AIR FVol. 54, No. 11, June 21, 2012 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

RCERCE

SIMMO’S GOLD

SQNLDR Paul Simmons follows in

famous footsteps to be awarded Australia’s

highest aviation honour

FLOOD DASH 6TH WEDGETAILNew arrival bound for Hawaii

Sale students race to help

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HISTORY IN THE MAKING: SQNLDR Paul “Simmo” Simmons, of 2OCU, with his Oswald Watt Gold Medal, awarded by the Royal Federation of Aero Clubs Australia for “the most brilliant performance in the air or most notable contribution to aviation by an Australian”. Photo: LAC Mark Friend

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2 June 21, 2012RCEAIR FNews

FLTLT Dave Cusworth

SQNLDR Jesse Laroche is charting a new course as the first Australian pilot to fly the P-8A Poseidon, the next gen-eration Maritime Patrol and Response Aircraft scheduled to replace the Orion.

The 10SQN C Flight Commander was an observer on the aircraft during Tamex, a two-week anti-submarine warfare exercise held off the Western Australian coast from June 5 to 15, when he was asked to take the controls during Poseidon’s first visit to Australia.

“I didn’t realise I was to be the first RAAF pilot to fly the P-8A until I was on board,” SQNLDR Laroche said.

“It’s a fantastic platform, very mod-ern obviously, and a great level of auto-mation throughout the aircraft.

“In terms of pure flying I found it very smooth and easy to fly. It handled well and the level of spatial awareness you get is another step up from what we’ve seen before.”

Two US Navy P-8A Poseidons and a P-3C joined a 92WG AP-3C for the exercise, held out of RAAF Base Pearce, along with RAN Seahawks from HMAS Stirling on exercise with HMAS Collins.

RAAF Orions fly west four times a year for Tamex, which on this occasion encountered the most intense storm to strike Perth in 15 years.

Defence plans to acquire the Poseidon in 2017-18 and the Orions are scheduled to be withdrawn from service in 2019.

Meanwhile, SQNLDR Laroche expects to work closely with USN coun-terparts as the Air Force collaborates on Poseidon’s development.

“We relish the opportunity to exchange in the US,” he said.

“And obviously, the guys who are lucky enough to get an exchange opportunity will make the most of that.”

More on Tamex 12-2 and the P-8A Poseidon project in the next edition.

SGT Andrew Hetherington

A HORNET instructor pilot has been recognised for his tireless work men-toring junior Air Force aircrew while also flying a 56-year-old jet fighter and running a youth charity.

SQNLDR Paul Simmons, of 2 Operational Conversion Unit, was presented with the Oswald Watt Gold Medal Award by Marj Davis, president of the Royal Federation of Aero Clubs Australia, at the 2012 Air Force Awards night at RAAF Base Amberley on May 31.

The award is presented to Australians who display the most brilliant performance in the air or the most notable contribution to aviation by an Australian or in Australia. It was first presented in 1921 and past recipi-ents include Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, Bert Hinkler and Sir Reginald Ansett.

It was last awarded in 1999 to astronaut Andrew Thomas.

SQNLDR Simmons, known as Simmo to his friends and colleagues, said he grew up reading about and idolising many of the previous award recipients.

“To receive this award is hard to comprehend; I am humbled and hon-oured,” he said.

“I don’t feel I’m anywhere near being in the same category as those leg-ends, however, I am humbled to accept it and hope that I can help further avia-tion in Australia in some small way.”

SQNLDR Simmons divides his time working as a Hornet instruc-tor pilot and displaying the RAAF CA-27 Sabre at the Temora Aviation Museum.

“I was selected by Air Force to fly it due to my background in low-level jet aerobatics and I’ve flown the Sabre at Temora since 2009,” he said. “It’s

an honour to fly it and see the vet-erans, their families and young peo-ple come alive when they see it in its natural element.”

His real passion is operating his charity LIFT, which stands for Learning, Inspiration, Friendship and Trust.

“The charity began in 2007 and the Air Force has been a fantastic sup-port by allowing me to work part-time while pursuing its development.

“Along with Chris Teale, a former Hornet pilot, we set about using the magic of flight to help ‘at risk’ youth get their lives back on track.

“In 2009, LIFT received official registered charity status and we put a yearly average of 75 young people and their mentors though our educa-tional flying-based programs.”

LIFT allows SQNLDR Simmons to transfer his flying knowledge and life experience to young people

between the ages of 12 and 25 who have not had a fortunate start to life, and to help the amazing organisations working to supporting them.

“We don’t label kids, but the defi-nition ‘at risk’ means to us young peo-ple who are at risk of not being able to achieve minimum education out-comes, juvenile detention, being inca-pable of entering the workforce effec-tively or becoming welfare dependant.

“Our programs are designed to enhance a youth’s ability to under-stand risk, make effective decisions, improve self-image and belief in their individual worth and future potential.”

For more information on the charity LIFT and to make a donation, visit www.lift.org.au/

For more information on the Oswald Watt Gold Medal Award, including how to nomi-nate, visit members.ozemail.com.au/~rfaca_new/awards_oswald.htm

Pilot takes controls on Poseidon

RAAF FIRST: SQNLDR Jesse Laroche, who flew the P-8A Poseidon during Tamex. Photo: AB Alan Lancaster

Following in famousfootsteps

MAN OF MANY TALENTS: SQNLDR Paul Simmons at the controls of a restored former RAAF Sabre alongside a 75SQN Hornet at Temora; right, SQNLDR Simmons displaying his certificate and Watt Gold Medal with CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown and Marj Davis, the president of the Royal Federation of Aero Clubs of Australia, at the Air Force awards night. Photos: LAC Mark Friend and LACW Kylie Gibson

Award citation

For a most notable contribution to Aviation by an Australian for his unique combination of professional mastery as an operational fighter pilot, dedication to the mentoring and instruction of junior aircrew, com-mitment to the preservation of aviation heritage as the Australian CA-27 Sabre pilot and establishment of the LIFT youth charity.

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LS Paul Berry: (02) 6266 7606Michael Brooke: (02) 9359 2494CONTACT USEmail: raafnews@defencenews.gov.auFax: (02) 6266 7701Mail: The Editor, Air Force News, R8-LG-048, PO Box 7909, Department of Defence, ACT 2600Website: www.defence.gov.au/news/raafnews

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DISCLAIMERAir Force News is published fortnightly by the Directorate of Defence News. It is printed under contract by Capital Fine Print. The material published is selected for its interest. The views expressed in published articles are not necessarily those of Defence or Air Force News. Every adver-tisement is subject to Directorate of Defence News approval and the Directorate of Defence News may, at its discretion, refuse to accept an advertise-ment. The Directorate accepts no responsibility or liability in relation to any loss due to the failure of an advertisement to appear or if it appears in a form not in accordance with the instructions received by the Directorate of Defence News. The fact that an advertisement is accepted for publication does not mean that the product or service is endorsed by the Department of Defence or Air Force News.

i A i i b

Andrew Stackpool and CPL Max Bree

SOME of them had only been in the Air Force for a matter of days – but when students from Officers’ Training School (OTS) swung into sandbagging action in pouring rain in the early, dark hours of June 6, they set their careers off at a cracking pace.

“ I n i cknamed them ‘Team Awesome’,” OIC of the group FLTLT Geoff Young said.

“The majority of them were new officers under training and this was their first experience of how they can assist the community as a member of the ADF.

“They carried out their duties enthusiastically in very trying condi-tions, with little sleep.”

Their effort was the first response by Air Force personnel from RAAF Base East Sale, who joined Navy and Army colleagues to help emergency services in Gippsland as flooding threatened areas of south-east Victoria. It was by no means the last helping hand from Air Force.

3 June 21, 2012RCEAIR FF News

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Team Awesome leads the way

The 40 students and staff mem-bers from OTS rolled out of the base at 1.30am on June 6 to assist police and State Emergency Services personnel sandbagging in the Lakes Entrance area.

The senior ADF officer at East Sale, GPCAPT Gregory Frisina, said OTS was the first group in because it had just returned from a “cancelled, rain-soaked, bush exercise and were ready to go”.

“Some of the members had only been in the Air Force for seven days

and they found themselves on their first deployment,” GPCAPT Frisina said.

FLTLT Young was proud of his charges’ work.

“It was a very sobering experience to supervise the efforts of my team of 40 OTS colleagues working tire-lessly at 3am, filling and stacking sand bags in the pouring rain,” FLTLT Young said.

“They truly represented ‘awe-some’ in every way.”

As OTS joined the emergency, six Unimog trucks provided by Army’s 4 Brigade, left Melbourne to assist with evacuation operations around Lakes Entrance.

Having driven through the night to reach their destination, the Army driv-ers handed the vehicles over to relief drivers from OTS.

The trucks joined the OTS team in the flood-affected areas about 3am on June 6.

Once they got some sleep, the 4

Brigade drivers replaced the Air Force drivers.

Later that morning, 20 personnel each from the Schools of Air Warfare (SAW) and Air Traffic Control (SATC) headed out to relieve the weary OTS team.

They worked through the after-noon and then returned on June 7 to continue operations in the Paynesville area until about noon, when they returned to East Sale.

FLTLT Kirsten Gunn, of 32SQN, said squadron personnel on base remained on duty in case they were also required to assist.

CO SATC WGCDR Pat Cooper said it was great to see the students working well with the Army and Navy personnel.

GPCAPT Frisina also congratulat-ed the teams for their efforts. They had been sandbagging important locations like supermarkets and power stations to keep the region operating.

“The community loved them,” he said. “It was fantastic. I don’t think the community realised how quickly and efficiently our people could operate.”

HELPERS: Above, OFFCDT Geoffrey Stewart, and right, OFFCDT Michael Jones, of SAW, help fill up sandbags in Paynesville.

FILLING IN: FLGOFF Corey Siebel, left, and SGT Robert Hutchings, of SAW, fill them up.

LOADING: FLTLT Freddie Church, of SATC, loads a sand-bag onto a truck in Paynesville. Photos: SGT Kirk Peacock, CPL Steve Duncan

CONTACT

info@dha.gov.au

139 DHA (139 342)

www.dha.gov.au

Your housing updateDefence Housing Australia

Did you know your rank can

affect your housing?

Did you know that any changes in your rank or your serving partner’s rank could affect your housing entitlement?

Your Rent Allowance (RA) or Service Residence (SR) entitlement calculation is based on the senior member’s rank. This means that applications for housing must be completed with the senior ranking member’s details.

What changes could affect you?

If the senior ranking member discharges or goes on Leave Without Pay, your subsidised housing will be affected. It could also be affected if your rank changes.

Any change to your contributions will usually come into effect from the date of rank change or from the date you or your partner goes on Leave Without Pay.

Here’s what to do:

To ensure your housing entitlement is correct, you will need to inform Defence Housing Australia (DHA) if you or your partner’s circumstances change. You can do this in

The contribution for members with dependants is detailed in PACMAN volume 2, chapter 7, part 5, division 9, paragraph 7.5.55.

Where rank changes occur you must notify DHA in writing, as detailed in PACMAN volume 2, chapter 7, part 5, division 9, paragraph 4.5.49 and 7.5.50.

Going on Leave Without Pay? You must notify DHA in writing, as detailed in PACMAN volume 2, chapter 7, part 5, division 9, paragraph 7.5.51 and 7.5.52.

4 June 21, 2012RCEAIR FFNews

RAAF Base Wagga has finally received its long-awaited F-111 for display.

F-111 A8-142 initially departed RAAF Base Amberley for its new home last March but was forced to return to Amberley because of severe flooding in the Wagga area.

In a second attempt, the retired bomber departed the base in a con-voy on June 12 and arrived at Wagga on the 14th.

Its journey took it through

Warwick, Goondiwindi, Moree, Narrabri, Coonabarabran, Gilgandra, Dubbo, Parkes, Forbes, West Wyalong and Temora.

As with previous F-111 move-ments, the aircraft had its wings and tail fin removed and carried on another truck.

The aircraft now will be reassem-bled at Wagga by 82WG personnel while plans for public display on the base are still being prepared.

The F-111 fleet was retired by

Air Force in December 2010 after 37 years of service. A8-142 is one of 13 currently identified for preservation.

The aircraft is specifically signifi-cant as it was the first F-111 to com-plete the Avionics Update Project in Australia in 1995 after initial trial modifications were carried out in America.

More on the road trip and how RAAF Base Wagga plans to display the aircraft in the next edition.

Amberley gets a Pig of its own

End of the road ... at lastTRUCKIN’ IT HOME: F-111 A8-142 passing through the countryside near Wyalong, in central NSW, on the way to its final destination of RAAF Base Wagga. Photo: LACW Kylie Gibson

PROUD OF OUR PIG: The Defence and civilian teams involved with the restoration of RF-111C A8-126, which was handed over to the RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre. Above inset, AIRCDRE Axel Augustin, left, presents AIRCDRE Tim Innes with the handover certificate for RF-111C A8-126. Photos: CPL Peter Borys

SQNLDR Dennis Deering

THE RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre celebrated its first birthday in grand style on June 7, and received a special birthday present – former recon-naissance RF-111C, A8-126.

It is only one of two RF-111 recon-naissance version F-111s on display worldwide.

Director General Aerospace Combat Systems AIRCDRE Axel Augustin signed over the historic aircraft to Commander Combat Support Group AIRCDRE Tim Innes.

The aircraft had been lovingly restored to pristine condition for pub-lic display by a team comprising per-sonnel from Boeing Defence Australia, Tasman Aviation Enterprises, the 82WG Disposal Team and the F-111 Disposal Team from the Disposal and Aerial Targets Office.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, AIRCDRE Augustin said the F-111 had been one of the most important weapon systems in RAAF history.

“After 40 years of service, it is fitting that A8-126 should be selected for pub-

WITH the release last week of the unredacted executive summary of the DLA Piper Review Team’s Volume 1 report into allegations of sexual and other abuse, Defence leaders have encouraged members feeling distressed to make use of available support services.

ADF members can contact the all-hours support line, a confidential telephone service to help military personnel and their families access mental health services, on 1800 628 036.

Special arrangements have been made to extend the Australian Public

Service employee assistance program to include former ADF members, for-mer Defence public servants and their immediate family members who have raised allegations with the DLA Piper Review. Appointments can be made through the program hotline on 1300 361 008.

Former ADF members may also be eligible for access to services through the Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service on 1800 011 046.

For more information on the DLA Piper Review, go to http://intranet.defence.gov.au/People/sites/CultureReviews/

lic display at Amberley, which is after all the home of the F-111,” AIRCDRE Augustin said. “Now, A8-126 is hand-ed over to the custody and care of the RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre, to be preserved and displayed for public appreciation in recognition of this unique aircraft and the significance of its contribution to the history of the RAAF and the defence of Australia.”

A8-126 was the first F-111 to be accepted at the General Dynamics main plant at Fort Worth, Texas, on September 4, 1968.

It was the first RAAF F-111C to be accepted and flown by a RAAF crew.

Following the major structural test failure of a Wing Carry Through Box on September 3, 1968, A8-126 was placed in storage with the rest of the F-111C fleet that had never been accepted.

With the problems finally resolved, A8-126 arrived at Amberley on June 1, 1973, piloted by the then WGCDR Ray Funnell (later CAF) with SQNLDR N. Pollock as navigator.

It became the first F-111C aircraft converted to reconnaissance configura-tion on April 18, 1979.

In addition to participating in a num-ber of exercises, air shows and flying displays at major public activities over the years, A8-126 had a major role in the retirement activities for the F-111 fleet on December 3, 2010.

The aircraft was withdrawn from ser-vice with 5,980.2 flying hours.

MAKE USE OF ADF SUPPORT SERVICES

5June 21, 2012RCEAIR FF News

CAPT Bill Heck

WHEN two RAAF C-130s moved more than 320 Papua New Guinea (PNG) Defence Force personnel to Wewak and Lae from Port Moresby on May 31, it marked the start of ADF’s support for the PNG elec-tions.

The elections are scheduled to be held between June 23 and July 6 with the polling stations moving around the country.

Combined Joint Task Force 630, comprising elements of the ADF and New Zealand Defence Force, is providing specialist support capa-bilities, particularly helicopters and logistic assets that are not readily available in PNG.

CJTF 630 Commander COL Andrew MacNab said at the peak of the commitment about 250 Australian and New Zealand Defence personnel would be involved.

“We will work across the coun-try to support local authorities in the delivery of a safe, free and fair elec-tion for the citizens of PNG,” COL MacNab said.

“Australian and New Zealand Defence Force aircraft will carry electoral officials, monitors and observers during the operation and we will also assist with pre-position-

Helping hand for PNG poll

ALL ABOARD: Members of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary embark an Australian Hercules for transport to Madang from Port Moresby to provide security for the coming national elections; inset, LAC Ben Crawford, left, and WOFF Ken Flint unload PNG Electoral Commission ballot boxes from the rear of the C-130H after arriving in Madang. Photos: PO Phil Cullinan

ing of PNG security personnel prior to the poll.”

The Hercules airlift to Wewak and Lae from Port Moresby was in preparation of the PNG soldiers’ move into the highlands.

PNG Elect ion Task Force Commander LTCOL Ezekia Wenzel said he was happy to be deploying with his men to support the people of the highlands.

“We want to ensure a safe and secure election where people can

make their democratic choice freely without intimidation and without fear,” LTCOL Wenzel said.

COL MacNab said it was an important event for PNG.

“We are providing air and logis-tic support in a challenging envi-ronment to remote communities in rugged terrain,” he said.

“Personnel from the PNG Defence Force and the Royal PNG Constabulary are responsible for the security of the elections.”

All in a day’s workWHEN FLTLT Mel Russell flew her C-130 aircraft into Madang, she got quite a welcome.

The Air Force crew, which was transporting material for the coming election, was beseiged by local media eager to find out more about the giant visitor.

FLTLT Russell stepped up to the microphone like a seasoned veteran.

She said the reporters were very polite and only wanted to know about the aircraft.

“It’s really great to be able to help these people out and I love talking about my aircraft,” FLTLT Russell said.

MULTI-SKILLING: FLTLT Mel Russell is greeted by the media.

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6 June 21, 2012RCEAIR FFNews

Jaimie Abbott

THE Wedgetail has made its debut in Alaska as a participant in the most advanced international air combat train-ing activity, Exercise Red Flag.

The Wedgetail – along with a C-130H and C-130J Hercules – flew the flag for Australia in the two-week exer-cise, which is due to end on June 22.

CO 2SQN WGCDR Paul Carpenter said it was the biggest exercise yet for the Wedgetail aircraft – involving a series of air combat and surveillance scenarios that would test operational air and ground crews to the highest level.

He said the exercise, led by the US Pacific Air Forces Command, was important as the Wedgetail moved towards initial operational capability later this year.

“Red Flag provides excellent oppor-tunities for our personnel to integrate with a joint task force to learn how other countries operate,” WGCDR Carpenter said.

Up to 60 personnel from 2SQN at RAAF Base Williamtown and more than 70 personnel from 37SQN at RAAF

Base Richmond are participating in the exercise.

The Hercules were scheduled to practise a variety of roles, including air-drop of cargo and landing at deployed airfields.

OC 84WG GPCAPT Donald Sutherland said: “The C-130H and C-130J personnel must be proficient in operating their aircraft in a range of environments and scenarios, in order to support Defence operations.”

Aircrew were exposed to large-force employment on a scale not possible in Australia when they performed counter air, precision strike and offensive air support in packages of up to 60 aircraft.

Red Flag Alaska involves partici-pants from Australia, the US, Germany, Poland, Japan and the NATO E-3A Component, together with Russian and Bangladeshi military observers.

The exercise is being held in the 67,000 square-mile Joint Alaska Pacific Range Complex, which offers adequate space and ranges for crews to simulate full-scale aerial battles.

More on Exercise Red Flag next edition.

ABOUT 30 Air Combat Group (ACG) F/A-18 and Hawk Lead-in fighters from RAAF Bases Williamtown and Tindal are conducting special exercises to prepare them for coming major exercises.

About 300 personnel are supporting them.

The exercises started on June 12 and will continue until July 20.

Commander Air Combat Group AIRCDRE Tony Grady said the exercise build-up period would involve a series of scenarios that would test the aircrew.

“The scenarios are an essential lead-in to Exercise Pitch Black [to be held between July 23 and August 18], which is our large multinational air exercise held every two years in the Northern Territory,” AIRCDRE Grady said.

“Pitch Black is a highlight of the regional exercise schedule and will allow us to further solidify our rela-tionships with the armed forces of Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and the US.

“Over the next six weeks, our air and ground crews will prepare for this demanding activity, so that we can put our best foot forward with our regional partners.”

In addition, 2SQN has already deployed to Alaska for Exercise Red Flag, and over coming months 76SQN will deploy to Rockhampton and 2 Operational Conversion Unit will deploy to RAAF Base Townsville for Exercise High Sierra.

Getting ready for major exercises

Alaskan venture

ON WITH THE SNOW: A Wedgetail lines up for take-off from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson during Exercise Red Flag Alaska; inset, 2SQN aircrew board the aircraft for their first mission.

Photos: CPL David Gibbs

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7June 21, 2012RCEAIR FF News

Jaimie Abbott

JUST a few weeks after arriving at RAAF Base Williamtown, 2SQN’s newest Wedgetail is preparing to trav-el to Hawaii for Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012.

All six of the modified Boeing 737 jets – which can maintain surveillance over an area five times bigger than Tasmania – have now been delivered to Air Force.

It will be the first time a RAAF-operated Airborne Early Warning and Control Wedgetail will feature in the largest multinational maritime exer-cise in the world.

The other five Wedgetails, the first of which came into service in 2010, are no strangers to international travel.

The aircraft had its first over-seas exercise in October last year for Bersama Lima in the South China Sea. In February, the Wedgetail was in Guam for Exercise Cope North; in May it was in Malaysia for Bersama Shield; and it is currently in Alaska for Exercise Red Flag. In August it will participate for the first time in Exercise Pitch Black.

Last year, the Wedgetail became the first large RAAF transport-type aircraft to complete air-to-air refu-elling, joining with a Singaporean KC-135 which was temporarily oper-ating out of RAAF Base Amberley.

OC 42WG GPCAPT Tracey Friend said air-to-air refuelling had huge ben-efits for the prospect of long-distance global travel.

WEDGETAIL No 6 will join an AP-3C, two RAN frig-ates, a submarine and other ADF assets at RIMPAC.

They will be part of a force of 42 ships, six sub-marines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 person-nel in the biennial exercise, which will run from June 29 to August 3 in the waters around the Hawaiian islands.

Participants this year will come from Australia,

Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, South Korea, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, Tonga, Britain and the US, which is host of the exercise.

Assets this year will be challenged by a wide range of scenarios designed to test their capabilities and interoperabilities to the maximum.

“With the help of our coalition partners, and in time our own tanker aircraft, the Wedgetail can potentially fly anywhere in the world,” GPCAPT Friend said.

Straight to work you go

After participating in Exercise Red Flag Alaska, that Wedgetail will trav-el to Britain for the Waddington Air Show.

Commander Surveillance and

Response Group AIRCDRE Stephen Osborne pointed out the significance of that.

“It will be the first t ime a Wedgetail aircraft has been to a UK

air show and is particularly relevant given RAF Waddington is the home of the UK combat intelligence, surveil-lance, target acquisition and recon-naissance capability,” AIRCDRE Osborne said.

Initial operating capability (IOC) for the Wedgetail is set to be declared towards the end of this year.

The aircraft is designed to provide airborne battle-management capability with advanced multi-role electronical-ly scanned radar and 10 mission crew consoles that can track airborne and maritime targets simultaneously.

“The incremental delivery strategy has allowed us to train and operate the aircraft in all its developing stag-es while gaining experience with the capability,” GPCAPT Friend said.

Before IOC can be declared, fur-ther training, operational test and evaluation and final software configu-ration testing needs to be completed, as well as certification of the mission system.

“In terms of sheer operations it has been a challenge, but we are as prepared as we could have been to operate a capability we’ve never had before,” GPCAPT Friend said.

The Wedgetail’s surveillance sur-face area is 400,000 square kilometres at any one time. Over a 10-hour mis-sion its mission systems and advanced radar will be able to cover four million square kilometres in surveillance, with its primary task being to detect air threats and coordinate air defence.

Bound for Hawaii

RIMPAC FIRST-TIMER: The new Wedgetail on the hardstand at RAAF Base Williamtown and, above right, some of the US Navy’s biggest ships alongside Pearl Harbor during RIMPAC 2010.

Photos: LACW Katharine Pearson and LS James McDougall

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9June 21, 2012RCEAIR FF News

Member (AM) in the Military Division of the Order of AustraliaAIRCDRE Tracy SmartFor exceptional performance of duty as a medical officer in the Air Force.CHAP Ian WhitleyFor exceptional service to the Air Force and the Australian community as an Air Force chaplain.

Member (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the Military Division SQNLDR Michael Duyvene De Wit For meritorious performance of duty as an instructor at Joint Terminal Attack Control Troop and as Tactical Operations Officer at 44WG.SQNLDR Damien Farrell For meritorious service in the field of space-based surveillance for the ADF.SQNLDR Andrew Jackson For meritorious service as 81WG Standardisation Officer and ‘B’ Flight Commander, 2 Operational Conversion Unit.WOFF Kerry Mann For meritorious service in the field of airlift operations and support.

Commendation for Distinguished Service GPCAPT Andrew Heap For distinguished perfor-mance of duty in warlike operations as Air Component Commander, Joint Task Force 633 on Operation Slipper from November 2010 to May 2011.WGCDR Jonathan McMullan For distinguished performance of duty in warlike operations as CO of the Heron Remotely Piloted Vehicle Detachment on Operation Slipper in Afghanistan from April to September 2011.SQNLDR Jarrod Pendlebury For distinguished performance of duty in warlike operations as an aircraft captain at 36SQN, providing air transport support to Australia’s operational forces.

Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC)WGCDR Dean Ransom For outstanding achieve-ment as a Capability Management Staff Officer for Surveillance and Response Group. SQNLDR Andrew Hoffman For outstanding achievement as the Targeting Flight Commander at 87SQN.SGT Gary Kilday For outstanding achievement as a Combat Controller at 4SQN.

Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM)WOFF David Coles For meritorious achievement as the Maintenance Training Flight Commander at 292SQN.WOFF Craig Thomas For meritorious achievement as Warrant Officer Engineering at 2 Operational Conversion Unit.FSGT Tony Benfer For meritorious devotion to duty in leading the Physical Training Section at RAAF Base Wagga, and for service to disabled sport.FSGT Jason Morrison For meritorious achievement as the Senior Non-Commissioned Officer in the Deployable Information Systems at 1 Combat Communications Squadron.CPL Brendan Smith For meritorious achievement as the Unit Maintenance Training Non-Commissioned Officer at 92WG Development Flight.

SGT Brian Hartigan

DIVERSITY of service across the Air Force was recognised with a range of awards announced on June 11 as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Of note on this year’s l ist were three Conspicuous Service Crosses (CSC), five Conspicuous Service Medals (CSM) and three Commendations for Distinguished Service.

Two Air Force officers were appointed Members (AM) of the Order of Australia while four mem-bers were awarded Medals (OAM) of the Order of Australia.

Among those recognised this year was SGT Gary Kilday, a combat con-troller from 4SQN, awarded a CSC for his work in developing an air-field and assault-zone reconnaissance capability within the combat control-ler category.

SGT Kilday said he wasn’t too sure about being singled out for such a prestigious individual award.

“It’s just not in our culture to seek individual accolade or place ourselves on a pedestal, so it’s actually quite uncomfortable being singled out when there are so many high perform-ers working here,” he said.

“Essentially, I look at this as a reflection on the efforts of the entire combat controller category capability. By no means did I achieve this on my own.

“So, I will accept this as recogni-tion of the whole capability.”

No stranger to the limelight or the pages of Air Force News, FSGT Tony Benfer was also “surprised and very humbled” when he heard he was to be awarded a CSM for his work as a PTI and for his service to disabled sport.

“You just work hard every day doing the job you love and then

something like this comes out of the blue – and it’s fantastic,” he said. “I don’t even know who nominated me, but I’m trying hard to find out, just to say thank you.”

FSGT Benfer said that when he read the letter telling him of his nomi-nation, his face lit up with a smile.

“But then I read I wasn’t allowed to tell anyone about it, and that was very hard,” he said.

“I didn’t tell my wife or my col-leagues [before the long weekend].

“I was even in Brisbane recently and couldn’t tell my mum when I met her, even though I was bursting to.

“It was very hard keeping that secret.”

SQNLDR Jarrod Pendlebury, who was recognised with a Commendation for Distinguished Service in warlike operations as an aircraft captain, said he was most looking forward to giv-ing back what he’s learnt.

He said some of the experiences he has had over the past six or seven years were amazing.

“Yes, it’s true I was asked to do a reconnaissance of a small airfield in Afghanistan – Tarin Kot – that HQ said they were looking at using a lot more frequently, so we did our plan-ning, flew in there and dropped some people off for a look around.

“It was only a dirt strip back then and with very little infrastructure.

“I was back there just last week actually, flying a C-17A. It’s really good to come full circle like that.

“When I made that first flight, I had a very experienced mentor with me.

“Now, if I can give back just a tenth of what I’ve learnt, I’ll be happy.”

SQNLDR Pendlebury will soon be posted as executive officer to 84WG – back with the Hercules.

Queen’s honours

WHO’S ON THE LIST CSM: Right, PTI FSGT Tony Benfer, of HQ GTW, with the medals he won at the US Marine Corp Trials earlier this year. Photo: AB Richard CordellCOMMDS: Below, C-17A pilot SQNLDR Jarrod Pendlebury, of 36SQN, just before deploying to the MEAO.

OAM: Above, AIRCDRE Tracy Smart, of JHC, and below, CHAP Ian Whitley, of 31SQN.

CSC: SGT Gary Kilday, of 4SQN, in full combat controller gear, surveying an airfield. Photo: LAC Mark Friend

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10 Air Force Improvement RCEAIR FF June 21, 2012

NUMBER 77 Squadron is the inaugural winner of the Air Force Improvement (AFI) Team of the Year Award in recognition of its whole-of-squadron operating improvements program in 2011.

CO 77SQN WGCDR Glen Beck said that it was clear that improve-ment initiatives had to be linked to the required flying output.

“We looked at what flying was really required and how the resource requirements changed based on those flying demands,” he said.

77SQN ran a series of planning workshops to identify causes of inef-ficiency which informed planning of improvement initiatives. It then implemented a range of improvements across the squadron to improve coordi-nation between aircrew and flightline staff, and to maximise the ‘time on tools’ for maintenance staff.

FLTLT Amanda Gosling’s efforts in launching the 37SQN Maintenance Management Improvement Program (MMIP) earnt her the inaugural Air Force Improvement Leadership Award.

The MMIP identified a number of improvement opportunities within 37SQN, ranging from major activities, such as optimisation of aircraft wash procedures and assignment of dedicated maintenance managers, to a large num-ber of ‘Just Do It’ activities.

Accepting the award on behalf of FLTLT Gosling, CO 37SQN WGCDR Mark McCallum said that under FLTLT Gosling’s leadership, the MMIP had directly contributed to an increase in C-130 aircraft serviceability.

“In an environment characterised by operational deadlines, overseas deploy-ments and organisational stress, FLTLT Gosling has gone beyond the straight-forward requirements of her job as OIC Flightline to envisage and deliver a bet-ter future for her people and the capabil-ity they support,” WGCDR McCallum said.

He said FLTLT Gosling’s commit-ment to advise, guide and coach indi-viduals in developing and delivering reforms was a factor that clearly made her a worthy recipient of the award.

The award was co-presented by CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown and John

The results of 77SQN’s improve-ments have included:➤ A higher quality of aircrew cat-

egorisation scheme upgrades.➤ Better planning tools and better

communication, leading to a reduction in wasted effort and a higher quality of execution.

➤ A very high mission achieve-ment rate.

➤ A more efficient and productive work environment.

➤ A positive continuous improve-ment culture.

The results of the MMIP improve-ments have included:➤ Optimisation of aircraft wash pro-

cedures that could save 1200 man hours a year.

➤ Assignment of dedicated main-tenance managers for aircraft undergoing maintenance which has already reduced delays in aircraft releases and increases in aircraft availability for tasking.

➤ A flightline shift roster changeover routine which has reduced fatigue in the maintenance workforce and maintenance issues on the flightline.

Monaghan from BAE Systems Australia at the Air Force Awards Night at the RAAF Base Amberley Combined Mess on May 31.

FLTLT Gosling also received a CAF Commendation in recognition of her efforts.

Acting Director General Air Force Improvement GPCAPT Kevin Downs said the leadership shown by FLTLT Gosling in successfully engaging a large workforce in taking on a substantial pro-gram of reform was to be commended.

Leadership award for maintenance changes

TWO AWARDS: FLTLT Amanda Gosling in front of a 37SQN Hercules.

Photo: LAC David Said

BIG IMPACT

“The improvements have yielded outstanding mission achievement lev-els, where flying program demands

77SQN team of the year

have been consistently met by main-tenance and support personnel,” WGCDR Beck said.

“In 2011, we had serviceable air-craft available for 99 per cent of pro-grammed missions.

“The understanding of the close relationship between aircrew, main-tenance, logistics and administration staff has led to the consolidation of business processes throughout the unit.

“The planning and management of flying operations has become more efficient, and the broader effects on maintenance and supply are understood in detail from the beginning.”

WGCDR Beck said strong execu-tive leadership had been central in both the planning and execution of squadron improvement activities.

“However, we rely on ideas coming in from all parts of the squadron at all rank levels,” he said. “This continuous improvement culture is now becoming part of the regular squadron business routine.”

The AFI Team of the Year Award was presented by CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown at the Air Force Awards Night at the RAAF Base Amberley Combined Mess on May 31.

Acting Director General AFI

SPECIAL EFFORT

GPCAPT Kevin Downs said the award provided an opportunity to recognise the great work that units were doing to improve Air Force.

“Through their willingness to question how they operate as a whole squadron and change how they do things, 77SQN have established a repu-tation for excellence,” he said.

“The next generation of leaders being developed within the unit are now experiencing a better way of doing business and effective improvement leadership. This in conjunction with the generation of a positive change cul-ture will assure their success.”

WELL DONE: WGCDR Glen Beck accepts the award from CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown; right, 77SQN jets prepare for take-off.

Photos: SGT Rob Mitchell and LACW

Kylie Gibson

Andrew Stackpool

AIR Force’s annual night-of-nights was held at the Combined Mess at RAAF Base Amberley on May 31.

Nearly 100 attended the 2011 Air Force Awards gala night, hosted by CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown, including ACAUST AVM Mel Hupfield, WOFF-AF Mark Pentreath, award recipients, their COs, Force Element Group commanders and WOFFs.

The Air Force Band provided the entertainment.

In his welcoming speech, AIRMSHL Brown described the occa-sion one of the most significant events on the Air Force calendar.

He said it was about the extraor-dinary contributions made to the Air Force and ADF by Air Force people – both military and civilian.

“It provides us with one of the few opportunities to showcase our people and their achievements and, importantly, recognise individual and squadron achievements,” AIRMSHL Brown said.

“As you might imagine, choosing the recipients of our awards is a dif-ficult task when so many of our men and women consistently exceed the demands placed on them and their families.

“I see outstanding performances by our people on a regular basis, operat-ing at all levels across many different environments.”

AIRMSHL Brown said the out-

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Air Force AwardsRCEAIR FF June 21, 2012 11

In a class of their ownTOP BRASS: Award recipients from the 2011 Air Force Awards Night proudly display their trophies at the RAAF Base Amberley Combined Mess. Photo: LACW Kylie Gibson

standing performances behind every one of the 2011 awards covered a period of great pressure on Air Force to reform the way it does business.

“This will be an ongoing challenge as we make adjustments to ensure we continue to deliver first rate air

power within a constrained budget,” AIRMSHL Brown said.

“To the recipients, you are the ambassadors of our continuous improvement. Moreover, I see your approach delivering real benefits for Air Force, making the difficult

choices, cutting out the waste where it exists and focusing your efforts on adding value and delivering the quality outcomes,” he said.

“What I need from your peers is the sort of commitment that you have given, to ensure that we remain a most

capable, responsive and flexible force in our region, if not the world.

“I congratulate and commend the men and women and those units being honoured tonight as their efforts have set them apart from their peers during 2011.”

MORE OVER THE PAGE

12 13RCEAIR FFAir Force Awards June 21, 2012

CPL Matthew Brougham is the Airman of the Year and his colleagues at 1 Combat Communications Squadron (1CCS) are “over the moon about it”.

CO 1CCS WGCDR Nicholas Clarke said the award was fantastic and justly deserved.

“A more worthy recipient would be extremely hard to find,” he said.

“There was broad-based support for CPL Brougham being nominated for the award and people are delighted that he received it.”

Squadron XO SQNLDR David Clyde said CPL Brougham was nominated by broad consensus from the chain of command and his peer group.

“The nomination was based on overall perfor-mance, both within the squadron and while he was away on deployment,” SQNLDR Clyde said.

“CPL Brougham's general maturity and the positive influence he has within his peer group were key factors.

“He naturally assumes a leadership role. “He has a 'can do' attitude and is willing to

give anything a go. He does not shy from tak-ing on additional responsibilities. He is also relatively unassuming. He stands out without trying to,” he said.

CPL Brougham was shocked when he dis-covered the news.

“We had a medals and promotions parade at the unit for the Air Force’s birthday and as part of that, the CO asked for the Air Force Airman of the Year to step forward,” CPL Brougham said.

“Of course, nobody knew who he was talk-ing about – including me. So when he called my name, I was overwhelmed.

“Someone from our unit won it a couple of years ago and I was aware of the work he and some others had done over the years.

“So to be counted in that kind of com-pany was amazing.”

Setting an example Air Force Proficiency and Leadership Awards:➤ The Air Force Australian Public Service

(APS) Team Member of the Year Award: Mr Gary Dobe, Headquarters Air Combat Group.

➤ The AVM B.A. Eaton Award: CPL Matthew Brougham, 1 Combat Communications Squadron.

➤ The AVM Tony Dietz Memorial Quality and Achievement Medallions: FSGT David Kadel, Health Operational Conversion Unit, and Mr Dean Bzadough, Tactical Fighter Systems Program Office.

➤ Her Majesty The Queen’s Gold Medal: OFFCDT Maxwell Watterson, 2 Flying Training School.

➤ The J.R. Bartram and R.A. Kee Sword of Honour: AC Matthew Xuereb, 37SQN.

➤ The McCarthy, Rowbottom and Jones Memorial Award: SQNLDR Kimberley Davey, Health Operational Conversion Unit.

➤ The Lipshut Family Bursary: CPL Rhet Tainton, Directorate General Technical Airworthiness – ADF.

➤ The Chief of Air Force Instructor of the Year Award: SQNLDR Peter Ferris, School of Air Traffic Control.

➤ The SQNLDR W.T. Riggs Perpetual Trophy: CPL Christopher Dickson, 1 Joint Public Affairs Unit.

➤ The Thales Australia Leadership Sword: OFFCDT Maxwell Watterson, 2 Flying Training School.

➤ The Warrant Officer of the Air Force Instructor of the Year Award: CPL Lachlan Pegg, 1 Recruit Training Unit.

➤ The Air Force Improvement Leadership Award: FLTLT Amanda Gosling, 37SQN.

➤ The Air Force Improvement Team of the Year Award: 77SQN.

➤ The Duke of Gloucester Cup: 37SQN.

FULL WINNERS LIST

Over the moon for Matthew

CPL Christopher Dickson, of 1JPAU, took out the SQNLDR W.T. Riggs Trophy for best official photograph of the year for the second time in three years with this image captured on October 27, 2011. Pictured is Air Force Band bugler LAC Jason Reeve

playing the Last Post in the hall of remembrance during a wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial of Korea, Seoul, to commemorate those Australian airmen involved in the Korean War.

“I’m so proud to be lucky enough to win again,” CPL Dickson, pictured right, said. “I’m always trying to capture the true feeling of the moment, and that’s not easy. I’m constantly working at my art and studying as many photographs as I

can. That’s how I work to ‘capture time’ and at the right moment and in the right frame.”

Christopher’s picture tells a thousand words

➤ The Hawker Siddeley Trophy: RAAF Base Darwin.

➤ The Markowski Cup: Air Mobility Control Centre.

➤ The RAAF Maintenance Trophy: 37SQN.➤ The Stonehaven Trophy: 278SQN.Air Force Safety Awards: ➤ The Leadership Award for Injury Prevention

and Management: Headquarters Ground Training Wing, Physical Training Section.

➤ The Best Workplace Health and Safety Management System: Headquarters 81WG.

➤ The Best Solution to an Identified Workplace Health and Safety Issue: 292SQN.

➤ The Best Individual Contribution to Health and Safety – Category 5A: Mr Scott Dawson, 382 Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron; Category 5B: FSGT Andrew McGough, 11SQN, and SGT Sean Mohapp, 4SQN.

Royal Aeronautical Society Aviation Safety Award:➤ The Royal Aeronautical Society (Australia

Division) award: FLTLT Bruce Preston, 24SQN.

Chief of Air Force Essay Competition:➤ The Air-Vice Marshal H.N. Wrigley Prize:

FLTLT Alexandra McCubbin.

Showcasing some of our top airmen of 2011 PHOTO OF THE YEAR

AIRMAN OF THE YEAR

WOFF-AF INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR

AIRFIELD DEFENCE AWARD

LIPSHUT FAMILY BURSARY

SWORD OF HONOURAC Matthew Xuereb, of 37SQN, said he was “very proud of the effort he put in at the RAAF School of Technican Training” to win the J.A. Bartram and R.A. Kee Sword of Honour award. ACAUST AVM Mel Hupfeld, left, presented AC Xuereb with the trophy, which recognised his exceptional efforts on the aircraft technician basic course. “It feels very good to have that effort recognised,” AC Xuereb said. “It was a very humbling experience to be singled out at the Air Force Awards night, and I really enjoyed the evening.”

Finding out he had won the AIRMSHL S.D. Evans and Airfield Defence Association Award was a real shock for LAC Justin Campbell, of 2AFDS. “I found out at the awards dinner after they got me there on a pretext,” he said. “I was over the moon really. But seriously, I owe this to the boys I work with at 2AFDS Recon.” He was presented with the award, for out-standing leadership and operational performance by a junior NCO within an airfield defence squadron, on the night by former Chief of Air Staff AIRMSHL Dave Evans, left.

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Awards night photos: LACW Kylie Gibson

Daniel Lipshut, right, presents the Lipshut Family Bursary trophy to CPL Rhet Tainton, of DGTA-ADF. The bursary assists with the educational goals of an outstanding airman who has a view to commission in the Air Force.

THE progression from instructing at squadron level to instructing at 1RTU came naturally for the 2012 Air Force Instructor of the Year recipient CPL Lachlan Pegg.

CPL Pegg, an Airfield Defence Guard (AFG), is a member of the Force Protection Training Team that provides military training to recruits from week seven and eight.

“We instruct them on everything from judging distances to target identification, vehicle check points and prisoner of war handling,” he said.

Not expecting the award, CPL Pegg said it was nice to be recognised for his efforts.

“It’s a very reward-ing job,” he said.

“It’s a very influen-tial role we all have as instructors at 1RTU.” WOFF-AF Mark Pentreath said the Instructor of the Year award was highly

Right, WOFF-AF Mark Pentreath presents the trophy to CPL Lachlan Pegg.

pecting the award, CPL Peggs nice to be recognised for his

very reward-e said.very influen-e all have as s at 1RTU.” F Mark

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contested this year by a number of excel-lent candidates from across Air Force and ADF training establishments.

“CPL Pegg displayed exemplary instructional skills as the lead instructor on recruit course graduation parades,” WOFF-AF Pentreath said.

“This was particularly impressive given Lachlan achieved this in the inau-gural role of ADG specialist instructor.”

CPL Pegg said it was an honour receiving the award “especially due to the amount of talented instructors we have currently within Air Force”.

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14 June 21, 2012RCEAIR FNews

A WARRANT office r f rom 381 Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron (381ECSS) has completed his 50th event to raise money for underprivileged, sick and handicapped children.

WOFF Kevin Leahy provided his own car and joined 65 other vehicles on the Newcastle Variety Bash through the Hunter region and rural NSW from May 20-26.

More than 200 participants raised more than $500,000 and handed out equipment to rural schools and hospitals.

A small team of 381ECSS members also assisted with the Bash, supplying a truck to carry the entrants’ excess baggage and material for presentations to schools along the way.

WOFF Leahy said a highlight came in Gunnedah when Variety presented an elec-tric hospital bed to a very sick child.

“It was arranged as a surprise for the family by the local physio department, who had no idea that they were receiving the bed,” he said.

“Seeing the faces and the emotions of the mother and father of the child, who are not in the best health themselves, is what makes being involved with Variety worth every moment.

“It was probably one of the most mem-orable presentations I have been involved in.”

The Variety team also handed out play-ground equipment, learning aids, wheel-chairs and walking frames.

“Lately donations have included com-puters, enabling contact with major hospi-tals, allowing on-call doctors to assist and diagnose via the internet,” WOFF Leahy said.

Following a few days of rain out west, the cars on the Bash stuck to sealed roads to avoid damaging dirt roads.

WOFF Leahy drove the sweep vehicle that made sure all entrants were accounted for at the end of the day.

Over the years since Variety started in Australia, more than $120 million has been raised in NSW.

WOFF Leahy said assisting the under-

privileged, sick and handicapped kids of the Hunter area was his driving force.

“This is what it is all about and why I have been involved for so long,” he said.

“Seeing the results of our committee’s hard work in Newcastle and the joy and happiness for the kids and families makes it all worthwhile.”

WOFF Leahy was awarded an Order of Australia medal on Australia Day in 2010 for his support to Variety, along with his work at Combat Support Group as a ground support equipment fitter.

DRIVING FORCE: Left, WOFF Kevin Leahy, left, and his brother Denis with the Sweep vehicle they drove during the Variety Bash to make sure all entrants were accounted for at the end of the day. Above, Bash vehicles lined up at Gunnedah in north-eastern NSW. Below left, entrants ready to start another day on the Bash from Gunnedah.Below right, LACs Ian Robinson and Mark Barak, of 381ECSS, with a truck used to carry entrants’ excess baggage and material for presentations to schools along the route. Photos: WOFF Kevin Leahy

Kev’s big BashKev’s big Bash

Air Force BandJune 22: OTS gradu-ation parade, RAAF Base East Sale.June 28: 2FTS gradu-ation parade, RAAF Base Pearce.July 1: Victorian Reserve Forces Day Parade, Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne.July 4: 1RTU gradu-ation parade, RAAF Base Wagga.July 4: Victorian RSL State Conference, Caufield Racecourse.

RoulettesJune 22: OTS gradu-ation parade, RAAF Base East Sale.June 25: SAW gradu-ation parade, RAAF Base East Sale.

Air Force eventsDEFENCE TRANSITIONS

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15June 21, 2012RCEAIR FF News

Andrew Stackpool

FOR most Australians, May 19, 1992, was just another ordinary day.

For 77SQN a t RAAF Base Williamtown, and the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), it became a day of tragedy when an F/A-18 Hornet, A21-06, piloted by FLGOFF Robert Jepsen, crashed at Cape Clinton, near Rockhampton.

Flying with him was DSTO scien-tist Michael Howlett.

Both men were killed.To mark 20 years since the tragedy,

on May 17, 77SQN held a commemo-rative service in front of the squadron’s headquarters complex at RAAF Base Williamtown.

Joining the squadron were 15 mem-bers of both men’s families and repre-sentatives from the chaplain’s office, 81WG, Air Combat Group, Air Base Command Post, Defence Service Group and VCDF’s office.

VCDF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin had been lead pilot on the mission – as a SQNLDR – when the accident occured.

VCDF said that 20 years on from the tragedy, it was an opportunity for the Jepsen and Howlett families to visit the memorial site at Cape Clinton.

“It is also an opportunity for us to again reflect on an accident that deeply touched many people across the organ-isation, including myself,” AIRMSHL Binskin said.

Following the service, a lunch was provided and AIRMSHL Binskin

IN BRIEF

Spartan contractA $63 million contract was recently signed with Alenia Aermacchi for the long-term operation, maintenance, modification and upgrade of the C-27J Spartan aircraft and support systems. Defence Minister Stephen Smith and Defence Materiel Minister Jason Clare announced the contract on June 3. The contract will also provide Defence with the ability to compete and sublicense third parties, including Australian industry, to provide maintenance and training services, and the ability to modify the C-27J capability.

Russell rescueTWO Air Force members came to the rescue of a Hyundai i30 on June 8 when they stopped it from rolling out of its parking space and potentially into other vehicles or pedestrians in the R4 Russell Offices car park. The two members were passing by when they spotted the sliding vehicle, quickly pushed it back into its space and then chocked the front wheel with a large rock. The two Good Samaritans did not wished to be named but said they did not consider themselves to be heroes. “We are merely everyday men of the Air Force,” they said.

United languageTHE Defence International Training Centre joined teachers from schools that work with the ADF to provide language training for the Regional English Language Schools Conference in Hanoi, Vietnam, from May 29-31. Teachers from Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Tonga, Thailand, East Timor and Vietnam came together to develop ways to improve English language training and discuss ways to maintain pathways for teacher training in the region.

Tragic loss recalled

hosted a dinner for the family mem-bers, CO 77SQN and close friends in Newcastle.

The next day, the families were flown by 34SQN to Rockhampton and then an Army Black Hawk to the crash site, which is marked by a commemo-rative plaque. A wreath was laid there.

AIRMSHL Binskin thanked every-one who assisted with the 20th anni-versary commemorative activities at Williamtown and Cape Clinton.

“I especially wish to recognise 34SQN and the Black Hawk in trans-porting the families to the crash site," he said.

REFLECTION: Above, VCDF Mark Binskin with Keith Jepsen and other family and Air Force members in front of a commemorative plaque at the crash site at Cape Clinton. Left, from left, Keith Jepsen, PLTOFF Benjamin James Howlett and Cherie Howlett remember FLGOFF Robert Jepsen and Michael Howlett at a service at Williamtown. Photos: David McClenaghan and LAC Mark Friend

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CPL Mark Doran

COMBAT injuries and damage to personal protective equipment are closely monitored in Afghanistan by Australian Casualty and Protective Equipment Analysis (AS CASPEAN).

AS CASPEAN is a research project under the authority of HQ Joint Operations Command (HQJOC) and the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), and the guidelines of the Australian Defence Human Research Ethics Committee.

Nursing officer SQNLDR Ken Kemp is the AS CASPEAN liaison officer, who collects and collates data and evidence relevant to com-bat injuries or damage to personal protective equipment and vehicles in the MEAO.

The battle-damaged equip-ment and data collected by AS CASPEAN ends up at HQJOC and DSTO where research takes place and recommendations for redesign, modifications, purchase of new equipment or changes to tactics, techniques and procedures are made to DiggerWorks and other ADF authorities.

Based at Multinational Base Tarin Kot, SQNLDR Kemp said his medical background was most suitable for the position because of the need to liaise with casualties.

“Although there is continuous reporting to Australia, it is a large-ly self-driven position as you need to have your ear to the ground, check reports every day and be available whenever there is an incident,” SQNLDR Kemp said.

He said because of the nature of war it was common for a sol-dier to disregard a minor injury or damage, keep going and not report it to the medical staff or their com-mand chain in the post contact report.

“What may be just a bruise or a scrape to a soldier from something which has passed through the PPE may mean it is not performing correctly or it saved the individual from a further injury,” he said.

LAC Bill Solomou

THREE months into her six-month MEAO deployment, environmental health officer FLTLT Evelyn Wright gained the motivation and inspira-tion to write an emotional poem.

The 6 Expeditionary Health Squadron member, deployed to Al Minhad Air Base (AMAB) with Combat Support Unit 6.

Being her first operational deployment, she said the experience was new to her.

“The experience was something I could commit to paper and have a memory of,” she said.

“Not only for the other members but especially for myself and my daughter.

“I sat down one day and started writing; it just flowed out.”

The inspiration for the poem came from her day-to-day tasks and her feelings from being away from home.

“The poem follows the logical order of everything we did,” she said.

“The first verse is about submit-ting an expression of interest to go on deployment, to being selected, to going through force prep, to arriving in the Middle East, to the bulk of the deployment and finally going home.

“Poetry writing is always some-thing that I have enjoyed doing.”

On the night she presented the poem to her colleagues at AMAB, many came up to her and told her how much they enjoyed it.

“All the comments I got were positive, everyone appreciated it,” FLTLT Wright said.

“People said I summed up the deployment really well.”

An avid writer, FLTLT Wright also sent a daily journal back to her family and friends every month dur-ing her deployment.

It’s writing from the heart at Al Minhad

Excerpt from Yearning

Blood courses, the heart pounds true.The familiar stirrings of facing something new.Expressions were called, words submitted, the wait begun.Wondering each day, was I to be the one.A hundred others, each with their own dream and reason.Waited silently to learn if winter was to be their season.Names announced, excitement grew as people arrived.A united goal for which all have strived.Faces new, faces old, who is who.Each person a piece of the puzzle created new.We met, we laughed, we learned.We played, we worked and respect we earned.Time brought too quickly and too slowly the moment of sadness and tears.Hugs and goodbyes, bravely hiding fears.Excitement and loneliness – an atmosphere divided.Emotions, commitment to family and service collided.Roar of the engines, murmurs of voices.Thoughts focused on future decisions and choices.The landscape dark, silent and warm envel-oped all.Prayers for those around that throughout our time none should fall.

KEEPING THEM SAFE: CASPEAN Liaison Officer SQNLDR Ken Kemp at Multinational Base Tarin Kot. Photo: CPL Mark Doran

PENNED EMOTIONAL POEM: FLTLT Evelyn Wright at Al Minhad Air Base.

Keeping count of combat toll

perations

If you have an interesting story to tell, get in touch with AIR FORCE and get it in print.

We can support you with photographs, writing and chain of command approvals.

Contact the editorial team by email at raafnews@defencenews.gov.au

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SHOOTING PRACTICE: Above, SQNLDR Karl Matthews, of Air Force Headquarters, at the Australian Army Skill at Arms Meeting at Puckapunyal Military Range. Photo: SGT John Waddell

LOADS OF FUN: Above, 37SQN loadmaster WOFF Stephen Skudder on the ramp of a C-130H during the Defence Force Air Show at RAAF Base Pearce. Photo: LACW Kylie GibsonTOWNSVILLE SMILES: Below, working dog handler CPL Floyd Pandava, of 1AFDS, with his dog Viking during the air show. Photo: AB Jayson Tufrey

OUT AND ABOUT IN ADELAIDE: Above, LACW Dani Kirby, of 10SQN, and FLTLT Chris Horner, of 92WG, raise their cups in the Cancer Council’s Biggest Morning Tea at Rundle Mall in the city. Left, LACW Kellie Lucas, of 1RSU, completes her evaluation questionnaire at the Defence 2020 Youth Challenge at Technology Park in Mawson Lakes. Photos: LACW Nicci Freeman

HAPPY HOMECOMING: Above, at a welcome home parade in Townsville, CPL Sam Foale, of Army’s 1RAR, reunites with fiancée LACW Lauren Beech after her return from deployment to Afghanistan. Photo: SGT Rachel Ingram

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STUDENTS attending the RAAF School of Administration and Logistics Training (RAAFSALT) in the future can look forward to two new courses to upgrade their qualifi-cations.

RAAFSALT is developing a new train-the-trainer scheme to replace the existing instructor and assessor courses.

They are the Air Force Enterprise Trainer and Assessor and the RAAF Instructor courses.

RAAFSALT CO WGCDR Peter Gibb said the requirement came about to meet the current instructor and assessor needs of the Air Force in the most effective way.

“There has been an increase in the prevalence of competency logbooks in the workplace, greater legislated impost on the Air Force registered training organisation for instructor/

Inspiring future female fliers

Train-the-trainer scheme new to logistics school

At a glance

➤ The Air Force Enterprise Trainer and Assessor course is a five-day residential course.

➤ The RAAF Instructor course is a 10-day residential course.

➤ The trainer and assessor course includes instruction and assess-ment in four units of compe-tency from the TAE Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, while the instructor course includes six units.

➤ For both of these courses, all units of competency are assessed on course and not in the workplace.

➤ On completion of both courses, graduates are eligible to apply for the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment through the Headquarters Air Command Accreditation Cell.

➤ Members must have successfully completed or be enrolled on the trainer and assessor course to nominate for the instructor course.

assessor qualification and changing roles and responsibilities of workplace assessors,” WGCDR Gibb said.

“This led to a rethink of the dec-ade-old training regime for Air Force instructors and assessors.”

The trainer and assessor course will graduate personnel competent and authorised to work as a registered workplace assessor and/or a work-place trainer.

In future, this course will be the primary training for all members of the Air Force not employed in full-time instructional roles.

The instructor course has been designed to meet the needs of mem-bers posted to a full-time instructional position. It is a longer, more intensive course and will provide instruction in lesson development, delivery and assessment. Course members will be trained in lesson delivery and alternate training technologies.

WGCDR Gibb said the changes would have no impact on any mem-bers who had completed the for-mer assessor and instructor courses and held either a TAA04 or TEA10 Certificate IV.

“The qualification is still valid and there is currently no requirement for holders to upgrade,” he said.

“Unfortunately, however, any-one who only holds the superseded BSZ98 qualification will be required to undergo further training to upgrade their skills if they are instructing or assessing in the workplace.”

For further information or enquiries about the new courses, contact FLTLT Darrin Gardiner on (02) 69375540 or email dar-rin.gardiner@defence.gov.au

WGCDR Dee Gibbon

FEMALE pilot and air combat offic-er (ACO) cadets from the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) received a welcome update on their chosen careers on May 29 when DCAF AVM Leo Davies hosted the second annual ‘Flying Females’ breakfast at the academy.

Director of Personnel Air Force GPCAPT Andrew Elfverson and a number of serving females joined him at the breakfast.

The annual breakfast resulted from comments by many ADFA cadet pilots/ACOs that they had never met or even seen other women already serving as pilots or ACOs.

In addressing the breakfast, AVM Davies said he welcomed the oppor-tunity to discuss ‘all things aviation’ with them.

I n h i s a d d r e s s , G P C A P T Elfverson provided some helpful career management advice and dis-

cussed some of the unique career-based challenges faced by women aircrew, especially during periods of pregnancy and post-pregnancy peri-ods.

“My team is committed to provid-ing posting and employment opportu-nities for aircrew through all life and career stages,” GPCAPT Elfverson said.

P i lo t , SQNLDR Saman tha Freebairn, of the Directorate of Personnel Air Force, and ACOs SQNLDR Sarah Stalker, of Defence Space Coordination, and SQNLDR Susan Lambert, of the Directorate of Workforce Planning, answered the cadets’ questions, shared their own experiences, gave practical sugges-tions for passing initial training, and encouraged the cadets to contact a mentor if they ever needed helpful advice in the future.

After the breakfast, OFFCDT Essie Broadbent said she found it inspiring, noting that it helped to rein-

force her motivation towards a flying career.

OFFCDT Grace Scholl found the timing of the breakfast (in her second year at the Academy) helped to com-bat the renowned “second year blues” and said she appreciated the oppor-tunity to talk to more senior women about their aviation careers.

The establishment of a female network and developing mentoring relationships between women within the female aircrew community is seen as a critical step in helping young women to be successful through their specialisation training and remain in long-term ADF aviation careers.

The Flying Females breakfast is one of the initiatives that has been implemented as part of Project WINTER (Women in Non Traditional Employment Roles).

For more information on the project, contact FSGT Adam Robinson at adam.robinson@defence.gov.au

Photo: LAC Bill Solomou

FLYING SUCCESS: DCAF AVM Leo Davies addresses participants of the Flying Females breakfast at ADFA, where female cadets aspiring to be pilots or air combat officers can talk to women already serving in those roles. Photo: Steve Dent

19June 21, 2012RCEAIR FF Personnel

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20 June 21, 2012RCEAIR FFFinance

With tax return time on the doorstep, it’s time to fi nd an appropriate accountant. Australian Securities and Investments Commission chairman Greg Medcraft provides some tips.

BECAUSE ADF members may be entitled to certain tax and other benefits, you might want to engage a professional accountant to help you with your taxes or other financial arrangements.

Choosing an accountant is much like choosing any other professional, such as a lawyer or plumber. Take some time to shop around and select an accountant that meets your needs.

Tax returnsFor most of us, the word accountant is closely associ-

ated with tax time.This type of accounting service is widely used and

typically offered by suburban accountants and large accounting firms with local offices.

Look out for the advertisements. Make sure your accountant is a registered tax agent by checking online at the Tax Practitioners Board website: www.tpb.gov.au.

If your finances are straightforward you can fill out a paper tax return or use the Australian Tax Office’s (ATO) online e-tax system. If you have more complex finances you might want to engage an accountant to give you general advice on specific tax situations. Accountants may also be able to help you with invest-ment issues, provided they have an Australian Financial Services Licence. Check if they have a licence on ASIC Connect’s professional registers.

Business accountingIf you or your family run a business, you will need

the services of an accountant or bookkeeper because there are specific laws about the records that businesses must keep. Search the ATO website for information on record-keeping essentials.

How to find an accountantOnce you’ve decided on the type of accounting ser-

vice you need, the next step is to find an accountant in your area.You can search the websites of professional bodies such as the Certified Practising Accountants of Australia, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia, or the Institute of Public Accountants. You can also ask for recommendations from family and friends.

Questions to askAfter you’ve created a short-list of accountants, con-

tact each of them and find out about:

➤ Specialisation – what services do they offer? Do they regularly deal with people in similar situations to you? If you have specific needs, make sure your accountant has experience in that area. If not you may have to pay for a more specialised service.

➤ Customer service – do they provide a good service? Make sure your accountant responds to phone calls and emails promptly.

➤ Fees – what will you be charged, and when?➤ Qualified – are they a member of one of the profes-

sional associations mentioned above? If they are, they have to meet the standards of the association. It also means you can complain to the association if you’re not happy with your accountant or the service provided.

For more information on choosing an accountant go to www.moneysmart.gov.au➤ Email ASIC at ADFcolumn@asic.gov.au with topics that

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21June 21, 2012RCEAIR FF Health

HEARTBURN is a symptom many people experience but what a lot of people may not know is lifestyle change can

often have quite an impact on the condition.

According to the Digestive Health Foundation, Gastroenterological Society of Australia, heartburn is the main symptom of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and is a com-mon condition with up to one in five adults experiencing heartburn once a week.

Senior medical advisor Dr Dorothy Coote, of JHC, said heart-burn was typically a burning sensa-tion in the lower chest that tended to rise up towards the throat during an episode of reflux or regurgitation.

“Other symptoms people can often suffer are nausea, excessive burping and chest pain,” she said.

“GORD may be confused with a heart attack and any person who experiences undiagnosed chest pain should seek medical attention in the first instance.”

The diagnosis of GORD should be made by a doctor.

Various tests can be done, depend-ing on the severity of the symptoms.

Unlike some other illnesses, GORD symptoms such as heartburn can be relieved with a range of medi-cation while diagnostic tests are done.

Two common tests for diagnosing

Reflux: the burning factsCPL Nick Wiseman gets to the heart of a common problem.

TAKE ACTION• Lose weight

• Stop smoking

• Reduce alcohol

• Reduce consumption of fatty and spicy foods

• Get plenty of exercise

• Eat smaller meals

• Check any existing medications you take do not increase heart-burn, such as some anti-inflam-matory drugs

• Pregnancy can cause heartburn but the symptoms will usually resolve after the birth.

OESOPHAGUS �

STOMACH �

ACID REFLUX �

GORD are a breath test, which looks for Helicobacter pylori, the organ-ism that has been found to cause stomach ulcers, and a gastroscopy, which looks for evidence of damage to the lower oesophagus and abnor-mal conditions in the stomach using a camera.

Dr Coote said these tests might not be conclusive for some people with milder symptoms and often their symptoms could be eased by simple lifestyle changes.

“Being just a few kilograms over-weight can predispose you to having GORD,” she said.

“Other factors such as smoking can also make GORD worse.”

For some people, cutting out things such as spicy foods, stopping smoking, reducing alcohol and losing weight can reduce or eliminate their symptoms.

For those whose symptoms per-sist, medications are available such as proton pump inhibitors, which suppress the amount of stomach acid produced and reduce the risk of heartburn and other symptoms.

Dr Coote said although the inhibi-tors reduced stomach acid they did not affect the normal function of the digestive system.

“These medications are well toler-ated,” she said.

“Sometimes people may experi-ence minor side effects but they are usually insignificant compared to the benefits from these medications.”

Another remedy often used by people experiencing heartburn is ant-acids available from supermarkets or pharmacies.

These antacids neutralise acids that have been secreted by the stomach and are only useful in the short-term.

The best way to manage GORD is to get medical advice, however, lifestyle changes such as reducing weight, stopping smoking and watch-ing what you can eat will not only reduce symptoms of the condition but also lead to better longevity and quality of life.

Graphic: CPL Nick Wiseman

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22 June 21, 2012RCEAIR FSp rt

International flavour brings mixed news

Counting the beat and days to US runJohn Martin

SIX days after having surgery to replace his pacemaker, SGT Lance Purdon opened an email that informed him he had won a place in the Minneapolis marathon on October 7.

The race is sponsored by pace-maker manufacturer Medtronic, which invited pacemaker patients all around the world to apply under its Global Heroes program.

SGT Purdon was among more than 200 applicants – but only 24 were accepted.

“This program is more than run-ning the marathon,” the email from Medtronic said.

“It’s an exclamation of full life. Your accomplishments stand as an inspiration to others.

“We look forward to meeting you, and sharing your accomplishments with thousands of other running fans.”

SGT Purdon used to be captain of the Air Force Australian football team, and played for the ADF com-bined team.

But he fell sick in 2003 and was referred to a cardiologist who diag-nosed him with sick sinus syndrome and third-degree heart block.

On the day after his 31st birthday, he had a pacemaker implanted.

“Football was a huge part of my life, and I was told that I would never play any contact sport again in my life,” SGT Purdon said.

“Little did the experts know that I was a very determined person who didn’t like taking no for an answer.

“I defied the odds and was told that I could play football again in 2006, and did so for one more final season before retiring at the end of 2006.”

In October 2006 he met his future wife, Jodie Barker, a renowned run-ner and triathlete.

“Our first official date was an 11km run at lunchtime where we both worked. For Jodie this was just a standard lunchtime run, but for me it was a lot more.

‘ ONE OF OUR BEST: LAC Brenton Leipper comes to grips with one of his New Zealand rivals. Photos: Ash Brennan

TEAMWORK: LAC Chris Rafter, left, and CPL Frank Scrimshaw work together to stop an opponent.

MINNEAPOLIS BOUND: SGT Lance Purdon.

EXCERPT FROM HIS APPLICATION

“My life has been improved by medical technology as I live each day like it is my last.

“I have a hunger to do well and I like show-ing people that having a pacemaker/implanted device is not a hin-drance.

“I was told I couldn’t play any contact sports. So to fuel my competi-tive nature I needed to do something. Running and triathlon was the answer.

“Not only have I started to get better with having my pacemaker, I have learnt a lot from listening and learning about how to run and to listen to my body. I had never ever thought in my wildest dreams that I could ever run a marathon.

“I believe I can, and do, inspire people to get out and about and do their best. It’s not always about winning.

“The following sen-tence is what I live my life by ‘You don’t know what you have until you lose it’.”

“I pulled up pretty sore the next day.”

It was not long before SGT Purdon got serious about running though.

He started with a 6.7km fun run. Seven months after taking up the sport, he ran his first marathon – clocking 3hr 16min 15sec for the 42.2km.

“I was quite proud of my achieve-ment but I wanted to go faster,” he said.

“In July 2010 I raced in the Gold Coast marathon and achieved a time of 2:57.15.

“I was on cloud nine with this result, a sub three-hour marathon.”

He also completed two ironman triathlons in New Zealand and has a burning desire to compete in the pinnacle of ironman triathlons, the Hawaii Ironman.

“The only way I will achieve this is by winning a spot in the lottery, as I am nowhere near good enough to qualify in my age group.

“I have paid my $100 for the past three years, hoping that I get a spot.

“It would have been great to have raced on the same day as my wife last year after our wedding; however it wasn’t to be.”

But first things first. Minneapolis beckons.

SGT Purdon’s pacemaker opera-tion came on May 29 and it was rou-tine maintenance rather than any sign of a new problem.

Nine days later, despite his stitches not yet having dissolved, SGT Purdon was back training at the Australian Institute of Sport in

Canberra – eight 800-metre runs with two min-utes’ rest between each.

Four days after that he lined up in the Sri Chinmoy half-marathon in Canberra and was ecstatic with his time of 1:25.41, which was just more than two minutes short of the best time he has recorded for that dis-tance.

His focus now is on the Gold Coast marathon which starts on July 1.

That race incorporates the ADF marathon title.

It’s an exclamation of full life. Your accomplishments stand as aninspiration to others. – the Global Heroes email

THE Air Force was unable to wrest the Burns-Merz Trophy from Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) in Auckland in late May. RNZAF won 27- 9.

Air Force’s best players included CPL Frank Scrimshaw (36SQN), LAC Zac Studders (37SQN), LAC Brenton Leipper (76SQN) and LAC Zane Puna, who was also voted player of the day by the RNZAF.

In better news for Air Force rugby, six of our players have been named in the Australian Services Rugby Union women’s squad that will tour Britain in October. They are FLTLT Margie Quinn, FLGOFF Kaitlyn O’Brien, OCDT Sarah Hume, CPL Brooke Saunders, CPL Rebekah Allen, and LACW Lucinda Tomlinson.

The women were selected following the ASRU-W Warriors’ 0-14 loss to the British Army women’s team at Sydney’s Victoria Barracks on May 24.

The Warriors had some early scor-ing opportunities in that match but lost possession at critical times, while the visitors scored two converted tries against the run of play.➤ The RAAF Mirages veterans rugby

team will play the ACT Veterans Rugby Club for the Northrop Grumman Cup in a charity match at Portsea Oval, RMC Duntroon, on July 22. Anyone 35 or over who is interested in playing should contact WGCDR Gavin Small, gavin.small@defence.gov.au by July 6.

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23June 21, 2012RCEAIR FF Sp rt

From Back PageIn the short term, LAC Stokes

has his sights set on World Cup events being held in Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, Cyprus, Spain and Peru next year.

LAC Stokes has already com-peted in two world cup rounds this year – in Tucson in the US in April and then Lonato in Italy in May.

He finished in a tie for 16th out of around 120 competitors in Tucson and finished 56th out of 200 competitors in Lonato.

“I was fairly happy with the result in Tucson; however, the result in Italy was a little bit disap-pointing.”

The bonus was that he got to spend two weeks on holiday in Italy. He visited Venice, Florence, Milan and Rome: proof there’s more to this man than clay targets (go on – ask him about the Duomo or gondo-las or the Colosseum.)

LAC Stokes has just come off a three-week break which – aside from a three-month hiatus while he was deployed in the Middle East in 2010 – is as long a rest from the sport he’s had since he was 12.

By the time this paper goes to press, he will be back into it: going to the range at least once a week and to the gym three times a week.

“I can’t wait until 2013.”

That’s my Olympic team

TWO adventure race competitors (plus two back-up members) from Air Force are being sought to contest the five-day Mark Webber Tasmania Challenge being held from November 28 to December 2.

The race will cover 350km of terrain and involves mountain bikes, kayaks and trekking.

As part of a safety promo-tion project, the Directorate of Defence Aviation and Air Force Safety (DDAAFS) will fund two competitors in the challenge. Expressions of interest are now open for adventure athletes with a proven track record. DDAAFS will fund entry fees, travel and incidentals.

The safety promotion project will include a DVD launched in early 2013 to improve the man-agement of stress, fatigue and workplace distractions. The DVD will feature aerobatics pilot and former RAAF pilot WGCDR Matt Hall and F1 driver Mark Webber.

Although two athletes will be selected, the directorate wants a final list of four so that there are two reserves ready to step in if needed.

DDAAFS is also offering mer-chandise signed by Mark Webber for the person who comes up with a suitable name for the Air Force team.

For further information, including an application form, go to: http://ra.af/TASChall2012. To nominate a team name and be eligible to win merchandise signed by Mark Webber, email trevor.scholl@defence.gov.au

Path to adventure in Tassie

AS FLTLT Melissa Hill looks ahead to the world crossfit games in Carson, California, she can’t help feeling proud.

FLTLT Hill is one of four ADF people in the six-person Crossfit Townsville Tropic Thunder team which qualified for the world games, from July 13 to 15, by placing third in the Australian regional games in Wollongong in May.

“Crossfit as a workout is becom-ing more popular within Defence, and the fact that the third-best team in Australia has so many Defence members really says something,” says FLTLT Hill, who works for the Combat Survival Training School.

Her teammates are CAPT Ally Muller, PTE Scott MacKenzie and PTE Trent Shannon, and civilians Natalie Thus and Daniel Strickland.

They will be competing in California for the title of the fittest team on earth.

Crossfit contestants might be asked to attempt all manner of events, from Olympic weightlifting and gymnastics-based movements to run-

Want to see Tropic Thunder in action in Wollongong? Scan this QR code or go to www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMuDxQ_MqdQ

ning, rowing and swimming. But they might also get some less conventional tasks.

At Wollongong, the buddy carry event was a curly one.

CAPT Muller, who met FLTLT Hill in the gym, as did the others, says: “Nat and Mel, and Scott and Trent had to carry each other in what-ever way they could.”

To make it harder, the men also had to carry a 45kg dumbbell and the women had to carry a 31kg dumbbell.

But Wollongong was compara-tively easy, CAPT Muller says.

“The workouts that we had to compete in were released four to five weeks in advance and so we tailored our training to those specific events.

“For the worlds games our work-outs will only be released a couple of

Crossfit team ready for US

days before so we need to be prepared for anything.”

CAPT Muller says all the mem-bers brought a different set of skills to the team. Strickland used to play for the Cowboys, which will equip him well for the glare of big crowds.

When this paper went to press, FLTLT Hill was overseas on holiday. Who knows what new skills she’ll bring back from Europe?

The countdown to the games is getting shorter.

“Due to such a small timeframe there isn’t a great deal we can change within our own abilities so we are just concentrating on consistency and intensity in our movements, working on our weaknesses without neglecting our strengths,” CAPT Muller says.

“We are generally training twice a

day, with some short practice pieces dotted throughout the day when we have a spare 10 or 15 minutes at work.”

CAPT Muller, while excited, plays down the complexity of the sport.

“Anyone can do this. The crossfit games just showcase what people can potentially do,” she says.

“This is obviously an unbelievable opportunity for us to go overseas and represent our gym and the Australia region.

“We hope that this inspires peo-ple to just give crossfit a go if they haven’t tried before, and for those that currently do crossfit workouts, maybe give the opens a crack next year.

“You never know where it can take you. All of a sudden you might be heading across to LA.”

The countdown begins for the world crossfit games. John Martin reports.

THRILLED: Above, FLTLT Melissa Hill, right, with CAPT Ally Muller; left, FLTLT Hill puts her back into a challenge. Photos: Andi Back

P th t

Sprinter picked for Oceania titlesFLTLT Spencer Cox will com-pete in the Oceania Area Championships in Cairns from June 27 to 29.

FLTLT Cox, of HQ Air Combat Group, is one of nine ADF per-sonnel selected to compete in the Athletes North Queensland and Athletes Northern Territory teams.

FLTLT Cox will compete in the men’s 200m event.

More than 200 Australians will compete against athletes from 22 countries, including Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands, the Cook Islands, New Zealand and the Marshall Islands.

DMO DMO MILITARY RESERVESexciting opportunities Australia wide!

LEAD TWICE THE LIFE

Exciting opportunities are available for Military Reservists in the following trades/ specialisations: » Project Managment » Logistics » Finance » Administration » Technical Trades » Engineering (mechanical & electrical) » Aircrew

DEFENCE MATERIEL ORGANISATION | www.dmojobs.gov.au or call 1800 DMO JOBS (1800 366 562)

SPSP June 21, 2012

RTRTJ

That’s my teamJohn Martin

TRAP shooter LAC Matt Stokes is understandably disappointed he is not actually competing at the Olympic Games in London – but that won’t quell his enthusiasm for supporting his colleagues who have qualified.

Come July 28 when the shoot-ing program begins, LAC Stokes, of 10SQN at RAAF Base Edinburgh, plans to have his eyes glued on the television. C’mon Aussie, c’mon.

Two of the sport’s best-known names – Michael Diamond and Adam Vella – beat him for the two available spots for Australia.

“They are both genuine chanc-es to win gold in London,” LAC Stokes said.

Despite both being over 40, they continue to command places in the world’s top 10. Both have held the world’s No. 1 spot.

Diamond is the world’s most suc-cessful clay target shooter, having already won two Olympic gold med-als, four world championship titles and a brace of Commonwealth Games gold medals in a career of more than 30 years.

LAC Stokes, at 22, is one of the new kids on the block but he has steadily climbed the rankings the past year.

And when he settles back in his armchair to watch the Games on TV,

he can do so with a sense of satisfac-tion because he knows he helped the team get there.

Until late last year, Australia was only guaranteed one spot in the clay target competition in London.

But when LAC Stokes finished sec-ond at the Oceania Championships in Sydney in late November, not only was it his best result, he snared a sec-ond qualification for the team.

“To be able to contribute to the suc-cess of the team in such a big way was a big moment in my shooting career.”

LAC Stokes was not surprised to miss out on the Games team to two such well-performing shooters.

Although shooters have longer careers than the average sportsman (Diamond has declared he hopes he has two more Olympics ahead of him), LAC Stokes obviously has age on his side.

With the focus on the Olympics, there are several months of down-time ahead. He will use that time to train “and hopefully improve enough to give myself a realistic chance of making the team for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, and the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro”.

To Page 23

SUM OF A GUN: LAC Matt Stokes ... age is on his side.

Heading into the unknown

ON THE WAY UP: FLTLT Melissa Hall midway through a set of a pull-ups at the Australian regional crossfit games in Wollongong in May. Inset, on the victory dais: the top three teams at Wollongong qualified for the world titles. Photos: Andi Back

WILL someone remember to remind FLTLT Melissa Hill to pack her bathers when she goes to the US next month?

She’s not going there on a holiday, mind you, but you can’t be too careful.

FLTLT Hill is a member of the Crossfit Townsville Tropic Thunder team that will contest the world cross-fit games in Carson, California, from July 13 to 15.

If you think crossfit is a solitary sport people just do in the gym, think again.

At last year’s world titles, 11,000 spectators turned up – and this year’s competition is already a sell-out.

When this newspaper went to press FLTLT Hill really was on holiday, soaking up the sun in Europe.

But one of her three Army team-mates, CAPT Ally Muller, said the team was heading into the unknown.

“They can throw anything at us,” she said.

“Last year they threw in an ocean swim and I remember reading that a lot of the girls had to go and buy appropriate swimwear as no one really expected to be swimming.

“We are fighting for the title ‘the fit-test on earth’ so we should be expect-ing the unexpected.”

Full story, Page 23

– Page 22

With a new pacemaker, invitation to run in the US