Celebrating 60 years

NEWSNAVYVolume 61, No. 17, September 20, 2018

SBLT Jovilisi Katonbiau, of the Republic of Fiji Navy, takes a bearing under the instruction of SBLT Caitlin Watkins on the bridge of HMAS Glenelg while entering Darwin Harbour. Photo: POIS James Whittle

ONE DIRECTION

Cooperation name of the game at

Exercise KakaduPage 3, Centre

Page 2

Brisbane’s crew champing

at the bit Page 12

Idea gets some

clear air Pages 4-5

Joint Health Command

marks 10 years

2 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS September 20, 2018

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Hunters head northHMAS Gascoyne

passes the Opera House as she sails out

of Sydney Harbour. Photo: ABIS Tara Byrne

LEUT Anthony Martin

AGAINST the backdrop of a glori-ous spring day in Sydney harbour on September 10, family and friends gathered at HMAS Waterhen to farewell HMA Ships Gascoyne and Huon on a three-month north-east Asian deployment.

COMAUSFLT RADM Jonathan Mead said it was a great Navy day.

“The ships’ crews are looking forward to the trip and these mine hunters are the first of their type to deploy to the region in over 70 years,” he said.

“It is a great opportunity to showcase our skills and work close-ly with regional navies.”

Both vessels will take part in international mine warfare exercises.

Among the many well-wishers

for the ships’ departure none were more excited than the parents of Gap Year sailor SMN Bailey Henderson.

“I am excited and proud for him and the opportunities he has as a sailor,” his mother, Kim Henderson, said.

SMN Henderson said joining Gascoyne was thrilling and he was enjoying learning the various facets of mine warfare and more about life at sea.

He said he was fortunate to be selected from among his Gap Year class to deploy on such a trip and was looking forward to visiting ports in Asia and the Pacific.

This is a long deployment for minehunters, with average assign-ments usually no more than 10 weeks.

SMN Bailey Henderson with family members before deploying in HMAS Gascoyne. Photo: ABIS Kieren Whiteley

Excitement builds for Brisbane crew

Air Warfare Destroyer NUSHIP Brisbane arrives in Sydney for the first time. Photo: WOIS Shane Cameron

SGT Max Bree

THE crew of NUSHIP Brisbane took control of most departments during their delivery voyage from the ship-yards of Adelaide to their new home port of Sydney on September 10.

A composite crew of Navy, Air Warfare Destroyer Alliance and Tee Kay Shipping merchant mariners took the ship on her five-day journey.

CO Brisbane CMDR Josh Wilson said his sailors mostly crewed the ship, with civilian workers on hand to assist.

“We were basically running the

ship, for all intents and purposes,” CMDR Wilson said.

“Because we’re transitioning to care and custody for Navy, it was an opportunity for the ship’s company to establish their working routines ahead of commissioning.

“It’s got incredible manoeuvrabil-ity and placement in the water; it’s a pleasure to drive. Plus it’s a comfort-able ship to live in.

“The crew are really enjoying the opportunity to get to know the new systems and opportunities the latest technology brings.

“Being in a new warship is

interesting and exciting; they’re all tagging each other in the media hits we’ve been getting.”

CMDR Wilson said he was most excited about Brisbane’s warfighting abilities.

“The combat system is just an incredible leap forward in capabil-ity and ability to interact across the ADF,” he said.

“Plus it handles like an absolute dream.”

Brisbane is due to commission on October 27 and will then take on more crew.

“We have enough crew to drive

the ship. Once we’re commissioned we need to continue the process of training additional crew,” CMDR Wilson said.

“We’ll be working with NUSHIP Sydney’s crew when they begin their training next year. We really benefited by training on board HMAS Hobart to gain a better awareness of damage control and overall systems knowl-edge.

“The effort and lessons learned in Hobart have paid an increased divi-dend for us. We want to do that for Sydney.”

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3NEWS September 20, 2018 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

More coverage – Centre

CMDR Fenn Kemp

AUSTRALIA’S largest maritime exercise wrapped up in the Top End on September 13 after an intensive two weeks of realistic and challenging engagements from the air and the sea.

Held every two years, Exercise Kakadu is hosted by the RAN and supported by the RAAF.

COMAUSFLT RADM Jonathan Mead said the suc-cess of the 14th iteration of Exercise Kakadu – conducted off the coast of Darwin – was thanks to the significant efforts made by all involved.

“When Kakadu 2018 began, I mentioned that this was the chance to improve confidence, cooperation and capa-bility,” RADM Mead said.

“I am delighted to report that this has been achieved. “The success of Exercise Kakadu is due to the com-

bined efforts of those members at sea and in the air who carried out their mission effectively and safely. I also acknowledge the efforts of supporting organisations, from our international friends, the RAAF and the broader Fleet Command, par-ticularly the Navy’s Force Genera t ion Directorate.”

Split into three task groups, more than 3000 personnel participated in Navy’s m o s t i m p o r t a n t regional engagement of the year.

H M A S h i p s Newcastle, Stuart, Melbourne, Sirius, Glenelg and Maitland were among 23 ships from 28 nations that participated in a wide range of activities inc luding rep len-ishments at sea, air defence and gunnery exercises.

Air operations were also intensive with 21 aircraft joining the fleet for exercises in anti-submarine surface warfare training.

A feature of Kakadu 18 was the presence of many diverse and influential maritime nations including China, India and Sri Lanka, which all sent ships for the first time.

Navy’s Armidale-class patrol boats were also busy working with partners from the South-West Pacific. Fiji and Tonga attended with their own vessels as well as observers from several other countries, including Timor- Leste and Tuvalu.

RADM Mead said their involvement was most wel-come.

“Our focus with the small boats has been on working together to maintain regional security including counter-ing illegal fishing and organised crime,” RADM Mead said.

“With this in mind, our patrol boat crews have worked very closely with South-West Pacific members on a series of maritime skills including boardings.

“The relationships built here further strengthen Australia’s reputation as a reliable and professional regional partner.”

LEUT Geoff Long

AUSTRALIAN and Fijian patrol boat crews conducted joint board-ing operations on a simulated illegal fishing vessel as part of Exercise Kakadu.

Armidale-class patrol boat HMAS Glenelg and the Republic of Fiji Navy ship Kikau con-ducted the joint exercise outside Darwin Harbour.

CO Glenelg LCDR Jorge McKee said cross-training oppor-tunities were essential and a key component of Exercise Kakadu.

“Working in the maritime

domain together, cooperation is essential. We have shared prob-lems so we need to come together and practise how to secure our maritime domain together,” LCDR McKee said.

His counterpart on Kikau, LCDR Joseva Tunidau, said the sea phases of Kakadu had allowed the crew to directly work along-side regional partners.

“The joint exercise enhances our interoperability and allows us to test and develop our capabili-ties,” LCDR Tunidau said.

“Illegal fishing is a major issue faced by all nations in the

South Pacific and one where regional cooperation has proved beneficial.

“We have threats from ille-gal fishing activity and maritime crime, so working alongside our international partners can build relationships and allow us to prac-tise and hone our procedures.”

The exercise was also watched by international observers from Cambodia, Fiji, Tonga, Timor-Leste and Tuvalu.

Tuvalu’s involvement was made possible through the RAN’s watchkeeper secondment pro-gram, which provides training

opportunities within the region.Peletiso Filemoni, a Constable

with the Tuvalu Police Maritime Wing, is on a four-month second-ment with Glenelg and took part in officer-of-the-watch exercises on the return to Darwin.

He said the secondment would provide invaluable experience he can take back to Tuvalu, where illegal fishing in the nation’s waters was an increasing prob-lem.

“One of my objectives is to observe how other countries do things and take this information back to my team,” he said.

Partners against crime

Regions rally to cause

Members of the joint boarding parties of HMAS Glenelg and FNS Kikau after a successful training exercise, from left, POB Stephen Chapman, LEUT Cagilaba Wetealagi, LSBM Joshua O’Toole, POB Kemueli Kalitoni, LSMT Chris Greenwood and PO Peni Nagata. Photos: POIS James Whittle

COMAUSFLT RADM Jonathan Mead praised all involved.

HMAS Stuart, anchored at sunrise, with Royal Thai Navy ship HTMS Rattanakosin, Royal Canadian Navy ships HMCS Calgary and MV Asterix and Indian Navy ship Sahyadri. Photo: LSIS Nicolas Gonzalez

Constable Peletiso Filemoni, of the Tuvalu Police Maritime Wing, takes a bearing from the bridge of HMAS Glenelg under the instruction of LEUT Lisa Blakiston while entering Darwin Harbour.

Video of the exercise drawing to

a close can be seen at video.defence.gov.au/play/5888

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4 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS September 20, 2018

Care fit for

fighters

AS IT marks its 10th anniver-sary this year, Joint Health Command (JHC) is celebrating its growth into a trusted source

of care for members and a key enabler of the ADF’s fit-to-fight capability.

JHC was born after a series of reviews into Defence Health Service’s command and control arrangements, and has continued to mature as an organisa-tion.

Much of the early focus was on garrison health services and reforming Defence’s approach to mental health.

Commander Joint Health and Surgeon General ADF AVM Tracy Smart said JHC was now a major ena-bler of ADF operational capability, managing about a million patient health service interactions each year through health units in Australia and overseas.

“We are continuing to provide tech-nical oversight, advice and support across the Defence organisation,” she said.

“Our achievements have directly contributed to ADF preparedness and ensuring that members have access to the highest quality, evidence-based health care wherever they serve.”

AVM Smart said JHC had moved into a new phase in which it was also planning for the future and broadening its influence across the Defence health system.

“Joint Health Command is a trusted source of care for our members, which is enabled through our team of dedicated health professionals, who provide the best holistic health care in Australia,” she said.

Fit to fightJHC entered a new era in July 2017, when it moved into the new Joint Capabilities Group.

Joint Health Command has developed over the past decade into a crucial player in the ADF’s operational capability.

Chief of Joint Capabilities AVM Warren McDonald said JHC’s core business supported the group’s For the Warfighter motto.

“As our health system is at the core of our military effectiveness, Joint Health Command plays an integral role in ensuring the warfighter is fit to

fight and fit for life,” AVM McDonald said.

As well as providing support and ensuring preparedness at garrison level, JHC plays a key role in opera-tions. It helps to prepare ADF health personnel, advises on force health protection, determines health risks

associated with deployment, and pro-vides technical oversight.

Minding mental healthJHC conducts world-leading research into the complex issues of military mental health.

The Defence Mental Health

and Wellbeing Strategy 2018-2023 implements a whole-of-organisation approach that recognises the needs of an integrated workforce.

The ADF Health and Wellbeing Portal (known as Fighting Fit) and the Work Health Safety Mental Health Portal provide access to the services

5NEWS September 20, 2018 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

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Joint Health Command has developed over the past decade into a crucial player in the ADF’s operational capability.

BLOOD supplies are crucial to personnel on operations and exercises, and to all members of the Defence community.

With this in mind, Joint Health Command and the Red Cross Blood Service joined forces on the ADF Frozen Blood Project in 2010.

The aim was to develop deep-frozen blood products that could be stored at minus 80 degrees celsius and would be suitable for ADF use in deployed and aus-tere environments.

Director General Health Capability BRIG Craig Schramm

said the project had made Australia a world leader in frozen blood research and paved the way for trials of feasibility for civilian use.

“Fresh blood supply can be challenging to keep – particularly in remote or austere environ-ments – due to its short shelf life,” BRIG Schramm said.

“Using cryopreservation and thawing technology and techniques developed by the Netherlands Military Blood Bank, the Red Cross Blood Service has safely increased the shelf life of fresh red cells up to 10 years

and for plasma and platelets up to two years.

“The ability to use the ADF’s current systems of fresh blood along with deep-frozen blood components will provide a viable, safe, fully tested and readily available Australian blood supply.

“Not only does the project have significant implications for the treatment of our battle casu-alties, it may also save Australian lives by offering a solution to overcome the logistical and geo-graphical challenges of providing and storing blood in remote and rural areas.”

Frozen blood is a red-hot lifesaver

THE ADF Malaria and Infectious Disease Institute is a perfect fit with the Joint Health Command (JHC) vision of “Trusted to care”.

Established in 1966 as the 1st Malaria Research Laboratory and more recent-ly known as the Army Malaria Institute, the ADFMIDI works to prevent mission failure due to infectious disease during regional ADF deployments.

The institute’s commanding officer, LTCOL Alyson Auliff, said its mission was four-fold: Reduce the risk of catastrophic mis-

sion failure due to infectious disease, particularly malaria and arboviruses (viruses that replicate in bugs such as mosquitoes);

Support humanitarian deployments into tropical areas with high infectious dis-ease threats;

Facilitate military and military con-tacts and improved health care within regional allies;

Contribute to regional health security.“ADFMIDI fits into the broader JHC

vision through the provision of force health protection to ADF personnel,” LTCOL Auliff said.

While its primary focus is on malaria, ADFMIDI deals with any infectious diseases that might stop military opera-tions, including dengue, Ross River fever, Japanese encephalitis, Barmah Forest virus and any other naturally emerging arboviruses.

“Insecticide-impregnated uniforms and other military equipment have been field-tested in Tin Can Bay and the Shoalwater Bay Training Areas to help limit the spread of Australian viruses like Ross River and Murray Valley encephalitis,” LTCOL Auliff said.

“Research at ADFMIDI is conducted by a mix of scientific professionals across APS, full-time military, reservists and civilian contractors, and is crucial for the force protection of ADF person-nel deployed into vector-borne disease endemic areas, an issue that the ADF will continue to face long into the future.”

Beating bugs that can sink missions

LT Joanne Kizu (inset) conducts research at the

ADF Malaria and Infectious Disease Institute, which is

an integral part of JHC’s contribution to force

health protection.

JHC is working with the Red Cross Blood Service to develop deep-frozen blood products that can be used in the field.

JHC boasts a wide network of health professionals, including ABMED Bob Thomas, who talks to a patient during sick parade at HMAS Stirling Health Centre.

‘‘ – AVM Tracy Smart, Commander Joint Health

Our achievements have directly contributed to ADF preparedness.

available to all Defence personnel and their families, and former ADF members.

The portals also provide targeted resources for specific personnel and situations, including command-ers and managers, reservists, ADF members preparing for deployment,

veterans and health professionals. A range of education and aware-

ness initiatives, evidence-based treatments and rehabilitation pro-grams are available to all members.

These include specialist support teams such as the ADF Centre of Mental Health; peer support models such as the Keep Your Mates Safe training package; and mental health, psychology and rehabilitation ser-vices available through the Defence chaplaincy and welfare agencies.

Additional support is available through the All-Hours Support Line on 1800 628 036; 1800-IM-SICK (1800 467 425); Defence Community Organisation Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608; Reserve Assistance Program on 1300 687 327; and the Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service on 1800 011 046.

Going digitalJHC is working to meet the Australian Digital Health Committee standards through its ADF Health Records Digitisation Project.

The project will convert indi-vidual paper health records into an approved digital duplicate, provid-ing a complete electronic record of

an ADF member’s health interac-tions throughout active service. This will help ensure timely, accurate and effective health care is always delivered to members in Australia and overseas.

Building for the futureSince 2013, 109 health centres have been concentrated into 59 hubs, introducing a single point of entry into the medical system.

Twelve of these facilities will be either rebuilt or refurbished by October 2020. This will ensure contemporary, high-quality facilities that will provide efficient and effec-tive health services to members.

Then CJOPS VADM David Johnston and AVM Smart opened the Bungendore Health Outreach Service (BHOS) in March. The BHOS offers health services such as sick parade, routine medical appointments, physiotherapy and psychology services to HQJOC per-sonnel three days a week.

Members can book appointments at their local health centre by calling or visiting the centre during business hours. In regional areas, where 24-hour inpatient care is unavailable, call 1800 IM-SICK.

6 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS September 20, 2018

Dallas McMaugh

NAVY’S home of aviation has cel-ebrated the 70th anniversary of the establishment’s commissioning.

On August 31, Albatross CO CAPT Fiona Sneath shared cake-cutting duties with the establish-ment’s youngest member, SMN Kimberley Carter, and two custo-dians of our history, Fleet Air Arm Museum curator Terry Hetherington and RAN Helicopter Flight Vietnam veteran LCDR Bob Kyle.

CAPT Sneath said there was much to celebrate.

“I’m proud of our ship’s com-

pany, proud to be associated with our Fleet Air Arm and all of our resident units,” CAPT Sneath said.

“We all carry out important functions in support of Navy and wider Defence.”

Earlier in the week, 816SQN also marked their 70th anniversary with a cake-cutting.

CO 816SQN CMDR Anthony Savage said it was a privilege to be head of 816 for the milestone.

“The anniversary provided us with the opportunity to celebrate the rich history of 816,” CMDR Savage said.

This includes battle honours for Norway, the Mediterranean, the Atlantic, Malta convoys, the Arctic, Malaysia, East Timor, Persian Gulf, Kuwait and Iraq. Also, 816 is the only unit that has been on every RAN deployment to the Middle East since the first Gulf War.

“We also celebrated the success-ful transition to the full MH-60R capability with 816SQN Flight 8 due to embark in HMAS Adelaide soon,” CMDR Savage said.

“I am blessed to have such a wonderful team here in Nowra but also in the 816SQN flights at sea.”

Nowra takes the cakes

LCDR Bob Kyle, SMNA Kimberley Carter, CO HMAS Albatross CAPT Fiona Sneath and Fleet Air Arm Museum curator Terry Hetherington cut the cake during celebrations at the base. Photos: POIS Justin BrownSMNA Jessica Crea and CO 816SQN CMDR Anthony Savage prepare to cut the birthday cake.

7NEWS September 20, 2018 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

Dallas McMaugh

THE first intake of Navy and Army pilots, aviation warfare officers and aircrew has graduated from the Joint Helicopter School at HMAS Albatross.

CO 723SQN CMDR Bruce Willington told the graduates at the August 31 ceremony that it was a his-toric day.

“In the space of just over three and a half years, the Capability and Acquisition Sustainment Group, along with Boeing, Thales and Defence, have delivered train-ing outcomes to ensure we have professional, resilient helicopter aircrews with sound decision-making and teamwork skills,” CMDR Willington said.

“This is helping to underwrite Navy’s ability to effectively fight and win on land and in the marine envi-ronment.”

A Unit Citation for Gallantry pennant was also raised for the first time at

the graduation ceremony. Recently awarded in a cer-emony at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, the pennant recognises the heroic work undertaken by the 196 Navy members of the com-bined Australian and United States helicopter unit RAN Helicopter Flight Vietnam.

The pennant provided a fitting backdrop as 28 gradu-ates across the three courses were presented with their wings by COMFAA CDRE Chris Smallhorn.

CDRE Smallhorn con-gratulated the graduates on their achievements.

“You are now off on the next phase of your careers where you will be tested even further,” he said.

“Always push for excel-lence in whatever you do.”

Dux of the Pilot Rotary Course was LEUT Rob McBeath; Aviation Warfare Officer Dux was SBLT Ashley Hill; and the Aircrewman Dux was LS Simon Zammit.

Day of note at flight school

COMFAA CDRE Chris Smallhorn inspects the graduating officers and sailors of the Joint Helicopter School.

COMFAA CDRE Chris Smallhorn with Dux of the Pilot Course LEUT Rob McBeath, Dux of the Aviation Warfare Officer Course SBLT Ashley Hill, Dux of the Aircrewman Course LS Simon Zammit and CO 723SQN CMDR Bruce Willington. Photos: POIS Justin Brown

Training vessel teams up with Seahawk Romeo

LEUT Jeff Topping

NAVY’S new multi-role aviation training vessel MV Sycamore took part in its first interaction with a Seahawk Romeo on August 23.

Under the supervision of qualified flying instruc-tor LEUT Luke Mein, of 725SQN, the MH-60R crew, which included COMFAA CDRE Chris Smallhorn and CPO Aircrewman Cody Berg, of the United States Navy, completed deck land-ing practice currency train-ing.

After the sortie, CDRE Smallhorn said there was little doubt the capability offered by the Sycamore established an efficiency in embarked aviation training not previously enjoyed.

“Offloading our frontline warships and front-loading aviators’ experience in deck landings not only offers this efficiency dividend but far better prepares our naval aviators for the deck

environment before post-ing to their ship,” CDRE Smallhorn said.

Two days before the deck landing serial CDRE Smallhorn stayed the night aboard Sycamore.

“Spending a night aboard Sycamore, having been delivered by one of 723SQN’s EC-135s, I was able to spend some quality time with the ship’s master, Lee Weldon, the aviation liaison officer, CMDR Andrew Rohrsheim, along with many other crew mem-bers,” CDRE Smallhorn said.

“Clean and tight, the ship was totally focused on service provision to the job at hand, a truly profes-sional team. I was impressed at every level, from the hotel services on arrival to the skills displayed on the bridge by the helicopter control officers and the deck teams. A truly impressive capability for our Navy, the Sycamore will serve us well for decades to come.”

A member of MV Sycamore’s aircrew guides the Seahawk Romeo onto the flight deck during a deck landing serial

9NEWS September 20, 2018 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

LEUT Gary McHugh

HMAS Toowoomba returned to her home port of Fleet Base West on September 1 after the ship’s longest deployment to date, successfully con-tributing to seven task groups in seven months.

CO Toowoomba CMDR Mitchell Livingstone said the ship achieved many milestones while supporting an extensive series of exercises, international engage-ments and training activities.

“I’m extremely proud of my ship’s company and the professionalism they displayed over the course of this highly successful deployment,” CMDR Livingstone said.

“Toowoomba has participated in three exercises, the gruelling Principal Warfare Officer Assessment Week and two regional deployments to engage with our

regional partners and further Australia’s interests abroad.”

Toowoomba sailed 40,125nm, equiva-lent to 1.85 times around the world.

“The commitment shown by the ship’s company has allowed us to do much this year, with highlights being our role as Commander of the Exercise Bersama Shield task group maritime component and the multiple weapons and missile firings we conducted at Exercise RimPac,” he said.

“We have undertaken active roles within every sphere of maritime warfare and we have honed our skills in a real-time environment to ensure we are pre-pared to respond to any contingency.”

During the deployment, the ship visit-ed various ports around Australia, Guam, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei, Singapore, Vanuatu, the United States and Solomon Islands.

The signs said it all

Karina Czakilew, centre, with her arm stretched high, waves as HMAS Toowoomba returns to Fleet Base West surrounded by family and friends. Photo: LSIS Lee-Anne Cooper

The family of ABBM Shane Challis – his father Brad, daughter Ayla, partner Ashleigh and mum Kerry – wait excitedly on the wharf for his return. Photo: LSIS Richard Cordell

ABCIS Nikolai Gunn-Brockhoff is welcomed home by wife Rachel, daughter Kiara and 11-month- old son Leon. Photo: LSIS Richard Cordell

www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS September 20, 2018 1110 CENTREEXERCISE KAKADU

COOPERATION NAME OF THE GAME

23 fleet units, 21 aircraft, and more than 3000 personnel participated.

They spent 3500 hours at sea Covered 42,000nm Took part in 103 activities Spent 54 hours hunting submarines Participated in 11 live gunnery serials Used more than 1000 rounds of large-calibre

ammunition Used more than 4500 rounds of small arms

ammunition Ate 80,000 meals. Air assets spent 140 hours on air surveillance

operations

FACTS AND FIGURES

Used as an opportunity to improve cooperation and capability, this year’s exercise involved more than

3000 personnel from 28 countries.

LEUT Gary McHugh

REPLENISHMENTS at sea are business-as-usual in the RAN but new ground was broken when HMAS Stuart took on fuel from Canadian tanker MV Asterix for the first time on September 7.

CO Stuart CMDR Chris Leece said despite not having worked with Asterix before, the RAS went off without a hitch.

“Refuelling at sea is always a

challenging evolution but the fact that we’ve never operated with Asterix before added another level of complexity to the event,” CMDR Leece said.

“Every Navy has its subtle differences so working in a multilateral environment requires close cooperation between ships to give both commanding officers the confidence to carry out such an evolution.

“I’m happy to say, thanks

to the professionalism shown by the personnel of Stuart and Asterix, that the refuelling was a complete success and further strengthens the ties between the RAN and the Royal Canadian Navy.”

While Stuart was taking on 50,000 litres of F76 diesel fuel on Asterix’s port side, United States Navy destroyer USS Michael Murphy was topping up her tanks on the starboard side.

RAS goes without a hitchHMAS Stuart, foreground, and Canadian tanker MV Asterix conduct a replenishment at sea. Photo: LSIS Nicolas Gonzalez

Indonesian ship KRI Diponegoro fires her 76mm gun while People’s Liberation Army - Navy ship Huangshan follows. Photo: ABIS Bonny Gassner

LEUT Gary McHugh

A GROUP of sailors and officers from HMAS Stuart were given VIP treatment when they conducted a cross-decking of personnel with Indian Navy Ship Sahyadri.

CO Sahyadri CAPT Shantanu Jha said multilateral exercises such as Kakadu presented an ex-cellent opportunity for the Indian Navy to operate in close company with its regional allies.

“The Indian Navy is one of the fastest growing navies in the world and in our operational philosophy we have a very strong element of being able to exercise with all the major navies of the world,” he said.

“On this deployment we partici-pated in our first bilateral exercise with the Vietnamese Navy, also with the Japanese and US Navies in Exercise Malabar, then came our participation in Exercise Rim of the Pacific.”

He said Exercise Kakadu pro-vided another chance of operat-ing with the leading navies of the world and to carry out valuable training exercises.”

CAPT Jha said the profession-alism shown in both the harbour and sea phases of Kakadu by

Sailors get a taste of India

all participants was a credit to the exercise planners. “We had a great harbour phase where we had a number of very successful meet-ings so that all participating ships had a fair idea of what to expect

when we went to sea,” he said.“The past few days at sea

and the large variety of training exercises, such as the air defence exercise, have provided fantastic training value for my crew.

“We are very grateful to the Royal Australian Navy for com-mitting so many assets to Kakadu because I know it’s not an easy proposition to put so much hard-ware into one exercise.”

ABML-SC Phillip Goodwin is welcomed on board INS Sahyadri by her XO during the cross-decking. Photo: LSIS Nicolas Gonzalez

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12 FEATURES www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS September 20, 2018

A CONCEPT came to life for LS Brad Watson and AB Ben Price when they were advised their portable breathing apparatus

rigs had been cleared for release and were ready for collection.

This news meant an idea they devel-oped to improve the way Navy uses harm-ful chemicals had come to fruition.

Their concept has provided a safer way of conducting maintenance while helping to reduce operating costs.

LS Watson and AB Price first pre-sented their proposal for a new positive breathing apparatus at the Fleet Air Arm (FAA) Shark Tank in August 2017 as part of the Fleet Air Arm Innovation Program.

The program encourages Navy avia-tion personnel to present their innovative concepts for improved capability.

Previously the FAA used a facemask respirator fitted with disposable filters to protect against harmful substances in the workplace.

These filters were discarded after a single use and there were issues with the facemask, which provided reduced protec-tion for personnel with facial hair.

FAA compared the cost of an annual supply of disposable filters to the outlay for 22 of the positive breathing apparatus units.

Business manager Dave Robinson said despite the initial cost of the new units, there would be savings over the longer term and increased protection for mainte-nance staff.

After identifying ongoing issues and potential costs, LS Watson and AB Price researched the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act and the Australian and New Zealand standards on the selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment to come up with a solution.

Their research identified a company that could construct a portable unit con-taining multiple types of filters capable of eliminating harmful vapours and particu-lates.

“The machine receives pressurised air from any type of air compressor and purifies it to safe, clean breathable air in accordance with WHS standards,” LS Watson said.

“The clean air is made available to a user wearing a hood, allowing successful operation even if the operator has facial hair because of the positive pressure deliv-ered by the unit.

The use of this positive airflow hood also eliminated the requirement for annual fitment checks.

“The unit can provide air to multiple

A breath of fresh airA pair of sailors saw a problem with protective gear and found a way to fix it, Dallas McMaugh writes.

‘‘– LS Brad Watson

The unit can provide air to multiple users at the same time.

users at the same time, or one user operat-ing a pneumatic tool.”

The machine was modified slightly during the trial period to improve storage on board ships and to make the machine more durable. Small adjustments, such as flexible air ports, improved storage bags and recessed gauges, were made.

AB Price said initial comments about the unit during the trial were positive.

ABAVA Mitchell Sama, of 808SQN, said the apparatus was a big improvement on full-face respirators.

“The biggest change is the addition of an oxygen bottle that immediately takes over as a redundancy should you lose air from the lines to the machine,” AB Sama said.

“This is reassuring in cases where you are in places or positions that don’t permit you to leave quickly. It also allows opera-tors to stay composed and remove them-selves from an unfavourable situation in a timely manner.”

The apparatus can be used when prim-ing, painting and sealing – processes employing chemicals that may be hazard-ous if inhaled.

For the two innovators, the 12 months from Shark Tank to trial and ultimately acceptance has been an interesting journey.

AB Price described it as eye-opening. “It was quite an experience learning the

processes involved for Defence to obtain products from external companies and incorporate them into our working envi-ronment,” he said.

“Along the way we presented the unit to other RAN establishments in order to gain insight into how the machine could be used outside of the FAA.

“It has also been great meeting differ-ent personnel in numerous roles and gain-ing an understanding of what their jobs are and how we are working on improving the FAA”

AB Mitchell Sama uses the positive breathing apparatus while conducting maintenance on an MRH-90 Taipan at 808SQN.Photos: POIS Justin Brown

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Sample Status Defence Group Number of transactions

sampled

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sampled

Average value of

transactions sampled

Completed transactions verified by supervisor

Navy 20 $2434 $122

Army 25 $2515 $101

Air Force 20 $5772 $289

Defence Executive Support 5 $851 $170

Defence Finance Group 10 $1182 $118

Defence Science and Technology 5 $32 $6

Joint Capabilities Group 4 $341 $85

Pending response from supervisor

Navy 10 $5402 $540

Army 15 $3108 $207

Air Force 5 $718 $144

Joint Capabilities Group 1 $26 $26

SP&IG 5 $8225 $1645

E&IG I5 $1341 $268

Total 130 $31,947 $246

Credit cards tested August 1 to August 31

The sample testing of credit card transactions during August has resulted in nil transactions being referred to Audit and Fraud Control Division for further investigation. Defence Finance Group is working with Audit

and Fraud Division to refine this testing program and implement more targeted tests.

14 PERSONNEL www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS September 20, 2018

July and August trial resultsOFFICERDefence Force MagistrateDefence Force Magistrate1 x Using Provocative Words on Service Land – DFDA s 33(d)Member was accused of using provocative words to a superior officer. Member pleaded guilty to the charge and was found guilty of the charge. Member was fined $1500.

NCORestricted Court Martial1 x Negligently Damaging Service Property – DFDA s 43(3) 1 x Prejudicial Conduct – DFDA s 60(1)Member was accused of negli-gently damaging service property by burying 70,000 rounds of blank ammunition. Member was also accused of prejudicing discipline by involving subordinates in the

burial of the blank ammunition. Member pleaded guilty to the charges and was found guilty of the charges. Member was fined $6980.21 (wholly suspended) and reduced in rank.

OTHER RANKDefence Force Magistrate1 x Failing to Comply with a General Order – DFDA s 29(1) 1 x Act of Indecency without Consent – DFDA s 61(3) and Crimes Act (ACT) s 60(1) 1 x Assault – DFDA s 33(a)Member was accused of failing to comply with a general order by entering the room of another member without invitation, contrary to base standing instruc-tions. Member was also accused of committing an act of indecency and assault on another member. Member pleaded guilty to the charges and was found guilty.

Member was dismissed from the Defence Force.

OTHER RANKDefence Force Magistrate2 x Using a Forged Document –DFDA s 61(3) and Criminal Code (Cth) s 145.1(1)

Member was accused of using forged documents to induce a Commonwealth public official to authorise funds to repair or replace the member’s personal computer. Member pleaded guilty to the charges and was found guilty. Member was sentenced to 28 days of detention for each charge (to be served concur-rently).

All Court Martial and Defence Force Magistrate trial results are subject to command review and appeal. The results indicated are of trials across the ADF.

Preparing for base visitsVISITORS to some Defence establish-ments can complete base induction before arriving, as part of an ongoing trial.

E&IG is trialling the web-based National Base Induction system until October 19.

It is hoped the system will standardise and improve visitor induction processes and provide better customer service.

The induction aims to ensure visitors are aware of and acknowledge important base information, requirements and risks.

Defence sponsors should advise visi-tors to go to www.defence.gov.au/bases and select the base they’ll be visiting.

They need to read the induction informa-tion and complete a registration form. Once acknowledgement is complete, a confirmation email will be sent. The induction confirmation email (electronic or printed) must be presented on arrival at the base with a valid photo ID, except if it is an open base.

Management of visitors remains the responsibility of the Defence host and resident units will provide local or unit inductions as required.

Any difficulties encountered with the website or queries can be reported to base.induction@defence.gov.au.

SBLT Shafiqah Shariffali

THE morning of August 29 produced a pleasant surprise for three of HMAS Newcastle’s junior sailors.

ABBMs Thomas Ketchell, Kazu Savage and Jack Nona, who are of Indigenous heritage, were treated to an unexpected hometown visit to Thursday Island.

While conducting a navi-gation exercise in the vicinity of the Torres Strait Island group, Newcastle played a part in reuniting the three sailors with their families and friends.

The sailors reacquainted themselves with familiar faces at Uncle Frankie’s, a cafe locals refer to as home of the island’s best fried chicken.

It was the first time in two years AB Savage, who fol-lowed in the footsteps of an uncle who serves as a CPO in HMAS Cairns, had been

on home soil. The chance to see his parents and siblings was greatly appreciated.

It was no less emotional for AB Ketchell, whose parents were happy to see their eldest son. AB Ketchell has a sister serving on board HMAS Melbourne and qual-ity time with family is often difficult to coordinate.

Although he originally hails from Badu Island, AB Nona was glad to be in the company of extended family and friends as he recalled the simple lifestyle of island living.

With an average of one visit home a year, family reunions are cherished, espe-cially with much of the Nona family serving as marine technicians, communica-tors, boatswain’s mates and hydrographic sailors in the fleet.

Both ABs Ketchell and Nona enlisted in 2014 through the Navy Indigenous Development Program. AB Savage joined a year later.

HMAS Newcastle sailors AB Thomas Ketchell, second from left, and AB Jack Nona catch up with family and friends during an unexpected visit to Thursday Island.

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NEW fields have been added to ForceNet with the aim of strengthening relationships between Defence and the civil-ian employers of ADF reservists.

Reservists are encouraged to populate the new civilian employer fields so the informa-tion can be used to improve Defence’s understanding of these employers and better target employer engagement efforts.

Head Reserve and Youth Division RADM Bruce Kafer said positive engagement would enable civilian employers to

help reservist employees bal-ance their civilian and military work commitments.

“There is a need to under-stand which companies are employing reservists to enhance the Defence Reserves Support Council’s and Defence’s ability to educate civilian employers in the benefits of reserve ser-vice and to determine where we need to focus our collective efforts in liaising with civilian employers,” RADM Kafer said.

The pathway in ForceNet for reserv-ists to insert their civilian employer details can be found at forcenet.gov.au/viewprofile/editskills

LEADING Seaman CIS sailors are now eligible to receive the MSBS retention benefit after a review of eligible categories.

Members who wish to apply to receive the retention ben-efit must submit form AB867 within the 90-day period imme-diately before they complete 15 years of continuous eligible full-time service.

Applications are to be

emailed to adf.delegations@defence.gov.au.

The full list of specified cat-egories and ranks is available in chapter three, part five, division one and annex 3.5A of the ADF Pay and Conditions Manual.

Inquiries should be directed to the Navy People Career Management Agency at npcma.rosoimps@defence.gov.au.

15PERSONNEL September 20, 2018 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

Retention benefit review

Making better connections with employers

WO Ian Daley

HMAS Penguin officers and sailors once again hit the wharves in Sydney to sell badges for Legacy Week.

Penguin members were on the ferry wharves at Mosman, Cremorne and Neutral Bay to support Legacy during the week of September 2-8.

One of the many volunteers from the base was PO Steve Swanson.

“It is always great to get out and about in the local community,” he said.

“This ongoing support of Legacy each

year by the men and women of HMAS Penguin is a great example of the dedica-tion and professionalism shown by all of our officers and sailors.”

The Legacy charity has its origins in WWI and was set up to assist returning servicemen in business.

By 1925, Legacy turned its attention to caring for the children of deceased ser-vicemen.

Legacy now assists more than 60,000 adults who have lost a spouse or partner, and children who have lost a parent.

Assistance comes in many forms and

is available to families of veterans of conflicts and peacekeeping operations, including those where a parent has been injured or is dealing with mental health issues as a result of their service.

Any death that is deemed service-related qualifies a family for assistance.

The organisation supports families through practical programs, such as pro-viding relief from financial hardship, advocating for entitlements, assisting with children’s education and development, and promoting social inclusion through group camps and social outings.

Bear necessitiesHMAS Penguin members, from left, PO Steve Swanson, SMN Abbey Hegyi, SMN Olivia Bariatti and SMN Lloyd Asimus gear up for Legacy Week.

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16 GANGWAY www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS September 20, 2018

ABATA Courtney McVeigh conducts quality control checks on the engine of an 808SQN MRH-90 Taipan at HMAS Albatross.Photo: POIS Justin Brown

PONPC Kate Taylor gives plasma at the Red Cross Blood Donor Centre in Rockingham, Queensland, as part of the Defence Blood Challenge.Photo: LSIS Kylie Jagiello

LSML-C Kahlie Hinds and ABML-C Matthew Lonie prepare the main dish during the Nestle/Broadspectrum Cooking for the Masses competition at William Angliss Institute in Melbourne.Photo: POIS Nina Fogliani

HMAS Stirling Historical Display Curator ABEW-SM Brittany Alexander demonstrates the new quick response scanning system (QR Code) at Fleet Base West. Photo: LSIS Kylie Jagiello

From left, ABBM Sean Harding, MIDN Demi Williams and LSML-SC Ross Currie sell badges in North Sydney during Legacy Week.

CPOMT Todd Newman is briefed by Associate Professor

Scott Wade, of Swinburne University of Technology, during

the installation of a corrosion prognostic monitoring system in

the gas turbine room on board HMAS Parramatta in Sydney.

Photos: ABIS Tara Byrne

Complete your AFR and InventoryGo to www.tollgroup.com/movemaestro/defence to access and complete your AFR and Inventory.

If you have moved with Toll previously, you will be able to access your previous Inventory of household goods and personal effects at www.tollgroup.com/movemaestro/defence and can update and edit it as required for your new move. Call Toll Transitions on 1800 819 167 if you require assistance.

Don’t delay, complete your AFR and Inventory online today.

What is a Pre-Removal Visit (PRV)? The purpose of the PRV is to clarify all of the particular needs of your removal, such as access conditions, whether items need attention and confirmation of the size of your move and your unpack election.

If your move requires a PRV your Toll Case Manager will let you know and a Toll Transitions Consultant will call you to arrange a suitable time to visit your home.

It is important to make yourself available for a PRV should your move require one.

The Toll Move Plan AppThe Toll Transferee Move Plan App for Defence Members gives you easy access to the details of your relocation itinerary. Download the Toll Move Plan App today and logon using the same valid username and password you use to access Toll Transitions’ website www.tollgroup.com/movemaestro/defence

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17SPORT September 20, 2018 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

NAVY won the interservice honours and AB Rachel Hall featured among a raft of newcomers who competed against a deep field of experience in this year’s ADF Squash National Carnival.

Talent in the ADF could be seen in the bumper number of entries in the A-grade competition and in an open field featuring five previous cham-pions.

Players from all over the country gathered at RAAF Base Williamtown

from August 26-31 to vie for honours in a range of events, including sin-gles, doubles, masters, veterans and an interservice competition.

In the women’s open final, MUSN Toni Maxfield defended her 2017 title against AB Rachel Hall.

Playing in her first event, AB Hall held her own, but MUSN Maxfield’s experience and shot-making proved too much.

“It was a big week, I was knack-ered by the end of it, but I had a lot of

fun,” AB Hall said. “It was a lot more competitive than I thought it was going to be, but I learnt a lot from my first competition.

“Some of the blokes were unreal and they watched our games and coached us during the week.

“I’ll definitely be back next year.”In a closely contested interservice

competition, Navy narrowly defeated Air Force 3-2 to regain the title it lost last year.

Each service provided a team of

its five strongest players, including one woman, and needed to win three or more matches to finish in the top spot.

The ADF’s top player, LAC Aaron Fyfe, beat out Army’s CAPT Elliot Geddes in the final, winning three games to nil.

Both players defeated Navy oppo-nents in the semi-finals, setting the stage for a tough final.

Air Force’s CPL Stephen Gailer won the masters event, while CMDR

Max Muller took the honours in the veterans event.

The 2018 encouragement award for the carnival went to AB Hall, who competed in multiple events and, in some cases, played back-to-back matches in an outstanding debut per-formance.

ADF Squash conducts competitions in each state throughout the year and is open to players of all levels. Members interested in participating should contact adf.squash@

A bumper field took part in this year’s ADF Squash National Carnival at RAAF Base Williamtown.Photo: CPL Nicci Freeman

Rookie makes a racquet

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18 SPORT www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS September 20, 2018

LEUT Ryan Zerbe

IT MIGHT have been icy outside, but that didn’t stop the HMAS Cerberus ship’s company from hitting the pool with gusto for the annual whole-of-base swimming carnival.

Seven teams representing the vari-ous training faculties and Command and Recruit School tried to outdo each other in 15 events, including individu-al races and relays.

The August 22 competition was run according to International Swimming Federation rules to ensure swimmers were adequately challenged.

The Championship Cup went to Maritime Warfare South, which beat the Electronic Technicians component of the Technical Trades Faculty (TTF) for the top position by just four points.

Last year’s winner, Maritime Logistics and Health (MLH), finished third.

SMN Jandre Van Der Walt won the open men’s Catterall Cup and the open women’s Cerberus Cup went to SMN Kassidee Smith.

The Veteran Cup for men and women went to CAPT Mike Oborn and PO Sabrina Nitsche.

POPTI Joe Carroll said the carnival

gave the students and staff from the training faculties a chance to come together in a different setting.

“Everyone can voice their support for their teammates, regardless of their rank or standing within their normal training environments,” he said.

“An event like this is a great equal-iser, when the best swimmers from each faculty just compete.

“A base-wide sporting event proves everyone must be fighting fit and able to perform and win in a competitive environment, even if it’s just in the confines of a swimming carnival.”

Dive, dive, diveParticipants in the women’s 50m freestyle make a splash during the HMAS Cerberus swimming carnival.Photo: POIS Nina Fogliani

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LSIS Jake Badior

A BLIZZARD couldn’t defeat Navy’s t eam a t the annua l Australian Defence International and Interservices Alpine Snow Sports Championships (ADIISC), but Army could.

Despite putting up a fight, Navy fell just short of Army in the overall points tally during the champion-ships held at Perisher Valley in the NSW snowfields in late August.

The ski teams for both men and women placed first while both snowboard teams finished a close second.

CMDR Daniel Crocker took out the slalom and giant slalom and won the overall points score for the men’s ski events.

SBLT Kate Milward was runner-up in the overall ski standings after finishing second in the slalom and giant slalom.

Competing at his first ADIISC, LCDR Russel Skor finished second in the parallel giant slalom and third overall in men’s snowboarding.

Snowboarder ABML Louise Chittick said the competition was a great way to network and build rela-tionships with people she might not otherwise have met or worked with.

“Everyone on the hill is cheering

each other on, no matter your rank or service. The encouragement is always there to go a little harder, a little faster,” she said.

“This was my fifth opportunity to compete and I’ve had a ball every single time,” she said.

AB Chittick and her fellow com-petitors were joined by Perisher instructors and ADIISC support staff at an awards ceremony to mark the end of the tough competition.

Skiers and snowboarders took part in a range of events, including slopestyle, giant slalom, slalom, and boarder/skier-cross.

Director ADF Sport COL Phil Langworthy said the event was not just about skiing and snowboarding, but helped develop skills and quali-ties relevant to the military.

“The courage, leadership and teamwork that competitors dis-play throughout the week is quite extraordinary,” COL Langworthy said.

“Operational tempo these days is very high and this is one small way the organisation and chains of command can recognise the contri-butions of their members by allow-ing them to compete.

“The bonds developed between athletes and the sentiment they show towards the organisation is

such a positive experience that it has you coming back year after year.”

Before being selected to repre-sent Navy, Army or Air Force at ADIISC, competitors must qualify at the single-service championships the week before the national event.

COL Langworthy said ADIISC competitors were the ADF’s “best of the best” and it could take years to achieve the high level of skill required to compete.

He said that should not be a deterrent for those aspiring to par-ticipate, however.

“During both the single-service and interservice competitions, par-ticipants are divided into skill-level groups and undertake daily lessons with qualified instructors and we see great improvement.”

COL Langworthy encouraged members with an interest in snow sports to consider taking part in their respective future single-service events, regardless of experience or skill level.

Members interested in joining the Navy team next year can visit the Navy Alpine Snowsports Association page on the DRN at drnet/navy/NSC/Associations/Alpinesnowsports/Pages/Skiing.aspx

Dallas McMaugh

HMAS Albatross Gap Year participant SMN Dylan Holland is no stranger to the challenges of top-level cross-coun-try competitions.

He racked up his fourth appear-ance in the Australian Cross-Country Championships when he lined up with 1200 competitors at Maleny Golf Club on the Sunshine Coast in late August and finished the 8km course in 31min 41sec.

SMN Holland, 19, has been compet-ing in cross-country events since pri-mary school.

“When I was 14, I made it as far as the state championships in my first year of high school so started to take it more

seriously,” he said. “In the lead-up to the Australian championships I do three hard sessions a week – which might be a fartlek, threshold run or hills – and two easy runs of about 8km in 30 to 40 minutes.

He said it was easy to fit his train-ing regime around his work schedule because Navy encouraged fitness and health.

“What I enjoy about cross-country is the physical fitness and challenge of it, to push yourself past your limits even when you want to stop.

“I also enjoy the friendships you make as you get to know your competi-tors quite well over the years of compet-ing with each other.”

19SPORTSeptember 20, 2018 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

Braving the blizzard

Gap Year sailor no fish out of water on land

ABMT Christopher Stephenson competes in the slopestyle

final at the Australian Defence International and Interservices

Alpine Snow Sports Championships. LCDR Russell

Skor (below) finished third overall in snowboarding and

ABML Louise Chittick (bottom) also competed in snowboarding.

Photos: CPL Chris Beerens

SMN Dylan Holland (left) powers up a hill in

the Australian Cross-Country Championships on the Sunshine Coast.

INDIGENOUS service members are encouraged to nominate for the ADF Australian Rules Indigenous program of events to take place in October.

A men’s team is scheduled to play in the Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association’s Senior Aboriginal Football and Netball Carnival in Ballarat from October 13-14. A training camp will be held at Simpson Barracks the week before.

A women’s side is also being

assembled and will play at the “Around the Campfire” community event in Alberton, South Australia, on October 13.

This will be combined with involve-ment in the Tiwi Islands youth girls’ leadership and mentoring program at Keswick Barracks from October 10.

Interested members should inform their chain of command and contact WO2 Mark Mahoney on 0408 698 918 or SGT Rhiannon Busch on 0448 849 022.

A call to get on the ball

Video from the championships

can be seen at video.defence.gov.au/play/5875

SPORTVolume 61, No. 17, September 20, 2018

POWDERPOWER

Page 19

LEUT Andrew Thistleton tackles the slalom course at the Australian Defence International and Inter-services Alpine Snow Sports Championships at Perisher, NSW. Photo: CPL Chris Beerens

Navy braves the blizzard