AIRAIRFF RCERCEVol. 63, No. 1, February 4, 2021 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

INSIDE: ANSWERING THE CALL OF SUMMER – Page 3 AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURS: LIST, PROFILES – Page 12

PRIDE IN THE SKY

Pages 10-11

F/A-18A Hornets A21-39, A21-23 and A21-07, from 77SQN, in formation off the coast of Newcastle.Photo: SGT David Gibbs

77SQNfarewells Hornets

A photo accompanying the article ‘JCG in good hands’ on Page 6 of the December 10, 2020, edition of Air Force News incorrectly identi-fied Command Warrant Officer JCG WO Christopher Rowley as incom-ing CJC VADM Jonathan Mead.

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Living the Defence Values: SERVICE – COURAGE – RESPECT – INTEGRITY – EXCELLENCE

2 News

‘Powerful’ way to deliver message

CORRECTION

PO Lee-Anne Cooper

CONCENTRIC dots meticulously applied in red, white and blue, are at the heart of a painting by Walbunja woman Katrina Stewart.

The painting tells the story of Common Ground as part of Air Force’s Our Place, Our Skies strat-egy and was presented to CAF AIRMSHL Mel Hupfeld last year.

Ms Stewart travelled to Air Force headquarters in Canberra from her home on the NSW south coast for the presentation. She spoke about the

artwork that will appear on the cover the Air Force Indigenous Affairs Action Plan.

“It represents strength, sup-port and acknowledgment and how empowered we are when we become one,” Ms Stewart said.

The painting has five sections representing cultural awareness, guidance, retention, recruitment and community engagement.

AIRMSHL Hupfeld was moved by the thought put into the artwork and said it surpassed his expecta-tions.

“It is absolutely phenomenal and so powerful. You have captured my overall Air Force strategy,” AIRMSHL Hupfeld said.

“What you said is at the heart of what I am trying to do across Air Force.”

Five pathways heading to the painting’s centre represent differ-ent ways to become an Air Force member.

Ms Stewart spoke of how she felt when she was asked by her daughter, who is in the Air Force, to do the painting.

“I was given an 18-page docu-ment and asked for a concept proof,” she said.

“But I don’t draw, I paint.“I was overwhelmed, but excit-

ed.” After a month working into the

late hours of the night from the quiet of her garage overlooking mountains, Ms Stewart said it became appar-ent the painting was more than she expected it to be.

“I feel like it is relatable to every-one. It’s everyone’s life,” Ms Stewart said.

Katrina Stewart presents her artwork Common Ground to CAF AIRMSHL Mel Hupfeld at Defence’s Russell offices. Photo: PO Lee-Anne Cooper

AIR Force air traffic controllers liaised with their Fiji counterparts to ensure ADF aircrew were provided up-to-date information on Fijian air-space procedures during Operation Fiji Assist.

More than 600 ADF personnel headed to Fiji in December to help communities devastated by Tropical Cyclone Yasa.

Answering the Government of Fiji’s request for assistance, HMAS Adelaide embarked forces, stores and equipment to be used to repair and rebuild schools, install water plants and distribute aid.

FORMER Air Force reserv-ist and passionate supporter, Michael Bryce died on January 16, aged 82.

While he was known as an eminent Australian architect and as the husband of for-mer Governor-General Dame Quentin Bryce, Mr Bryce was also an Air Force reservist from 1956 to 1970 and patron of the RAAF Association Qld and 75SQN Association.

CAF AIRMSHL Mel Hupfeld said Mr Bryce was highly respected and worked hard to get recognition for those he rep-resented.

“Michael’s contribution to Air Force will remain enduring and demonstrated his passion and dedication to our service and its people,” AIRMSHL Hupfeld said.

“I know how hard he worked to try to get No. 75 Squadron members recognised for gal-lantry for their fight in the Battle

for Australia in World War II, in Papua New Guinea.

“As with all 75 Squadron members, we always remain ‘Magpies’ and Michael truly embodied the ‘Magpie’ spirit, continuing his service to Australia throughout his life.”

Mr Bryce joined the Air Force Reserve as an intelligence officer, starting out as a member of the Queensland University Squadron while studying at uni-

versity, and later joined 23SQN. He served as the honorary aide-de-camp to the Governor of Queensland and received the Air Efficiency Award (AE) in 1970.

AIRMSHL Hupfeld said Mr Bryce’s passion for aviation began in his early years.

“Michael joined the Australian Air Force Cadets when he was young, and that love for aviation and Air Force continued through-out his life,” he said.

“He remained a strong sup-porter of cadets; he attended the annual Bomber Command service at RAAF Base Amberley; he was the patron of a number of Air Force-based associations and was a lifelong member of the university squadron branch of the RAAF Association.

“On behalf of Air Force, I extend our condolences to Dame Quentin Bryce and the Bryce family at this sad time.”

Michael Bryce was the patron of a number of Air Force-based associations.

Tributes flow for Michael BryceAir Force in Fiji aid effort

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RCE 3February 4, 2021AIR F News

Eamon Hamilton

AIR Force supported firefighting efforts in Western Australia by deliver-ing 50 bags of fire retardant powder to the state’s Department of Fire and Emergency Services on January 10.

A 36SQN C-17A Globemaster was used to make the important delivery to Busselton Margaret River Airport where civilian C-130 Hercules large air tankers used in firefighting are based.

The bags of fire retardant were provided by the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSWRFS) and loaded onto the Globemaster at RAAF Base Richmond by 22SQN air movements personnel.

The NSWRFS keeps a supply of the retardant at Richmond as that is where the NSW air tanker fleet is based.

Commander Air Mobility Group AIRCDRE Carl Newman said the COVID-19 environment presented chal-lenges for the mission planners.

“State government restrictions arising from new COVID-19 cases coincided with the mission planning

and execution on January 9, making this a dynamic scenario for everyone involved,” AIRCDRE Newman said.

“One of our priorities was to mini-mise the risk of COVID-19 contact and transmission and we considered the alternative of using two C-130Js from Richmond to deliver the load over two days.

“Ultimately, using a C-17A allowed us to make the delivery to Busselton in a single lift and thus minimise the contact risks.”

The retardant was flown to RAAF Base Amberley and then to Busselton where it was unloaded by 25SQN air movements’ personnel who had travelled about 265km from RAAF Base Pearce.

In the first week of the Western Australian bushfires in the new year, parts of Gingin and Dandaragan, north of Perth, were ravaged.

The C-17A mission to deliver the fire retardant was similar to Air Force’s efforts during the 2019/20 bushfire sea-son.

Answering thecall of summer

Above: A 36SQN C-17A Globemaster lifts off from RAAF Base Richmond, NSW, after being loaded with aerial fire retardant bound for Western Australia. Left: 22SQN Air Movements personnel load aerial fire retardant onto the C-17A Globemaster aircraft.Photos: CPL David Said

Bringing expertise and experienceFLGOFF Nicole Thomson-PrideAIR Force has welcomed 18 new specialist reservists as they completed their initial induction course at RAAF Base Wagga.

The new members include a forensic dentist, emergency phy-sician, physiotherapist, Qantas pilot, chaplain, Indigenous liaison officer, legal officers and public affairs officers.

Air Force often calls on the reserve workforce to support capability requirements, as it did throughout 2020 with Operations Bushfire Assist and COVID-19 Assist.

Director Workforce Integration GPCAPT Joanna Elkington said specialist reservists injected criti-cal capability into Air Force.

“Specialist reservists bring years of experience, expertise and training from their civil-

ian careers, supplementing Air Force’s capability in the full-time force,” GPCAPT Elkington said.

“They are a critical part of Air Force’s workforce and we warmly welcome our newest officers.”

FLGOFF Owen Zupp joined Air Force as a reservist, along-side his civilian career as a Qantas pilot. His commercial

aviation career has spanned more than 30 years and 20,000 flight hours.

He was inspired to join by his father’s flying career with 77SQN during the Korean War.

“My father, Flying Officer Phillip Zupp, flew 201 fighter missions during the Korean War after having initially trained as a navigator with the RAAF in World War II,” FLGOFF Zupp said.

“My dad also served in New Guinea with the Army’s 2/10 Cavalry Commando Squadron and the British Commonwealth Occupation Force in Japan.

“My mother, Corporal Edith Blight, served as a radar opera-tor with the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force in World War II before re-enlisting post-war as part of the first Women’s Royal Australian Air Force recruit course.”

FLGOFF Owen Zupp will work as a flight instructor with Cadet Branch’s Elementary Flight Training School at RAAF Base Richmond.

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RCE 5February 4, 2021AIR F News

FLTLT Courtney Jay

WITH a motto of ‘In response’, No. 28 (City of Canberra) Squadron has lived up to these words

the past 37 years.Signalling the end of an era,

28SQN marked the disbandment of the squadron by laying up its Governor-General’s Banner on December 10 at ANZAC Memorial Chapel of St Paul, Royal Military College Duntroon.

The squadron was formed on July 1, 1983, at RAAF Base Fairbairn as an active Reserve unit for personnel from the ACT and Wagga Wagga region. Demonstrating its responsiveness, it has undergone a number of functional and organisational changes over the years, most recently delivering Air Force’s public affairs and imagery capability.

Squadron Warrant Officer and Mustering Capability Adviser Air Force Imagery Specialist, WOFF Katrina Johnson, has been part of 28SQN since the transfer of the image-ry specialist capability in 2012.

“Up until 2012, the principle role of 28SQN was to provide a trained and combat-ready Reserve force to surge in support of ADF tasks and opera-tions,” WOFF Johnson said.

“Reserve personnel were from a wide range of specialisations and sup-ported multiple domestic and interna-tional operations, exercises and civil community tasks.”

WOFF Johnson said December’s ceremony to lay up the Governor-General’s Banner was pared back due to COVID-19 restrictions but she was looking forward to visiting RAAF Base Point Cook in 2021 to see 28SQN’s Banner hanging in the Holy Trinity Chapel.

The distinguished efforts of 28SQN have been recognised on several occa-sions over the years, being awarded the Air Force Association Trophy in 1996 for the most proficient Reserve squadron. Freedom of Entry to the City of Canberra was granted on June 27, 2003, by the Chief Minister, and on June 23, 2007, its service to the Canberra region was recognised with a plaque at the RAAF Memorial Grove in Majura. Finally, on September 11, 2015, the squadron’s exemplary service was recognised through the presentation of the Governor-General’s Banner by then Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove.

At the helm was the last com-manding officer of 28SQN, WGCDR Fiona Van Der Snoek who will lead Air Force’s public affairs and imagery capability to its new home in 2021.

Banner day for 28SQN

“The laying up of the Governor-General’s Banner signifies the dis-bandment of 28SQN, which was origi-nally formed as an active Reserve unit and evolved to deliver public affairs and imagery effects in recent years,” WGCDR Van Der Snoek said.

With the disbandment of 28SQN, 464SQN will be re-established under the Air Warfare Centre’s Information Warfare Directorate, assuming the responsibility for providing military public affairs support to Air Command units and wider support to

Defence exercises and operations.“As the current commanding

officer of 28SQN, and on behalf of all commanding officers who came before me, I sincerely thank the women and men – both permanent and Reserve forces – who have served in 28SQN

over the years for their dedication and commitment,” WGCDR Van Der Snoek said.

“Your contribution and that of your workmates has been etched in the pages of history for future generations to discover.”

Above: 28SQN personnel outside the ANZAC Memorial Chapel of St Paul at Royal Military College Duntroon, Canberra. Below left: WOFF Katrina Johnson uncases the Colours held by Colour Bearer FLGOFF Lyndon Shapcott, Below right: FLGOFF Shapcott passes the Colours to 28SQN CO WGCDR Fiona Van Der Snoek. Photos: CPL David Said

Directorate made for the future FLTLT Georgie MacDonaldTHE Cyber & Electronic Warfare Directorate (C&EWD), a newly established element within the Air Warfare Centre (AWC), has been officially inaugurated.

Originally grouped within the Information Warfare Directorate (IWD), the growth of intelligence, cyber and electronic warfare-related capabilities within Air Force over the past decade has necessitated this directorate split.

GPCAPT Jason Powers is the new Director of Cyber and Electronic Warfare.

“I am both passionate and excited about seeing our cyber and EW capabilities continue to evolve, ensuring we keep pace with the strategic environment and the expectations placed on the ADF to succeed in peace, grey zone and direct combat sce-narios,” GPCAPT Powers said.

“I am grateful and humbled

for the opportunity I have been provided as the inaugural director of the Air Warfare Centre’s cyber and EW, supporting capabilities across the ADF.

“We will provide a dedicated directorate for the increasingly important and expanding domains of cyber and electronic warfare.”

Director of IWD GPCAPT Andrew Hoffmann was excited to be involved in the future of intel-ligence and information warfare.

“The splitting of the directo-rates will allow greater IWD focus on air intelligence and public affairs as essential capabilities that enable air and space power,” GPCAPT Hoffmann said.

“The challenge is big. Air Force is operating in increas-ingly complex environments, and needs to be able to operate in the ‘grey’ zone of the spectrum of conflict.

“This requires intelligence and information warfare capabilities

that are built, trained, equipped and sustained to enable air and space operations across the breadth of the spectrum of conflict: from humanitarian assistance through to high-end warfighting – and everything in between.”

The formation of CEWD has created a new headquar-ters element (HQ CEWD). The directorate will comprise the following existing units and organisations: Joint Electronic Warfare Operational Support Unit (JEWOSU); 462SQN; Joint Survivability and Tactics Validation Unit (JSTVU); and soon to be renamed 80SQN, for-merly ACURL.

Coincidental to the split, IWD will incorporate 464SQN Military Public Affairs formerly 28SQN from HQAC, and retain the follow-ing units: Air Intelligence Training Unit (AITU), 87SQN, 460SQN and 83SQN, formerly DGS-AUS.

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6 News

WGCDR Tharren Kingston-Lee

A CHANGE in name marks a new direc-tion for an Air Force centre focused on air and space power, which encourages ideas from across Defence and beyond.

CAF AIRMSHL Mel Hupfe ld launched the Air and Space Power Centre (ASPC) in December in Canberra.

The centre replaces the Air Power Development Centre that has supported the development of air power concepts and strategies since 2004.

Various factors led to a change in direction for the Air Force’s air-power thinktank, and the Air and Space Power Centre will facilitate that change.

The change is more than a name change, according to AIRMSHL Hupfeld.

“In providing a forum for the contest of air and space power ideas, this centre will inform future strategies for air and space power’s use in pursuit of our nation-al interests,” he said.

“It will shape our thinking about the capabilities we need to achieve those strat-egies.

“And it will embed continued reform of Air Force culture as it becomes more integrated into the joint force.”

The ASPC is a key element in sup-porting the Air Force Strategy 2020 (AFSTRAT) and in developing future gen-erations of air and space power strategic thinkers and practitioners.

Then ASPC director AIRCDRE Jason Begley said the centre would be engaged with Air Force’s workforce at all levels.

“While the Chief of the Air Force has committed to allowing the centre to engage in a genuine contest of ideas, even the most disruptive of Air Force’s thinkers

are still going to be shaped by our culture and experiences within it,” AIRCDRE Begley said.

“A true contest of ideas must involve many voices, perspectives and arguments – the diverse perspectives of the joint force, academia, other government agen-cies and thinktanks, and the ideas and networks you can access.

“Only when we actively support dif-ferent ways of thinking can we challenge current thinking and discover new solu-tions to our challenges.”

He said it was important to note air and space power were not the sole domain of Air Force and the thinking that shaped future capabilities was not the sole domain of senior officers.

“The ADF is full of smart people who only need a forum to share their ideas. Well, the ASPC is going to deliver exactly that. I can’t wait,” he said.

Various means will be used to ensure everyone in Air Force, across the Department of Defence and other stake-holders can access information, including podcasts, e-books, and hard-copy publi-cations, which will be available to order through the ASPC intranet site.

Members of the ASPC also will be actively seeking ideas and contributions from everyone with an interest – regard-less of rank, experience or position.

At the launch event, WOFF-AF Fee Grasby said it was fantastic that person-nel, regardless of rank and experience, would have the opportunity to consume and contribute material critical for Air Force’s future and could access support to learn and grow their capabilities.

“I wholeheartedly encourage all air-men and airwomen to get involved.”

A new space for big ideas

FLTLT Natalie Giles

AIR Force Test Ranges Directorate Trial Manager Andy Searle had a crucial role late last year in secur-ing the second asteroid sample to be brought to Earth.

Mr Searle, of the Air Force Test Ranges Squadron (AFTRSQN), was the lead planner for the mission to recover the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency’s (JAXA) Hayabusa2 satellite that landed in the Woomera Protected Area (WPA) with the asteroid sample at 3.58am on December 6.

Mr Searle had been involved in the mission for three years.

“The success of this ground-breaking mission has been a result of a number of groups working together over the last three years,” Mr Searle said.

“We’ve been liaising with many stakeholders across all of govern-ment, and the Australian Space Agency, JAXA, and Defence Science and Technology.

“We’ve had the teams visit the WPA in 2018 and 2019 and finally the most recent visit to recover the capsule.”

Key role in mission for asteroid sample

Deputy Director of Range Operations Darren Shorter said Mr Searle had been working at Woomera since 2002 and joined the test range team in 2008.

“Andy has a long history and wealth of knowledge about the Woomera Test Range and the coex-istence framework in which we operate,” Mr Shorter said.

“As well as working with lan-guage barriers, COVID-19 made this event even more challenging for Andy as he and his team were required to conduct multiple reviews of documentation and conduct meetings remotely to ensure that

AFTRSQN was prepared and ready to support JAXA on the ground at Woomera.

“Andy’s efforts were instrumen-tal in ensuring JAXA’s success with this event and his support to this activity is commendable. JAXA per-sonnel are very grateful to Andy for his support to their mission.”

Mr Searle grew up in Woomera after his family moved to Australia from the UK in 1974.

His family has a strong con-nection to Woomera as his father also worked on the Woomera Test Range and his grandparents lived in Woomera.

Air Force Test Ranges Directorate Trial Manager Andrew Searle, who was part of the Hayabusa2 mission at the Woomera Test Range, South Australia. Inset below: A Search and Rescue Helicopter helps transport JAXA members to retrieve a sample from the returned capsule. Photos: CPL Brenton Kwaterski

RCE 7February 4, 2021AIR F News

FOR this first edition of 2021, I’d like to encourage you to consider your professional and personal development oppor-

tunities for the year – what have you planned, and how can you achieve it?

Towards the end of last year, I took part in an interview with the Propel Her team – a professional military education online platform developed by two ADF members, including SQNLDR Shamsa Lea.

Both Propel Her and the joint platform that hosts it – Grounded Curiosity – seek to share ideas and start conversations for the profession of arms.

Propel Her is focused on develop-ing professional development resourc-es geared towards women in the ADF, while Grounded Curiosity includes leadership, strategy, tactics and future thinking relevant for all. Professional and personal development is critical to building an intelligent and skilled workforce. We need you to want to learn, grow and innovate. Propel Her provides meaningful discussions on a range of topics, from mentoring and innovation to interviews with military leaders and guest author contributions.

Propelling us forward

We can only grow when we com-mit to learning, and we must never stop learning – from each other, and from our leaders at all ranks in Air Force.

I was most proud of my interview with the Propel Her team, conducted by CPL Jaci Nelson from the air move-ments team at Amberley. Jaci writes about her concept of ‘airpowerment’ and we talked about how our work-force can innovate, the importance of mentors and culture.

The Propel Her team is supportive of junior members submitting content for publishing on the online platform and I encourage you to have a go, as we all have a perspective, an experi-ence or knowledge to share with others. Starting, and maintaining, con-versations that help us to build on our personal and professional skills will ensure our Air Force is the best it can be. These conversations are the begin-ning of the change in our actions and behaviours, to improve on our learning culture.

If you haven’t already been online, I hope you will take some time at the beginning of this new year to visit Propel Her and Grounded Curiosity. Make a start on your own development today, and make it a priority for your 2021.Very respectfully, FeeYour Warrant Officer of the Air Force

ON THE WEBGet online and learn at: https://groundedcuriosity.com

https://groundedcuriosity.com/propel-her/

In conversation with WOFF-AF by CPL Jaci Nelson: https://groundedcuriosity.com/

in-conversation-with-woff-af/

CPL Jaci Nelson, from 295SQN, checks the pallet load identification card on humanitarian aid supplies bound for Fiji ready to be loaded on to a 37SQN C-130J Hercules at RAAF Base Amberley. Photo: CPL Jesse Kane

Mrs Lou Hupfeld, wife of CAF AIRMSHL Mel Hupfeld, chats with the members of the Women’s Integrated Networking Groups (WINGS) during her visit to RAAF Base Wagga. WINGs is a program designed to facilitate mentoring and networking among women in the Air Force. Photo: CPL Kylie Gibson

8

‘IT’S not just a job; it’s an adven-ture,’ was a Defence recruiting slo-gan that got the attention of a young man who decided a career with the

Australian Defence Force would help prove there was more to him than his school grades.

SGT David Hutton committed to that decision when the world was shocked by the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Centre in New York while he was in Year 12 at school.

New life, new purpose“I became interested in Air Force

after meeting my wife, who was already in the Air Force,” SGT Hutton said.

“I wanted to join the regular Army but there were barriers at the time – the roles I wanted were not on offer to reservists. I also came to the conclusion that it would create difficulties if my

wife and I were in different services.“I was stuck working in a factory

that made bladders for cask wine while serving in the Reserves, and although that factory was pretty good, it was not what I wanted to do forever.”

SGT Hutton’s choice of mustering was Air Force security.

He now is the compliance patrol

team leader at RAAF Base Woomera.He conducts daily patrols of the

Woomera Prohibited Area to undertake compliance checks and liaises with tradi-tional owners, pastoralists and miners.

“One of the first officers I worked for in Air Force said: ‘Don’t expect deployments and accolades. Work hard, do your job well, look after your mates

and you’ll go far’,” SGT Hutton said.“It’s stuck with me through my

whole career. I have changed roles and deployed several times in pursuit of interesting work and new opportuni-ties. The Air Force is turning 100 years old, but every day is a new day, with new challenges – the only constant for Air Force is change.”

The Royal Australian Air Force will mark its centenary on March 31. For further information, visit: airforce.gov.au/100

SGT David Hutton stepped out of the Reserves and has never looked back, SQNLDR Bruce Chalmers writes.

SGT David Hutton, at Woomera Rocket Park in South Australia, is the compliance patrol team leader at RAAF Base Woomera. Photo: SGT Murray Staff

SQNLDR Bruce ChalmersLACW Chantelle Bradford always had a desire to fly while growing up in Queensland and her forma-tive work years were spent as cabin crew with Qantas, travelling Australia and the world.

She is now an air surveillance operator at RAAF Base Edinburgh, having decided to join the ADF to pursue her passion for aviation.

“My day-to-day roles utilise over-the-horizon radar and other sophisticated systems to detect and maintain surface and air surveillance within the area of Australia’s northern approaches,” LACW Bradford said.

“I enlisted in June 2019, com-pleted initial military training in Wagga Wagga and received the airmanship award for my graduat-ing course. I am currently posted to RAAF Base Edinburgh in the Battlespace Surveillance Centre.”

LACW Bradford has a busy and vital volunteering role when not at work with the Air Force.

“I volunteer with ADF veterans and first responders coordinating disaster relief operations follow-

Finding something special on the radar

ing natural disasters such as the recent bushfires, floods, tropical cyclones and droughts to name a few,” she said.

“The organisation is called Disaster Relief Australia and I was fortunate enough to be a part of their start up in Australia in February 2017.

“I have many roles, such as public relations, operations officer, logistics, incident management team and mentor.

“To help me in my Disaster Relief Australia role, I am currently studying a Bachelor of Emergency Management.”

LACW Chantelle Bradford.

True test of dedicationSQNLDR Bruce Chalmers

WHEN former Wing Commander Robyn Clay-Williams joined the Air Force in 1979, she was told there were no female pilots.

But her love for flying and persis-tence led her to become a test pilot and she eventually commanded the Test and Training Wing of what is now Air Mobility Group.

Ms Clay-Williams began her Air Force career studying electronic engi-neering because flying was not open to women in the Air Force until 1987.

Accepted into the first pilot’s course to admit women, she gradu-ated at the top of the class, but despite wanting to be a fast jet pilot, she could not progress as it was only in 1993, after her graduation, women were able to be admitted into fast jet training.

“I am proud to have served in the Air Force and I am grateful that RAAF gave me an education and the opportu-nity to fly and then test fly,” Ms Clay-Williams said.

“Flying on the test pilot course, especially flying military fast jets in Russia and the Czech Republic, which had only recently opened to the west, was a highlight of my career.

“Add to that the actual gradua-tion from the course, undertaking the development and acceptance test

flights for the C-130J Hercules later in my career and my first wing com-mand at No. 85 Wing, I have very fond memories of my time in the RAAF.”

Ms Clay-Williams led the USA-based Air Force C-130J acquisition team, accepting 12 of the iconic plat-forms and associated systems on budg-et and exceeding specification.

She also became a specialist con-sultant to the Defence Airworthiness Board and Defence Acquisitions Management, test flying operational, training and developmental military aircraft in the UK, Germany, Russia and the Czech Republic.

She even had time to squeeze in

some lecturing in Defence Studies at the Australian Defence Force Academy.

“I feel chuffed about being part of the commemoration of the Air Force’s founding 100 years ago,” she said.

“A favourite moment of my Air Force career was having the Honourable Ros Kelly, MP, who was only the second woman in the House of Representatives to hold ministe-rial office, pin my wings at graduation from pilots’ course.

“That’s closely followed by the 1993 decision to remove all barriers against women flying combat roles.”

WGCDR Robyn Clay-Williams (retd) reflects on her time with Air Force as a test pilot. Photo: SGT Rob Hack

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9

SQNLDR Bruce Chalmers

RAAF Base Edinburgh launched its cen-tenary commemorative program with a gala dinner in partnership with the Royal Aeronautical Society (Adelaide Branch), in the annual Sir Ross and Sir Keith Smith dinner.

At the dinner, themed “Honouring the Air Force Centenary in 2021”, South Australian Premier Steven Marshall spoke of his excitement for the centenary commemorations.

Mr Marshall commended the Air Force Centenary for a fantastic oppor-tunity to commemorate our past and inspire the next generations of achiev-ers in Defence and aerospace in South Australia.

South Australian Governor Hieu Van Le was guest of honour at the dinner, hosted by Edinburgh Defence Precinct

Senior ADF Officer AIRCDRE Brendan Rogers.

“The dinner’s success reflected RAAF Edinburgh’s strong and diverse relationships across the community which will be so important in 2021 in sharing the Air Force Centenary with

S o u t h A u s t r a l i a n s , ” AIRCDRE Rogers said.

Edinburgh Indigenous Liaison Officer FLTLT Steve Warrior acknowl-edged our First Nations peoples’ employment of the weapons in the air.

“FLTLT Warrior is a proud Kaurna, Narungga, and Kokatha man and his Welcome to Country cer-emony provided the ideal opportunity to later dem-onstrate the Indigenous weapons display,” said GPCAPT Greg Weller, RAAF Base Edinburgh’s

Director of Community Engagement and Air Force Centenary Base Liaison Officer.

“Coupled with artefacts from the South Australian Aviation Museum, a display from the Sir Richard Williams R A A F C e n t e n a r y C e l e b r a t i o n s Committee and the new 10-piece South Australian Exhibition Air Force Centenary banners, the annual dinner was an excellent opportunity to outline what the Air Force Centenary will look like in South Australia,” he said.

Edinburgh launches into 2021

ILO FLTLT Steve Warrior demonstrated RAAF Edinburgh’s Indigenous air weapons display.

SQNLDR Bruce ChalmersWHEN the role of loadmaster was opened to women, retired Warrant Officer Katrina Salvesen seized the opportunity to take on a more hands-on mustering.

Born in Hobart, Mrs Salvesen enlisted in the ADF in September 1983.

As a supply clerk, she was posted to the Air Force’s No. 2 Stores Depot in Sydney.

She said it wasn’t exactly what she envisioned in her Air Force career.

“Thankfully, I was then post-ed to recruiting where I had the most enjoyable time speaking to thousands of young people about careers in the ADF,” Mrs Salvesen said.

It was at the end of this post-ing Mrs Salvesen was accepted into the loadmaster category, opened for the first time to women. It was December 1994 when she realised her dream to be in a career directly impacting and involved in operations and exercises.

“Of course, I was now where the action was. I was aircrew and flying,” Mrs Salvesen said.

“I managed to dux our course, much to the chagrin of my male counterparts.”

She said her first loadmaster posting was to 36SQN.

“Another loadmaster advised me to choose No. 36 Squadron over No. 37 Squadron due to the tactical nature of the squadron’s operations,” she said.

In a varied career, Mrs Salvesen worked at 86WG as a watchkeeper, spent six months in East Timor working with the United Nations from August 2002 to February 2003 and later that year was deployed to the Middle East for Operation Catalyst.

Involved with Operation Sumatra Assist and opera-tions in Solomon Islands, Mrs Salvesen also spent time on exchange in New Zealand.

In 2006, she trained on the C-17A Globemaster III, completing the training with a Distinguished Graduate Certificate.

After retiring from the Air Force, Mrs Salvesen has main-tained her drive, running her own business and is now doing a TAFE qualification in the aged care and disability field.

The Royal Australian Air Force will mark 100 years of service to Australia on March 31. For further information, visit www.airforce.gov.au/100

Trailblazing loadmaster

One of Air Force’s newest C-130J Hercules loadmasters, CPL Jordyn Luck, is joined by the first-ever female loadmaster, Katrina Salvesen, on board a C-130J Hercules at RAAF Base Richmond. Photo: CPL David Said

10 77SQN Hornets

FULL SKIESFOR FONDFAREWELL

77SQN F/A-18A Hornets, from right, A21-39, A21-23 and A21-07 fly in formation off the coast of Newcastle, NSW.Photo: CPL David Said.

11February 4, 2021RCEAIR F

The spectacular final flights of 77SQN Hornets have stirred plenty of memories from those privileged to have worked with the aircraft, FLTLT Jessica Aldred and FLGOFF Bronwyn Marchant write.

AN eight-ship formation of F/A-18A/B Hornets filled the Williamtown skyline in a fitting farewell to the aircraft

as it was retired from 77SQN on December 11.

With the squadron transitioning to the F-35A Lightning II, Air Force’s only remaining Hornet squadron is 75SQN at RAAF Base Tindal, Northern Territory.

Warrant Officer Engineering 77SQN Tony Collie said he had a long and unique history with the air-craft.

“I arrived at 77 Squadron in August 1988 as an aircraftman engine fitter while the unit was still in the process of receiving the new aircraft from final assembly in Melbourne,” WOFF Collie said.

“I vividly remember to this day how good it was to marshal a brand new aircraft, A21-045, into our flightline and inspect such a pristine aircraft.

“77 Squadron was my first unit working on the Hornet – on arrival as an aircraftman, the new Hornets were still being commissioned into service, and now as Warrant Officer Engineering, I’m transitioning the Hornet out of service at the same squadron.

“I feel privileged that history has aligned for me to achieve my mini-mum and maximum enlisted rank on the same aircraft type at the same squadron.”

Air Force operated 71 F/A-18A/B

Hornets at RAAF Base Williamtown and RAAF Base Tindal since 1985, with 77SQN operating the Hornet out of RAAF Base Williamtown for the past 33 years.

In that time, it has deployed on a number of operations, including Operations Falconer and Okra – the first operational deployment of fight-ers since the Korean War.

Then 77SQN CO GPCAPT Jason Easthope, said he was proud to lead the final week flying display.

“No. 77 Squadron was formed in 1942 and has since maintained and operated 13 different aircraft types, including the Kittyhawk, Mustang, Sabre and Mirage, just to name a few,” GPCAPT Easthope said.

“The F/A-18A/B Hornet has been in service for over three decades so it was a real honour to be the com-

manding officer during this historic event. The farewell event celebrated not only the end of the Hornet opera-tions at No. 77 Squadron, but the end of all Hornet operations at RAAF Base Williamtown.”

Since the end of Hornet opera-tions at 77SQN, GPCAPT Easthope has begun his new role as the Air Combat Group Chief of Staff.

He was looking forward to a new chapter of fifth-generation air combat capability, seeing in the F-35A opera-tions.

“It’s exciting to see the air com-bat capability progression from the Hornet to the F-35A, and I look forward to seeing the F-35A serve Australia with distinction for the next three decades,” GPCAPT Easthope said.

“Flying is my passion and I will

always have a soft spot for the Hornet, but as I reflect on my time in command, it will be the highly moti-vated, dedicated and skilled person-nel of No. 77 Squadron that I will miss the most.”

Meanwhile, WOFF Collie said his experience with the F/A-18A/B Hornets on Operation Falconer, in the Middle East in 2003, would stay with him.

“The whole experience to prepare aircraft and equip ourselves for oper-ational deployment was extremely exciting,” he said. “I gained a first-hand perspective of how a team could operate and achieve a goal when we had a common purpose, we just got on with the task.”

The F/A-18A (single seat) and F/A-18B (twin seat) Hornets are a multi-role fighter aircraft, capable of

air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. They have been an integral part of Australia’s air combat capability.

WOFF Collie said it had been an exciting part of his Air Force career and was looking forward to the new chapter with the F-35A.

“I feel extremely privileged to be involved within the lifecycle of our Hornet. I definitely feel a part of its contribution to the Air Force,” he said. “I am excited to see what potential we will be able to achieve by mixing state of the art technology with the F-35A and highly motivated, lateral thinking and innovative men and women in Air Force today.

“I am looking forward to witness-ing the capability increase that the F-35A will offer Defence as a whole after we mature from platform transi-tion.”

Retired but never to be forgotten

Maintenance moves with the times as 278SQN packs up workshopFLTLT Jessica AldredTOOLS have been downed as 278SQN closed out their mainte-nance training support to Air Combat Group, on December 17.

Established in 2003, 278SQN has trained thousands of Air Force tech-nicians for the F-111C, Hornet, Hawk 127, PC-9/A, Super Hornet and the Growler at RAAF Bases Williamtown, Amberley, Pearce and Tindal.

278SQN CO SQNLDR Philip Irvine said the squadron was keen to mark the end of the era, but travel restrictions meant it was smaller than planned.

“We were unable to hold many of our planned commemorative activi-ties in 2020, including our end of era dining in night,” SQNLDR Irvine said.

“But we marked the occasion by preserving one of our building signs, and had a unit morning tea to share our memories and reflect on our achievements.

“Despite the twin challenges of preparing to close a unit, and the restrictions of COVID-19 in the final year, members maintained the same high standards, as well as kept unit morale high – they have done a fan-tastic job, and I personally am very proud of them all.”

Air Combat Group maintenance training is now being delivered by 2OCU Integrated Training Centre at RAAF Base Williamtown and Headquarters Air Combat Group technical training flight at RAAF Base Amberley.

The squadron’s workforce includ-ed both Air Force and APS members.

APS team member and Computer Managed Instruction Manager David Carseldine was the only founding member to still be in the squadron as it marked its final day.

“I joined Air Force as an electri-cal fitter in 1984 and, in 1996, as a sergeant, I was posted to No. 481 Squadron field training flight which became 278 Squadron technical training flight on 1 July 2003,” Mr Carseldine said.

“I was in charge of teams to transfer Hornet courseware to a new system being implemented at the time, but this system was not sus-tainable and I was approached by the officer-in-charge to investigate a new solution.

“I was offered an APS position when uniform positions were civil-

ianised and took the offer, discharg-ing in October 1998 – I was the CMI manager ever since.”

Now retired, Mr Carseldine said he was proud to support Air Combat Group’s maintenance training over the years.

“This was a significant event in my career with Air Force. We trained more than 37,000 students as many come through more than once,” Mr Carseldine said.

“After 37 years with Air Force and the Australian Public Service, and 25 years of those with field training flight and 278 Squadron, I’m looking forward to no early starts in retire-ment.”

278SQN leaves behind a proud legacy of excellence in Air Combat Group’s technical training.

278SQN marked its closure with the preservation of a building sign at RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland.

Far left: Eight F/A-18A/B Hornet aircraft from 77SQN conduct a farewell aerial handling display at RAAF Base Williamtown, NSW.Left: GPCAPT Jason Easthope, in an Air Force F/A-18A Hornet aircraft from 77SQN, taxis for the final time at RAAF Base Williamtown.Photos: CPL Brett Sherriff

12 Australia Day Honours

HONOURS LIST

Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) - Military Division

AVM Leigh GordonFor distinguished service in respon-sible positions in acquisition and sustainment of aerospace systems for the ADF.

Member of the Order of Australia (AM) - Military Division

AIRCDRE Phillip ChampionFor exceptional service to the ADF in international engagement and capability development.

GPCAPT Philip EdwardsFor exceptional service to the ADF in the development and delivery of air power education.

WGCDR Randall McCutcheonFor exceptional service in support of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program in developmental and operational testing; and during the introduction of the F-35 capability into Australian service.

GPCAPT Angus PorterFor exceptional service in air combat operations management, organisational development, and

the strategic planning for the ADF.

WOFF Jennine RichesFor exceptional service in leader-ship and personnel welfare for the ADF.

Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) – Military Division

WOFF Shane GristFor meritorious performance of duty in aircrew survival training and infrastructure redevelopment at the RAAF Combat Survival Training School.

WGCDR Ian MurphyFor meritorious service in work health and safety for the RAAF.

Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC)

FLTLT Daniel BeurichFor outstanding devotion to duty in aircrew training and tactics devel-opment on the AP-3C electronic warfare aircraft for the ADF.

WGCDR Mark BroadbridgeFor outstanding achievement in establishing the Aviation Candidate Management Centre, and in the

remediation of aviation workforce supply for the ADF.

GPCAPT Michael Burgess-OrtonFor outstanding achievement in development and delivery of joint command and control networks and information technologies for the ADF.

WOFF Jeffery GrahamFor outstanding devotion to duty in explosive ordnance disposal train-ing and development for the ADF.

SQNLDR Debbie HerberzFor outstanding achievement in ed-ucation and training for the RAAF.

GPCAPT Paul KloseFor outstanding achievement in implementation of the Defence Aviation Safety Regulations, in introducing the Air Force Safety Always Program, and improving fleet management of aviation land materiel for the ADF.

WGCDR Daniel McManusFor outstanding achievement in the development of communications and land-based network information capabilities and specialist personnel for the RAAF.

SQNLDR Amanda NorrisFor outstanding achievement in F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft training for the ADF.

GPCAPT Peter PollockFor outstanding achievement in project and program governance reform, and change management development and implementation in Capability Acquisition and Sustain-ment Group.

GPCAPT Benjamin PoxonFor outstanding achievement in air mobility development and opera-tions for the ADF as commanding officer of No. 35 Squadron for the RAAF.

SQNLDR Matthew TaylorFor outstanding devotion to duty in fighter aircraft maintenance as the senior engineering officer of No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit, RAAF.

WGCDR Stephen TubbyFor outstanding achievement in education and training development for the ADF.

WGCDR Naomi van der LindenFor outstanding achievement in

ethics and leadership development and delivery for the ADF as acting director of the Centre for Defence Leadership and Ethics. Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM)

GPCAPT Davin AugustineFor meritorious achievement as the chief of staff Headquarters Joint Task Force 633 while deployed on Operation Accordion from Decem-ber 2018 to October 2019.

WOFF Locksley BurnsFor meritorious devotion to duty in the sustainment and development of air traffic control, air navigation and surveillance systems for the ADF.

CPL Leigh OkunevFor meritorious devotion to duty in the technical support of the Defence air traffic radar system at William-town as a communications electron-ics technician.

SQNLDR Peter PerrinFor meritorious achievement in the design and creation of a cyberspace warfare workforce for the RAAF.

SGT Sebastian Beurich

A CHANCE conversation and more than six month’s hard work led to 1CCS Com-munications Electronics

Technician CPL Leigh Okunev being awarded a Conspicuous Service Medal in this year’s Australia Day honours and awards list.

The citation for his award says CPL Okunev was responsible for “a crucial aircraft navigation aid being success-fully restored to full operation, provid-ing efficient and effective service to the military and civilian users of the Newcastle airspace”.

Issues plagued Newcastle’s air traffic radar system for more than a decade, something he said led to con-trollers having reduced confidence in the system, forcing them to increase separation between aircraft – some-thing they had learned to live with over the years.

“I was on a late shift and having a casual conversation with one of the controllers when he asked me to have a look at an issue,” CPL Okunev said.

Over the next six months, RAAF Base Williamtown’s air traffic con-trollers logged hundreds of occasions where planes would jump around, not label correctly, have duplicate tracks or be where they were not supposed to be on the radar picture.

For each, CPL Okunev investigated by performing playbacks on the air-craft control and radar systems, before looking at the raw tracks from the dif-ferent radar data sources to find where

Light bulb moment

the bad data was coming from. “It was a bit of a science experiment – I got a bunch of data, came up with a hypoth-esis and then tested it,” he said.

“If you did identify the issue, next came the challenge of finding a solu-tion.”

With “six or seven” issues iden-tified in both the software and the radar system, CPL Okunev developed workarounds, performed configura-

tion updates and sent test results to the equipment manufacturer and SPO for rectification.

“The whole process involved a lot of reading manuals and documentation that came with the system, long emails to the OEM and a lot of conversations with controllers to figure out how eve-rything worked together,” he said.

“The broken bits are what make the job interesting. I signed up to be a

technician, so doing this sort of stuff is my favourite part of the job.”

CPL Okunev said he wasn’t expect-ing to be recognised at this level.

“It’s now more than a year later, so it was really surprising to get the letter notifying me I would be awarded the CSM.

“My wife was really happy when I told her. She’s really proud of me.”

CPL Julia Whitwell

HIS work designing the cyber war-fare employment category earned SQNLDR Peter Perrin a Conspicuous Service Medal in the 2021 Australia Day Honours and Awards.

SQNLDR Perrin, pictured, dis-played “consummate professionalism, leadership and interpersonal skill” to deliver a “joint by design workforce,” according to his citation.

“I was in an extremely privileged position to have such freedom over the outcomes and I had also been given

immense amounts of trust and support from those around me,” he said.

“It’s an exam-ple for the broader Defence organisa-tion that people can achieve more than their position or

rank might suggest.” Collaborating across groups and

services, he built the cyber warfare analyst and cyber warfare officer employment profiles, including career

pathways, skill grades and remunera-tion.

“I took a range of influences into consideration such as equivalent employment categories in Army and Navy, and similar ones in Air Force like intelligence and air combat offic-ers,” he said.

“Once you have an understanding of different types of jobs people need, you need to understand and design a system that incentivises those path-ways.”

One incentive was to separate skill progression from rank, allowing

pay increases as personnel progress their technical mastery or, conversely, allowing them to progress in rank if their skills are more rounded than spe-cialised.

SQNLDR Perrin said seeing can-didates nominate for the new employ-ment categories was reward enough for his efforts.

“To design something from scratch, execute it and see it through to com-pletion where there’s advertising mate-rial at DFR and ADFA students study-ing for the role, it has been a privi-lege.”

Keeping 10SQN on the goSGT Sebastian BeurichTHERE’S probably not many aircrew at 10SQN who can say their career wasn’t impacted by FLTLT Daniel Beurich, who was awarded a conspicuous service cross in this year’s Australia Day honours.

As the standards officer, FLTLT Beurich helped navigate the squadron through its move to 42WG, where it gained 2SQN as a sister. He also oversaw the tactical development of the AP-3C EW Orion and its integration with other EW aircraft like the EA-18G Growler. On top of that, he was one of 10SQN’s training officers.

“I worked with all of the crews in the squadron to develop tac-tics, integrate our capability and basically try to improve the way we fight and go about our busi-ness,” FLTLT Beurich said.

“I was also a representative for the squadron – one of my roles was to reach out to other EW units and build tactics with them, problem solve, then validate what we’d come up with.

“The squadron had been going through a lot of change, with new capabilities and roles and we had a great opportunity to respond to that and continue to build our tactics.”

FLTLT Beurich credits this work for his current posting to 88SQN’s Tactics and Training Flight. The unit was looking for an EW subject matter expert, 10SQN put him forward.

He was “humbled and sur-prised” by the Australia Day honour.

“The AP-3C is a very crew-ori-ented environment, so it would be remiss of me to take credit for this personally,” FLTLT Beurich said.

“I worked with some great people, so my successes weren’t purely my own. It’s important that we develop ISR and EW tactics so we can prepare Air Force for other aircraft – like the MQ-4C Triton and MC-55A – that are coming along and make sure that we’re relevant, future proof and setting ourselves up for success.”

‘Consummate professionalism’

CPL Leigh Okunev helped fix a persistent problem with Newcastle’s air traffic radar system. Photo: SGT Murray Staff

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14 COVID-19 pandemic

FLGOFF Steffi Blavius

FOUR Air Force members post-ed to Victoria’s RAAF Base Williams and RAAF Base Point Cook made a considerable contri-bution to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic in their own backyard.

Last year, they deployed on Defence’s Operation COVID-19 Assist to support the Victorian Government’s response to the pandemic.

FSGT Adam Schlemitz, a musician and drum major from the Air Force Band whose home-town is the Victorian town of Hoppers Crossing, laid down his bassoon and mace to lead and manage ADF personnel.

“I was an ADF shift supervi-sor working at the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), where I had the opportu-nity to perform a role far removed from my core specialisation as a

LCDR John Thompson

A SCHOOL principal gave up his holi-day to support Operation COVID-19 Assist.

‘Build Your Wing’ is the motto of Buckley Park College in Essendon, a Victorian high school with 1000 stu-dents and 130 staff.

Air Force reservist SQNLDR Harold Cheung is the college’s prin-cipal and normally would take a well-earned break over Christmas and into January.

But these are not normal times.He took the school’s motto to heart

and responded to the call for volun-teers to support the ADF’s Operation COVID-19 Assist in NSW.

“My role as officer in charge of Alpha Company is to oversee the com-mand and control of the Defence’s quarantine compliance monitoring pro-

gram at Sydney Airport and a number of Sydney hotels,” SQNLDR Cheung said.

His deployment started the day after school broke up last year.

“This has been a great experi-ence – I’ve learnt so much around unit leadership, particularly working in a triservice environment with three platoons operating across seven loca-tions,” he said.

Defence personnel are support-ing the NSW Government’s efforts to ensure people arriving at Sydney inter-national airport are safely transported to and checked in at a number of dedi-cated quarantine hotels.

SQNLDR Cheung was born in Hong Kong and migrated to Australia when he was seven. He’s been in education as a teacher and principal for more than 20 years and decided to become a reservist in 2008.

“I wanted to serve my country – where I could expand my skills, meet new people and have some unique experiences along the way,” he said.

While educating and inspiring the next generation of Australians during the week, he spends his weekends – and sometimes his holidays – work-ing to enhance Australia’s national security.

SQNLDR Cheung’s usual Reserve role is as a training systems officer at Air Force Training Group Headquarters, RAAF Base Williams, ensuring there is alignment between workplace requirements and training.

“Anyone thinking of joining the Defence Force should not think twice. It is an incredibly rewarding opportu-nity to be able to contribute to making the country a safer and better place,” he said.

Manning the entriesLCDR John ThompsonWHILE most Australians gathered with loved ones for Christmas, some ADF personnel continued working to keep Australia safe. CPL Jacob Hutcheon, of 2SEC-FOR at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland, was on Opera-tion COVID-19 Assist at Sydney Airport.Normally he is a RAAF military working dog handler.“I volunteered to join Operation COVID-19 Assist. In some ways it’s similar to what I do in my normal job,” CPL Hutcheon said.“As dog handlers we work closely

with the Australian Federal Police. Here, we’re working closely with NSW Police as well.”

CPL Jacob Hutcheon on Operation COVID-19 Assist at Sydney Airport. Photo: AB Mori Hernandez

Dedication down south

musician,” FSGT Schlemitz said.“I can look back on my

deployment with pride knowing it directly contributed to containing the spread of the virus.”

21SQN personnel capabil-ity officer and Bacchus Marsh

local FLTLT Tracy Spiteri was deployed to the Victorian joint operations’ room, tracking per-sonnel throughout Victoria.

“I feel privileged to have been part of the team supporting the Victorian Government’s response to the pandemic and I am proud of how quickly Air Force person-nel adapted to their new roles,” FLTLT Spiteri said.

“It is rewarding knowing in some small way my contribu-tion has directly supported the Victorian community.”

Usually a guitarist and drum major in the Air Force Band, CPL David Reynolds supported the DHHS with informatics data entry.

“I feel proud and thankful to have been given the opportunity to assist DHHS throughout the extremely challenging time for the community of Melbourne,” CPL Reynolds said.

Base aviation safety officer at RAAF Base Point Cook FLTLT Naomi Holmes, who grew up in Bendigo and now lives at Spotswood, deployed in an execu-tive officer role.

Her team supported DHHS contact tracing, which notified more than 10,000 people in the Victorian community they were contacts of COVID-positive cases.

“In my role, I provided men-toring and support to the team, which was crucial in a mentally challenging environment,” FLTLT Holmes said.

“I am proud to have been a part of the Air Force team and feel fulfilled that I could contrib-ute to and give back to the com-munity.

“Knowing our efforts had a direct impact on the lives of the people of Victoria is extremely rewarding.”

FSGT Adam Schlemitz was a shift supervisor with the informatics team at the Department of Health and Human Services.

Showing real class Air Force reservist and school principal

SQNLDR Harold Cheung briefs Navy personnel at Sydney Airport during Operation COVID-19 Assist.Photo: LS Nadav Harel

RCE 15February 4, 2021AIR F Life in the RAAF

A MOTHER and daughter were brought together for the first time in a professional setting when they attended

a recent operational health support course at RAAF Base Amberley.

FLTLT Grace Charlwood and her mother, SQNLDR Cheryl Charlwood, are both Air Force medical officers.

FLTLT Charlwood is posted to Amberley Health Centre, Joint Health Unit – South Queensland and SQNLDR Charlwood is a specialist forensic pathologist reservist at No.2 Expeditionary Health Squadron at RAAF Base Williamtown.

“Having mum on the course was an excellent opportunity to share knowl-edge and experience and to see each other in a different capacity,” FLTLT Charlwood said.

“Being in the same field in the Air Force provides us with an understand-

Duo in a new dynamicing of what we do day-to-day in our respective areas. Hopefully in the future, we will have the opportunity for postings or exercises together.”

SQNLDR Charlwood said it was fantastic to have Grace already in the Air Force when she joined.

“It was always great to share the same medical language, but we can now also speak ‘ADF’, although I am still lagging on all the abbreviations,” SQNLDR Charlwood said.

“We enjoyed being on course together, even when I would try and pull rank or do motherly, embarrassing things.”

FLTLT Charlwood was introduced

to Air Force as a teenager through the Australian Air Force Cadets.

She joined the Air Force under-graduate sponsorship program at the start of her third year of medical school in 2015.

After completing her studies in 2018, she worked in civilian hospitals, and completed Air Force officer train-ing and medical officer courses.

SQNLDR Charlwood trained in pathology and worked as a Home Office pathologist in the United Kingdom.

She is now a consultant specialist forensic pathologist with Forensic Science South Australia in her civilian life.

“I perform autopsies as part of coronial investigations and cover all manner of deaths – natural, accidental, suspicious deaths and homicides,” she said.

“I then provide evidence to the cor-oners and supreme courts as required.”

In 2016, SQNLDR Charlwood worked alongside ADF members attending the scene of a civilian air-craft crash.

This provided the opportunity to talk with her military counterparts about career opportunities in the Air Force.

“I am also the state and Royal College of Pathologists disaster victim

identification pathology representa-tive, and it is really due to that facet of my role, accompanied by conversa-tions with ADF medical officers in the field, that spurred me on to join the Air Force in 2018,” she said.

With her specialist skills, SQNLDR Charlwood’s role in the Reserves would include attending a mass dis-aster as part of humanitarian aid or incidents like aircraft accidents with multiple fatalities.

The one-week operational health support course is mandatory for medi-cal personnel and teaches participants all aspects of deployable health sup-port and prepares them for deploy-ment.

It is conducted by the Health Operational Conversion Unit at RAAF Base Amberley.

An Air Force mother and daughter are finding working and training together away from family life is a great way to share knowledge and skills, FLTLT Kate Davis writes.

Air Force mother and daughter and medical officers SQNLDR Cheryl Charlwood and FLTLT Grace Charlwood. Photo: CPL Colin Dadd

Path opens up to a love of ‘learning how things work’MAJ Kris GardinerLAC Lawson McCurran has gone from slicing and packing meat at an abattoir to maintaining high-tech network communications that sup-port ADF and coalition operations in the Middle East.

The former Harristown State High School student from Drayton, in Queensland, admitted his current role as a network technician was far removed from his former job.

But the change in career opened up plenty of opportunities, includ-ing his deployment to Qatar on Operation Accordion, which is part of the ADF’s broader regional com-

mitment in the Middle East.“I maintain an information and

communications systems network

– everything from the satellite dish through to the computers,” LAC McCurran said.

The deployment had been dif-ferent to his previous deployment to Indonesia in 2018.

“That was a humanitarian assis-tance mission,” LAC McCurran said.

“It was very short notice. We left within four days of finding out about it.”

However, his current role had similarities with his deployment to Indonesia, in that his work ensured personnel could access critical infor-mation and have the ability to send that information in support of the mission.

LAC McCurran joined Air Force in 2017 at the suggestion of his father.

The best part of his job was it never failed to present new ways of doing things, constantly feeding his appetite for technical knowledge.

“I love learning how things work,” LAC McCurran said.

“The ADF’s communications systems are very complex and there is always more to learn about how they operate.”

Normally posted to the 1st Combat Communications Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley, LAC McCurran is pursuing further educa-tion.

“I’ve set myself a few goals and I’m currently completing a Diploma of IT and Networking,” he said.

LAC Lawson McCurran at the Combined Air Operations Centre in Qatar.

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16 Personnel

Peta Magorian

AFTER 38 years of service in the Air Force, WOFF Jen Riches put down her pace stick on December 4 and said she was looking forward to long walks on the beach in retirement.

In parting, the fourth female Warrant Officer Disciplinary in the Air Force, who was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia in the Military Division in this year’s Australia Day honours, shared some tips for a suc-cessful career.

“You’ve got to make time for people; it builds respect and trust,” she said.

“Respect the uniform you are wear-ing, whether it be an ADF uniform or civilian.

“Always respect those who are there to support you.

“To me, respect is everything and it will get you far.”

WOFF Riches, formerly of 25SQN, comes from a family with strong mili-tary ties and she followed her relatives’ footsteps when she joined the Air Force at the age of 17.

From the moment she enlisted, she set the bar high, declaring to her train-ing corporal her ambition to be the first female warrant officer discipli-nary in the Air Force.

Although she faced some chal-lenges, she took a career path with that goal in mind.

Early on in her journey from cook to warrant officer, she learnt she needed an instructional background to become a warrant officer disciplinary.

In January 1994, she was posted to No.1 Recruit Training Unit as a corpo-ral recruit instructor.

“I guess, by default, I became a bit of a role model to others as I started to make my way up the ranks, especially once I became an instructor at recruit training,” WOFF Riches said.

WOFF Riches looks back on her days as a recruit trainer as some of her most satisfying postings.

She said she was able to help recruits develop their self-confidence,

Support for study on offer

Air Force WOD, WOFF Jen Riches, of 25SQN, was treated to a farewell ride in a PC-21 on her retirement late last year at RAAF Base Pearce.

Graduating students of Air Surveillance Operator Initial Employment Training 2020 and No. 193 Air Battle Manager Basic course outside of the Len Waters Building at RAAF Base Williamtown. Photo: CPL Craig Barrett

Bettina Mears

SURVEILLANCE and Control Training Unit based at RAAF Base Williamtown acknowledged the achievements of its newest gradu-ates during a ceremony late last year.

Eleven air surveillance opera-tors, four Air Force air battle man-agers and two Navy fighter control-lers completed No. 193 Air Battle Manager Basic course in both sim-ulated and live-scenario environ-ments.

CO Surveillance and Control Training Unit WGCDR Steven Henry said he was proud of the unit’s achievements throughout the challenging year.

“Survei l lance and Control Training Unit’s mission is to train air and space power professionals ready to provide battle manage-ment capability for the joint force and our personnel have continued to deliver essential training outcomes,” WGCDR Henry said.

He said instructors and support

staff adapted training methods to meet COVID-19 restrictions with great ingenuity, flexibility and enthusiasm.

“I am incredibly proud of the efforts of both instructors and stu-dents who can now celebrate their success,” WGCDR Henry said.

These courses prepare graduates to conduct air and space operations, enable tactical data links, battles-pace awareness and control func-tions during initial postings across Surveillance and Response Group.

Graduates recognised

‘Respect’ is the key

challenge their resilience and see them graduate 10 weeks later.

WOFF Riches didn’t realise her goal of becoming the first female WOD in the Air Force, but she was the fourth.

However, she said her career had some amazing highlights.

She was able to end her career on a high when she instructed a catafalque party for a Remembrance Day service and prepared members of 79SQN for the unit’s consecration of colours cer-emony.

WOFF Riches’ final day at RAAF Base Pearce began with a flight over

the local area in a PC-21 aircraft pilot-ed by WGCDR Grant Taylor.

The base community then attended a farewell in the sergeants’ mess.

Her Australia Day honour was awarded for exceptional service in leadership and personnel welfare for the ADF.

SQNLDR Kris Miezis

THE Defence Assistance Study Scheme (DASS) provides financial assistance or work release through flexible work arrangements (FWA) to help Air Force members complete to undertake training and education.

Members can study at secondary and higher education institutions as well as with registered training organi-sations.

All SERCAT 6 and 7 Air Force members who have completed their initial employment training, regard-less of rank, seniority or employment group, are eligible to apply for DASS.

Current priorities include: comput-er systems, information technology, cyber security and space.

CPL Trent Hughes from 462SQN at RAAF Base Edinburgh complet-ed a Masters in Cyber Security and Graduate Certificate in Networking and System at Charles Sturt University with support from DASS.

“DASS gives you the opportuni-ties to extend your knowledge set by supplementing the financial burdens of attending higher education institu-tions,” he said.

CPL Hughes remustered into a cyber warfare analyst role

Demand for DASS sponsorship is competitive with the number of appli-cations increasing from 535 in 2019 to 684 last year.

The successful applicants studied computer science, information tech-nology, paramedic practice, organisa-tional leadership, cyber security and terrorism and security across 50 edu-cation providers. Nearly half the cur-rent cohort of students hold the rank of corporal of below.

The cut-off date for the next round of applications is February 1 for study between January and June.

Check the RAAF DASS Applicant guide on the Education Assistance Schemes Sharepoint page.

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RCE 17February 4, 2021AIR F Personnel

STARTING out as a Royal Australian Navy Sea King helicopter maintenance sailor in July 1980, GPCAPT David

Turner never expected that he’d still be serving 40 years later after a long and varied career in both Navy and Air Force.

Awarded his Federation Star and fifth clasp to the Defence Force Service Medal on December 9, GPCAPT Turner joined the Navy in 1980 and commissioned as an observer officer in 1985. During a posting with Navy to the School of Air Navigation, he transferred to the Air Force as a qualified navigation instructor in 1991.

GPCAPT Turner said it was an honour to reach 40 years of service in the permanent forces.

“To be in uniform, both Navy and Air Force, for this long is a big achievement,” GPCAPT Turner said.

“I always wanted to be in military aviation, there was no other job I con-sidered, and I got to live my dreams.

“I was hoping to be aircrew in the

Action-packed careerAcross his 40 years in military aviation, GPCAPT David Turner has played a role in generational changes which have helped the ADF excel and evolve, FLTLT Jessica Aldred writes.Navy on an aircraft carrier and get to the rank of lieutenant commander, so now retiring now as an Air Force group captain is far beyond what I ever expected.”

GPCAPT Turner flew on many Navy and Air Force aircraft includ-ing the Iroquois, Squirrel, Kiowa and Sea King helicopters, as well as the CT-4A, Macchi, HS-748NT, PC-9, F-111, C-130E, H and J model Hercules throughout his service.

There were many highlights from his career, both in the air and on the ground.

“I remember flying my first heli-copter deck landing with the Iroquois as co-pilot, going twice the speed of sound in an F-111, low-level NVG [night vision goggles] flying in the C-130H,” GPCAPT Turner said.

“It’s also been terrific to be involved in safety education and train-ing to get people to think pragmati-cally about safety and risk.

“We had the horror period in the 1980s and ’90s with so many deaths and then to see our accident and fatality rate drop substantially as we thought about safety in an appropriate way – it was a generational change.”

But it was two command positions which have stayed with GPCAPT Turner – his time as CO Air Mobility Coordination Centre (AMCC) in 2010-11 and as CO of 25SQN in 2012-14 at RAAF Base Pearce, Western Australia.

GPCAPT Turner said 2011 saw the AMCC busy with natural disasters and in 2014, he led as the ground operations commander in the search for missing Malaysian Airlines flight, MH370.

“It was an incredible time for the AMCC, we had the bushfires in Victoria, floods in Queensland, the Christchurch earthquake, Tropical Cyclone Yasi, the evacuation of Cairns Base Hospital with all the patients moved to Brisbane and the horrific tsunami in Japan – we’d never been so smashed in our lives. It was a huge year,” he said.

“And then during the search for MH370, it was long, long days and nights. It was a job that we did so well and worked brilliantly as a multi-national team, but we didn’t find it – that was the hardest thing for me.

“My best job by far was command-ing No. 25 Squadron, three years work-ing in the small cohesive team running three bases, was a highlight for me.”

GPCAPT Turner will transition to

the Air Force Reserves and enjoy some downtime after one final house move to the Atherton Tablelands region of North Queensland.

A long Defence career was only possible by applying yourself, seeking opportunities, having a sense of humour and the support of your networks.

“If you don’t apply yourself to your jobs, looking for ways to improve the organisation, it becomes very mundane. Plus, it helps if you can see the lighter side of things; a smile or a chuckle will get you through some of the hardest times. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with outstanding people.

“Above all though, I must send my heartfelt thanks and deepest love to my wife and children. What they’ve put up with and the resilience that they’ve shown through an enormous amount of moves, making new friends and leav-ing their old friends, it’s been nothing short of outstanding and I couldn’t have remained in the service without their love and support.”

Deputy Air Commander of Australia AIRCDRE Ben Sleeman, right, presents the Federation Star to GPCAPT David Turner at Defence Establishment Fairbairn. Photo: CPL Kylie Gibson

Who’s leaving

after 20+ years

DEPARTURE LOUNGEName YearsAIRMSHL Warren McDonald 41AVM Timothy Innes 41GPCAPT Glen Coy 39GPCAPT Jane Wheaton 38GPCAPT Wendy Gill 25

Bushfire 2019-20 medalSERVICE during the bushfire emergency last summer will be recog-nised with the National Emergency Medal clasp, “Bushfires 2019-20”.

Service must have been in protecting lives and property; or in the service of interests, that are not their own; in direct response to the emergency (including support that

enabled or facili-tated the emergency response).

The qualify-ing period between September 2019 and February 2020 varies according to affected local government

areas in NSW, Victoria, Queensland, SA and ACT.

Specific geographical areas and qualifying dates and further information is available at https://www.gg.gov.au/australian-honours-and-awardsnational-emergency-medal/apply-nation-al-emergency-medal. Information regarding local government areas can be located at https://alga.asn.au/resources/council-maps-boundaries/

18 Obituary

GPCAPT (retd) Jeanie Har-rison ARRC was farewelled with a moving service at Karrakatta cemetery last

year in Perth, Western Australia. Friends and family marked a lifetime of achievements, commitment, caring and devotion to others, her country, the RAAF and nursing.

Jeanie was born and educated in Perth. She was the second eldest of four girls, and spent much of her child and adult life living in Armadale and Rockingham, WA. She completed her general nursing training at Princess Margaret Hospital Perth in 1966.

GPCAPT Harrison joined the RAAF Nursing Service in January 1969 and in the 25-year career that fol-lowed, there were many highlights of her service career which was a steady progression in rank and responsibil-ity. She served at various posts in Australia and overseas.

Butterworth held a strong attach-ment for GPCAPT Harrison. She served at No. 4 RAAF Hospital on three separate tours of duty and during

A life of true integrityThroughout her Air Force career, GPCAPT Jeanie Harrison was a vessel of courage, grace and intelligence, Sue Szalay and Stephanie Millhouse write.

her last tour in 1984 was appointed commanding officer of the hospital.

GPCAPT Harrison was a Vietnam veteran. She performed aeromedical evacuation (AME) duties between South-East Asia, Vietnam and Australia in 1970 and 1971. During this time, she completed attachments with the USAF 902 and 57 AME squadrons at Clark Air Base in the Philippines. She helped evacuate injured Americans, Koreans, orphaned Vietnamese children and families of servicemen.

In 1973 she was posted on a two-year exchange with the Princess Mary Royal Air Force Nursing Service. During that time she performed AME duties throughout South-East Asia and Germany. On this tour she was select-ed to escort George Cross and Victoria Cross recipients who were returning to the UK for a reunion.

In June, 1978, GPCAPT Harrison was awarded the Associate of the Royal Red Cross (ARRC) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list. The ARRC is an Imperial Award for gal-

lantry in the field and was presented to her by Prince Charles at Government House in Perth. The ARRC is the equivalent of the Victoria Cross for

non-combatants. This citation was for her role in the rescue and evacuation of RAAF aircrew injured in a helicop-ter crash in the jungles of Iran Jaya,

July, 1977. Despite primitive facili-ties she, along with the AME team, assisted with major surgery on the survivors, before their evacuation back to Australia.

GPCAPT Harrison was the first officer to be appointed as director of nursing for the entire Defence Force (Army, Navy and Air Force) and instilled many changes to policy and training requirements to bring forward a modern progressive nursing service to meet changing demands.

She retired from the Air Force in 1993 and gave several interviews over time. In a couple, she was quoted as saying: “Age notwithstanding, I’d do it all again.”

GPCAPT Harrison retired and lived by the ocean in Rockingham. She remained an active member of the RAAF Association and was branch president. She loved her Cairn terrier dogs, boating, cricket and was a huge fan of the Wallabies.

In celebrating a great life the final comment of her eulogy described the Jeanie who will be so greatly missed.

“She was a person of great intel-ligence, courage, and wit; a person of great integrity and dedication to every-thing she did but above all she was an exceptional nurse, leader and friend.”

GPCAPT Harrison left an indel-ible mark on all who knew her and the RAAF nursing service in particular.

In 1978, Prince Charles presented GPCAPT Jeanie Harrison, above and inset below, with the Associate of the Royal Red Cross, for gallantry in the field.

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RCE 19February 4, 2021AIR F Sport

CPL Julia Whitwell

RECREATIONAL sailors across the services participated in the ADF Sailing Carnival held on Sydney Harbour in December.

The event included an accredited crew course, coaching from Olympic-level athletes and keelboat and yacht regattas.

Excitement peaked for crew course participants when their man overboard

practice turned into a ‘no-duff’ event.“We noticed some kayakers who

looked like they were in trouble,” LT Tayla Garner said.

“One had fallen off the kayak and the rest were fighting to get to him but the wind and the current were going in different directions.

“We grabbed him and towed his kayak to get him over to the rest of his group before a group of Navy divers picked them up and towed them into Rose Bay.”

LT Garner described the event as “a bit of an adrenaline rush” for the crew.

Between races and training, partici-pants spectated the SOLAS Big Boat Challenge, a charity race won by 100-foot yacht Infotrack.

SQNLDR Anthony Gates, from ADF Warfare Training Centre, said observing the race was a highlight.

“We were out on our yachts follow-ing them around the course,” SQNLDR Gates said.

“It’s amazing to see how much speed they can generate, and you can learn start tactics as well.”

The carnival also included an underwater-themed fancy dress event supported by the Army Band, encour-aging sailors from different services and activities to network and link in with others across ADF sailing.

“It’s a great opportunity to expand our sailing community in the ADF,” ADFA’s WO Andrew Jocumsen said.

“It means people from different services can meet others in their post-ing location to get their skills and experience up for future events like this one.”

Personnel interested in ADF sailing events are encouraged to contact their regional coordinator, found at: http://collab/vcdf/org/ADC/ADFSC/ADF_Sailing/SitePages/Contacts.aspx. No prior sailing experience is required.

Blue adrenaline Air Force, left, and Army sailing teams prepare to race at the 2020 ADF Sailing Carnival on Sydney Harbour.Photo: AB Daniel Goodman

SPSP RTRTFebruary 4, 2021

RAAF spreads itswater wings

Page 19

The Air Force sailing team on Sydney Harbour during the ADF Sailing Carnival. Photo: AB Daniel Goodman

THEKEELDEAL