The official newspaper of the Royal Australian NavyVolume 56, No. 16, August 29, 2013

SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE

NEWSNAVY

FIRED UP FOR FIRST

HMAS Stuart conducts world’s first firing

of a ‘war shot’ MU90 lightweight torpedo off

the NSW South Coast

On targetAmbassador ready to roll up her sleeves and recruit donors

PP27-28PAGE 7

Page 5

Blood challengeNordic competitors hit bullseye

2 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS August 29, 2013

Acting Director Simone Liebelt: (02) 6265 2253Editor Sharon Palmer: (02) 6266 7612Deputy Editor Lauren Norton: (02) 6266 7615Coordination/Sports Editor Michael Weaver: (02) 6266 7707Reporters Michael Brooke: (02) 8335 5231 LSIS Helen Frank: (02) 6266 7606 WO2 Andrew Hetherington: (02) 6266 7614 SGT Dave Morley: (02) 6266 7613 CPL Max Bree: (02) 6266 7608 CPL Nick Wiseman: (02) 6265 4140 CPL Mark Doran: (02) 6265 1304

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SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE

NEWSNAVY

LEUT Sarah West

HMAS Newcastle completed a week-long mari-time security patrol in the Arabian Gulf on July 29.

Assigned to the multinational Combined Task Force 152 (CTF 152), Newcastle patrolled the gulf looking for terrorist and destabilising activity.

Newcastle’s boarding parties conducted 23 mari-time security boarding operations during the patrol, to collect ‘patterns of life’ intelligence and enhance the relationship with local fishermen.

Boarding officer LEUT David Osborne said the boarding party was well received by the local com-munity.

“Australia has been committed to the Arabian Sea for many years now because there is a lot of trade that transits through this area,” he said.

“While most people transiting the area are doing so to conduct legal activities, there are some whose activities threaten the safety and security of everyone else.

“Over the years we have built up a good rap-port with the local seafaring community, so much so that they start clapping and smiling when we tell them we are from Australia and some of the English-speaking mariners have even made conversation with us about the cricket. I just hope they aren’t following Australia’s form in the Ashes too closely.”

The boarding parties also practised their board-ing skills with the combined United States Navy and Coast Guard visit, board, search and seizure team, in a purpose-built ‘ship in a box’ training facility in Bahrain.

The US also conducts maritime boarding opera-tions in the region as part of the 29-nation CMF coali-tion.

The Australian sailors boarded the ‘ship in a box’ to demonstrate their VBSS procedures, while the US sailors acted as civilian mariners so that the Australians could practice their questioning tech-niques.

Newcastle’s boarding officer LEUT Laura Ball said the opportunity allowed her team to compare tac-tics with their American counterparts.

“The training was excellent. The US is one of our biggest coalition partners and training with them allowed us to swap good ideas and strengthen coali-tion ties,” LEUT Ball said.

“I think everyone in the team got something out of the training. We learned different questioning techniques, slightly different search techniques and I think the experience will enhance our own boarding capabilities.”

US Navy PO Stephen Bird said the boarding teams were put through scenarios to help them analyse the effectiveness of their intelligence gathering tech-niques.

“What the personnel practised here today was to approach a dhow, go on board and ask basic questions of the master and the crew. We taught them how to ask questions and build relationships which maximise their ability to gather information,” he said.

PO Bird said his sailors also learned from the Australians during the training scenarios.

LEUT Ball said Newcastle would seek to conduct more training with Australia’s coalition partners before the ship’s six-month deployment to the MEAO concludes in October.

Over the course of her six-month deployment, the Australian warship will conduct numerous operations with three multinational coalition task forces, includ-ing the counter terrorism focused CTF 150, the coun-ter piracy-focused CTF 151 and the CTF 152, which is focused on maritime security in the Arabian Gulf.

Newcastle’s deployment is the 55th rotation of an Australian warship to the MEAO since 1990. On her return, she will hand over Op Slipper duties to HMAS Melbourne.

Crew on the go during

LEUT Sarah West

HMAS Newcastle made a ren-dezvous with the US Navy’s Mine Counter Measure Ship USS Devastator on July 27 in the Southern Arabian Gulf.

The meeting allowed members of the ship’s com-panies from ‘Warship 06’ and ‘Warship 6’ to cross decks and experience the capabilities and living conditions of a foreign warship. CO Newcastle also hosted Devastator’s captain on board for lunch and a tour.

LSNPC Garrett Metz said his visit to the American ship gave him a broader under-standing of coalition opera-tions in the region.

“It was an interesting expe-rience that highlighted the dif-

ferent ways you can do busi-ness at sea and the different aspects of the operations that coalition forces are taking part in here in the Arabian Gulf,” he said.

“Devastator is in the Persian Gulf to accurately study the sea floor which would make it easier to dis-tinguish mines from natural features such as rocks and coral. Their operations are very different to ours, but we are all contributing to the same mission,” LS Metz said.

It was the second cross deck opportunity for Newcastle’s crew in as many days after conducting a simi-lar evolution with the Royal Navy Type 45 Destroyer HMS Dragon the previous day.

HMAS Newcastle has transited through the Strait of Hormuz, the busiest passageway for oil tankers in the world and is con-sidered to be one of the most strategic bodies of water on the planet.

Oil tankers use the strait, which connects the Gulf of Oman to the Persian Gulf, to transport much of the oil pro-duced in Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the rest of the world.

Newcastle travelled through the strait on her way to Bahrain, after completing a success-ful month of counter terror-ism operations in the Indian Ocean, Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea and counter piracy operations in the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor.

Newcastle principal warfare officer LEUT Alisha Withers said it was important to maintain a military presence in the strait.

“The strong coalition military presence in the strait reinforces

our resolve, that we are dedicat-ed to keeping this passage open and safe for international trade,” she said.

The ship’s boatswains mates kept watch on the upper decks for nine hours in the scorching sun while the Australian warship steamed through the narrow body of water which separates Iran from the UAE and Oman.

LEUT Withers said it was normal practice to close up weapons crews while transiting through the area.

“It is not uncommon to be approached by small vessels armed with anything from small arms to machine guns. While these interactions are usually non-threatening, it is important that we present as a ‘hard tar-get’,” she said.

“This posture we exhibit not only provides us with an immedi-ate avenue to defend ourselves should the situation escalate, but also shows any potentially threatening vessels that we are not an easy target and shouldn’t be interfered with.”

Strait sailing in Hormuz

COUNTER PIRACY: HMAS Newcastle’s boarding party returns after visiting a dhow while conducting

maritime security operations in the Arabian Gulf.Inset, AB Lionel Hayden and LS Shaun Ryan

perform a routine check of a F89 Minimi during the transit of the Strait of Hormuz.

Photos: LEUT Sarah West and POIS Ollie Garside

Crossing deck with Devastator

CROSS DECK: Newcastle sailors return from visiting USS Devastator. Photo: POIS Ollie Garside

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3NEWSAugust 29, 2013 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

LEUT Sarah West

H M A S N e w c a s t l e ’s M a r i n e Engineering Department is on a mis-sion to enhance and develop the pro-fessional knowledge and competen-cies of its marine technicians (MT) while deployed to the MEAO.

Midway through the ship’s six-month deployment, Newcastle has already conducted more than 100 boarding operations.

Despite the ship’s high operational tempo, the Marine Engineering (ME) Department has gone from strength-to-strength, thanks to the mentoring of some forward-thinking senior sailors and a willingness to learn among its junior ranks.

CPOMT Julie Cocks said the ship’s operational deployment was proving to be advantageous to her department’s training objectives.

“The best time for any ship to con-duct training is when it is at sea, so we recognised early on that this six-

month deployment would be the per-fect opportunity to do some quality training and progress the careers of our sailors,” she said.

“The senior sailors in the depart-ment have been extremely focused on lifting the standards of knowledge across the board.

“They are not only mentoring those who are studying towards gaining new qualifications, but also helping those that already hold competencies to broaden the depth of their knowledge.”

At sea, MT sailors hold watches in the Central Control Station and in the engine spaces, by day and night, to monitor the ship’s ME systems and make sure the vessel has sufficient power and propulsion to carry out its objectives.

Within each watch there’s a hier-archy of responsibility which sailors climb as they gain new operator quali-fications.

The levels of responsibility in the MT career continuum include marine systems technicians, who monitor the

ship’s auxiliary equipment and power functions from inside the engine spaces, electronic plant control console opera-tors (EPCC), who monitor high power generation, marine systems controllers, who serve as the second in charge of the watch, and marine systems managers, who manage the ship’s ME systems on behalf of the marine engineering officer.

Career progression in the ME department requires MT sailors to pass written and practical exams.

CPO Cocks said her sailors needed to gain both practical experience and theoretical knowledge in order to prove their competence at each level.

She said the department’s mentor-ing scheme had been instrumental in helping its junior sailors to reach the standard.

“One example of the department’s dedication to training has been the implementation of an EPCC master class,” CPO Cocks said.

“The class has really helped the sailors improve their knowledge and skills, so we have slowly expanded it to

include training for switchboard opera-tion and ship’s fitted systems, such as air conditioning and refrigeration.”

CPO Cocks said the increased focus on training and career progression was having a positive effect on everyone in the department.

“This passion for training has led to a large number of watch-keeping qual-ifications being accomplished during the first half of our deployment, which means more of our sailors can share the load of the operational watch-keeping routine,” she said.

“This has eased the burden of day-in, day-out watch-keeping, which has brought the ME department closer as a team.”

As well as conducting regular mas-ter classes, damage control exercises and table-top discussions, Newcastle’s ME Command Team has planned and executed engineering casualty control drills every day at sea since arriving in the MEAO.

“The practical training evolutions we have conducted will give our MTs

the experience and confidence to deal with real, unplanned incidents at sea,” CPO Cocks said.

“The energy we are putting into the training of our people is well worth the effort.

“The more we can get individual members to a level where they dem-onstrate professional technical knowl-edge and competence, the easier the job becomes for everyone in the depart-ment.”

Fifteen personnel out of 40 in Newcastle’s ME Department have gained new qualifications since the ship arrived in the MEAO on May 27.

“That’s nearly half our people and we’re only at the half-way mark of our deployment. That’s pretty impressive considering 60 per cent of the depart-ment has never been on an operational deployment before,” CPO Cocks said.

“We will keep striving for profes-sional development until we return to Sydney in October, and beyond.”

LEUT Sarah West

HMAS Newcastle has conducted two replenishment at sea (RAS) opera-tions in two weeks with one of the world’s biggest combat supply vessels in the MEAO.

Newcastle received fuel on both occasions from the US Naval Ship (USNS) Rainier allowing the Australian warship to continue her counter-piracy mission without needing to visit a port to resupply.

During the first RAS, Newcastle took on 165,000 litres of marine diesel fuel and 31,000 litres of aviation fuel by conducting a liquids down aft and simultaneously using a heavy jackstay forward.

CPOB Greg Morris said heavy jack-stays were an efficient method of trans-ferring stores between ships at sea.

“The heavy jackstay is a method of transferring heavy stores or ammunition from a supply ship to ours, by personnel heaving on lines which are hooked up to both ships,” he said.

“It is capable of a higher rate of transfer than vertical (helicopter) replenishment, but requires us to main-tain station on the supply ship for a long time.

“We didn’t need stores on this occa-sion, but we transferred a test weight to meet mutual training targets. We wanted to prove our rig, while Rainier used the evolution to conduct training for her winch drivers.”

The second RAS allowed Newcastle to take on another 320,000

Dancing with Rainier again

litres of diesel and 15,000 litres of aviation fuel from the 49,000-tonne ship.

In a role swap, Newcastle’s XO LCDR Stuart Muller assumed command to control the second RAS from the ship’s bridge, while CO CMDR Paul O’Grady acted as the evolution safety officer.

The second RAS with Rainier was Newcastle’s eighth since arriving in the MEAO on May 27. She had previously also been replenished by USNS Medgar Evers, USNS Patuxent, French

Ship Somme (on three occasions) and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Fort Victoria.

“Replenishment at sea dem-onstrates the outstanding level of cooperation that exists between coalition vessels operating in this region. Replenishing at sea allows us to stay out here, focused on our maritime security mission,” CMDR O’Grady said.

“With all this practise, Newcastle’s evolutions teams are highly proficient and doing a fan-tastic job.”

REFUELLING AT SEA: HMAS Newcastle and USS Rainier pass a test weight via heavy jackstay while conducting a replenishment at sea – liquids. Photo: LEUT Sarah West

Newcastle deployment

Careers progress ON OPERATION: HMAS Newcastle conducts a security patrol in the Arabian

Gulf. Inset, AB Phil Mercieca and AB Blake Wade work on the degaussing system.

Photos: POIS Ollie Garside

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4 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS August 29, 2013

The ADFA Graduating Class

of 1993will be holding their 20 year reunion

cocktail party at theAustralian War Memorial on

14 Dec 13

ADFA class of 93 and staff(1991-1993) are welcome.

Tickets are available for purchase ($130) at

http://events.ticketbooth.com.au/event/ADFA 93

The event will also be raising money for “Soldier On”.

For further details refer to the ADFA Class of 93 Facebook page or contact adfa93.Reunion@defence.gov.au

ADFA Graduating Class

of 1993

Michael Brooke

NUSHIP Canberra’s ship’s com-pany gained a valuable insight into amphibious operations when they toured the US Navy warship USS Bonhomme Richard at Fleet Base East on August 19.

More than two dozen officers and sailors gained a better under-standing of the evolutions of an amphibious ship when the 40,000 tonne Wasp-class landing helicopter dock made a port call to Sydney.

The vis i t by members of Canberra’s ship’s company was the latest in a series of initiatives designed to ensure a smooth integra-tion of the Canberra-class LHD for the ADF’s new expeditionary war-fare capability.

The initiatives have included representatives from Canberra’s ship’s company sea-riding with Bonhomme Richard during the ship’s recent Marine Expeditionary Unit Certification Exercise, which featured a large-scale amphibious landing operations at Shoalwater Bay Training Area.

Canberra’s sailors said they rel-ished the opportunity to learn from the US Navy which had so much operational experience.

L S C S O A u m a u Fa l e p a u , Canberra’s ops-room tracking supervisor, said Navy’s job inte-

grating new technologies would be made easier by the US Navy sharing its vast experience.

“The tour emphasised the enor-mity of amphibious assault ships and the challenge we face in devel-oping our tactics, techniques and procedures,” she said.

The tour included visits to the well deck, flight deck and medical centre.

POCK Paul Bailey said the visit provided another timely reminder of the large number of meals his team of 21 would have to prepare for Canberra’s ship’s company and embarked personnel.

“The challenge is that nobody has done this before on this scale in recent times in our Navy,” he said.

PO Bailey said the culture of sharing knowledge among the US Navy and the RAN would pay divi-dends when Canberra came online next year.

“I have been busy talking to our US counterparts as well as the cooks on Choules about food preparation for sudden, large influxes of peo-ple,” he said.

Ship’s aviation officer MAJ Paul Lewis said he toured all the aviation areas including the hangar, aviation engineering centre, flight-deck and flight control centre.

“The way Bonhomme Richard operates their aircraft is highly rel-evant to us, as we develop the best

way of operating a helicopter-centric landing platform to conduct con-ventional military and humanitarian assistance relief tasks,” he said.

CO Amphibious Sqn 11 CAPT Cathal O’Connor USN said the US and RAN’s continuous relationship through engagement and exercises would help the RAN make the tran-sition to expeditionary warfare and large-scale humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

“We are very lucky to have a permanent Navy exchange officer, LCDR Chris Gudgin, who has been working with me for the past two-years to capture US experience for the Australian LHDs,” he said.

CAPT O’Connor said amphibi-ous operations comprised not only important tactics, techniques and procedures, but relationships among key players including the embarked land forces and Navy personnel for the planning and execution of tasks and operations.

The Canberra-class LHDs are bigger than Australia’s last aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne II, and each can carry a combined armed battlegroup of more than 1100 per-sonnel, 100 armoured vehicles and 12 helicopters, and features a 40-bed hospital.

NUSHIP Canberra is scheduled to commission in the first quarter of next year and will operate from Sydney Garden Island naval base.

Glimpse insideAMPHIBIOUS LIFE: Chief Select Operations Specialist 1 Adam Smoller talks to Australian personnel on the flight deck of USS Bonhomme Richard. Inset, sailors inspect the warship. Photos: ABIS Jesse Rhynard

Paying tribute to lives lostIN THE pre-dawn darkness of August 9, 1942, HMAS Canberra was hit 24 times in less than two minutes, killing 84 of her crew. She was sunk the next day by a torpedo and was the larg-est ship ever lost at sea by Navy. The Australian warship had a crew of 819 and 193 of them became casualties.

On the 71st anniversary of her sinking, service personnel, family members of the crew, dignitaries and local and expatriate communities gathered on board Royal Solomon Islands Police Vessel Lata for the commemoration of the sinking.

They paused to remember those who lost their lives and carried out readings, hymns, a minute’s silence and a wreath-laying ceremony.

AB Gunner Donald Leslie, a former crew member who was wounded in the Battle of Savo Island, had his last wish met when his ashes were interred at sea.

In his address to the service, on behalf of the ADF, RADM James Goldrick paid tribute to Australian forebears who set standards that have inspired their country-men for generations. “It is part of who and what we are, and what we strive to be as countries, and as individuals,” he said.

WE REMEMBER: The ashes of AB Gunner Donald Leslie are scattered into the sea as RADM James Goldrick salutes. Photo: WO Craig Bird

IN MEMORY: President Naval Association (WA Section) Bill Kynaston lays a wreath in Perth

Meanwhile, 40 personnel, family members, school children and members of the community gathered at the State War Memorial in Kings Park, Perth, to also lay wreaths in recognition of the lives lost when the heavy cruiser was crippled by the Japanese cruisers 1800km north of Queensland.

The sole Western Australian survivor of the sinking, Ernie Rudland, was at the service to pay his respects to those fellow sailors he would never get to see again.

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5NEWSAugust 29, 2013 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

HMAS Stuart successfully conducted the world’s first firing of a “war shot” MU90 lightweight torpedo on August 14.

CN VADM Ray Griggs said the Anzac-class frigate fired the explosive warhead against a specially designed target in the East Australian Exercise Area.

The successful firing was the final milestone before the torpedo is accepted for operational service across the fleet.

“The MU90 lightweight torpedo has already com-pleted an extensive test program using exercise (non explosive) variants,” VADM Griggs said.

“This firing is the final test and evaluation event for the MU90 and demonstrates the full capability of the torpedo.”

The warhead was assembled and prepared at the Torpedo Maintenance Facility at HMAS Stirling in Western Austrailia and Navy personnel on board the fir-ing ship handled, loaded and fired the MU90 torpedo.

The target for the firing was specially constructed in Victoria by the Defence Science and Technology Organisation and was successfully attacked by the war-head.

The target complied with all appropriate environ-mental requirements.

“The MU90 provides a significant enhancement to the anti-submarine warfare capabilities of all the RAN’s surface combatant ships,” VADM Griggs said.

“The weapon provides the RAN with one of the most capable lightweight submarine torpedoes in the world.”

The MU90 is 3m long, weighs 300kg, has a range of more than 10km and is designed to detect and attack deep quiet-running submarines.

The firing success was also acknowledged by Defence Materiel Office CEO Warren King.

“Delivery of this important capability is due to the combined and concerted efforts of DMO, Navy, and defence industry to remediate the MU90 lightweight tor-pedo replacement which was removed from the Projects of Concern list in November 2012,” Mr King said.

Breaking records: HMAS Stuart fires

an exercise MU90 as preparation before

the live firing (main) off NSW’s South Coast. Inset left,

the MU90 is fired and, inset right,

boatswains mates engage the flotation

drums supporting the purpose-built static

target after the firing. Photos by ABIS Jesse

Rhynard and LSIS Brenton Freind

World’s first war shot

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6 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS August 29, 2013

Sydney Heritage Fleet invites you to apply to join the crew of the 1874 barque James Craig for a “Sail of the Century” voyage! Be amongst the fl otilla of Tall Ships from around the world as they sail into Sydney Harbour on Thursday 3rd October, marking the start of International Fleet Review celebrations.

Sailing from Sydney on September 26th, James Craig will rendezvous with Warships and Tall Ships along the New South Wales south coast, spending a planned 8 days at sea.

As voyage crew, you will participate in the ships’s routine under the careful guidance of Fleet volunteers who have many years square-rig sailing ship experience. To join us you will need an adventurous spirit, physical fi tness, be at least 18 years of age and have an ability and willingness to live & work like a 19th century sailor. No previous sailing experience will be needed. $2,400 will fund meals, training and the ocean adventure of a lifetime!

Please lodge your Expressions of Interest (EOI) at info@shf.org.au and wewill email you an application form.

For information ring 02 9298 3888 or 0419 691 084

Sydney Heritage Fleet is a not-for-profi t charitable organisation

MEET THE FLEET

SAIL OF THE CENTURY

SEE HISTORY IN ACTIONwww.shf.org.au or (02) 9298 3888

Dallas McMaugh

THE announcement that the Bell 429 helicopters operated under Navy’s Retention and Motivation Initiative 2 (RMI 2) have had a capa-bility upgrade has been welcomed by 723SQN.

RMI OIC LCDR Steve Hancock said the upgrade allowed the Bell 429 to oper-ate with a 500lb increase in internal gross weight which would enhance capability as it would enable the aircraft to fly fur-ther and for longer while carrying more people.

“Having an extra 500lbs weight capacity is the equivalent of an extra hour of fuel or two people for the same time,” LCDR Hancock said.

“The extra fuel gives us the capacity to more efficiently achieve RMI training sorties”

LCDR Hancock said the flexibility to take on extra fuel in poor weather and still achieve training outcomes was one of the biggest benefits of the upgrade, but he was anticipating others.

“The RMI has been a very success-ful initiative enabling young aircrew to maintain currency and build their skills on a twin-engined modern glass cockpit helicopter.

“This increase in the aircraft’s capa-bility has seen its utility increase con-siderably and will be very valuable for tasking, especially during the upcoming IFR celebrations.”

The RMI 429s’ avionics have also been upgraded with the addition of a

SGT Dave Morley

A HOLIDAY back “home” in Scotland and getting his golf handi-cap down are what one officer has planned for his retirement after more than 40 years of service.

LEUT Evan “Jock” Cunningham, former OIC RAN School of Survivability and Ship Safety, retired on August 5, after joining the Navy aged 16, on April 6, 1972.

He said he followed in the foot-steps of an uncle who served in the Royal Navy for many years.

“Probably my most eventful time in the Navy was on board HMAS Torrens, a steam ship, when she was involved as the escort ship for the Royal Yacht Britannia,” he said.

“A select few of us were invited on board for a tour of the yacht and were privileged to be introduced to the Queen.

“Torrens conducted several tours of duty as the escort ship for the RY Britannia during my term on board.”

LEUT Cunningham said another highlight of his career was his involvement in the Damage Control Schools in HMAS Cerberus and HMAS Creswell where he held the training facility manager’s position as a warrant officer.

“I then progressed through the ranks to the Deputy OIC’s position of the RAN School of Survivability and Ships Safety and then to my current position as the OIC of the School,” he said.

“I was also given the oppor-tunity to attend the International Damage Control Assistant Officers’ Course held in Rhode Island, USA, for three months in September 2002.

“But the biggest highlights of my life were marrying my wife Margaret and the birth of my two children Elissa and Luke.”

LEUT Cunningham said it would be hard to go past HMAS Torrens as his best ship during his career.

“But my other past ships, being HMA Ships Swan, Parramatta, Labuan and Manoora were also exciting,” he said.

“The main reason would be the camaraderie that was formed while serving on board.”

Upgrade to choppers welcomed

A highlights-packed career EVENTFUL TIMES: LEUT Evan “Jock” Cunningham, a former OIC RAN School of Survivability and Ship Safety, has retired after 40 years of service.

helicopter terrain awareness and warning system.

The primary focus of 723SQN is on training pilots, observers and aircrew and undertaking conversion training from fixed wing to rotary aircraft.

The RMI program enables junior qual-ified aircrew to consolidate and enhance their skills while awaiting operational fly-ing training.

ENHANCED: Bell 429 helicopter pilot LEUT Sash Zorin conducts a pre-flight check. Photo: ABIS Sarah Williams

Christian seminarThE Military Christian Fellow-ship of Australia will hold its annual seminar on September 7 at Russell Offices in Canberra. This year’s theme is “Strength and Courage”. The seminar is open to anyone associated with Defence. For more information contact Lisa Thomas on (02)

6266 4950 or email mcf.office@defence.gov.au, visit www.mcf-a.org.au or see DEFGRAM 354/2013.

Indigenous networkA NEW indigenous network group is now hosted on the Defence Alumni Network. For further information email indigenous.

affairs@defence.gov.au or see DEFGRAM 467/2013.

Paging crew members CURRENT hMAS Hobart crew members, as well as former and potential crew are invited to join a new Facebook group. Interested social networkers can find the group by searching for “hMAS hobart DDG 39” on Facebook.

IN BRIEF

Read

onlineincluding back issues

www.defence.gov.au/news/navynews

7NEWSAugust 29, 2013 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

She doesn’t have pointy teeth and isn’t afraid of the sun but POB Cartrena Skinner has been affec-tionately referred to as the local

vampire.PO Skinner, of NUShIP Canberra, is

well known for encouraging others to donate blood and this year she has been chosen to be Navy’s Blood Challenge ambassador.

“I have just posted from hMAS Penguin, where I was known as the vampire or blood sucker,” she said.

“No matter what the function, presenta-tion or speech being conducted, I could find a way to ask everyone for blood.

“When I first met my new XO at a dinner I managed to mention he should donate and I once accosted a vice admiral at a presenta-tion he was conducting.”

PO Skinner was honoured to be consid-ered as Navy’s ambassador, let alone selected.

“There are so many worthy members in Defence and unfortunately so many more that have required a blood or plasma transfu-sion,” she said.

PO Skinner was a regular donor until a medical emergency in October last year led to her losing a lot of blood.

“I was lucky enough to not require a

blood transfusion,” she said. “I was advised to rest for a period but I’m now about to launch back into donating.

“As the ambassador I want to lead by example and create greater awareness. I truly believe you can never have enough aware-ness for blood donations.

“I have been extremely lucky to have such supportive commands that have facili-tated my previous efforts and also taken the time to donate and set an example.”

PO Skinner first donated blood in 2004 and has made 30 donations so far.

“It is very important for any member who is able and willing to donate, to do so,” she said.

“If you are willing and able, how could you not take the chance to potentially help a fellow sailor or even a family member?

“You never know when you may be the one that needs assistance.”

Navy’s 2013 Blood Challenge ambassador is not shy about telling people to roll-up their sleeves, LSIS Helen Frank reports.

People who can, should

PROUD ROLE: Navy’s 2013 blood ambassador, POB Cartrena Skinner, is encouraging everyone to donate generously. Photo: ABIS Sarah Ebsworth

GET INVOLVEDThe Defence Blood Challenge runs from September 1 to November 30.

To register your donation for Navy visit www.donateblood.com.au/defence

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9NEWSAugust 29, 2013 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

CPL Max Bree

BEFORE troops hit the ground in Shoalwater Bay for Talisman Saber 2013, a pair of underwater glid-ers slid beneath the waves to keep an eye on the submerged environment.

A pair of missile-shaped Slocum Gliders moni-tored sea temperature, depth and conductivity then beamed their data to the US for possible use in plan-ning TS13.

A research engineer from Defence Science and Technology Organisation’s (DSTO) Maritime Division, Phil Jackson, said the gliders were dropped in the water on July 6 and collected 10 days later.

“They operate autonomously and we control them remotely,” he said.

“By remotely sampling the undersea environment we’ll get a better indication of what the environment is actually like.

“Better knowledge of the environment will lead to better decisions.”

By measuring the conductivity of the water, Mr Jackson said the gliders could prove useful in anti-submarine warfare.

“You can sort of see what’s a good area to be able to operate your sonar. Where there might get good detection ranges in one place, in another area there might only be limited ranges.”

The gliders use minimal power dropping through the water and gliding forward before reaching a cer-tain depth and rising to keep their forward motion, travelling at 0.7 knots.

Apart from submarine warfare, the gilders could also give the edge in mine-clearing operations, according to Mr Jackson.

“It’s fitted with an optical sensor which measures the attenuation of the light at 530 nanometres,” he said.

“From that we can work out what the visibility is underwater.”

Every four hours, the glider surfaced to beam its data back to DSTO in Adelaide and sent it over the internet to the US Naval Oceanographic Office which quality checked the raw data.

The US Navy Research Laboratory then added the new information to its oceanographic computer models.

An Australian Navy meteorological officer in San Diego then had access to the underwater conditions around Shoalwater Bay.

“He could look at it and feed it to those interested to help in their decision making,” Mr Jackson said.

Keeping watch underwater

BEAM ME UP: DSTO engineers Phil Jackson, left, and James Gourley retrieve a Slocum Glider off the coast of Yeppoon in Queensland, as part of the build-up to Exercise Talisman Saber 2013. Aside from sampling the undersea environment, the glider could also be useful in submarine warfare and mine-clearing operations. Photos: CPL Jake Sims

CPOML-P Joy Newman

A TEAM from HMAS Coonawarra and Attack Four will hit the road on August 31 to support the Northern Territory Variety Bash.

The nine members will travel from Tanunda, South Australia, through sheep country to the Flinders Ranges, Oodnadatta Track, desert county, a cattle station, the Red Centre and Alice Springs to Ti Tree, Northern Territory.

They will stop at schools and raise money for children with spe-cial needs and their families.

The Top End Navy Bash Team has already raised $13,326 in spon-sorship money for Variety NT, edg-ing the group closer to its fundrais-ing goal of $15,000.

Coonawarra’s Variety Bash Team Leader AB Dean Bailey said he was proud of the team’s efforts. “They have hosted barbecues and golf days in the local Darwin area and have collected Cash 4 Cans and donations from generous sponsors,” AB Bailey said.

“We look forward to visiting the remote schools along the way this year. The bash car ‘Daisie’ which

has been transformed to look like a ship, has a new fog horn which now makes various animal noises, which is sure to delight the children.”

He said Daisie was in top shape and would be freighted to Tanunda, South Australia, in readiness for the Bash.

The OIC of the Bash car this year will be CPO Marty Sammut, of Attack Four.

If you would like to make a donation to Navy’s Top End Variety Bash Team, contact CPOML-P Newman at joy.new-man@defence.gov.au

Honk, make way for Navy bashers

JUMP STARTERS: The team from HMAS Coonawarra, from left, CPO Joy Newman, LS William Millard, CPO Shane McCallum, AB Dipak Nand, Larraine Pattel, AB Alex Davies and AB Dean Bailey can’t wait to hit the road. Photo: ABIS Kathy Tuddenham

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10 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS August 29, 2013

Michael Brooke

COMBAT system operators from HMA Ships Melbourne, Toowoomba and Darwin have honed their skills in HMAS Watson’s operations room simulator while providing support to a redeveloped Principal Warfare Officer (PWO) course.

Operations room teams from the three ships helped the category spe-cialists of PWO course 50 put their training to the test as they fought the ship against a variety of threats.

LCDR Mile Madarac, of the School of Maritime Warfare, said these com-bat system operators had helped build a new generation of PWOs who will fight the Aegis-equipped DDGs.

“This is the first course where we aim to develop PWO specialists in the categories of not only surface warfare and air warfare, but the new streams of communications, amphibious, and mine warfare,” he said.

LCDR Madarac said the integra-tion of specialists into the basic PWO course would produce a more finished product to the Fleet.

Twenty-seven students are com-pleting the first phase of the new PWO course, a challenging and essential requirement for those wishing to lead a ship’s operations team.

CPO Rob Mulholland, of Systems Training School, said the overlapping training for sailors and officers simu-lation would produce good outcomes for a Fleet which would soon include new technologies in the form of the Hobart-class DDG and the Canberra-class LHD.

“Supporting the PWO training and serials in the ops room simulator has enabled the three different ships’ oper-ations teams to develop cohesion and grow in confidence,” he said.

Toowoomba’s operations room supervisor POCSS Travis Hunt said his team supported Surface Warfare

Integrated Practical Experience training for the PWOs which had prepared them for their upcoming work-up program.

“The simulation training was espe-cially beneficial for Toowoomba’s jun-ior sailors who have seized the oppor-tunity to step up in responsibility and grow in confidence,” he said.

POCSS Hunt said the simula-tion training was beneficial for the Command Team, most of whom joined Toowoomba after she returned from Operation Slipper in June.

“Noting that Toowoomba has been in dry-dock, we have gained a lot of positives in the past month at Watson honing our collective war-fighting

skills through the use of simulation,” he said.

“We have had significant change-out of our ops crew but this training has enabled us to gel as a team and prepare us for the challenge of work up and unit readiness.”

Toowoomba’s sailors said the simu-lation training enabled them to iron out some deficiencies and to grow in con-fidence before they went to sea.

OIC Systems Training School LCDR Tina Brown said the simulation training undertaken by the operations room team had enabled them to pro-gress the baseline skills necessary for high-end war-fighting.

She said the cost-effective use of Watson’s training simulators allowed Darwin, Melbourne and Toowoomba’s sailors to enhance learning in a safe environment, before further develop-ing their skills at sea.

“Optimising the use of simulation in training and assessment is just one of the proven strategies to ensure Navy training is flexible and responsive,” she said.

Simulation training provides an excellent alternative in delivering well-trained personnel to the Fleet, by reduc-ing the reliance on bunks at-sea, while moving people through the training continuum cost-effectively and timely.

Simulation plays part in training

VARIETY OF THREATS: ABCSO Matthew Oswald in the MK3E Anzac Class FFH Combat Systems Emulator; right, ABCSO Paul Hollingworth. Photos: ABIS Jesse Rhynard

CHALLENGE: SMNCSO Michael Davaris in the control room at the Ritchie Building, HMAS Watson.

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11NEWSAugust 29, 2013 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

DEFENCE has been subjected to con-siderable commentary in the Australian media over the past few years regarding a ‘culture of unacceptable behaviour’.

A voluntary survey is being launched to determine if the media-portrayed understanding of Defence aligns with members’ experiences.

Head of People Capability MAJGEN Gerard Fogarty believes the launch of the Whole of Defence Unacceptable Behaviour Survey will allow members to tell their story directly to decision makers, and provide a realistic view of Defence culture.

“Defence is committed to achieving a workplace where everyone is consist-ently treated with dignity and respect, and our people enjoy coming to work each day,” he said.

“This survey will give us an idea of the level of unacceptable behaviour that exists in our organisation, the type of behaviour, when and where the incidents are occurring.”

The survey will run from September 6-16, with invitations emailed out to randomly selected members.

The questions are personal in nature but, to maximise privacy, the survey link can be forwarded to a personal email for participants to complete away from the workplace. All responses will remain anonymous.

The responses will provide a bal-anced view on the culture that exists today, help track improvements in cul-tural reform, and target reform efforts.

Because of its anonymity, the survey is not suited for reporting incidents.

To report an incident of unac-ceptable behaviour, personnel should contact their CO or manager, the ADF Investigative Service on 1300 233 471, or the Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Office on 1800 796 776 or + 61 2 6127 3122.

For more information email the survey team at: UB.2013@defence.gov.au

WO2 Andrew Hetherington

A SIGNIFICANT element of Navy’s plan to rebuild the naval engineering and maintenance capability was pre-sented to Australia’s Defence engi-neering fraternity on August 7 by Head of Navy Engineering RADM Mick Uzzell.

RADM Uzzell spoke at the 2013 Defence and Industry Engineering Forum hosted by the Defence Materiel Organisation at RAAF Base Edinburgh.

Rebuilding the naval maintenance and engineering capability in support of Navy’s fleet has been the main task for him since he was promoted into his position after the release of the Rizzo Report in 2011.

The report, titled Plan to Reform Support Ship Repair and Management Practices, made 24 recommendations on reforms required to improve the maintenance, engineering and opera-tional availability of Navy’s fleet.

One of the main outcomes from the report for Navy was a recommendation to rebuild its engineering capabilities.

“In the past, significant engineer-ing support for the ships we had in the fleet was provided by the US and Royal Navies, the parents of those ves-sels,” RADM Uzzell said.

“From the mid to late 1980s it was decided to build ships and submarines

Survey to gauge your views

in Australia using adapted or unique designs, so we had to develop the engi-neering support capability for those vessels because it wasn’t going to be provided by anyone else.

“We are the parents of those vessels.“As was made obvious by Mr

Rizzo, we had not sufficiently built that capability. So now, we are rebuild-ing naval engineering capability for the current context of our fleet.”

The element of the plan outlined at the forum centred on the formation of technical bureaus comprising subject matter experts to ensure the engineer-ing community is the master of the technologies that Navy employs.

“We are establishing bureaus which will be run and staffed by experts in engineering disciplines or naval tech-nologies, such as ships hulls and struc-tures, which will provide technical services and products to the Systems Program Offices (SPOs) that manage the maintenance and engineering sup-port for our in-service vessels, and to acquisition and modification projects.

“They will assist SPOs and Projects in developing solutions to technical issues, in delivering materially seawor-thy vessels, and in keeping the fleet materially seaworthy,” RADM Uzzell said.

“Other bureaus will focus on tech-

nologies associated with ship and sub-marine firefighting systems, power generation systems, electronic counter measures, radars, sonars, optical sen-sors, and weapons systems.

“I also foresee a bureau that, on behalf of SPOs, would analyse the effectiveness of the preventative main-tenance we conduct to understand what improvements we might make to it.”

RADM Uzzell said the bureaus would be staffed by Navy, APS, and potentially industry personnel.

“In addition to providing these ser-vices and products, the bureaus will need to produce our future experts. We will need to attract the right people

to the bureaus – those with experience and those that have just completed uni-versity, institute of technology courses, or have some experience in naval engi-neering,” he said.

“We will need to employ them at the entry-level and then educate and mentor them in our technologies. You cannot obtain a deep understanding of electronic counter measure technology at a university or institute, so they will have to develop that through employ-ment in a bureau.”

The main benefit of the bureaus for Navy will be the ability to provide expert engineering support to the fleet within Australia.

“We will be able to respond more adequately to technical challenges in our unique circumstances, rather than waiting for someone else to do it for us, which will save time and money and, it is expected, deliver top-notch outcomes.”

The first technology-based bureaus are expected to be operational by the end of the year.

RADM Uzzell will be visiting Naval establishments in September and October to present on the Strategic Plan for Naval Engineering and Naval Engineering Blueprint.

More information on the rebuilding of engi-neering is at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/navyweb/sites/Seaworthiness/ComWeb.asp?Page=177400.

Rebuilding engineering

ONGOING MAINTENANCE: AB Shane George works on the tail rotor of an MRH-90 helicopter; right, avionics aircraft technician LS Dom Whitingham tends to a Seahawk. Photos: LAC David Cotton, LSIS Yuri Ramsey

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2013 ADFF Nationals Football (Soccer) Carnival“Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of ADFF Women’s Football”

1-9 November 2013Cromer Park, Cromer, NSW (30 Mins North of Sydney)

Player Nominations Required for:Mens Open

Women’s OpenMen’s Veterans (Over 35s)

A Player Development Camp will precede the Carnival and be held for all teams24-31 Oct 13 at HMAS CRESWELL

Further details on the requirements to nominate as a player or support staff are contained in the NAVYFFA ADMIN INST located under the ADFF Nationals table at

www.navyffa.comAll personnel are encouraged to read and comply with all requirements contained in the

ADMIN INST prior to nomination

ADFF Carnival Coordinator for Navy is LEUT Kellie BrownEmail: kellie.brown@defence.gov.au

12 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS August 29, 2013

LCDR Edward Ellison

CMDR Catherine Hayes assumed com-mand of HMAS Toowoomba on July 19.

In a low-key ceremony, CMDR Brendon Zilko handed the ship’s cer-emonial ‘spy glass’ to CMDR Hayes, representing the weight of command.

I t was a bi t tersweet moment for CMDR Zilko as he said goodbye to the crew. “I’m very proud of what Toowoomba has accomplished,” he said.

“It is said that a ship’s accomplish-ments are a reflection of the captain, but they really are a result of the crew.”

CMDR Zilko made his departure in grand style along Oxley wharf in a Lamborghini Gallardo AS with the ship’s company cheering.

CMDR Zilko will take up his new position as XO of NUSHIP Adelaide.

CO CMDR Hayes told her new ship’s company it was a privilege to assume command and she was looking

forward to the challenges ahead. “We have a challenging and exciting program ahead of us and I will ask you all to show a bit of grit because there will be times when it will be needed,” she said.

Toowoomba swaps hands

ALL YOURS: CMDR Brendon Zilko hands over command to CMDR Catherine Hayes. Photo: LSIS James Whittle

THE Jubilee Trust tall ship Lord Nelson set off on a voyage around the world on October 21 last year, the 207th anniversary of Admiral Horatio Nelson’s most famous vic-tory: Trafalgar Square.

The voyage has seen the tall ship travel four times across the equator, to seven continents, across 50,000 miles and to 30 countries.

After leaving the UK on October 21, she is heading for the International Fleet Review (IFR) in Sydney from October 3-11, via Fremantle, Adelaide, Melbourne and Hobart.

Staff Officer at HQ-FAA at HMAS Albatross LEUT Kevin King said Lord Nelson was the first disability-accessible tall ship to sail around the world.

“She is giving people the chance to take part in an adventurous ocean pas-sage and taking the Trust ethos of mixed physical ability sailing to new countries around the world,” LEUT King said.

He said he volunteered to be liaison officer for the ship when he heard she would be visiting Australia for the IFR. “I had previously sailed in her as relief navigator and bosun on a number of occasions while in the UK,” he said.

“As a member of the RAN I feel honoured to be part of the fantastic spectacle the IFR promises to be”

Lord Nelson will make history by being the first fully accessible tall ship to visit Australia and to sail around Cape Horn.

THE Defence Equity Advice Line (DEAL) will transition to the Defence Service Centre in a move that sup-ports a reform initiative to decommis-sion low call volume 1800 helplines.

As of September 2, all calls to the DEAL will be referred to the Defence Service Centre (DSC), known as 1800DEFENCE.

Director Alternative Resolutions and Equity Helen Marks said the DEAL received less than 500 calls a year. “Transitioning to the DSC 1800DEFENCE line will provide a professional service and a 100 per cent response rate to DEAL calls,” Ms Marks said.

When you ring the DEAL, the response will be a recorded message that automatically redirects you to the 1800DEFENCE number (1800 333 362). The redirection will be in place for three months, after which the DEAL number will be decommis-sioned.

The 1800DEFENCE line will pro-vide level one support to satisfy sim-ple enquiries such as directing cus-tomers to current policy and contacts in regard to unacceptable behaviour in Defence.

More complex enquiries will be referred to subject matter experts in the Directorate of Alternative Resolutions and Equity, Values, Behaviours and Resolutions Branch.

Advice line to change numbers

The Lord Nelson will be working with Australian Defence charities in order to give disabled Australian serv-ing and ex-servicemen the opportunity to embark on a tall ship adventure.

“Life on board really is about join-ing in and getting involved regardless

of your physical ability,” LEUT King said. “There are also eight cabins on the ship designed for wheelchair users and their buddies as well as the facili-ties to cater for people with a wide range of disabilities.”

Commissioned by the Jubilee

Sailing Trust Lord Nelson is the flag-ship for enabling people with disabili-ties to sail a tall ship.

More information is at www.jst.org.uk or contact LEUT Kevin King at HQ-FAA on (02) 4424 1404 or 0423 162 036.

Tall ship on a mission

HARD AT WORK: STS Lord Nelson crew members stand on the foot ropes and Flemish horse of the T’Gallant Yard, holding the braces while furling a sail and (inset) the Lord Nelson in action.

13NEWSAugust 29, 2013 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

LEUT Kelli Lunt

EIGHT personnel from ESPS Cantabria joined 110 Navy ski-ers and snowboarders to compete in the Navy Alpine Snowsports (NAS) 2013 Championships from August 4-10 at Perisher Valley.

The Spanish Navy Supply Officer and seven sailors, some of whom had never seen snow, attended lessons and competed in the competitions including skier and boardercross, slope style, sla-lom and giant slalom races.

CAPT Hector Pineiro Lopez said he and his colleagues had a great week training in their chosen disciplines and enjoyed getting to know RAN officers and sailors in a relaxed environment.

“It has been a great experience to live together with people from another navy during a sporting competition and the RAN person-nel have a great relationship across ranks so I have learned a lot about working together,” CAPT Pineiro said.

“I have been so impressed with the values, the friendship and the

Spanish sailors hit the snow

Remember I CARE for PFADS

HMAS Darwin is resurgent again

IN SHIP SHAPE: HMAS Darwin is back in the water after more than 140,000 hours of maintenance and repairs. Photo: ABIS Richard Cordell

LEUT Andrew Serchen

HMAS Darwin is again ‘resurgent’ after completing a major docking maintenance and repairs, which took more than 140,000 hours of contracted works.

Darwin CO CMDR Brian Schlegel said she emerged from the dry dock in mid-May and her crew then began the tireless work of transforming an industri-al work site into an operational warship.

“Darwin’s crew is excited to be com-pleting a long external maintenance phase and returning the ship to sea, to do what she was designed to do,” he said.

Three weeks after finishing the main-tenance and repair activities, Darwin completed an external fleet technical audit, mariner skills evaluation, aviation air sea safety assessment (ASSA) and commenced sea qualification trials.

Commander Sea Training Major Fleet Unit CMDR Jonathan Ley said the crew

worked tirelessly to breathe life back into the platform.

“Darwin was particularly well pre-sented,” he said

“A positive attitude and significant drive by the crew on board has led to Darwin truly living up to her motto – ‘resurgent’.”

During her first week of sea qualifica-tion trials, Darwin’s aviation capability was proven, with her embarked Seahawk flight conducting a successful ASSA.

Tiger 78 completed evolutions includ-ing vertical replenishment, transfers, air-craft recovery system operations as well as normal and emergency recoveries.

Achieving the ASSA in such quick time after returning to sea is a significant achievement that the crew are proud of, CMDR Schlegel said.

The milestone will enable Darwin to proceed onto her next challenge as she prepares for her operational rotation in 2014.

FAR FROM HOME: ESPS Cantabria personnel, from left, SMN Abelardo Díaz, SMN Alejandro González, SMN Raquel Soto, SMN Pablo Álvarez, CAPT Héctor Piñeiro, AB Manuel Cochón at the Navy Alpine Snowsports 2013 Championships after the parallel giant slalom race for snow boarders.

MILITARY supervisors of civilian APS personnel are reminded to take into consideration the recently revised APS Values and new APS Employment Principles when writing this year’s Performance Feedback Assessment and Development Scheme reports.

APS employees must uphold the Defence Values and comply with the APS Code of Conduct as well.

The new Employment Principles and Values came into effect on July 1 and

can be remembered easily by the I CARE acronym. First- and second-level supervisors are to conduct performance exchanges with each of their APS employees by August 31 and record the decision on PMkeyS Self Service by no later than September 20.

For further information, visit the PeopleConnect site at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/peopleconnect and read DEFGRAMs 355/2013 and 412/2013, released mid-May and late-July.

I CARE EXPLAINEDImpartial – The APS is apolitical and provides the Government with advice that is frank, honest, timely and based on the best available evidence.

Committed to Service – The APS is profession-al, objective, innovative and efficient, and works collaboratively to achieve the best results for the Australian community and the Government.

Accountable – The APS is open and accounta-ble to the Australian community under the law and within the framework of Ministerial responsibility.

Respectful – The APS respects all people, including their rights and their heritage.

Ethical – The APS demonstrates leadership, is trustworthy, and acts with integrity, in all that it does.

‘‘It was just like being a kid, playing in the snow. This was an experience I will never forget.

– SMN Alejandro Pages, Cantabria sailor

way boarders and skiers come together, push and support each other to succeed through the chal-lenging racing.

“Although we have been away from our homes for seven months now, Navy Snowsports made us feel at home again, and we will carry you in our hearts for that.”

SMN Alejandro Pages was one of the Cantabria sailors who

attended the NAS Championships and said it was the first time he had snowboarded.

“This was the first time for me to try snowboarding and I competed in two races, the parallel giant slalom and slope style,” SMN Pages said.

“It has been great. It was just like being a kid, playing in the snow. This was an experience I will never forget.”

NAS Vice President LCDR Paul Kirk said it had been a privilege for Navy Snowsports to welcome a small group of their Spanish coun-terparts to the championships.

“NAS personnel embraced the opportunity to learn a little about the Spanish culture and highlight the teamwork and strong esprit de corps that exists within Navy,” he said.

“For the Cantabria personnel, it was an opportunity to experi-ence a different side to the RAN and develop their interest in Alpine Snowsports – for Navy Snowsports members, it was the chance to extend friendships across our navies.”

– Cantabria at TS13 – page 21– More snowsports – pp27-28

14 CENTRE www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS August 29, 2013 15

ELECTRONIC BODY ARMOURIn the war against IEDs, prevention is better than cure. The Counter IED Task Force explains the importance of force protection electronic countermeasures.

Testing proves safety

ELECTRONIC COUNTERMEASURES FAST FACTS Currently 32 per cent of IEDs

in Afghanistan are the type that would be jammed by the ADF’s FPECM.

At the peak of operations in Uruzgan province up to 60 per cent of known IED switch types were radio controlled.

Even battle-damaged FPECM antennas can still work (although effective range is reduced).

The ADF is served by the most comprehensive range of sophis-ticated, purpose-designed ECM available.

ADF FPECM operates at fractions of the Australian civilian radio fre-quency exposure standards.

ADF personnel have access to comprehensive training manuals – the Electronic Countermeasures Handbook and the Electronic Countermeasures Guide.

SAFETY POINTS FPECM save lives. FPECM meets Australian and international

standards. When used in accordance with the operating

instructions and current tactics, techniques and procedures, the use of ECM is safe.

FPECM operate at levels well below ARPANSA exposure limits.

There is no evidence linking exposure to FPECM and brain cancer.

Rates of brain cancer in the ADF are no different from the general community.

CDF addresses concerns in the mediaIN A letter to the editor

partially published in The West Australian

newspaper, CDF GEN David Hurley aimed to set the record straight on force protection electronic countermeasures.

The Chief corrected misperceptions over radio frequency radiation and the matter of safe emission levels perpetuated in media coverage.

He said the welfare of ADF personnel was his highest priority and Defence would continue to monitor developments in standards and research relating to the technology.

To date, there are no known definitive links between exposure to force protection electronic countermeasure devices and cancer. The ADF has no evidence of a cancer cluster and has not identified a link between significant health effects and exposure to force protection electronic countermeasures. These findings are supported by the Repatriation Medical Authority (RMA), which also undertakes extensive investigation into potential causes of dis-ease in our military population. Like the ADF, the RMA has not found a link between radio frequency radiation and brain cancer.

Sadly, I acknowledge that some Army personnel have developed various types of cancers. However, each person was diagnosed with a different type of cancer. This does not support the theory that the ADF is experiencing a cancer cluster as your publication suggested. The Centres of Disease Control sets specific criteria for identifying cancer clusters. To satisfy these criteria, all cases must involve the same type of cancer, or types of cancer which are scientifically proven to have the same cause. Further, a cancer cluster requires that the observed number of cases is higher than the rate one would typically observe in a similar setting. – GEN David Hurley, CDF

Michael Weaver

RIGOUROUS testing of the Force Protection Electronic Counter-measures (FPECM) used on deploy-ment has confirmed that it is safe.

Based on the information provided, Comcare has stated that there is “no indication that there is an established link between electronic counter measure equipment and risks to health and safety”.

Commander Joint Health RADM Robyn Walker says suggestions that FPECM have caused cancer are misleading.

“FPECM saves lives. Remote con-trolled improvised explosive devices are a very real threat in the Middle East Area of Operations, especially to dismounted troops,” RADM Walker says.

FPECM uses radiofrequency waves, a form of radiation, which has been studied by scientists internationally.

To date, no direct link has been estab-lished between radio frequency radiation exposure and cancer of any kind.

The Defence Science and Technology Organisation and the Land Engineering Agency have conduct-ed laboratory and in-field testing of the radio frequency radiation emitted by FPECM which confirms that the devices comply with the International Commission on Non-ionising Radiation Protection Guidelines and ARPANSA standards. As such, ADF personnel are most unlikely to suffer any short or long-term health effects.

In this context, heavy mobile phone use (at least 30 minutes a day for 10 years) could possibly increase the risk of glioma, but the evidence for this is limited. There is also no clear biological explanation for how it could happen, as radiofrequency radiation is non-ionising and does not cause damage to cell DNA.

Cancer Council Australia reports the risk of being diagnosed with a brain cancer by age 85 is one in 100 for men and one in 151 for women.

RADM Walker says the number of cases of brain cancer diagnosed in ADF members is no more than would be expected to happen in the general community.

AT SEA: A rigid hull inflatable boat with clearance divers on board wearing FPECM.Photo: CPL Janine Fabre

ON THE GROUND: Right, LSCD Michael Greenfield at Patrol Base Wali in Afghanistan wears his FPECM as do clearance divers, far right, PO Christian O’Neill, LS Diver Dale Johns LEUT Robert Woodall, CPO Luke Graham, and CPO Andrew Keitley. Photos: LSIS Andrew Dakin

‘THIS technology is capable of protecting ADF personnel against anywhere between 32 and 55 per cent

of attempted IED attacks. It saves lives in Afghanistan every day.”

Counter IED Task Force head BRIG Wayne Budd is passionate in his defence of force protection electronic countermeasures (FPECM).

Concerns have been raised this year that the technology may cause cancer. It is designed to prevent remote-control IEDs from being detonated near ADF personnel and vehicles.

To date, there are no known definitive links between exposure to force protection electronic counter measure devices and cancer.

“It is inherent in our tasks and responsibilities to ensure that any piece of equipment we issue to personnel is safe to use,” BRIG Budd says.

“Of course there’s a process we must go through to make sure our kit is safe and of course that’s a process we’ve followed with FPECM.”

For the task force’s capability direc-tor, Chris McNicol, it’s a balancing act to keep the performance parameters of the devices secret from the enemy while reassuring ADF personnel and the public that the technology is safe to use when operated in accordance with procedures.

“We know our jammers at first baf-fled and then infuriated our enemy,” he says. “In Iraq they called our jammers a ‘force field’ around our armoured vehi-cles and they wrapped electrical insula-tion tape around their RPG-7 warheads thinking it would help penetrate the invisible bubble.

“In Afghanistan we watched YouTube clips where Taliban insur-gents tried to initiate IEDs and blamed each other because they failed to func-tion.”

The FPECM used today are a far cry from the radio jammers of old, which would send out a barrage of radio

waves in a prescribed frequency range to drown out competing radio traffic.

But FPECM is at the forefront of what Mr McNicol calls a “classic arms race” in a modern counter-insurgency setting.

“We see our enemies trying to design different IEDs to beat our jam-mers, and that means we have to stay one step ahead of them.”

Mr McNicol says although safe, the FPECM must be used carefully and in accordance with training.

“The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) is the expert advisory and regulatory body for all forms of radia-tion,” he says.

Lower energy non-ionising radio fre-quency radiation lacks the energy nec-essary to damage DNA or cause genetic damage. The ARPANSA website contains detailed information about var-ious forms of radiation at http://www.arpansa.gov.au/RadiationProtection/basics/ion_nonion.cfm

“The FPECM devices we use oper-ate at levels well below the maximum safe exposure limits for radio frequency emissions set by ARPANSA – they emit non-ionising radiation, which is the type that does not damage DNA or cause cancer.”

Mr McNicol sees the FPECM as the latest in a long line of technology and equipment upgrades helping protect ADF personnel on the ground and at sea.

By the end of this year, Australian forces will have been deploying with FPECM devices for 10 years.

Devices were initially fitted to vehicles, then mounted in backpacks and now every ADF member likely to contact the enemy carries a personal jammer.

“This is an invisible electronic form of body armour designed to defeat hostile radio signals as effectively as the tiered body armour system defeats bullets,” Mr McNicol says.

“We can only guess at the number of lives this technology has saved.”

READY TO ROLL: Maritime Logistics Department on board HMAS Choules during Talisman Saber 2013. Photo: ABIS Cassie McBride

TIGER TALE: ABCTS Jennifer Kennon and LSA Dan Colbert on HMAS Perth’s flight deck in front of embarked Seahawk helicopter Tiger 80 from 816SQN.

Photo: LSIS Yuri Ramsey

SAY CHEESE: SMN Louise Chittick, a steward aboard HMAS Choules, prepares a cheese platter.

Photo: ABIS Cassie McBride

SPEAK TO ME: SMNCIS Luke Ellinger on the bridge of HMAS Perth. Photo: LSIS Yuri Ramsey

OPERATIONS ROOM: ABCSO Shay-Maree Lowry in the operations room of Anzac Class frigate HMAS Perth. Photo: LSIS Yuri Ramsey

KEEPING BUSY: ABET Jacob Kavanagh on the bridge wing of HMAS Perth.

SPARKLING CLEAN: ABATV Cuthbert performs a daily maintenance wash on HMAS Perth’s embarked Seahawk helicopter. Photo: LSIS Yuri Ramsey

TRADING NOTES: LS James Inglish, left, and LEUT Leigh George chat before conducting flying operations from HMAS Perth.

WON’T HURT A BIT: Right, ABMED Dan Foley prepares to administer medication in the sick bay of HMAS Perth.

Photos: LSIS Yuri Ramsey

16 GANGWAY – FACES OF TS13 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS August 29, 2013

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17PERSONNELAugust 29, 2013 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

CPL Nick Wiseman

TWO health studies focusing on the health impacts of operational deploy-ments were released by CDF GEN David Hurley on August 8.

GEN Hurley said the results of the studies showed that ADF members who deployed to the MEAO were gen-erally physically and mentally healthy.

“Our personnel are ordinary Australians who are asked to deal with extraordinary events but not eve-ryone who has deployed will experi-ence trauma,” he said.

“These studies show that most people will not develop mental health concerns but we are better prepared today to help those who do.”

More than 14,000 veterans par-ticipated in the MEAO Census Health Study which collected data from ADF personnel who deployed between 2001 to 2009 and included informa-tion such as their deployment history, health survey and deployment experi-ences questionnaire.

A further 1325 veterans participat-ed in the MEAO Prospective Health Study which examined the health of ADF personnel before deploy-ment and after returning home from deployment to the MEAO between June 2010 and June 2012. This study sought to examine the onset of health concerns related to deployment.

Commander Joint Health RADM Robyn Walker said the study provided a comprehensive and robust account of the health of ADF personnel who deployed to the MEAO.

Health studies released

“The studies highlight not all deployed personnel will be exposed to trauma and most of those will not go on to develop mental health disorders,” she said.

“However, ADF members repeat-edly exposed to traumatic experiences either at home or on deployment are more likely to develop mental health conditions.”

According to the Black Dog

Institute, one in five (20 per cent) Australians aged 16-85 experience a mental illness in any year with the most common being depressive, anxiety and substance-use disorders. Meanwhile, the 2007 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing found 6.4 per cent of Australians aged 16-85 years were suffering PTSD.

The MEAO Prospective Health Study found 0.1 per cent of partici-

pants at pre-deployment and 1.9 per cent at post-deployment reported symptoms which were consistent with PTSD.

RADM Walker said the results of the studies revealed responses that compared favourably with similar studies conducted overseas.

“Specifically the prospective study found that post deployment 4.8 per cent of the participants reported symp-

toms consistent with psychological distress,” she said.

“Of the respondees, 1.9 per cent reported symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), 2.5 per cent reported symptoms with an alcohol disorder and 1.6 per cent reported suicidal ideation.”

RADM Walker said the census study confirmed that the prevalence of PTSD symptoms was much higher in ex-service members and those who have been medically discharged as most would expect.

“The results reiterate what we have long recognised, that separation and military commitments do have an impact on ADF families,” she said.

“But a range of support options are still available to those families.”

Both studies were voluntary and part of the Military Health Outcomes Program (MilHOP) which started in 2010 to determine the impact of oper-ational deployment on the health and wellbeing of members of the ADF.

GEN Hurley said the health and wellbeing of Australia’s military per-sonnel was a priority.

“These studies will further inform policy and targeted health programs designed to support ADF members and their families,” he said.

“Defence and DVA will continue to seek opportunities to improve and evolve our support systems.”

Copies of the studies are available at: http://www.defence.gov.au/health/home/i-MilHOP_Message.htm

BETTER PREPARED: CDF GEN David Hurley and Commander Joint Health RADM Robyn Walker answer questions from the media at the launch of the health studies.

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Testing times for trainersAbout 40 Sea Training Group assessors put HMAS Ballarat through its paces, LEUT Kelli Lunt reports.

ROLLOUT: Members of HMAS Ballarat take part in a damage control exercise at the forward repair base on board Ballarat during the ship’s unit readiness evaluation. Photos: ABIS Jesse Rhynard

ON TARGET: HMAS Ballarat fires the 5-inch gun during evaluation.

EVALUATION: STG lead for the URE CMDR Andrew Pepper debriefs Ballarat’s crew (above) as LSCSO Dominic Buzzell, of STG’s Fleet Air Safety Cell, observes a simulated attack against Ballarat from the operations room.

‘‘I have no preconceived views of individuals of the ship. I see it for what it is on the day.

TOUGH love, long hours and relentless travel char-acterise the life of Sea Training Group (STG)

personnel – but so does passion, patience, adaptability and subject matter expertise, as observed during HMAS Ballarat’s Unit Readiness Evaluation on July 29-30.

The ‘green team’ personnel (wearing green brassards) are at sea for a majority of their posting and are tasked with the crucial role of preparing ships’ companies in a vari-ety of skills, often amid competing operational requirements, unpredict-able weather and asset availability.

With roll call at 5:45am, STG Major Fleet Units’ trainers and assessors boarded a bus at FHQ and headed to Jervis Bay for the culmi-nation of Ballarat’s unusually short three-week training package – in which crew handle taskings such as boat handling, stores, conducting engine breakdowns and expending ammunition at a simulated enemy in synthetic scenarios.

Captain Sea Training CAPT Heath Robertson said STG worked with Fleet personnel to achieve set competencies determined by COMAUSFLT, designing programs and assessments specific to the asset and their future taskings.

“STG provides the final layer in the RAN’s assurance process to ensure the Fleet is well prepared to fight and win at sea,” CAPT Robertson said.

“With most of the Fleet on opera-tions, or resetting and preparing for them, STG’s role of training and assessing the RAN’s men and women to collectively fight and operate their ships has never been more important.”

To be deemed ‘unit ready’, a ship enters a period of pre-workup training or ‘shake downs’ for which the ship conducts internal training. This is followed by a mariner skills evaluation period and, on comple-tion, the ship is then handed over to STG for collective training, placing the shared responsibility of training between the ship and STG.

STG personnel have expertise in their respective fields – their experi-ence, leadership and training style provides crews with a combination of training, mentoring and advising. STG personnel earn their brassards after a period of observation and assessment.

With ranks ranging from LS to CAPT, about 40 STG assessors, with more than half senior sailors and warrant officers, attended Ballarat’s URE. Assessors were a blend of STG trainers and Fleet personnel, providing a fresh set of eyes.

CAPT Robertson was the head assessor and was briefed on all aspects of the ship’s status before the assessment period.

A quick boat transfer, an induc-tion brief for new joiners and in less than half an hour the assessment period for Ballarat was under way. The evaluation continued throughout the night until late afternoon the next day.

For those who managed to grab a few hours sleep, arrangements included the odd spare rack or stretchers in the hangar.

The wardroom became STG headquarters and a constant stream of personnel rotated through report-ing findings during serials, to docu-menting collective training compe-tency progression and achievement.

Fleet WOMT for frigate helicop-ter WO Michael O’Callaghan was on board Ballarat for the assessment

only. He has been in his role for 18 months and saw the evaluation as an opportunity to gauge where the frig-ate sat in the Fleet.

“Generally I have no precon-ceived views of individuals of the ship. I see it for what it is on the day,” WO O’Callaghan said.

“After three weeks they have the skills to pass the assessment, but perhaps with not as much polish as they would after five weeks or by a mission readiness evaluation stand-ard. But they’re good enough.”

Fleet WOMT for guided missile frigate WO Anthony Booby said there was a level of passion that was

required by ship’s company and by the trainers.

“Working in STG is good because I get to see different plat-forms and see different ways of getting the standard required,” WO Booby said.

“STG needs to have a good working relationship with the ship’s company. Attitude plays a big part in the end result. If the crew doesn’t have the right attitude, then it can be an uphill battle to get them to the standard.”

After reports were compiled, CAPT Robertson briefed his team and Finish Exercise was called. CO Ballarat CMDR Matthew Doornbos and his executive staff were then briefed by CAPT Robertson, and a clear lower deck was held for ship’s company on their collective per-formance. For Ballarat, the results were generally positive having completed most competencies that ships attempt in a normal five-week workup period.

The satisfaction of seeing Ballarat achieve the necessary com-petencies became a distant memory for STG as they disembarked after sunset with their bedding and pre-pared to join their unit – HMAS Darwin.

– WO Michael O’Callaghan

18 TRAINING www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS August 29, 2013

19TRAININGAugust 29, 2013 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

LEUT Kelli Lunt

A NEW submarine training trial which aims to significantly reduce training chokepoints and increase graduate num-bers passed out its first round of train-ees on August 9.

Ten sailors from five different cat-egories were awarded their ‘Dolphins’ in front of a large congregation of sub-mariners, support staff, families and friends at the Submarine Training and Systems Centre, in HMAS Stirling.

After completing the formal table, a senior member of each sailor’s category was invited to the stage to replace the new submariners’ DPNU name badges and to offer a piece of personal advice.

Director Training Authority – Submarines CMDR Matthew Hoffman said the revised Submarine Sea Qualification (SMSQ) process, which was introduced on July 1, standardised processes in submarine training and the benefits were beginning to take effect.

“The revised process has been developed to ensure a standardised pro-cess that could stand up to scrutiny by external agencies while also aiming to increase the efficiency and through-put of submarine training,” CMDR Hoffman said.

“A non-negotiable in developing the revised process was that the high stand-ards and level of knowledge demand-ed of submarine trainees would not be compromised.

“This was evident in the week-long

board process that was conducted as part of the sailor’s final qualification assessment.”

Board chair LCDR Chris Unwin said each board ran between two and three hours and the sailors were all assessed against the same criteria, irre-spective of category.

“The assessment was an intense interrogation of the prospective subma-riners knowledge of systems, roles, rou-tines, escape and critically, emergency operating procedures,” LCDR Unwin said.

“I chaired a lot of qualification boards when I was at sea as an XO, and this was as robust as any of those.”

Submarine qualification remains a whole-of-force obligation that, to be successful, requires teamwork and investment from all of the stakeholders, including Submarine Force (SUBFOR), Training Authority – Submarines and individual submarine crews.

The revised process provides train-ees and trainers with clear goals and timelines to be achieved while remov-ing significant training burden from the platforms.

WOMT SM Mark Dixon said the support shown by those who attended the ceremony was tribute to the effort, dedication and resolve the sailors had in reaching this milestone in their careers.

”It was a privilege to welcome these guys into the team and for us to demon-strate the esprit de corps the Submarine Force is renowned for,” WOMT SM Dixon said.

Passing the submarine new trial

REVISED PROCESS: WO Mark Dixon replaces ABMT SM Emile Bernardin’s old name patch with one reflecting his new qualification at the Submarine Training and System Centre, HMAS Stirling. Left, ABML-C Matthew Cole faces the Submarine Qualification Board. Photos: LSIS James Whittle

LEUT Sarah West

HMAS Newcastle’s small team of clear-ance divers have been keeping their core skills finely tuned by conducting regular training at sea in the MEAO.

Having already demonstrated their underwater rigging expertise to remove an obstruction from Newcastle’s propel-ler shaft, the four divers have also spent hours practising their counter impro-vised explosive device (CIED) tech-niques and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) skills.

Newcastle’s deployment includes numerous foreign port visits over the

course of her six-month deployment and one of the major capabilities clearance divers contribute to the ship’s mission is the ability to locate explosive devices and neutralise them.

POCD Brenton Walters said the task required an expert knowledge of explo-sives and the use of some highly spe-cialised equipment.

“Along with our dive gear, we have a Talon remote piloted vehicle, an EOD-9 bomb-suit and various counter-IED weapons. We also have an X-ray unit.

“Overall, this equipment gives us the ability to deal with any explosives threats that occur during the deployment both above and below the waterline.”

Divers brush up on their skills in MEAO

EXPERT KNOWLEDGE: POCD Brenton Walters wears the Explosive Ordnance Disposal 9 suit during a training exercise. Photo: LEUT Sarah West

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21FEATURESAugust 29, 2013 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

THE RAN contingent and Armada crew on ESPS Cantabria have had a busy

time over the past couple of months.

After leaving Fleet Base East in early July, Cantabria was tasked with supporting HMAS Perth in the conduct of her unit readiness evaluation.

Cantabria also participated in anti-air warfare exercises and the conduct of a dual replenishment at sea (liquid), in company with various HMA Ships in the East Australian Exercise Area.

After exiting the EAXA, Cantabria transited to the Coral Sea in company with HMAS Perth to participate in Talisman Saber 2013.

Cantabria was attached to blue force of which Perth would be the Commander Task Group (CTG).

Stopping in the port of Gladstone and before TS13, Cantabria provided HMAS Choules with fuel for her tasking.

Cantabria was also fortunate enough to have CDF GEN David Hurley embark as he made his way on board Choules.

From Cantabria’s bridge wing GEN Hurley and CO Cantabria CMDR Jose Nieto observed the evo-lution of bringing Choules outboard.

Cantabria’s crew conducted various action-station exercises in preparation for entering the area of operation.

Embarked RAN members

participated and were integrated into the ship’s standing sea fire party after learning how to operate Armada firefighting equipment.

This was only the beginning for Cantabria as she would be tasked with numerous rendezvous points to resupply both US Navy and RAN units.

The RAN personnel on board has been able to not only par-ticipate in Talisman Saber but also to learn a lot from the ship’s company.

Five RAN midshipmen engi-neers were embarked in Cantabria experiencing their first taste of sea life and learning about fuel testing, steering gear failures and ballast-ing, quite a lot for a trainee mid-shipman to take in.

Engineer MIDN Jacob Hobbs said he had learnt a lot in a short period of time.

“I just left NEOC two months ago and didn’t expect much sea time, let alone being embarked in a Spanish ship,” MIDN Hobbs said.

“On board, we were thrown in the deep end a little and we were holding watches in the machinery control room, and Armada engi-neers helped so much.

“I am certainly going to have some stories to tell at ADFA.”

Exercise Triton Centenary is next on the agenda for Cantabria followed by the International Fleet Review in Sydney in October.

Michael Brooke

THIRTY-SIX sailors from ESPS Cantabria ran an ultra-marathon on treadmills on the return voyage from Exercise Talisman Saber 2013 to raise $550 for Variety – The Children’s Charity.

CO Cantabria CMDR Jose Luis Nieto presented the money to Variety NSW Motoring Events Manager Stuart Telfer at Fleet Base East on August 13.

The money was raised through $5 to $10 donations by each of the Spanish and Australian sailors who participated in the relay event.

The relay was billed as a race

between 18 RAN sea-riders and 18 sail-ors from Cantabria, but the event was declared a draw after one of the tread-mills broke down at the 44km mark.

CMDR Nieto said the sailors enjoyed some good exercise while rais-ing money.

“It was a lot of fun and all the sailors enjoyed the exercise challenge,” he said.

Mr Telfer praised Cantabria and the Navy for their enduring support of Variety, a national not-for-profit organisation committed to empowering Australian children who are sick, disad-vantaged or have special needs.

Mr Telfer said since 2003 the Navy had raised more than $400,000 through its participation in the Variety NSW

Bash, which is a charity motoring drive that has raised more than $100 million nationally for Australian children.

“All that money goes directly to assist Australian children in need,” he said.

In July, the sailors of HMAS Kuttabul dug deep to raise $1800 to support the Navy team’s participation in this year’s Bankstown to Ballarat Variety Bash, which will be spearheaded by a Holden station wagon designed as a Navy submarine.

FSU participated in the redesign and repair work on the car, with competen-cies gained including sheet metal work, welding, electrical wiring, spray paint-ing and fabricating.

Learning from CantabriaEmbarked RAN members learn new skills as Spanish ship participates in Talisman Saber 2013, ahead of more busy times ahead, LEUT Christopher Thornton reports.

Charity ultra-marathon at sea

GOOD CAUSE: Sailors and officers from ESPS Cantabria and the RAN hold a banner in support of the children’s charity, Variety. A cheque of $550 was presented to NSW Variety at Fleet Base East.Photo: ABIS Nicolas Gonzalez

FULL ON: Above, USS Preble replenishing at sea with ESPS Cantabria in the Coral Sea; left, the crew of USS Chong Hoon handling the lines from ESPS Cantabria while conducting flight operations.

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LCDR Paul O’Hara waited a long time for a deployment and then found it in Afghanistan, LEUT Kelli Lunt reports.

IT’S difficult to believe that after 40 years in the Navy, the first operational deployment for one lieutenant commander was to

landlocked Afghanistan.LCDR Paul O’Hara joined the

Navy just after the Vietnam war fin-ished and celebrated his 40th anni-versary in Kabul.

“Kabul was far harsher than anywhere I have ever been before but I feel a tremendous sense of pride knowing I have been a part of something that was set up to help a new nation find a meaningful way forward,” LCDR O’Hara said.

“Afghanistan was also an amaz-ing experience for an old Navy man like myself.

“I can’t survive out of water too long and with no coastline to boast of in Afghanistan, I was really a fish out of water.”

Despite serving in HMA Ships Stuart, Parramatta and Ballarat in 2009-2010 as the At-Sea Training Officer, he always seemed to be in the wrong place to take advantage of deployment opportunities.

“All of those ships sailed directly for the Gulf after I posted off,” he said.

His selection for an Operation

Slipper deployment was therefore a welcome if not unusual appointment.

“I know it is uncommon for a naval officer to be deployed on land-based deployment in Afghanistan, let alone a Training Systems Officer,” he said.

“At one stage I was the only Navy person at the HQ in Kabul but when I left there were three.”

LCDR O’Hara first deployed to the Al Minhad Air Base (AMAB) in the United Arab Emirates last October to work within HQ Joint Task Force 633 (JTF633) for three months.

He was posted as the AMAB Visits and Protocol Officer respon-sible for looking after temporary, civilian, uniform and VIP visitors to the MEAO,

But he then had his deployment extended.

“I was asked to extend and fulfil the role of Staff Officer to Assistant Commander JTF633, Afghanistan BRIG Peter Short,” LCDR O’Hara said.

LCDR O’Hara completed a specialised driving course for the armoured civilian vehicles in Kabul as well as advanced weapons train-ing and urban environment aware-ness for the local area.

“There are no driving licences in Afghanistan,” he said.

“Everyone just gets behind the wheel and drives so trying to adjust to driving on the right-hand side of the road and not trying to hit any of the four million people on the roads was challenging.” Another highlight for LCDR O’Hara was being promoted while in theatre.

“Commander JTF633 MAJGEN Michael Crane presented me with my rank slides at AMAB which was a big thrill for me,” he said.

Being awarded his Australian Active Service Medal with International Coalition Against Terrorism Clasp, Afghanistan Medal, NATO Medal with International Security Assistance Force Clasp, and, the Returned Servicemen Badge by COMAUSFLT RADM Tim Barrett back home on July 12, capped off a memorable deployment for the Navy veteran.

“Having COMAUSFLT present my medals and recognise the land-based roles Navy personnel fulfil on opera-tion was really significant,” LCDR O’Hara said.

LCDR O’Hara is now Manager External Evaluation at Training Force HQ at Fleet HQ Sydney.

Long wait for unusual tour22 FEATURES www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS August 29, 2013

BEST DRESSED: LCDR Paul O’Hara in his full protective kit in Kabul (above) and undertaking transition weapons training in Kandahar (inset).

Toll Transitions Case Managers are standing by ready to help you. Complete your Application for Relocation (AFR) online now at www.tolltransitions.com.au/defence and your Case Manager will contact you to get things moving.

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From August 2013, all ADF members undergoing a domestic removal will have their goods uplifted on any day within the week of their preferred uplift date. This new approach does not involve a change to your entitlements.

Members will submit their AFR in the usual manner nominating a preferred uplift date. Toll will determine the removal cost, taking into consideration all relocation costs, and select the best value for money uplift date within the week of your preferred uplift date.

If there is an operational requirement or extenuating personal circumstance that requires your uplift to be on a specific date, you will require your unit approval prior to submitting your AFR.

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Relocating over the coming months?

24 FINANCE www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS August 29, 2013

COMMON mistakes are made by ADF members when preparing their annual tax returns, according to the

Australian Tax Office.These mistakes include:

➤ Insufficient documentation avail-able to support car expenses. If you use the ‘cents per kilometre’ method, you must be able to show how you worked out your estimate for work kilometres by keeping a diary of work-related travel, or bas-ing your costs on a regular pattern of travel.

➤ Incorrectly claiming motor vehi-cle expenses on the basis that you are carrying bulky equipment. If your employer provides secure storage for your equipment or you transport your equipment to and from work as a matter of conveni-ence, then the transport costs are private and a deduction is not allowed.

➤ Incorrectly claiming physical fit-ness expenses. Claiming expenses for fitness courses, gymnasium memberships, other health-related

items, such as protein shakes and supplements, when your required fitness level is not well above the general ADF standard.

➤ Incorrectly claiming home office, mobile phone and internet expenses. Claims need to be sup-ported by evidence and you can only claim the work-related portion. This is best achieved by maintain-ing an annual diary for a four-week period that establishes the actual work percentage of the computer, phone or internet costs.

Don’t leave it too lateIf you prepare your own tax return,

remember your 2012/13 financial year return must be submitted to the Australian Tax Office by October 31.

If you use a registered tax agent (including a qualified accountant) to complete your tax return, then you may have until May 15 next year to submit it, provided the Australian Taxation Office approves your tax agent’s extension of time request.

Generally speaking, if you had not appointed a tax agent before June

30 this year then you are no longer able to appoint one for the 2012/13 financial year. If you wish to appoint a tax agent for future requirements, make sure that person is a registered tax agent by checking online at the Tax Practitioners Board website at www.tpb.gov.au.

Each year the Australian Tax Office publishes a document to specifically help ADF members understand their tax obligations.

That document contains an excel-lent summary of the typical expenses ADF personnel are permitted to claim.

It also contains examples of expenses which can’t be claimed.

If you use a tax agent, you should refer that person to the latest version which can be found at www.ato.gov.au/individuals/income-and-deductions where you can follow the links.

This article was supplied by the ADF Financial Services Consumer Council, which is an expert and impartial entity offering independent financial education, advice to the Service Chiefs and relationship management with the financial services industry. Its website is at www.adfconsumer.gov.au

Avoid the common mistakes as the ATO deadline approaches fast.

Beware traps for tax claims

CORRECT DOCUMENTATION: It is important to keep a diary of work-related travel. Photo: CPL Nick Wiseman

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25HEALTHAugust 29, 2013 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

PREVENTION: Lt Rob Orr goes through a warm-up routine during a workout. Including a proper warm-up will always help to prevent injuries. Photo: PO Paul Berry

INJURIES affect not only fitness, but have the potential to damage health, motivation, lifestyle and even careers.Fortunately, many sporting and

physical training injuries are prevent-able with a little planning and due cau-tion. Here are eight quick tips to help prevent injury.

Check your playing surface and training equipment

Gym equipment should always be checked before use. Cables should not be frayed, plate weight pins should be secure and dumbbell weights secured at each end. Playing fields should be checked for rocks, potholes etc.

Training and sporting equipment must fit properly and be in good work-ing order, for example, good quality running shoes.

These precautions are valid even when participating in post-PT games or ‘kick-arounds’ in the unit.

Mouthguards should always be worn during activities where physical contact with another person or equip-ment is a possibility.

Don’t play sport to get fit, get fit to play sport

Many sporting injuries are caused by fatigue, which can cause muscle timing and mental reaction speed to decrease. This affects physical coordi-nation, leading to a mistimed catch or

mental conditions is important. When the body is cold, reaction speeds slow and muscle elasticity decreases. Warm clothing is therefore important.

When it is hot and humid, ensure clothing provides protection from the sun yet allows for heat loss. A light-weight shirt is not only better for sun protection but for heat loss as it will trap sweat – an effective means of heat loss through evaporation.

When running or cycling in the dark, ensure the clothing worn can be seen by others, even when travelling on bicycle paths and dirt tracks.

Leave the ego behindAvoid playing for sheep stations.

While the will to win is good, injur-ing yourself and others through over-competitiveness is not.

The memory of your victory will

kick, and the ability of the protective muscles to respond to overstress lead-ing to muscle and tendon strains and ligament sprains.

Always warm up thoroughlyThere is often a tendency to jump

straight into a physical activity and warm up as you go.

Unfortunately the physical demands and level of coordination required between the preceding activ-ity, for example, walking to the gym or sporting field and the activity to be undertaken, are vastly different and it is during this adjustment phase that the chances of injury are very high.

Listen to your bodyListen to your body and it will usu-

ally tell you when things start to go wrong. The first sign of injury signifies the time to cease the activity.

Pushing through the injury should be avoided as this action will increase the risk of a more serious injury, increase the risk of an additional injury and increase recovery time.

Avoid exposure to the elements

The elements in which physical activity is taking place can have a marked effect on injury potential.

It is important to maintain good hydration by drinking sufficient water during physical activity.

Likewise dressing to meet environ-

last until the next game, your injuries may last a lifetime.

In the gym, impress with flawless technique rather than being trapped under the weight bar or flying off the back of the treadmill.

Always complete your physiotherapy treatment

Just because the pain and physical effects of an injury can no longer be seen or felt, it does not mean that the damaged tissues have fully recovered or are able to perform to the physical level required.

This step is vital if the potential for re-injury is to be minimised.

Just as sensible people would not drive a car or fly in an aircraft until the mechanic was 100 per cent happy with its performance, you should also continue with physiotherapy treatment until discharged by your physiothera-pist.

Don’t follow, leadRather than following a program

out of a magazine or on a website, adding a popular exercise to a training regime because everyone else seems to be doing it, or following the current train-until-you-break fad, consult a combat fitness leader or PTI to get a program designed to meet your spe-cific needs and abilities.

Lt Rob Orr is a former Army PTI and now a reservist and Assistant Professor at the Bond Institute of Sport and Health. He has been writing health and fitness articles for these pages for almost 20 years and this article marks his 300th since they began.

A few simple measures can help keep injuries at bay, Lt Robert Orr writes.

Playing hurt a costly game

26 SPORT www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS August 29, 2013

Michael Brooke

MORE than two dozen Navy runners recorded impressive times in the City2Surf fun run from the Sydney CBD to Bondi Beach on August 11.

Up against a human tidal wave of 85,000 runners in the world’s biggest fun run, the Navy competitors came from the ADF Athletics Association and the Navy Running Association.

Leading the assault on the gruelling 14km course was Navy APS runner Luke Grattan and HMAS Kuttabul’s LSATA Des Doyle.

Grattan cantered across the finish line in a time of 50min 18sec to capture 131st place overall and 13th in his 40-49 age group.

LSATA Doyle succeeded in his goal of breaking the 60-min-ute mark by clocking 59.52, which was 1min 27sec faster than his time in last year’s race.

LSATA Doyle said the toughest challenge for all the runners was not only push-ing through the pain barrier on Heartbreak Hill, but the mass of competitors at the start.

“It’s always tempting to just walk up Heartbreak Hill but that costs you so much time,” he said.

LSATA Doyle sprinted up the 1.6km hill at an average speed of 12.31km/h which ena-bled him to achieve his race-time goal with 8sec to spare.

“It was a good result for me because I have been train-ing for the Sydney marathon

next month, which is three or four times longer than the City2Surf,” he said.

Navy Reservist CPOMT Paul Baker, also from HMAS Kuttabul, clocked 1:08.12 to finish 1164th in his age group (40-49) and in 65,886th place overall.

“As long as it is under 70min then I am happy with the result,” he said.

CPOMT Baker said under 70min was a good outcome because all his training had been geared towards the New York marathon in November, to raise money for the Heart Foundation.

CPOMT Baker has raised $7500 so far but is hoping for more.

He hopes to complete the New York course against 50,000 other competitors in under 3.5hr.

CPOMT Baker left the Permanent Navy in 2011 to take up a position as a Navy contrac-tor at Sydney’s Garden Island.

Grattan sprinted the first 6.2km of the race at a speed of 17.55km/h, but slowed to 15.34km/h at Heartbreak Hill, before accelerating to 16.27km/h for the 7.4km run from Vaucluse to Bondi Beach.

He was only a fraction slower than last year, when he clocked 49:48 to finish 12th in the men’s 40-49 age group and 106th overall.

“I was really delighted with how I ran today, because I am still recovering from ankle sur-gery,” Grattan said.

John Martin

THE ADF men’s basketball team was given a special mission when it played the Australian Opals at the Australian Institute of Sport on August 10.

The Opals had assembled in Canberra to prepare for their two games against the New Zealand Tall Ferns to decide which team quali-fied for the women’s world champi-onship in Turkey next year.

The Opal coaching staff wanted two things from the ADF Basketball Association (ADFBA) team, made up of two sailors, five RAAFies and three soldiers:➤���to help them prepare for the

Kiwis; and➤��to play the kind of fast, powerful

game the Opals are anticipating from the US at the world titles.The Opals won 79-51, thanks

largely to Lauren Jackson’s 30-point game and a flurry of three-pointers towards the end. But for most of the game the margin was within 10 points.

AB Benjamin Wilkin scored 11 points. The other Navy player was PO Brent Nemeth.

The ADF team and the Opals posed together for a group photo-graph after the game and one of the players, FLTLT Josh Garbett, said the feedback was good.

“They were very happy with our intensity,” he said. “They got to run

ADF helps Opals prepare for US

all their players. There were a lot of talented players on court.”

Australia and the US have a fierce rivalry. The US has won the world championship eight out of 16 times. Australia won it in 2006, but finished third in 1998 and 2002. It also took the bronze medal at the Olympic Games last year where the US won gold.

This time Australia, with a new head coach, Brendan Joyce, and a world No. 2 ranking, has high hopes.

In basketball-mad Turkey, the games there will be played in front of thousands of fans.

Only about 150 people watched the game on August 10. They included ADF supporters, members

of the Australian men’s Boomers squad who were also in camp in Canberra and junior basketballers.

ADFBA president LTCOL Geoffrey Young said it was an hon-our to be part of the occasion.

“The side was selected at short notice and through the good will of the members’ chain of command,” he said.

The ADFBA national champion-ships will be held at Randwick Barracks from November 15-23.

FOOTNOTE: Jackson continued her dominance, scoring a two-game total of 41 points to lead the Opals to two wins against New Zealand and qualification for the world championships.

SHINING STAR: Opals star Lauren Jackson takes an outside shot as ADF players LAC Kevin O’Sullivan (No. 7), AB Ben Wilkin (No. 5), CFN Zachary Gutteridge (No. 8) and LAC Ashley Condon (No. 11) gather. Photo: Karen Hill

One in 85,000 chance of win

TURNING FOR HOME: MIDN Shaun Stibbard, of ADFA, rounds the final turn for the home stretch.

BOUND FOR BONDI: MIDN Ben Flood, of ADFA, hits Bondi in the City2Surf. Photos: LSIS Brenton Freind

27SPORTAugust 29, 2013 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

Hot shots cool win

LSIS Helen Frank

FOLLOWING the success of last year’s Thredbo ADF Day, Kosciuszko Thredbo Pty Ltd has announced that the 2013 Thredbo ADF Day will be held on September 20.

Thredbo Training Manager Paul Corcoran said it was a great oppor-tunity to raise awareness of the sac-rifices made by our servicemen and women.

“Our intentions are pure and we want to take the time out to thank ADF members for their service to this great nation,” Mr Corcoran said.

“We are currently in contact with the Disabled Winter Sports Association with the aim of getting some of our disabled veterans out on the snow for the first time, empower-ing their rehabilitation.

“Having served in the RAN myself for 21 years, I am now in a position to empower the corporate world to rec-ognise those efforts and to simply say thank you to all ADF members.”

Military members will be able to purchase a one-day lift pass for Thredbo on September 20 for just $30. Members will be required to show their Navy, Air Force, or Army ID card to receive the discount.

Mr Corcoran said he received a great deal of positive feedback from last year’s event and it was wonderful watching members of the public come up to ADF members, shaking hands and thanking them for their service.

ADF dayon againat Thredbo

SNOW BUSINESS: The snowboarding contingent all set for action during the Navy Alpine Sports annual week-long championships at Perisher.

LEUT Kelli Lunt

EXPERIENCE was the key to success for the four Alpine Sports champi-ons who took out the top prizes at the 2013 Navy championships at Perisher Valley from August 4-10.

CMDR Phil Ridgway, of HMAS Harman, edged out AB Julien Jais, of HMAS Waterhen, for the top position of 2013 male skier, having last won the trophy in 1987. SBLT Andrew Taylor, of HMAS Harman, came in third.

“It was a surprise to win this year. It gets harder to compete as age sets in. It’s the young guys that keep you motivated,” CMDR Ridgway said.

“This is the first year I’ve com-peted with one of the sons of a former

racer who was in the team the last time I won the trophy. The quality of young sports people competing this year is at the same, if not at a higher standard than in the past.

“I’m thankful that the Navy still enables participation at such a level.”

Having had several podium fin-ishes in recent years, Harman reserv-ist CPO Kerrie Dickie won the 2013 female skier trophy over LEUT’s Natasha Connew and Paula Cavanagh, both of HMAS Kuttabul.

PO Stewart Smith, a frequent com-petitor in the Navy championships, emerged victorious with a convinc-ing win over SBLT Tyler Mulholland, of HMAS Albatross, and PO Matt Wildin, of HMAS Cerberus.

LS Carly Maxwell, of HMAS Harman, was overcome with her win

as 2013 female snowboard cham-pion, having first attended the NAS Championships in 2009.

“For me it’s just incredible how far I’ve progressed in boarding,” LS Maxwell said.

“I began boarding in 2008, attend-ed my first championships in 2009 and won overall female boarder in 2013.

“I tried to be competitive all week and I guess it paid off. It’s a great honour.”

The 2013 championships also saw a changing of the guard with five-year president CAPT Tony O’Malley stepping down and being replaced by Director Training Authority – Maritime Warfare and CO HMAS Watson, CAPT Will Martin.

“When I first came into the role

of president, my primary goal was to increase the participation rate across the board and in particular junior sailors. This year is a record year for participants – close to 120,” CAPT O’Malley said.

“The Navy Alpine Sports (NAS) week is a great week to break down barriers – we can all just be boarders and skiers and carry those relation-ships throughout our careers in the Navy.”

At the AGM PO Matt Wildin took up the boarder representative role and AB Rory Taylor took up the skier rep-resentative responsibilities.

During the championships, for-mer Navy skier and long-time course manager for NAS Championships Rob Holbrooke and CAPT O’Malley received life membership.

Experience counts at alpine action

CONVOY: Navy Nordic and Biathlon Team with CPO Chris Ware, in front, about to begin a classical race at the ADF Nordic Skiing and Biathlon Championships held at Mt Hotham.

CPL Max Bree

NAVY skiers dominated the men’s competition at the ADF Snowsports Championships in Perisher Valley from August 11-15.

AB Julien Jais, of HMAS Success, and MIDN Matt Smith, of ADFA, finished first and second in the overall men’s skiing competi-tion.

After skiing from age 12-16, AB Jais got back into the sport in 2011 as part of the Navy skiing team.

“You can’t really have an expec-tation to win something like that because there’s so many factors that can go wrong,” he said.

AB Jias won the slalom and giant slalom events but backed off and finished 6th in the final ski cross event.

He also finished second last year behind 10-time champion LCDR Justin Mangan who was absent from this year’s event.

“I think he still would have beat-en me,” AB Jias said. “His experi-ence is ridiculous, he’s an older guy but he still goes pretty hard.”

He said MIDN Smith’s achieve-ment was also worthy of a mention.

“He was a surprise package,” AB Jias said. “He went pretty well in the slalom; it’s the hardest to learn. For someone who’s never done it before and finished fourth is a pretty good achievement.”

RESULTS: Mens skiing: 1 AB Julien Jais, 2 MIDN Matt Smith, 3 LAC Michael Atkinson. Women’s skiing: 1 SGT Kris Rayner, 2 MAJ Claire Baker, 3 LEUT Shannon Godfrey.

– from back page Outstanding novice and

champion skiers, ABCD Tom Hale, of HMAS Waterhen , C P O M T C h r i s Wa r e , o f HMAS Cerberus, and HMAS Toowoomba shipmates ABMT Dan Mendonca and ABCIS Matt Robertson, combined with a strong women’s team of POSTD Vickie Austin, of HMAS Cerberus , ABEW Emma Toogood, of RAAF Base Edinburgh, ABMED Zoe Chesworth, of HMAS Stirling and ABETW Jess Healey, of 138 SIG SQN, to edge out the oppo-sition to win the overall ADF novice championship title.

AB Emma Toogood had never seen snow before attend-ing this year’s event.

“The snow was amazing, the coaches were great and there was a good positive vibe from everyone in the team,” she said.

“As a novice I felt encour-aged to try a sport I never real-ly knew existed.”

Sharp-shooter AB Healey also tackled cross country ski-ing for the first time.

“The experience was excit-ing and far exceeded my expectations,” she said.

“I thought there would be harder skiing distances and being able to focus on shoot-ing when I came into the range gave me the break I needed to maintain a good pace.”

The open women produced consistent results, edging out the Air Force to take out the ADF women’s biathlon trophy,

ADF women’s track trophy and ADF women’s patrol trophy.

LCDR Wendy Hughes, of Joint Health Command, con-tinued her good form of previ-ous years to take out the over-all ADF women’s champion biathlete.

Seasoned campa igner LCDR Garry Lewis com-bined with fellow biathletes, COL Jim Hutton, POET Peter Sutton, of HMAS Sydney, and ABBM Michael Herbert to score second place behind a strong Army side.

The Navy recognised strong performances from a range of team members includ-ing joint champion male skiers AB Hale and LCDR Lewis, LCDR Hughes (champion female), AB Healey (novice award) and AB Herbert (cham-pion shot). AB Hale was also awarded the Brian Read coach-es award.

The Navy team was man-aged by WOET Ian Waller, of HMAS Cerberus, for the sev-enth successive year.

“It was a fantastic team effort , after winning the Defence championships two years ago and narrowly miss-ing out last year, I am excited to see many gutsy efforts, plus grit and determination shown by every member of the Navy team this year,” WO Waller said.

Anyone keen to participate or learn more can contact WO Waller at navysport.nordic@defence.gov.au or visit www.skinavy.com

Skiers dominate ADF titles

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HOT SHOTS TAKE TITLENordic biathlon brilliance

Full coverage P27

LCDR Wendy Hughes

THE annual ADF Nordic Skiing and Biathlon championships at Mt Hotham may be called Exercise Coolshot, but ‘hotshots’ may be a better name to describe the efforts of team Navy in 2013.

In an outstanding effort, Navy won the Defence championships, narrowly beating a high perform-ing Air Force side and a strong Army men’s team.

On loan to the RAN from the Royal Marines, COL Jim

Hutton said it was all to do with team work and a can-do attitude, despite tough weather conditions.

The annual competition com-bined the independent disciplines of Nordic skiing and small bore sports rifle shooting, in a chal-lenging sport called biathlon.

Competition for the Navy champion shot was tough with ABBM Michael Herbert, of Attack Three, displaying fine form on the range with outstand-ing shooting in both the men’s open biathlon sprint and men’s patrol events.

“Coming straight from sea and with a two-year absence, it was hard to get back into form, my skiing was slower, but patrol boat time has helped me keep my shooting up to a good standard.”

ABBM Herbert’s fine form secured him a berth in the ADF team, which plans to compete against the British Defence Force in Germany next January.

ABBM Herbert eventually won the trophy by a one-shot margin from LCDR Garry Lewis.

– continued page 27

HOT SHOT: ABMED Zoe Chesworth, of HMAS Stirling, takes aim during the novice biathlon event at the ADF Nordic Skiing and Biathlon Championships at Mt HothamPhoto: CPL Max Bree