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FORCEAIRVol. 50, No. 4, March 20, 2008 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

FORCEAIRThe official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

FULL LOADBy FLGOFF Eamon Hamilton

TWO YEARS to the week that their purchase was announced, four Boeing C-17A Globemaster IIIs sat on the ramp at RAAF Base Amberley, ready for opera-tion.

On time and on budget deliv-ery of the Globemaster fleet was achieved on March 8, with the arrival of the fourth aircraft – A41-209.

The delivery came as an early birthday present for 36SQN. The squadron’s 66th anniversary of formation became a welcome home ceremony at Amberley on March 11.

Four giant Globemasters on the flightline made for an impres-sive line-up, and were inspected by CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Shepherd, Air Commander Australia AVM Mark Binskin, and Commander Air Lift Group AIRCDRE Jack Plenty.

President of Boeing Australia, David Withers, attended and congratulated the squadron on its anniversary, and Australia on its successful introduction of the Globemaster.

“The arrival of our fourth air-craft marked a significant day for 36SQN,” 36SQN CO WGCDR Linda Corbould said. “We now have our complete fleet of global responsive airlifters and are very close to 100 per cent manpower.

“There is no doubt that the aircraft and air and maintenance crews will be fully employed, ensuring this strategic capability is achieved.

“The C-17 is a tremendous addition to the Air Lift fleet and complements the existing capabili-ties.

“The arrival ceremony also marked the 66th anniversary of 36SQN, having formed at Laverton on March 11, 1942. It was great to have the CAF and one of the

youngest squadron members cut the large birthday cake with a cer-emonial sword.”

WGCDR Corbould said hav-ing four C-17s parked very close together on the tarmac for the arrival ceremony was a “spectacu-lar sight”.

“Each jet contained a different load configuration, demonstrating the varied cargo and passenger ca-pabilities of this heavy airlift air-craft,” she said. “In particular, the aero-medical evacuation configu-ration is very impressive and will offer government significant addi-tional humanitarian capability.

“It was a proud day for the men and women of 36SQN and marked the beginning of a most exciting and busy time. Of particular note, on behalf of 36SQN, I would like to thank the members of the project and transition teams for their unsurpassed efforts in making this capability possible.” Continued Page 2

Air Force’s fourth and final C-17 arrives at Amberley to complete the fleet for 36SQN

WELCOME TO THE TEAM: Above, CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Shepherd addresses the crowd at the official arrival ceremony of 36SQN’s final Globemaster, A41-209, at RAAF Base Amberley. COMMANDING PRESENCE: Top, the sun is about to rise on one of the squadron’s C-17s at Amberley.TOGETHER AT LAST: Below, 36SQN’s complete C-17 fleet was an impressive sight lined up on the flightline at the official ceremony (A41-209 is on the right). Each aircraft was fitted with a different configuration to demonstrate the Globemaster’s versatile capabilities. The image is a digital panoramic. Photos by LAC Scott Woodward

2 News AIR FORCE March 20, 2008

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From Page 1

Each aircraft on display demonstrat-ed a unique configuration for the Globe-master.

One aircraft was filled with seats for the troop transport role, while another was lined with stretchers and patient sup-port equipment for the aero-medical evac-uation role.

The other two Globemasters were loaded with vehicles, one with Airfield Defence Bushmasters and a Land Rover, and another with two Mack trucks from Army’s 9 Force Support Battalion.

The latest aircraft had been accepted by Air Force in mid-January and under-went a month being fitted with defensive countermeasure equipment to allow it to operate into high-threat environments. The third aircraft underwent a similar fit before delivery, while the first two will return to the United States later this year to receive the equipment.

The capability to carry vehicles and helicopters into a war zone is a far cry for a squadron which once operated a distant ancestor to the Globemaster, the twin-engine Douglas DC-2, from RAAF Base Laverton in 1942.

In 1958, the unit became a world leader when it was the first flying squad-ron outside the United States to fly the Lockheed Hercules.

In 2006, 36SQN traded in its Hercules for the first of four C-17s, and has been put to work at introducing the aircraft to ADF operations ever since, proving a

We’re fully loaded

AIR FORCE RANKSThe following explains the rank abbreviations, as featured in AIR FORCE News

ACM Air Chief Marshal

AIRMSHL Air Marshal

AVM Air Vice-Marshal

AIRCDRE Air Commodore

GPCAPT Group Captain

WGCDR Wing Commander

SQNLDR Squadron Leader

FLTLT Flight Lieutenant

FLGOFF Flying Officer

PLTOFF Pilot Officer

OFFCDT Officer Cadet

WOFF-AF Warrant Officer of the Air Force

WOFF Warrant Officer

FSGT Flight Sergeant

SGT Sergeant

CPL Corporal

LAC Leading Aircraftman

LACW Leading Aircraftwoman

AC Aircraftman

ACW Aircraftwoman

SGT Sergeant

CPL Corporal

LAC Leading Aircraftman

LACW Leading Aircraftwoman

AC Aircraftman

ACW Aircraftwoman

backbone of support to operations in the Middle East and East Timor.

OC 86WG GPCAPT Gary Martin said 36SQN was working towards role expansion, which would result in achiev-ing Full Operational Capability on the type by 2011.

“One of the aircraft departed Amberley just after the ceremony with a load of Health Support Wing personnel for an aero-medical evacuation training flight,” GPCAPT Martin said.

“The aircraft can carry up to six high-dependency, intensive-care patients, along with ‘walking wounded’ and other stretcher patients. 22 sets of high-depend-ency patient systems are also being pur-chased for operation with the aircraft, which will allow three aircraft to operate in the role simultaneously, with spare sets.

“This is the first major update Health Support Wing has had since the C-130 – they have never before been able to conduct themselves with this level of high-dependency patient support as they can on the Globemaster.”

In the combat airlift role, the squadron is due to begin air drop of paratroops and payloads in coming months, following a successful trial in the United States last January.

Full Operational Capability will also result in training and simulator facilities being built at Amberley for 36SQN, along with improved air movements facilities at Darwin, Townsville, Edinburgh and Pearce, to allow more efficient operation of the C-17.

The aircraft has carried loads such as Chinooks, Black Hawks and Sea Hawks, and routinely trains with Army units to ensure a smooth operation when deploy-ing units.

“The crews are working closely with 9 Force Support Battalion at Enoggera Barracks in Brisbane for many of their training flights, where they require a load to be brought on board the aircraft,” GPCAPT Martin said.

“These loads include everything from Mack trucks down to gun platforms and low-loader trailers, and we’re getting them accustomed to operating with the aircraft, co-training with their drivers and staff.”

GLOBAL CAPABILITY: Medical assistant LACW Aimee Murphy from 1ATHS with her ambulance while 36QN personnel configure one of the C-17s for an aero-medical evacuation role as part of the official ceremony at RAAF Base Amberley. Below, 36SQN members listen to CAF’s address during the ceremony on March 11. Photos by LAC Scott Woodward

HAPPY 66TH: CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Shepherd and 36SQN’s most junior member, AC Sydney Turner, cut the cake to mark 36SQN’s 66th anniversary, which was also celebrated as part of the ceremony. Photo by LAC Scott Woodward

RAAF Base Edinburgh has been among the 400 reli-gious and non-religious com-munities visited on the World Youth Day (WYD) Cross and Icon of Mary Tour, which began in 2007 and is still in progress.

The icons have travelled through each Austral ian Diocese, in many instances ably assisted by members of the ADF. They have visited Kokoda Barracks, Robertson Barracks and the Great Barrier Reef aboard HMAS Broome.

Commissioned by the late Pope John Paul II, who inau-gurated World Youth Day in 1984, the cross was built and placed as a symbol of the Catholic faith near the main altar in St Peter’s Basilica dur-ing 1983.

Now the cross is a gift to the youth of the world, being carried around the globe as a symbol of Christ’s love for humanity. Its journey will

end at Randwick Racecourse (Sydney) in the presence of Pope Benedict XVI.

On Easter Monday, March 24, the cross and icon will visit Fleet Base East in Sydney, where – in a 4½-hour ceremony – there will be prayers for ADF personnel who are deployed, music, a rosary procession, tes-timonies, and Mass celebrated by Bishop Max Davis, Catholic Bishop to the ADF.

Navy Systems Command Chaplain, Stuart Hall, said the Garden Island visit would pave the way for the pilgrim-age towards World Youth Day 2008 in July, when 1000 of the

600,000 young people expected to congregate would be mem-bers of the ADF and foreign military forces.

“From July 9 to 21, the Catholic Military Diocese (supported by JTF 665) will play host to about 1000 ADF and foreign military personnel to participate as ‘pilgrims’ for the event,” CHAP Hall said.

The Military Diocese’s pro-gram will begin in Canberra on July 9 with activities based out of ADFA – daily Mass, sports, prayer, youth concerts and seminars about faith in the military. Highlights will include a liturgy of peace at the Australian War Memorial and an evening function at Parliament House before leav-ing on July 13 for the WYD program in Sydney. For more information on how to participate in Op Testament as a ‘military pilgrim’, visit: http: / /www.mil i tary.catho-lic.org.au/wyd2008 or email [email protected]

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TESTAMENT: ADF members carry the WYD Cross.

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3 NewsAIR FORCE March 20, 2008

By FLGOFF Eamon Hamilton

RECENT test flights in Europe with the RAAF’s first KC-30B have delivered a preview of what the new Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) will be capable of once in service.

The aircraft has undergone air-borne proximity trials with a Spanish Air Force Hornet, which flew just metres from the tanker’s extended hose-and-drogue.

The KC-30B was also flown in close proximity to the boom of a smaller European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS) A-310 tanker test-bed, a step towards the MRTT being air-to-air refuellable from another boom-equipped aircraft.

installed. While there is still a lot of work to do, completion of the first phase of testing represents a signifi-cant milestone and demonstrates the KC-30B is well on the way to becom-ing the ADF’s next tanker transport.

Director of the KC-30B Transition Team, GPCAPT Noel Derwort, said the trials were an impressive dem-onstration of what the aircraft will deliver in service.

“Boom refuelling between two KC-30Bs will represent up to 500 tonnes of aircraft, flying at more than 500km/h – connecting with each other with about 15m of separation,” GPCAPT Derwort said.

“The scope of this activity is on a scale unlike anything that the RAAF has undertaken before.”

Steady hands will be required to operate the boom that links the KC-30B with its receivers. The two airmen who will develop the require-ments for the Air Force’s Airborne Refuelling Operators (ARO) have excelled themselves on the US Air Force’s boom operator course.

Late last year, WOFFs Darrell Bent and Andrew Newman returned home from the US after being the first Australians to go through the USAF KC-135 boom operator’s course.

WOFF Bent came away with a Distinguished Graduate certificate for the basic boom operators course, while WOFF Newman brought home top honours for the boom initial qual-ification course.

The next two RAAF members

to undertake boom operator training with the USAF – WOFF Brian Green of 33SQN and WOFF Chris Hunter of 37SQN – will leave for their course this month.

Back in Australia, a 30-strong advance party of 33SQN person-nel are calling the new KC-30B hangar/headquarters at RAAF Base Amberley home.

The advance party, including squadron executives, is preparing for when the new facilities officially become the home of 33SQN when the unit relocates from RAAF Base Richmond on July 1 this year.

Just across the road from the 33SQN facility, the Heavy Airlift Systems Program Office (HALSPO) has moved into the new logistics building. HALSPO will manage the through-life logistics support of the RAAF’s new C-17A global transport and KC-30B MRTT aircraft. For the new tankers, all logistics support and heavy aircraft maintenance will be undertaken by Qantas under an initial five-year contract.

Boom times ahead

The first Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft was converted in Madrid, Spain. The remaining four aircraft will be converted by Qantas at Brisbane airport. Each aircraft involves: modification of 2000 struc-

tural parts and 5500 system parts;

about 22,000 components delivered to the conversion centre;

85,000 rivets and 41,000 screws to fasten 12,000 differ-ent parts;

installation of 58km of new wiring and 430 new harnesses; and

more than 1000 job cards. For development testing, the first aircraft also includes flight test instrumentation which:

records approximately 20,000 parameters;

has a data processing capabil-ity of 6Mb to 8Mb per second; and

has a state-of-the-art dedi-cated flight test console. Recent MRTT test flights and

checks have proved successful.

Tanker conversion data

FLYING COLOURS: Australia’s first KC-30B undergoing proximity trials with other aircraft. Above, the aircraft conducts trials with a Spanish Hornet to determine if its drogue will remain stable while the receiver aircraft makes its approach. Left, the MRTT conducts proximity trials with the boom fitted to an EADS A-310 tanker. Photos courtesy of EADS

Air Force’s first KC-30B clears major air-to-air test hurdle

The scope of this activity is on a scale unlike

anything that the RAAF has undertaken before.- GPCAPT Noel Derwort

‘ ’

The test flights successfully dem-onstrated the handling qualities and performance of the new tanker as part of the first phase of testing, and have demonstrated the aircraft to be free from buffet and flutter throughout the flight envelope – a significant mile-stone in the development program.

The first aircraft will re-enter the conversion hangar in Madrid to have the rest of its military systems

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By FLGOFF Matthew Taylor

HARD WORK and dedication by 3SQN and 75SQN Hornet En-gine Maintenance Sections (EMS) and the Tactical Fighter Systems Project Office (TFSPO) have been recognised.

Late last year, the F404-GE-400 turbofan engine used in the Air Force’s Hornets achieved the signifi-cant milestone of 500,000 Engine Flight Hours (EFH).

To commemorate the milestone, engine manufacturers General Electric presented plaques to the 3SQN and 75SQN EMS maintainers and the support staff within TFSPO at RAAF Base Williamtown.

The presentation coincided with a barbecue for all areas of the F404 Support network to celebrate the event.

The support network is made up of the engine maintenance sections, TFSPO and the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Field Service Representative.

“Fleet milestones like this in the engine world are important because they represent the reliability of that particular engine,” General Electric’s Field Service Representative, Brett Naumann, said.

“A high level of reliability in an engine is not only due to its design and manufacture, but more impor-

tantly, how it has been maintained, supported and operated.

“This is quite a milestone and clearly shows the engine’s high level of reliability and durability.”

Since new in 1985, the F404-400 engines have proved themselves repeatedly on exercises in Australia and overseas.

In 2001 and 2003, they also proved themselves on operational deployments in the Middle East Area of Operations.

Each engine has a rated thrust of 7258kg and is capable of pushing the Hornet to speeds in excess of Mach 1.8 or 2200km/h.

VROOM, VROOM: In recognition of Hornet engine F404 completing 500,000 flying hours service, Brett Noumann from General Electrics presented a plaque to WOFF Neville Everett and members of Engine Maintenance Section at RAAF Base Tindal (above), and to 3SQN and TFSPO staff at RAAF Base Williamtown (right). Photos by LACs Casey Smith and David Gibbs

500,000 flight hours clocked by Hornet engine

Jet engine’s mighty pull

THERE are 101,000 good reasons why Australia’s Memorials Development Committee is looking at two very special new monuments in Canberra.

That is the number of Australians who made the ultimate sacrifice of the 1.4 million who served in World War I and World War II.

The memorials will be built on the Rond Terrace at the lake end of Anzac Parade in parkland adjoining Lake Burley Griffin.

On February 18, the Governor-General, MAJGEN Michael Jeffery, announced a design competition for the memorials. He said there are many memorials down Anzac Parade.

“They are dedicated to campaigns, to the Navy, Army and Air Force, to ele-

ments of a service (nursing), to allies, to a former foe (Turkey), and to specific wars, namely Korea and Vietnam,” he said.

“But there is no national memorial, anywhere, which is specifically dedi-cated to World War I or World War II. It is a major omission as these two conflicts have huge national significance.”

“We are seeking inspiring designs to create a permanent reminder of the impact of global war on our nation,” the chairman of the Memorials Development Committee, Mike Buick, said. “We believe that the loss, suffering and sac-rifice caused by World War I and World War II should be recognised.” Ful l detai ls are available at the committee’s website: www.mdc.org.au

Design a memorial

IN BRIEFDefence health studyDefence is calling on current and former personnel to take part in the Timor-Leste and Bougainville Health Study. It will examine the physical, emotional and social effects of service in Timor-Leste from Operations Faber, Spitfire, Warden, Tanager, Citadel and Spire, and Bougainville peace monitoring duties as part of Operations Belisi I and II. For more information, contact

the research team on 1800 886 567 or email: [email protected]

Peacekeeper Memorial finalistsFour teams have been selected as finalists in the competition to design the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial to be built on ANZAC Parade in Canberra. The four winning teams are: Maloney Architects from Ballarat, VIC; Mode Design from Woolloongabba, QLD; IM Architecture Studio from South Yarra, VIC; and Super Collosal from Surry Hills, NSW. Stage two of the competition

finished with submissions earlier this month.

Unisys agreementDefence has signed a services agreement with Unisys Australia Pty Ltd to improve the quality of information communication technology service delivery at Defence bases and sites across Australia. Defence will maintain control of its computer networks and Unisys will manage the day-to-day operations under strict policy and performance standards oversighted by Defence.

Oh, that rhythm in bluesAC Troy McMillin leads Force 10 from the Air Force Band at the ‘Jazz in the Vines’ festival in Canberra. This was one of Force 10’s first major gigs since the bands’ merger in January. Photo by LAC Aaron Curran

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By FLTLT Justine Harman

AIR Combat Group (ACG) looked back on a busy operational period as it celebrated its sixth anniversary recently.

The group stood up on January 1, 2002, after a merger of the former Strike Reconnaissance and Tactical Fighter Groups to provide a single com-mand structure for Air Force’s fleet of combat fast-jet aircraft. Commander ACG AIRCDRE Kym Osley said that the merger had proved a challenge.

“Both SRG and TFG were very much ‘platform’ focussed,” he said. “ACG is far better placed to respond to the intro-duction of the new air combat capability.

“Six years down-track, we are reaping the benefits of increased stand-ardisation and a focus on capability rather than being platform-centric.”

Since its formation, group squadrons had experienced a level of operational activity not encountered for many years.

“Hornets deployed to Diego Garcia to provide air defence during Operation Slipper, during Operation Guardian II to protect the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in south-east Queensland, and a squadron deployed to Iraq in 2003 during Operation Falconer.” AIRCDRE Osley said.

“ACG also maintains a busy train-ing schedule, including participation in high-end exercises such as Pitch Black in Australia, Red Flag in the United States and the Bersama series [in Malaysia],” he said.

There are “exciting times” ahead for his group over the next decade as it faces the largest changes in aircraft and weap-onry that the Air Force has experienced in recent times.

“We shall maintain a credible F-111 strike capability until the end of 2010. This will involve 1SQN and 6SQN [forming] a ‘super squadron’ as it works to phase out the F-111,” he said.

The way to ensure the smooth transition and implementation of all these changes was by effective communication and good planning. Management of the workforce was one of the most important challenges facing the group and it was paramount that this was done effectively and competently.

“Without these people, the aircraft will not be turned into capabilities that the government can use,” AIRCDRE Osley said.

“The changes over the next decade will provide plenty of excitement and ACG will be the place to be as it moves into this new chapter.”

Based at RAAF Base Williamtown, the group comprises three wings:

82WG with 1 and 6SQNs (F-111s) and the Forward Air Control Development Unit (PC-9s);

81WG with 3, 75 and 77SQNs and No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit (Hornets); and

78WG with 76 and 79SQNs (Hawks).

The group comprises 126 aircraft, 163 aircrew and more than 2000 support personnel. Future challenges include the intro-

duction of new aircraft and reorgani-sation of 1 and 6SQNs. A Special Tactics capability is to stand up in 2009.

ACG at a glance

Six not out for ACGAir Combat Group celebrates its sixth anniversary and looks ahead

NOW WE ARE SIX: From left, OFFCDT Annabel Szekely, ACW Libby Perkins, CDR ACG AIRCDRE Kym Osley, WOFF ACG WOFF Michael Kearney and OFFCDT Ryan Kanay represent Air Combat Group, which recently celebrated its sixth anniversary. Photo by CPL Peter Borys

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Intel on the go87SQN’s non-stop in MEAO

MEET THE TEAM: Above, intelligence/analysis personnel at Task Group 633.2 pose in front of an AP-3C. Back row (from left), is SQNLDR Adrian Reeve, WOFF Paul Petering, LAC Paul Fletcher, LAC Matthew Newson, CPL Mathew Hunt. Front row, LAC Renae Harris, FLTLT Daina Jurkans, SGT Suzanne Harvey and CPL Luciano Tanzi. Left, FLGOFF Kim Wilson provides an area brief, and below, FLTLT Julie Willes and FSGT Bob Pickersgill take five while deployed in Afghanistan. Photos courtesy of 87SQN

ON THE JOB: FLTLT Emma Challen and CPL Shane Eastwood at work in the MEAO. The image has been digitally manipulated.

THE Air Force intelligence com-munity has achieved a significant milestone, with the continuous de-ployment of personnel to the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) for five years.

For the last 18 months, the person-nel have predominately come from 87SQN – Air Force’s intelligence squadron – having previously been drawn from a number of units across Air Force.

87SQN reformed on July 1, 2006, and with it, gained the responsibility of maintaining the majority of the intel-ligence support to Air Force detach-ments in the MEAO.

At any one time, the squadron nor-mally has 10 to 12 personnel deployed in the 16 dedicated Air Force intel-ligence positions in the Middle East. The personnel provide operational intelligence support to the Combined Air Operations Centre (CAOC), C-130s, AP-3Cs, and the Control and Reporting Centre at Kandahar in Afghanistan.

Two of 87SQN’s sister units – the Joint Electronic Warfare Operational Support Unit (JEWOSU) and 462SQN – also provide personnel to Operations

Slipper and Catalyst to undertake elec-tronic warfare and information opera-tions specific tasks. Several reservists have also deployed.

87SQN CO WGCDR Richard Keir said the capabilities provided by 87SQN in the MEAO allow Air Force capabilities and personnel to “fly, fight and win” by conducting analy-sis of enemy threats, assisting force protection, and conducting counter-intelligence against enemy intelligence efforts.

Another key role, he said, is the processing, exploitation and dissemi-nation of imagery from AP-3C intelli-gence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

“Air Force intelligence personnel are respected and their work valued because of their high levels of training and their ability to get the job done with significant energy and minimal fuss,” WGCDR Keir said.

81 Tactical Intelligence Flight (TIF) Commander, SQNLDR Rob Elliott, said the quality of their analysis and advice is highly valued and increas-ingly sought-after by their coalition partners.

Task Group 633.4 Commander, WGCDR Adam Williams, agreed.

“The intelligence support provid-ed by the 87SQN personnel deployed as part of the task group, in both the CAOC Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Division and the C-130 Task Element, are an essen-tial part of the mission, informing the Aviation Risk Management process and daily tactical planning,” WGCDR Williams said.

“They ensure that each time we enter the combat arena, we have a very well-informed understanding of the current capability and intentions of the threat forces and can operate within that threat environment as it develops during the day.”

For FLTLT Daina Jurkans, who worked at 87SQN’s 92 Tactical Intelligence Flight and recently returned from Task Group 633.2, deploying to the MEAO was the high-light of her time in the Air Force.

“It was very rewarding to work directly with the crews we were sup-

porting,” she said. “And also to be a small part of a joint endeavour much larger than what I had otherwise expe-rienced.”

It was the same for SGT O’Reilly from JEWOSU.

“It’s been extremely rewarding to be part of intelligence support to air operations.

“This is especially the case working as an intelligence opera-tor facilitating ISR tasking for the AP-3C,” she said.

WGCDR Keir said 87SQN’s peo-ple are directly engaged in supporting operations, with the exposure to opera-tions having significant benefits for the development of Air Force’s intel-ligence capabilities in Australia.

“Additionally, while at home, 87SQN personnel support in-theatre operations through reach-back and support – often by people with recent deployment experience themselves.” The information in this article was provided by WGCDR Richard Keir.

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By Barry Rollings

FLYING high took on a whole new meaning for LAC Lachlan Wray recent-ly when he traded one “blue world” for another.

After a gruelling selection process, LAC Wray, from HQ Surveillance and Response Group, was selected from hun-dreds of young hopefuls for a Young Endeavour Scholarship.

Light blue skies up above were traded for the deep blue sea below, and from day one of the 11-day voyage, LAC Wray found himself in the heady world aloft working the yards and setting and furling sails, with some of the work on the mast of Sail Training Ship Young Endeavour about 30m above the deck.

“The first thing they did on day one was to get us all aloft and from that day on it was quite a constant thing,” LAC Wray said. “I’m not particularly good with heights, so it was a bit of a chal-lenge; but the more you do it, the more you get used to it.”

LAC Wray, who has been in the Air Force for about two years, was one of 27 youth crew who left Garden Island in Sydney for Jervis Bay and returned via Botany Bay, Pittwater and Broken Bay.

All were between 16 and 23 years of age. The ship is crewed by the Navy, of which 11 personnel were on board to show the young hands the ropes. The voy-age provided an opportunity to not only

push their own personal boundaries, but to learn how to effectively run and sail a tall ship.

Apart from their hands-on work aloft, they were instructed in sail handling, knots, navigation skills and communica-tion, and team-building exercises.

On Command Day, the youth crew had control of the ship for 24 hours while completing set objectives. Nominations were held for different positions on board and LAC Wray was selected as one of the ship’s three cooks.

Young Endeavour took part in the ship’s 20th anniversary celebrations at Garden Island on January 25, as well as Australia Day celebrations. These includ-ed the Tall Ships Race, in which the ship took line honours.

“It was probably one of the best expe-riences I have ever had,” LAC Wray said.

“It was a great opportunity. I would happily do it again and happily recom-mend it to anyone.”

LAC Wray said he had participated in several teamwork and communication exercises, which he could transfer back into Air Force life.

It was his first real experience of sail-ing apart from “sailing a little tinnie on Lake Macquarie” in his youth.

“I was a junior clerk at the time of my nomination and my sergeant wanted to recognise my work for the year by nomi-nating me for this,” he said.

COMBAT Support Group entered the new media age recently after the Air Com-mander, AVM Mark Binskin, launched the Exercise North-ern Station vision series on the Internet Air Force home page.

The initiative stemmed from an idea to highlight Combat Support Group’s capabilities and activities in a new and dynamic online environment.

“Online vision has emerged as a fast and effective medium to connect key messages with online audiences and particularly young people. We expect the story of Exercise Northern Station will be well received,” AVM Binskin said.

The Commander Combat Support Group, AIRCDRE Mark Gower, welcomed the opportuni-ty to showcase his Group’s capa-bilities.

“Exercise Northern Station tests our people and provides realistic environments which test operability between support elements and flying squadrons. We’re proud that our Group was chosen to showcase this new online information medium, and we look forward to highlight-ing other Combat Support Group activities and capabilities in the future,” AIRCDRE Gower said. The vision is accessible at: www.raaf.gov.au

CSG steps into new media age

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OLD SALT: LAC Lachlan Wray from HQSRG shows off his new-found seamanship skills at Young Endeavour’s helm. Photo provided by LAC Wray

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By FLTLT Skye Smith

THE V8 SUPERCAR Champi-onship Series provided the setting for Adelaide-based Air Force units to engage with the community as the Clipsal 500 celebrated its 10th anniversary from February 21-24.

Interactive displays allowed spectators to check out some of the Air Force’s diverse assets and capa-bilities.

R A A F B a s e E d i n b u r g h C o m m a n d e r, W G C D R R o d Smallwood, was impressed with Air Force’s coordinated approach to exhibit assets from No. 1 Airfield Defence Squadron (1AFDS), 92WG, the Aerospace Operational Support Group (AOSG) and the Australian Air Force Cadets.

“Clipsal 500 provided an excel-lent opportunity for the Air Force to showcase its diversity of assets and personnel to the SA community,” WGCDR Smallwood said.

“Edinburgh developed key strat-egies for enhancing public aware-ness and a proactive recruiting move by establishing a single Air Force exhibition under the one mar-quee this year.”

A 92WG Orion was at the fore-front of the exhibition. The Orion’s

Air Force a hit at Clipsal

electro-optical kit was also a high-light. The Star Safire system is operated by airborne electronic ana-lysts, such as 11SQN’s FSGT Matt Basedow.

“We had the unique opportunity to showcase some of the Orion’s impressive capabilities and roles, not normally on display to the pub-lic,” FSGT Basedow said.

Airfield defence guards from 1AFDS took the opportunity to highlight that the Air Force has a specialist ground defence force made up of full and part-time mem-bers.

AOSG showcased Air Force’s personnel capability and the diver-sity of roles on offer.

Displays included Aviation

Medicine, the Joint Electronic Warfare Operational Support Unit and Aircraft Stores Compatibility Engineering Squadron, with an ejec-tion seat a winner with the young fans.

A four-ship formation of Hornets from RAAF Base Williamtown’s 77SQN awed the record-breaking crowd of 291,000 with their aerial precision and superiority.

Defence has participated in this event every year but this was the first time this number of jets had provided a fly-past.

77SQN CO WGCDR Tim Churchill said: “It’s always great to be able to provide something back to the community and the 77SQN team loved being part of Clipsal 500.

“Adding to the spectacle of the V8 Supercars and being part of the 10th anniversary celebrations was thoroughly enjoyed by all who par-ticipated.”

The elite Clipsal medical team, led by WGCDR Andrew Pearce and comprising RAAF Specialist Reservists from No. 24 (City of Adelaide) Squadron, were trackside in the event of an emergency.

ON TRACK: Ford V8 driver Shane Van Gisbergen takes the corner. Photo by CPL Peter Gammie

ON TOP: Four 77SQN Hornets power up during their historic display over the Clipsal 500 track. Photo by CPL Ben DempsterInset, the formation heads fast and low down the straight. Photo by CPL Peter Gammie

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By WGCDR Ken Llewelyn

DIRECTOR Special Events, AIR-CDRE Rod Luke, has congratulated the principal organisers for another spectacular edition of the popular bi-ennial Air Pageant at Point Cook.

More than 25,000 people attended the historic pageant in ideal weather on February 24.

AIRCDRE Rod Luke singled out the RAAF Museum director Dave Gardner and operations executive officer, WGCDR Warren Madsen, for praise.

AIRCDRE Luke said thorough and rigorous planning ensured the ground and air activities were incident-free and ran to a tight schedule.

“Dave Gardner’s 26 staff and the 61 volunteers should be proud of their achievement,” AIRCDRE Luke said.

“Without doubt, this is probably the most successful of the seven pageants to date.”

CO Combat Support Unit Williams WGCDR Margot Forster had a mix-ture of more than 60 PAF members and reservists working at the pageant. “They did a fantastic job and I’m sure they would have worked at the pageant even if they were not paid,” WGCDR Forster said.

Mr Gardner also highlighted the work of the volunteer coordinator, Mary Briggs.

“Mary willingly took on the task and did it brilliantly,” he said.

The historic air element ensured all eyes were on the displays. The Temora

Point Cook on showAviation Museum provided its Hudson bomber and Spitfire, three Mustangs flew in formation with the amazing sound of three V12 engines, and for the first time, a WWII Kittyhawk fighter took part.

A Boomerang and ex-Navy Trojan, with the unique sound of its huge 14-cylinder radial, and the Southern Knights Harvard formation aerobatic team added to the spectacle and thrilled the capacity crowd.

Trainers and transports were also present with Tiger Moth, CT4, Wirraway and Winjeels gracing the almost cloud-less skies. The venerable DC 3, powered by two Pratt and Whitney radials, thun-dered slowly past the admiring crowd, while a C-130J demonstrated its pace and manoeuvrability.

To keep the pageant up to speed, 76SQN’s FLTLT John Polich put on a precise and very entertaining fast-jet display.

The celebration of the 60th anni-versary of the Australian Grand Prix also added to the display. Vintage MGs, Morgans, Vauxhalls and a number of makes which have disappeared into his-tory were also on show.

SOUVENIR PATROL: Air Force personnel prepare to hand out wrist bands to the crowd during the biennial Air Pageant at RAAF Base Williams, Point Cook. From left is LAC Ryan Jones, FSGT Brian Mann, FLTLT Conrad Westhead, SGT George Hamiwka and ACW Kate Reilly. Photo by AB James WhittleTRICKY TRIO: Above left, a Mustang, Kittyhawk and Spitfire on display. Photo by LAC Benjamin Evans

BIRD’S EYE: Above, visitors check out aircraft displays at the Air Pageant. Photo by ACW Shannon UrieON HAND: Right, SGT Mark Tindale organises ambulance supplies.

Photo by LAC Benjamin Evans

RAAFSTT setting the industry benchmark

By SQNLDR Steve Tubby

CHANGING aviation technical trade training is not something done over-night, but the RAAF School of Techni-cal Training (RAAFSTT) has proved it can be done quickly and with excellent results.

Since 1994, RAAFSTT has worked with the National Aerospace Training Centre of Excellence (NATCOE) to pro-vide quality aviation technical training for ADF trainees.

RAAFSTT’s Development Evaluation and Training Squadron (DETS) – com-prising Air Force, Navy, NATCOE and APS members – has worked to ensure the training delivered is compliant with the nationally recognised Aeroskills Training Package.

In early 2007, DETS began a major redevelopment of the aviation trade cours-es to be compliant with the next version of the Aeroskills Training Package – referred

to as MEA07 – a huge task due to some basic flaws with the aviation technical trade course structure.

The decision was made to redevelop and restructure all aviation technical trade training courses at the same time, with the aim to have it complete early this year to coincide with the release of MEA07. The end result was up-to-date trade training delivered in the shortest possible time.

Since January 2007, DETS has devel-oped 84 modules of training, with a three- stage course structure. The first stage has been designed to meet the core Aeroskills competencies, which all aviation technical trades require.

“DETS has not only ensured that our aviation technical trade training remains compliant with the national training pack-age, but this enormous effort has placed RAAFSTT in a position where it is setting the industry benchmark,” Commandant RAAF College GPCAPT Robert Scrivener said.

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By Andrew Stackpool

THE REAL top guns may soon have another recruit on their hands, following a recent introductory flight.

Nicole Stebbing, a 19-year-old student from Yellingbo, Victoria, was the winner of a competition for the flight in a No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit (2OCU) F/A-18 on February 13.

More than 8000 entrants participated in the competition, which was run by the recent SBS program ‘Real Top Guns’.

Under the competition rules, entrants were asked to write in 50 words or less their reasons for wanting to “ride alongside one of Australia’s top frontline fighter pilots from the Royal Australian Air Force”.

A panel of Air Force personnel selected Nicole’s winning entry.

Members and immediate fam-

ilies of the Air Force, ADF and Defence Department were pro-hibited from participating in the competition.

The flight in the skies around RAAF Base Williamtown lasted about 45 minutes. FLTLT Jordon Sander from 2OCU piloted the aircraft.

On the day before the flight, Nicole was able to gain some insight of what to expect after FLTLT Sander put her through her paces on the Hornet simula-tor. Then, kitted out in flying rig, the student, who has had five pri-vate flying lessons, got up close and personal with the fast-jet.

FLTLT Justine Harman from Headquarters Air Combat Group said that Nicole performed very well during the flight and had been ‘hands-on’.

“On disembarkation, she was smiling and still had colour in her face,” FLTLT Harman said.

“She described the flight as awesome and the experience of a lifetime.”

Once she was back on the ground, 2OCU CO WGCDR Phil Gordon presented her with a mon-tage of images taken during her flight and a ‘Certificate of Flight’. He congratulated her on her flight and said he was impressed with her confidence and composure.

In response, Nicole said that she had recently applied for entry to the Air Force.

“I am now more determined to become a fighter pilot,” she said.

Later, describing the day as a “lifetime opportunity”, she thanked the base for making her visit “unforgettable”.

“Everyone was so welcoming and I felt like everyone was there to make my day perfect, which it was,” she said. “Please thank everyone who was there for me on my big day.”

THE ADF is providing an opportunity for eight children of Defence employees to live and study overseas in several countries next year.

Defence and American Field Services (AFS) Intercultural Programs Australia is providing eight scholarships for 2009.

Each scholarship covers: internation-al and domestic travel; placement with a host family, who will provide full board; placement in a school, including school fees; medical insurance; and 24-hour glo-bal emergency support by AFS.

Children of Service personnel or Department of Defence employee (chil-

dren of reserve members on full-time serv-ice are also eligible) who are attending Years 9 to 12 in any secondary school in 2008 are eligible to apply. Closing date for expressions of interest is April 30.

Late last year, the Defence Community Organisation was joined by VCDF LTGEN Ken Gillespie at a function to congratu-late the 2007 winners. They were: Cherice Tyson (VIC), Jackson Durbridge (NT), Phillipa Crane (ACT), Claire Newman-Martin (ACT), Rebecca Sargent (QLD), Siobhan Jones (NSW), James Morgan (WA) and Nicholas Bayly-Jones (ACT). For more information on the scholarships, visit: www.defence.gov.au/dco

Kids’ travel up for grabs

TO THE STARS: Fully kitted competition winner and pilot hopeful, Nicole Stebbing, heads out for her Hornet ride with 2OCU pilot FLTLT Jordon Sander at RAAF Base Williamtown. Ms Stebbing was selected for the ride from more than 8000 entrants in the SBS ‘Real Top Guns’ competition. Photo by CPL Peter Borys

Nicole’s on the way up

12 Centrepiece AIR FORCE March 20, 2008 13

Explosive training rocked the Delamere Air Weapons Range during Exercise Jabiru, as OFFCDT Andrew Napier reports.

BOMBS AWAY

KEEN TO GO: Above, 1SQN air combat officer FLGOFF Grant Leader prepares for an F-111 sortie during Exercise Jabiru.HEAVY LIFT: Left, supplier LAC Nicolas Sheriff operates a 1SQN forklift transporting a pallet of stores supplies for maintenance crews on the exercise at RAAF Base Tindal.

GUNNIES: Above, from left: SGT Warren Blake, SGT Greg Bower, CPL Lawrence Shaw, CPL Patrick Birch, CPL Marcus Pagbilao, CPL Craig Mawhinney and FLGOFF Mitchell Keene.ON THE LINE: Left, SGT Rhonda Chase mans the Operations Radio Pilot Monitoring Facility as 1SQN’s OPSO.SAFE AND SOUND: Right, CPL Bill Hadjis with an F-111 in its hangar at RAAF Base Tindal.

FILL HER UP: Above, 1SQN avionics technician LAC Daniel Benincasa refuels a Dash 60, assisted by ACW Maureen Henry, a tanker driver from 322ECSS.ON TARGET: Above right, 87SQN intel officer FLGOFF Samantha Maloney and imagery analyst CPL Andy Sanderson prepare a strike mission brief for aircrew.INTO THE SKY: Right, an F-111 departs RAAF Base Tindal for a mission during Exercise Jabiru. Photos by LACW Melina Mancuso

THE DEPLOYMENT of five F-111 aircraft from 1SQN to RAAF Base Tindal for Exercise Jabiru afforded valuable up-grade training for aircrew and a challenging construction task for No. 1 Airfield Operational Support Squadron (1AOSS) air-field engineers.

For aircrew it provided cur-rency training opportunities in dropping high explosive and inert laser-guided ordnance, and night vision goggles (NVG) training.

It also allowed maintenance, logistics and administration per-sonnel the opportunity to plan and execute a squadron deploy-ment, generating a full flying pro-gram from a remote base.

Mobile threat teams operat-ed, with two 82WG members in a Land Rover equipped with a radar warning receiver (RWR), which resembles a small radar dish.

The RWR was used to simu-late radar Surface to Air Missile (SAM) threats for the aircraft.

Carpenters, plumbers and plant operators from 1AOSS also played an important role in their support.

With 1SQN striking a simu-lated SAM site consisting of four

ROCKET MAN: 1AOSS carpenter LAC Regan Betts puts the final touches on fake missiles at Delamere Air Weapons Range during Exercise Jabiru. Photo provided by OFFCDT Andrew Napier

BUSY DAYS: Above, 1AOSS clerk supply LACW Kirstine Horne compiles a load plan and weight balance clearance on a C-17 that helped transport supplies during Exercise Jabiru.

TIGHT FIT: 1SQN avionics technician LAC Brendan Hooper takes a breather from the heat while working on an F-111 at RAAF Base Tindal. Photos by LACW Melina Mancuso

missile launchers and one radar, the airfield engineers were called on to fabricate simulated targets that gave realistic radar reflec-tions and visual cues.

The 1SQN temporary CO said 1AOSS and CSCC (Combat Support Coordination Centre) provided “outstanding” support to the squadron during the exer-cise.

1AOSS responded to 1SQN’s needs for targets to be construct-ed at Delamere Air Weapons Range (DAWR), which “signifi-cantly enhanced the training ben-efits for the aircrew participating in the exercise”.

Monsoonal conditions in the Northern Territory provided challenging weather scenarios for 1SQN aircrew, but given that the

main focus of the exercise was the delivery of laser-guided weapons and the use of NVGs, the squad-ron was still able to achieve the exercise aims and upgrade a num-ber of its aircrew.

The targets representing the missile site were prefabricated at the 1AOSS Airfield Engineering and Maintenance Flight work-shop at RAAF Base Townsville.

They were transported to DAWR and assembled on site. This was no small job because the simulated missiles were 5m long and required an excavator on site to lift them into place. They were then lined with tin to provide a suitable radar signature.

“This was a challenging job because of the size of the target, as well as having to do the final construction on a shrapnel-cov-ered bombing range in a hot and remote location,” project supervi-sor, CPL Peter Fisher, said.

“Airfield engineering predom-inantly supports expeditionary combat support operations,” OIC AEMF SQNLDR Glen Heyward said.

“This was a great opportunity to demonstrate how airfield engi-neering can support fast-jet train-ing [as well].”

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Peace of mind that won’t break the bank


By Andrew Stackpool

RAAF Base Tindal is calling for nominations for its first 2008 off-road motorcycle safety aware-ness courses.

The courses, which are being organised by Tindal’s base safety adviser, FSGT Brad Kirkels, will be held on July 21-22 and 24-25 at the Top End Motorcycle Club’s grounds in Palmerston.

The first course is for Tindal members only; the second for Darwin-based Defence personnel.

Tindal is taking another major step to minimise potential risks and

accidents to its off-road motorcycle riders, following its successful inau-gural course when 22 riders gradu-ated on November 1 last year.

FSGT Kirkels said that the course comprises the skills, drills and fundamentals relating to off-road riding. “We have about 80 rid-ers on the base, but we missed about 15 to 20 of them on that course because of medical restrictions or deployments,” he said.

“The course numbers are limited to 25 for each course, but I am hop-ing that ‘Pro-Art’ [the instructors] can bring another instructor so the course can increase to 40 members.”

He said that the first course had been extremely well-received and that base members were enthusias-tic about similar courses being held in the future.

“At this stage, we will probably run only these two courses, how-ever, we may be able to offer a third course if we get enough nomina-tions.

“Our members are hoping that this is the first step to this becoming an approved sport,” he said. For more information, contact FSGT Brad Kirkels on (08) 8973 6668 or email: [email protected]

AN ARTICLE on the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Scheme (AIR FORCE News February 7) did not clarify that it is the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) that administers the scheme.

This has the potential to confuse members who could end up wasting time seeking timely and accurate information about their entitlements from the wrong source.

There were several other sections of the article which had the potential to cause confusion for mem-bers.

Compensation claims: While members need to report all injuries to the ADF, it is DVA which proc-esses compensation claims. Access to DVA benefits requires a decision that liability has been accepted by DVA.

Benefits: Pension and incapacity benefits – “other Government benefits offsets” includes pensions paid by ComSuper.

Permanent impairment: The amount payable is age-related as well as depending on level of impairment. An example of circumstances leading to payment of the maximum benefit quoted would be for a member under the age of 30 who has lost the ability for independent mobility. An injured person cannot receive the maxi-mum lump sum and the maximum pension. Dependant children lump sum benefits can only be paid with maxi-mum impairment.

Rehabilitation: In some instances DVA can supple-ment the rehabilitation services provided by Defence for a serving member where DVA has accepted liability for the injury. DVA provides rehabilitation (medical treatment, lifestyle and vocational) for accepted con-ditions after members have separated from the ADF. In addition to the ADF Transition Centres, which all separating members must attend, DVA provides the Transition Management Service (TMS) for members separating on medical grounds. TMS is a voluntary and free service to assist medically separating members with accessing DVA.

Incapacity and disability: Benefits from DVA are available for accepted conditions irrespective of the reason for separation. Serving personnel can be assessed for a permanent impairment payment although there is a minimum impairment threshold before pay-ments are made. DVA may compensate serving per-sonnel for lost allowances if the loss is caused by an accepted condition.

Insurance: DVA staff are not qualified and nor is it appropriate for them to provide advice on insurance.

For more information, contact DVA on telephone 1300 550 461 or at www.dva.gov.auMark TraversDirector Defence LinksDepartment of Veterans’ Affairs

Easy riding at Tindal

DIRT BUSTERS: Motorcyclists at RAAF Base Tindal gathered late last year to develop their skills and learn the fundamentals of safe off-road riding. Nominations are now sought for the 2008 courses. Photo by LAC Steve Duncan

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Veterans’ Affairs set the super record straight

We want to hear from youAir Force is interested in what you have to say, so email your letters to the editor at: [email protected] can cover any topic related to Air Force that could not be addressed at unit level, should be less than 300 words and include the author’s name, unit and contact details. Also welcome is feedback on any aspect of AIR FORCE News, including what you like or dislike about the content or style of the newspaper.

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15 FlightlineAIR FORCE March 20, 2008

BULLETIN BOARDAir Force BandMarch 20: The Ceremonial Band will support the ACG parade at RAAF Base Williamtown from 7.30am. The Ceremonial Band will support the 2FTS graduation parade at RAAF Base Pearce from 10.30am.March 26: The A ir Force Ja z z Ensemble will feature at the Air Force Week cocktail party in the Officers’ Mess at RAAF Base Wagga.March 30: The Ceremonial Band will support the RAAF Associations’ annu-al ecumenical service at St Martin’s Church, South Yarra, from 11am.March 31: The Ceremonial Band will support the RAAF Anniversary com-memoration snf celebration ceremony on ANZAC Parade in Canberra at 1pm.March 31: The Air Force Band, Sydney Detachment, will support the RAAF

Anniversary and history conference cocktail party in Canberra.April 2: The new Air Force Wind Quintet will support an Air Force Week reception at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney.

Djinnang reunionThe Djinnang association – made up of ex-RAAF communicators who were part of various operational telecommunications units – is holding an annual reunion at the Public Service Club in Brisbane on May 31 at 2pm. For more information, contact

president Mick Lawson on (07) 3359 7226 or email:[email protected], or secretary Alison Cridland on (07) 3375 9131 or email: [email protected] or visit: www.djinnang.com

IT’S AN HONOUR: Above, CPL Michele Fry receives her Defence Long Service Medal for 15 years’ service from ACAUST AVM Mark Binskin during his visit to the Airmen’s Club at RAAF Base Tindal. Photo by LAC Casey SmithGOOD SHOW: Below, WGCDR (then SQNLDR) Stuart Bellingham is awarded the Bronze Star for his “exceptionally meritorious service” in Iraq by the US Defense Attache/Air, COL Andrew Britschgi, from the US Embassy in Canberra. CDR ACG AIRCDRE Kym Osley promoted him to WGCDR after the ceremony. Photo by LAC David Gibbs

FIRST CLASS: Above, FLGOFF Kym Halcrow displays her Sir Donald Dunstan Trophy award at No. 24 (City of Adelaide) Squadron. A registered nurse, she received the trophy as dux of the squadron’s Initial Officer Training Course. Photo provided by FLTLT Philip CharltonSALON CULINAIRE: Left, Air Force cook LAC Mathew Irvine cooks up a storm with some Locally Employed Civilians (LEC) at the AP-3C Detachment/Coalition Mess in the Middle East Area of Operations. The LECs are cooks of many nationalities, including Sri Lankan, Indian, Bangladeshi and Nepalese. LAC Irvine says he has learnt some new ways to make a great curry. Photo by AB Paul Berry

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16 Personnel AIR FORCE March 20, 2008

ALL PAF and reservists are invit-ed to have their say on identifying the best ways for Defence to improve retention.

Recognising that it is impera-tive for Defence to improve reten-tion, the Defence Strategic Retention Framework (DSRF) Project Team conducted focus groups on the sub-ject recently.

The Defence Workforce Planning Branch is developing the DSRF to identify the best ways to improve retention and has extended an invita-tion to all permanent and reserve Air Force and APS personnel working in Air Force, and their families, to have their say.

“While much has been done to improve retention, we need to ensure that the most suitable, cost-effective approaches are identified, implement-ed and maintained across Defence,” project leader AIRCDRE Ken Birrer said.

“While initiatives such as the Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme and the Review into Military Superannuation are regarded as important factors in retention, a range of other factors are influential, includ-ing pay, career management, housing and work/life balance, which should

be aligned or harmonised to maxim-ise the benefit for the individual and the Air Force.”

The DSRF has been commis-sioned within Personnel Services and Plans (previously known as the Personnel Executive) to identify an enduring, cost-effective policy frame-work to improve retention.

The project aims to align retention activities in order to retain the skills, knowledge, expertise and experience needed to meet the current and future capability needs of the Air Force and Defence.

Permanent and Reserve ADF members, and Defence APS staff, will be considered in the project.

Submissions are invited from serving members and APS person-nel and their partners, as well as ex-members.

Submissions can be sent by email to [email protected] or by mail to DSRF Project; BP33-4-029; Brindabella Park, Pialligo, ACT 2600. All submissions will be confi-dential, and will be used only in the project. Inquiries should be directed to WGCDR Bryan Teisseire on (02) 6127 2184.

Retain aimNew benefits website for commandersA NEW website has been developed to assist commanders manage Air Force members intending to discharge from service. The website details the exclusive benefits available to Air Force and Service life and should also assist the chain of command in efforts to retain personnel. The site will be a feature of the DGPERS-AF website and also available via Quick Links on the Air Force home page. The site is accessible via the link: http://intranet.defence.gov.au/raafweb/sites/BenefitsBag/comweb.asp?page=90257&Title=Welcome

DEFCOM scheme endsDEFENCE involvement in the DEFCOM Card System scheme officially ended last month. DEFCOM Pty Ltd will still continue to operate as a private scheme, but ADF members and their spouses who currently have membership with DEFCOM will need to pay to maintain their membership and privileges. Due to the proliferation of similar schemes throughout the country, Defence has no current plan to introduce a new replacement system.

IN BRIEF

CAF values what you have to say

HEAR OUR CALL: Help Air Force improve retention by having your say. Pictured is 1SQN’s CPL Jeff Thompson helping to launch an F-111 at RAAF Base Tindal. Photo by LACW Melina Mancuso

WHAT do Air Force’s Values mean to you and where have you seen them in action?

Answer that in your own words and you will be in the running for a reward.

Developed in 2001, the Air Force Values Statement has become part of eve-ryday working life. Though many Air Force members know and live these Values, they have difficulty explaining them in an anecdotal way.

To reinvigorate understanding of those Values, Air Force invites you to submit a story about an experience where you saw the Values in play – in your immediate workplace or somewhere else in Air Force.

The recollection may be about a time where you saw your boss using the Values in making a decision, your supervisor using them in managing your section or a peer using them in their everyday work.

Entrants are asked to relate what a par-ticular Value means to them or how they see the Values playing an important role in the Air Force as a whole.

“Our Air Force has taken centre stage over recent times and for good reason,” CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Shepherd said.

“We have so much to be proud of and it can all be tracked back to our Values-based approach and the fact that we protect our valuable, well-earned reputation.

“Our Air Force is characterised by the fact that we are people who like people, and we get along together to get the job done – Values at work – as simple as that.”

Experiences should be retold in the entrant’s own words as though they were telling the story to a friend (about 250 words is all that is required).

All stories will be published on the Values website. One will be chosen each month to be published in AIR FORCE News and the author will receive a $50 voucher from a list of selected providers.

To view the Values Statement, visit the Air Force intranet website and click on the Values link on the home page. Send the story of your Values experience to: [email protected]

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17 PersonnelAIR FORCE March 20, 2008

By Sue Lun

A MAJOR milestone in the in-troduction of the new Supply (SUP) and Movements (MOV) musterings has been attained.

On March 13, the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal (DFRT) agreed to the creation of the two new musterings with effect from July 1.

Pay placement has been confirmed as Pay Groups 2, 3 and 4 for each mustering.

In late 2006, the Chief of Air Force’s Advisory Committee directed that the SPLR and CLKSPLY muster-ings be restructured into the Supply (SUP) and Movements (MOV) mus-terings.

In early 2007, a Supply Trades Restructure (STR) Project team was established under the Director-General Logistics, Air Force.

Since then, the team has been working to implement the direc-tive, including the development of a submission that was put before the Tribunal in early March.

As part of this process, on February 19-20, the DFRT members visited RAAF Base Amberley for a

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

Must/SpecCLKSPLYINTEL CLKSPLYADMINADMINCLKSPLYELECTRAEROACOAEACLKSPLYELECTRSPLRAVTECHATECHCETECHCISCONGSEFITTAVTECHALSFITTNURSOAVTECHAVTECHATCCISCONMEDASSTATECHPLTFLTENG

Last day January 13 January 29 January 31 February 12 February 28March 3January 28 January 28 February 11February 4 February 17 February 3 February 14 February 24 February 29January 27 February 4February 17January 31 February 29February 3 February 3March 3 February 3 March 2 February 4February 11 February 24 February 19

Years3231302929292828272626252222222222212120202020202020202020

NameFSGT Stephen FernandezWGCDR Patrick HollandFSGT Kingsley McAdamWGCDR Peter PhillipsWGCDR Olaf Thiel SGT Keith PritchardWGCDR Darcy BrookerWGCDR Peter McLennanFLTLT Darren PriorWOFF Judith DenisonFSGT Mark MaddisonSQNLDR Edward RedmanWOFF Jamie AuldCPL Steven BakerSGT Timothy HardingFSGT Simon RockliffFSGT Christine RogersLAC Robert TurnerSGT Thomas HernandezFSGT Paul BlayFLTLT Andrew BonnitchaFSGT Shane Drew CPL Darren JonesFLTLT Andrew MandersonSGT Terri MaxwellCPL David MilesCPL Iain MilnerSQNLDR Gavin NicholsonWOFF Andrew Ortlepp

THE Graded Officers’ Pay Structure (GOPS) has commenced and the GOPS team is asking all officers other than doctors, den-tists, lawyers, chaplains and offic-ers under training to confirm they are being paid correctly.

On August 6 last year, the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal handed down its deci-sion on GOPS and determined that non-specialist officers of the rank of GPCAPT and below would be placed in the structure in accordance with the ADF’s submission.

Officers can check they are being correctly paid by reviewing their Salary Variation Advice (SVA).

The SVA is accessed via PMKeyS Self Service.

If their pay group has not been amended or they believe they have been placed in the wrong pay group, they are asked to email the GOPS team at the email address: [email protected] and provide the following information: Rank Surname Given name PMKEYS Number Specialisation Advised pay group with effect

August 9, 2007 Advice/inquiry

Based on that information, the team will investigate the inquiry and, where necessary, will make any necessary adjustments in PMKeyS.

A number of potential situations that trigger a pay group change (for example temporary rank, proficiency completed or promotion) have been explained within CDF Directive 27/2007.

A comprehensive e-mail expla-nation of GOPS has been distrib-uted via personnel managers and the CDR/BMA networks. For more information, officers may contact the GOPS team at: [email protected]

PATHFINDERS: Members of the DFRT and STR project team in front of a C-17 on the flightline at RAAF Base Amberley. Air Force members, from left: WOFF Vicki Chapman, GPCAPT Mark Kelton, AIRCDRE Ian Smith, WGCDR Jane Wheaton, GPCAPT Peter Brennan and WOFF Tony De Felice. DFRT members, centre, from left: RADM (ret’d) Brian Adams, Rob Cartwright and Greg John. Photo by CPL Mark McConnell

Officers, check your pay

STR on track

first-hand look at the functions of the two proposed musterings.

Director-General Logistics – Air Force AIRCDRE Ian Smith said: “The aim of the visit was to provide the DFRT members with the best possible understanding of the jobs our SUP and MOV personnel will perform, and the role these musterings have in the maintenance of Air Force capability.

“Part of this is demonstrating the overall work value of the new musterings.

“It also involves showing the tri-bunal the high quality personnel we have fulfilling SUP and MOV duties,” he said.

During the two-day visit, the DFRT members were provided with briefings on the imperatives behind the restructure of the Supply trades into SUP and MOV, as well as on the duties of the new musterings.

As importantly, the visit also pro-vided the tribunal members with the opportunity to interact with represent-atives of the two new musterings, and to observe the SUP and MOV roles in operation at various Amberley-based units.

This combination of unit vis-its and presentations provided them with a complete overview of the responsibilities within the new musterings.

These duties include logistics gov-ernance, squadron supply functions, purchasing and inventory manage-ment for the SUP mustering.

For the MOV mustering, they include air terminal operations, air-craft refuelling, vehicle management and road movements.

The final step in the approval proc-ess was the formal hearing of the case by the DFRT on March 13 to deter-mine the pay grade placement and confirm the proposed mustering crea-tion date of July 1.

All current CLKSPLY and SPLR personnel will now be given the opportunity to elect which of the new musterings best suits their career aspi-rations in the Air Force. The election will proceed in mid-April, following the distribution of a comprehensive election pack. Further updates will be provided by the STR Project when available.

SUP and MOV to take off

CAF’s Advisory Committee directed the restructure of the SPLR and CLKSPLY muster-ings to SUP and MOV in late 2006. The Supply Trades Restructure Team stood up in early 2007. All SPLR and CLKSPLY per-sonnel are to elect their pre-ferred new mustering.

Following the DFRT decision, all members will receive a comprehensive information pack to assist them to make their choice. The new musterings are scheduled to stand up on July 1 this year. The DFRT decision is expected soon and will be advised.

STR project background

News 5

Special Tactics ProjectSpecial Operations Air Specialists

Special Tactics Project Mission: incorporate Combat Air Power specialists within Special Operations activities to improve integration of Air Power.

Successful proof of the Special Operations Air Specialist concept will see 4 SQN raised in Jan 09.The core skill of a Special Operations Air Specialist is Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC). A JTAC is trained to have an in depth understanding of the application of Combat Air Power with the

ability to control Offensive Air Support platforms and is the primary means of providing terminal control of air delivered ordnance. JTACs can be deployed in support of strategic and tactical missions either in close proximity to troops or for interdiction of depth targets.

To enable integration with Special Operations Forces, Special Operations Air Specialists will complete elements of Special Forces training.

“Special Operations Air Specialist - Weapon of choice”

All specialisations and musterings are eligible to apply providing they meet the requirements to undertake Special Forces training.

How to Apply: DI G (Pers) 149-1 (Selection for Service with Special Forces). AD 343 Webforms Tick Box C (STS) to SFTC EOI on People Central Hot Jobs – early 08

3Case Study 3

When rent money is not dead money

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to buy.• His investment property can be purchased in

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• Not having to continually buy and sell as he is posted around the country.

Spectrum also considered what benefits DHOAScould provide to Phil and when he should take advantage of this offer.

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Weekly amount $817/wk

Total outlay $817/wk

19 LifestyleAIR FORCE March 20, 2008

By Sean Roberts

AFTERNOON of Darkness is a port of an older PS2 game that has been improved and fun-nelled onto the PSP platform. Don’t let this dis-suade you; Disgaea is a deep, quirky, addicting turn-based strategy romp.

As the Prince of the Netherworld, you are woken from deep sleep to discover your father has died and you have missed your chance at the throne. What follows is a darkly funny tale with a sharp “anime” visual style that features art with so much character it doesn’t require a manga enthusiast to appreciate it.

The gameplay is made up of moving your-self and assorted minions in turns on isometric grids that make up the games levels. From here it would seem the usual tactical fare, but the game throws curveballs at you in the form of proxim-ity-based combo attacks, geo symbols that apply effects to certain areas of the grid, and the ability to pick up and even toss other units.

Should this be your cup of tea, Disgaea for PSP is enormous value, given the newly-added multiplayer mode and ability to keep playing almost indefinitely. And who could dislike a game that features psychotic knife-wielding penguin minions that can be chucked like grenades.

Disgaea: Afternoon of DarknessKoeiPSP PG 4

Darkly funny tale

SWEATY PALMS

QUIRKY: Disgaea is a fine strategy romp.

By LS Yuri Ramsey

IT’S THE fu tu re and humanity has finally reached the stars. We have colonised a new-found planet called E.D.N III. However, it’s far from a Garden of Eden, as the name suggests. In reality it’s a bitterly cold freezing wasteland of snow and ice.

You need to hike across E.D.N III taking on Akrid (big bugs) and pirates with the help of giant robots called Vital Suits. Throw in the odd epic

World Series of Poker 2008: Battle for the BraceletsActivisionXbox 360/PS3/PS2/PC PG

On the hunt for T-ENGLost PlanetCapcomPS3/Xbox 360/PC M

By Sean Roberts

CONSIDERING how easy it is to down-load free card games, you have to question spending top dollar on a next-gen edition of Poker. So what is it that will give you your money’s worth once you’ve dished out your hard-earned cash? I’ll hedge my bet on two things; novelty and online competition.

The novelty factor becomes evident quite quickly. The tournaments in Vegas are pre-sented just as the televised series with com-mentators and camera work which emulates the show. Rather than simply displaying your cards on screen, the player has to hold a button to covertly peek at what they’re holding, which is pointless but entertaining.

It gets deeper once you plug in an Xbox Live Vision Camera, which can be used to pho-tograph your face and digitally map yourself to put you at the table for real.

The AI is decent but online is where the real action is. You can’t play with real money but this doesn’t affect the fun that can be had with human players. The graphics might be on the poor side and the voice acting pretty terrible but it’s doubtful you’ll pick this title up with either of these factors in mind.

3.5

Got a poker face?

GET INTO THE ACTION: Online mode is where Battle for the Bracelets shines.

3.5

BUG PROBLEM: It’s vital you kill the Akrid for their thermal energy.

boss-battle now and again and you have the elements for a rather standard shooter.

To be a bit different, instead of ‘life’, your character relies on T-ENG, or thermal energy, needed to stay alive in the cold environments. Your T-ENG is consumed rapidly and constant-ly so it serves to give each level a sense of urgency, keeping you moving on the hunt for more T-ENG. Fortunately, it’s not that hard to find as all enemies leave behind pools of T-ENG after you destroy them.

The Vital Suits are great fun to use. They are very power-ful, being equipped with mini-

guns, rocket launchers and rail guns. They come in different configurations that allow you to fly for short periods, transform into a snow-mobile or perform higher jumps. The downside is it doesn’t take much to destroy them, so most of your time is spent slogging through knee-deep snow on foot.

Lost Planet is a good game but considering it came out more than a year ago on Xbox 360, it has lost some of its appeal. If you’re interested in an arcade shooter for your PS3 that can give you a few hours of light entertainment, Lost Planet is probably worth a look.

hmaC079608

You will need to complete the statement and provide details about your current rental situation.

It is important you respond to this review. If you do not respond, then, after establishing a non-operational situation with your unit, with the support of Defence, your Rent Allowance will be ceased until a response is received.

ANNUAL RA REVIEWDefence Housing Australia (DHA) wish to advise you that the annual Rent Allowance review will commence in April 2008.

The review is to establish if there have been any changes to your domestic circumstances that would affect your Rent Allowance.

If you are currently in receipt of Rent Allowance, you mightreceive a statement, letter and reply paid envelope. If you receive a letter from DHA you will need to respond by the advised cut-off date.

Managing the Risk of

CONTRACT AND PROCUREMENT FRAUDIN THE PUBLIC SECTOR

1 day national conference 20th May, Marque Hotel Canberra

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CHANGE MANAGEMENTIN THE PUBLIC SECTOR

1 day national conference 16th April, Marque Hotel Canberra

For the complete brochure of the above programs please contact

Learning Network Solutionson 02-95852304 or email

[email protected]

Your paper

is nowONLINE

www.defence.gov.au/news/raafnews

20 Lifestyle AIR FORCE March 20, 2008

REV UPOFF THE SHELF

ICONIC: Instant street cred; this is more than just a facelift. Photo by CPL Andrew Hetherington

Duty First: A History of the Royal Australian RegimentEdited by David Horner and Jean BouAllen and Unwin $50

By Cliff Curran

DUTY First tells the sto-ry of the RAR in an easy to read, informal style, even though it is laden with facts which would usually bog you down quickly.

I read Duty First in just over two days and, as an ex-1RAR (Vietnam) veteran, I found it a riveting and informative read.

Wri t ten by var ious authors and edited by his-torians David Horner and Jean Bou, Duty First high-lights the importance the government must put on the training, equipment and

money needed by the RAR to achieve its missions.

Duty First tells how from Korea onwards, the RAR overcame the lack of equipment and funding to set the standard on jungle warfare, which included stealth, patience and units which supported each other to an exceptional degree.

The book successfully

argues that present and future governments must ensure adequate funding and equipment to ensure the RAR can do its job, adapt to changing roles, and further its education and training to a high standard.

Its analysis of the his-tory and the regiment’s role in world affairs is better than previous books on the subject.

This is the second edi-tion of the book, which was first released in 1990, and has two extra chapters that cover from that date to the present.

To incorporate the extra text, the editors cut out parts of the first edi-tion to fit within the page limits. It does not com-promise the quality of the book.

Quality uncompromised

SLIPPED DISC

Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex the Laughing ManMadman Entertainment160 min $34.95 M

By LS Yuri Ramsey

TAKING place in a future, people have replaced parts or even their entire bodies with cybernetic systems.

The internet is now accessed directly by people’s cyber-brains, which allows

Great introduction to series

4

By CPL Andrew Hetherington

FOR WRX fans, me included, the release of the latest incarna-tion of Subaru’s iconic bargain performance hot hatch was eagerly anticipated.

Various body shapes and engines have made the WRX one of the most sought-after performance cars on Australian streets for 15 years.

Externally, Subaru has subdued the aggressiveness of its styling a little, making it more appealing for more potential buyers outside the typical WRX-buyer age group. The whole car has had a facelift, cre-ating a body shape with minimal sharp edges, which works well – creating a sleek hatch with modern curves. It’s shod with 17-inch alloy wheels and low-profile rubber, offer-ing ridiculous grip levels, inducing huge grins and “mad scientist”-like laughs.

Internally, the driver and front seat passenger are restrained on sports seats, covered in a hard-wear-ing black fabric, which have just enough side bolstering to hug you as you turn into and accelerate out of every tight corner you can find. In-dash instruments are dominated by a large rev counter, which constantly reminds you of the huge amount of torque at your disposal from a very low, useable 2800rpm. The driver is given feedback from the road through a leather-clad wheel, fea-turing well thought-out stereo and cruise-control buttons.

The remainder of the dash is a new and simple design, similar to the company’s Tribeca and new Forrester range, accommodating an MP3-compatible in-dash six-CD player and climate control air-conditioning. All switches are easy to read, reach and use. At night, in-cabin lighting is provided by roof-mounted map lights. Exterior lighting features fog lights and self-levelling xenon head-lamps with washers, instilling a level of night-driving confidence I had not experienced before. Cabin leg room is above average for this class of car. Luggage room in the back is a little small, but can be increased by fold-ing down the 60-40 split rear seats.

From the time of getting behind the wheel, you will want to exploit every one of the 169 kilowatts and 320 newton metres of torque you have access to through the accel-erator pedal and slick-shifting five-speed gear box. The 2.5-litre boxer loves to be revved and kept above 3000rpm, is never disappointing and provides eye-bulging acceleration and composed cruising. Handling is surefooted and body roll through corners is a little more than I expect-ed, but is not unnerving. You can still throw the car into wet corners, knowing you will exit the other side much faster than other non-AWD cars without losing grip.

The 2008 WRX is another great evolution of a great cult car, sold at a bargain price and created to impress a wider buying audience.

Subaru WRX 5-door hatchbackPrice: $39,990 + on-road costs.Power: 169kW of power @ 5200rpm and 320Nm of torque @ 2800rpm from a 2.5-litre DOHC turbo boxer engine.0/100km/h: 5.8 seconds.Fuel consumption and type: Premium Unleaded 95 10.7L/100km (combined).CO2 emissions: 252 grams/km.Safety: All wheel drive, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, vehicle dynamics control, six airbags and a five-star ANCAP occupant protection rating.For: Marvellous acceleration for a car in this price range, great handling, extensive standard equipment list, looks great and instant street cred.Against: Materials used on the dash look a little cheap and lug-gage space is a little small.Best suit: Anyone who wants a bargain hot hatch needing to carve through the city traffic and can still comfortably cruise the highway with passengers and luggage with power to spare. Insurance: $2921 for 12-month comprehensive insurance for a 25-year-old male living in Sydney.My rating: 4.5 stars out of 5.

Rex pleasesskilled hackers, i.e. the Laughing Man, to hack people’s cybernetic systems to make them see and do what he/she wants. It’s up to our main characters (all cybernetic to some degree) to capture the elusive cyber-criminal.

Animation and storytelling is top notch. This DVD actually compresses nine hours of the acclaimed Anime series of the same name into a seamless 2½-hour film.

It’s a great introduction to the series.

Australia’s Reserve Forces

Future Military Medicine —the Role of Defence Health Services in Future War

WHEN Saturday 3 May 2008

WHERE Victoria Barracks, St Kilda Road, Melbourne

WHO Tri-Service Health Personnel of all ranks are welcome

REGISTRATION FREE RegistrationRegistration closes 18 April 2008

ENQUIRIES Telephone: 03 9827 0960Email: [email protected]

Speakers in attendance:RADM Graeme Shirtley RFD — Surgeon General ADF AVM Tony Austin AM — Head Defence Health Services Division

The Victorian Military Health Conference 2008 is proudly sponsored by Defence Reserves Support.

For further information:Call 1800 803485 or visit www.defence.gov.au/reserves

Victorian Military Health Conference 2008 >>

21 LifestyleAIR FORCE March 20, 2008

Perhaps the most well-known exercise in the ADF is the push-up; it can be performed at home, is part of the BFA and is

a PTI’s favourite reward.Muscles used: There are a range

of muscles we develop every time we do push-ups. These are: Prime movers: Pectoralis major

(chest), anterior deltoid (front of the shoulder), serratus anterior (finger- like muscles along your ribs below your chest) and triceps brachii (back of your upper arm).

Stabilisers: Abdominals, erector spinae (lower back).Technique: The basis of an effec-

tive, safe push-up is body alignment. With this in mind we will break down the alignment areas into segments:

The head: The head should be held in a neutral position – in the fully low-ered position the nose touches the floor first. If the head is tilted back (looking up) excess strain is placed across the neck and breathing can become more difficult.

Many people tend to look under themselves at their feet. This again plac-es stress across your neck and causes you to round your shoulders, adding stress to your upper back. More impor-tantly, for those being tested, a lowered head causes a false sense of upper arm depth.

The hips: Almost all shoulder and lower back pains felt during or after push-up training is caused by hip align-ment. The hips provide a pivot point between your upper back and heels. For correct alignment your hips should be in

a straight line between your heels and shoulders and slightly curled inwards. Holding this position requires abdominal endurance. It is the lack of this abdomi-nal endurance that leads to lower back injury – the hips sag, thereby increasing the lumbar (lower back) curve which in turn shifts the central pivot point from hips to lower back.

Alternatively, by raising your hips you place greater shearing forces across your shoulders in the lowered position.

The correct lowered position has your body in a horizontal position. If, however, your hips are raised your upper body is no longer horizontal but diagonal. This changes the body weight distribution more to the upper body and causes your humerus (bone of the upper arm) to grind against the front of your shoulder capsule as your body weight, combined with gravity, forces the bone into the capsule.

Breathing: You should breathe each repetition out on the up (main exertion) and in on the way down.

Range of motion: As with all resistance training exercises, the push-up should be performed throughout the full range of motion, that is up until the arms are just short of locked out and down until the nose touches the floor.

Push-ups on the knees: The technique for this version of push-up is the same except that alignment is now from shoulders through hips to knees and the weight moved is slightly less.

Next edition we will look at the vari-ations in hand and foot placement. Practice does not make perfect – perfect practice makes perfect.

LT Rob Orr examines the muscles involved, and the correct technique, when doing push-ups.

Pushing yourselfPHYSICAL FACTORS

YOU’LL HURT YOURSELF: Above, PTI CPL Jason Akarana displays the wrong push-up position.PROPER TECHNIQUE: Right, CPL Akarana demonstrates the correct position for the perfect push- up. Photos by LAC Aaron Curran

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22 Sport AIR FORCE March 20, 2008

By Andrew Stackpool

MEMBERS OF the RAAF Base Williamtown Boardriders Club will learn this week who has been chosen to represent Air Force in the annual inter-Service compe-tition at Bendelong Beach on the South Coast of NSW in April.

The high operational tempo again took its toll on the turn-out for Air Force’s February 27 trials at Catherine Hill Bay beach, just south of the base. Twelve members turned out for the event.

Club OIC SQNLDR Tim Hunt said the trials had three primary functions.

“The purpose of the trials was to expose Air Force members to surf-ing competition, give them practice in scoring rides and raise aware-ness of the club among members at RAAF Base Williamtown,” he said.

“It was also the lead-up and team selection for the ISS championship.

“The surfers to stand out were CPL Danny Hawthorn, CPL Scott MacCallum and SGT Murray Stabler. The two CPLs showed their competition experience with sev-eral 360-degree turns, while SGT Stabler’s wave choice and energy was excellent.”

CPL Hawthorn was the over-all winner and winner of the best

New president looks tobig year in rugby league

Surfers’ up GAME PLAN

wave event. Best wipe out [falling off one’s board on a wave] went to LAC Billy Burnett, just ahead of SQNLDR Hunt.

SQNLDR Hunt said that overall, he was pleased with the contenders and the trials.

“While we were missing a few of the more experienced surfers, the standard was quite good,” he said.

“Comments from competitors from previous years suggest we will

be up against some strong outfits in Navy and Army, and will need to be at our best to claim victory.

“SQNLDR Matt Hetherington and CPL Darren Lampard also showed some good potential to get some high scores for the team, while LAC Burnett showed some very promising manoeuvres, as well.” For more information, contact SQNLDR Tim Hunt on email: [email protected]

RIDIN’ IT: SGT Murray Stabler ripping it up as he shows his mastery on the board in a previous competition. Photo by LAC Brad Spencer

UNRUFFLED: An Amberley league player takes the ball in a trial game. Photo by LAC Andrew Eddie

Running The Australian Defence Running

and Athletics Association will stage the Defence 10km Road Championship at 2pm on April 2 at Westerfolds Park in Templestow, Melbourne. The championship is open to all Defence personnel.

Event details can be found on the association’s website at www.adf.coolrunning.com.au or inquiries can be directed to CAPT Frank Kresse on 0424 148319 or email: [email protected]

Fishing The RAAF Base Williamtown

Fishing Club’s clubhouse is open at 4.30pm on Wednesdays. The club has three boats for hire and runs a range of social activities as well as fishing competitions. It is

an all ranks and Defence civilian club with a membership fee of $20 per person or $40 a family.

For more information, contact Steve Westcott on (02) 496 45544 or email: [email protected], Wayne Dickens on (02) 496 47672 or FLTLT Thomas Fitzsimmons on (02) 496 86161.

Hockey Defence Hockey inter-unit,

inter-Service and Australian combined Service competitions will be held within the first six months of the year.

For more information on Defence Hockey events or activities, contact LEUT Stuart Cayzer on 04111 07865 or e-mail: [email protected]

FANS: Rugby League president WGCDR Jay Clarke with patron, CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Shepherd. Photo by David Pang

By Barry Rollings

WITH THE Air Force Rugby League Association in a healthy state for 2008, its new head, WGCDR Jay Clarke, is excited to be taking over as president.

A veteran of 26 years of rugby league, WGCDR Clarke says that the code within Air Force is in its strongest position in years.

“2008 is an exciting year to take over as president of the association,” WGCDR Clarke said.

“Air Force rugby league is in the strongest position it’s been in for some time, with a full committee now formed and strong player rep-resentation nationally.

“The Chief (AIRMSHL Geoff Shepherd) has signed on for another year as patron and has held several meetings with the committee regard-ing the future direction for the game within Air Force,” WGCDR Clarke said.

“The newly-formed committee includes various levels of experi-ence, ranging from former senior

players such as myself, to coaching and management experience, which will prove invaluable in promoting rugby league in the ADF over the coming years.”

WGCDR Clarke played his last

10 years of football in seniors grades in Queensland, including Souths in Brisbane and Brothers in Ipswich, before joining Woden Valley Rams in Canberra. He has coached and managed at various levels from jun-iors to grade football.

This is rugby league’s centenary year and the ADF will be heavily involved in support of the centenary program, including the inter-Service competition in October.

This year’s representative team will be selected at the end of the inter-Service event and will be involved with the Defence World Championships, playing curtain-raiser matches to the Rugby League World Cup matches in October/November.

“To that end, I look forward to the challenges 2008 presents,” WGCDR Clarke said.

“If you are a keen rugby league supporter or just interested in our progress throughout the year, visit the Air Force Rugby League web-site (http://intranet.defence.gov.au/raafweb/Sites/AFRLC/).”

23 SportAIR FORCE March 20, 2008

By Barry Rollings

WHY ARE three intrepid ad-venturers from HQ Air Command at the foot of the Blue Mountains mildly concerned about being hit by a Manly ferry or taken by a shark?

In a jocular sense, it’s just the tiniest bit on the minds of FLTLTs Sarah Robin, Rhys Jenkins and Dale Hooper, who will journey from the mountains to the sea to take part in the 21km Lifestart Kayak for Kids charity fund-raiser from Manly to Blues Point Reserve in North Sydney on Sunday, March 30.

FLTLTs Robin and Hooper are legal officers and FLTLT Jenkins an electrical engineer who hope to raise at least $300 for this worthy charity by braving the perils that Sydney Harbour presents.

“This is Dale and Rhys’s first adventure-style race but I participated in the Adventure Racing Outdoor Challenges Sport Challenge last year with some other Air Force mates at Avoca Beach (mountain biking, kayaking and orienteering),” FLTLT Robin said. “As those mates posted out at the end of the year, I managed to rope Rhys and Dale in to do this 21km race as I enjoy kayaking – and so do the guys. IT WAS a busy weekend for Air Force triathlete

FSGT John Hovius at Huskisson on the NSW South Coast recently.

Backing up from his previous day’s effort of 34th overall in the Australian Sprint Triathlon Championship, FSGT Hovius (RAAF Base Wagga) was Air Force’s sole representative in the Australian Defence Sports Triathlon Association’s (ADSTA) inau-gural long course triathlon championship.

He was in hot form on the cycle leg to produce the second-fastest bike split of the ADSTA competitors for fourth in 4:38:27 (32:44 swim, 2:20:56 bike ride, 1:44:46 run).

Army’s WO2 Gavin Wickham was the stand-out performer at the titles, run in conjunction with the Scody 2008 Australian Long Course Triathlon Championships, with 11 personnel from the ADF and APS vying for the Defence crowns. The event com-prised a 2km swim, 83km bike ride and a 20km run.

WO2 Wickham won in 3:59:4 (27:58, 2:10:48 and 1:17:42). He finished an impressive 19th overall in the Australian championship, which boasted a hot field of elite competitors, including former Australian long course champion and runner-up in the Hawaiian Ironman Championship, Craig Alexander.

Army dominated in the women’s event with CAPT Kirstan Hoppitt leading from the first leg. She exited the swim with a 10-second lead, and extended this mar-gin to win in 4:52:47 (35:40, 2:32:48, 1:44:18) from APS member, Christina Thorne, in 4:56:44 (35:50, 2:38:06, 1:42:47). For full results of the titles, visit the ADSTA website at: http://intranet.defence.gov.au/raafweb/sites/adsta/comweb.asp?page=Home

Kayak for kids

“It’s a really good cause and a great excuse to go kayaking in the harbour. We are hoping to raise at least $300, but as much as we can will be our target.”

The crew had been training two to three times a week for the past few months on the Nepean River at Penrith in preparation for the race.

“We’re not expecting to come in first but we’ll be happy to fin-ish without being hit by a Manly ferry or taken by a shark,” FLTLT Robin said.

“It’s more of a challenge for us and it is also for a good cause

at the same time. “Rhys and I have paddled in

the harbour recreationally, and it’s all about dodging the speed boats and ferries. The waves can get quite large with boats whizzing past but we’ll be on a three-man kayak, which is quite sturdy.

“We hope to do the race in less than 3 ½ hours and we think that’s realistic. There are five legs before we finish at Blues Point. The race starts at 9.30am from West Esplanade, Manly Cove, and given our current training, we should finish between 1pm and 2pm.”

Lifestart is an early childhood

intervention program for children with intellectual disabilities or delays in development, including autism and Down Syndrome.

In 1996, eight families created a support service for their children with additional needs.

Their goal was to build a community-based program man-aged by families, for families. The result was Lifestart, which aims to empower families and secure positive outcomes for their children.

Today Lifestart has grown to seven branches around Sydney, supporting about 320 families.

INCREDIBLE VOYAGE: Above, from left, FLTLTs Rhys Jenkins, Sarah Robin and Dale Hooper prepare to battle ferries and sharks to raise money in the Lifestart charity race.UP THE CREEK: Left, FLTLT Sarah Robin shows her form. Photos provided by FLTLT Robin

THE ACT section of the Australian De-fence Hockey Association is asking all in-terested hockey players from the ACT and Wagga region attend the 2008 ACT inter-Service competition on Wednesday, April 16.

The event, between 1pm and 4.30pm at Lyneham Hockey Centre, will help select ACT Combined Services teams for the ADF Hockey Championships at Albury Hockey centre in NSW from May 31 to June 6.

“Members from the permanent and reserve forces and Defence civilians are encouraged to field full teams to ensure ACT has a competi-tive inter-Service competition,” ACT repre-sentative, WOFF Vicki Chapman, said. For more information, contact WOFF Vicki Chapman on (02) 6128 7049, fax (02) 61287053 or email: [email protected] or LAC Shayne Borger on 0407 438352 or email: [email protected] or [email protected]

FREQUENT FLYER: Triathlete FSGT John Hovius from RAAF Base Wagga sets a fast pace during the 20km run at Huskisson. Photo by CAPT Brendan Robinson

Hockey call up

Hovius hot at Huski Tri champs

SPORT Inside: ■ Surfing ■ Triathlon March 20, 2008

CLASH OF THE BASES

By Barry Rollings

TWO LATE tries to RAAF Base Amberley was not enough for it to snatch the inaugural Paul Mason Shield rugby league match from RAAF Base Wil-liamtown on February 29.

Williamtown won 26-16 after leading 10-6 at half-time in a strongly-contested game at RAAF Base Williamtown.

The match commemorates the late SGT Paul Mason, from 2 Operational Conversion Unit (2OCU) Williamtown, who died in 2006 while playing club foot-ball for Mallabula in a Newcastle district competition.

Amberley was well organised considering its limited preparation time and both teams began well with some heavy forward clashes an early feature.

Towards the end of the first half, Williamtown began making inroads into the Amberley defence and appeared to be getting on top of the opposition for-ward pack.

Williamtown opened the scoring through good lead-up work, then both sides managed to cross the tryline only to be denied by last-ditch defence.

LAC Rick Gayler capitalised on an Amberley mis-take to extend the lead to 10-0 before Amberley coun-ter-attacked from inside its own half off a Williamtown error. Five minutes later, it worked its way downfield and a try to CPL Craig Barnes cut the deficit to four points.

Both sides showed good, controlled ball movements to start the second half with both handling well, despite the onset of rain.

With the smaller players from both sides making metres in and around the ruck, Williamtown scored again from a chip and chase.

Several injuries depleted both sides and Williamtown took advantage of fatigue to score two tries in quick succession against Amberley. But Amberley proved a worthy opponent in hitting back with two late tries of its own.

Subsequent to the match, it has been decided to make it an annual event early in the new year on the Air Force rugby league calendar.

“Paul had been involved in Air Force league in the early days when the sport wasn’t totally supported by the ADF, as it is today,” Air Force Rugby League coach, SGT Geoff Britton, said.

“It has been a good start to the Air Force Rugby League year. Even though Amberley was missing a majority of its usual playing group, it was very com-petitive.

“As the inter-Service carnival approaches, we should be able to compile a player roster of 50-60 players from other bases which would provide a very competitive Air Force league team for the carnival in October in Canberra.”

The Air Force Rugby League trials will be played in October. A squad of 25 players will be selected from the trials to compete in the inter-Service carnival in Canberra. Interested players should contact SGT Geoff Britton on email: [email protected]

ON THE BALL FOR PAUL: The onset of rain doesn’t stop Williamtown player, CPL Aiden Burke, charge through the Amberley defence in the inaugural Paul Mason Shield rugby league match at RAAF Base Williamtown. The home team won 26-16. Photo by CPL Veronica McKenna