight or an individual.

“The BASO has broadly two main roles – the first is a responsibility to ensure a safe operating environment airside for all operators,” he said.

“It involves being the link for air traf-fic control at Darwin and working close-

ly with Darwin International Airport staff, ensuring their operations are not impacted by military aviation activities or vice versa.

“The second role is to respond as the incident site commander for all mili-tary aircraft incidents and the Air Force forward commander for civilian aircraft.”

He said his role as BASO during the exercise was challenging.

“With a foreign nation operating at the airfield, it was important that any differences we have in safety standards were identified early and a mutual posi-tion was reached.”

A passion for safety

Above: OC 81WG GPCAPT Tim Alsop (left) greets the Air Attache to the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, COL Riva Yanto, during the opening ceremony for Exercise Elang AusIndo.Left: Indonesian air force F-16 pilots prepare their jets to fly with 75SQN F/A-18A Hornets.Below: Air Force technicians watch the shutdown of an F/A-18A Hornet at RAAF Base Darwin during Exercise Elang AusIndo.Photo: FLGOFF Deanna Ellick

Stories: FLGOFF Deanna EllickPhotos: SGT Rob Hack

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6 November 16, 2017RCEAIR FNews

Alisha Welch

A TALENTED engineering officer has been recognised for his integral role in the design, delivery and commissioning of critical F-35A facilities at RAAF Bases Tindal and Williamtown.

FLTLT Mitchel Heming, of No. 381 Squadron, was instrumental as the Facilities Support Officer during his posting to the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Division from September 2014 until October 2016.

Director General JSF Acquisition and Sustainment AIRCDRE Terry Saunder pre-sented a Defence Support Services Silver Commendat ion to FLTLT Heming at Williamtown during the base’s Site Activation Task Force activity in September.

AIRCDRE Saunder said FLTLT Heming had performed above and beyond that expected of someone at his rank level and experience.

He said FLTLT Heming was truly deserving of extra recognition for his work in keeping the F-35A facilities program on schedule.

“In what was only his second post-ing after graduating with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from ADFA, FLTLT Heming was intimately involved in the design process for the new F-35A facilities at both Tindal and Williamtown,” AIRCDRE Saunder said.

“He was heavily involved in planning and coordinating the commissioning, handover and takeover of the new facilities, which is an extremely complex and challenging role.”

FLTLT Heming coordinated the handover and occupancy of Australia’s first F-35A facil-ity – the Off Board Information Systems Centre (OBISC), which opened at Williamtown on July 5.

“In the absence of the facilities project

manager during two extended periods, FLTLT Heming was able to step up and fulfil the full duties of a squadron leader and perform to a high standard,” AIRCDRE Saunder said.

FLTLT Heming said his posting to JSF Division was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work on a high-profile project.

“It was rewarding seeing such crucial mile-stones at the beginning of construction of the new facilities at Williamtown, and seeing the results of our work as construction progressed,” FLTLT Heming said.

“The opportunity to work closely with the fast-jet world and gain an understanding of their requirements, and how they operate, was exceptional.”

He said the highlights of his posting to JSF Division were working with a great team and seeing the progress of construction after being so heavily involved in the design of the facili-ties.

AIRCDRE Saunder said throughout FLTLT Heming’s posting, his confidence and knowl-edge increased dramatically – to the point where he was able to make design decisions on a daily basis and contribute at a peer level with stakeholder groups several ranks above his own.

“Had FLTLT Heming not demonstrated such a high level of initiative and stakehold-er engagement in coordinating the handover of the OBISC at Williamtown, the ability for F-35A personnel to begin operating that facil-ity – and the information systems fit-out of that facility to commence – would have certainly been delayed,” he said.

“This would have had a direct impact on the critical path to establishing the F-35A Initial Operating Capability. In this way, he directly contributed to Defence capability.”

Deft skills a win for JSF

Director General JSF Acquisition and Sustainment AIRCDRE Terry Saunder presents FLTLT Mitchel Heming with a Silver Commendation for his work in JSF Division. Photo: SQNLDR Phil Whiteman

7November 2, 2017RCEAIR F News

Brooke McEwan

THE flightline at No. 3 Squadron at RAAF Base Williamtown was “electric” last month with the test-ing of virtual F-35A operations at the recently commissioned F-35A Off-Board Information Systems Centre (OBISC).

Officer In Charge (OIC) OBISC SQNLDR Stuart Carpenter said the first OBISC test event signified another important achievement on the Australian F-35A Project.

“In addition to other func-tions, the OBISC gives Australia the ability to test software prior to integration into the Defence Single Information Environment. It also provides the opportunity for staff to gain an understanding of F-35A procedures and processes prior to the arrival of the first aircraft in December 2018,” SQNLDR Carpenter said.

“The test event was arranged to demonstrate the varied capabilities of the OBISC, providing confidence to Air Force that we are prepared for the significant change that this fifth-generation technology will bring to Defence.”

While the first OBISC test event was considered a success, challeng-es remain as the Australian F-35A Project prepares to support the arrival of the first F-35A aircraft.

“Over the next 12 months we will continue to grow our workforce to prepare for the first aircraft arriv-al,” SQNLDR Carpenter said.

“We will also receive our first F-35A Deployable Information Communication Technology Facility in early 2018 that we will not only have to learn how to oper-ate locally, but also use in support of the ferry of initial aircraft to Australia.”

In the future, the OBISC may

provide an opportunity for Australia to assist in software testing as part of the global F-35 Program.

SQNLDR Carpenter said the OBISC was an Australian dedicated information systems centre built to manage and sustain the highly complex global F-35 information system known as ALIS (Autonomic Logistics Information System).

The recent test event provided hands-on ALIS training and famil-iarisation for Air Force members.

It also allowed for the validation of Enterprise Architecture Model (EAM)-developed business pro-cesses.

The Australian F-35A Project has spent several years developing the EAM – a mapping tool used to help identify Australian unique business process and support requirements – to ensure a smooth integration of the F-35A into Air Force.

Alisha Welch

WITH just over a year until the first two F-35A aircraft arrive in Australia, RAAF Base Williamtown personnel have joined other subject matter experts to assess the base’s readiness to support critical F-35A air operations.

The fourth and final annual Site Activation Task Force (SATAF) activity in September involved personnel from Defence, Australian industry, the US F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO), and prime contractors Lockheed Martin Aero and Pratt & Whitney working together to clar-ify issues and identify areas where more work is required.

Monthly reviews have now com-menced in the lead-up to the arrival of the first F-35A aircraft in December 2018.

Acting Project Director In-Service Support WGCDR Vince Palmeri, of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Division, said SATAF provided an opportunity to check everything from aircrew and maintenance training, information systems, airworthi-ness, engineering, logistics, on-base ser-vices and security, in order to begin and sustain future F-35A air operations.

“The fourth SATAF was a success due to the people who went to a lot of effort to organise and run the activity, but equally to those who attended and participated in discussions to clarify and confirm the base’s status with regard to being ready for F-35A air operations,” WGCDR Palmeri said.

“It was also encouraging to see base representatives take on action items to ensure their respective areas will be trans-formed, as required, to accommodate the new capability, with a focus on the entire F-35A air system.”

D u r i n g t h e a c t iv i t y, p a r t i c i -pants worked through a realistic train-ing exercise that demonstrated the col-lective strength of the diverse team at Williamtown.

“The scenario involved an F-35A, with weapons, hitting a flock of pelicans and a pilot suffering concussion, yet able to safely land the aircraft,” WGCDR Palmeri said.

“Personnel fulfilling various emergen-cy response, engineering, maintenance, logistics and sustainment functions then worked through the response to the inci-dent. This included immediate response and medical teams removing the aircraft from the runway and testing the effective-ness of the maintenance, engineering and supply chain given the extent of damage to the aircraft.

“Everyone had a role to play – the combined experience of the Williamtown team was impressive.”

WGCDR Palmeri said this level of planning would help ensure Australia was ready to support the new fifth-generation capability, but added it was important not to get complacent.

“Now we will roll straight into the Sustainment Readiness Review bat-tle rhythm and continue to engage with base representatives to be certain that Williamtown will be ready when the F-35A aircraft touch down next year,” he said.

Director-General JSF Acquisition and Sustainment AIRCDRE Terry Saunder said the impending arrival of the first two F-35A aircraft was an exciting time for Air Force.

“We will rely on coordination across Defence and with our industry partners to operate and optimise the F-35A capabil-ity,” AIRCDRE Saunder said.

“A ‘One Defence’ approach will be critical to success in our transition to this fifth-generation capability.

“SATAF is one part of a coordinated approach and careful planning to ensure the successful start to F-35A air operations in Australia from late 2018.”

Our first F-35s on track for delivery

One of two F-35As that took part in the Australian

International Airshow earlier this year departs

RAAF Base Amberley for the event.

Photo: CPL Casey Gaul

Buzz in the air at Williamtown

The Off-Board Information Systems Centre (OBISC) is an Australian dedicated informa-tion systems centre built to manage and sustain the highly complex global F-35 infor-mation system known as ALIS (Autonomic Logistics Information System).

ALIS provides the information system infra-structure (hardware, software and data) that performs maintenance management, fault diagnostics, supply support, mission planning and training management across the F-35A weapon system.

WHAT IS AN OBISC?

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8 November 16, 2017RCEAIR FNews

FLTLT Jessica Aldred

AN Air Force-wide security awareness campaign will soon be under way to remind mem-bers of their vital contribution to keep our service secure.

As we evolve into a fifth-generation Air Force, security requirements will become great-er with more technologically advanced aircraft, systems and infrastructure.

Director Security – Air Force (DSEC-AF) GPCAPT Wayne Kelly is focused on Air Force’s security and the role all airmen have in protecting our capability edge over potential adversaries. This includes the protection of our people, aircraft, information, infrastructure and reputation.

“ T h e i n t r o d u c t i o n o f advanced air and space power operational capability has fun-damentally changed the Air Force security environment,” GPCAPT Kelly said.

“We are living in an uncer-

tain world where the threat to our people and capabilities continue to evolve both within Australia and on operations.

“And as we move into a fifth-generation Air Force and our operating environment becomes increasingly chal-lenged, each airman plays an important part in protecting Australia’s air power.

“Security forms the corner-stone of Air Force’s capabil-ity. It’s a command-led activity involving all Air Force and sup-porting personnel and is essen-tial to ensure the successful gen-eration and sustainment of air power.”

DSEC-AF was established in 2015, with full operating capa-bility earmarked by 2020.

It provides Air Force with a strategic-level focal point to ensure security considerations are considered within the broad context of the Defence Security Principles Framework.

Specifically, the directorate

is responsible for a number of security requirements includ-ing: Air Force security and ground defence doctrine and policy; positive vetting manage-ment; security governance and accountability; service polic-ing; and law enforcement and investigative support to meet mandated security and policing requirements.

Much of this as achieved through interaction with sup-porting agencies such as the ADF Investigative Service and the Defence Security and Vetting Service.

Most importantly, DSEC-AF recognises the need to build greater security awareness with-in the Air Force culture.

With information-driven platforms, infrastructure and people, each Air Force member will play a role in protecting our future Air Force.

To find out more visit: http://drnet/raaf/DSEC-AF/Pages/Welcome.aspx

Heads up: be more vigilant

Mission data is checked on a tablet before a sortie

on a P-8A Poseidon out of RAAF Base Edinburgh.

Photo: CPL Craig Barrett

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9November 16, 2017RCEAIR F News

Simone Liebelt

NO. 24 (City of Adelaide) Squadron (24SQN) has marched proudly through its home city, 23 years after it last exer-cised its right to do so.

Led by CO 24SQN WGCDR Gretchen Fryar, more than 80 current and former members of 24SQN, based at RAAF Base Edinburgh, participat-ed in the Freedom of Entry parade on October 30, accompanied by the Air Force Band.

In a special honour for the squadron, the parade formed up in the grounds of Government House, where the Governor of South Australia, Hieu Van Le, inspected the parade in his role as Honorary AIRCDRE to 24SQN.

The parade then marched along King William Street, towards Adelaide Town Hall, where South Australia Police Assistant Commissioner Paul Dickson provided the traditional Freedom of Entry Challenge.

A flypast by a P-8A Poseidon air-craft from 11SQN marked the occasion.

WGCDR Fryar said it was a special event, in more ways than one.

“The last time I participated in a Freedom of Entry was as a Flight Commander early in 1997 [in Victoria], and I had been in the Air Force for less than a year,” WGCDR Fryar said.

“This time took on a whole new level of significance as I had over 21 years of service behind me, and almost two years as CO of 24SQN. I felt an immense sense of pride for the people of my squadron, and it was really an

honour and a privilege to march through the beautiful city of Adelaide.”

She said it was “like an historical re-enactment that made for good visual theatre”.

“I loved the sense of ceremony, and I think that was the best part for those people who had stood by to watch the parade as well,” WGCDR Fryar said.

“It was also wonderful to include members of 24SQN Association in the event [as spectators] as a number of them had participated in the original march in 1979. I really felt that we were marching for all the members of 24SQN over the past 77 years, not just for ourselves.”

Participating in the march was also a rewarding experience for junior squad-ron member LAC Dean Arnold.

“This is my first posting [to 24SQN] and the first time I’ve been involved in a Freedom of Entry parade,” LAC Arnold said.

“It was also the first time I’ve been involved in an event with a flypast, so it was great to take part and to see so many people here in Adelaide come out and watch us march through the city.”

24SQN was granted permission by the city of Adelaide to be designated as No. 24 (City of Adelaide) Squadron on May 7, 1951. The right to Freedom of Entry to the city of Adelaide was subsequently granted to the squadron on April 28, 1979.

24SQN has only exercised its right to Freedom of Entry on two other occa-sions, in 1989 and 1994.

CO 24SQN (City of Adelaide) WGCDR Gretchen Fryar (centre) leads the squadron along King William Street in Adelaide.

Following proud steps

24SQN (City of Adelaide) Flight Commander FLTLT Benjamin Whyte stands proudly at Government House during the squadron’s first Freedom of Entry parade to the city of Adelaide in 23 years. Photos: CPL David Cotton

See footage at: http://video.defence.gov.au/play/5444#

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10 November 16, 2017RCEAIR FWhite Ribbon Day

MEETING someone who had experienced vio-lence has prompted a call for Air Force mem-bers to again support White Ribbon Day on November 25.

Chair of the White Ribbon Canberra region committee GPCAPT Ernie Walsh said he had recently met a “brave young survivor” who at 16 was beaten by her partner and left for dead.

“Suffering horrific brain injuries, she spent three years in rehabilitation, and only began to talk again after five years,” GPCAPT Walsh said.

He joined the victim, Angela Barker, now 30, at a recent “healthy relationship” awareness talk at a high school assembly.

GPCAPT Walsh told students: “This is why we need to raise awareness, to prevent Angela’s ordeal from happening to other women and girls.”

Defence began its annual White Ribbon Day events in 2013 with various activities held across Australia.

Air Force personnel based in the Canberra region can join a White Ribbon ‘Bridge to Bridge’ walk around Lake Burley Griffin on November 24 from 7.15am at Blamey Square. Lions Club will host a free barbecue breakfast after the walk.

GPCAPT Walsh said an event such as Bridge to Bridge was the perfect activity as “it will encourage conversations, which rais-es awareness, and that aligns with the White Ribbon vision”.

“The role Defence plays within society, makes this event significant for White Ribbon, as the message and the conversations from this walk, will spread out further in the community and beyond.”

GPCAPT Walsh, director Corporate Governance and Information Management at AFHQ, became a White Ribbon ambassa-dor when Air Mobility Group (AMG) worked towards workplace accreditation in 2014.

At the time, a catalyst for AMG’s move followed when a junior member approached Commander Air Lift Group AIRCDRE Warren McDonald. She shared her experience of domestic violence and recommended that AMG become a White Ribbon workplace.

After GPCAPT Walsh moved to Canberra early last year he continued to participate in White Ribbon events.

Following a reinvigoration of the local White Ribbon committee, GPCAPT Walsh was put forward as the chair of the White Ribbon capital region committee, which meets once a month.

Members who participate in the walk should show their support in service colours: GPU pants, Air Force T-shirt or approved unit T-shirt and sports shoes or boots.

For more information visit www.airforce.gov.au/Our-People/White-Ribbon or whiteribbon.org.au

Show your support

After a massacre in a col-lege in Montreal in 1989, when 14 women were killed by a gunman, a small group of Canadian men started a male-led movement for the prevention of violence against women, known as White Ribbon. Today, more than 57 countries now par-ticipate in the annual aware-ness raising event – White Ribbon Day – on November 25. Air Force, Navy and Army are all White Ribbon accredited workplaces.

HOW IT STARTED

The Air Force Balloon fitted with a White

Ribbon scoop flies over Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra.

Photo: SGT Pete Gammie

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INNOVATIVE thinking has earned No. 2 Flying Training School the 2017 Sir Lawrence Wackett Innovation in Training Award.

CDR AFTG AIRCDRE Geoff Harland said the purpose of the award was to recognise the importance of innovative thinking among AFTG units.

“Ongoing innovation is expected to be at the forefront of everything we do in Air Force Training Group,” he said.

“2FTS has been recognised for embracing innovation and the introduction of the Performance Enhancement Program (PEP).”

AIRCDRE Harland said changes such as upgrading the QFI program, emergency of the day scenario-based training, trainee-led briefings and the introduction of the hypoxia prevention policy were just some of the reasons 2FTS took this year’s award.

CO 2FTS WGCDR David Strong said 2FTS was proud to be selected for the award because it recognised the expansive range of innovative solutions the unit had developed and implemented.

“It takes a lot of dedication, criti-cal thinking, vision and an ability to embrace change to take on the chal-lenge of innovation,” WGCDR Strong said.

“Each member of 2FTS has con-tributed to improving capability out-comes and as a result of our innovation

The power of innovation

SIR Lawrence Wackett was a pilot with No. 3 Squadron during WWI.

He was responsible for modi-fying the standard bomb-rack/release gear fitted to the RE8 aircraft to carry two 1000-round boxes of ammunition.

This provided the capability to para-drop ammunition from the bomb racks to resupply the machine-gunners in the front line prior to the Battle of Hamel.

These innovative changes to the aircraft later earned Sir Lawrence the Distinguished Flying Cross.

FAST FACT

CDR AWC AIRCDRE Vincent Iervasi, CO 2FTS WGCDR David Strong and OC ATW GPCAPT Mark McCallum with the Sir Lawrence Wackett trophy awarded to 2FTS. Photo: Joondalup Photo Design

we are significantly better placed to introduce the PC-21 Pilot Training System and take full advantage of it.”

WGCDR Strong said he spe-cifically wanted to recognise FLTLT Anthony Rooke, FLTLT David Jackson and FLTLT Sam Da Graca Costa for their drive to improve train-ing outcomes at 2FTS.

“It was their dedication that under-pinned the success of PEP, the Female Graduate Forum and the Adaptive Learning Management Plan,” he said.

“These initiatives have helped create a more flexible adult learning environment at 2FTS where everyone can achieve their best within a culture of success.”

11November 16, 2017RCEAIR F News

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REMUSTERING to a Crew Attendant (CREWATT) from a Military Working Dog Handler (MWDH) has

been a huge success for LAC Julian Dyer – both personally and for the unit.

During his initial posting to No. 34 Squadron as a MWDH he was introduced to the CREWATT role.

“Before coming here I did not know that crew attendant roles existed,” he said.

LAC Dyer said one reason he sought a change from dog handling was that he was not doing the work he initially was trained to do.

“The role of dog handler changed and it wasn’t what I joined up to do,” he said.

“So I wanted to try and find a job that I was able to use the train-ing that I was provided with, and use it in a future role.

“I spoke to several of the CREWATT’s here, so I become interested and applied for a trans-fer.”

While performing his role at 34SQN, LAC Dyer found himself in

two situations where he had to “step up” to achieve tasking outcomes.

Firstly, a CREWATT fell ill on board a BBJ 737 which was carry-ing the prime minister. As he did not want to interrupt the flow of tasking, LAC Dyer volunteered to assist in a time of need.

Secondly, on an international flight on board a Challenger CL-604, he “stepped up” to take control of tasking without supervi-sion or guidance, which lead to him being awarded a category upgrade.

These are just some highlights from the experienced airman, who has taken on his new role with full gusto.

LAC Dyer said he was appre-ciative of the remustering process and he encouraged other Air Force members looking at a career change to definitely do the research and apply for a transfer.

Members seeking to remuster should contact their career managers or view information online at: http://drnet/raaf/DPAF/SEAT/Pages/EOI_s.aspx

Fresh change LIFE IN THE RAAF

In our series profiling our people, CPL Bill Solomou meets a member who reveals the benefits of remustering

Crew Attendant LAC Julian Dyer on the job at RAAF Base

Fairbairn in Canberra.Photo: CPL Bill Solomou

13November 16, 2017RCEAIR F News

14 15RCEAIR FExercise Southern Katipo November 16, 2017

F OR the first time since Defence brought it into service, a No. 35 Squadron C-27J Spartan has been deployed to participate in a major

international exercise.The Spartan provided an air mobility

capability in New Zealand last month for Exercise Southern Katipo 2017 – the New Zealand Defence Force’s largest com-bined and joint exercise.

The exercise featured a variety of air, land and sea scenarios, including intel-ligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, the evacuation of civilians, delivery of humanitarian aid, maritime patrols, peacekeeping operations and con-ventional warfighting.

Thirteen countries participated in Southern Katipo, contributing 17 fixed-wing aircraft, six helicopters, five ships and more than 3000 ground force person-nel, as well as civilian agencies such as Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The Spartan transported more than 200 troops – including soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines from Papua New Guinea, French Polynesia, Timor-Leste, the United States, New Zealand and Australia – with their equipment and 11,000 pounds of cargo into the exercise area.

35SQN C-27J Detachment

Commander FLTLT Jason Meyers said deploying to New Zealand for the exer-cise demonstrated the squadron’s pro-gress in the past two years in getting the aircraft fully operational.

“Our participation in the exercise represents a massive leap forwards for 35SQN, demonstrating our ability to operate the C-27J Spartan in support of military operations, not just in Australia but also abroad,” he said.

FLTLT Meyers, who was also the captain of the deployed Spartan, said the C-27J contributed a unique capability to the exercise.

“We were one of the smallest fixed-wing aircraft operating in the fleet for the exercise, which also had C-17s and Royal New Zealand Air Force and United States Air Force C-130s,” he said.

“The Spartan can operate more freely in environments where the C-17 is impacted by restrictions, making us a valuable capability for getting troops and cargo where they need to go, even in challenging situations.”

FLTLT Meyers said Southern Katipo provided his crew with training opportu-nities that would be difficult to replicate in Australia.

“I operated with two co-pilots and three loadmasters who were building their experience in this aircraft type,” he said.

“One of my co-pilots was there straight out of his initial qualification for the C-27J, so it was an excellent oppor-tunity for him to enhance his experience and improve his knowledge and operating abilities on this aircraft.

“Additionally, the weather in New Zealand was temperamental and chal-lenging, with frequent low cloud, rain and constant windy conditions around most of the airfields and drop zones we were operating into.

“If you combine that with the moun-tainous terrain in the South Island, it provided my co-pilots, the loadmasters and me with a unique and valuable train-ing experience that we couldn’t really get back home.”

As well as transporting personnel and equipment to air force bases all over New Zealand, the C-27J Spartan crew also conducted airdrops to help resupply troops in the field as the exercise devel-oped into its peacekeeping and warfight-ing phases.

The ADF also deployed a KA350 King Air and air load teams to support the Exercise Southern Katipo 2017 Air Task Group. An Air Force C-130 Hercules sup-ported the deployment of personnel from Australia to New Zealand.

Our Spartan flexes its muscles in the international arena during its first major multinational exercise

SPREADING ITS WINGSLACW Georgia Bennie and military working dog Kuga at RNZAF Base Woodbourne during Exercise Southern Katipo 2017.

A 35SQN Spartan arrives to unload supplies and personnel during Exercise Southern Katipo 2017.

LAC Lucas McNaughton directs a forklift into position

as a container delivery system is loaded onto a

Spartan in New Zealand.

Timor-Leste troops disembark a C-27J Spartan at RNZAF Base Woodbourne during Exercise Southern Katipo.

Air Load Team personnel load a

Container Delivery System onto a C-27J

Spartan at RNZAF Ohakea.

Stories: LEUT Sarah WestPhotos: SGT Ricky Fuller

See footage at: http://video.defence.gov.au/play/5430#

More on Spartan’s exploits Pages 18-19

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DADIRRI, an Aboriginal word for deep listening, was dem-onstrated by all attendees at this year’s Defence Aboriginal

and Torres Strait Islander Network (DATSIN) Conference.

More than 300 personnel from across Australia listened and shared their Defence journeys, on Ngunnawal land in Canberra from November 2-3.

The conference provided a forum for ADF and APS personnel, supervisors and supporters at all levels to contribute to the development of indigenous ini-tiatives and their own personal develop-ment in Defence.

The 2017 theme ‘Reflect. Learn. Progress … together’ was selected to acknowledge the significant anniversa-ries commemorated in 2017 and also the shared journey both indigenous and non-indigenous Australians have to achieve reconciliation.

The conference provided the oppor-tunity to reflect on some of the sig-nificant milestones including: 20 years since the release of the Bringing Them Home Report, 25 years since the Mabo decision, 25 years since the Redfern speech and 50 years since the 1967 Referendum.

W O F F M i c h a e l E n c h o n g , Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Programs – Air Force at Brindabella Park, is no stranger to the DATSIN community.

He said, this year’s DATSIN Conference theme, “acknowledged the struggles our people have made collec-tively through recent history”.

“But it also acknowledges the sacri-fices that our forefathers made to make Defence a better place for our people today,” WOFF Enchong said.

“Historically our people learn from

our Elders and in today’s ADF we con-tinue to learn and build on the successes our people have made in Defence since the inception of the ADF.”

WOFF Enchong said DATSIN had grown from 75 attendees to 350 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and advocates in the past 10 years.

“DATSIN provided junior Air Force members with the confidence and knowledge to approach senior Air Force members for guidance and mentoring for potential challenges.”

Norm Laing, a proud Dunghutti man from Kempsey, NSW, once again facili-tated the conference. He served in the Army from 1995-2002 and was one of the first indigenous graduates of a Bachelor of Laws.

Currently the independent chair of the Cultural Advisory Group for the Directorate of Indigenous Affairs, Mr Laing said the disperse nature of Defence meant it had people all over the country.

“So, this is an opportunity to bring together brothers and sisters, regard-less of rank in uniform and the APS to network; to be more informed on what Defence is doing to assist in day-to-day operations and capability,” Mr Laing said.

“It also provides moderation and inspiration for new generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in Defence.”

Defence Force ’s ind igenous Champion, the Deputy Secretary Estate and Infrastructure Group, Steve Grzeskowiak, provided the opening address. Guest keynote speakers includ-ed artist, musician, Jeremy Donovan, and the General Manager, Inclusion and Social Policy AFL, Tanya Hosch.

LACW Lateesha Barlow is a young Larrakia woman from Darwin. She said she attended her first DATSIN Conference to get a better under-standing of triservice and APS pro-grams and procedures.

“I feel I need to take on every opportunity I can, and become a mentor to others,” she said.

“My aim is to take back what I learn at this conference and focus on people outside of Defence, and show

them the opportunities they too can have.”

LACW Barlow said as a young indigenous woman it was hard mov-ing away from her family.

“Defence is my new family now,” she said.

“Defence has given me the tools and confidence to provide leadership to others.

“I am now ready to give back to my community.”

OUR LAND, OUR SKIES

AIR Force has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to realising greater engagement with indigenous people and their communities, as well as increased representation of indigenous service personnel, as stated in Our Land, Our Skies.

This is an Air Force strategy that defines appropriate path-ways for indigenous participa-tion.

The strategy respects the importance of indigenous con-nections to people and place.

Further information on the ADF’s indigenous initiatives and programs is available by contacting SQNLDR Skye Smith at indigenous.affairs@defence.gov.au, your regional indig-enous liaison officer or DATSIN chap-ter in your state or territory.

FeatureRCEAIR F November 16, 2017 17

Reflect, learn, progress

PTE Pamela Amber, AB Kelly Clear and LACW Lateesha Barlow at the 2017 Defence Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Network Conference, Canberra. Photos: CPL Bill Solomou

‘Take on every opportunity’

Wise words were shared at the DATSIN Conference, CPL Bill Solomou writes

Norm Laing addresses the audience during the 2017

Defence Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Network

(DATSIN) Conference, Canberra.

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Exercise Spartan Dawn RCEAIR F November 16, 201718

Sand, sealed and delivered

Left: SQNLDR Bradley Drew on the flightdeck of a Spartan on approach to Tamala Airport, Western Australia.Photo: CPL Oliver Carter

BEFORE any C-27J Spartan could touch down for Exercise Spartan Dawn, work by an airfield survey team (AST) ensured the landing surfaces were up to the job.

The AST’s work began with a request from No. 35 Squadron to look for roads, beaches and lake beds that could be used as a C-27J landing zone.

The candidate sites included one location near Kalgoorlie, a dry lake bed in Western Australia and two stretch-es of highway on the border of South Australia and Western Australia.

The AST then journeyed to these sites, often reaching them by four-wheel-drive, to determine their suitabil-ity for the exercise.

FLTLT Chris Barry, an airfield engineering officer with Air Mobility Control Centre, said the AST worked with local agencies to conduct the sur-veys.

“In the case of a salt lake, we coor-dinated access with local industry as the area was on mining land,” he said.

“For the Eyre Highway, we coor-dinated with South Australia Police to provide traffic control during our survey.

“One of our main safety concerns was getting hit by a road train when undertaking soil testing. Consequently, we were very glad of the local police assistance.”

FLTLT Sean Jamieson, of HQ Combat Support Group, said the landing zones were not fully compliant with the C-27J’s airfield requirements.

“Because of the survey, we were able to identify the non-compliances and con-vey the risks that the aircraft operators would be accepting,” he said.

“We were able to recommend opera-tions for the C-27J into landing zones that C-130J could never access, due to the Spartan’s smaller size and lighter weight.”

A second AST travelled with one C-27J to confirm the conditions of the landing zones and look for any damage that might be caused by the operations.

Repeated landings by heavy transport aircraft can degrade a runway surface.

The Spartan has a maximum take-off weight of less than 30 tonnes, meaning it can operate from landing surfaces that larger aircraft cannot.

FLTLT Thomas Weir, an airfield engineering officer from No. 382 Squadron, said an AST would measure the strength of the landing zone and con-firm its spatial characteristics.

“The AST will provide aircraft oper-ators’ recommendations, including how many movements an aircraft can under-take before a certain level of pavement damage is reached,” he said.

Rough road to smooth landings

A road train passes a C-27J Spartan along the Eyre Highway during Exercise Spartan Dawn.Photos: CPL David Gibbs

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Exercise Spartan DawnRCEAIR F November 16, 2017 19

Sand, sealed and delivered

A LANDING on a remote stretch of highway in South Australia has dem-onstrated the C-27J Spartan’s talents for supporting hard-to-reach corners

of Australia.During Exercise Spartan Dawn, from

October 16-20, No. 35 Squadron crews flew a pair of C-27Js to a series of far-flung locations in South Australia and Western Australia.

This included touching down on a 1.2km stretch of the Eyre Highway, just 130km from the border of Western Australia.

Spartan Dawn also required the C-27J to operate from a sandy landing surface, CO 35SQN WGCDR Jarrod Pendlebury said.

“One of the key benefits of the Spartan is its accessibility, and one of the prime objec-tives for this exercise was to land on surfaces that are not traditional runways,” WGCDR Pendlebury said.

“One of the areas we used during the exercise was a sandy surface – similar in consistency to a beach – demonstrating this aircraft’s ability to access surfaces tradition-ally unthinkable as landing zones for such a large aircraft.”

WGCDR Pendlebury said interoperability was another important focus of Spartan Dawn.

“We wanted to expand our capacity to work with Army units and civilian emergency

response units, to showcase the agility of this aircraft in a number of missions,” he said.

“The landing on the Eyre Highway was carried out in conjunction with the Royal Flying Doctor Service and South Australia Police, and we utilised compatible radios on the aircraft to communicate with civilian agencies.”

Successfully engaging civilian and Defence agencies would lead to a better understanding of the Spartan’s strengths dur-ing future tasks.

“We wanted to broaden the strategic imagi-nation of how this aircraft can be used when delivering responses,” WGCDR Pendlebury said.

Commander Air Mobility Group AIRCDRE Richard Lennon said the exercise was an important milestone for the Spartan fleet.

“The nature of our business means we can’t always be guaranteed of a large run-way where we need to deliver personnel and cargo,” he said.

“The Spartan can access locations where we can’t send a larger transport aircraft. It can carry up to five tonnes of cargo or 34 passen-gers, or be fitted for aero-medical evacuation missions.”

When it comes to accessing far-flung locations and negotiating tricky terrain, the Spartan excels, Eamon Hamilton writes

A C-27J Spartan from 35SQN conducts

capability trials along the Chadwick Roadstrip on the Nullarbor Plain in

South Australia.Photos: CPL David Gibbs

DELIVERY of the remaining C-27J Spartan fleet is on the horizon, with construction of the 10th and final air-craft being completed in Italy by its manufacturer, Leonardo S.p.A.

Like its nine predecessors, the 10th Spartan – serial A34-010 – was flown from Italy to the United States, where it will be fitted with additional aircraft systems by L-3 Communications.

Director General of Airlift and Tanker Systems AIRCDRE Phil Tammen said the aircraft would be fer-ried home to Australia early next year.

“Australia’s order for 10 Spartans was announced in 2012 as a foreign military sales arrangement with the United States, which had ordered 21 Spartans,” AIRCDRE Tammen said.

“Our first aircraft took flight in December 2013 and was delivered to Australia in June 2015.”

At a ceremony on September 15, AIRCDRE Tammen stressed the importance of cooperation with the Spartan’s manufacturer, Leonardo, and the wider Spartan community.

Last Spartan ready to complete the set

AIRCDRE Phil Tammen with the manager of Spartan manufacturer Leonardo’s Aircraft Division, Filippo Bagnato, at the handover ceremony.

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A cause with real heartAN AIR Force Roulettes display at the RAAF Museum at Point Cook held special meaning for one of the team’s newest pilots, FLTLT Owen Rose.

The Roulettes and the Central Flying School support Donate Life, an initiative that encourages people to register for organ donation.

For FLTLT Rose, the Donate Life cause had saved the life of a relative.

FLTLT Rose, Roulette No. 3, said his father-in-law Allan had received a double lung transplant in January 2015 “thanks to the generosity of an organ donor and their family”.

“He never expected an illness as a child would lead to him receiving a transplant in later years,” he said.

“Allan is very grateful for the sec-ond chance and often says ‘it’s much better than the alternative’.”

During the event, the Roulettes dedicated a “heart in the sky” aerial display to the cause.

“If you’re willing to receive a life-saving transplant you should be willing to donate – and let’s face it, if you’re put in a position to be able to donate your organs, it means you don’t need them anymore,” FLTLT Rose said.

“It takes minutes to register your wishes and you don’t know if you

AN AIR Force chaplain has been appointed at RAAF Base Amberley’s Health Centre following the creation of a new role.

Chaplain Mike Donaldson is now on hand to respond to the spiritual and emotional needs of personnel who attend the centre.

He said members, who had additional care requirements that extended outside of the realm of the immediate clinical setting, “now have immediate access to the spiritual care and support they need”.

Chaplain Donaldson said spiritual care contributed to the health, wellbe-ing and the quality of care of patients and families across Defence.

“There is strong evidence from current operational experience and our allies that, similar to mental and physical health; our spiritual health should not be ignored,” he said.

Amberley Health Centre Manager SQNLDR Rebekah Herron said she advocated the connectivity and col-laboration between delivery of health care and delivery of welfare services.

“Clinical treatment, rehabilitation, allied health, chaplaincy welfare and command all sit in a web which sup-ports our members during times of need,” SQNLDR Herron said.

“It’s important to shore up our professional relationships to provide the best outcomes for Defence mem-bers and their families.”

Chaplain Donaldson said Defence was unique in both size and capabil-ity.

“Our goal is to optimise this capability through the mental, physi-cal, emotional, social, spiritual and cultural wellbeing of our people,” he said.

or someone you know may need a transplant one day.”

FLTLT Rose is delighted to be part of Air Force’s elite aerobatic team.

“Being a member of the Roulettes is an absolute privilege. The flying is exhilarating, challenging and great fun all at the same time,” he said.

“I believe Air Force pilots are

exceptionally capable and many have multiple roles and responsibilities.

“The high level of training under-taken is paramount to developing pilots capable of all tasks throughout their varied roles in Air Force.”

Registering for organ donation through Donate Life could help up to 10 people. For information visit donatelife.gov.au

New role for chaplain

20 November 16, 2017RCEAIR FPersonnel

CO Central Flying School WGCDR Roland Morscheck with Roulette No. 3 FLTLT Owen Rose.

RAAF Base Amberley Health Centre Manager SQNLDR Rebekah Herron with Chaplain Michael Donaldson.Photo: CPL Jessica de Rouw

SASR SELECTION COURSE 2018Applications NOW OPEN | Course starts 05 May 2018Further details: http://drnet.defence.gov.au/Army/SFTC/Pages/Home.aspx

21November 2, 2017RCEAIR F Training

SQNLDR Bruce Chalmers

THE staging of an inaugural Senior Air Component Leadership (SACL) course is a major step towards the Air Warfare Centre achieving Final Operational Capability in 2020.

The course, held last month at HQJOC, was designed to develop and prepare selected Air Force officers for senior command and leadership roles within a multi-national, coalition or ADF Combined Joint Task Force.

CMDR AWC AIRCDRE Joe Iervasi said the course was primarily delivered face-to-face in a symposium style to maximise feedback, discussion and mentoring and it focused on con-temporary command and leadership responsibilities.

“The course is purposely designed as a capstone event in the overall pro-fessional development of RAAF senior officers,” AIRCDRE Iervasi said.

“The course seeks to leverage con-temporary operational practices and experiences in the application of air power to ensure selected officers are prepared to command operations.

“Importantly, the SACL course enables the establishment of an endur-ing support mechanism for candidates facilitated through the appointment of senior mentors, each with substantial operational experience.

Air warfare course sets up road map

“In this way Air Force is able to ensure lessons and experiences are shared and carried through each gen-eration of commanders.”

AIRCDRE Iervasi sa id this approach to learning was a critical enabler to achieve the integration nec-essary to deliver a fifth-generation Air Force, which was precisely what the AWC was established to do.

He said a key aim of the course was to enhance the decision-making ability of the integrated advanced warfighter at various levels of command.

High-end warfighting and spe-cialist training is delivered by No. 88 Squadron and Air Warfare School.

Air Warfare School is current-ly developing a range of air warfare training streams, including air task-

ing cycle, air operations planning and space operation planning.

Future course options are planned to include targeting, weapons and elec-tronic warfare.

The collective courses, combined with lessons from major exercises, will support a range of key Plan Jericho initiatives and outcomes.

Records upgradeDEFENCE Archives and Service Centres (DASC) is upgrading its systems and processes to provide former ADF members with faster secure access to records via the internet. From January 10, DASC will upload completed requested records to a secure Defence website for easy customer access. DASC will email a unique link and pass-word to the relevant customer to provide them with online access to the requested records. Customers must pro-vide a valid email address at the time of placing a records request to access the online service. Call 1800 DEFENCE (1800 333 362) if you do not have a valid email address.

EO symposiumTHE 2017 Parari Australian Explosive Ordnance Safety Symposium will be held at ADFA in Canberra from No-vember 21-23. The sympo-sium will be hosted jointly by the Directorate of Ordnance Safety, Thales Australia and the Capability Systems Centre of UNSW Canberra. There will be exhibitions and product briefs by members of the commercial EO community, and specialist workshops and tutorials will be facilitated by the NATO Munitions Safety Information Analysis Centre on day three. Visit www.unsw.adfa.edu.au/conferences/parari or contact DOS camjlc.dos@defence.gov.au

IN BRIEF

Members attending the inaugural Senior Air Component Leadership Course at HQJOC. Photo: CPL Dan Pinhorn

Look forward

Sample Status Defence Group Number of transactions

sampled

$ value of transactions

sampled

Average value of

transactions sampled

Transaction verified by supervisor

Air Force 45 20,091 446

Army 32 8758 274

Capability Acquisition & Sustainment 60 8012 134

Chief Finance Officer 5 12,032 2406

Chief Information Officer 5 2895 579

Defence Science & Technology 35 5682 162

Defence Executive Support 15 11,431 762

Defence People 5 42,855 8571

Estate & Infrastructure 10 816 82

Joint Capabilities 5 1648 330

Navy 16 1085 68

Strategic Policy & Intelligence 15 34,587 2306

Reported to Fraud and Audit Control Division due to nil

response

Air Force 5 326 65

Army 10 1149 115

Capability Acquisition & Sustainment 5 627 125

Defence People 5 35,717 7143

Navy 10 1485 149

Strategic Policy & Intelligence 5 10,647 2129

Grand Total 288 199,843 694

The sample testing of credit card transac-tions by the Chief Financial Officer Group during the first three months of 2017-18 resulted in 40 transactions being referred to Audit and Fraud Control Division. Most of the inadequacies found during test-ing were a result of administrative deficien-cies, notably: incorrect/exceeding delegate approval

for purchases; failure to comply with mandatory pro-

curement rules; and failure to comply with official Defence

travel policies.The testing of credit cards has been intensified during 2017-18 with the use of IT-based analytical techniques developed with the assistance of Data Analysis Australia.Credit cards tested July 1 to September 30, 2017

THE Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) has established dedicated teams to manage new claims relating to sexual and physical abuse.

DVA has made it simpler for any mem-ber with a mental health condition relat-ing to having been sexually or physically abused while serving to access compen-sation by broadening the use of statutory declarations as part of the claims process. Such a declaration can now be sufficient to establish that abuse took place.

A DVA spokesman said for personnel who were abused before April 11, 2011, and were under 18, a statutory declaration alone would now be sufficient to establish that an abuse event occurred, if there was no con-tradictory evidence.

“However, if you were an adult at the time, or the abuse took place after April 11, 2011, supporting evidence will be required in addition to a statutory declaration. Claims are always determined on the basis of all available evidence,” the spokesman said.

Current and former members of the ADF who have at least one day continuous full-time service, including reservists, are able to access treatment for any mental health condition. The condition does not have to be service-related and a diagnosis is not required. To access treatment, call 1800 555 254 or email nlhc@dva.gov.au.

The Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service also provides free counselling and is available by phoning 1800 011 046 or at www.vvcs.gov.au.

Mental health support

Credit card watch22 November 16, 2017RCEAIR FPersonnel

Go to www.tolltransitions.com.au/defence to access and complete your AFR and Inventory online. Call TollTransitions on 1800 819 167 if you require assistance to complete your AFR and Inventory and rememberinventories (including motor vehicles) from past moves are available to update and edit atwww.tolltransitions.com.au/defence

Full or partial unpack at deliveryOnce your Toll Case Manager has received your AFR and Inventory, they will explain the unpack optionsavailable to you and record your election. If you elect a full unpack the removalist will unpack all cartons otherthan those containing clothing. If you elect a partial unpack, the removalist will only unpack those cartonscontaining breakable items (as agreed with you at uplift). All other personal effects will be unpacked by theADF member/partner including clothing packed by you and cartons that had been packed by the removalists(non-breakables) at your uplift location.

WarrantyToll’s Warranty extends to cover the contents of cartons unpacked by you (excluding breakables and PBOitems). PBO items are not covered by Warranty, except in the case of loss or of obvious damage to thecarton, caused by the removalist. You should ensure that any carton with obvious damage is unpackedby the removalist in your presence and any damage noted on the eICR (Inventory Condition Report).

Toll’s Warranty Scheme now allows for new replacement cover to be applied to items which fall withinpredefined categories and age limits. In cases where more than minor damage to an item has occurred,members will be supplied with a new replacement item if Toll Transitions determines that repair of the old itemis not economical and the item is eligible for replacement in accordance with a table of age-based iteminclusions.

Like-for-like replacement or compensation cover will continue to apply to items which fall outside the specifiedage limits.

Not every item that sustains damage will be replaced with a new item or compensation paid at new value. Inthe first instance damaged items will be repaired where practicable and compensation paid for minor damage.

Read Toll’s “Your Defence Relocation Guide” and FAQs available at www.tolltransitions.com.au/defencefor full details of the Toll Warranty Scheme including the table of age-based inclusions.

Relocating? Toll Transitions is ready to assist you today.

For more informationFreecall: 1800 819 167

www.tolltransitions.com/defence

THE annual review of housing assis-tance will be completed next month, with the new rates published early next year.

The annual review of service resi-dence and rental allowance contribu-tions involves assessing the national average rent for Defence houses in each rent band. This results in con-tributions being calculated on actual rent changes.

Acting Director Military Conditions and Housing Policy Derek Cox said providing housing assistance to ADF members was a longstanding policy.

“The annual review is undertaken to ensure the Defence requirement of sharing the national cost of housing with members on a 50/50 basis is met each year,” Mr Cox said.

“The rent band method offers transparency for calculating contribu-tion increases based on actual rental increases rather than forecasts.”

Member contributions for living-in accommodation will be adjusted in line with the September 2017 rents and utilities subcomponents of the consumer price index.

Casual meal rates and the fort-nightly meal contribution will also be reviewed to ensure any revised rates are based on the reasonable recovery of actual national average costs incurred by Defence in provid-ing meals.

The new rates will be reflected in members’ salaries in February.

Housing assistance review Aaron Jobsz

DEFENCE service providers are urging everyone to take part in the current Customer Satisfaction Survey to help improve services such as information technology, catering, accommodation, legal services and payroll.

The survey will run from November 15-29 and will be emailed to all ADF personnel.

Feedback from the past four surveys has led to a number of changes across Defence.

Enhancements to the hospitality and catering products is one example, with a move away from the traditional food service at some bases.

‘Make it yourself’, healthy ‘Grab and Go’ options, and catering tailored to nationally observed weeks/days are just some concepts being rolled out across bases.

Other feedback has resulted in improvements or upgrades to mess furniture, mess branding and themes.

Kiosks at bases staffed by Defence People Group, Estate and Infrastructure Group, Chief Information Officer Group and Defence Security and Vetting Service on rotation have been successfully trialled and continue in South East Zone, with plans for more to be rolled out in the future.

A range of services and products also continues transition to 1800DEFENCE, as the single telephone entry point.

To find more information about the changes to services your feedback has initiated go to http://drnet.defence.gov.au/AssociateSecretary/ServiceDelivery/Pages/default.aspx

Be part of solution23November 16, 2017RCEAIR F Personnel

Feedback from customer satisfaction surveys has given Air Force members more food options tailored to individual tastes. Photo: CPL Ben Dempster

Terms, conditions and acceptance criteria apply. Cover limits apply as set out in the policy wording. Before making a decision about your insurance needs, please refer to the Product DisclosureStatement. Insurance issued by QBE Insurance (Australia) Limited ABN 78 003 191 035 AFS Licence 239545. Defence Service Homes Insurance ABN 97191187638 AR No. 269008 is an authorisedrepresentative of QBE

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24 November 16, 2017RCEAIR FPersonnel

John McNamara

WHEN it comes to the 2017 Defence Blood Challenge, members at RAAF Base Pearce are doing their bit.

Defence Coordinator for Air Force members in WA, FSGT Paul Richardson, said he first became involved to take pressure off col-leagues but had since recognised the challenge’s real importance.

“As soon as I started I learnt just what our donated blood is used for and it landed close to home,” FSGT Richardson said.

“This motivated me to donate as often as possible and to encourage oth-ers to do the same.”

What would FSGT Richardson say to someone nervous about giving blood?

“As a new donor I would say that there is very little to be nervous about, I have completed my first blood and first plasma donations this year and I hardly felt any discomfort.

“If you follow the recommen-dations given to eat something and ensure you drink plenty of water before your blood donation then it will ensure the whole process goes very smoothly.”

As the Defence coordinator, FSGT Richardson organised group and indi-vidual bookings with the Australian Red Cross Blood Service and ensured the Air Force members enrolments went smoothly.

“Being the Defence Coordinator in WA made this very achievable so I have found the role both reward-ing and uplifting, especially to see just how many and how often other Defence members donate.”

He also liaised with senior officers to ensure their support and encour-agement. “The WA response has been excellent, especially from an Air Force perspective as we have a much smaller contingent of members in WA com-pared to Army and Navy and many cannot donate due to their flying schedule,” he said.

“Within the first week of promot-ing the challenge I had people email-ing me their blood donation schedule and donor numbers, it was a fantastic response.”

Visit www.donateblood.com.au/red25 to see when and where to donate for this year’s Blood Challenge, which ends on December 8.

Don’t be nervous

Above: RAAF Base Pearce members FSGT Paul Richardson, AC Adrian Wisdom and FLGOFF Samantha Sambidge-Mitchell at the Red Cross Blood Service. Photo: Tiffany Gourlay (Australian Red Cross Blood Service)

Army – 1812

Air Force – 1373

Navy – 1082

Defence civilians – 746

2017 DEFENCE BLOOD CHALLENGE TALLYFigures at November 10

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25November 16, 2017RCEAIR F Flightline

Air Force maintenance group from Air Task Group 630 in the Middle East region proudly display laundry bags they have received from Aussie Hero Quilts. Photo: CPL Brenton Kwaterski

Above: SGT Tamara Janszen, of 33SQN, with her family (from left) son Harry, husband Greg, daughter Sam and niece Madisyn on board a KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport during the family open day at RAAF Base Amberley on November 4. Below: CPL Damien Feint, of 33SQN, with son Eli in the KC-30. Photos: CPL Kylie Gibson

Cook LACW Sue-Ellen Harris, of 23SQN, is awarded the squadron’s catering annual culinary competition plaque after her margarine model was judged as the winner. Photo: CPL Ben Dempster

26 November 16, 2017RCEAIR FHealth & Fitness

Exercise the ages

As we grow older we need to listen to our bodies and adapt accordingly,

PTI SGT Diane Mason writes.

4030

20

for

THROUGHOUT life as we age we experience physiological changes such as stress, obesity, heart disease and osteoporosis,

to name just a few. Our 50-year-old body is not the

same as our 20-year-old one was and you can’t push it the same way you once did.

You need to train smarter as you get older if you want to keep it in working-out order.

IN YOUR 20s

YOUR body is so strong and you can get away with intense training

regimes with minimal recovery, but we often punish it with late nights and bad eating habits.

This is the decade of frantic exer-cise, fad diets, fitness challenges and the mad pursuit of physical perfection.

Lots of cardio is great, especially if you mix it up so you’re really push-ing the body. But it’s weight training that builds muscle definition, not to mention bone density, which will be crucial for staying active later on and preventing osteoporosis.

TIP: Add some weight training to your regime and maintain a healthy diet of lean meat, lean fish, vegetables and fruits, and limit your takeaways.

IN YOUR 30s

YOU start to notice your weight doesn’t come off as easily as it

used to as your metabolism drops by 1 to 2 per cent every decade.

Lean muscle decreases and body fat increases and you don’t need as many calories to sustain yourself.

Exercise is the number one form of preventive medicine and keep-ing fit means working harder, with a combination of circuit training, resist-

ance training and cardio. For women, exercises like Pilates can be invaluable after pregnancy to help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.

Now is the time to make good fit-ness habits a part of everyday life. Try to stand instead of sit, take the stairs instead of elevators, work on pulling in and up to elongate your posture. These invisible workouts are important for women and it’s how you start prepar-ing your body for what’s to come.

TIP: Reduce impact on joints. Swimming and water running is a great alternative. Increase resistance training, and it’s vital to maintain a healthy diet.

IN YOUR 40s/50s

YOUR body composition is noticea-bly changing and this is the decade

of gravity, hormones, and a slowing metabolism.

Lean muscle mass continues to decrease and body fat increases. You will notice it around your torso, the tri-ceps area, on the back and in the belly.

Cardio is still important, but resist-ance weight training is now crucial as your bones begin to weaken, especially in women.

Seek professional coaching and use correct techniques e.g. hold posi-tions longer and do things slowly and more controlled. It’s about precision and form, not quantity. It’s also about enjoyment.

TIP: Talk to your local PTI and get a program tailored for YOU. Be mindful of the physiological changes happen-ing to your body. Train smarter; as the quality of life is valuable and although aging is inevitable, understanding the basic physiology of aging processes can contribute to decision-making that can help sustain your quality of life.

The secret to maintaining fitness throughout life is to train smarter and enjoy what you do. Photo: Jay Cronan

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27November 16, 2017RCEAIR F Sp rt

CPL Mark Doran

AIRMEN, soldiers, and sailors from RAAF Base Amberley, Brisbane and Cabarlah showed their respect for a fallen police officer during the inaugural Brett Forte Cup in Gatton, Queensland on November 4.

In a tribute to the Queensland Police Service officer killed on duty earlier this year, the police versus ADF rugby league match was a

friendly, but hard, competitive game as the curtain raiser for the Legends of League game.

Senior Constable Brett Forte’s widow, Susan, and her two sons were driven onto the field at Cahill Park in a squad car to present the cup to the team captains before the match.

At half time the score was 6-6, but the Toowoomba police claimed victory, scoring in the last two min-utes to beat the ADF 14-12.

LAC Carl Taylor, of 114 MCRU, said the police team’s main advantage during the game was not making mistakes.

“It was good to chat to the police team members – it made me realise they are similar to Defence members. We understand what can happen in our jobs.

“When we hear about someone not going home to their wife or kids it makes us think about them and their community.”

Fierce skills key to trophy

CPL Sebastian Beurich

AIR Force has ridden away from the Australian Defence Force Cycling (ADFC) Carnival 2017 with most of the prizes, including both male and female champion overall road categories and the ‘Tricyclethon’.

The carnival, held from October 21-27 at the Narrabundah Velodrome and Stromlo Forest Park, attracted more than 120 riders from across the services in a number of categories.

Riders competed in track and road racing, BMX, cyclocross, cross country, downhill, on and off road criterium, a road time trial and the Tricyclethon.

They also held the ADFC annual general meeting, where LTCOL Scott Dore was elected as the club president for the coming year.

“Participation was definitely the key theme of the week. We had a strong sense of encouragement for all levels of riding, backed up with coaching being provided for most of the cycling disciplines at the carnival,” he said.

With the number of female participants doubling in the past two years, ADF Cycling Women’s Development Coordinator CPL Melinda Cannavo said the smiles on everyone’s faces at the end of the carnival showed the real success.

“Our main emphasis for the women who attended the carnival was participation and development,” she said.

“Every female who attended the event either tried something new, like track cycling or downhill, or helped someone else develop their cycling or bike maintenance skills.

“We all hope to see the number

of women involved with ADF Cycling continue to grow.”

Air Force co-ADF Cycling Women’s Development Coordinator and champion female road racer SQNLDR Tania Launder said there was a good amount of teamwork at the carnival.

“Everyone was chipping in, getting involved and trying new things,” she said.

“There were a few up-and-comers in the carnival, so we tried to take them under our wing a bit. They got involved in a number of different things, including the skills training, which was really good.

“Overall the carnival was really enjoyable and really well run.”

The hottest event of the carnival was the Tricyclethon, where the three services went head-to-head completing five laps of the criterium course at the bottom of Mount Stromlo, then a downhill run from halfway up the mountain, followed by the full height of the mountain.

“Army won the inaugural event in 2016, much to the frustration of the RAAF,” LTCOL Dore said.

“In 2017, all three teams were well represented, but a strong Navy team suffered a puncture on one of the cross country legs, leaving RAAF and Army to battle it out for the win.

“Despite a valiant hill climb by Army, the RAAF effort was too strong and they convincingly took the win.”

Although they didn’t have enough women to enter single-service teams into the Tricyclethon, the women entered two mixed-service teams who competed strongly against their male counterparts.

SQNLDR Bruce Chalmers

THE Sandy Tait Memorial Trophy was claimed by Air Force in a hard fought Australian Rules football match against Army played at RAAF Base Edinburgh on October 12.

The 16.10 (106) to 4.3 (27) score line didn’t do justice to the efforts of the Army team but Air Force was unstoppable in all aspects of the game.

Both teams matched in close com-bat during the annual match, but solid marking and sound rucking kept Air Force ahead in ball possession allow-ing the win in front of a large crowd.

Originally a No. 10 Squadron versus No. 11 Squadron contest, the trophy is now coveted by the Edinburgh Defence Precinct joint ser-vices as Army expands its presence at Edinburgh.

Air Force Coach, SGT Hamish

McFarlane, of No. 92 Wing said he knew the 7RAR team would come out firing.

“It was pleasing to see the fierce attack on the ball displayed by our players early in the contest,” he said.

“It set the tone for the remainder of the match, with the backline and mid-field winning plenty of ball providing the forwards with quality opportuni-ties.

SGT McFarlane said the Air Force team’s ability to gel with limited prep-aration and the loss of some key per-sonnel to operational commitments also stood out.

“This was important coming up against a respected, well drilled unit that have trained and played together for some time,” he said.

“The trophy has been held in high regard locally for around 15 years, so it was a proud moment to be the first

team to win in the new Air Force ver-sus Army format.

“I’m confident the match will attract increasing interest each year and we can expect an even greater contest in 2018.

Army Coach CPL Daniel Starr, of 7RAR, said a little bit of competition and rivalry was healthy in the Defence Force.

“It was a good hit out for the boys,” he said.

“Air Force was too good on the day.

“They prepared well, went hard at the ball and their skills were polished which are three boxes our Army team didn’t tick during the game.

“We thoroughly look forward to our next hit out with the RAAF boys finishing with a slightly alternate out-come.”

Left: LAC Stephen Tonkin attempts a kick during the Sandy Tait Memorial Trophy match at RAAF Base Edinburgh. Right: CPL Matthew Saunders competes for the ball against PTE Kyle Connoly. Below: Our Air Force team celebrate their win after the game. Photos: SGT Pete Gammie

Our pedal power shines

Police nab win in Brett Forte cup

SGT Ben Crawford competes at the Narrabundah Velodrome during the ADF Cycling Carnival held in Canberra from October 21-27.Photo: CPL Sebastian Beurich

© Image courtesy of Department of Defence

Assisting serving and ex-servingADF members and their familiesin times of injury, illnessand crisis.

rsldefencecare.org.au

SP RTNovember 16, 2017

NO FEAR

Our fierce Tait cup

win Page 27

CPL Matthew Davey, captain of the Air Force Aussie rules team, during the Sandy Tait Memorial Trophy match against Army at RAAF Base Edinburgh on October 12.Photo: SGT Pete Gammie