edition 5012, july 10, 2008

FORCEAIRVol. 50, No. 12, July 10, 2008 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

SEE YA LATER, SYDNEY: Pilots SQNLDR Paul Knellwolf (left) and FLTLT Paul Taylor proudly fly Air Force’s last B707, ‘Richmond Town’ over Sydney Harbour in a final salute to the 33SQN aircraft. The historic flight marked the end of an era for the Seven-Oh, which was retired after more than 29 years’ service. Photo: AC Michael Green

B707 special – Pages 13-15

END OF AN ERA

Air Force farewells its last Seven-Oh

Come on in, everybody:Key to home ownership in new Defence scheme – Page 3

Changing of the guard

WE SALUTE YOU: New CAF AIRMSHL Mark Binksin (left) joins his predecessor AIRMSHL Geoff

Shepherd to salute an F-111 and F/A-18 fly-past during the official CAF change of command parade

at RAAF Base Glenbrook on July 3. Meet the new Chief on Page 2. Photo: CPL Bill Louys

2 News AIR FORCE July 10, 2008

High five for High five for new CAFnew CAF

By Barry Rollings

NEW CAF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin is a man on a mission, or five.

AIRMSHL Binskin assumed his post on July 4 and one of his first tasks has been to issue a five-pronged commander’s intent.

His priorities include making sure Air Force continues to deliver first-rate air power to the Government and Australia, and ensuring we work to enhance the force itself and our relationship with service provider groups.

“We need to educate our people in professional mastery so that every member of Air Force knows the importance of their particular job in delivering air power around the world. At the higher level, we need to continue to develop our ability in stra-tegic thinking, so that we look at all the risks and what we do in our forward planning, and manage those better, rather than just accepting an outcome,” AIRMSHL Binskin said.

“Finally, we need to ensure the communication links are there for the senior leadership so that we are connected as best as we can be – from me right down to the hangar floor.

“There are a lot of focus points and priorities within those five points. I am confident in the ADF involvement in the White Paper process and our engagement in that. I want to make sure we put for-ward the best case for air power in the White Paper and that the important capability we bring to a bal-anced Defence Force is fully recognised.”

On the subject of impending new platforms, AIRMSHL Binskin said the challenge would be to convert the systems the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) procured and the support serv-ices of the provider groups (DSG) into a total capa-bility.

“We are changing many of the major platforms we have over the next eight to 10 years. That’s a big change for an organisation. With new equipment and great challenges, it’s an exciting time to be in the Air Force,” he said.

“We need to maximise the capabilities of what those products and services can provide. We have

Chief’s prioritiesThe new CAF will work towards fi ve key points: Continue to provide Australia with first-rate air power. Enhance the Air Force team and our relationships with partner agencies. Further develop our professional mastery of air power and introduce aspects of space power. Improve our strategy development and implementation. Improve our internal and external communication.

to transition to this new force, with new systems and equipment to turn them into capabilities, while maintaining the current level of capability – and that is a real challenge.

“At logical times in the capability process it is critical that we stand up transition teams which identify all relevant areas of Air Force to ensure eve-rything is pulled together, so when the platform hits the ground here in Australia it is already a capability and we grow from there.

“From maintenance practices through to tac-tics, techniques and procedures, they all need to be well developed so we can pretty much step into the platform and start to operate it effectively almost immediately.”

Retention of experienced personnel is also a big issue, AIRMSHL Binskin said. “As part of the ongoing remuneration reviews, we have the aircrew sustainment project currently underway and I will continue to keep a close eye on that as it develops.

“Aside from the aircrew sustainment issues, I maintain a keen interest on remuneration and reten-tion across all of Air Force, because we can’t afford to let experienced people leave, and we must focus on retaining the people we need to ensure a sustain-able future.”

Ready for the top jobBy Barry Rollings

ONE THING new CAF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin will not miss about his old job is the six-hour round trip from Glen-brook to his Canberra home every week.

When he became ACAUST on July 26 last year, his family remained in Canberra. AIRMSHL Binskin knows how hard and stressful commuting can be on all concerned, but at the same time it gave him an apprecia-tion of the difficulties facing Air Force per-sonnel who need to do a long commute.

Now he will have more family time to indulge their common love of motorcy-cling, as well as becoming involved with the active group of motorcyclists at Air Force Headquarters.

AIRMSHL Binskin joined the Air Force in 1984 after an initial period with the Royal Australian Navy, commencing on May 29, 1978.

He recently celebrated 30 years in Air Force and, though he enjoyed some “great and fun jobs”, the highlight so far had been his appointment as ACAUST.

While admitting to a fleeting feeling that the top job was “a bit daunting”, AIRMSHL Binskin said he felt comfortable with his new role, with his Air Force team and the future direction of Air Force.

“The fact that I know the team pretty well and have been in Air Force Headquarters and Air Combat Group as Commander on previous posts all helps. We have a great

team of highly capable people out there in Air Force Headquarters, Air Command and the Force Element Groups,” he said.

“It’s continuing to work with people – but just on a different level. ”

His role as ACAUST had equipped him well for his new role. In terms of continuity it has provided him with the links and the knowledge of “what’s happening in the field and what the issues are in the FEGS, squad-rons and units”.

“Also, I have been engaged at the right level and kept updated with what’s happen-ing in Canberra to better understand both sides of the coin, so I think I can take the view of the majority of Air Force.”

He wants to retain those links and an understanding of what’s happening in the units, so his first six months in the top job will have an internal Air Force focus.

He plans more frequent visits to bases by senior leadership, which will be split into small groups to work on issues that are directly affecting Air Force members and to report back to the team.

AIRMSHL Binskin believes the chance for two-way dialogue through mutual feed-back and approachability will make the sen-ior leadership team more relevant to the other ranks when they see those officers in the field and are able to talk to them.

“But unit COs and senior NCOs also have a key role to play in passing information – both ways – and all too often many issues are easy to fix at their level,” he said.

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

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TAKING OFFICE: AIRMSHL Mark Binskin reads into his new

role as Chief of Air Force. Photo: LACW Amanda Campbell

ENJOYING THE RIDE: AIRMSHL Mark Binskin is a keen motorcyclist, as he recently showed 1AFDS personnel when he took a squadron bike for a spin during a visit to RAAF Base Amberley. Photo: LAC Scott Woodward

3NewsAIR FORCE July 10, 2008

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THE Australian dream of home ownership is within reach for ADF members with the introduction of the new Defence Home Ownership As-sistance Scheme (DHOAS).

DHOAS came into effect on July 1 and provides progressively higher home loan subsidies to permanent ADF members who serve beyond four, eight and 12 years, and for reservists with service past eight, 12 and 16 years.

The subsidy will enable mem-bers to buy, build or renovate a house they occupy. Project Director Robert McComas said the scheme was benefi-cial to members at different stages of their careers.

“Members who have joined in the last four years could use this as an opportunity to start preparing for home ownership,” Mr McComas said. “Members who have served from four to 10 years can decide whether to gain this subsidy to set themselves up in a house, while members who have served beyond 10 years can leverage off the scheme as well.”

The scheme is also beneficial to members who are thinking of discharg-ing from the full-time forces as their time will be recognised through reserve service.

Previously, home ownership

New home incentiveNew home incentive

Qualifying periodPermanent members – four years of continuous service. Reserve members – eight years, based on 20 days service minimum over consecutive years.Loan limitThe loan limit at each tier level is proportionate to the average house price determined for the financial year in which the mem-ber first receives the subsidy on a loan. Tier 1 – 40 per cent of the price Tier 2 – 60 per cent of the price Tier 3 – 80 per cent of the price

Subsidy assistance amounts Tier 1 – $353p/m on a loan limit of $187,159 after four years (permanent) and eight years (reserves). Tier 2 – $529p/m on $280,783

after eight years (permanent) and 12 years (reserves). Tier 3 – $705p/m on $374,318 after 12 years (permanent) and 16 years (reserves).

Service eligibility periodThe maximum subsidy period is 20 years. Up to an extra five years of subsidy may be granted for proven warlike service. If the sub-sidy is not accessed on becoming eligible, it accrues on a one-for-one basis for each subsequent year of service.Lump sum deposit optionAn option may be available to convert up to four years at Tier 1 rate into a lump sum deposit payment on purchase of a mem-ber’s first home in service. This equates to a maximum $16,944 at current rates.

Benefits Eligibility may transfer to a surviv-ing partner on the death of the member. Members who separate as a result of an injury or compen-satable condition will have access to a minimum eight years subsidy assistance. They will not have to have served a qualifying period.Members under existing schemesMembers under existing schemes are eligible if they were serving from July 1 and meet the criteria.Administrator and providers The administrator is the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. The providers are: the National Australia Bank, Defence Force Credit Union and Australian Defence Credit Union.

Make yourself at home – fast facts

HOME SWEET HOME: Permanent and reserve members could own their own homes sooner following introduction of the new ADF home ownership assistance scheme. Photo: LAC Aaron Curran

Loan subsidies increased under new home ownership scheme

assistance was available through the Defence Service Home Loan and the Defence Home Owner Scheme, and members who used these may also be eligible for the new scheme.

An advantage of DHOAS over the previous schemes is it moves with interest rates and national loan and housing prices. Director Housing and Removal Policy Robert McKellar said the old schemes did not keep pace with changes in the market.

“They lost their value over a peri-od of time and were also restricted to a single provider and a single loan product. This scheme will give you a choice of providers and a choice of products,” Mr McKellar said.

“You couldn’t own investment properties under the old schemes. Ownership of other property doesn’t prevent access to this scheme for the purpose of buying a home to live in.”

Another advantage is a lump sum payment, which is available to mem-bers who purchase a home for the first time while in service.

“It’s simple to transfer to the new scheme, but members need to be aware that the period they received subsidy under the old scheme is considered when calculating their entitlement to the new subsidy,” Mr McKellar said.

The scheme will be administered

by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and available through the National Australia Bank, Defence Force Credit Union and Australian Defence Credit Union.

“A panel of three lenders assists Defence to meet its financial accounta-bility and reporting obligations. It also encourages the lenders to offer better services and prices for members. The

home loan must be equal to or better than a current product,” he said. Information sessions will be provided at ADF bases by a road show team from July to September this year. Members can also obtain more infor-mation by visiting www.dhoas.gov.au or ringing 1300 4 DOHAS (1300 430 427).

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Having completed 11 years of reserve service, she will ini-tially be entitled to assistance at the Tier 1 level. On the 12th anniversary of her enlistment, she will automatically become entitled to assistance at the Tier 2 level. As the original value of her mortgage was greater than the Tier 2 loan limit of $280,738, she will be entitled to assistance at $529 per month.

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NAVY, Army and Air Force each will have a rep-resentative on a 10-member team of women to brave the 96km Kokoda Track in September as part of a film documentary.

The film is being produced to recall the sacrifices made by young men so we can live the life we do today, rather than being about the war itself.

It also will examine the changing role of women in Australian society since World War II, especially in the military. Kokoda veteran Stan Bisset and other surviving diggers are participating in the documentary as well.

Writer/producer Deanna Zacek and a panel have selected the final six “ordinary women” from thou-sands of applicants of various ages and background.

The process has begun to find three ADF women to join the group. Each will be selected by their Service headquarters from a short list provided by the producer.

If you wish to be considered, visit the website: www.kokodawomenonthemarch.com and contact the producer via email using the links provided. Applications from Defence personnel close on July 24.

Air Force women for Kokoda doco

High praisee for techos

KEEPING THEM FLYING: From left, LAC Edward Gitsham, SGT Adam Wilson, LAC Christopher Blake and CPL Ben Young with their awards on the MEAO flightline. Photo: CAPT Joe Nyhan

GRIT: SGT Alex Shotbolt inspects an engine during a sand storm. Photo: CAPT Joe Nyhan

By CAPT Joe Nyhan

MEMBERS of the Hercules de-tachment operating in the Middle East have been commended for some extraordinary work in the toughest of conditions.

Commander Joint Task Force 633 MAJGEN Mike Hindmarsh made a special trip to the Hercules base to thank and congratulate members of the 37SQN detachment for keeping aircraft flying in the face of severe climatic and maintenance-related challenges.

MAJGEN Hindmarsh presented a formal commendation to four aircraft maintainers for their achievements through a particularly challenging peri-od in early June in which the detach-ment managed to achieve 100 per cent of its mission taskings, despite a series of mechanical setbacks which threat-ened to ground a number of aircraft for an extended period.

At the award ceremony, MAJGEN Hindmarsh praised SGT Adam Wilson, CPL Ben Young and LACs Christopher Blake and Edward Gitsham for their outstanding commitment and dedica-tion to task.

“The professionalism, tenacity and perserverence you displayed … including a complete engine change, while working outside in temperatures exceeding 45 degrees with winds gust-ing to over 40 kilometres an hour, that in turn generated dust storms which reduced visibility to less than 1000 metres, is nothing short of exception-al,” MAJGEN Hindmarsh said.

“Over a five-day period, you dis-played an ability to endure extremely

Herc maintainers rewarded for work in MEAO

SPECIAL TASK: Above, soldiers from Combat Team Waler board a C-130 in Tallil, Iraq, for the first stage of their journey home to Australia. Photo: CPL Michael DavisWELL DONE: Left, MAJGEN Mike Hindmarsh (centre) has a friendly chat with (from left) SGT Adam Wilson, LACs Edward Gitsham and Christopher Blake and CPL Ben Young. Photo: CAPT Joe Nyhan

harsh environmental conditions and yet continued to work thoroughly and methodically at a consistently high tempo exceeding that which would normally be expected, even in ideal conditions.”

There are about three dozen main-tenance-related staff serving with the Hercules detachment. They work around-the-clock on two 12-hour shifts. Ironically, the relief from the blistering desert sun and wind through-out the night hours makes the shift commencing at 4.30pm the most pop-

ular. It is through the night when the aircraft are generally back at base that the most intense maintenance occurs.

Shift supervisor FSGT Darren Cannings said the focus is on mission success, and the maintainers and other workshop staff take enormous pride in keeping the Hercules’ flying on their missions into Iraq and Afghanistan.

“Our motivation is to get the mis-sion completed. Whether it be trans-porting equipment, the mail or some-one going home on leave, we need to

get those aircraft in and out of where they need to go,” he said.

“As maintainers, if we don’t meet mission scheduling there might be some guy on the frontline in Afghanistan who’s down to his last three bullets and that’s not on. “There’s a lot of personal drive and pride involved. At home, if we don’t meet a training task one day, there’s always tomorrow. But over here, lives and mission success depend on us get-ting the job done as safely and quickly as possible.”

The efforts of the maintainers are recognised by the flight crews. “The maintainers are working their butts

off,” pilot FLTLT Daniel Kehoe said. “The flight crews appreciate every-thing they do to keep us in the air.”

Many of the 37SQN crew are on their second, third and even fourth deployments to the MEAO. That experience has made them increas-ingly familiar, if not comfortable, with the harsh desert conditions and high operational tempo.


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NUMBER 10 Squadron’s long-est period of continuous deployed operational service since World War II was formally recognised at a special ceremony at RAAF Base Edinburgh on June 20.

Outgoing CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Shepherd and Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon congratulated the squad-ron for its outstanding efforts.

From April 2003 to April 2008, 10SQN committed a force of 70 personnel to the AP-3C Task Group deployed in the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO), sharing rota-tions with 11SQN.

During its time in the Middle East, it conducted maritime sur-veillance of the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea, and overland surveillance of Iraq in support of Australian and coalition forces.

“10SQN’s personnel should be proud of what they have achieved. Their work is an important compo-nent of Australia’s contribution to coalition operations in the MEAO,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

“The Orion Task Group person-nel are not always given the public recognition they deserve due to the classified nature of most of their missions. This makes the [welcome home] ceremony so important.”

D u r i n g t h e c e r e m o n y, Commander Surveillance and Response Group AIRCDRE Warren Ludwig presented SQNLDR

10SQN homecomingMEAO service recognised at welcome home ceremony

Campbell Barkla with his Category ‘A’ Maritime Captaincy, while the Minister and CAF awarded SGT Donovan Silverwood and CPL Ike Brady with their Australian Active Service Medals.

The success of the task group’s deployment to the MEAO is due to the efforts of a wide range of Defence personnel and units.

During the last five years, per-sonnel working in capability devel-opment, acquisition, intelligence, training, test and evaluation, admin-istration and in various combat sup-port roles have all played a key part in achieving the task group’s excel-lent results. AIRMSHL Shepherd noted that these personnel came from 92WG as well as the wider Air Force and ADF.

AIRMSHL Shepherd and the Minister paid special tribute to the families and friends of 10SQN per-sonnel who also played a key role by providing emotional support and enduring lengthy separations while personnel were deployed.

“Your support, strength, adapt-ability and sense of humour are appreciated and valued,” AIRMSHL Shepherd said.

Since 2003, the task group has flown more than 11,300 hours. AIRMSHL Shepherd said the last deployment resulted in 98.9 per cent of scheduled sorties being flown.

“These figures reflect not only the professionalism of the air-

crew, but also the dedication of the 10SQN maintenance team who worked tirelessly to keep the air-craft serviceable,” he said.

“Welcome home, 10SQN. Your achievements have been outstand-ing and you can be proud of the contribution you have made.”

Mr Fitzgibbon turned the first sods of earth to mark the start of a $30 million upgrade to the airfield to enable it to accommodate the new Globemasters.

The new works include a new air movements terminal, heavy cargo preparation facility and upgrade of airfield pavements, which will be widened and strengthened and fitted with a new aircraft parking apron.

The new works are planned to be completed by April 2009.

UNITED: Above, 10SQN flight engineer WOFF Brenton Bell and his squadron colleagues stand tall at the official welcome home parade at RAAF Base Edinburgh. WE DIG IT: Below left, Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon and Member for Wakefield Nick Champion turn the first sod of the new works on the base. Photos: AC Glen McCarthy

MY DAD: Left, Hayley Driscoll, the stepdaughter of XO SQNLDR Ian Forsyth, shows her support with an Orion photo in hand.HOME: Right, 10SQN clerk SGT Ann Norrie on parade.

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By SGT Tabitha Frew

THE theme of July’s Air Force Values competition was ‘Pride in Serv-ice’. The winner’s story is a wonderful example of how we can serve others in the community. His story is one of dedication, and his example shows how much the community can benefit from our members living the Air Force Values.

WOFF Bob Baldwin No. 23 (City of Brisbane) SquadronI would like to relate a couple of

incidents involving WOFF Kev Green (reservist at 36SQN) while working at public events last year that I believe typ-ify not only a very proud Air Force person, but a truly caring human being.

The first incident occurred at the Old Station Flying Club’s open week-end, West of Gladstone, on the Queen’s Birthday weekend in 2007. Kev was manning an F-111 crew ejection mod-ule display. It had been a long day and the event was close to finishing when a mother with her intellectually handi-capped teenage daughter stopped for a look. While the rest of us were keen to pack up, Kev took the time to share his in-depth knowledge and a few minutes

Follow your leaders next month

of his time explaining in simple terms what the equipment was and how it worked. When he was finished, he took off his squadron cap and gave it to the girl. The smile on her face was invalua-ble and the relief on the mother’s behalf that someone cared enough to treat her daughter so well was overwhelming. The mother then rushed to her car to get a camera just so she could have a memen-to of Kev with her daughter. You see, she hadn’t even bothered to take the camera, no doubt in the belief that a reason-able photo opportunity for her daughter would not present itself.

The second incident occurred at the Wide Bay International Air Show in Bundaberg on August 5 last year. On this occasion, Kev was manning an F-111 cutaway engine display when a blind man and his carer happened by. After a short discussion, it became clear to Kev that the blind man, as well as being quite articulate, had a genuine interest in learning about the workings of a jet engine. Without hesitation, Kev led the blind man to the intake and then care-fully held his hand and guided it over all the working parts, explaining as he went what each did until he reached the exhaust. As in the first instance, that man left not only a little wiser but happy

in the knowledge that a member of the ADF had shown him the courtesy and respect he deserved as a member of our community.

For those who don’t know, WOFF Kev Green is a huge, powerful man whose physical appearance belies the type of person he really is. I believe the above incidents are shining exam-ples that should make us all proud to be members of the Air Force. Sometimes it’s as simple as giving something back to the less fortunate members of the com-

munity, to those people who will never be members of the ADF but who none-theless value our knowledge, expertise, professionalism and above all, compas-sion, just as displayed by Kev.

For taking the time to contribute to the competition, WOFF Baldwin has won a $50 voucher to a store of his choice.

The story competition theme for August is ‘Leadership at all levels.’ Leadership at all levels means taking responsibility for your actions, demon-

strating team commitment, displaying the appropriate behaviours and living the Values. This can be done to influence hierarchy, peers and subordinates and lead beyond the level normally ‘expect-ed’ of your rank or occupation. For guidance on how to articulate your story, or for more information on the competition, contact SGT Tabitha Frew from Air Force Adaptive Culture on (02) 6266 8584 or email [email protected]

Bob’s pride in service

Next month, the Air Force Values competition theme is ‘Leadership at all levels’. Tell us about a time when you have seen someone in your workplace or within the community (at sporting events etc) displaying qualities of

leadership at all levels, which are the ‘Values in action’. Each competition winner receives a $50 voucher of their choice. Submit your story to [email protected] by July 21. Stories are to be less than 450 words.

COMMUNITY SPIRIT: WOFF Bob Baldwin (pictured inset) won this month’s story competition for highlighting how the

community can benefit from members who live the Air Force Values. Pictured are local

visitors piling into a 36SQN C-17 during the Defence Force Air Show at RAAF Base

Edinburgh last year. Photo: AC Craig Barrett

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To Queensland

By MAJ Ian Toohill

AS DUSK fell over Dili air-port, RAAF military working dog (MWD) handlers and their dogs were preparing for their night pa-trol duties.

This is a nightly event with dog patrols used to protect military and UN aircraft assets on the flight-lines, as part of the International Stabilisation Force protection meas-ures.

The dogs are from RAAF Bases Amberley, Tindal and Williamtown, and are just one month into a six- month deployment. They are prima-rily used for airfield security but can join with other MWDs for a range of security patrols and law enforce-ment activities. Wherever they are used, people have a healthy respect for them and stay at a distance.

MWD section leader, SGT Shane Campbell, said of his dogs: “Well-trained dogs are the best suited for the role they perform on operations.

“They fill the spectrum between harsh language and lethal force. They are perfect for the escalation of force in a non-lethal manner and provide an excellent deterrent,” he said.

One of the dogs with the cur-

Doggies’ s’ Dili dealDili deal

rent MWD detachment is a cross breed of the North American timber wolf and German Shepherd named Raven. While a little more difficult to train, these dogs are excellent to work with and Australia is currently the only country in the world to use the breed in a military role.

SGT Campbell, who has spent nearly 17 years as a MWD handler, said of his nine-year-old dog Raven: “There is no better job in the world. I get to work with a friend and part-ner I can trust.”

The other handlers agree and find the job in Timor-Leste very reward-ing.

CPL Tricia Reynolds, who is only the second female dog handler to be deployed overseas, found her dog Duke at a pound and rescued him. Despite his initially being very aggressive, she soon let him know who was boss and the match turned out well. Four-year-old Duke is now a highly trained MWD, performing security tasks with the Timor-Leste Aviation Group at Dili Airport.

“I spent my secondary educa-tion at Urrbrae Agricultural High School and completed year 12 as an exchange student in America, living in a small rural town and spending a lot of time working with animals

on a ranch,” CPL Reynolds said. “I loved it and decided I wanted a career working with animals.

“I felt I wasn’t smart enough to be a vet so I did a diploma of agriculture at Emerald, after which I worked in a cattle sale yard.

“I soon decided I needed a more

permanent job and joined the Air Force in 1999. I started off in supply but in 2003, I saw an opportunity to become a MWD and here I am.”

In 2007, she took Duke to New Zealand for a three month Anzac exchange. “It was a first – and a real blast,” she said.

TEAMS WITH BITE: Above, CPL Tricia Reynolds and dog Duke wait for a helicopter at Dili airport. Inset, SGT Shane Campbell with dog Raven (left) and LAC Steven Pratt with dog Elmo on the Dili flightline, while right, dog Kaja takes centre stage on the shoulder of handler CPL Ben Geurts in front of a Black Hawk. Photos: CPL Chris Moore

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8 Ex Pitch Black AIR FORCE July 10, 2008

By LAC Aaron Curran

WHEN you first hear the word ‘tuk’, you wouldn’t think it would re-late to anything in the Air Force.

It is in fact the TUHQ (pronounced ‘tuk’), the Tasking Unit Headquarters – a relatively new concept for Air Force. It was first employed in 2006, and was further developed for Exercise Pitch Black 2008 (PB08).

Originating from a wing operations centre concept, it is the hub of all the operations, administration, logistics and engineering that goes into running a large exercise or operation. In the past, units would come into a base and rely on that base to support them in and around all other priorities. The TUHQ has aligned operational command and control aspects to ensure the TUHQ commander has an ability to modify priorities in support of the exercise or activity.

“I had under my operational control the air traffic detachment, 321ECSS and all the task units with flying assets [dur-ing PB08],” Darwin TUHQ Commander GPCAPT Gavin Turnbull said.

“We provided the mission directors, centralised logistics and engineering management, and interfaced with the Base Command Post. I, as the com-mander, provided the priorities.”

The TUHQ, which was a mobile headquarters with its 61 personnel, was linked directly to the Combined Force

TUHQ hub of ops

Air Component Commander at RAAF Base Glenbrook. For PB08, the bulk of the eight months of planning was con-ducted at Joint Operations Command with personnel from participating units invited to the planning sessions.

With a long involvement in Pitch Black exercises, GPCAPT Turnbull has seen the transformation over the years.

“The operational and tactical levels of control are working well,” he said. “The amount of professionalism and

the amount we have grown out of previ-ous exercises is where we benefit. In comparison to PB08, 1991 looks like a bit of a flying club. The complexity and technical advancements demonstrated in PB08 was a quantum leap from the early 1990s. The TUHQ is not just an exercise structure, it is an operational structure as well. Just because there are no real guns and bullets, doesn’t mean we will do anything different in an operational environment.”

322ECSS firefighters join forces with their US Marine Corps counterparts to stand in the line of fire during an exercise training session at RAAF Base Tindal. Photos: LAC Guy Young

Tindal’s hot stuffTINDAL HQ: Above, clerk ACW Cassandra Champ keeps admin flowing for the TUHQ, while right, LAC Ashley Muir checks a list before granting LAC George Coogan access to the building. Photos: LAC Christopher Dickson

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By LAC Aaron Curran

THE Air Force’s largest exercise, Pitch Black 2008 (PB08), came to a suc-cessful conclusion on June 27 in the Top End.

The biennial exercise, which began on June 6, was shared between RAAF Bases Darwin and Tindal and involved up to 3000 personnel from Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, France, United States, UK, Germany, Canada, and aircraft from NATO.

Caribous from 38SQN, F-111s from 1SQN and F/A-18s from 75, 77 and 3SQNs took part.

This year’s scenario was based around ‘Blueland’, which operated out of Darwin, versus ‘Redland’, out of Tindal. On two sides of Redland was ‘Orangeland’ which was sympathetic to Redland. The challenge created for the Blue force was that there was a Blueland enclave inside Redland, so to defend that enclave the blue forces had to penetrate and fly all through Redland airspace to be able to have an effect on the ground there.

“It went very well,” Director Exercise Control AIRCDRE Neil Hart said. “We took small snap shots of a much larger campaign, which we called ‘vignettes,’ from a larger 110-day air campaign. We moved through those phases and finished at the end, near day 100. After a lot of the

That’s a wrap in ’08initial infrastructure supporting air defence went down, we then continued with our other ongoing operations.”

The vignettes represented different sce-narios. The first couple of days were offen-sive counter-air, taking out the enemy’s ability to own the sky and striking targets deep into Redland’s territory. Towards the end of the exercise, it was finished by close air support for the ground forces.

For 75SQN in Tindal, with eight F/A-18s and 250 personnel, it was their job to supply an active Redland air defence.

“It was a very positive and enjoy-able experience integrating with the Singaporean F-5s and US Navy F/A-18s,” CO 75SQN WGCDR Rob Chipman said.

38SQN took to PB08 two of their Car ibous and 40 personnel f rom Townsville. They provided an in-theatre airlift and tactical aeromedical evacua-tion capability and participated in the joint personnel recovery serials involving the rescue of a downed airman.

“The exercise provided a rare oppor-tunity for 38SQN crews to be exposed to a high threat environment and fighter evasion tactics,” 38SQN Det Commander FLTLT Craig Taylor said.

1SQN from RAAF Base Amberley flew their F-111s up to Darwin and conducted strike and photographic reconnaissance of selected targets out of the base.

In its last exercise, the 33SQN B707 provided a reliable tanker refuelling asset capable of providing force extension and force multiplication for the fighters.

“We maintained a 92 per cent mission success rate for this exercise by complet-ing 24 of 26 scheduled sorties. The unit offloaded 1,131,000 pounds of fuel to 194 receivers from the RAAF, the USN and the RMAF,” 33SQN Operations Flight Commander MAJ Michael Smid said.

The foreign participants appreciated the support they had and the opportunity to use Australia’s large airspace.

“The NATO forces commented on how free they were to be able to operate in a large air-space relatively unconstrained and with great interaction with so many different countries. That interaction has been outstanding,” AIRCDRE Hart said.

SCRAMBLE: Above, 1SQN’s FLGOFF Jonathon Harrington prepares to roll out of RAAF Base Darwin for a mission.LOGGIES: Left, 82WG’s LAC Angus McDouhall (left) signs for stock while AC Bernard Box from 1SQN watches. Photos: LAC Christopher DicksonFIRST AID: Far left, medical assistant LAC Fletcher Jackson (right) attends to PTE Robert MacEachern, helped by AC Mitch Plant at RAAF Base Tindal. Photo: LAC Leigh Cameron

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10 Ex Pitch Black AIR FORCE July 10, 2008

By FLTLT Jaimie Abbott

THEY’VE already travelled across the country and been exposed to a wide variety of aircraft, so in Darwin it was time for Defence Gap Year students to meet one of the main players of the RAAF.

Ten Gap Year students formed a guard of honour to welcome former ACAUST AVM Mark Binskin to Exercise Pitch Black.

The ADF Gap Year students were able to sample a taste of the different cultures during their visit for the exercise.

“It was a good experience seeing how the different mili-tary members interact and how much respect there is for each other,” OFFCDT Daniel White said.

The students were part of a contingent of 50 based at RAAF Base Williamtown. They spent 10 days at RAAF Base Darwin, before another 10 cadets took over for the final phase of the exercise.

“Over the 10 days they visited various facilities on base and got a good understanding of how an exercise is run,” SGT Steven Meyer said.

OFFCDT Stephanie Hall said she was nervous as she prepared to participate in the guard of honour.

“Even to be picked for Pitch Black and to come and do the guard of honour for the Air Commander was an abso-lute privilege,” OFFCDT Hall said.

By FLGOFF Martin Alderette

WITH a howl and a growl, RAAF Base Darwin ramped-up its security to protect a flightline home to more than 60 Australian and international aircraft gathered for Exercise Pitch Black.

Just in time for the exercise, 321ECSS welcomed its two new-est recruits – military working dogs (MWDs) Rocco and Rocket.

The pups arrived from a breeding program at RAAF Base Amberley.

“We’ve taken over two pups and should have them here for the next three to nine months,” Deputy secu-rity control officer for 321ECSS, SGT Karen Voysey, said.

“It was exciting for a dog han-dler team to work during Pitch Black because we had so many countries par-ticipate with their assets. For us and our dogs to go out and guard those assets was a real pleasure.”

The augmented security at RAAF Base Darwin required personnel from around Australia to bolster the ranks.

321ECSS MWD handler, AC Justin Kelly, said: “It was a lot more exciting as we had many more dog handlers on shift. We met different dog handlers from around the country, learning dif-ferent techniques, and it was great to meet new people.

“My relationship with my dog Wasabi is unique. You get told about the bond you have with your dog but until you actually experience it you just don’t know. He’s my partner, he’s with me every minute of the shift … there’s no greater bond,” AC Kelly said.

Happy howlin’

During a routine night patrol, the group performed an ‘intruder simu-lation’ before an Orion. The MWD picks up the scent of an intruder and alerts his handler. AC Kelly warns the intruder to “stop or my dog will attack”. The intruder runs, but is no match for the four-legged weapon, with Wasabi sinking his teeth deep into the padding on the intruder’s arm.

Gap year students honour ACAUST

NEW KID: Right, CPL Anthony Baker introduces recruit dog Rocket to CPL David Miller at RAAF Base Darwin. Photo: LAC Cristopher Dickson

ON WATCH: From left, CPL James Notaras with dog Ike, LCPL Mathew Richards, AC Scott Knowles and CPL Scotch McDonald patrol RAAF Base Tindal. Photo: LAC Leigh Cameron

HONOURS: OFFCDTs prepare to greet former ACAUST AVM Mark Binskin on arrival in Darwin. Photo: LAC Christopher Dickson

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By LAC Aaron Curran

DURING Exercise Pitch Black, 77 and 3SQNs from RAAF Base Williamtown came together as one for the first time.

Off i c i a l ly des igna ted a s a Combined Task Element, the two Hornet squadrons were referred to as 81WG Detachment during the exer-cise. Leading them was CO 77SQN WGCDR Tim Churchill, with CO 3SQN WGCDR Joe Iervasi his deputy.

The two units came together for many reasons. With the Hornet upgrade, there have been limited resources available to 81WG for each squadron to operate independently and allow junior crew to advance through to the B Category (B CAT) standard.

The strength of 81WG is deter-mined by the ability to generate B CAT fighter pilots – those able to lead four F/A-18 in all roles.

With 3SQN coming straight from Exercise Bersama Shield in Malaysia, personnel numbers, participation of the foreign contingents and the limited tarmac space available, it was practical to bring them together.

“We have 17 aircraft and 220 per-sonnel here,” WGCDR Churchill said.

Hornet squads combine

More than 3000 personnel from Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, the UK and US took part. A NATO element joined in for the first time. Approximately 60 aircraft, compris-ing F/A-18, F-111, F-16, F-5, AWAC, B707 and Caribou types, participated. The exercise sce-nario involved a fictional ‘Blueland’ out of RAAF Base Darwin and ‘Redland’ out of RAAF Base Tindal.

Pitch Black fast facts

“As we were the lead planners, I generally put 77SQN people in charge and 3SQN as deputies. It was interest-ing as we had never done this before.”

Working the two squadrons togeth-er achieved the aim of having qualified B CAT fighter pilots. The pilots are graded in a category system, with A CAT Fighter Combat Instructor (FCI) being the highest grading attainable.

Dur ing PB08, 77SQN pi lo t WGCDR Andrew Hagstrom was one of the few to achieve the milestone.

“An FCI is a person who can mis-sion command a large force of aircraft in a campaign from all perspectives,” WGCDR Hagstrom said.

“It was awesome and a total sur-prise. It is humbling because I have only seen half a dozen get A CAT.”

Not all the personnel deployed with 81WG Det were fighter pilots. The support and maintenance personnel of both squadrons were the ones who achieved the high rate of serviceable aircraft able to be put in the air.

Although their traditional rival-ry was evident, the minor problems encountered were more a lack of stand-ardisation across 81WG.

“It worked out quite well,” senior engineering officer 77SQN SQNLDR

Ray Fowke said. “Over time, we moulded together really well as a true 81WG detachment. Also, we have saved up to 50 personnel having to deploy.”

There is now a better appreciation of how each squadron does mainte-nance. “It could be a true catalyst to us coming up with a mutual approach to maintenance, standardisation of pro-cedures, processes and interpretation,” SQNLDR Fowke said.

“The effort put forward by both squadrons as a united maintenance flight was astounding.

“They say you should train as you fight, and if we had to fight, this was the way we would do it.”

DEMAND MET: 77SQN supplier ACW Camille Elderhurst packs an aircraft component during Exercise Pitch Black. Photos: LAC Guy Young

HELPER: 3SQN’s LAC Simon Nelson assists OC 81WG GPCAPT Gavin Turnbull prior to a sortie.

PAINT JOB: 3SQN surface finisher LAC Ben Coggan checks his spray gun.

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13B707 specialAIR FORCE July 10, 2008

By FLGOFF Eamon Hamilton

A GRAND lady of the skies has bid her farewell to the Air Force in true class, with its final Boeing 707 being retired on June 30.

Known as ‘Richmond Town’, B707 A20-264 finished its 29 years of service with a fly-over of Sydney Harbour and a stunning operational record.

The aircraft – one of two which arrived in service in 1979 – completed Exercise Bersama Shield in May and Exercise Pitch Black in June with a near-perfect record.

Its return to Richmond from Pitch Black was highlighted by an escort of eight F/A-18s – a heartfelt ‘thank you’ for 17 years of air-to-air refuelling and airlift support.

It was the perfect cap to a record of RAAF B707 service, which includ-ed flying Prime Ministers, Queen Elizabeth II, Pope John Paul II, domes-tic airline passengers and countless Defence personnel.

It supported almost every major ADF operation abroad, including service as an air-to-air refueller over the Middle East in 1998 and from Kyrgyzstan in 2002 – the latter of

Grand ladyand lady departs33SQN and B707 farewell Sydney

ONE OF AVM Mark Skid-more’s first duties as the new Air Commander Australia (ACAUST) was to join in the ‘End of Era’ farewell of the B707 at RAAF Base Richmond.

The historic and sentimental event was held only three days after AVM Skidmore formally assumed his new role at RAAF Base Glenbrook on June 27.

Former ACAUST, AIRMSHL Mark Binskin, assumed the role of CAF on July 4.

“I am honoured to be selected as Air Commander, and I’m look-ing forward to the challenges of the role,” AVM Skidmore said at the official handover ceremony.

Ret ir ing CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Shepherd welcomed AVM

Skidmore to his new appointment as well as thanking AIRMSHL Binskin for his “excellent leader-ship” in the role.

“AVM Skidmore is an outstand-ing officer who has served Air Force well across three decades. He will be another excellent ACAUST,” AIRMSHL Shepherd said.

New CAF AIRMSHL Binskin also wished his successor well.

“It has been a real privilege to serve as ACAUST during the past 12 months,” he said.

“Air Force continues to face challenges through very high operational tempo. Our people are working hard across Australia and around the world and I am very proud of what they are achieving.

“I wish Mark Skidmore all the

best for the new position; it’s a demanding job.”

AIRMSHL Mark Skidmore joined the Air Force in 1977 and flew fast jets, in particular the F-111. He has served in a range of strategic and operational posi-tions, including a deployment as the Director of the Coalition Air Operations Centre in the Middle East in 2005. He was the Director General Air – Joint Operations Command before his appointment as ACAUST.

ACAUST is responsible for all Air Force flying and support activi-ties. He is responsible for more than 200 aircraft and 11,000 of Air Force’s 13,500 personnel. AIR FORCE News will profile AVM Skidmore in a coming edition.

New ACAUST joins party

which earned 33SQN a Meritorious Unit Citation.

Not only closing a chapter in Air Force history, the aircraft also repre-sented an end to 49 years of Australian B707 operations.

The three decades of Air Force serv-ice was celebrated on the night of June 28, as more than 700 guests packed out the B707 Maintenance Hangar at RAAF Base Richmond for an ‘End of Era Hangar Bash’.

With the B707 serving a spectacular backdrop and the Air Force Band pro-viding atmosphere, members of the Air Force B707 community and their sup-porters gathered for one last time.

The retirement of the aircraft on June 30 also marked an end to 25 years of 33SQN being based at RAAF Base Richmond.

Originally a World War II-era unit, 33SQN was reformed on July 1, 1983, to take over B707 operations. Exactly 25 years later, 33SQN was stood up at RAAF Base Amberley, and will con-tinue preparations for the arrival of the new KC-30B next year.

Both 33SQN old and new were present at RAAF Base Richmond on June 30 for a handover parade before

ACAUST AVM Mark Skidmore and Commander Air Lift Group AIRCDRE Jack Plenty. WGCDR Guy Wilson took over command of 33SQN from WGCDR Jim Ghee.

It was a heartfelt occasion for WGCDR Ghee, who arrived at 33SQN in 1990 direct from pilots’ course and served four tours with the unit.

“I have a long-standing relationship with 33SQN and the aircraft that began 18 years ago, and to witness the end

of such a relationship leaves you senti-mental for sure,” WGCDR Ghee said.

More than a few tears were shed as the unit marched one last time, accom-panied by the roar of the Seven-Oh overhead. The parade concluded at the Sergeants’ Mess for presentations and to see out 33SQN at the base.

“The atmosphere was pretty up-beat – in the end everyone would agree we did the end of era for the Seven-Oh proud,” WGCDR Ghee said.

BON VOYAGE: Above, on its final day of service, Air Force’s last B707, A20-624, flies over Sydney Harbour in salute. Photo: CPL Veronica McKennaFIRST AND LAST: Right, 33SQN’s first CO Dave Grierson and current CO WGCDR Jim Ghee cut the ‘End of Era’ cake. Photo: CPL Bill Louys

BIRD’S EYE VIEW: 33SQN crew attendant FSGT Lara Cluff and her eight-week-old daughter Evie enjoy the view from the flight deck after they joined other passengers at RAAF Base Richmond for the final flight of ‘Richmond Town’ over Sydney on June 30. Photo: AC Michael Green

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES: Eight F/A-18s escorted the B707 home from Exercise Pitch Black as a thank you for its many years of air-to-air support. Photo: LAC Christopher Dickson

INS AND OUTS: From left, WGCDR Guy Wilson, AIRCDRE Jack Plenty, AVM Mark Skidmore and WGCDR Jim Ghee are overflown by the B707 at the climax of 33SQN’s ‘End of an Era’ parade at RAAF Base Richmond. Photo: CPL Bill LouysWISDOM: Inset, new ACAUST AVM Skidmore addresses the parade. Photo: AC Michael Green

After nearly three decades in our skies, the B707 has bowed out gracefully.

AIR FORCE News pays tribute to the popular 33SQN aircraft.

TIME TO GO, TIME TO GO, SEVEN-OHSEVEN-OH

By FLGOFF Eamon Hamilton

‘IF IT looks good, it’ll fly’ is a fitting epitaph for the Boeing 707 in Air Force service.

The sleek, graceful lines of the Seven-Oh have graced the skies over the last three decades, dur-ing which it carried heads of state, refuelled coali-tion fighters, and supported almost every major ADF operation.

On its retirement, it retained one of the fast-est cruising speeds of the RAAF fleet – and was quicker than many contemporary airliners.

The first Air Force B707s earned their roun-dels in early 1979, following a decision the previ-ous year to purchase two ex-Qantas aircraft for $19 million.

Much like the C-17s that followed nearly three decades later, their entry into service was quick and the capability they offered was a leap ahead of what the Air Force had flown before.

Reporting for duty with 37SQN at RAAF Base Richmond in April 1979, the first two B707s were titled ‘Windsor Town’ and ‘Richmond Town’, although the first crews to fly them from Sydney Airport nicknamed them ‘Ralph’ and ‘Quincy’.

Less than a month after arriving in service, ‘Windsor Town’ was taking its first passengers abroad – Air Force families to Butterworth, Malaysia. The same task had been previously carried out by a Qantas-chartered B707.

37SQN relinquished the B707s to the newly- formed 33 Flight, and in 1983, two more B707s – ‘City of Sydney’ and ‘Clarendon’ – arrived. On July 1, 1983, after a 37-year absence, 33SQN was reformed at Richmond to operate the aircraft.

Their service included carrying every Australian prime minister from Fraser to Howard, and opposition leaders during election tours. They went to the Soviet Union for a state funeral, flew Pope John Paul II and the Royal Family throughout Australia, and for several months in 1989 and 1991, transported fare-pay-ing domestic passengers around Australia.

In 1988, the RAAF purchased another three B707s – two of which would continue flying, while the third would be used to sustain the fly-ing aircraft.

33SQN was dealt a tragic blow on October 29, 1991, when ‘Wilberforce’ – a transport/trainer B707 – was lost in a training accident with all

14 AIR FORCE July 10, 2008 15 B707 special

five crew on board, 43km south of East Sale in Victoria.

Killed were aircraft captain SQNLDR Mark Lewin, co-pilot FLTLT Tim Ellis, third pilot FLTLT Mark Duncan, flight engineer WOFF Jon Fawcett and loadmaster WOFF Al Gwynne.

The loss was hard-felt by the squadron and Air Lift Group, with the crew’s memory being preserved by a rose garden with accompanying plaques at the entrance to the Base Chapel at RAAF Base Richmond.

The early 90s introduced an air-to-air refuel-ling capability to four of the aircraft.

Compatible with refuelling the F/A-18s, the B707s became a fixture of air defence exercises

and also deployed as part of coalition activities in the Middle East.

In April 2002, the squadron provided its most distinguished service when it deployed two air-craft to Manas Air Force Base, Kyrgyzstan, as part of Operation Slipper; providing air-to-air refuelling to coalition aircraft over Afghanistan.

Prior to returning to Australia in September that year, the B707s offloaded 2.7 million kilo-grams of fuel in more than 800 ‘hook ups’ with US Navy and French Air Force aircraft, earning the squadron detachment a Meritorious Unit Citation.

Despite this record of service, the Seven-Oh’s time was drawing to a close, and in December 2004, the KC-30B was selected to be its successor.

Meanwhile, the aircraft supported humanitar-ian relief operations in Pakistan and Sumatra, while the fleet was gradually retired – ‘Windsor Town’ had been retired in 2001, then ‘Castlereagh’ in 2006; ‘Clarendon’ and ‘City of Sydney’ in 2007.

‘Richmond Town’ soldiered on to Malaysia, China, Japan and New Zealand in her final months of service, with the 40-year-old jet’s out-standing service record in its final two months leading many to joke the jet “didn’t want to go”.

For its final day of service on June 30, the Seven-Oh took a load of media, former crewmem-bers and families of current serving 33SQN per-sonnel for one last ride over Sydney Harbour.

It took off again for a trip over Richmond while its crewmembers paraded below, farewel-ling Richmond – and the Air Force.

Memoirs of a FLTENG: I’ll miss you, old girl

SKY QUEEN: Backdrop, the last Air Force B707 ‘Richmond Town’ heads for home as it flies south along the Sydney coastline on its final task. Photo: CPL Veronica McKenna

LAST TIME: ‘Richmond Town’s’ crew gather before their final flight in the retiring Seven-Oh. Photo: AC Michael Green

UNDER PRESSURE: CPL Trevor Connell

connects an air hose to a B707 at RAAF

Base Darwin.Photo: LAC Guy Young

GLORY DAYS: Two B707 in their former livery on the flightline at

RAAF Base Richmond. Photo: Air Force Imagery Gallery

WOFF Stu Matthews is a B707 flight engi-neer with 285SQN. He recounts his thoughts on returning to RAAF Base Richmond after Exercise Pitch Black last month.

“As I was flying back from Darwin, I could not help thinking how life would change once this, my final flight, landed back at Richmond. The Seven-Oh and 33SQN have been a huge part of my life since 1984 when, as an LAC, I was attached to 486SQN’s B707 section. I look at the squadron’s so called ‘old and bold’ and remem-ber the current CO doing his conversion course. I remember a new LAC getting posted to the B707 maintenance section who is now the WOFF Engineering. I have been around a long time and, now that it has all come to an end, I enjoyed just about every minute of it.

I posted to Richmond in March 1980, a year after we first accepted A20-627 and -624. Back then you would get people on the side of the tarmac watching intently whenever a Seven-Oh landed or took off. I didn’t realise it would have such an impact on my life a couple of years down the track. I eventually ended up working in 486SQN engine build-up section, where I was given the choice of a trip to the USA on a C-130 or transferring to the B707 maintenance section; I took the latter. I spent just over two years work-ing on the jet. I went to a few places; had a lot of fun. As a ‘groundy’, you spent a lot of time sitting down the back of the jet talking with the flight stewards, as they were called back then. I married one.

After a short s t int at RAAF Bases Williamtown and Edinburgh, I was posted back to Richmond to 36SQN as a flight engineer to fly Hercs for a couple of years. I was always hang-ing around 33SQN, because my future wife was there and also to keep the flight engineer section aware of my existence. In 1989, they posted me over to the section. At this time you would only be considered if you were a senior FSGT or

WOFF so I was pretty lucky. Since then, I have been flying either as a member of 33 or 285SQN.

When I first posted to the squadron, we had six jets and 11 flight engineers. I made it to flight engineer leader in a section of great guys. I was the deputy twice and also spent a year as the squadron WOFF.

I have been all over the world on various trips. The only continent that I didn’t get to was South America. I attained the most B707 flying hours of any aircrew member in the Air Force, which equates to nearly 6,000,000 kilometres at an average 480 knots. I have refuelled more Hornets than anyone else in the Air Force, including ground crew. I have participated in every opera-tional task, peacekeeping mission and disas-ter relief operation that the aircraft and current squadron has ever been a part of.

Along with the good, there was also the bad. Sitting in Seattle at a conference and being told that a B707 had crashed was the low point of life in 33SQN. We took a long time to get over that. Losing five mates was hard, but seeing what they left behind was just as bad. Two of the guys were on the same conversion course I was.

It will be difficult seeing the Seven-Oh and the squadron leave Richmond. I was 27 when I started flying the B707 and I am now 46. It has been a great 19 years and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

The co-pilot asked me what was the best experience I had at 33SQN. I answered him with two words: ‘The people’. I have met some great people during my time and no matter where you go or how good the place is, your memories are governed by the people you are with. I have always maintained there is no such thing as a bad trip on a B707. You may not always go to the best places, but no matter where you go you get there faster than any other aircraft the Air Force has to offer. Not only that, there is generally a good time waiting at the other end.”

‘Wilberforce’ – Mar 11, 1988-Oct 29, 1991. Air Force hours: 1129.6.

‘Windsor Town’ – Mar 30, 1979-Feb 21, 2001. Air Force hours: 12,175.1. ’Castlereagh’ – Mar 11, 1988-Aug

24, 2006. Air Force hours: 10,313.3. ‘Clarendon’ – Jun 17, 1983-May 8,

2007. Air Force hours: 11,104.

‘City of Sydney’ – Jun 17, 1983-Nov 1, 2007. Air Force hours: 10,395.7. ’Richmond Town’ – Mar 30, 1979-

Jun 30, 2008. Air Force hours: 13,827.5.

Total Air Force hours flown by B707 fleet: 58,942.5.

Logbook of the B707 fl eet

EYEBALLING: Above, 33SQN loadmaster WOFF David Helmore monitors a US Navy F/A-18 as it takes on fuel from his B707 during Exercise Pitch Black. FAST FUEL: Left, F/A-18’s fly in formation off the wing of A20-624 before refuelling during the exercise. Pitch Black was the last major tasking undertaken by the aircraft before retiring. Photos: LAC Guy Young

SO MANY MEMORIES: Flight engineer WOFF Stu Matthews recalls many good times and some bad with the B707. Photo: AC Michael Green

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By Barry Rollings

“AIR DETERRENCE” has new meaning at RAAF Base Edinburgh since the Defence Support Group there took a major honour at the 2008 De-fence Occupational Health and Safety Awards.

The base won the category for the Best Solution to an Identified Workplace Health and Safety Issue for its program ‘Flying the Falcons’, an alternative approach to bird management.

OHS officers Dianne Rankine and Rebecca Bolton accepted the award at a June 12 function in Canberra.

Peregrine falcons form the core of the force deterrence, managed by Paul Willcock of Adelaide Bird Removal (ABR), to dissuade the corellas and gulls that invade the base and create a potential bird strike hazard.

A deterrent program began on June 17 to ward off silver gulls from the run-way precinct after other methods had not dissuaded them.

Large corella flocks make the base their home from October each year. “[They] can be 7000 to 10,000 strong,”

Mrs Rankine said. “As well as a bird strike hazard, one story goes that a core-lla once chewed through an electrical cable and cut power to the base.”

The program was used during the 2007 Defence Air Show with good results.

So, how do you train predatory birds to ignore natural prey?

Mr Willcock obtains predatory birds that have fallen out of their nests as babies.

Using a lure and rewards, he has trained them to fly over the base at regu-lar intervals between sunrise and sunset to ward off unwelcome visitors.

“A family of falcons live about 2km from the base and often make a kill above the base,” Mrs Rankine said. “But the one kill does not necessarily discour-age the birds from returning.”

The ABR birds don’t chase or attack the nuisance birds but their presence keeps them away.

“These awards demonstrate that our people play an important role in making Defence a healthier and safer place to work,” CDF ACM Angus Houston said.

“The Secretary (Nick Warner) and I ask that all our people, military and civilian, take up the challenge of being Defence OH&S leaders and help us build on the advances Defence has made in improv-ing occupational health and safety.”

“Occupational health and safety requires ongoing leadership attention and commitment to set and maintain standards that make a real difference and improve workplace safety. It requires vigilant attention in the workplace and it

requires fresh, innovative and challeng-ing review by those at the coalface.”

Other Air Force awards were: Best Workplace Health and Safety Management System, 92WG LOGOPS SMS; Best Individual Contribution to Health and Safety, recognition certifi-cate, WOFF Terry Yelds, FLTLT Denis Bergamasco; Rehabilitation and Return to Work Award, recognition certificate, rehabilitative return to full-time work for CPL Aaron Bennett.

Edinburgh landsrgh lands ’08 prize

By CPL Corinne Boer

THE ADF School of Languages transferred command from the RAAF College to HQ Training Command-Army (TC-A) on July 1.

CO CMDR Katja Bizilj said the transfer will only change the school’s reporting chain. “It’s the command structure that’s changing. From July 1,

we report to HQTC-A,” CMDR Bizilj said. “The school will stay at RAAF Base Williams, all military staff will remain and courses won’t change as a result of the transfer.”

The change follows a 2005 review which found that TC-A was already the manager of joint training for other associated capabilities.

SAFETY: Rebecca Bolton and Dianne Rankine receive their award from Defence Secretary Nick Warner and CDF ACM Angus Houston. Photo: Grace CostaPEST: Right, a corella parrot, a major nuisance at Edinburgh.

RAAFCOL farewells LANGS

OH&S honour for pest program


What is RSL Legal Aid?

The RSL Legal Aid Scheme is an initiative of the RSL in cooperation with National Legal Aid (NLA). It is a scheme designed to facilitate the provision of free legal information and preliminary legal advice to Australian Defence Force personnel wherever they may be serving.

Information about civilian law is available from a number of sources, including legal aid commissions and law societies in each state and territory of Australia. Sometimes an understanding of the law relating to your problem will enable you to decide how best to handle it. Sometimes you may also need legal advice. The RSL Legal Aid Scheme is designed to help you obtain information about the law and preliminary advice about your problem.

For information about how to access the scheme, visit the RSL website at:

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By FLTLT Ben Miedecke

2008 has provided a busy and varied first season for the Roulettes with our first international trip since 2000, as well as our regular national performances.

The team comprised SQNLDR Derek Singer in his first season as Roulette leader, and FLTLTs Shane Rowe, Mark Searle, Glenn Canfield, Nigel War, Phil Higgins and myself (Ben Miedecke).

The Roulettes are members of Central Flying School at RAAF Base East Sale.

On weekdays, the primary role of Roulette pilots is teaching students on Flying Instructors’ courses stand-ardisation of ADF flying skills and techniques, as well as examinations of qualified flying instructors. The public relations side of the Roulettes takes place mainly on weekends.

The 2008 flying display year started with the Australia Day week-end, and the new Roulettes team dis-played for the first time at celebra-tions in Canberra and Sydney.

After Australia Day, we had only a short time to prepare the team and supporting elements for the long trip to the Singapore International Air Show, which was held from February 19-24.

We departed six days before the first show was due to commence. The difficult task of flying eight air-craft 7000km through the tropics was made harder by the monsoonal rain. Nevertheless, we arrived on time with six aircraft ready for the first day’s flying. The show com-prised two days for assessment of display, three trade days and two

Aerobatics season up

public days, and the team displayed on each of these occasions.

At the end of a long week, we started the long trek home and six days later, we were back in Sale and ready for a break. The trip had con-sisted of 20 days, 14,000km and 40 hours of flying; a lot in a PC-9 and the longest Roulette deployment any of us are likely to do.

The next show was the Australian Formula One Grand Prix held at Albert Park, Melbourne, from March 13-16. Due to the nature of the Grand Prix circuit, the show was spread out as much as possible to maximise viewing for the crowds.

The Albury Air Show on April 5 and 6 allowed us to perform our first ‘High Show’ of the season. The

Roulettes flew among many other displays, including a fantastic sunset display by four Wirraway aircraft.

Anzac Day is traditionally a period of extensive activity. We were invited to attend a myriad of events all over the country, finishing in Dubbo to support the Centenary of Rugby League celebrations. The backdrop of the city of Melbourne made a spectacular scene as we flew past the Shrine at 200ft in a full seven aircraft wedge formation.

The display for the rugby league coincided with the annual Dubbo Show and huge numbers of people watched from the ground.

The final event of the Anzac weekend was the Mudgee Wings, Wheels and Wine festival where another High Show was performed for the large crowd.

After that was the Australian Powerboat Association racing event held at Mildura in Victoria’s far north-west on May 26-27. The weekend was hampered by low cloud but, after two successful per-formances, we headed back to Sale.

Our last show for the season was at the Temora Aviation Museum on June 5 and 6. It has been a good season, showcasing the Air Force and the ADF at places that other-wise know little of what we do.

Women celebrate CPL Kristy McLean from the Combat Survival Training School holds baby Sarah Vandenhurk at the ‘Celebration of Women in Defence’ event in Townsville. CPL McLean joined about 250 past and current serving female members who travelled to Townsville to attend the event from May 31-June 1. Local ADF units mounted special displays of equipment, along with a display of photos, uniforms and posters from the 1960s and 1970s. Serving female members spoke about their careers, a commemorative statue was unveiled and a cake was cut by representatives of the three Services. Photo: LCPL Glenn Power

FANS: Roulette technician CPL Les Isaac talks to an aerobatics enthusiast at the Albury Air Show. Photo: CPL Bennett Duhig

SHOW MAN: FLTLT Philip

Higgins prepares to depart

Darwin for the Singapore

International Air Show. Photo: LAC

Casey Smith

FAST LANE: In perfect formation, the Roulettes perform above the Australian Grand Prix circuit in Melbourne. Photo: WOFF Don Kenny

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Books reviewBy Barry Rollings

THE DEFENCE Library Service (DLS) plans to reach many more of ADF’s employees electronically once it processes information gleaned from its customer consultation process conducted from March to June 2008.

Aware that it has only 34 physical sites nationally and that 59 per cent of the physical library collection available for loan is underutilised, the DLS will rede-velop its collection to make it more relevant and accessible to borrowers by using the latest in electronic technology.

“Many customers in Defence can’t access libraries or don’t know what is available,” DLS director Carl Fitchett said.

“With the current arrange-ments established in 1999-2000, feedback from customers indi-cates a requirement for servic-es which we do not provide at present.

“With virtual libraries on the DRN and Internet already, the DLS has 50,000 active regis-tered customers, of whom about 18,000 access DLS services each month. During the past 12 months, 171,368 hard copy publi-cations were borrowed. Last year, 910,000 documents were down-loaded from Jane’s Online and on

THANKS to the unstinting efforts of a group of Defence volunteers, all deployed personnel are planned to receive a special lift from home, provided the group can find some additional money.

Operation Trooplift is the title of a book of short stories, poetry, artwork and photographs which have been donated by people from across the Defence organisation and which, according to the book’s senior editor, Heather Sadler, is intended as a gift for all the ADF’s deployed personnel.

The idea of producing the book evolved after she overheard a colleague comment that her partner in Iraq had just finished a novel and had nothing else to read. Ms Sadler thought a book of short stories would be better.

“I asked someone who was heading to Afghanistan how he would feel if he received a book that had been written just for the troops. He loved the idea and after he deployed I got a phone call asking me about the book,” she said.

She put together a seven-person team to produce the draft. The book, which is about the size of a paperback novel and 250 pages, has been produced so that there is “something for everyone”. It is ready for printing but, despite some financial assistance, the team is about $37,000 short of the funds needed to produce sufficient copies for two years’ distribution.

“The team have produced a really professional piece,” Ms Sadler said. “Now, we need donations to see the book reach the hands of our personnel.” More information is at the website: www.operation-trooplift.com. People wanting to make donations can either specify the amount to the site or by email to [email protected], including for address details for postal cheques.

Troops to get lift with work of art

BRAIN FOOD: Finding the right book. The Defence Library Service plans to better market and outreach its products and services to Defence personnel electronically following its recent customer consultation process. Photo: SGT Kevin Piggott

HOME FIRES: Heather Sadler checks the draft copy of her book. Photo: Heather Sadler

Improvements will be made to hard copy collections and on-line resources in three stages. Stage one reforms the DLS

technical authority and gov-ernance areas. Stage two will improve the

virtual/online libraries and increase the range of informa-tion resources available. Stage three will provide new

base-line services and new service delivery and customer service standards. The new base-line services will be implemented in 2009. Phased implementation of

best-practice virtual libraries and the improved user inter-face for virtual libraries will be implemented from July, 2009.

Better library services

average there are 4000 research or information requests per month,” he said.

With most ADF personnel working in hundreds of locations across Australia and globally, service provision and standards

currently varied and the DLS was performing functions that could be better delivered by local serv-ice providers or other parts of Defence.

Many DLS customers were attuned to the delivery of face-to-face services, and were unaware of other options. This style of delivery limited staff availability to support personnel on deploy-ment and on bases without physi-cal access to services.

Mindful that the current library service delivery model is unsustainable, the DLS cus-tomer consultation process aimed to gain information on what its customers need now and into the future and how best to provide tai-lored library services for Defence professionals and best practice library systems.

The consultation set out to identify priority library services, as well as ensuring those services are accessible to Defence person-nel everywhere, delivered effi-ciently and economically.

The DLS envisages that Defence personnel will be able to contact DLS staff between 8am and 4.30pm AEST, Monday to Friday, whether or not there is a library at their site.

It further envisages that virtual library services will be available via the Defence Intranet and the Internet. For further information, visit the DLS Project website: http://intranet.defence.gov.au/dsg/sites/DLSP/. For feedback, email [email protected] or call (02) 6266 2158 or 0407 939 651.

BRAIN FOOD: The DLS is making access to its products and services easier. Photo: Kev Piggott

19 NewsAIR FORCE July 10, 2008

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By FLGOFF Debbie Pellham

SEVENTY years of service to the Perth community was commemorated recently when No. 25 (City of Perth) Squadron exercised its Freedom of Entry to the city, “with swords drawn, bayonets fixed, drums beating, bands playing and Colours flying”.

Perth granted the squadron its highest honour in 1978.

25SQN formed as 23SQN at Laverton in Victoria on May 3, 1937 and moved to Perth in March, 1938. It became 25SQN on January 1, 1939. It disbanded on July 9, 1946 but reformed as a reserve squad-ron on April 1, 1948.

More than 60 officers and airmen led by the CO, SQNLDR Ewen Seabrook, and accompanied by the Navy Band, marched through Perth City and halted at Forrest Place to re-enact the squadron’s arrival at Perth railway station after its long journey from Victoria.

C i t y M a r s h a l l , A s s i s t a n t Commissioner of Police Graeme Lienert, challenged the squadron for its right to be awarded the Freedom of Entry to the city. Its rights proved and permis-sion granted, Perth’s Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi then addressed 25SQN, while No. 2 Flying Training School marked the occasion with a fly-past by a contingent of aircraft.

After the march, a reception was held at Council House. Among the guests was SQNLDR Kevin Page, who was the squadron’s CO from 1973-1978. He was accompanied by his son WGCDR Russell Page, who is the current OC CSU Pearce.

OC Reserves Training Wing GPCAPT David Pasfield said that “the march was highly professional and one to be extremely proud of”.

SQNLDR Seabrook said: “25SQN has a proud history and tradition in Western Australia and it gives the unit

Freedom to Perth

great pleasure in being able to parade through the city of Perth, acknowledg-ing the squadron’s strong links that have existed with the city for more than 70 years.

“The fact that many of us are also members of the broader Western Australian community and residents of Perth makes this relationship between the squadron and the community we serve even more special.”

25SQN previously exercised its rights in 1992 and 2001, and the march also provided a setting for 25SQN members to engage with their community and share in the strong spirit of military tra-dition.

Since 1938, 25SQN has contribut-ed to the protection of Perth airspace, especially during World War II when it engaged in anti-submarine duties, convoy protection and carried out 6000 hours of bombing missions against Japanese forces in areas north of Australia.

It also searched for the survivors of HMAS Sydney.

While primarily a bomber squadron, it also operated as an air defence squad-ron and, in 1942, its six Buffalo fighters comprised the sole air defence of Perth.

Today, it continues to participate in operations and deployments, primari-ly focused on training members of the Air Force Reserves based in Western Australia.

IN LINE: Above, 25SQN ‘eyes right’ to Perth’s Lord Mayor as it marches past her.REPLY: Left, SQNLDR Ewen Seabrook replies to the city’s challenge of 25SQN’s right to enter the city.PROOF: Top left, WOFF Ron Pease shows Assistant Police Commissioner Graeme Lienert the freedom scroll. Photos: LACW Linda Sanderson

BULLETIN BOARDAir Force BandJuly 10: The Catalina Wind Quintet will provide background music for the 87SQN dining-in night at the Officers’ Mess, RAAF Base Edinburgh.July 10: The Ceremonial Band will support the School of Air Traffic Control graduation parade at RAAF Base East Sale from 2pm.July 12: The Catalina Wind Quintet will support the World Youth Day dinner at Parliament House in Canberra.July 16: The Ceremonial Band will support the 1RTU graduation parade at RAAF Base Wagga from 11am.July 22: The Low Brass Ensemble will support a DVA book launch at the Macquarie Room in the Royal Automobile Club of Australia, Sydney.July 23: The Concert Band will per-form in a lunchtime concert in the Melbourne Town Hall.

36SQN Assoc reunionThe 36SQN Association will hold a reunion at RAAF Base Amberley on October 3. For more information, contact

Ian Christensen at [email protected] or call 0417 224017.


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By LAC Aaron Curran

VOLKSWAGEN (VW) Kombis are generally remembered more for their association with the 1960s and the free spirits who drove them, not for the Air Force. But according to FSGT Bruce Walker, that is not entirely true.

FSGT Walker, who works for logis-tics at Fairbairn, is restoring a rare 1968 VW Kombi that was used as a mobile control tower at RAAF Base Pearce from 1969-91.

The VW enthusiast stumbled across the vehicle in the classifieds. It was headed for the scrap heap if nobody bought it.

“I received some photos and found out it looked like an ex-Air Force Kombi,” FSGT Walker said. “I remem-ber hearing early in my career that the Air Force had Kombis, but I had never seen them. I didn’t think they were around very much, although I did hear one was restored in Adelaide a couple of years ago.

“I believe the one I have was con-verted at No.1 Air Depot in Melbourne and came into service in 1969. From there it went to RAAF Base Pearce, where it served out its days.”

Disposed of in 1991, it was then bought and used as a Variety Bash Club car, sold again and left in a yard until FSGT Walker discovered it.

Kombi connection

He said the Air Force has had a few different models over the years. The Kombis were converted to mobile air traffic control towers so they could go and operate on remote airstrips or be used for training purposes at normal bases. The kinds of modifications were fairly in-depth, with radio systems placed inside to communicate with the tower and pilots.

Some even had an external air-condi-tioner attached to the back of the van to keep the operators cool.

Getting information on the topic has been difficult, but being on the commit-tee of the local VW club in Canberra has helped him with the VW side of the restoration.

“I have made some inquiries on the Defence forums looking for people who have served with them,” he said.

“I’m also getting some information about its life after the Air Force, but I need some more about its time in the Air Force; especially about when the Kombis were in service, what they did and what they had inside them.”

The original bubble on the top was destroyed in an accident and a new rec-tangular plastic one was put in its place.

“Replacement of the bubble is going to be a challenge, as will be getting it mechanically sound to drive on the road again,” FSGT Walker said. “There is a lot of extra wiring to be sorted out and then I have to finally convert it back to its original candy stripe.”

Along with three other VWs he has at his house, the Kombi is now sitting where his wife planned a veg-etable garden.

“She will be very happy to see it progress and then move out of her garden,” he said.

“I will accept any help with parts,

information, advice, photos and even sponsorship.” If you have any information on the former serving Air Force Kombis that could assist in the restoration project, contact FSGT Walker at email: [email protected] or call 0400 119220.

VW AT WORK: The ‘Bubble Van’ mobile control tower in front of a Macchi at RAAF Base Pearce in 1991. Photo: RAAF Museum

BASHER: The Kombi in Variety Club colours. Photo: FSGT Walker

FSGT to restore rare ex-Air Force ‘Bubble Van’ to its former glory

LONG ROAD AHEAD: FSGT Bruce Walker at home in Canberra with the 1968 ex-Air Force

VW Kombi he plans to restore. Photo: LAC Aaron Curran

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FLY BOY: Above, 11SQN’s Airman of the Quarter, CPL Brian Herbst, is kitted out and ready to fly before his reward flight in an ARDU PC-9. Photo: ACW Shannon UrieEVER ALERT: Left, LAC Leigh Maybury from 2AFDS mans a MAG58 machine gun while conducting sentry duty at the Australian Embassy in Baghdad. 2AFDS is the first Air Force unit to deploy as part of a security detachment in Baghdad. Photo: CAPT Joe Nyhan

T FOR TERRIFIC: The UN World Food Programme Regional Director, Anthony Banbury, presents a t-shirt to 36SQN pilot FLTLT Scott Hyland (and the rest of the C-17’s crew) in appreciation for their assistance with transporting Puma helicopters from South Africa to Thailand as part of the recent international humanitarian effort in Burma. Photo: CPL Rachel Ingram

HOME AWAY FROM HOME: AEA trainee NCOCDT Dean Adams and his dad, 11SQN FLTENG WOFF Charlie Adams, compare notes on the Orion during the recent 40th anniversary celebrations for the aircraft at RAAF Base Edinburgh. Photo: AC Glen McCarthy

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✄THE MILITARY Law Centre of the Defence Legal

Division is about to embark on an ADF-wide training program to ensure that members are aware how disci-pline law reforms will impact on them.

The magnitude of the legal reforms has prompted the training program, which the centre will coordinate through each Service headquarters.

As part of the ongoing reforms, fundamental chang-es that will affect every ADF member will occur on September 20.

“It is critical to the ADF’s operational effectiveness, and the protection of individuals and their rights that we have a strong military justice system – one that underpins our discipline and command structures and ensures that all members work in a fair and just environment,” CDF ACM Angus Houston said on June 20.

“Since 2005, some major steps have been taken to address concerns raised about the structure and operation of the military discipline system,” the Director of Military Discipline, GPCAPT Paul Cronan, said.

“Complementing the recent introduction of the Australian Military Court, the changes will improve and simplify summary authority proceedings. Post-trial review processes and appeal rights of ADF members will also be affected. In addition, the Discipline Officer Scheme will expand to cover all members up to and including the rank of FLTLT.”

General awareness training and more advanced training courses for commanders, summary authorities, discipline officers and unit discipline advisors (such as Executive WOFFs) will be conducted in August and September this year.

By CPL Andrew Hetherington

CHANGES to Defence Force Regulations governing redress of grievance (ROG) procedures will streamline the process for ADF personnel.

The amendments took effect from May 3 and implemented the recommendations stemming from the former government’s response to the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References committee’s 2003 inquiry into the effectiveness of Australia’s military justice system and the 2004 CDF and Defence Ombudsman review of the ROG system.

The changes will encourage ADF personnel to consider admin-istrative resolution or alternative dispute resolution options before they enter into the ROG process.

Di Harris, Director General Fairness and Resolution (FR), People Strategies and Policy Group, said a significant example of the streamlined process was the removal of complaints about rat-ings on performance reports from the ROG system.

“When a member receives a performance report, there is a representation process which goes with it. If they are not happy with what the assessing officer has said, they can raise it higher, with the reviewing officer, who can amend the report if appropriate,” she said.

“What a performance report comes down to is a person’s opin-ion on the performance of some-one else. If, in the representation process the assessing officer stands by the original ratings, submit-ting a complaint through the ROG process cannot achieve a differ-

ent outcome. However, if a mem-ber believes that there was bias in the assessment process, or that the process was flawed for some other reason, they can still submit a ROG on those grounds.

“Similarly, ROGs cannot be submitted in relation to matters while they are the subject of notic-es to show cause or termination notices. Once a decision has been made in these matters, however, a member can submit a ROG if dis-satisfied with the outcome or the way the process was conducted.”

Other ROG changes relate to timeframes to submit ROGs after an event and the time it takes to resolve a complaint.

FR legal officer Michael McCulloch said that previously there was no time restriction on submitting a ROG.

“Now, ROGs must be sub-mitted within six months of the member becoming aware of the matter about which the ROG is being lodged,” Mr McCulloch said. “Unless they relate to deci-sions terminating a member’s service, which are to be submitted within 14 days. Unit COs now also have the requirement to attempt to resolve ROGs within 90 days, or Service Chiefs can choose to intervene and take over the man-agement of the ROG.”

This change will promote the

efficient management of ROGs at unit level, will give Service Chiefs more visibility of ROG handling and, in most cases, ROGs will not be left unresolved for more than three months.

“In the past few years, we have been working to bring down the average handling time for ROGs at the unit level. With better advice and assistance now being provided to COs, most ROGs are now final-ised within units in just under three months,” Ms Harris said. Full details of the changes to the ROG process can be found at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/fr/CR/crhome.htm

WORK THROUGH IT: Complaints about ratings on performance reports have been removed from the ROG system as part of the streamlining processes. These and other changes are designed to encourage ADF members to consider administrative or dispute resolution options before using the ROG system. Photo: FSGT Craig Sharp

ADF discipline law training program planned for all

ROG changes are gogo

More informa-tion about the changes and the training program will be provided through the chain of com-mand over the coming months. For additional resources, visit: http://intranet.defence.gov.au/militaryjus-tice/training/default.htm

Leather jacket now available in Australia

FURTHER to recent AIR FORCE News articles and Commanders’ Net announce-ments on the introduction of the Air Force A2 Leather Jacket as an optional item of uni-form, Christie’s Pty Ltd has been selected as the preferred Australian supplier.

Christie’s has a long history of providing quality merchandise to the ADF and a highly robust internet ordering and customer service system.

The A2 jacket supplied by Christie’s will include modification to the epaulettes to remove the stitching at the sleeve end and the optional fitting of velcro patches to fit a name tag and unit or round Air Force badge. The jacket is available in a range of standard sizes, including regular and tall fittings.

Members can order the jacket via the Christie’s internet site at: www.christies.net.au

Members purchasing the jacket can order from Christie’s with confidence that the jacket will fully meet Air Force requirements.

Members can still order the jacket from US suppliers but are strongly cautioned that the A2 jacket is sold by many suppliers in vari-ous configurations that do not meet Air Force requirements, despite claiming to meet the drawing number 30-1415.

Members are also reminded that the A2 Leather Jacket is the only leather jacket authorised for wear with Service Dress uni-form. The current aircrew leather jacket is only authorised for wear with flying clothing.

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24 Personnel AIR FORCE July 10, 2008

UNIVERSITY qualifications for ADF members and former members became closer recently when the Uni-versity of Queensland signed up as a member of the ADF Higher Educa-tion Advanced Standing (ADFHEAS) Scheme.

The scheme recognises ADF train-ing and employment experience to pro-vide serving and former ADF members with a fast-track towards a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate uni-versity awards.

The level of advanced standing awarded by participating universities depends on where members are in their ADF career, or where former members were when they left the ADF.

D i r e c t o r - G e n e r a l D e f e n c e Education, Training and Development, AIRCDRE Ian Pearson welcomed the university as the 21st member of ADFHEAS.

He said that the university is a member of the prestigious ‘Universitas 21’, an international network of 21 leading research-intensive universities in 13 countries.

Completing the symbolism, the signing ceremony was held on May 21.

Degrees ofoflearningUniversity recognises ADF training

AIRCDRE Pearson said that ADFHEAS represents a win for the ADF, a win for the participating uni-versities, and a win for the broader community.

“In addition to the advanced stand-ing received towards their chosen stud-ies, serving ADF members may also be eligible for a study assistance package through the Defence Assisted Study Scheme,” AIRCDRE Pearson said.

“Meanwhile, members who serve in the ADF for greater periods and who gain associated Defence qualifications are likely to gain greater advanced standing towards their studies.”

While the early focus of the ADFHEAS Scheme was on post-grad-uate qualifications, the current priority is to provide opportunities for enlisted ranks to translate their trade qualifica-tions into undergraduate degrees.

Non-commissioned members do not need to hold a Higher School Certificate or equivalent to participate in the scheme since the universities look at ADF career experience and trade training when working out the level of advanced standing offered.

“We already have five universities

offering pathways for enlisted mem-bers to translate their trade qualifica-tions to university degrees and are currently working with another eight universities in this area,” AIRCDRE Pearson said.

“We are also actively working at growing the number of universities in the scheme to provide a range of geo-

graphic locations, a range of courses and a range of delivery methods, rang-ing from face-to-face classes to dis-tance learning.”

Detai ls of the ADF Higher Education Advanced Standing Scheme are available on the Defence Intranet and Internet sites at: www.defence.gov.au/dsg/organisation/adfheas/

Further information and advice is available from LEUT Heather Walker from the Defence Education, Training and Development Branch on (02) 6266 3565 or email: [email protected] Article provided by LEUT Heather Walker.

SIGNED ON: Director-General Defence Education, Training and Development AIRCDRE Ian Pearson and University of Queensland’s Professor Deborah Terry sign the ADF Higher Education Advanced Standing (ADFHEAS) Scheme agreement. Photo: Jeremy Patten, University of Queensland

25 HistoryAIR FORCE July 10, 2008

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By Peter Johnson

WORLD War II RAAF corpo-ral Ted Lewis celebrated his 100th birthday among friends and family at the RAAF Association (Victo-rian Division) in Melbourne on May 30.

Ted enjoyed greetings and con-gratulations delivered in person, by card or letter, a birthday cake, and a glass of white wine.

Joining him on his special day were his wife Anne, daughter Noelle, niece Carol, great niece Justine and great-great nephew Rafi.

On a table in front of him were arranged cards and letters from the Queen, the Governor-General, the Prime Minister, the Governor of Victoria, the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, the Premier, and Ted’s fed-eral Member of Parliament.

His grea t nephew David , who lives in Sweden, returned to Australia for the occasion.

Ted attributed his longevity to moderation in all things and good friends.

He is believed to be the first member of the RAAF Association

By David Gardner

AN APPROVED Air Force proce-dure for getting high without wings re-cently also felt the effects of altitude.

Since its commissioning in 1944, the hyperbaric chamber at RAAF Base Richmond has taken thousands of ADF aircrew and medical specialists to high altitudes without them leaving the ground.

The chamber, one of two acquired, was commissioned at the initial train-ing centre at the former Somers Camp, Victoria, but moved to RAAF Base Richmond shortly after the end of the war.

ADF personnel spent innumerable hours in the chamber as part of their

AVMED history takes flight for Air Force Museum

100 for Ted

How to get published

AIR FORCE News encourages its readers to help ensure the paper remains up-to-date with news around Australia.

News stories should be no more than 400 words and feature articles no more than 800 words.

Photos should be high resolution dig-ital JPEGs (300DPI) and contain full details in the file information.

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(Victorian Division) to attain 100 years.

He has a strong sporting back-ground, having played football for the South Melbourne seconds, rowed for Richmond, and played baseball.

He was also a keen golfer.Ted was born at South Melbourne

on May 30, 1908, and served in the RAAF from March 28, 1942 to December 5, 1945. After initial

training, he was posted to Canberra and then attached to 18SQN Netherlands East Indies Air Force in the Northern Territory.

18SQN flew B-25 Mitchell bombers and was formed by Dutch airmen who escaped to Australia when the Japanese occupied the Netherlands East Indies in early 1942.

The squadron’s Dutch personnel and a few Japanese were comple-mented by RAAF air and ground crew personnel.

He was a driver in the Air Force, driving refuelling tankers and work-ing as a staff driver for the CO.

After leaving the RAAF, he worked for Kent Engineering and retired from there in 1974.

He served mostly in the Northern Territory throughout his Air Force career, starting at MacDonald air-field near Pine Creek and then at Batchelor airfield just south of Darwin.

Ted’s 100th birthday celebrations continued on June 1 with a gather-ing of around 90 family and friends at Waverley RSL in Melbourne.

CENTURY: CPL Ted Lewis (ret’d) and his wife Anne display greetings from the Queen during his 100th birthday celebrations. Photo: Peter Johnson

FLASHBACK: Ted as a CPL in WWII. Photo: Peter Johnson

initial, post-graduate and annual aircrew Aviation Medicine training.

Decommissioned in 2000, in March 2008, it was the chamber’s turn to feel the effects of altitude, when it was lifted by a crane on to a truck and relocated to the RAAF Museum at Point Cook.

While relatively unsung, for 60 years the chamber played a vital role in avia-tion safety.

Since 1944, the RAAF Institute of Aviation Medicine and its predecessors supported ADF flying operations by pro-viding specialised training to aircrew as well as specialist aviation medicine expertise. An important part of this train-ing was decompression, or hyperbaric chamber training.

Students were exposed to the effects of altitude and oxygen system failure in a safe environment to let them identify their individual signs and symptoms so they could rapidly detect oxygen prob-lems in the event of emergencies.

For aircrews posted to the RAF’s Bomber Command, a solid understand-ing of the effects of altitude was an important addition to their preparations for extremely hazardous service.

In the post-war period, this training became even more essential, as any oxy-gen or pressurisation failure in a high-performance aircraft could rapidly lead to the loss of the aircraft and its crew. Consequently, all RAAF aircrews were required to undergo this training as a part of their initial training.

At the RAAF Museum, the chamber will provide an important display illus-trating the indispensable story of aviation medicine in the Air Force.

NEW HIGH: The chamber starts its trip to the RAAF Museum. Photo: RAAF Museum

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26 Lifestyle AIR FORCE July 10, 2008

HEALTH

IT’S a common disorder – around one in five Australians experience symptoms of IBS at some time in their lives, but some suffer much more than others.

IBS is more common in women than men, its symptoms usually presenting in the late teens and early twenties. It is unusual for symptoms to present for the first time in someone over 40.

What causes IBS?The cause of IBS remains unknown.

Some factors such as diet, infection, food intolerance and stress have been identified as being likely to trigger an attack in susceptible people. Findings suggest that people with IBS have overly-sensitive bowels, therefore mild stimulation which would not aggravate a normal bowel, can cause pain and discomfort in sufferers. There is grow-ing evidence to support the theory that chronic diarrhoea and chronic consti-pation are the result of bacterial infec-tion, and that IBS may be related to this chronic infection.

Functional disorderThis term may be used sometimes

to describe your IBS, because when

your bowel is examined there is no sign of disease, despite the obvious change in your bowel function. For this reason, diagnosis of IBS is usually made based on the presentation of your symptoms and the absence of other disease proc-esses.

SymptomsIf you have IBS, you may experi-

ence some of the common symptoms which can include constipation, diar-rhoea, abdominal pain or cramping, bloating and excessive gas, mucous in the stool and nausea. None of these symptoms are exclusive to IBS, so it is important for you to see your doctor to exclude conditions such as coeliac dis-ease, lactose intolerance, bowel infec-tion or other bowel disease.

There are three main types of IBS:� Constipation predominant� Diarrhoea predominant� Alternating constipation

and diarrhoea.Symptoms not associated with IBS

include blood in your bowel motions, weight loss, fever, severe diarrhoea at night and symptoms which first present after 40 years of age.

TreatmentUnfortunately, there is no cure for

IBS. The aim of current treatment is to manage or control your symptoms. The first step is to identify individual triggers and avoid these wherever pos-sible. One way to help identify triggers is to keep a diary of events surround-ing each episode (including food and fluid intake, activities, workload and any personal issues). Treatment options can then be tailored to suit individual needs, and may include:� A modest increase in dietary fibre

and plenty of clear fluids (increase in fibre should be gradual to give the bowel time to adjust).

� Avoiding foods and other substances that clearly trigger symptoms.

� Taking medication or beginning treatments to assist with constipation and/or diarrhoea.

� Using pain relief under guidance.� Using antispasmodic medication.� Beginning stress management if

stress is a trigger.� Trying to establish a healthy bal-

anced diet and avoiding sudden changes to routine.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a painful disturbance in the bow-el’s normal rhythmic movement. SQNLDR Kay Hatton from Defence Health Services looks at the many ways IBS may affect you.

Blase about your bowel?

� Exercising regularly.The symptoms of IBS are disruptive,

but they aren’t a sign of and they don’t lead to, underlying illness.

It’s important to see your doctor if

you experience a change in your nor-mal bowel habits, to exclude other more serious causes. Your doctor can then work out an individual treatment plan to suit your particular needs.

PROPHYLAXIS: Dietary fibre may help your IBS.

Photo: CPL Andrew Hetherington

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By PO Brad Hetharia

FOUR Air Force members fig-ured in the honours at the Defence cross country championships in Canberra on June 20.

SQNLDR Craig Benson from No. 28 (City of Canberra) Squadron came a close second in both the men’s open 10km and veterans events.

A field of 60 Defence runners tackled Deek’s cross country track in unfavourable wet and cold conditions. The race was held on the recently opened, fast and undulating 2.5km course in Stromlo Park, designed to provide Australia with a world-class purpose-built cross country facility.

Lake attack event raises its profile

THE Defence Lake Attack charity fun run may not quite have the status of the more famous City to Surf event in Sydney, but all that could change soon with the marketing of the event through a television advertising campaign to raise the profile of the community ini-tiative.

To promote the event, on Friday May 30, a promotional community service announcement was recorded at Victoria Barracks, Melbourne, featuring come-dian Trevor Marmalade from the popular Channel 9 Footy Show (AFL).

With the assistance of Defence uni-formed and APS personnel, Trevor com-pleted an entertaining promotional activ-ity.

The community service announce-ment will be shown on Channel 9 from July 2008 and again in 2009 and 2010.

The Defence Lake Attack Fun Run will be held on Sunday, August 24 at Melbourne’s Albert Park lake.

Melbourne’s Lord Mayor, John So, CDF ACM Angus Houston and other

celebrities will come together to celebrate the ADF’s largest community event.

All funds raised by the initiative will be divided equally between four selected charities: Kidsafe, Redkite, the Compassionate Friends and Legacy.

The event is in its 26th year and fea-tures an exciting schools competition, Defence and police and emergency serv-ices displays, activities for children and entertainment provided by the Navy’s Melbourne band.

Participants will receive a medal, t-shirt, show bag and other giveaways.

Those who wish to register for the Lake Attack can do so by visiting www.lakeattack.com

“The Defence Lake Attack is all about the ADF encouraging community spirit in a healthy environment while raising funds for charity,” one of the organisers, CMDR Jim Unkles, said. For more information, contact CMDR Jim Unkles on (03) 9282 4541 or Fiona Welch of Start To Finish Event Management on (03) 9645 1333.

Hot contest

THE NSW inter-Service Lawn Bowls Carnival at Penrith from August 18-22 will provide the step-ping stone to the na-tional titles for those successful at state level.

Af te r p lay-offs between the Services, a Probables-Possibles game will help to select a team for the nationals at Ipswich from October 13 to 17. For more information, contact SGT Gerard Harkins on (02) 4587 2621.

August bowls at Penrith

The men’s open 10km race was hotly contested, with an entertaining first three laps for the enthusiastic crowd. The battle for first and sec-ond came down to the final lap, with victory going to Luke Grattan from DMO in 34:28, not far in advance of SQNLDR Benson. MIDN Scott Baxter was third.

FLTLT Cindy Masterson was sec-ond in the veterans’ event for women behind Army’s MAJ Jo-Anne Hem with WOFF Warren Matulik the third veteran male home behind Luke Grattan and SQNLDR Benson. AC Antonio Divona was third home in the masters’ event for men behind WO2 Pat Thomas and SGT Steve Linane.

PTE Rhiannon Brown took the women’s open 7.5km race with a con-vincing victory in 30:39 from LT AmyCurtis and MAJ Hem.

In the teams’ event, the young ADFA I team, consisting of MIDNScott Baxter, OFFCDT Rowan Beggs-French and OCDTs Tom Pollett and Tim Modra, won narrowly from the consistently strong Army Logistics Training Centre and 8/7 Regiment.

The next Defence running event isthe Sydney City to Surf Fun Run on August 10. For more information, visit www.adf.coolrunning.com.au or www.navy-running.com

CALLING ALL RUNNERS: Comedian Trevor Marmalade from the AFL Footy Show helped promote the Defence Lake Attack charity fun run in Melbourne recently. The run will be held around Albert Park lake on August 24.

Photo: CMDR Jim Unkles

THEY’RE OFF: Above, a bunched field climbs the rise soon after the start of the cross country championships. HOMEWARD BOUND: Left, OFFCDT Rowan Beggs-French on his way to ninth place in the men’s event. Photos: LS Yuri Ramsey

SPORT ■ More running insideJuly 10, 2008

ON THE RUN

Air Force shares the honours in Defence cross country champs Full results – P27

HAPPY FEET: SQNLDR Craig Benson from No. 28 (City of Canberra) Squadron leads Luke Grattan from DMO half-way through the ADF cross country running event at Stromlo Park in Canberra. SQNLDR Benson placed second in the open men’s event. Full story inside. Photo: LS Yuri Ramsey

edition 5012, july 10, 2008

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