AIRF RCEVol. 57, No. 6, April 9, 2015 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

THANK YOU

Growler graduates Page 5

New CAF and DCAF start top jobs in July Page 4

F-35A pilot takes first flight Page 3

Air Force personnel march through the

streets of Sydney during the Operation Slipper parade on March 21.

Photo: CPL David Said

Airmen and women march in national parades to commemorate

Op Slipper service Centrepiece

2 April 9, 2015RCEAIR FNews

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THIS EDITIONCrews continue to lend a hand in Vanuatu after Cyclone Pam Pages 6-7

20SQN is stood-up at RAAF Base Woomera Page 9

Security forces on the ground for Operation Okra Page 8

32SQN’s King Air fleet achieves 50,000 flying hours

Page 11

WWII nurse receives war medals on her 100th birthday

Page 13

RCEAIR F

Living the Air Force Values: RESPECT – EXCELLENCE – AGILITY – DEDICATION – INTEGRITY – TEAMWORK

WITH the shadow of Tropical Cyclone Marcia passing over south-east Queensland, ready elements of 1 Intelligence Battalion, includ-ing Air Force and Navy personnel, rehearsed their call-out procedures as part of Exercise Phoenix Finisher from February 23-26.

The exercise involved elements deploying in support of a notional Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade-led, RAAF-centric non-com-batant evacuation operation.

Vital to 1 Int Bn is its non-Army personnel posted to the unit under Operation Argonaut, the ADF Human Intelligence program.

Since 2008, sailors, airmen and women and non-Intelligence Corps soldiers have posted to 1 Int Bn for employment as human intelligence operators or interrogators.

CO 1 Int Bn LTCOL S said their employment enhanced the unit’s capabilities as well as their indi-vidual skills.

“By the time they post out of the unit, after two or three years, they possess enhanced maturity and man-agement skills that they otherwise might not have developed,” he said

“The experience these airmen and airwomen bring to the battalion is invaluable.”

Central to the intelligence efforts on Exercise Phoenix Finisher was the work of 1 Int Bn’s intelligence analysts.

They were able to fuse the intel-ligence collected from Air Force, Navy and other government sources and provide advice to commanders, which drove operational planning.

SGT A, an airmen serving with the source operations capability in 1 Int Bn, assisted in the screen-ing of local nationals as they were processed through the Evacuation Handling Centre.

During this process, vital infor-mation regarding a significant threat to the centre was obtained, lead-ing to swift counter action to avert potential threats to personnel.

Knowledge matters

PTE Van Dore briefs an Air Force Commander on the concept for psychological operations during Exercise Phoenix Finisher. Photo: CPL Jane Thomas

CPL Aaron Curran

THE Defence In te l l igence Training Centre was renamed the Defence Force School of Intelligence (DFSI) on January 1, aligning itself with the nam-ing conventions used by other schools.

Based at Kokoda Barracks, Canungra, in the hills behind the Gold Coast, DFSI instructs foun-dation-level, career and specialist skills intelligence courses for the ADF.

CO DFSI LTCOL Arran Hassell said the name change came about to maintain con-sistency with all schools in the Defence Command Support Training Centre.

“For example, we are now named the same as the DFS of Signals, DFS of Policing and DFS of Music,” he said.

DFSI is a triservice unit with 111 full-time, reserve and APS personnel of whom 23 are Air

Force, 57 are Army, 23 are APS and eight are Navy.

LTCOL Hassell said DFSI conducted officers’ basic and advanced intelligence courses for the three services and Army’s intelligence Initial Employment Training course.

“We do career continuum courses, source operations, inter-rogation, psychological opera-tions, imagery analysis and conduct after capture training,” LTCOL Hassell said.

“Each year we also teach six to eight mobile training serials over-seas, which includes courses such as Defence Intelligence Research and Analysis and Intelligence Preparation of the Battlespace in regional countries including Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.”

LTCOL Hassell said this year DFSI would run 67 courses for up to 1160 ADF trainees and indi-viduals from other government agencies.

AB James McDougall, SGT Euan Grant and CAPT Cassandra Brooker look at images during the Imagery Course held at the Defence Force School of Intelligence. Photo: WO2 Wayne Ryan

Defence Intelligence Training Centre renamed

SGT A said that his knowledge of air operations proved to be useful.

“In this scenario, we were work-ing in a RAAF Joint Task Force so it was quite rewarding to collect intel-ligence specifically relevant to my RAAF counterparts,” he said.

“I was able to tailor my question-ing to meet the specific needs of RAAF.”

The intelligence battalion main-tains short-notice ready elements for each of its sub-unit capabilities of human intelligence, all-source intelligence, geospatial intelligence, exploitation operations and psycho-logical operations.

As the sole provider of these capabilities to Army, 1 Int Bn is required to be prepared to support contingencies ranging from humani-tarian assistance and disaster relief through to high-end war fighting.

For the first time since being raised in 1999, the Brisbane-based battalion had no formed bodies on operations.

LTCOL S said the battalion shifted its focus from predictable rotations on known operations to preparing for short-notice contin-gency operations.

“This shift requires higher readi-ness and flexibility in the application

of our tradecraft than we have shown in recent years,” LTCOL S said.

“Our readiness and flexibility were tested and confirmed on the exercise.

“The value in exercising a sce-nario that involved other government agencies and services was it ensured capabilities remained interoperable in any environment.

“Realistically, we are unlikely to deploy to an environment that does not involve Air Force, Navy or gov-ernment players.”

For more information email adf.humint@defence.gov.au

3April 9, 2015RCEAIR F News

First flight for F-35A pilotCPL Aaron Curran

AIR Force’s first F-35A pilot, SQNLDR Andrew Jackson, took the first flight in the aircraft at Elgin Air Force Base in Florida in the US on March 17.

SQNLDR Jackson and his course mates had spent seven weeks at ground school learning about the F-35 and completed 154 classroom hours and 64 hours throughout 16 flight simulations.

“It was pretty awesome,” SQNLDR Jackson said.

“It was quite humbled when I stepped into the new jet. I took my time, remembered the things I’d been taught

and went through them in order before taking off.”

SQNLDR Jackson said the aircraft felt comparable to the simulator.

“It was remarkably easy to fly,” he said.

“It felt similar to the F/A-18 that I’d flown previously, so it was very com-fortable in that regard, and it almost felt easier to fly than the sim did, so that really wasn’t a concern. It was a very comfortable transition.”

58th Fighter Squadron commander LTCOL Matthew Renbarger flew beside him as his wingman and instructor pilot and guided him through the flight.

“He did great,” LTCOL Renbarger said.

“It was a testament to how good our training system was that we can take pilots from different backgrounds, non-US systems and have no issues on his first flight.”

LTCOL Renbarger said once SQNLDR Jackson completed his train-ing he would be the last internation-al F-35 pilot to attend the Academic Training Centre.

“From there, he’ll go to Luke Air Force Base in Arizona to be an instruc-tor pilot.”

In May the second RAAF pilot,

To watch the video of the flight go to http://video.airforce.gov.au

SQNLDR Andrew Jackson, Air Force’s first F-35A pilot, takes his first flight in the aircraft.

‘I was quite humbled when I stepped into

the new jet. I took my time, remembered the things I’d been taught

and went through them in order before

taking off.– SQNLDR Andrew Jackson,

F-35A pilot

SQNLDR David Bell, is scheduled to start his training at the international pilot training centre at Luke Air Force Base where two Australian F-35As are located.

The fifth-generation aircraft will meet Australia’s future air combat and strike needs, providing a networked force-multiplier effect in terms of situ-ational awareness and combat effective-ness.

The RAAF plans to obtain 100 F-35s with the first aircraft scheduled to arrive in Australia by the end of 2018 and the first operational squadron estab-lished by 2020.

REPORT RELEASED

DEFENCE has completed the supplementary report to the draft environmental impact statement (EIS) on the flying operations of the F-35A.

The supplementary report addresses comments made in public submissions regarding the draft environmental impact statement.

The report is being made available to the public so that individuals and groups with an interest in the proposal may understand how Defence has responded to the comments made during public consultation.

The supplementary report to the draft EIS is exhibited for public knowledge and is not available for public comment.

The draft EIS together with the supplementary report forms the final EIS presented to the Minister for the Environment for assessment in accordance with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act.

When the Minister for the Environment has finalised the approval decision, it will be published on the Department of the Environment’s EPBC Act Public Notices website at www.environment.gov.au/epbc/public-notices and by Defence at www.f35evolution.com.au

THE US 56th Fighter Wing, which includes two RAAF F-35A and is where Australian personnel will be trained on the craft, flew its 1000th F-35 training sortie on March 31.

The milestone makes it the fastest F-35 wing to reach the 1000-sortie milestone in the US Department of Defense.

The week prior, Luke Air Force base’s first F-35 student sortie was flown, which marked a significant step forward for the airmen at the Arizona air force base in realis-ing its new mission – training the world’s greatest F-35 fighter pilots.

That student was the 56th Fighter Wing commander, BRIG-GEN Scott Pleus, who is making the transition from the F-16 to the F-35.

The first official class of stu-dent pilots is scheduled to begin at the Academic Training Center, a 145,000-square-foot two-storey state-of-the-art training centre, in May.

“I’m extremely proud of the extraordinary work our maintain-ers are doing to ensure our pilots

have mission ready and safe jets,” BRIG-GEN Pleus said.

“The F-35 is going to be the backbone of the US and Australian Air Forces’ fighter fleet for dec-ades to come and Luke will play a vital role in producing the world’s greatest, most lethal F-35 pilots.”

BRIG-GEN Pleus also reflect-ed on the years of work that have gone into the F-35 program put-ting Luke in position to begin training in May.

“Getting to this point hasn’t just been accomplished over the past few months. It’s really been done over the past few years,” he said.

“Lots of amazing airmen who served before us here at Luke are the reason we are where we are with the F-35 program for our two countries today.

“What they did back then to set the base up is the reason we will be so successful training the world’s greatest F-35 pilots.”

There are 20 F-35s assigned at Luke, two of which belong to RAAF.

Another historic milestone reached

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4 April 9, 2015RCEAIR FNews

Super Hornets head home

THE Australian Air Task Group in Iraq will farewell its six F/A-18F Super Hornets that have been flying high tempo air-strike operations since September.

As part of US-led coalition air operations, the F/A-18A Hornets from No. 75 Squadron have replaced the Super Hornets to continue combating the Daesh terrorist threat in Iraq.

Air Task Group Commander AIRCDRE

Glen Braz said the new strike team had completed a comprehensive transition and was now flying combat air operations.

“The past two weeks have been a particularly busy period for the Air Task Group with the current Super Hornet rotation continuing to perform missions together with the new strike element,” he said.

“During the transition, having two outstanding

fighter squadrons fly together in combat is a historic milestone for the RAAF.”

The incoming F/A-18A Hornet is a single-seat multi-role fighter while the F/A-18F Super Hornet is a two-seater.

In addition to individual pilot and weapon systems officer hand-overs, all related supporting personnel have been briefed-in and are now fully operational.

Aircrew completed familiarisation flights before

Four F/A-18F Super Hornets flying in

“echelon right” formation, briefly share the Middle Eastern airspace

with a E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and

Control aircraft.Photo: SGT Andrew Eddie

‘Having two outstanding

fighter squadrons fly together in

combat during the transition is an

historic milestone for the RAAF.

– AIRCDRE Glen Braz, ATG Commander

assuming full operational responsibility.

The well-earned rest for Australia’s F/A-18F Super Hornet crews and support staff from RAAF Base Amberley’s No. 1 Squadron comes after seven months of strike missions which began in September 2014.

The Super Hornets flew more than 400 sorties in over 3300 hours.

New CAF and DCAF CPL Aaron Curran

AVM Gavin ‘Leo’ Davies has been named as the new Chief of Air Force and will take over the position from AIRMSHL Geoff Brown on July 4.

AIRCDRE Warren McDonald will become Deputy Chief of Air Force.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott and CDF ACM Mark Binskin announced the appointment of the new CAF and Chief of Army, LTGEN Angus Campbell, on March 26.

ACM Binskin congratulated AVM Davies and LTGEN Campbell on their appointment.

“With these two appointments, that finalises the new command team in the Defence Force,” he said.

AVM Davies joined the Air Force as a cadet navigator in 1979. He has had a wide range of oper-ational, command and staff expe-rience, including deploying to the Middle East, command of No. 82 Wing (the then strike and recon-naissance wing of the RAAF), and a posting as Air Attaché in Washington.

AIRMSHL Brown confirmed the appointment of AIRCDRE McDonald as DCAF on March 31.

“AIRCDRE McDonald has excelled in a number of senior com-mands and brings a wide range of operational and staff experience to the role,” AIRMSHL Brown said.

Top, DCAF AVM Leo Davies welcomes home the last Heron Detachment at Darwin Airport in December. He will take the reins as CAF in July.Photo: AB Nicolas GonzalezAIRCDRE Warren McDonald, right, will then take up the role of DCAF Photo: CPL Ben Dempster

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5April 9, 2015RCEAIR F News

CPL Aaron Curran

A MAJOR milestone for the Air Force’s EA-18G Growler program was reached on February 27 when five pilots and electronic warfare officers graduated from EA-18G operational conversion at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in the US.

Pilots SQNLDR Shannon Kennedy, FLTLTs Todd Woodford and Jamie Piszczuk and EWOs FLTLTs Conrad Stalling and Martin Rowe are the first Air Force students to graduate from basic training at Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129, the US Navy’s EA-18G Growler Fleet Replacement Squadron.

FLTLT Sean Rutledge, the first RAAF exchange Growler pilot, was one of their instructors.

Joining them on the day was Air Force Director General Capability Planning AIRCDRE Mike Kitcher.

“The US Navy was good enough to allow us to put a sig-nificant number of aircrew with the VAQ community, which means we can get experience,” AIRCDRE Kitcher said.

“When our aircraft turn up in 2017, we’ll have experienced crews that can form the nucleus of the squadron and take us forward.

“The fact that the Growler is only being sold to Australia means that pretty much it’s a US Navy effort that Australia has been allowed to be part of. We feel privileged to be such a close partner on the Growler capability.”

AIRCDRE Kitcher said it was a win-win situation.

“I think our aircew experience and their way of doing things has also helped the Navy out. We will be providing quality Australian aviators to the Navy system over the next few years, which I think will also benefit both forces,” he said.

SQNLDR Kennedy, who has since been posted to expeditionary squadron VAQ-132, said it was a dream come true.

“As an O4 you don’t normally go on exchanges,” he said.

“So to get that gig was bril-liant. I got to bring my family over here, my kids got to see something different and get a bit of worldly experience.”

Acting Director EA-18G Growler Transition Office WGCDR Paul Jarvis said all five personnel had been posted to

expeditionary Growler squadrons, which were land-based squadrons that deploy in support of air and land forces.

“FLTLT Woodford has gone straight to VAQ-135, which is on a Pacific deployment, and he took part in Exercise Cope North with 3SQN,” he said.

“Those first five will gain operational experience with the USN until January 2017, when we plan to stand up 6SQN as a Growler squadron at Whidbey Island. One of the crews will then go on to do the Growler Tactics Instructor Course at Naval Air Station Fallon in late 2016.

“Together, these crews will form the core tactics development team within 6SQN, in a similar way that the cadre technicians, who will train in 2016, will craft the necessary maintenance pro-cesses and instructions.”

Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 CO CMDR Tabb Stringer said the training went very well for the first graduates.

“It was obvious they hand-picked them and sent really bright people,” he said.

WGCDR Jarvis said four more aircrew were in training in the US.

“The length of training depends on each person’s qualifi-cations,” he said.

“However, later this year the first two crews with no previous fast-jet experience will go over straight from Introductory Fighter Course. In the planned steady state, we aim to train four crews a year.”

EA-18G pilots graduate

When our aircraft turn up in 2017,

we’ll have experienced crews that can form the

nucleus of the squadron and

take us forward.– AIRCDRE Mike Kitcher,

Air Force Director General Capability Planning

Left, RAAF’s SQNLDR Shannon Kennedy and far right, AIRCDRE Mike Kitcher with US personnel, centre left, LT Chris Compton and CDRE Mike Lisa after a routine training mission with VAQ-132 Scorpions on February 2.Photo: US LT Brian Hartwig

THE first RAAF Growler sub-assembly – the aircraft’s centre/aft fuselage section, twin vertical tails and associated subsys-tems – have been produced.

It is the 115th Growler shipset from Northrop Grumman and the first for an international customer.

RAAF Director General Capability Planning AIRCDRE Michael Kitcher said that including this first Growler, Northrop Grumman had delivered shipsets for 100 Australian F/A-18 Hornet aircraft, includ-ing 24 F/A-18 Super Hornets.

“We are honoured to celebrate this sig-nificant milestone with the US Navy and our industry partners,” AIRCDRE Kitcher said.

“I am confident that Growler will pro-vide our Air Force with the most versatile and effective airborne electronic attack platform in the world.”

Nor throp Grumman Aerospace Systems F/A-18 program manager and director John Murnane said the aircraft

would give Australia critical new offensive and defensive options for its air combat operations.

“Production of the first international Growler shipset marks another important milestone in Northrop Grumman’s storied history as a volume producer of advanced aircraft systems of unmatched quality,” Mr Murnane said.

Boeing F/A-18 and EA-18G programs vice president Dan Gillian said Northrop Grumman produced and integrated the RAAF Growler shipset on its F/A-18 assembly line in El Segundo, which it uses to produce major centre and aft structures for both F/A-18 and EA-18G aircraft.

The company plans to continue pro-ducing shipsets on the line at least through August 2017.

“This significant milestone brings us one step closer to Australia becoming the first country besides the US to receive this unique airborne electronic attack capabil-ity,” Mr Gillian said.

First RAAF Growler shipset produced

Northrop Grumman mechanics perform final quality inspections on the centre/aft fuselage shipset for the first RAAF EA-18G Growler. The sub-assembly will be delivered to Boeing for final integration into a complete aircraft. Photo courtesy of Northrop Grumman

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6 April 9, 2015RCEAIR FOperation Pacific Assist

Eamon Hamilton

NEW Satellite Communications (SATCOM) equipment on the C-130J Hercules is allowing for greater mission flexibility in Vanuatu for Operation Pacific Assist 15.

In late 2014, a SATCOM suite was fitted to one Hercules, allowing secure voice and data transmission around the globe.

No. 37 Squadron pilot FLTLT Mel Picton said this Hercules was used in a recent task to Vanuatu, and that SATCOM proved invaluable.

“We used it to report timings and load details to Air Mobility Control Centre for their tracking, as well as being notified of any change in tasking as it came up,” FLTLT Picton said.

“SATCOM gives us a lot more flexibility and capability for dynamic tasking.”

While on the island of Tanna, the lack of telephone reception meant SATCOM was used to seek an approv-al for Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade personnel and Australian media to be carried by the Hercules.

“We were also able to relay back to our people that there was a French family on the island who were looking to get a flight out,” FLTLT Picton said.

“They were subsequently taken by a French Air Force aircraft as a result of our communications from the island.”

The whole fleet of 12 Hercules will receive SATCOM equipment accord-ing to Commander Air Mobility Group AIRCDRE Warren McDonald.

“The Hercules is obviously not the

Personnel arrive on a C-130J Hercules in Port Vila, Vanuatu, to assist in the wake of Cyclone Pam. Inset, CO 37SQN WGCDR Darren Goldie flies a C-130J over the island of Tanna. New satellite communications equipment has made a significant difference to the humanitarian operation.Photos: SGT Hamish Paterson and CPL David Said.

first RAAF aircraft with SATCOM capability, but it represents an impor-tant step forward for this platform under Plan Jericho,” AIRCDRE McDonald said.

On March 11, SATCOM was used by AIRCDRE McDonald during a six-ship C-130J Hercules to contact CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown.

It was a symbolic action that signalled the development of the Hercules under Plan Jericho.

“This particular system allows us to incorporate data transfer using secure networks, and has great potential for growth,” AIRCDRE McDonald said.

“We are utilising leading technol-ogy from industry to make the C-130J a networked and highly adaptable ele-ment within Air Force.

“Whether you’re low level over Canberra or on a mission anywhere in the globe, we’ll have the capability to reach out and make a secure connec-tion from a Hercules,”

AIRCDRE McDonald congratu-lated Air Force, Defence Material Organisation and industry partners for the speed with which SATCOM was installed on the first aircraft.

“This is an excellent result and a testament to the professionalism of the Air Lift Systems Program

Office and our industry partners in this endeavour, Airbus Group Asia Pacific, Lockheed Martin, Ball Aero and Cobham,” she said.

SATCOM is one of several upgrades that are either being exam-ined or are in the processes of being installed on the C-130J.

“In 2016, we will field a Dynamic Retasking Capability on the C-130J which will incorporate access to the Link-16 military network,” AIRCDRE McDonald said.

“We are also looking into helmet-mounted systems to provide enhanced situational awareness for the C-130J.”

Visitors who toured Air Mobility

Group aircraft at the Australian International Airshow in Avalon also caught a glimpse of the future.

“During the airshow, we displayed the AirView 360 suite from L-3 Communications, which combines high-definition displays with a satel-lite feed,” AIRCDRE McDonald said.

“We’re in the process of acquiring this system, which will provide Army with the ability to conduct live mis-sion briefings or updates in a C-17A or C-130J.”

For more on Plan Jericho go to www.airforce.gov.au/jericho

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COMMEMORATING AUSTRALIA’SOPERATION IN AFGHANISTANAND THE MIDDLE EAST

7April 9, 2015RCEAIR F Operation Pacific Assist

CAPT Bradley Richardson

KA350 King Airs have been supporting Operation Pacific Assist 2015 since March 18, providing vital surveillance capability to authorities in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Pam.

FLGOFF Luke Duffy, a King Air co-pilot, has seen a lot of the devastation left by the cyclone across the island nation.

He said the islands of Tongoa and Malorua were hard hit.

“Most of the small villages seemed to have suffered a lot of damage. Houses and vegetation had been flattened and stripped.

“The northern region looks fairly good, the communities look like they have held together fairly well and we have seen a lot of local activity, which is a good thing.”

The KA350 has supported aerial surveillance flights, allowing Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) and local officials to assess the damage in the islands to the north and south of Port Vila.

“Our main role has been to provide a basic air logistic support capability for the Australian High Commission and Vanuatu Government within the various islands,” FLGOFF Duffy said.

The RAAF has two KA350 King Airs supporting the operation and they have flown a number sorties, supporting the assessment of the damage to infrastructure, including roads, houses, churches and schools.

King Airs over Vanuatu

Sgt Dave Morley

VANUATU Prime Minister Joe Natuman has told CDF ACM Mark Binskin that residents clapped and cheered when they saw the first C-17A Globemaster III aircraft arrive in Port Vila with aid in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Pam.

ACM Binskin, accompanied by Australia’s Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop, visited deployed ADF per-sonnel on March 22 and said the local people were relieved that help had arrived and they had not been forgotten.

“I was impressed with how ADF units reacted so quickly to what was a critical situation for the peo-ple of Vanuatu,” he said.

“Being able to bring the team

together across the three services and to deploy over here with two C-17s and two C-130 Hercules air-craft on the first day was fantastic.

“Right across the board every-one is doing a great job.”

When the Navy’s heavy-lift ship HMAS Tobruk arrived on March 23, along with rotary-wing assets, the total number of ADF person-nel deployed to Vanuatu reached almost 460 people.

“That’s a pretty significant contribution to the aftermath of Cyclone Pam,” ACM Binskin said.

“I’d like to thank everyone in the ADF who deployed at short notice and also thank their families for accepting that we’ve called their loved ones away from home at such short notice.

“I’d like their families back home to know that what they’re doing here is very worthwhile.”

Ms Bishop told Australian Department of Foreign Affairs staff, ADF members and Australian vol-unteers she had travelled to Vanuatu on the 18th Australian military air-craft into Port Vila.

“I think there have been 11 C-17s and seven C-130s,” she said.

Ms Bishop said she was pleased Australia had been able to get lifesaving supplies, humanitarian equipment and, importantly, per-sonnel on the ground quickly.

“I thank everyone for just get-ting on with the job in typical Australian style,” she said.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the work you’re doing.”

CDF visits Op Pacific Assist

“It’s a great opportunity to help out and provide much-needed assistance to the community,” FLGOFF Duffy said.

DFAT representative Josh Young is a member of the Consular Emergency Response team and has been on the

ground working with the ADF in coordinating and providing support to the Vanuatu Government and seeking to confirm the whereabouts of missing Australians.

“The RAAF King Air recently supported us in evacuating an

Australian and a New Zealand citizen from Pentacos to Santo,” Mr Young said.

“DFAT arranged a chartered helicopter to bring them from the remote community of Pentacos and then we met them in Santos. We were

then collected by a RAAF King Air to move us to Port Vila.

“The two ladies seemed stunned that the Australian Government was looking for them. It was a huge relief for their families who were concerned as they have had no communication for days.”

CDF ACM Mark Binskin speaks

to personnel at Vanuatu’s

international airport. Photos: SGT Hamish Paterson

Pilot FLTLT Aaron Dillon helps two Australians off a KA350 King Air after evacuating them to Port Vila in the wake of Cyclone Pam.Inset, pilots FLTLT Dillon and FLGOFF Luke Duffy sign for fuel.

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8 April 9, 2015RCEAIR FNews

SQNLDR Dave Woods

AIR FORCE Security Forces (SECFOR) squadrons have answered the call of duty to deploy to Operation Okra only 12 months after its reshap-ing as a security capability.

Deploying 60 SECFOR personnel on Okra presented a unique opportu-nity to put the new Air Force security force construct to the test.

Security Detachment (SECDET) OIC FLGOFF Sean Gordon said their core function was to provide security effects.

This includes the physical secu-rity of vital assets such as facilities and aircraft, undertaking surge and contingency security, as well as short-notice security functions for higher threat tasks.

“The team is drawn from several bases and consists of all security spe-cialisations,” FLGOFF Gordon said.

“They include Security Police Officers and Air Force Police, Ground Defence Officers, Airfield Defence Guards, Air Force Security, Military working dog handlers and also some reservists from these cat-egories.

“In a very short period of time, we have matured into a cohesive and highly effective security force.”

The SECDET provides mounted and dismounted patrols and entry point security, 24 hours a day, allow-ing the Air Task Group (ATG) to focus on air operations in Iraq.

FLGOFF Gordon said the SECDET had been involved in more than security tasks and operations.

“SECDET also assisted with the construction of the task unit head-quarters (TUHQ), the living accom-modation, and laid the razor wire that encircles the TUHQ and plan-ning facility,” he said.

Comprehensive security across the airbase requires a collaborative approach and a common understand-ing between coalition forces.

To ensure that the ATG is con-sidered in the airbase security pic-ture, SECDET is actively involved through coalition force liaison and in partnered planning activities.

“Although we don’t have military working dogs here, we have a num-ber of dog handlers that have taken the opportunity to work and share techniques with the US Air Force canine handlers,” FLGOFF Gordon said.

“Sharing common skillsets with our US counterparts helps build our relationship and increases our tacti-cal security interoperability.”

SECFOR on the prowl

FLGOFF Sean Gordon and Air Force Security Forces members march alongside US counterparts to commemorate fallen comrades. Photo: SGT Murray Staff

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9April 9, 2015RCEAIR F News

20SQN rises out of dust

Air Force dazzles at Formula 1 Grand Prix

CPL Aaron Curran

ON APRIL 1 Air Force’s newest squadron was officially stood up at Woomera in South Australia.

No. 20 Squadron was opened with a ceremony and then a dinner at the well-known Eldo Hotel in the small town.

CO 20SQN SQNLDR Simon Bartlett told the civilian and military guests about the responsibility and the privilege of assuming command. He spoke on behalf of the other nine Air Force personnel who volunteered to be posted to the remote base and are responsible for managing the airfield.

“I felt very honoured,” he said. “I appreciate all those people who were involved in the standing up of the squadron and the attendance of Andrew Starkey – the leader of the Kokatha peo-ple, the traditional custodians of the lands around Woomera.”

SQNLDR Bartlett said he agreed with CO Combat Support Group AIRCDRE Scott Winchester when he said “if any town in Australia deserved to call itself a Defence town, it was Woomera”.

“Woomera Test Range is a critical capability for Defence and tests war materiel and trains the war fighter,” SQNLDR Bartlett said.

“We test weapons and other equip-ment and provide facilities for per-sonnel to practice with those prior to deployment.”

RAAF Base Woomera was stood up on January 12.

SQNLDR Bartlett said CAF spon-sored a command review of the range three years ago, which was renamed Woomera Range Complex and consist-ed of the air space, the prohibited area, Narrungar and other specialised areas.

“The command and control of the airfield was found to be an issue,” he said.

“The airfield used to be controlled by Aerospace Operational Support Group, while all other airfields came under Combat Support Group (CSG).

“The study recommended the air-

base also come under the control of CSG.”

SQNLDR Bartlett said the new per-sonnel of the squadron and its sole APS member were a dedicated team.

“The enthusiasm and commitment demonstrated by them has been out-standing,” he said.

“In a few short few months I saw how competent each of them was in their own specialisation.”

20SQN’s new badge features a wedge-tailed eagle, symbolising cour-age and nobility, and a woomera, which

is the traditional indigenous spear-thrower.

“Since the town is named after that device, it represents our links with the town of Woomera and its people,” SQNLDR Bartlett said.

“The third element is the Sturt Pea – the State Flower of South Australia – and the last element is the star constel-lation the Pleiades, known as the Seven Sisters. The Seven Sisters is an impor-tant story in the Kokatha Dreaming and with their agreement we copied this device into our squadron badge.”

20 SQUADRON20SQN was formed at Port Moresby in New Guinea on August 1, 1941. Equipped with Catalina aircraft and Empire flying boats, it conducted seaward patrols and cleared Japanese vessels from Australian waters.

It relocated to Bowen in Queensland in May 1942 and conducted seaward reconnaissance throughout the New Guinea area, the Solomons and New Caledonia.

On September 2, 1944, the squadron moved from Cairns to Darwin and flew sorties over Bangka Strait, the Celebes and Java. Later in the year the unit helped mine Manila Harbour in preparation for the American advance on Mindanao. In 1945, missions were also flown to lay mines off the coast of China and drop and extract special agents behind enemy lines.

After WWII, 20SQN aircraft flew mercy missions through the South-West Pacific, delivering medicine and other supplies. From November 1945, with the squadron now based at Rathmines in NSW, missions were flown to Borneo, Manila, Port Moresby and Singapore. 20SQN was disbanded on March 27, 1946.

CO 20SQN SQNLDR Simon Bartlett is excited the new

squadron has been stood up and will be working from RAAF

Base Woomera.Photo: CPL Aaron Curran

AIR Force provided a contrast to action on the track at the 2015 Formula 1 Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 15.

The Williamtown-based No. 3 Squadron showcased the F/A-18A, with a high-speed pass ahead of the main Formula 1 race.

The aircraft also performed a spectacular display, with maximum rate turns and a configured pass along the track, before conducting a high-speed pass with a pull into ver-tical before departure. The Hornet reached speeds up to 1000km/hr.

The Roulettes, and their PC-9A aircraft from RAAF Base East Sale,

performed daily formation aerobatic displays.

Each pilot maintained their aircraft 3m from each other, while conducting aerobatics and flypasts down to 60m off the ground, at speeds up to 550km/hr.

Roulette 7, FLTLT Tom Sawade, said the Roulettes enjoyed the atmosphere and the chance to per-form over Melbourne.

“We always enjoy perform-ing in Victoria and especially over Melbourne. The backdrop of the Grand Prix was spectacular and the view from the air of the event was outstanding,” FLTLT Sawade said.

The Roulettes perform at the

Formula 1 Grand Prix in Melbourne,

Victoria.Photo: AB James McDougall

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10 April 9, 2015RCEAIR FNews

Riding for a cureCPL Aaron Curran

HAVING friends and family afflicted with cancer has led one Air Force ser-geant to take on a gruelling bike ride, covering up to 1200km in nine days.

SGT Tim Green, an instructor at the Defence Force School of Signals at Simpson Barracks in Melbourne, is taking part in the Tour de Cure ride from Melbourne to Adelaide starting on April 24.

More than 200 men and women will take part in the Tour de Cure as part of the 2015 Signature Tour team. They aim to contribute to Australian cancer research, support and prevention projects by raising $2.5 million.

The route will start in Melbourne and take in some of southern Australia’s most picturesque coastal scenery along the Great Ocean Road – Geelong, Apollo Bay, Warrnambool, Mt Gambier, Penola, Robe, Meningie, Victor Harbor and finally Adelaide.

Other riders will leave from Adelaide and both teams will meet up in Penola, South Australia.

SGT Green said he had seen family and friends battle cancer and this was his way of helping to hopefully one day rid the world of the disease.

“This is the first time I have attempt-ed anything like this,” he said.

“I have to raise a minimum of $12,000 to participate in the ride and I am aiming for $15,000. I am joining as an individual, but you get put into a team on the tour.”

In November last year, SGT Green rode 850km in 35 hours.

“I try to ride 300km a week and will be aiming for upwards of 500km as the tour gets closer,” he said. “The ride is bro-ken into stages and one of the most chal-lenging is a 215km leg.”

SGT Green said the support he had received from his chain of command was great.

“They have been really supportive and allowed me time to ride during PT,” he

said. “Being in an Army unit where they do more PT has helped. It would be great if people came on board and supported me by donating. Every bit adds up.”

To support SGT Green, visit www.tourdecure.com.au/pages/donate/index and type his name into the search bar at the top of the page. His blog can be found at www.tourdecure.com.au/pages/tours/signature-tour-2015/profile/a08d48db29801b1f47ca6ee11d1329aa

SGT Tim Green is taking part in the Tour de Cure ride from Melbourne to Adelaide.

AUSTRALIA’S Federation Guard (AFG) celebrated its 15th birthday on March 20 with a special parade at the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra.

AFG OC MAJ Francois Nozaic said it was a proud day for the mem-bers.

“AFG is manned by men and women of the Navy, Army and Air Force and, as such, the skills these members hold are many and varied,” he said.

“All members are full-time and have Defence trades separate to the ceremonial role they have at the Guard.”

The AFG Precision Drill Team performed a new routine and dis-play for Governor-General GEN Sir Peter Cosgrove (retd), Reviewing Officer and Australian Defence

College Commander MAJGEN Simone Wilkie and Australian War Memorial director Brendan Nelson.

LAC Timothy Harcourt also celebrated his birthday and was delighted he got to enjoy a slice of the AFG birthday cake and the drill performance.

“Sharing my birthday with the Guard’s was particularly special; after all it is not every day you get to celebrate a birthday and cut the cake with the Governor-General,” he said.

Sir Peter spoke of the important role AFG played in showcasing the Defence Force and Australia in the best possible light on an interna-tional scale.

AFG is preparing for its next ceremonial task, providing support for Centenary of Anzac commemo-rations.

Celebrating AFG’s 15 years’ service

Governor-General GEN Sir Peter Cosgrove and Australian Defence College Commander MAJGEN Simone Wilkie join LAC Tim Harcourt to celebrate AFG’s 15th birthday. Photo: LACW Kat Pearson

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11April 9, 2015RCEAIR F News

SGT Adam Schlemitz and FSGT Ben Vandenakker

THE AIR Force Band is on song for the international Centenary of Anzac com-memoration service following impres-sive performances at the Australian International Airshow and the triservice Anzac Sunset Ceremony in Canberra.

The band presented a short Anzac Ceremony at the ‘Heroes of the Sky’ trib-ute during the Australian International Airshow, which was broadcast across the site at Avalon for thousands of attendees.

CO Air Force Band and Director of Music SQNLDR Mathew Shelley said the Anzac Ceremony incorporated the Last Post – played by bugler SGT Peter McCracken, one minute’s silence, fol-lowed by Rouse and Advance Australia Fair.

“Our performance was short, and yet it had maximum impact,” SQNLDR Shelley said.

“The Air Force Band connected 165,000 people over the weekend with the spirit of Anzac through the evocative and transformative power of music.”

The band then travelled to Canberra for the Centenary of Anzac Sunset

Ceremony, which featured bands from the three services, Australia’s Federation Guard and the Canberra Symphony Orchestra.

FSGT Eden Stubbings had the honour of being the drum major leading the tris-ervice band.

“It was wonderful to see musicians from the three services come together and present a spectacular ceremony,” he said.

The Air Force Band is working hard now for Anzac Day commitments in Europe, Papua New Guinea and domesti-cally.

Vocalist CPL Roxanne Moxham will join Navy and Army singers for Anzac Day commemorations in Ypres in Belgium, and bugler LAC Jason Reeve will perform the Last Post at the Bomana War Cemetery in Papua New Guinea.

The remainder of the band will sup-port Anzac Day dawn services at RAAF Base Point Cook and the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, the Anzac Day march and at a commemorative ser-vice to complete the day.

SQNLDR Shelley and his team will contribute to Anzac commemorations throughout the year as the WWI tributes and ceremonies continue.

SQNLDR Mathew Shelley leads the Air Force Band during its Australian International Airshow performance. Photo: CPL Cam Scott

Band calls tune for Anzac Day

Compo changes ADF members and veterans will be exempt from all but two changes to compensation legislation that pro-vides cover to all Commonwealth employees.

P r o p o s e d a m e n d m e n t s t o the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (SRCA) were tabled in Parliament last month.

The SRCA provides compensa-tion coverage to all Commonwealth employees and is administered by Comcare on an agency basis for the Department of Employment.

The Act also provides compen-sation coverage, under Part XI, for current and former ADF members for injuries which relate to service before July 1, 2004.

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) is responsible for the administration of Part XI of the act.

Compensation coverage for cur-rent and former ADF members for injuries related to service on or after July 1, 2004, is provided by the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA).

The two proposed amendments that will apply to the ADF will ensure Part XI clients benefit from an increase to the maximum statutory permanent impairment amount pay-able and allow them to combine mul-tiple injuries resulting from a single incident, in order to meet minimum permanent impairment threshold requirements.

CDF ACM Mark Binskin said the government had also agreed to excise Part XI from the SRCA into a standalone act.

“This will be done in consulta-tion with Defence and the veteran communities to provide an opportu-nity for closer alignment with other military compensation schemes administered by DVA,” he said.

For more information visit www.dva.gov.au

�The ADF has a comprehen-sive rehabilitation program, with members covered by either the SRCA and MRCA.

�The changes to the SRCA will ensure Part XI clients receive the benefit of a proposed increase in the maximum per-manent impairment amount payable.

�Part XI clients will also be able to combine multiple inju-ries resulting from a single incident to meet minimum per-manent impairment threshold requirements.

AT A GLANCE

Kings of the airTHE RAAF East Sale-based fleet of eight King Air 350s achieved 50,000 fly-ing hours in February.

The KA350 aircraft with No. 32 Squadron started operations in June 2003. The aircraft operate in direct sup-port of the School of Air Warfare (SAW), training RAAF and Navy pilots, air com-bat officer, Navy aviation warfare offic-ers, New Zealand Air Force navigators and Navy observers.

The aircraft also provide light trans-port support to the wider ADF under Air Mobility tasking.

CO 32SQN WGCDR Adrian Mavros said this achievement marks a significant and important milestone for the squad-ron, SAW, DMO and the fleet’s supplier, Hawker Pacific.

“As both a training and niche airlift platform, the KA350 is a flexible, low-cost capability for the ADF,” he said.

“It has adapted to Defence’s needs over 12 years. Now that it has reached a 50,000-hour milestone so quickly, and

with minimal downtime, is of great sig-nificance for this small fleet.”

WGCDR Mavros said the aircraft had been substantially modified to enable the multiple roles undertaken by 32SQN and SAW over its period of operation.

“Aircraft and crew configuration changing regularly to meet training profiles and airlift requirements is yet another testament to the remarkable flex-ibility of the KA350,” he said.

“Equally remarkable are some of the people who have evolved along with the platform.

“GPCAPT Peter Cleary, who as CO of the No. 84 Wing NTA Detachment led the project team to introduce the KA350 into service, is still flying with 32SQN as an instructor as a reserve member, at the age of 65.

“With 1650 of his total 9600 military flying hours on the KA350, GPCAPT Cleary has contributed in many and var-ied ways to the 50,000-hour milestone.”

A flight of four KA350 King Air aircraft fly in formation over RAAF Williams – Point Cook during the Centenary of Military Aviation Air Show. Photo: CPL David Said

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13April 9, 2015RCEAIR F News

Medals for a centuryFOR WWII nurse Sister Marjorie Berry (nee Marshall), this Anzac Day will be the first time she wears her medals.

The medals were presented by Director General Air Force Health Services AIRCDRE Tracy Smart to Sister Berry at her 100th birthday party on March 22 at Somerville,

Victoria. Sister Berry was excited to

receive her medals on such a special occasion.

“It was really nice and I look forward to wearing them on Anzac Day,” she said.

The Directorate of Honours and Awards said the medals had not been created until after WWII, and by that time many veterans had returned to their civilian lives and not everyone was aware they had qualified for medals.

Sister Berry’s eld-est daughter, Margaret Griffin, praised the Air Force and the Directorate of Honours and Awards for arranging the medals so quickly for her mother’s birthday.

“Honours and Awards asked me if I would like to have the medals presented by RAAF about two weeks ago – they

organised it very quickly,” she said.“We are all very proud the way

she has lived her life and set a very good example for us, always very caring and a great support for us all.”

Presenting the medals was an honour for AIRCDRE Smart.

“It’s a real privilege and honour to join the family celebration, along with a connection back to health services in WWII,” she said.

“It was a real family celebra-tion with lots of friends and family – who perhaps didn’t know about Sister Berry’s war services – and they welcomed me with open arms.

“It was a special moment to for-mally salute her before I left, and it impressed all her friends and family.

“It was also a delight to see that she still remembered her service number from all those years ago.

“Sister Berry mostly spent her time in hospitals in Australia dur-ing WWII, including No. 6 RAAF Hospital, where I was also posted 50 years later.”

AIRCDRE Smart said although a lot of medical technology has changed since WWII, the elements of nursing care and the concepts of caring for people were just as important today as 50 years ago.

“Many of the techniques prac-tised out of necessity during the war, are then carried out beyond the war,” AIRCDRE Smart said.

Director General Air Force Health Services AIRCDRE Tracy Smart presents Marjorie Berry

with her war service medals on her 100th birthday.

Photo: WOFF Don Kenny

14 15RCEAIR F April 9, 2015Centrepiece

Crowds lined streets in every capital city and in Townsville to show their appreciation for those who served on Operation Slipper as personnel proudly marched side-by-side, Laura Carew writes

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICEAIR Force personnel who

served on Operation Slipper came out in force on March 21 as a day of commemora-

tion was held across the country to mark the end of Australia’s longest military operation.

Marches were held in all capital cities, as well as in Townsville, in honour of those who deployed to Afghanistan and the Middle East Area of Operations between 2001 and 2014.

Families, friends and members of the community lined city streets across the country to show their sup-port and say thank you to Operation Slipper veterans.

CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown was the reviewing officer at the march in Adelaide, supporting hundreds of Operation Slipper veterans as they marched. AIRMSHL Brown praised the efforts of all Australian personnel who deployed as part of the whole-of-government commitment to combat terrorism in the Middle East.

“Today is an important opportunity to remember the contribution and sacrifices made by the personnel on Operation Slipper,” he said.

“Your contribution has ranged from providing security, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, air lift, combat support, development and construction projects to improve the lives of the Afghan people.

“I am incredibly proud of all that has been achieved and today we pay tribute to your efforts, and your fami-lies who have supported you during this vital work.”

The commemorative events also honoured those who did not make it home, and those who returned with permanent injuries.

“Today we remember the 41

Australian soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice, and those who continue to live with mental and physical injuries. Your contribution and sacrifice will never be forgotten,” AIRMSHL Brown said.

At the national parade in Canberra, Prime Minister Tony Abbott thanked the thousands of Operation Slipper veterans for their service.

“Today, on behalf of our nation, I say to all our Afghanistan veterans: we are grateful to have you home, we acknowledge your achievements, and we thank you for your service.”

The Prime Minister also acknowl-edged the significant role played by Australia in Afghanistan.

“The war ended not with victory, and not with defeat, but with hope: hope for a better Afghanistan, and for a safer world,” he said.

“Australians didn’t fight to con-quer; we fought to protect, to help and to build.

“Afghanistan is a better country because Australia was there.”

Operation Slipper commenced in October 2001 and formally ended on December 31, 2014. More than 34,500 ADF personnel, Australian public service employees and Australian Federal Police deployed on Operation Slipper.

Although Op Slipper has ended, the ADF and international partners continue to provide support and assis-tance through the NATO-led Resolute Support mission. Resolute Support is focused on training, advising and assisting the Afghan National Security Forces and Afghan security institu-tions at the operational, institutional and ministerial levels. About 400 ADF personnel are deployed across Afghanistan, in a variety of roles, on Operation Highroad.

‘

FLGOFF Alice Mason and FLTLT Nick O’Connor

CROWDS lined the streets of the Adelaide CBD to cheer on their local heroes as part of the Operation Slipper commemorative parade.

More than 1800 veterans, Australian Federal Police and public servants made their way down North Terrace and then up the picturesque King William Road towards the Cross of Sacrifice.

For one proud ADF member, the march was a special moment and marked the continuation of a treas-ured family military tradition.

RAAF Base Edinburgh’s CPL Kirsty Evans deployed on Operation Slipper as the accommodation clerk at Camp Baird from December 2010 to April 2011.

“I marched in the parade to say thank you to my family and friends. Support networks have the hardest job while members are deployed,” she said.

“Without their support we could not focus on the job. It was also a time to reflect on my colleagues’ service and to highlight that we are still serving in many campaigns around the world.”

She said seeing her family in the crowd cheering her on while march-ing filled her with a sense of pride and achievement.

“My husband also served on Operation Slipper, completing a deployment in 2009. I know the rest of my family is very proud,” CPL Evans said.

“My uncle is recently retired from the RAAF, my father served in the Army and my grandfather was a WWII Army veteran.

“My husband’s father and moth-er both served in the RAAF and his grandfather served in the Army.”

CPL Evans said it was important that veterans banded together to pro-vide ongoing support to each other.

“The ADF is a fantastic organisa-tion to work for and I am very proud to serve my country,” she said.

“The parade was a grea t a c k n ow l e d g e m e n t f r o m t h e Australian public. However, we need to work together to support each other and promote the services available to help veterans.

“Organisations such as Soldier On, Mates for Mates and Young Diggers are available and we should be encouraging veterans to use these services if required.”

March a proud family affair

CANBERRACPL Craig MillerAustralia’s Federation Guard

My highlight was attending Anzac Day ceremony at Al Minhad. It sort of drives it home; you know why we are there and the people that have fallen for us.

ADELAIDEFLTLT Lucas KhawamProject Management Engineer in Maritime Patrol System Program Office, RAAF Edinburgh

We always look forward to coming back home because we appreciate every single positive thing that we have here in Australia.

‘

BRISBANESQNLDR Belinda JohnsonNo. 95 Wing, RAAF Amberley

I felt really proud to be marching among the veterans. We have some very dedicated personnel who all contributed immensely to achieving the mission outcomes.

‘

DARWINSGT Luke Barry75SQN, RAAF Tindal

It is a very proud moment to be able to get out in front of family and the public and I’m very humbled as well by the turn out by the public. It is very much appreciated.

‘

MELBOURNESGT Greg Jenkins1 SECFOR, RAAF Williams

I have a big sense of pride and recognition for all the hard work, not only Op Slipper, but everything previous to that as well.

‘

SYDNEYSGT Tess HowlettSchool of Post Graduate Studies, RAAF Richmond

The deployment was a great experience and I learnt a lot and met some fantastic people who I am still in contact with these days.

‘

TOWNSVILLEFLTLT Gerard BonaventuraAir space controller, 452SQN, RAAF Townsville

I was really proud to serve my country, my family back home. After seeing ramp ceremonies, it meant a lot to see Australia pay their respects.

‘

PERTHFLTLT Elisha Kropp Personnel Capability Officer, 2FTS, RAAF Pearce

My highlight was being able to deploy in the role I do in Australia and working with a great team of Air Force personnel that were there.

‘

SGT Helen Russell, of HQ NORCOMD, is joined by her family following the Operation Slipper Parade in Adelaide.

Photo: CPL Bill Solomou

Personnel are lead by GPCAPT Simon Sauer past the Treasury Casino in Brisbane. Photo: SGT Rob Mitchell

Right, CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown salutes during the Operation Slipper parade in Adelaide; below right, members of the triservice guard in Melbourne; below, RAAF Band bugler CPL Ben Mansted, plays The Ode in Adelaide. Photos: CPL David Gibbs, AB Cassie McBride, CPL Colin Dadd

Below and below left, Air Force members march down King William Road in Adelaide; left, a Darwin girl waves to the marching airmen and women.Photos: CPL David Gibbs, CPL Colin Dadd, CPL Bill Solomou

CAPT Angela Bond, CO

HMAS Stirling, COL Sean L’Estrange,

HQ 13 BDE, and WGCDR

Peter Kershaw, CO 25SQN at RAAF Pearce,

march in Perth. Photo: LS Lee-Anne

Mack

16 April 9, 2015RCEAIR FNews

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Giggles in MERFLTLT Daniel Phillips

COMEDIANS Mick Molloy and Anthony “Lehmo” Lehmann brought the laughs while rock band 28 Days belted out the tunes during a Forces Entertainment Tour across the Middle East last month.

The tour performed for person-nel deployed as part of Operations Highroad, Manitou, Okra and Accordion.

The tour, funded by RSL Australia, gave Air Task Group personnel some light entertain-ment. Mick Molloy, a veteran of several Forces Entertainment tours, said he had more of a chance to appreciate what he saw this time around compared with previous tours.

“The tour moves at a pretty hectic pace so there’s a bit of a sensory overload,” he said.

“We played mainly to Australians, but also to people from many other countries in Afghanistan.

“I’ve been constantly aware of the responsibility attached to the role we’re doing at the moment and how important it is to get this right.

“I’m always blown away by how happy the troops are that we’ve made the trip and how happy they are that people at home are thinking of them.

“I think sometimes it’s prob-ably lost on the general public how important it is to the troops.”

Jay Dunne, 28 Days’ lead sing-er, said he had the time of his life performing for the troops.

“We were really keen to do the tour. I understand what it’s like to be away from home touring all the time,” Mr Dunne said.

“It really feels like something you have to see for yourself to be able to describe.

“We got to Kabul and it was stunning. The guys pointed to a hill which is quite close and said rockets sometimes get shot at them.

“The troops are really down to earth here and enjoyed the show.”

The performers enjoyed every minute in front of the multina-tional audience despite the near blizzard conditions and the road move in Bushmasters through the streets of Kabul.

Even though this is Lehmo’s sixth Forces Entertainment Tour, he said he had not lost the desire to play for Australians on operations.

“For me personally I absolutely love these trips,” Lehmo said.

“There’s nothing quite like the roar of 100 personnel laughing at your jokes.

“I’ve spoken with many person-nel individually and they’ve told me about what they’re doing here.

“It is dangerous work and it’s a joy for me to be able to bring a piece of Australia here to give them some relief from what they’re doing day-to-day.”

Top, Singer Virginia Lillye and guitarist Raymund Shek perform for Australia’s

Air Task Group. Left, Australian rock band 28 Days performs for coalition

troops deployed to Resolute Support in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Photos: CPL David Cotton and SGT Murray Staff

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17April 9, 2015RCEAIR F News

CPL Mark Doran

THE ADF Peace Operations Training Centre’s (POTC) 2015 ADF Peace Operations Seminar was held at the Australian Defence College in Canberra from March 23-27.

The seminar familiarised selected ADF personnel, other government and non-government agencies and inter-national Defence partners with factors influencing national participation in peace operations.

About 20 Australian participants from the ADF, Australian Public Service, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Australian Federal Police attended, as well as 23 participants from 14 countries includ-ing Egypt, India, Tonga, Mongolia and New Zealand.

CO ADF POTC LTCOL Matthew Nash said three senior officers from the Armed Forces of Ukraine also attended the seminar in what was one of the first international engagement activities between the two countries.

“The seminar was held in a relaxed academic environment and each day began with a keynote speaker who focused on key issues related to peace operations,” LTCOL Nash said.

Topics included an overview of the United Nations and peacekeep-ing, rules of engagement and protec-tion of civilians, women, peace and security and the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, and the issues and challenges of peacekeeping operations.

The UN Security Council

Joining together for peace

Resolution 1325 is a landmark inter-national legal framework that address-es not only the inordinate impact of war on women, but the pivotal role women should and do play in conflict management, conflict resolution and sustainable peace.

The seminar ended with a case study of Australia’s support to the UN Mission in South Sudan.

Seminar participant DG Cultural

Reinforcement Air Force HQ, AIRCDRE Kathyrn Dunn, said her role was implementing the women, peace and security agenda within Air Force.

“ADF personnel have often dem-onstrated their willingness to put their hands up and contribute and lead task forces on UN operations,” AIRCDRE Dunn said.

“The ADF Peace Operations

Seminar was a good opportunity to hear about the progress our partners are making and also contribute some of the strategies Air Force is using.

“The speakers were all high-level and I learnt a lot about the rules of engagement, the protection of civil-ians and the considerations of the women, peace and security agenda.”

LTCOL James Kerr, of HQJOC, has been involved with the agenda for

LEUT Daniel Iwata, of 723SQN, AIRCDRE Kathryn Dunn, of AFHQ, and LTCOL James Kerr, of HQJOC, at the 2015 ADF Peace Operations Seminar in Canberra. Photo: CPL Mark Doran

the past two years on operations and in his current role as an operational planner.

“It is vital women, peace and secu-rity considerations are incorporated into our operational planning and organisation,” LTCOL Kerr said.

“In 2013, I completed the UN Military Observers course in New Delhi and it was interesting to see the different perspectives of the nations involved on peace opera-tions, compared to the training run by Australians.

“The best part of this seminar was the involvement of the international visitors who were all keen and we learnt about their backgrounds or experience on UN operations.”

LTCOL Kerr said Australians had a good history of participation on UN missions.

“While we haven’t recently pro-vided large number of troops, we continue to provide people for key positions because our planning, oper-ational and training standards mean people perform strongly in those roles,” he said.

“Our qualifications and experience allow us to conduct the communica-tion, liaison and staff work required to get things done.

“The UN is a convoluted organisa-tion with a complex chain of com-mand through to the headquarters in New York, which means personnel deploying need very good organisa-tional and negotiating skills, patience and, importantly, a good understand-ing of the organisation itself.”

History RCEAIR F April 9, 201518

Two 77SQN pilots engaged in the RAAF’s last aerial dog fight over Korea in 1953, Roz Turner of the Office of Air Force History, writes.

ON March 16, 1953, a dawn patrol by two No. 77 Squadron Meteor jets triggered one of the largest

and most spectacular actions involving Australian airmen in the Korean War.

A line of about 140 vehicles was discovered by WOFF R. Turner moving slowly, almost bumper-to-bumper, on a road through hills leading onto the plains south of Wonsan, on the east coast.

WOFF Turner and his wingman SGT W. Collings attacked the trucks at the front and rear of the convoy, causing them to explode and block the road, before radioing another section of Meteors operating nearby to provide assistance.

Because the target was so large, more RAAF Meteors were summoned from Kimpo Air Force Base near Seoul.

American aircraft also joined in the attack, and by midday an estimated 90 trucks had been destroyed.

The vehicles’ occupants mounted a heavy volume of fire against the attacking aircraft, some climbing the surrounding hills to fire down on the Meteors as they flew below them, inflicting small-arms damage from above.

Several of the Meteors were damaged, but none were brought down, with all returning to base safely.

On March 27, 77SQN aircraft engaged in aerial combat for the last time in Korea.

Two Gloster Meteor Mk 8 jets, flown by SGTs George Hale and David Irlam, were conducting a road reconnaissance over North Korea near Sinmak when SGT Hale saw what he thought was a lone MiG-15 chasing two US RF-80s.

It was only as he dived into the attack that SGT Hale realised he was opposed by three enemy MiGs and soon found himself surrounded by enemy aircraft.

In the ensuing dogfight, SGT Hale’s cannon fire sent one MiG down on its back, belching black smoke and shedding bits of fuselage as it dropped from view.

Immediately confronted by another pair of MiGs, he scored hits on one and saw it trailing white smoke as it climbed away from him. Having expended all his ammunition, SGT Hale broke off contact.

SGT Irlam’s Meteor had been hit heavily by enemy fire, resulting in the loss of an engine and more than 100 holes in the fuselage.

With the aid of radar guidance and a touch of luck, SGT Irlam managed to limp his aircraft back to Kimpo.

Not only was this sortie the last aerial combat for 77SQN in the Korean War, this was also the last occasion that any RAAF unit has been involved in air-to-air fighting.

Final air-to-air fight

‘Immediately confronted by another pair of MiGs, he scored hits on one and saw it trailing

white smoke as it climbed away from him. Having

expended all his ammunition, he broke off contact.

Top, SGT George Hale, of 77SQN, in Korea.Left, 77SQN Meteor which was used to fight in the Korean war in 1953.

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Centenary of AnzacRCEAIR F April 9, 2015 19

HAVING past family members serve as far back as the Boer War is a source of pride that one

Air Force trainee pilot carries with him every day.

PLTOFF Ryan Anderson is undergoing pilot training at the ADF Basic Flying Training School in Tamworth. This Anzac Day he will be honouring nine members of his family who saw service in the Boer War, World Wars I and II and throughout the post-war period.

PLTOFF Anderson’s family’s history could take up chapters in a book and it’s that sense of history and duty that brought him to serve in the Air Force in 2012.

“I always knew my family had a long service history, but what mostly influenced me were my grandmother’s stories of my great-grandfather and his service during WWII,” he said.

“His courage during his final moments was definitely part of my motivation to join and continues to inspire me.”

PLTOFF Anderson’s great-grandfather, FLGOFF John Beeson, flew in his last mission with No. 158 Squadron in a Halifax over Germany when there was a mid-air collision.

“I remember reading the letter

from his rear gunner explaining how he held the aircraft up long enough to get them out but ended up going down with the plane,” he said.

“This inspired me because he did the most courageous thing I could imagine.”

PLTOFF Anderson said he was proud to know how much his family had served Australia both in peace- time and war.

“I feel a lot of pride knowing I wear the same uniform and live by the same values as did my father and mother,” he said.

“Over time I found out that not only were my grandfathers on both sides in the RAAF, but that my mum’s father’s father, Herbert Trafford, fought in Gallipoli with the 19th Battalion, and her great grandfather, Henry Larkin, fought in the Boer War.”

PLTOFF Anderson said due to his family’s long association with the RAAF and the ADF, Anzac Day was a special day.

“I not only take the time to com-memorate all members of the ADF that served in conflicts and still serve today but also thank my fam-ily members who gave their lives,” he said.

“I know that they’d be proud that I serve the country that they died for.”

Great-grandfather’s courage an inspiration, CPL Aaron Curran writes

FAMILY OF SERVICE

FATHER’S FAMILY:Great-grandfather WOFF Cecil Fredrick Anderson, equipment officerGrandfather WGCDR Geoffrey Anderson, air traffic controllerFather FLTLT Gregory Anderson, Hercules pilotUncle GPCAPT Brain Anderson, serving with the International Policy Division

MOTHER’S FAMILY: Great-great-grandfather LCPL Henry Vincent Larkin served in the Boer War (Australian Imperial Bushman’s Contingent)Great-grandfather PTE Herbert Trafford served in Gallipoli in the 19th Battalion (7139 Regiment)Great grandfather FLGOFF John Beeson, pilot (158SQN, RAAF contingent within RAF during WWII)Grandfather SQNLDR Anthony Trafford, airborne electronics officerMother FLTLT Joanne Anderson, logistics officer

Clockwise from top, WOFF Cecil Fredrick with his wife Joyce Anderson and children in 1939; PLTOFF Ryan Anderson; WGCDR Geoff Anderson.

Proud history

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FeatureRCEAIR F April 9, 2015 21

RAAF squadrons outper-formed the rest of Bomber Command in the combined bomber offensive against

Germany and Italy in WWII, accord-ing to new research by WGCDR Mary Anne Whiting.

After spending more than five years trawling through archives and crunching numbers, WGCDR Whiting revealed new insights into the perfor-mance of the RAAF squadrons which formed part of Bomber Command, as part of the research for her PhD com-pleted late last year.

“On ‘dispatch’ versus ‘attacking’ data the RAAF squadrons rated as ‘very good’, which was better than Bomber Command as a whole,” she said. “I analysed each squadron, and compared and contrasted the results of the RAAF squadrons against the results achieved by Bomber Command.”

This meant analysing the perfor-mance of each RAAF squadron in Bomber Command from 1942 to 1945 by entering post-mission data into spreadsheets to determine their success

rates. The data included opera-tional effort, operational flying hours, bomb tonnage and aircraft losses.

Based on “dispatch” versus “attacking” data in common to each squadron, WGCDR Whiting graded each one as either excellent, very good, good, fair or poor.

It was then WGCDR Whiting discovered RAAF squadrons rated as very good, better than Bomber Command as a whole.

“I didn’t know what the outcome was going to be until I examined the data, and if it came out they didn’t perform well then I’d just accept that.”

Public anger over Allied bombing campaigns in places like Dresden and Nuremberg was one of the reasons research wasn’t conducted earlier, according to WGCDR Whiting.

“There was a lot of controversy surrounding Bomber Command,” she said. “At the end of the war Churchill distanced himself from the bombing campaign.

“It didn’t help when the Americans started this myth they were doing precision bombing while the RAF was doing indiscriminate area bombing.”

While the RAAF squadrons rated highly, WGCDR Whiting noted the

RAAF aircraft weren’t only crewed by RAAF personnel.

“All the fight engineers were drawn from the RAF, because Australia didn’t train flight engineers,” she said. “But in the RAAF squadrons, up to 75 per cent of the aircrew were Australian.”

WGCDR Whiting was inspired to research Bomber Command by friends and relatives who served on bomb-ers, including her first administrative officer who was an air-gunner with No. 460 Squadron.

“Bomber Command was fighting a desperate battle against a fierce and

determined enemy, and for a long time it was the only means available of tak-ing the fight into Germany she said.

“I’m grateful to all the Bomber Command veterans who shared their experiences with me. I’m humbled by their bravery, dedication and sacrifice.”

WGCDR Whiting eventually hopes to turn the information she has gath-ered into interactive database available to anyone interested in the history of Bomber Command.

She is also expanding her thesis into an Australian version of the Bomber Command War Dairies to be published in 2016.

New analysis shows success of Air Force squadrons in Bomber Command, CPL Max Bree writes

Far left, a 463SQN RAAF Lancaster Bomber of Bomber Command is loaded with 1000-pound bombs for a raid in April 1944.Left, WGCDR Mary Anne Whiting receives her PhD after completing her research on how RAAF squadrons performed compared with Bomber Command as a whole during WWII.Historical photo courtesy of the Australian War Memorial

Bombers shine in WWII

22 April 9, 2015RCEAIR FPersonnel

Leadership coaching WRA changesCDF ACM Mark Binskin announced the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal will review the adjusted 2014 ADF Work Place Remuneration Agreement on April 16. “At this hearing, the government and I will ask the DFRT to approve a pay increase from 4.5 per cent to 6 per cent over the remaining life of the agreement,” ACM Binskin said. This would entail a 0.5 per cent rise from 1.5 per cent to 2 per cent from March 12, a further 2 per cent with effect November 5, and another 2 per cent with effect November 3, 2016. The decision process may take several weeks. A signal will advise members of outcomes.

Last Post storiesAIR Force is looking for volunteers to read stories about personnel on the Honour Roll at the Australian War Memorial during the daily Last Post ceremonies. For more information, visit intranet.defence.gov.au/raafweb/sites/wod/comweb.asp?page=1359542&Title= Last Post Ceremony

ICT focal pointENQUIRIES about the customised ICT requirement process within CIOG should be directed to the RAAF group point of contact (GPOC). The CIR is used for requests for changes to existing ICT capability and should be used for items not listed within the CIOG Service Request Catalogue. For more information, visit intranet.defence.gov.au/raafweb/sites/CIS-AF/ComWeb.asp?page=5012

Building leadersTHE Leadership Exchange is a professional development forum designed to enhance leadership effectiveness. The exchange allows personnel to share ideas and experiences with others from different ranks and occupations. The next Leadership Exchange course dates are June 1-5 and the closing date for applications is May 8. For more information, contact WOFF Penelope Baker on (02) 6144 7298 or penelope.baker@defence.gov.au

Anzac lettersSOME ADF members have reflected on what the Centenary of Anzac means to them in 100 personal messages. Three messages will be published each week in the lead up to Anzac Day, and in the months that follow and can be found at www.defence.gov.au/events/centenaryofanzac

Refuelling vehicles THE government has given first pass approval for Joint Project 157 Phase 1 – Replacement National Support Base Aviation Refuelling Vehicles. This acquisition will provide a new generation of aviation refuelling vehicles to support ADF fixed and rotary-wing aircraft fleets in Australia and at RMAF Base Butterworth. The vehicles will provide a more flexible capability as part of a leaner ADF logistics system. Government is expected to make a final decision in 2016.

IN BRIEF

AIR Force is on the lookout for leadership coaches who will help personnel become more effective and self-aware.

Members can apply for the leadership coaches course at RAAF Glenbrook from May 18 -22 that aims to support leadership development at all levels in Air Force.

The course – run by Open Door Coaching and Air Force Adaptive Culture – will lead to a Certificate IV in Workplace and Business Coaching.

Once qualified, it is expected that PAF members will provide 15 to 20 days’ coaching to other Air Force members a year. Reservists will be expected to provide about 30 days’ coaching.

Applicants should have outstanding interpersonal skills and be comfortable working with high-perform-ing individuals and helping them become even better.

Priority will be given to candidates who already hold coaching, mentoring or facilitation skills accred-itations, or can demonstrate that they have successful-ly coached others through a major change initiative.

Applications must be submitted by April 13. Candidates should provide comment on any experi-ence they have had either as a coach or a student and clearly state what they believe that they can bring to the role of an Air Force coach.

All expressions of interest must have comments from supervisors that include a candidate’s suitability and also comment on a candidate’s ability to meet the minimum number of coaching days each year (15-20 days for PAF and a minimum of 30 days for reserv-ists).

The coaching course will aim to directly support reform programs such as New Horizon and Project Jericho.

To apply candidates are to complete a ANYA/ANYO nomination form and email it to WGCDR Stephen Johnstone More information can be found on the Adaptive Culture webpage at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/raafweb/Sites/AFAC/ComWeb.asp?page=1389819

Defence One release is on the way

APPLICATIONS are open for the Certificate IV in Indigenous Leadership.

The course has been designed to develop the capacity of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peo-ple to take on leadership and senior roles in workplaces and communities.

It will be delivered to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander ADF and APS members by the Australian Indigenous Leadership Centre.

The course will be funded by the Defence Directorate of Indigenous Affairs and con-sists of three five-day face-to-face blocks in May, July and August. Applications close on April 17.

Registration forms can be emailed to indigenous.affairs@defence.gov.au The application form and more information can be found at intranet.defence.gov.au/People/sites/diversity/comweb.asp?page=50967&Title=Australian Public Service

A NEW ADF recruiting cam-paign was launched on March 24.

The campaign is designed to encourage more women to consider the career opportuni-ties available in the ADF.

CN VADM Tim Barrett launched the campaign on behalf of the CDF.

“Women currently make up 18 per cent of the ADF and it is well understood that this is not a fair representation of the gender balance in today’s working society,” VADM Barrett said.

“Our aim is to create a more inclusive work environ-ment and to position Defence

Indigenous leadership opportunity opens up

Campaign encourages ADF career

Air Force needs new leadership coaches to offer support to other personnel in reaching their career goals.

as an employer of choice for women and men alike.”

The new campaign features women who are actively serv-ing. They detail the rewards a military career has to offer and ask other Australian women if they could do what they love, what would it be?

“The women featured in the

campaign offer an honest and candid view of life in the ADF,” VADM Barrett said.

“I think it will be an inspir-ing conversation for those women considering a career in the ADF.”

For more information, visit www.defencejobs.gov.au/dowhatyoulove

A new recruiting campaign aims to attract women to the ADF.Photo: CPL Mark Doran

Leanne Blackmore

ADF and Australian Public Service (APS) personnel will have a single Human Resource Management and Payroll Administration System under Defence One (D1) Release 1a.

Currently, ADF permanent mem-bers are paid through the ADFPAY system, while ADF reserve members and APS are paid through PMKeyS.

With the rollout of Release 1a, all ADF and APS members will be man-aged through one payroll system, D1.

D1 will give ADF members the ability to submit, modify or delete a range of new absences and allowances through Self Service, which will make the process faster and without the need to complete paper forms.

These include long service leave, carers leave, leave without pay, mater-nity leave, part-day travel allowance

and district allowance. Members will no longer need to submit paper forms for leave applications or to ‘start’ or ‘stop’ allowances, such as district allowance.

This can all be done through Self Service or Home Portal.

Payslips will still be available in Self Service, but will be simplified with a better display of adjustments.

Assistant Secretary Personnel Systems Modernisation Brenton Searle said there would also be some changes in processes and policies.

“D1 will standardise the minimum rank of approvers for ADF absence and allowance applications,” Mr Searle said.

“The rank level of approval will depend on the allowance or absence type the member is applying for.”

For example, paid parental leave and absent for convalescence are cur-

rently approved by a SQNLDR or above.

With the introduction of D1, these will be approved at FSGT or above in the chain of command.

“All allowance applications and more complex absence types, such as leave without pay or long service leave, will continue to be approved by a SQNLDR or above.”

Members will also need to be aware of changes within the new ADF Absence Request page in Self Service.

“When D1 goes live towards the end of the year, the current ‘return date’ for absence periods will become the ‘end date’,” Mr Searle said.

“The ‘end date’ will reflect the last day of the member’s absence, rather than the date the member returns to work.

“D1 will allow us to move forward with a single HR and payroll system

that will be easier to use and more cost effective to run and maintain.”

For more information, visit ciogintranet.defence.gov.au/organisation/HRDD/PSMB or email ‘CIOG HRDP Communications’ on the DRN.

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23April 9, 2015RCEAIR F FlightlineLeft, CPL Patrick Yeates lets fans pat Spike during the Newcastle Jets A League match.Photo: CPL Craig Barrett

The first Air Mobility Group Operations Officer course, PLTOFF Annemarie Peacock, SQNLDR Andrew Sheldon-Collins (instructor), FLTLT Jeffrey Garrett, FLGOFF Aaron Whittaker, SQNLDR Lyndsay Rodwell (instructor), and FLTLT Ashley Sampson. Photo: CPL Veronica O’Hara

Institute of Aviation Medicine student SGT Brett Cole, left, uses the GO2 Altitude Normobaric System under the instruction of SQNLDR Elicia McGinniss. Photo: CPL Colin Dadd

Bugler SGT Peter McCracken performs the Last Post at the Australian International Air Show 2015. Photo: CPL Cam Scott

WOFF Ian Upton receives a Federation Star upon retirement from the RAAF after 40 years of service. WOFF Upton joined as an instrument fitter on September 10, 1974.Photo: CPL Veronica O’Hara

24 April 9, 2015RCEAIR FAir Force Improvement

UNEXPECTED cracks on several PC-9As have prompt-ed calls to structural integrity experts to ensure the aircraft re,main in service for a few more years until their retire-ment.

S t r u c t u r a l i n t e g r i t y experts Directorate General Technical Airworthiness ADF and members of the Defence Science and Technology Organisation were brought in by the Training Aircraft System Project Office (TASPO) to help assess what options were avail-able.

Mark Wagstaff, a Project Management Director a t TASPO said a solution was soon discovered.

“They identified that the most appropriate way ahead was to conduct sophisticated structural fatigue analyses on the tail and aft fuselage,” he said.

An advanced computer model of the aircraft structure was developed and verified with ground-based checks on a PC-9A.

“Instrumentation of the aircraft involved the fitting of about 112 strain gauges, 43 accelerometers and an associ-

ated data acquisition system,” Mr Wagstaff said.

More than 40 hours of flight data was also obtained from the instrumented PC-9A, pro-viding information for sophis-ticated structural fatigue analy-ses on the tail and aft fuselage.

“This allowed us to reassess likely locations of cracks in the aircraft structure, with around 63 new ‘hot spots’ being identi-fied,” Mr Wagstaff said.

The project also involved representatives from Raytheon, QinetiQ and Pilatus.

“The value of getting all relevant stakeholders face-to face-in the same place at the same time, particularly for a technically advanced activ-ity, cannot be understated,” Mr Wagstaff said.

The project was complet-ed with a revised safety and maintenance plan that would include newly identified “hot spots” of structural fatigue.

Director General Technical A i r w o r t h i n e s s – A D F AIRCDRE James Hood said it was pleasing that a strong safe-ty outcome had been achieved through cooperation and inno-vative approaches.

Focus on PC-9A safety

Four Defence organisations

are cooperating with civilian contractors to solve the

complex engineering

problem with the ageing PC-9A

fleet.

Change is in the air for CSG ground engineers

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139 342

WITH support from Air Force Improvement (AFI), CSG established a project team to conduct a review of the ground engineering capability across Air Force.

While the Maintenance Productivity Improvement Program (MPIP) developed a future state for aviation maintenance, there will also be change in the future delivery of ground engineering.

AIRCDRE Tim Innes, then CDR CSG, said in his first quarter 2014 message that “we cannot keep doing business the way we always have; we must move forward, innovate and improve”.

FSGT Paul White, of AFI Amberley, and the Williamtown MEOMS Aircraft Arrestor System (AAS) crew process-mapped the provision of AAS support.

The Ground Engineering Review Project stated “The activities to process map maintenance and operation of the AAS were essential to clearly understand the end to end delivery of the AAS capa-bility and to identify opportunities for efficiency gains.”

MEOMS has a strong continuous improvement culture with significant achievements over the past eight years to improve efficiency through the integration of workshops, removal of outdated pro-cesses and to develop supporting processes to maximise time on tools.

While replacement aircraft platforms will bring advanced processes for aviation maintenance, the ongoing replacement of supporting ground support equipment will also present opportunities for CSG to implement supporting systems that

leverage off modern maintenance management technology. The Ground Engineering Review has completed

current state mapping and will move forward to conduct work-shops to inves-tigate options to meet CDR CSG’s intention to innovate and improve.

Personnel secure the Aircraft Arrestor System cable to support blocks after it was successfully tested. Photo: FLTLT Dave Cusworth

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25April 9, 2015RCEAIR F New Horizon

WOFF Richard Salcole

95 WING is being hailed as a positive example of the transformational changes underway across Air Force.

The Wing has borne a large pro-portion of the changes within Combat Support Group (CSG) with the reshaping of the expeditionary capability and the amalgamation of dominant trade groups each having their own strong heritage and cultures into new and diverse units.

OC 95WG GPCAPT Peter Davis said 2015 brought further continuous improvement across the wing with the standing up of No. 65 Squadron (Airfield Recovery) and the amalgama-tion of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Airfield Engineering capabilities into one squadron.

“The new squadron will take some of its Air Force heritage from No. 6 Bomb Disposal Squad and No. 5 Airfield Construction Squadron, both very dis-tinct in their roles but also with unique customs and traditions,” he said.

“The new squadron will be formed under a headquarters based in Amberley.”

He also highlighted that 1 Combat Communication Squadron is in the midst of evolution.

“The formation of a new flight at Edinburgh, and the relocation of the headquarters to Amberley has further improved capability delivery for the Air Force’s most deployed unit, the staff and their families,” he said.

The transition of Airfield Defence Guards (ADG), Air Force Police and Air Force Security (AFSEC) forces into the Security Forces (SECFOR) squadrons was possibly the biggest cultural effect.

Although 95WG is yet to see the first female ADG recruit, ADG and AFSEC members are integrated for patrolling flight lines and protecting air base and airborne assets.

The past 12 months have also seen the new capability of SECFOR progress through a secondary transition, with a number of unfamiliar workforces com-bining and geographically relocating to three specific operating regions.

1 SECFOR relocated from RAAF Base Amberley to RAAF Base Williamtown and took responsibility for the south-east of Australia with detach-ments at Richmond, Canberra, Wagga

Wagga, East Sale and RAAF base Williams.

This transition from Amberley occurred during a period of intense opera-tional tempo with up to 60 per cent of the squadron deployed.

2 SECFOR remain with the headquar-ters in Amberley and has assumed respon-sibility for the north of Australia through three detachments, one at Townsville, Darwin and Tindal.

3 SECFOR was formed in Adelaide, with a detachment in Pearce, to take responsibility for Air Force security within the south and west of the nation, including the growing security require-ments at Woomera.

Senior Personnel Capability Officer 95WG SQNLDR Belinda Johnson said 95WG has a strong culture of continu-ous improvement. She said during the past two years all units within the wing had adopted the concept of a Corporals’ Council.

“The council does not circumvent the normal chain of command, but seeks to develop the junior leaders within the wing and encourage them to discuss unit issues,” she said. “The councils are chaired by an NCO with the guidance of the squadron or wing warrant officers.”

Further to the success of the Corporals’ Council, the wing is currently developing a leadership development program for the junior officers and senior NCOs.

The program does not seek to replace training, but to enhance leadership.

Following the success of the Corporals’ Council within 95WG, both it and the leadership development program may be adopted by Combat Support Group as a whole-of-FEG initiative.

The transition from Expeditionary Combat Support Squadrons to Capability Response Squadrons (CRS) has required a significant redesign of support operations.

The reduced core cadre of about 30 members for each of the three CRS is sup-ported by members from across Combat Support Group.

The placement of these members on various levels of short notice to move imposes a high degree of flexibility in the way personnel are integrated into a team for a specific task, that specialist skills are respected and that the nuances brought by individuals are supported where they con-tribute to the success of a task.

Airfield Engineering Detachment members LAC Martin Richards (left) and LAC Dominic Marshall, both of 383SQN in 95WG, hook up a generator at the Australian International Airshow. Photo: CPL Nicci Freeman

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26 April 9, 2015RCEAIR FHealth & Fitness

Don’t get mad, get crossIn the first of a two-part series on CrossFit, Australian CrossFit representative FLTLT Melissa Hill shares tips on getting started.

SOME think it’s a cult, others believe it is a lifestyle choice, but I think it is the only long-term way to

train without getting bored, with continued results.

CrossFit is made up of varied high-intensity workouts. It combines the elements of gymnastics, metabolic conditioning, and power and Olympic lifting.

The training has broadened my views on sport and fitness, as participants are encouraged to try new sports and be more active in general.

Before taking up CrossFit I dabbled in body building.

I was hungry and tired most of the time and felt restricted in a lot of things I could do, both socially and athletically.

I looked good but felt I wasn’t as fit or strong as I could have been.

As a competitive person I needed to find a sport that I could continue to improve in and compete against others – CrossFit gave me this.

Competition ensures people work harder – it’s human nature to want to succeed in a sporting environment.

In the past five years I have represented Australia twice at the World CrossFit Games as well as

finishing 14th in the Australia and New Zealand Regionals (similar to nationals) in 2013.

The competition has driven me to be better than I ever thought I could be.

However, the great thing about CrossFit is that for some it is just a way of staying fit and I can train alongside those people as we encourage each other to reach our individual goals.

Here are my top 10 tips for anyone wishing to start CrossFit:

Leave your ego at the door. No one knows everything. There is always something that can be improved or finessed.

You don’t need to ‘get fitter’ in order to start. Loads and intensity can be scaled for every athlete.

You get out what you put in. All workouts are timed or scored in some way. Even if you are the last to finish a workout you can still beat yesterday’s result.

Find a gym, also called a ‘box’, that is friendly and welcoming. People should want to know your name and have a chat; it’s

definitely a social occasion for many.

Perseverance – the movements can be complicated and muscle memory needs to be developed. Don’t give up on your body’s ability to learn new skills at any age.

Consistency – keep turning up to class. If you don’t like the look of the workout, that’s more of a reason to show up and get the work done.

Record your scores – keep track of what you do, you will improve rapidly at the start and it’s great to see where you have come from.

Sleep – once you start training harder your body needs the time to recover properly.

Nutrition – an average CrossFitter will train once a day for an hour. That leaves 23 hours that you can destroy your hard work, or assist it.

Enjoy it – embrace the buzz you get from learning new skills and improving your fitness.

Contact your local PTI for advice.

NEXT EDITION: PTI CPL Cobi Head shares his tips for

getting the most out of your CrossFit workout.

FLTLT Melissa Hill performs muscle-ups in the women’s relay at the 2014 CrossFit World Games in the US. Photo: GPCAPT Kirrily Dearing

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27April 9, 2015RCEAIR F Sp rt

CPL Aaron Curran

FOUR ADF and Air Force athletes have returned triumphantly from the United States Air Force Wounded Warrior Trials in the US with an impressive 11 medals.

They won five gold, four silver and two bronze medals at the trials which were held at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, from February 27 to March 5.

The Air Force athletes included airmen No. 81 Wing members SQNLDR Dan Jeffery and CPL Adrian Rolfe, along with CPL Andrew Harding (retd) and Army WO1 Scott Mengel, who represented the ADF Sports Council (ADFSC).

The four went up against repre-sentatives from the US Air Force, US Army and Great Britain in cycling, track and field, swimming, wheel-chair basketball, sitting volleyball and archery.

The ADF athletes also participat-ed in an exhibition match of wheel-chair rugby.

SQNLDR Jeffery said he was shocked to win gold in the 100 sprint, silver in the 200 sprint and seventh in archery using the recurve bow.

“I was pretty rapt,” he said.“I also played in the wheelchair

basketball and volleyball.”SQNLDR Jeffrey said he was the

only Australian entered in the basket-ball, so he played with Great Britain and got silver for his efforts.

“I received a Great Britain shirt and they embraced me as part of their team,” he said.

“The irony was they were the team I played against at the Invictus Games last year.”

SQNLDR Jeffery said the trials were about competing and having a go, and not winning medals.

“It was about starting and finish-ing,” he said.

“Adaptive sport is a powerful tool for servicemen’s’ recovery and there was respect among the competitors, whether your injury was visible or not.

“It was an amazing experience.”SQNLDR Jeffery said it was a big

plus having professional coaching staff available at the trials.

“There was a US Olympic archer helping the US Air Force team and she took me under her wing,” he said.

“The most inspiring moment for me was when a Great Britain team competitor, who walks with a cane, went in the 100m sprint to prove that it is all about participation and just having a go.”

ADF team manager SQNLDR Mark Wetherspoon, who represented the ADFSC and Air Force, said the USAF used the trials as a selec-tion event for the Wounded Warrior Games, which is in turn a selection event for the Invictus Games.

“It was the first time Australia has been invited to attend these trials,” he said. “The ADF Paralympic Sports Association worked with Air Force to send over a small team mostly comprising Air Force Members to not only compete, but also to bring back lessons learnt from the USAF program to inform our own ADF and Air Force wounded, injured and ill sporting programs.”

SQNLDR Wetherspoon said the trials were not only for those wounded in combat related roles but all wounded, ill or injured. At the competition only around 20 per cent were combat related.

“The trials were an adaptive sports event designed to promote the mental and physical well-being of wounded, ill and injured military members and veterans,” he said.

“Members of our team were a constant presence at all events either in strong on-field performances or

leading the way in the support of other athletes.

“CPL Harding received a spirit award at the closing ceremony in rec-ognition of his efforts in overcoming adversity to compete.”

SQNLDR Wetherspoon said Air Force have been invited to attend the trials again next year and the ADF Paralympic Association would like to propose an expanded team for 2016.

“All Air Force members who have acquired a serious illness or injury during their time in service are encouraged to nominate,” he said.

“This event was more about par-ticipation than winning, and coaching was provided by the best available coaches before competition.”

If you are interested in competing please register with the ADF Sports Council, Paralympic Sports. Contact WO Scott Mengel at scott.mengel1@defence.gov.au

Medals for RAAF in USInset, CPL Adrian Rolfe celebrates after winning gold in the wounded warrior swimming meet.

SQNLDR Dan Jeffery, left, competes in the 200m race at the wounded warrior trials.

THE ADF will take on competition from around the world at the Australian Netball Championships at Sydney Olympic Park from April 5-11. The ADF will compete against NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, Asia, the South Pacific Islands and New Zealand. The Air Force representatives are SQNLDR Paul Fournier, LACW Van De Werken, FLTLT Amy Brewster and LACW Taryn Ovenden. Meanwhile, the ADF women’s team tackles the New Zealand Defence Force in a three test series in Western Australia from April 16-27.

Netballers ready

AUSTRALIAN MEDAL TALLY AT US AIR FORCE TRIALS

GOLD – 5SILVER – 4.5 (Shared medal with UK for sitting basketball)BRONZE – 2Cycling: WO Scott Mengel, 9th overall in Upright-C6 at 11.45.2 behind.Archery:Archery recurve SQNLDR Dan Jeffery, 7th with 110 points.Archery compound CPL (Retd) Andrew Harding, 29th with 82 points.Swimming:Men’s 50m freestyle 6.0 Open VI – Gold Medal CPL Adrian RolfeMen’s 50m freestyle 5.5 Lower – Bronze medal, WO Scott MengelMen’s 100m freestyle 6.0 Open V1 – Gold Medal, CPL Adrian RolfeMen’s 100m freestyle 5.5 Lower – Silver

Medal, WO Scott MengelMen 50m backstroke 5.5 Lower – Silver Medal, WO Scott MengelMen’s 50m breaststroke 6.0 V I – Gold Medal, CPL Adrian RolfeMen’s 50m breaststroke 5.5 Lower – Bronze Medal, WO Scott MengelTrack and Field:Men’s 100m dash 6.0/1.0 Ambulatory – CPL Adrian Rolfe, 7thMen’s 100m dash 4.5/5.0/5.5 Ambulatory – SQNLDR Dan Jeffery, 4thMen’s 200m dash 6.0/1.0 Ambulatory – CPL Adrian Rolfe, 5thMen’s 200m dash 4.5/5.0/5.5 Ambulatory – SQNLDR Dan Jeffery, 4thMen’s Shot Put Standing Ambulatory – CPL (Retd) Andrew Harding, 18th

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April 9, 2015

SP RTFLYING HIGH

FLTLT Neville Moyle

THREE high-flying airmen were selected in the ADF All-Stars team following the completion of the 2015 ADF Australian Rules (ADFAR) Championships in Melbourne from March 17-29.

Air Force’s All-Star players are FLTLT Mark Bignell, of NUSHIP Adelaide, FLTLT Lachlan Lawrence, of No. 453 Squadron, and LAC Patrick Callery, of No. 75 Squadron.

LAC Callery also received the ADF rookie player award and the Air Force’s players’ player award.

The championships were also memorable for LAC Peter Nissen, of No. 26 Squadron, who received the award for the best clubman and SGT Aaron Clayden, also of No. 26 Squadron, who earned the Air Force most valu-able player award.

LAC Glenn Meulendyks, of No. 10 Squadron, received the Air Force best and fairest award for his on-

field leadership.Men’s coach FLTLT Paul James, of No.

462 Squadron, said Air Force did well to field a team in the ADFAR due to player unavail-

ability caused by the high operational tempo and deployments.

The Air Force team lost both its matches at Moorabbin Oval, but gained a lot of experience and confidence that will pay dividends in years to come.

Air Force was defeated by Navy 117 (17.15) to 57 (9.3) and lost to Army 116 (16.20) to 12 (1.6) although the score-lines do not reflect the never-say-die attitude of the airmen.

FLTLT James said he was impressed with the team’s performance against Navy, which went on to win the championships with a comprehensive 90 (14-6) to 50 (6-14) triumph over Army.

“We were well served by a collection of airmen and women from around the country,” he said.

“Both matches were hard fought contests with debu-tantes FLTLT Adam Grinyer and LAC Callery providing solid support through the midfield and off half back.”

Air Force’s team was further depleted through injury and work commitments when they played Army without seven players who featured against Navy in their opening match.

FLTLT James said the game was played at a high tempo, with Army kicking six goals in the first quarter, which drifted to a 100 point deficit by full-time.

“A positive outcome from the carnival was the discov-ery of some quality new footballers, who combined with the current list and those players unavailable in 2015 will auger well for continuous improvement in performance,” he said.

Although Air Force did not field a team in the women’s championship, due to lack of numbers, LACW Lauren Cooper, of No. 87 Squadron, and FLTLT Debbie Herberz, of No. 452 Squadron, played with Navy and were selected in the ADF women’s All-Star team that will play a nines match at half-time of the Anzac Day clash between Collingwood and Essendon.

Permanent or reserve members interested in playing Aussie Rules are encouraged to contact coach FLTLT Paul James at paul.james2@defence.gov.au

Air Force and Navy Aussie Rules football players leap to take a mark during the ADF Aussie Rules

National Carnival held at Moorabbin Oval, Melbourne. Photo: SGT Christopher Dickson

Airmen win 11 medals at USAF trials P27