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FORCEAIRVol. 51, No. 1, February 5, 2009 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

QUICK TIMERecord activation of RAAF Learmonth for Op Resolute

WE ARE RESOLUTE: 10SQN avionics technician LAC Nathan Unsworth keeps in contact with the AP-3C crew as they prepare to taxi out for a routine patrol at RAAF Learmonth in WA. The bare base was activated

in record time by 381ECSS personnel last December to support the ramp-up of Operation Resolute, the ADF’s contribution to the protection of Australia’s maritime borders. Pictured below inset, 11SQN ACO FLTLT

Simon Longley conducts pre-flight checks of an operation sortie at his work station, known as a Tactical Rail, aboard the AP-3C.

Photos: CPL Chris Moore

High fliers: High fliers: Aussie Aussie

honourshonours

G’day JJ: G’day JJ: Meet your Meet your

WOFF-AFWOFF-AF

Fast forward:Fast forward:Aid for PNG’s Aid for PNG’s

needyneedyPage 2 Page 3 Page 4

Full story Page 5

2 News AIR FORCE February 5, 2009

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Postal address:R8–LG–048, Russell OfficesCanberra, ACT 2600

DisclaimerAIR FORCE News is published fortnightly by the Directorate of Defence Newspapers. Printed by Capital Fine Print. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising if it is deemed inappropriate and to change the size of the ad, print type or other specifications if material is not compatible with our system. The fact an ad is accepted for publication does not mean that the product or service has the endorsement of Defence or AIR FORCE News.

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Senior ReporterAndrew Stackpool: (02) 6266 [email protected]

Reporter/PhotographerLAC Aaron Curran: (02) 6265 [email protected]

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By LAC Aaron Curran

FROM the open space of the bush to an office in Canberra – that has been the journey for Air Force’s new Warrant Officer of the Air Force, WOFF-AF JJ Millar.

WOFF-AF Millar took over the sen-ior airman’s job from WOFF-AF Ray Woolnough on December 16 in a cer-emony at Russell Offices in Canberra.

Born in Papua New Guinea, WOFF-AF Millar lived most of his life in Queensland prior to joining the Air Force in 1988 as a GSE Fitter. He is a fitter turner and machinist by trade and spent eight years working from Gordonvale in the north of the state to Somerset Dam in the south.

“That job and those years working grounded me in my trade and gave me the ability to relate and work with all sorts of people,” WOFF-AF Millar said.

“That broad knowledge of all types of people and places has helped me throughout my Air Force career and with the new role of WOFF-AF it is particu-larly relevant.”

WOFF-AF Millar’s Air Force career started at 5SQN, then progressed to 34SQN, an MSI at No. 1 Recruit Training Unit from 1994-98, back to Fairbairn, and then on to the Australian Defence Force Academy as a SGT MSI in 2001.

After completing the WOD course in 2003, he moved on to 386SQN then Airfield Defence Wing and Combat Support Group at RAAF Base Amberley.

After remustering to Executive Warrant Officer in 2007, the stage

was set for his eventual progression to WOFF-AF.

“I think I bring to the position a dif-ferent way of looking at things,” he said.

“I am different; I have a different background to those who came before me and I have my own thoughts on where the Air Force is heading today.”

At the moment, WOFF-AF Millar sees the Air Force and its airmen force working quite well.

“The airmen’s future is very strong,” he said. “We just have to keep steering the ship in the direction we want it to go.”

He said the Air Force would not survive without its airmen. It can have the shiniest, most advanced aircraft out there, but if it doesn’t have someone to fix them, refuel them, house, feed and clothe the pilots that fly them, those air-craft are “just a piece of shiny kit”.

“We have some awesome people out there doing great work,” WOFF-AF Millar said. “I am here to support them, to listen to them and to help to get them what they need.

“The Air Force has really moved ahead in the last few years with technol-ogy and acquisitions, but also because of that we don’t want to lose some of the things like the basics – the basics of being great airmen.

“It is a very different Air Force from the one I joined some 20 years ago and I really think it’s a far better Air Force,” he said.

See the next edition for WOFF-AF Millar’s first ‘Air Mail’ column.

By Andrew Stackpool

AIR FORCE ended 2008 on a som-bre note when 37 and 36SQNs returned to Australia the body of LT Michael Fussell, the seventh Australian Service-man killed in Afghanistan.

Sadly, 36 and 37SQNs opened 2009 on the same sombre note when they returned to Australia the body of the eighth soldier killed.

PTE Gregory Michael Sher, a mem-ber of 1st Commando Regiment (1 CDO REGT), died instantly on January 4 when a Taliban rocket scored a direct hit on the Afghan army forward base com-pound where an Australian element was deployed.

After return to Tarin Kowt on January 7, his body was farewelled by his com-rades and placed aboard a 37SQN C-130 and then transferred to a 36SQN C-17A with a ramp ceremony performed by other members of his unit. CDF ACM Angus Houston and Minister for Defence Science and Personnel Warren Snowdon also took part in the farewell.

ACM Houston said PTE Sher was well regarded by his colleagues and mates in the Special Operations Task Group and 1 CDO REGT.

“The loss of Greg is a reminder of the sacrifice that Defence personnel make in the service of their nation,” ACM Houston said. “It is also a time for us to remember PTE Sher’s family. They deserve our respect, our support and our admiration.”

The Commander of Australian troops in the Middle East, MAJGEN Mike Hindmarsh, said PTE Sher’s death was a sad loss.

“Here was a digger doing his bit, doing what he wanted to do and he has made the ultimate sacrifice. This loss is felt by his mates and all of us across the Task Force,” he said.

PTE Sher’s body was greeted by fam-ily, friends and fellow Army personnel at Tullamarine airport in Melbourne on January 9.

Acting Chief of the Defence Force, LTGEN David Hurley, and the regi-ment’s CO joined Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon and Shadow Minister for Defence Science and Personnel Bob Baldwin at the airport.

After another ramp ceremony by members of 1CDO REGT, the casket was handed over to the family.

PTE Sher was buried in Melbourne on January 11.

JJ’s on the job nowNEW VISION: Air Force’s new senior airman, WOFF-AF JJ Millar, brings a different way of looking at things to the important role. As the airmen’s representative, he will work closely with CAF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin (below) to address the needs and concerns of the airmen force. Photos: LAC Aaron Curran

Digger’s return a sad start to year

UNITED IN ARMS: PTE Gregory Sher’s comrades carry his casket on to the waiting 37SQN C-130 in Afghanistan for the journey home. Photos: Special Operations Task Group

FAREWELL: Above, Chaplain Richard Brown awaits the arrival of PTE Sher’s casket, and below, 37SQN aircrew pay their respects to the fallen soldier aboard the C-130 during the ramp ceremony in Afghanistan.

3NewsAIR FORCE February 5, 2009

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OPERATION PNG Assist II has made for a timely achievement for RAAF Hercules on their 50 years of service to Australia and the region.

A 37SQN C-130H left RAAF Base Richmond for Papua New Guinea (PNG) with 13,000lbs of aid loaded on board on December 13, half a cen-tury to the day after the first Australian Hercules touched down at Richmond.

In early December last year, as many as 50,000 people on the north west coast of PNG and the island prov-ince of New Ireland were affected by severe sea swells which destroyed sev-eral hundred homes.

Defence responded with Operation PNG Assist II, which called on a 37SQN C-130H to be retasked from a scheduled PNG training flight to deliver aid to airfields at Kavieng and Momote.

RAAF crews liaised closely with the Australian High Commission, AusAid, and PNG aid agencies to deliver cargo to the worst-hit areas.

In Kavieng, the crew was met by former PNG Prime Minister and cur-rent Governor of New Ireland Sir Julius

Chan, who expressed gratitude for the Australian Government’s assistance.

The C-130H delivered 13,000lbs of aid from Australia, along with another 19,000lbs from Port Moresby.

An ambulance was also transported from Port Moresby to Madang.

The task however became a test of 37SQN logistics problem-solving when the C-130H suffered a birdstrike on take-off from Kavieng airport on December 16.

On return to Kavieng, the crew found the number three engine intake had ingested the bird, requiring the engine to be replaced.

Located on the island of New Ireland, Kavieng’s isolation from PNG and Australia proved a challenge in rotating the 37SQN personnel and equipment for the repairs.

C-130H captain SQNLDR Scott Watson said: “PNG has a fairly tran-sient population, especially in the lead-up to Christmas, and there were limited civilian flights in and out of Kavieng.”

With limited local accommodation for the crew and aid workers, local Rotary Club member Peter McEwan assisted the crew with beds, along with

a vehicle to find ground equipment for their repair effort.

“We needed a crane that could lift a one-tonne load to repair the engine – and the only crane available in the town could lift 20 or 30 tonnes, which was unsuitable for our needs,” SQNLDR Watson said.

Army’s 176 Air Dispatch Squadron was asked to provide a suitable crane and driver from Richmond to

go to PNG. The crane, replacement engine and repair crew were delivered to Kavieng by a 37SQN C-130J on December 18.

Once installed with a new engine, the C-130H flew multiple trips from Kavieng to Port Moresby to return repair equipment.

With no loads to take back to Kavieng, the Hercules was able to transport 3400lbs of humanitarian

stores from Shelterbox International to the Kavieng community – a show of thanks from 37SQN for the hospitality shown during Operation PNG Assist II.

Shelterbox is a humanitarian organ-isation established by Rotary. It pro-vides tentage, blankets, tools and other survival equipment.

The C-130H returned to Richmond on Christmas Eve.

HANDS ACROSS THE WATER: Humanitarian aid is unloaded by hand from a 37SQN C-130H at Kavieng airfield during Operation PNG Assist II. The Hercules carried water containers, tarpaulins and water purification tablets to be distributed in the worst-hit areas. Photos: SGT Brett Sherriff

ONE IN, ALL IN: Above, PNG police officers and Red Cross workers pitch in to unload the 37SQN C-130H while the aircraft’s crew provide advice. The aircraft flew in 32,000lbs of Australian and PNG aid as well as an ambulance needed in Madang.FIRST AID: Left, PNG Red Cross and other aid workers join local villagers at Kavieng airfield as they unload urgently-needed emergency relief supplies from an Australian C-130 at Kavieng airfield after the flooding.

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CONGRATULATIONS to the following Air Force members for being recognised on the 2009 Aus-tralia Day Honours List.

Member (AM) in the Military DivisionAIRCDRE Margaret StaibFor exceptional service in logistics strategic planning as Director of Logistics Support Agency – Air Force and Director General Strategic Logistics, Joint Logistics Command.

GPCAPT Alexander CatoFor exceptional service to the Air Force Specialist Reserve as the Director of Air Force Health Reserves – Personnel, and Senior General Surgeon – deployable surgical elements within the ADF.

WGCDR Richard Trotman-DickensonFor exceptional service as the Intelligence Commander Joint Electronic Warfare Operational Support Unit and as Wing Commander Operations (Information Warfare) at Information Warfare Wing.

WOFF John MaddiganFor exceptional service as a Loadmaster with Air Lift Group at RAAF Bases Richmond and Amberley, and as a member of the C-17A Globemaster Transition Team.

Our people honoured

CSC: WGCDR Sally Pearson. Photo: CPL Andrew Eddie

Medal (OAM) in the Military DivisionWGCDR Timothy HurfordFor meritorious service in the development of the Air Force Reserves as CO of No. 25 (City of Perth) Squadron and as OIC of Training Development and Executive Officer at No. 1 Airfield Defence Squadron.

FLTLT Gregory KerrFor meritorious service as a Flight Engineer at 92WG.

Commendation for Distinguished Service

WGCDR William KourelakosFor distinguished performance of duties in war-like operations as the Commander Task Group 633.4 on Operation Slipper and Operation Catalyst in the Middle East Area of Operations.

Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC)WGCDR Michelle HeadingFor outstanding achievement as the Executive Officer of the ADF Counter Improvised Explosive Device Task Force.

WGCDR Jason WallerFor outstanding achievement

as CO of No. 2 Flying Training School at RAAF Base Pearce.

FSGT Adam GegenhuberFor outstanding achievement as an Avionics Systems Technician at 77SQN.

SGT Barry DamsmaFor outstanding achievement as an Aircraft Technician at 285SQN.

Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM)WGCDR Sally PearsonFor meritorious achievement in support of air combat capa-bility as the CO of the Strike Reconnaissance Logistics Management Unit.

WOFF Wayne MilliganFor meritorious achievement as an Airworthiness Flight Systems Engineer at Air Movements Training and Development Unit.

CPL Robert BedggoodFor meritorious achievement as the NCOIC of Delamere Air Weapons Range, 44WG Detachment, RAAF Base Tindal.

CPL David RayfieldFor meritorious achievement as the General Support Equipment Fitter at RAAF Base Scherger.

Australia Day joy

MELBOURNE CELEBRATES: The ADF provided a tri-Service Royal Guard of Honour for the Australia Day celebrations in Melbourne. There was also an F/A-18 fly-over. Photo: LSPH Nina Nikolin

MIDDLE EAST G’DAY: LACW Cassandra Gammie and LAC Domenico Ferrone, of the Orion detachment in the Middle East Area of Operations, shout out a big “G’day” as ADF members take time to mark Australia Day on deployment. Photo: SGT Brent Tero

AM: WOFF John Maddigan. Photo: LAC Warren Derwent

5NewsAIR FORCE February 5, 2009

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By Andrew Stackpool

DEFENCE Force Chief ACM An-gus Houston said he was honoured on January 16 to salute the first Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross (VC) in more than 40 years.

SASR trooper Mark Donaldson was awarded the first Australian-issued VC in recognition of his actions during a firefight with a heavy force of Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan on September 2.

The presentation of the VC was made at Government House, Canberra.

According to his medal’s citation, TPR Donaldson’s acts of exceptional gallantry in the face of accurate and sus-tained enemy fire ultimately saved the life of a coalition force interpreter and

ensured the safety of the other members of the combined force.

ACM Houston said the VC was pre-sented only to those who displayed the most conspicuous gallantry in the face of the enemy.

“We in the ADF stand united in our pride as one of our own is admitted into the most exclusive of military fraterni-ties. TPR Donaldson has been inducted into the ranks of those military personnel deemed to be the most gallant; the most heroic; the most devoted,” he said.

Tradition held that even the most senior officer saluted a Victoria Cross recipient as a mark respect for their act of valour.

“It will be my great honour from this day forth to salute TPR Mark Donaldson, VC,” CDF said.

Saluting a VC hero

PROUD MOMENT: CDF ACM Angus Houston congratulates TPR Mark Donaldson after he lent his VC to the Australian War Memorial. CA LTGEN Ken Gillespie and CAF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin look on. Photo: WO2 Graham McBean

Ready and resolute at Learmonth

AIR Force personnel’s ‘can do’ attitude was convincingly demon-strated recently when RAAF Lear-month was activated and manned in record time.

During December, a decision was made to ramp up support to Operation Resolute, the ADF’s contribution to the protection of Australia’s maritime borders.

The Air Force contribution included a total 162-strong AP-3C contingent from 92WG at RAAF Base Edinburgh that deployed three Orions to the base as the centre of its maritime reconnaissance flights, focusing on the North-West Cape.

The contingent comprised air-crews and operations, administration and maintenance personnel.

Contingent commander WGCDR Kevin Murray said that while the wing conducted daily reconnais-sance over the area as part of its routine surveillance activities, oper-ating from Learmonth was “a bit unusual”.

While the 92WG Task Group was preparing to move, the task of reactivating the remote base fell to 381ECSS at RAAF Base Williamtown.

The squadron was supported by personnel from RAAF Bases Richmond, Darwin and Townsville.

CO 381ECSS WGCDR Peter Davis said that within two days of receiving its deployment warning orders, the advance party was ready to deploy while the main body final-ised preparations to move.

“They opened up the base, pro-vided emergency, medical and fire

services, food, housing, and all the things that you need to have the base ready to accept aircraft and to gen-erate flights out of here,” WGCDR Davis said.

“By Sunday night when we got here, the advance party had set up the mess and we had a hot meal waiting for us.”

C-130s from 37SQN flew the personnel and their equipment to the base.

WGCDR Murray praised the squadron’s efforts in setting the base to work.

“To my knowledge, it’s the fast-est a bare base has ever been stood

up and it was a matter of hours after the main body arrived that we were generating aircraft sorties out of here,” WGCDR Murray said.

Commander combat operations 10SQN’s SQNLDR Lee Read said the heat and fatigue were the big-gest challenges for the maintenance crews and flight crews respectively; however, they were well trained and prepared for the deployment.

WGCDR Murray said that while the personnel were away from fami-lies and friends over the Christmas period, they quickly developed a strong sense of purpose for the task.

WE THREE KINGS: 381ECSS firefighters, from left, CPL Graham Watkins, LAC Ben Ryan and CPL Aaron Dever spread Christmas cheer as they patrol the flightline at RAAF Learmonth during Operation Resolute. More than 200 personnel and three Orions deployed to the base during the December period as part of the ADF’s ramp-up of support to the operation, and the normally bare base was activated in record time. Photos: CPL Chris Moore

UP TO SPEED: Security Police CPL Monique Rademaker and her dog ‘Charka Zulu’ start their evening security patrol at RAAF Learmonth.

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Photograph © Dominique Gonod.

Aerospace. Defence. Security.

6 International AIR FORCE February 5, 2009

Embassy’s guardians

Maintenance crew is awarded again at Orion detachment

By FLGOFF Martin Alderette

ONE piece of the puzzle in sta-bilising Iraq sits with the members of the Australian Security Detachment (SECDET XIV) team comprising Army and Air Force personnel.

Members from No. 2 Airfield Defence Squadron (2AFDS), based at RAAF Base Amberley, play a key role in providing security to per-sonnel working at the Australian Embassy, Iraq.

These members are trained in ground defence within Air Force and provide close-in and far-reaching security.

OC SECDET XIV MAJ James Davis said members from 2AFDS and soldiers from the 5th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment,

provided physical security to the embassy location.

“They assist in controlling access into and out of the embassy, con-duct roving patrols and maintain observations on the approaches to the Australian Embassy,” he said.

“The Australian diplomatic mis-sion here is supporting the Iraqi peo-ple in reconstruction efforts, includ-ing education support and physical reconstruction.

“The day- to -day t a sk o f SECDET is to assist the diplomatic mission so they can do their job, by moving personnel safely around the International Zone and Baghdad to key meetings and appointments.”

Another part of the puzzle includes the support staff, who pro-vide communications 24 hours a

By FLTLT Skye Smith

TASK Group 633.2 maintenance members have been recognised with a Commander’s Commendation for their outstanding efforts over a three-month deployment to the Middle East in support of Operations Slipper and Catalyst.

Commander Task Group 633.2 WGCDR Perry Jolley presented the Orion ‘Spider Maintenance’ Shift 24 Alpha from 11SQN with a group com-mendation for their proactive approach to aircraft maintenance.

“The initiative displayed by each member of the team has seen you over-come many maintenance issues that could have adversely affected Task Group 633.2’s operational capability,” WGCDR Jolley said.

“Your maintenance actions are all the

more significant given the nature of the environment in which you performed them. Your efficiency, team work and technical skill ensured that Task Group 633.2 did not drop a mission during a period of high operational tempo.”

The ‘Spider Maintenance’ techni-cians are maintaining their impressive track record, having received a group commendation mid-last year by former task group commander WGCDR Craig Meighan.

The previous commendation was in recognition of their hard work and tire-less efforts in achieving a 100 percent AP-3C launch mission rate over the pre-vious 12 months from August 2007.

The maintenance shift’s dedication to duty and excellent technical skill has ensured the ongoing success of the Orion detachment’s operations.

day, seven days a week. This allows the commander of SECDET to con-trol, issue and receive orders, and keep the flow of communications moving.

STILL CRUISING: An Orion crew prepares for another operational mission in the Middle East. The task group’s successful launch rate is thanks to the ongoing efforts of the ‘Spider Maintenance’ technicians. Photo: CPL Mick Davis

VANTAGE POINT: LAC Lachlan Pegg looks out over Baghdad from SECDET XIV Headquarters in Iraq for any potential threats. Photos: CPL Mick Davis

CHECKING TRAFFIC: Above, LAC James Liekefett, a shooter in the Australian Light Armoured Vehicle for SECDET IVX, on an early morning sustainment run through the International Zone and down Route Irish. This once notoriously dangerous road now carries a steady flow of traffic as Coalition forces mount checkpoints, controlling vehicles in and out of Baghdad.

EMBASSY SECURITY: Left, LAC Matthew Hatton, who provides security at the Australian Embassy in Baghdad, takes a moment to chat to a member of the Ugandan Guard.

7 NewsAIR FORCE February 5, 2009

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HISTORY was made on December 8 when a 36SQN C-17A lifted off the run-way at RAAF Base Amberley – flown by an all-female crew.

The flight was the first time an all-female crew has flown a RAAF multi-crew aircraft. At the controls were WGCDR Linda Corbould and FLTLT Samantha Webster, with WOFF Katrina Salvesen and SGTs Paula Ivanovic and Julie Snell crewing as loadmasters.

On board to witness history in the making were other female personnel of 36SQN.

Co-pilot FLTLT Webster said: “We were all wearing bright pink hats so it cer-tainly looked a little unusual on the flight deck, but it was a great feeling of accom-plishment when we took off.

“It was a short, very busy sortie from Amberley to Ballina, then along the coast-line to the Gold Coast before returning to Amberley.”

The aircraft attracted the public’s atten-tion on the Gold Coast, but few could have guessed at the significance of the flight.

“Upon return we taxied through an honour guard of two new Panther fire trucks from the Amberley Fire Section, which was a good finale,” FLTLT Webster said.

The flight capped off a successful post-ing for WGCDR Corbould, who handed over command as CO 36SQN to WGCDR Adam Williams in late November.

FLTLT Webster said it was appropriate that WGCDR Corbould, the first female CO of an operational Air Force squadron, was seen off with an all-female crew.

“It was WGCDR Corbould’s last flight as CO, and it was two years after the day she took delivery of the first RAAF C-17,” she said. “It seemed a fitting trib-ute to show just how far she has come, from being one of the very first female pilots in the Air Force, to now running an entire squadron with a large percentage of women in aircrew roles.”

The year proved a milestone for 36SQN in completing delivery of its four C-17As, as well as role expansions for aero-medical evacuations and air drops.

Role expansions and support to ADF operations will continue for 36SQN through 2009, with plans for the deliv-ery of a C-17A full mission simulator to Amberley.

The simulator, along with a new 36SQN headquarters building, will be ready at the base in 2010.

See Page 20 for the story on who inspired WGCDR Corbould and FLTLT Webster to become pilots.

Flying on girl power

PRETTY IN PINK: Back row: LACW Nicole Klein-Essink, LACW Amanda Kay, SGT Kylie Moore, CPLBrooke Jacoby-Saunders. Middle: FLGOFF Erin Rinaldi, SGT Paula Ivanovic, SGT Julie Snell, CPL ErinAtkinson. Front: FLTLT Samantha Webster, WGCDR Linda Corbould, WOFF Katrina Salvesen and CPLEvita Westwood pose in front of the C-17A which took off from Amberley with an all-female crew for thefirst time. Photos: CPL Melina Mancuso

MAKING HISTORY: Clockwise from top left: WOFF Katrina Salveson, SGT Julie Snell, FLGOFF Erin Rinaldi and LACW Nicole Klein-Essink in the cockpit, with WGCDR Linda Corbould and FLTLT Samantha Webster at the controls.

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IT WAS business as usual for WOFF Bob York the day he be-came the first Airborne Electronics Analyst (AEA) to spend one year – 8760 hours to be exact – in the air aboard an Orion aircraft.

WOFF York, from Crew 4 of 10SQN, was on a transit flight from RAAF Base Pearce to RAAF Base Edinburgh on September 5 last year when the moment ticked over.

His achievement was announced over the PA system by the aircraft captain and then it was heads down again.

“I was aware it was looming, but I didn’t realise I was the first AEA to attain one year,” WOFF York said.

He will reach 30 years in the Air Force on July 2.

He graduated on No. 3 AEA Basic course on July 25, 1985.

Before joining the Air Force, he was a teacher in Queensland and still calls the Sunshine Coast home, even though he has lived in Adelaide for the past 25 years.

Although the history-making flight was a routine transit, his Air Force career has been anything but mundane.

His first deployment was to RAAF (now RMAF) Base Butterworth in Malaysia for Operation Gateway in 1986. He has deployed there numer-ous times since, most recently in 2008.

WOFF York delights in showing the junior AEAs, or “prickle heads” as he affectionately calls them, through the myriad of bars and eater-ies hidden throughout Penang.

TECHNICAL training students at RAAF Base Wagga now have a vital new piece of equipment, thanks to the generosity of 37SQN.

The RAAF School of Technical Training (RAAFSTT) took delivery of a Hamilton Standard propeller from a C-130 late last year for use as a training aid for students who will be posted to 37SQN at RAAF Base Richmond or 10 and 11SQNs at RAAF Base Edinburgh.

Initial inquiries were made in 2004 by National Aerospace Training Centre of Excellence (NATCOE) instructor Steve Linder, with staff from both Wagga and Richmond coming together to organise its transfer to the school.

SNCO Aircraft Technical Training SGT Waynne Lee said he was given the task of chasing the prop up about two years ago.

“There was a lot of correspond-ence between us and Air Lift Systems Program Office over this time,” he said.

FSGT Paul Argus from 37SQN Engine Build-up Section (EBUS) first heard about the school’s inquiry in March 2008.

“The prop was a de-commissioned one and sourced from Safe Air (New Zealand), which is the overhaul facil-ity,” he said.

After CAF signed off on the trans-fer, personnel from 37SQN swung into action, packaging the prop and then transporting it to Wagga by C-130, while a team went by road.

Year in the air

Since graduating, WOFF York has held qualifications on Radar, ESM (Electronics Surveillance Measures) and Acoustics. He describes one of the highlights of his career as simul-taneously tracking two submarines during an exercise off Perth.

He said supporting coalition troops in the Orion’s intelligence,

surveillance and reconnaissance role was one of his most rewarding chal-lenges as an AEA.

In recent years, WOFF York has deployed to the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) four times – that’s another year he’s clocked up, but over a mere four-year period.

And when AIR FORCE News

goes to press, he expects to be in train-ing for another MEAO deployment starting in April.

WOFF York said he still enjoyed flying but plans to retire late this year. How many other retirees get to brag that they spent a whole year of their life up in the air?

8760 HOURS UP: WOFF Bob York at a familiar station aboard an Orion as an Airborne Electronics Analyst. His milestone was announced over the PA system. Photo: AC Vasilis Solomou

Students get a closer look

Health staff get staff9 NewsAIR FORCE February 5, 2009

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“TO EVERY enlisted person there should come that special moment when they are tapped on the shoulder by their superior and acknowledged as a peer. This is such a moment.”

Quoting the words of Health Support Wing (HSW) member WOFF Tim Lempriere, OCHSW GPCAPT Karen Leshinskas said that all health personnel were entitled to wear the traditional symbol of military health professionals, the medical Caduceus, from December 1 last year.

The Caduceus is an adaptation of the winged staff of Asclepius. In ancient Greek mythology, Asclepius, who was the son of Apollo, was a practitioner of medicine. It comprises a rod surrounded by a single snake, surmounted by the wings of a dove. It is an ancient Greek symbol and has been used to identify health organisations and wearers as health professionals ever since.

At a function at RAAF Base Amberley, GPCAPT Leshinskas said: “Our health air-men, like their officer counterparts, are very proud members of the health care team.

“They embody the Health Services Wing motto of ‘compassion skill and courage’ and are, in many ways, the backbone of Air Force Health Services, working hard to achieve inspirational levels of capability and professionalism.

“Only health officers have worn the Caduceus on their Service uniform, and the recognition of the airmen health trades has been behind their officer counterparts and the other Services for some time.

“Airmen roles increasingly require pro-fessional qualifications, registration and

By LAC Aaron Curran

RUNNERS at RAAF Base Wagga will be bouncing in their shoes after the recent opening of a new synthetic running track.

Built by Thiess, the $700,000 track was up and running last November after more than three months’ work. The track has an underlay of concrete and tarmac with the surface being a synthetic that absorbs impact and is very sta-ble.

At 400 metres in length, it is per-fect for the 2.4 km PFT practice.

Involved in the planning of the track was former base PTI WOFF Lou Debono.

WOFF Debono said that most of the recruits and trainees had run on the track since it was opened, with outstanding feedback from users.

“We had a few people carrying injuries who worked on the track and ended up passing their fitness test,” he said.

“The doctors on base say that since it has been in use, incidents of lower limb injuries are down.”

The track gets used regularly, with recruits and trainees attesting to its popularity and effectiveness.

Runners now on track in Wagga

achieve recognition in their own right,” she said.

Air Force has now aligned the airmen with their officer counterparts, with all health musterings and specialisations wear-ing the Caduceus on their uniforms.

It recognises the contribution of our highly-trained airmen health personnel in defining what it is to be a military health professional and why it is so rewarding.

The decision is important recognition by Air Force on the value of its health services.

“Wear your medical insignia with pride and be confident in the knowledge that across all of your uniforms, you stand beside us, not behind us, as Air Force health profes-sionals,” GPCAPT Leshinskas said. This article was provided by GPCAPT Karen Leshinskas.

ONE TEAM: From left, FSGT Andy Da Roit, FSGT Frank Alcantarr, WOFF Tim Lempriere and WOFF Janet Brennan with OCHSW GPCAPT Karen Leshinskas. Photo: AC Dan Pinhorn

SYMBOLIC: AC Alastair Neil receives his Caduceus badge from CO Area Health Services South Australia WGCDR Margaret Hine at a short ceremony at RAAF Base Edinburgh while other members wait to receive theirs. Non-commissioned health professionals were permitted to wear the ancient symbol of healing from December 1 last year. Photo: LAC Vasilis Solomou

The PTI staff benefit from it as well. In the past they would need multiple PTIs to view the run com-ponent of a PFT, whereas now they only need one because the track is in an open space. It is the only one of its type in the Air Force.

“I would eventually like to see one at all bases,” WOFF Debono said.

After nine years as a PTI at Wagga, WOFF Debono has taken over the OPSO role at the base. He joined the Air Force in 1973, and spent 10 years as a general hand before remustering to PTI.

He has had postings to Perth, ADFA and Wagga.

WOFF Debono was at Wagga

for the opening of the high ropes course, the only one in the Air Force, used by the School of Postgraduate Studies (SPS).

He has seen many changes at SPS and the RAAF School of Administration and Logistics Training, as well as the big move on to base of No. 1 Recruit Training Unit from RAAF Base Edinburgh.

“I loved the job and I will miss it,” he said. “The interaction and outcomes with the students has been outstanding. At times I have learnt from them as well.

“It was a hard decision to make but after 35 years I figured it was time for a change.”

MAKING TRACKS: Former PTI the then FSGT Lou Debono looks back over his 35 years on the new Wagga running track, which was completed last November. Photo: LAC Aaron Curran

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BEING called out at short notice to respond to critical inci-dents was a common occurrence for CPL Scott Broad, who has re-turned from a six-month deploy-ment to East Timor as a RAAF Security Police Investigator with the Australian Defence Force In-vestigative Service (ADFIS).

He was one of the two ADFIS investigators working in Dili.

The other was the Joint Investigation Office command-er, SGT Tony Hagerty, from the Australian Army Corps of Military Police.

The roles of the investigators were to provide the Commander of the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) with an investigative capability and to respond to any serious and sensitive incidents involving members of the ADF while they were deployed in East Timor.

“We were often called out at short notice to respond to criti-cal incidents at all hours of the day and night,” CPL Broad, from RAAF Base Wagga, said.

“Sometimes, that required our

flying in Black Hawks in order to get to a scene.

“We continually liaised with the Australian Federal Police, United Nations Police and the local Timorese police force regarding incidents and investiga-tions, which allowed us to build a strong working relationship with the Timorese.

“This was made easier by the excellent work done by the locally employed interpreters who assist-ed us on a number of occasions.

“During the deployment, ADFIS investigated a number of serious and sensitive incidents, some of which are still ongoing.”

As ADFIS is a tri-Service unit, the RAAF Security Police Investigators working for ADFIS have been given a number of deployment opportunities in all Areas of Operations.

“During some rare down-time, we assisted with a few local projects, which included a fence-building project for a local orphanage. The fence was intend-ed to keep out the wild animals from the land being cleared to

grow fruit and vegetables,” CPL Broad said.

“The orphanage’s aim was to assist with the long-term sustain-ability of food for the Timorese people. For both the ISF mem-bers and locals involved, this was a rewarding experience.

“The deployment to East Timor has given me valuable investiga-tive and operational experience and laid the foundations for future deployment opportunities.”

CPL Broad served with an Army Reserve infantry unit in Bendigo, Victoria, before joining the permanent Air Force in 2004 and becoming a RAAF Security Police Investigator.

He is currently complet-ing a Bachelor of Policing (Investigations) through Charles Sturt University.

He was one of approximate-ly 750 ADF personnel serv-ing in East Timor as part of Operation Astute, the Australian Government’s response to the Timorese Government’s request for assistance in restoring peace to the country.

A Broad inDili ADFIS

CSI DILI: Air Force Security Police Investigator CPL Scott Broad (left), and Australian Army Military Police SGT Tony Hagerty conduct investigative training during a late evening in Dili.Photo: CPL Chris Moore

FSU-1 deploys to MEAOA SMALL contingent of Air

Force personnel has deployed to the Middle East Area of Opera-tions (MEAO) as part of the lat-est rotation of the Force Support Unit.

The unit, known as FSU-1, comprises logistics personnel from

across the three Services and sup-ports all Australian military oper-ations in the MEAO, including Afghanistan.

The FSU-1 group spent the past month in intensive training prepar-ing for the conditions and possible scenarios that await them.

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By LAC Aaron Curran

CPL Emma Campbell’s deployment to the Solomon Islands last year brought her closer to a grandfather she barely knew.

CPL Campbell, a clerk from RAAF Base Amberley, was part of the Combined Task Force 635 (CTF 635) serving as part of the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI). She spent seven months there from July as the postal manager handing all the mail and parcel needs of CTF 635.

CPL Campbell’s grandfather, CPL Gordon Campbell, served in the RNZAF on Guadalcanal during the vicious fight-ing there in 1942-43. It is a place often described as “hell on earth’ by people who served there.

“He died when I was quite young so I never got to really know him, which was a shame,” CPL Campbell said.

“I knew that he served in the Solomon Islands, but unfortunately I didn’t know much about him.

“My father had done quite a bit of research into his service history and that’s where I got my information from.”

Her grandfather was a sawyer at a sawmill in New Zealand before the war, and when he joined the RNZAF he was posted to No. 1 (Islands) Works Squadron and sent to Guadalcanal in October 1942. There he operated the sawmill processing timber for the advancing allied forces at airfield number two, now a golf course in Honiara.

When the then US First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, planned to visit the troops in early 1943, he was tasked with refurbishing Admiral “Bull” Halsey’s personal yacht, Manawa-Nui. It was built in New Zealand and pressed into service in the Pacific and for the duration of Mrs Roosevelt’s stay, she was to reside on it. It is still sailing the coast of the US.

“I knew he worked at the airfield and on Admiral Halsey’s yacht and when I went to the golf course where the airfield used to be it was a very surreal experience.”

CPL Campbell, an avid reader of his-

tory books, already had a firm grasp of the events that occurred on Guadalcanal and its importance to Australia and New Zealand.

“I just wanted to go and see all the things I had read about. The island is full of history and left over pieces of equip-ment. I saw tin hats, cartridge cases, old aircraft, tanks and random bits and pieces lying around.”

CPL Campbell was the only Air Force member in a sea of Army personnel.

“The Army liked to give it to me a bit about being in the Air Force, and the only one there in the Solomons.”

She said her deployment was one of the most amazing things she had ever done because she was able to be in such a differ-ent place from what she was used to and to walk in her grandfather’s footsteps.

“Because we were both there, although many years apart, that is something we can share even though he is not around,” she said.

“It was a very important deployment to me and it tugged at my heart strings.”

THE FIRST results from a national study of the health of ADF personnel have shown no immediate health issues unique to Solomon Islands veterans.

The Solomon Islands Health Study, the first under the Deployment Health Surveillance Program (DHSP), showed almost no difference in the mental or physi-cal health of ADF personnel who deployed as part of Operation Anode, compared to those who did not.

The head of the DHSP, Associate Professor Susan Treloar, said the study included specific health issues such as mortality and cancer rates and post traumatic stress disorder, as well as general health and lifestyle factors.

“This may or may not change in the future, as some health effects may take longer to develop and will require additional follow-up,” she said. “The study, however, provided a valuable insight to the Service and ex-Service population, with the most stressful factors for respondents while on deployment including separa-tion from family or friends, leadership, the Australian military hierarchy and sorting out problems at home.

“In addition, nearly 40 per cent of the personnel surveyed reported being diagnosed with back or neck problems and the most commonly used medications among respondents were for pain relief, joint condi-tions, high cholesterol and insomnia.”

The Centre for Military and Veterans’ Health (CMVH) conducted the study, which involved 500 Solomon Islands veterans who deployed between July 2003 and December 2005 along with a sample group who were eligible to deploy at that time but did not.

CMVH is a consortium of the University of Queensland, the University of Adelaide and Charles Darwin University which is funded by the Departments of Defence and Veterans’ Affairs to innovatively seek solutions to military and veterans’ health issues through research, education, e-Health and public debate.

For more information about the DHSP, visit: www.uq.edu.au/cmvh/DHSP or contact the research team on 1800 886 567 or [email protected]

Solomons gets a tick on health

FindingFinding grandad grandad

TRACING HIS STEPS: CPL Emma Campbell at a sawmill near the old number two airfield in Honiara, where her grandfather served in World War II. Photo: LAC Aaron Curran

12 AIR FORCE February 5, 2009 13 Centrepiece


THE COMPLEX task of recovering a Caribou from an airfield near the Kokoda Track has been accomplished with ingenu-ity and perseverance from Air Lift Group (ALG) and Combat Support Group (CSG) personnel.

The Caribou – A4-285 – was conduct-ing support for the PNG community when it sustained damage to its left wing, engine and landing gear during a landing at Efogi Airfield on September 5 last year.

The four aircrew and nine PNG passen-gers were unhurt in the landing.

Efogi is approximately 40km north of Port Moresby and can only be reached on foot or by air.

After the incident, an Air Force secu-rity detail and an initial investigation team deployed to the aircraft, while a precaution-ary suspension of Caribou operations was initiated.

It was quickly established that the air-craft was beyond economic repair, setting units from ALG and CSG the task of bring-ing the aircraft home.

A recovery team, made up largely of 38SQN’s maintenance workforce, arrived in Port Moresby by 36SQN C-17A. It was supplemented by logistics, ground defence, medical, engineering and PNG Defence Force personnel who provided excellent support to the team.

Recovery team leader and 38SQN senior engineering officer SQNLDR Graham Elvin said the security detail had already estab-lished the right conditions for the recovery team to set about their task.

“The airfield defence guards had built up a good rapport with the local villagers before we got there, so the CSG advance element for us was a Godsend – we were able to put people on the deck and start pull-ing apart the aircraft,” SQNLDR Elvin said.

Local Efogi interest in the recovery oper-ation was high, with a few villagers even tearful to see the Caribou being dismantled.

Skill and hard work in PNG recovers aircraft

Bringing backk the Bou

“They know that the ‘Bou’ is an asset for them,” he said.

Removing 285 required de-construction from the smallest pieces to the major aircraft structures – all done without heavy equip-ment. The recovery was to leave almost no footprint on Efogi, meaning all major com-ponents had to be airlifted out.

SQNLDR Elvin said it called for a brains trust and joint effort by everyone at Efogi to supply the problem-solving talents to use available equipment and local resources to take apart an eight-tonne aircraft.

Priority was made to return the com-ponents to Australia in good condition, in order to assist the investigation and supple-ment the remaining Caribou fleet.

Working tools separated the pieces of 285, but moving the aircraft’s major compo-nents was done by rope and muscle alone.

Frequent rains and varying temperatures tested the recovery team, which made the effort to also interact with the local commu-nity and Kokoda trekkers.

The recovery team trekked a segment of the Kokoda Track on a rest day, giving them some appreciation of what fellow Australian Servicemen had endured in PNG more than 60 years before.

Following removal of the engines, wings and tail, the centre section of 285 – a vital element for the investigation of the landing incident – was all that remained.

FLGOFF Greg Brick, an engineer with the Air Movements Training and Development Unit, said: “We completed 22 separate external lift movements using local helicopters. We got all of the parts out on board Twin Otters and helicopters – there were no parts left in the village.

“This was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to pull an aircraft apart in the bush with no heavy equipment and get all parts back to Port Moresby in working order, apart from the aircraft fuselage,” he said.

Back in Port Moresby, the recovery team and No. 1 Airfield Operations Support Squadron set about loading 285’s compo-nents on to the Globemaster for its final trip home.

Commander Air Lift Group AIRCDRE John Oddie said that immediately prior to Efogi, the future of the Caribou was under-going review.

“Nevertheless, 285’s recovery is a credit to the Air Force units involved, who demon-strated ingenuity in the face of physically-challenging conditions to bring their aircraft home,” AIRCDRE Oddie said.

Caribous were returned to flying status in late October last year.

VIEW TO DRILL FOR: Above, FLTLT Douglas Lampe from 38SQN works on removing the port wing tip from the damaged Caribou.

HOSPITALITY: Above, local Efogi land owner and elder Henry Elodo shows his village to the visiting specialist members who deployed to Efogi for the recovery of Caribou A4-285. Below, medical assistant CPL Fiona Scholes from 1ATHS consults Henry and his wife Janet on the condition of their young son Elodo at the Air Force medical tent in their village.

READY TO LOAD: Above, Air Movements staff prepare to forklift the Caribou cockpit recovered from Efogi Airfield on to a waiting C-17 at Port Moresby International Airport.

HAPPY CAMPERS: Above, detachment members sit around the fire in an open hut after a hard day’s work.EASY DOES IT: Left, many hands make light work to ensure that the port engine is gently lowered on to the engine work stand at the recovery site. WET NET: Right, FLGOFFs Greg Brick (left) and Kris Scott from AMTDU drag a nylon cargo net delivered by helicopter for use in the operation.TALL ORDER: Below right, the rudder assembly from Caribou A4-285 is carefully removed from the tail boom by personnel during the recovery.

GATHER ROUND: Local boys watch the activities in

the rain at Efogi Airfield.

TUG OF WATER: Above, AC Brendon Gilmour and LAC Michael Wallace from 38SQN wring out their washing before starting the day’s work at the airfield. WHEELIE: Left, a slight problem is fixed when the front undercarriage wheel is straightened before the aircraft could be fully lowered into a trench during the difficult recovery.

HEAVE HO: The severed nose cockpit area of Caribou A4-285 is hauled away on a makeshift sled for removal and eventual airlift back to Port Moresby.

ON TRACK: Specialist personnel deployed to Efogi Airfield for the recovery of Caribou A4-285 stop for a breather by a sign on the Kokoda Track during a trek on their rest day. Photos: SGT Bill Guthrie

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GUN HAND: Above, LAC Andrew Thwaite from 322ECSS goes about his job providing weapons and weapons servicing to personnel at RAAF Base Tindal. Photo: POPH Rick PrideauxWELL DONE: Right, DCAF AVM Geoff Brown presents OFFCDT Cavin Wilson the CAF Prize during the ADFA graduation parade last December. Photo: ABPH Jo Dilorenzo

TOKYO PROMOTION: Above, WGCDR Sonja Halloran, the Deputy Defence Attaché at Australia’s Japanese Embassy, was promoted by Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon in Tokyo in December. She is pictured with the Minister (right) and her husband, LCDR Brad Halloran. Photo: Rachelle Panitz

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AIR Force recognises the need to develop a highly professional instructional capability to train our future force and is investigating the viability of creating a dedicated in-structor mustering called Air Force Instructor (AFI).

A small project team has been established within the Directorate of Personnel Capability Management – Air Force to coordinate the AFI project.

A forum has been established in the Public Folders Directory (DRN Global/Defence RAAF/Air Force Instructor Forum) for personnel interested in accessing updates or contributing to future discussion on the project. For more information, contact project team members SQNLDR Jo Hanson on (02) 6265 6537 or [email protected] or FSGT Fiona Cobby on (02) 6265 5552 or [email protected]

By Barry Rollings

THE Military Claims Liaison Office – Air Force (MCLO) is moving with the times and will soon have a website on the Air Force home page to assist members with compensation claims.

In the meantime, the Deputy Director of the office, WOFF Blu Hind, who is also a member of the Prime Ministerial Advisory Council on Ex-Service Matters, has some excellent advice for injured or ill members who have compensable claims.

WOFF Hind advises members to report injuries or sickness immediately on an AC563, also ensuring that copies are entered into their personal and medical documents files.

WOFF Hind said that it was not uncommon for medical officers to record an injury and its treatment but without detailed reference to the circumstances of when and how the injury or illness occurred.

That is up to the member to provide on an AC563 (Defence OHS Incident Report).

“In the long term, honesty is the best policy in telling your doctor the circum-stances of a sickness and injury and asking him or her to record how an injury took place,” he said. “If you are injured, put in the appropriate forms to fully document your injury, contact us immediately by email ([email protected]) or on 1800 558022 and we will immediately pro-vide information on what the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) needs to deter-mine your case.”

WOFF Hind also had some good advice for sports participants or those training for sports or fitness out of hours. “Obtain permission from your CO for sport – or training for that sport – (which is military sanctioned). Keep a copy of your permis-sion with your medical documents.

“If you are training for sports or fitness out of hours, make sure you have the paper trail that proves the activity is to main-

16 Personnel AIR FORCE February 5, 2009

Compo’snet gain

AFI mustering proposed

tain fitness in accordance with service requirements. A training program for home continuation training from your PTI and approved by your CO may suffice for this purpose.”

The MCLO has a rich vein of expe-rience to draw on, having dealt with several thousand claims since it was instituted eight years ago when the F-111 Board of Inquiry was convened to look into matters arising from the F-111 Deseal-Reseal program.

“We have provided information and direct support for people affected under the Deseal-Reseal program and have assisted them in filling out claims for compensation,” WOFF Hind said.

“We have been liaising with the military and the DVA to give these people access to claims for compensa-tion and we continue to provide mate-rial support for affected members and their families.”

In the bigger picture, the MCLO

liaises with DVA and serving members to assist them with putting together their claims for compensation, he said. Using the MCLO as a one-stop shop facilitates the process by making it faster and easier.

“We will ensure that DVA receives all the information it needs but we are not an advocacy service; however, we will provide statutory evidence which will allow DVA to make a fair and just determination,” WOFF Hind said.

ONUS LIES WITH YOU: Personnel should report their injury or illness on an AC563 rather than rely on a medical officer to give a detailed reference to the circumstances. Photo: CPL Bernard Pearson

Air Force Departure Lounge Who’s leaving after 20 or more years’ service

Must/SpecATCELECTR LOADMAVTECADGCISCONPLTELECTR ALSFITTATCATECHSUPGRDEFATECHAEROADGSUPWKSSPVRLABTECH

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NameSQNLDR Greg NewlynWGCDR Daniel WhiteWOFF Michael SmithWOFF Craig CoultardFSGT Stephen BrasherFSGT Kerry HowardSQNLDR Paul KnellwolfWGCDR Peter SterrettFSGT David TenerSQNLDR Paul MurphySGT Keith PiggottSGT John ClarksonSQNLDR Richard HarbronFSGT David KellySQNLDR Malcolm BennettFSGT Tristan ChapmanFSGT Allan GreenSGT Neil LiddelowFSGT Allan Martin

BULLETIN BOARDAir Force BandFebruary 4: Airpower Brass and a drummer will support the 50th anniversary of the 11SQN Neptune crash at RAAF Base Richmond. The memorial service will be held in the All Saints Chapel on base.February 11: The Ceremonial Band will support the first 1RTU graduation parade for 2009 at RAAF Base Wagga from 11am.February 14: The Jazz Ensemble

will perform some light music in support of the RAAF Base Williams, Laverton, Officers’ Mess Jazz Afternoon from 1pm.

RIC SGTs’ Mess reunionAs part of its 50-year celebration during 2009, the RAAF Base Richmond Sergeants’ Mess invites all past CMCs and members to attend a dining-in reunion on March 6. For more information, contact WOFF Peter Matthey on 0408 289562 or email: [email protected]

17 PersonnelAIR FORCE February 5, 2009

By LAC Aaron Curran

SITTING near the top of the many career options for airmen in the Air Force today are Any Airman (ANYA) positions.

ANYA positions are open to airmen of all ranks and musterings and are in most posting locations across Australia.

ANYA employment, which involves a posting tenure of up to three years, offers its members a change from their current day-to-day duties by provid-ing them with a range of possibilities before returning to their mustering.

Members who have completed an ANYA tenure often find it beneficial when it comes to promotion or when seeking a new career path within the Air Force. But for many it is simply a refreshing change.

Directorate of Personnel – Air Force (DP-AF) Personnel Manager FSGT Trent McIntosh said there were many opportunities and benefits.

“Some of those opportunities allow you to gain additional skill sets and the chance to specialise in areas such as instruction, training design, safety coordination, personnel management, counselling or facilitation,” he said. “They also provide the opportunity for overseas travel or to remote areas of Australia and help you gain a broader understanding of the ADF.”

He said benefits could also include taking on positions of higher rank; the

opportunity to remain in the current location; gaining a position in a local-ity that may not currently be available or receiving a financial incentive bonus for instructional positions including Military Skills Instructors (MSIs).

300 positionsThere are nearly 300 ANYA posi-

tions, which include MSIs at No.1 Recruit Training Unit (1RTU), the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) and Officers’ Training School (OTS). For those interested in broader instruction and interviewing, there are also facilitator positions at the School of Postgraduate Studies (SPS); Defence Interviewer and Careers Counsellor positions at Defence Force Recruiting (DFR); Consultancy positions at Management Service Agency (MSA); numerous instructional and training development positions and employment as Personnel Managers (PM) within DP-AF.

MSIs perform a unique role requir-ing skills in leadership, command and control, drill and ceremonial, dress and bearing, as well as understanding of the Defence Force Disciplinary Act, ground defence and service knowledge. The majority of MSIs are employed in recruit training where they guide the transition of civilians to service life through the delivery of training.

MSIs are a lso employed a t

Refreshinging change on offer

Current EOIs for ANYA for posi-tions commencing January 2010 are: Military Skills Instructors (CPL/SGT) – 1RTU / ADFA / GAP YR AMB & WLM/ OTS / SAW Facilitators at the School of Postgraduate Studies – AMB (FSGT/SGT) / RIC (SGT) / WAG (SGT/FSGT/WOFF) Defence Force Recruiting (CPL/

WOFF) MELB / BRIS / HOB/ PTH

AREP Counsellor (SGT) – RIC Personnel Managers (FSGT) – ACT Instructors at the Training Development Programming Flight (FSGT) – WAG Base Safety Advisor (FSGT) – PEA Consultant at Management Services Agency (CPL/WOFF) – ACT / RIC / WLM

ANYA opportunities

the Defence Force Correctional Establishment and RAAF Base Wagga’s Military Training Flight, which provides continuation training and support in drill and ceremonial, ground defence and disciplinary mat-ters for trainees and base staff.

One such MSI is CPL Bailey Baker from 1RTU, who was formerly at Australia’s Federation Guard.

“I am here because I enjoy instruct-ing recruits and teaching people new things,” she said.

“I enjoy the change it has given me, plus being in Wagga you are close to Sydney and Melbourne, so it gives me the best of both worlds.”

When asked about the ANYA posi-tions at RAAF SPS, WOFF Rob Dias, former school Warrant Officer and facilitator of the school, said facilita-tion was about making the learning process relevant for the participant.

“To do that, SPS uses what is known as experiential learning, which is ‘learning by doing’,” he said.

“As a facilitator you are employed within the Airman Leadership Flight and teach on the CPL, SGT, FSGT or WOFFs courses located at RAAF

Bases Amberley, Richmond or Wagga.”A facilitator at SPS is required to

facilitate discussions on a wide variety of topics.

Another popular ANYA position is PM within DP-AF. As a PM you handle the challenges that come with staffing Air Force capability requirements.

PM FSGT Dennis Haines said there were more than 20 personnel managers responsible for the airmen workforce.

One ANYA job with a difference is at DFR. You work in a tri-Service envi-ronment and have a wide variety of options when it comes to locations.

FSGT Talwyn Davies, who spent 18 years as a cook and crew attendant (CREWATT), wanted a new challenge.

“I successfully applied to become a Careers Counsellor, and challenging it is,” he said.

“I spent two years of a planned three-year posting in DFR in Canberra helping candidates at all stages of their application to join the ADF. One of the other aspects of the job is that you’re not desk-bound, nor are you always out and about; there is a comfortable balance.”

FSGT Davies said his time at DFR

had included some rewarding experi-ences, like attending air shows, trade fairs, schools in western NSW and hav-ing the opportunity to be involved in high-level meetings with senior ADF officers and government officials.

“As a CREWATT with only two possible mustering locations available, I am now in my home town of Hobart due to my ANYA job with DFR,” he said.

MSA is an agency of AFHQ with teams at Canberra and RAAF Bases Amberley, Williamtown, Richmond, Williams and Edinburgh. MSA pro-vides business improvement services to Air Force commanders and direc-tors with a focus on enabling a unit to implement changes and sustain them.

Director MSA WGCDR Iain Harkness said MSA consultants needed to have thinking and exploration skills, and an ability to ask questions to find out what was really happening.

“Therefore, they need well-devel-oped communication and personal management skills,” he said.

How to apply All ANYA positions are notified via

Expressions of Interest (EOI) through Air Force People Central and are basedon selections, which range from paper-based selections through to formal selection boards, where in all cases the most suitable and available members are selected for the positions.

Members considering applying for ANYA positions need to plan in advance as ANYA selections are com-pleted before the mustering posting plots start. This is to ensure members who are successful in their EOIs are not included in these plots and mem-bers returning from ANYA are consid-ered for positions back in their muster-ing alongside their peers, or in some cases, given priority in recognition of their ANYA tenure.

For the right person, an ANYA posi-tion can be both personally and profes-sionally rewarding and DP-AF are call-ing for EOIs from interested members.

“The opportunities and benefits are numerous in ANYA employment and those members interested in posi-tions starting January 2010 will need to apply in the first quarter of 2009,” FSGT McIntosh said.

“Having had the opportunity to complete tenures in many of the ANYA employment fields, I have found it an extremely rewarding experience and would encourage anyone interested to give it a go.”

For more information on ANYA posi-tions, job profiles are listed on the Air Force People Central website.

SKILLS THRILL: 1RTU MSI CPL Bailey Baker. “I am here because I enjoy instructing recruits and teaching people new things.” Photos: LAC Aaron Curran

VARIETY: FSGT Talwyn Davies from Defence Force Recruiting. “You’re not desk-bound, nor are you always out and about; there is a balance.”

IMPARTING KNOWLEDGE: SGT Russell Martin, a facilitator at SPS, speaks to members of a SGTs’ promotion course.

Q: How do I apply?A: The EOIs are located on Air

Force People Central and applications are normally via a Standard Application (PE057), however it is important to follow the instructions listed in the EOI as some may differ.

Q: What information do I need to include in my EOI?

A: You are required to clearly and concisely address the applicable selection criteria; if this is not done your application will not be competitive.

Q: Are CO and Section Commanders comments important?

A: CO and Section commanders

comment are vitally important as they are utilised in the selection process.

Q: What happens when I dispatch my application?

A: Once your application is received by DP-AF you will receive email notification of its receipt and will receive further notification of the result or what is required from you further.

Q: Can I apply for a position of higher rank if I have not been identified for promotion?

A: Yes, if you meet the criteria and believe you will be competitive for promotion in January ’10.

Frequently asked questions

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COMMANDERS, supervisors and individ-ual members are all responsible to ensure mem-bers’ work-life balance expectations are met, according to CAF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin.

In a recent directive, AIRMSHL Binskin said that Australian society had changed and people had greater work-life balance expecta-tions.

He said that Air Force’s military service needs must remain paramount. The organisa-tion’s first priority was to provide government with first-rate air power.

Nevertheless: “Our organisation is com-mitted to enhancing attraction and retention through effective policies that assist mem-bers to achieve a suitable work-life balance,” AIRMSHL Binskin said.

Air Force was also committed to supporting both genders to manage the impact of work on their dependant care responsibilities.

“I intend that Air Force remains an employ-er of first choice,” he said.

“Air Force recognises that the availability of innovative flexible work and leave policies are an important factor in assisting members to balance their work and private lives.

“Accordingly, the provision of flexible work-life policies and practices aims to achieve the best possible match between the needs of Air Force and those of individual members.”

AIRMSHL Binskin said that it was impor-tant that members enjoyed their work and were proud to be part of the Air Force’s ‘One Team’. He expected members to know about flex-ible work and leave options available to them. Details are available in DI(AF) PERS 8-2 and the ADF Pay and Conditions Manual.

Regular discussions with supervisors will also provide them greater understanding of suitable flexible work and leave options.

Also, members are to regularly use their annual leave for rest and relaxation purposes to balance their high workloads with their per-sonal and family commitments.

Supervisors had an important role in assist-ing members to achieve a suitable work-life balance. They are responsible for aligning and prioritising workplace tasking.

19 PersonnelAIR FORCE February 5, 2009

The Flight Test Society of Australia will hold its annual Symposium at the Australian International Airshow & Aerospace and Defence Exposition - Avalon 2009. Members of the Society provide Australia’s research, development, testing, evaluation and associated engineering in the civil and military aerospace industry.

This Symposium (along with the Society) provides opportunities for;� operational, regulatory and policy networking,� professional development, and� awareness of current experimental, developmental and operational testing.

The Symposium will be held at the Expo Conference Centreon Thursday 12th March 2009.

Who should attend:Industry Managers, Aerospace Operators, R.D.T.& E. Professionals, Scientists, Systems Engineers, Testing Support Professionals and Engineering Students.

Details are available from the Society at:[email protected] or [email protected]

www.ftsa.org.au

FLIGHT TEST SYMPOSIUM

Image gallery will improve ease of access

PROVISION of Defence imagery has taken another leap forward with the launching of the Defence Hand-held Image Gallery (DHIG) web-site.

DHIG is an expanding catalogue consisting of ADF, Type II (operational and intelligence) imagery forwarded to the Defence Imagery and Geospatial Organisation (DIGO).

The website is located on the DSN and is accessed through the DIGO homepage with no log-on or password requirements.

It is envisaged within three years the library will also be available via the DRN.

Photographer/manager Hand-held Imagery CPL Craig Eager said DHIG provided simple-to-use but comprehensive search-and-retrieve functionality through structured photographic file information (known as metadata).

“It allows the user to pinpoint specific subjects of interest with a keyword,” CPL Eager said.

The gallery uses the Janes series of publica-tions to enhance file information standardisation of equipment names and types.

New and interesting uploads are highlighted via hotlinks on the front page.

“Currently there are more than 18,000 images available for download and up to 30,000 images are expected to be uploaded by the end of June this year,” CPL Eager said.

The largest provider of ADF hand-held image-ry is 92WG’s AP-3C squadrons located at RAAF Base Edinburgh.

However, the library is configured to handle imagery from all units within the ADF.

To have your unit’s imagery made available to the wider Defence community, email: [email protected] or call the DIGO Hand-held Imagery Section on (02) 6127 7438.

Focus on home

“If you believe current workloads are unsustainable, it is your responsibility to raise the matter through your chain of command,” CAF said.

“You are to remain aware of flexible work and leave options and policies, to pro-actively manage flexible work and leave arrangements within your units/squadrons and wherever pos-sible, provide the opportunity for its use through prudent and empathic activity planning.

“Understanding your members and their personal and family commitments is important. However, actually demonstrating your genuine concern and empathy for their work-life bal-ance requirements is a true test of your leader-ship qualities.”

AIRMSHL Binskin said commanders have overall responsibility to ensure Air Force needs impact minimally on members’ personal and family commitments. “The key to this is a well-

structured annual program of activities that flows down to units from AFHQ and HQAC – a pro-gram that does not over-tax units and provides adequate reconstitution time after an intense activity period,” he said.

“Regular, open communication with your unit/squadron members will facilitate an under-standing of the issues involved. Additionally, you are to pro-actively manage flexible work and leave arrangements within your units/squadrons and, wherever possible, provide the opportunity for its use through prudent and empathic activity planning.”

Fur ther in format ion i s ava i lab le at : Commander’s Intent-Air Force: One Team; DI(AF) PERS 8-2-Flexible work arrangements for members of the Australian Defence Force; the ADF Pay and Conditions Manual; and CAF directive 1 1/08 dated August 10, 2008.

HAPPY FAMILIES: CAF is asking commanders to understand their members’ personal and family commitments as part of a new work-life balance directive. Photo: Mike Lucas

Work-life balance matters, says CAF

Engineers aren’t the only ones who build bridges!Engineers aren’t the only ones who build bridges!

Are you interested in becoming a Defence accredited mediator or confl ict coach?

20 In Memoriam AIR FORCE February 5, 2009

By Andrew Stackpool

AN AUSTRALIAN living treasure who died recently was an inspiration for Air Force female pilots.

Nancy-Bird Walton died on January 13 at the age of 93 and was given a State funeral. She was one of Australia’s most famous aviators and its first female one.

She was born in 1915 and later said that her passion for flying started when she was about four years old as she jumped off fence posts, flapping her arms.

She was inspired to fly in 1930 by the visit to Australia by famous American aviatrix Amy Johnson. During a visit to Sydney that year, she had a trial instruc-tion flight at Mascot Aerodrome (now Kingsford Smith Airport) and that con-vinced her flying was what she wanted to do.

At the age of 15, she met Charles (later Sir Charles) Kingsford Smith who invited her to Mascot to learn to fly. Two years later she did so.

She qualified as a pilot at the age of 17 and two years later gained her commercial licence; the first Australian female to do so and in the face of the prevailing, prejudicial view that women were ‘biologically unsuited’ to being aircraft pilots.

She acquired a Gypsy Moth aircraft

and set off barnstorming; visiting towns, shows and race meetings and offering joy flights at 10 shillings a head.

In 1935, she set up an air ambulance service in western NSW. It was called the Far West Children’s Health Scheme and she flew for the scheme until 1938. She then embarked on a two-year study of aviation around the world.

During World War II, Nancy was appointed commandant of the Women’s Air Training Corps. Then, in 1950, she established the Australian Women Pilot’s Association, serving as its president for the next 40 years.

In addition to her flying in Australia, she participated in the American all-female ‘Powder Puff Derby’. She spent time doing promotional work in Europe for a Dutch airline and was tireless in promoting Australian aviation. Nancy also promoted several charities. For this she received the Order of the British Empire in 1966. In 1999, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for service to aviation.

The National Trust of Australia declared her an “Australian Living Treasure” in 1997, while Qantas named its first Airbus A380 after her.

Later in life, she wrote two books, “Born to Fly” and “My God, It’s a Woman!”

Nancy was an inspiration for gen-

erations of female aviators, with many women enlisting in the Air Force because of her.

Former 36SQN CO WGCDR Linda Corbould said that Nancy Walton had been a true inspiration for her.

“She paved the way for women fly-ing within Australia and it is through her contribution to aviation that we have the opportunities we have today,” she said.

“Her drive and commitment meant that she never let anyone tell her that she couldn’t or shouldn’t fly because she was a woman. It is that same atti-tude that I’ve adopted during my flying career.

“Nancy was indeed ahead of her time but her interest and involvement in avia-tion remained strong throughout her life.

“In meeting her, she affected my life

as a military aviator as she has done for other Air Force female pilots. Her strength of character and engaging per-sonality had a most positive influenceand she made you feel that anything waspossible if you were prepared to give ityour all,” WGCDR Corbould said.

See Page 7 for the story on Air Force’s first all-female flight crewed by WGCDRCorbould and FLTLT Webster.

MEMORABLE: FLTLT Samantha Webster (left) and WGCDR Lisa Corbould visited Nancy-Bird Walton at her Sydney nursing home in January 2007. They shared flying experiences and here Nancy discusses her book “My God! It’s a Woman” with the two Air Force pilots. Photo: Robert Thompson, Dynamic Media

Aviatrix inspires

21LifestyleAIR FORCE February 5, 2009

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By CPL Andrew Hetherington

WHEN I was handed the keys from a well-dressed, slightly anxious Holden salesman, I began to wonder what effect a 6000cc 270kW V8 engine would have on a ute and its driver. My first thought was “lunacy”.

I slid into the grey leather driver’s seat of the SS V-series ute, visualising what grip it would give me on tight corners. I hoped it would hug me a bit harder and longer than your lavender-scented grandma would after thanking you for your present of bath bombs on Christmas Day.

I turned the key and the deep, throaty roar of the V8 shook me from my backside to my brain. The glorious engine note was piped through four exhaust openings, each resembling a Carl Gustav 84mm anti-tank weapon.

If the devil lived in Australia, I’m sure this would be his vehicle of choice. He’d have number plates that read ‘666 666’ and would install a sensor that automatically shut down speed cameras and erased the memory of traffic police as he drove by at warp speed. Of course, he’d also order it in red.

It’s very hard not to drive the SS V at a fast pace, knowing you can drag off almost anything at the lights and still carry a kid’s cubby house or half a tonne of garden fertiliser in the back.

It pulls like a freight train with six engines, with most of the 530Nm of torque on tap from almost anywhere in the rev range.

Externally and internally it’s quite similar

to the VE SS (purple) ute I drove in June last year, with the difference being the lockable hard cover, the 19-inch alloy wheels and the leather seats.

As a friend commented: “The normal SS ute looks good, but this one looks the duck’s guts!”

I guess that should say it all, but unfortu-nately it doesn’t. In these times of fluctuating fuel prices, which could see the price of fuel rise faster than a 15-year-old boy’s blood pres-sure at a Kylie Minogue concert, the six-litre engine has not been trained to sip. It drinks in mouthfuls, with a combined average on test at 14.1 litres per 100km. But it wasn’t as thirsty as I thought it would be and I was also impressed it would also accept cheaper E10 (part ethanol) fuel.

The aspect of it which didn’t match its SS pedigree was the automatic transmission used in active select mode. After going to the trouble of shifting the lever to manually shift gears and expecting exhilarating and fast gear changing, I was met with nearly a whole second of pause before the transmission caught up. A little dis-appointing, although when left to its own auto -shifting, it was smooth and reassuring to know each gear selected felt right, allowing me to con-centrate on the road, pedestrians, other vehicles and, most importantly, speed cameras.

The SS V-series ute is an essential piece of hardware for someone who doesn’t think the regular SS ute looks tough enough.

V-series a top ute

THE Call of Duty winners from the competition in the December 11 edition were: CPL Daryl Gracie, 2OCU; WO1 David Jaehne, AMTDU; AB William Paton, Aust Four; SGT Robert Nott, 325ECSS; PO Neil Thatcher, HMAS Stirling; Damian Cavanagh, JLU-Puckapunyal; LCDR Robert Mayes, JEWOSU; and SGT Dean Walton, 8/12 Mdm Regt.

MOTORING

FAST FACTSHolden SS V-series ute with six-speed active select automatic transmission

Price: $47,490 plus on-road costs.Power: 270kW of power and 530Nm of torque (when using RON 98 PUL petrol) from a 6-litre V8 engine. 0-100km/h: 5.8 sec-onds (claimed).Fuel consumption and type: UNLD RON 91 and E10 (part eth-anol), 14.1L/100km (combined), 73L fuel tank. Co2 emissions: 339 grams/km (combined).Safety: Anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brake force distribution, electronic brake assist, traction control, electronic stability pro-gram, dual-stage front airbags and seatbelts with load limiters and seatbelt pre-tensioners.

For: Acceleration, power, han-dling, load capacity, reliability and tougher looking than normal SS ute.

Against: Thirsty and auto trans-mission performance when used in active select mode.

Best suit: Someone who thinks the regular SS ute is underdone.

Alternatives in price range: Commodore SS V-series sedan, Ford XR8 ute and sedan.

Insurance: $1899 for 12-month comprehensive insurance for a 25-year-old male living in Sydney.

Rating: ★★★★✩

Call of Duty winners

GRUNT: The Holden SS V-series ute; extra tough. Photo: CPL Andrew Hetherington

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22 Lifestyle AIR FORCE February 5, 2009

HEALTH

POSTURE PERFECT: Incorrect posture can result in stress on the back and knees.

BEFORE delving into the correct exercise techniques for cardio theatre bikes, it’s impor-tant to understand the differences between re-cumbent and upright cycles.

The recumbent cycle has a back rest to sup-port the upper body with the feet out in front of the body.

The upright bicycle is the more familiar style of cycle. The lower limbs are below the hips and the body is either seated upright or inclined for-ward towards the handlebars.

Most upright cycles allow the rider to free-wheel or stop pedalling while the wheel contin-ues to spin. Some of the spin-type cycles have a dependent action where the pedals are forced to rotate with the wheel and only stop when the wheel stops.

For efficiency, injury prevention and greater training benefit, a prescribed saddle height and distance is required.

A recommended position for the upright cycle is where the lower leg is slightly bent at the bot-tom of the stroke and for the recumbent cycle at the furthest point in the pedal rotation.

Rounded backDue to the flexed hip position on the recum-

bent cycle, many riders tend to round their lower back and have their hips curl away from the sup-port when fatigued. This may increase lower back stress.

The upper back also may be subjected to a poor postural position when you reach down for the handles at the side of the seat or reach for-ward towards the control panel.

On the upright bicycle, the back and abdomi-nal muscles must work to maintain a natural spine position. If these muscles fatigue, gravity causes the posture to slump and the upper and lower back to round.

Even when leaning forward and using profile bars to support the upper body, the upper back and neck can round if proper posture is not main-tained.

Solution You should focus on the correct back and

neck posture and conduct a posture check at the start of the session.

To check your posture, start from your head and work down to your lower back. If you are unsure of correct posture, consult your PTI or physiotherapist.

High or locked kneesIf the seat is too low on the upright bicycle or

too close on the recumbent bicycle, the degree of knee bend is increased. This produces greater forces through the knee joint, especially when the bend passes 90 degrees, which increases the chance of injury.

If the seat is too high on the upright bicycle or too far away on the recumbent bicycle, you have

Stationary bicycles provide a convenient and low-impact cardiovascular workout. LT Rob Orr explains how you can get the most out of using upright and recumbent cycles.

to over-extend at the furthest point in the pedal’s revolution. This can lead to jarring the knee joint as it locks out and can also increase the load through the hip joint.

Solution Check the seat height and distance prior to

training on the cycle.

Knees in / outA common technique flaw is when the knees

are facing inwards or outwards at some point in the revolution. This is often caused by poor seat position, the resistance on the cycle being too high, or the incorrect position of the foot on the pedal.

Solution Check the seat height and distance before

training. Select a resistance that allows correct technique and every few minutes conduct a foot check by glancing down at your feet and ensur-ing they are facing forward in line with the rota-tion of the pedal.

Finally, it is generally accepted that optimal pedal revolutions per minute (RPM) are at a cadence of around 70-110 rpm for recreational cyclists.

Too high a pedal cadence can cause additional stress on the stabilisation systems of the joints while too low a pedal cadence places additional stress on the joints if the slow pedal rate is due to excessive resistance.

Bike e rightright

23 SportAIR FORCE February 5, 2009

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[email protected]@defence.gov.au

02 6933 8363

By FLTLT Jaimie Abbott

THE Air Force may take people to places around the world they’ve never seen before, but now some members have discovered a way to get more up close and personal to their deployed locations.

Geocaching is a growing craze that is fast becoming an international phenome-non, and now it has grabbed the attention of dozens of Air Force personnel.

Similar to a high-tech scavenger hunt, participants post on the internet the co-ordinates of caches they have hidden for others to find using their GPS devices.

Inside the caches are trinkets, mem-orabilia and “geocoins” that can be tracked around the globe. The contents may include magnets, ‘Happy Meal’ toys, and bride and groom statues. If the visitors take something, they’re expected to leave something in return. The caches can be found anywhere, from a footpath to a remote cliff.

During Exercise Bersama Lima in Malaysia late last year, FSGT Justin Galbraith and CPL Michael Repacholi devoted their spare time to this chal-lenging sport. In the humid Malaysian

weather, they climbed Penang Hill to complete their geocaching missions.

“It’s a sport anyone can do, and it’s taken us to places we normally wouldn’t have ventured to,” FSGT Galbraith said.

CPL Repacholi added: “The idea is not so much what kind of ‘treasure’ you discover but it’s more about the location of the cache box.”

Geocaching has attracted approxi-mately three million participants world-wide. In almost every location that Air Force personnel deploy, there is a new challenge. There are more than 700,000 geocaches hidden around the world.

“It doesn’t cost a lot of money and all you really need is the internet and a GPS,” FSGT Galbraith said.

It’s fast becoming addictive in the Air Force with each new deployment or exercise attracting newcomers to the sport. During Exercise Bersama Lima late last year, even more members from RAAF Base Edinburgh became hooked.

“It’s a great way to see the world, learn new skills and get fit at the same time,” CPL Repacholi said. To get started participants need to log on to: www.geocaching.com and type in their desired location.

FROM underwater hockey to canoe polo and tenbase, the modern sporting world has no trouble coming up with novel pursuits.

But geocaching is the pastime which has fired the imagination of FLGOFF Geoff Young and his family.

They began geocach ing l a s t February as team ‘Madstars’ after FLGOFF Young was posted to RAAF Base Williamtown.

“Being new to the area, we found geocaching a fantastic way to explore Newcastle, the Hunter Valley and Nelson Bay,” he said.

“My wife Janelle maps out where we will head for the day with our daughter, Maddison, 2.

“We select a few caches that inter-est us and it is a good idea to take note of any clues, maps and general info for

each cache you select. We drive to the vicinity, where the real adventure begins by using the GPS to help find the cache.

“At this point you may find you need to review the information or clues to determine the exact location.

“Once you locate the cache, you must sign the log with the date and your code name. You are welcome to take an item from the cache, but it is ‘good manners’ to replace it with an item of equal value.

“We take a bag of small toys with us and let our ‘geotoddler’ pick a toy from each cache we find and then let her choose something from our trove to replace it with, thus creating a recurring treasure for the next person.” For more information, email FLGOFF Young at: [email protected] or FLTLT Jason Keir at: [email protected]

Cache in on a craze

All systems geo for hooked family

GIVE AND TAKE: FLGOFF Geoff Young with his wife Janelle and their two-year-old daughter Maddison, who gets to pick the goodies they leave.

TREASURE PLEASURE: FSGT Justin Galbraith (left) and CPL Michael Repacholi show off some of their finds, discovered during a geocaching challenge while in Malaysia for Exercise Bersama Lima late last year. Photo: ACW Shannon Urie

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SPORT Inside: Discover new high-tech hunting crazeFebruary 5, 2009

STICK ’EM UPSTICK ’EM UPBy John Martin

YOU could win many plaudits by naming OFFCDT Sean Jamieson next time you’re asked to list one of Aus-tralia’s world champion fighters.

Well, he’s hardly a household name – not in Australia, anyway.

But you’d be spot on. OFFCDT Jamieson, 22, of Adelaide, won the World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (WEKAF) men’s super middleweight double sticks championship in Cebu City in the Philippines last year.

“Stick fighting? What’s that?” is a

common question OFFCDT Jamieson gets asked.

Answer: the modern version of the sport originated in the Philippines in 1989.

It is based on a Filipino self-defence discipline used against the Spanish invaders in the 1500s and it now has participants from 30 countries, albeit only 100 or so in Australia.

Competitors fight three one-minute rounds with either one or two sticks. The sticks are made from rattan and are 71cm long.

Judging is similar to that of boxing and competitors wear armour including a helmet, padded suit and gloves.

OFFCDT Jamieson is an Air Force undergraduate in airfield engineering at the University of Adelaide.

He started stick fighting in 2004.The world titles are held every two

years and he won three bronze medals at the 2006 championships in Orlando, Florida.

Last year he won three Australian titles in Wollongong, qualifying him for another shot at the world titles in July.

The atmosphere in the Philippines

was very different from the well-ordered setting of Orlando.

About 500 competitors from 28 coun-tries fought in single and double stick divisions.

“The Filipinos are passionate people when it comes to one of their national sports and it showed,” he said. “When a star Filipino fighter lost, the crowd of hundreds could only be compared to that of soccer crowds in the UK.”

OFFCDT Jamieson competed in the single and double stick super middleweight divisions against com-petitors from countries including the

Philippines, US, Britain, Norway, Austria, Canada, Mexico and Italy.

He won the bronze medal in the single stick and after four hard fights in the double stick division, won the world title.

The next world titles will be held in 2010 in Mexico.

As reigning world champion, OFFCDT Jamieson does not have to qualify for the double stick divi-sion. But he still plans to contest the Australian titles at Mt Isa in July to qualify for the single stick division.

Air Force undergrad a world-class fighter in modern martial arts

FIGHTING FIT: OFFCDT Sean Jamieson with the Filipino

fighting sticks that led him to victory in the World Eskrima Kali

Arnis Federation men’s super middleweight double sticks

championships in the Philippines last year. Photo: ACW Shannon Urie

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