AIRF RCEVol. 60, No. 12, July 12, 2018 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

Triton to take surveillance world by storm

Page 3

NEWFRONTIER Parting words from outgoing CDF Our next generation of pilots

Page 2 Pages 10-11

A MQ-4C Triton (altered image).Photo: Northrop Grumman

EDITORIALActing DirectorAngela Buchecker

EditorLawrence Dutrieux: (02) 6266 7612

ReportersSGT Max BreeSGT Mark DoranSGT Dave MorleyCPL Bill SolomouCPL Sebastian BeurichCPL Julia WhitwellPTE Renee Breeze

raafnews@defencenews.gov.auThe Editor, Air Force News, R1-GF-C037, PO Box 7909, Department of Defence, ACT 2600

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2 July 12, 2018RCEAIR FNews

SGT Max Bree

FEELING the rush of power that comes with flying a Hornet is etched into the psyche of outgoing CDF ACM Mark Binskin.

“Being able to get in the Hornet and fly that aircraft to its maximum capability is one of those great mem-ories that will never leave me,” he said.

“It’s a good adrenaline rush, but you’re operating in a profes-sional force where everyone is there because they want to be – it’s a really tight-knit group that delivers to the highest levels possible.

“I know there are other areas in the ADF that are exactly the same, but that’s the one I got a chance to experience.”

ACM Binskin’s final day as CDF was on July 6, rounding out a 40-year career that included a brief stint flying Navy A-4G Skyhawk fighters from the deck of aircraft car-rier HMAS Melbourne.

When it was decided to decom-mission Melbourne, ACM Binskin was on exchange with Air Force,

where he decided to stay and fly Mirages then Hornets.

“I’m proud of the fact I served in the Navy as well as the Air Force. Except for some of the aviation capabilities in the Army, it probably wasn’t the service for me,” he said.

“Though I would like to have flown the Tiger.”

A transfer to Air Force proved beneficial to ACM Binskin, who rose to become CAF and VCDF before landing the top job in 2014.

Becoming CDF was not the most likely path a career in Navy avia-tion would have taken him. “I would have probably had to broaden from an aircrew specialisation and gone into more general Navy service to be able to get to CDF,” he said.

“But it would be one of those par-allel universes that I would never be able to figure out even if I sat down and thought about it for a while.”

ACM Binskin was particularly proud of overseeing the creation of Defence Signals Intelligence and Cyber Command during his tenure.

“The military side of cyber is something I really wanted to pro-gress,” he said.

“Pulling together those in uni-form and making it a proper capabil-ity in the ADF; making it a proper weapon system.

“Cyber affects everyone. You, your bank account and social media, right through to high-end operations.

“If you don’t understand the cyber domain and have the agility to work there, you’re not going to run successful operations into the future.”

Landing on an aircraft carrier wasn’t the toughest challenge ACM Binskin faced in his military career.

“Early on in my flying career having mates killed in accidents was always very hard,” he said.

“There was also a period in Afghanistan that was particularly dif-ficult. Even now I see reports and it makes me stop and think.

“For everyone we lose, there are grieving families involved there and the circumstances are often quite complex. As the Chief you feel responsible for everyone and you do take it personally.”

While ACM Binskin feels each service death deeply, he will remem-ber his mates and people performing at their best.

“I’ve made some fantastic friends and a lot have become just as close as family,” he said.

“When you go out on operations you see the men and women doing what they really want to do.

“You can see the high morale, they’re always proud to show you what they’re doing and what they’re achieving.

“That’s the part I’ll miss the most.”

Following a holiday with his wife, ACM Binskin plans on a motorbike tour of Australia, but he left some parting advice for young personnel aspiring to reach CDF.

“The Defence Force does a fan-tastic job of progressing people through, giving people opportunities to develop and lead,” he said.

“Look at where you want to go and help shape that, but you need to focus on the job you’re doing at the time and do the best you can at it.

“When you get to CDF, people trust you to do the job because of who you are, so don’t ever stop being yourself.”

Mark of respectOutgoing CDF departs in style – a last sortie in one of his much-loved fast jets

New CDF ready to step up

Outgoing CDF ACM Mark Binskin in an F/A-18B Hornet prior to his last flight in a fast jet.Photo: SGT Guy Young

ACM Mark Binskin congratulates incoming CDF GEN Angus Campbell at the official handover in Canberra. Photo: Lauren Larking

CPL Julia Whitwell

FAREWELLED by a fly-past of four F/A-18A/B Classic Hornets from No. 77 Squadron, and a 17-gun salute, ACM Mark Binskin handed over as CDF to former CA, GEN Angus Campbell, in a ceremony in Canberra on July 6.

In his address, ACM Binskin said serving as CDF was the pinnacle of his proud military career.

“It’s been a great ride, and it has been a privilege,” ACM Binskin said.

“Not one day has gone by without a new challenge, but more importantly, not one day has gone by when the ADF has not made a new achievement.”

ACM Binskin said he had con-

fidence in GEN Campbell’s leader-ship.

“We are in a time of significant change and significant challenge and I know you are very well-placed to be able to lead the ADF over the coming years,” ACM Binskin said.

GEN Campbell said ACM Binskin’s service as CDF was distin-guished.

“We owe him a great debt of gratitude and I’m deeply apprecia-tive that the handing over of com-mand responsibility is handing over an ADF in extraordinarily good shape,” GEN Campbell said.

“The chief of a defence force may be one among the ADF, but it is a team. It is as a leader, seeking to build and lead teams, that I wish to go forward in my role.”

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3July 12, 2018RCEAIR F Fifth-generation capability

Jaimie Abbott

WE are about to enter a new world of maritime surveillance with the impending acquisition of six MQ-4C Triton Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems and their accom-panying support systems.

No. 92 Wing will take on the new capability from RAAF Base Edinburgh with a Forward Operating Base to be set up at RAAF Base Tindal.

It will be the largest Remotely Piloted Aircraft System to be oper-ated by the ADF, significantly exceeding the size of the recently-retired Heron aircraft.

As part of the initial $1.4 bil-lion investment in the Triton system, the Government will invest $364 million on new facilities at RAAF Base Edinburgh and RAAF Base Tindal, providing oppor-tunities to local industry in both South Australia and the Northern Territory.

Australia will also enter a $200 million co-operative program with the United States Navy for the development, production and sustainment of the Triton.

In a joint statement, Prime

Minister Malcolm Turnbull , Defence Minister Marise Payne and Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne said the Triton would complement the surveillance role of the P-8A Poseidon aircraft through sustained operations at long ranges as well as being able to undertake a range of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance tasks.

Acting OC 92WG WGCDR Brett Williams said the combined effect of both the MQ-4C Triton and the P-8A Poseidon would pro-vide Australia with one of the most advanced maritime patrol and sur-veillance capabilities in the world.

Acting CDR Surveillance and Response Group GPCAPT Nathan Christie said: “When it comes to persistent, maritime surveillance from the air, the acquisition of Triton is a quantum leap in capa-bility for the RAAF and wider ADF.

“Members of 92 Wing, will be required to work with other capa-bilities such as the P-8A Poseidon, E7-A Wedgetail, the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter, the new Navy Air Warfare Destroyer, Amphibious Task Groups, Over-The-Horizon

Radar, regional allies and even government and non-government agencies tasked with coordinat-ing natural disaster relief in our region.”

Australia’s maritime area cov-ers about 10 per cent of the Earth’s surface.

The Triton’s endurance means it will be able to efficiently search across the Indian, Pacific and Southern oceans.

The aircraft has an effective operating radius of up to 2,500 nautical miles (4,600 kilometres) and a maximum endurance of more than 24 hours.

“The Triton will be able to operate at great distances from its operating base for extended peri-ods of time,” GPCAPT Christie said.

“The surveillance picture that Triton ‘sees’ will be available to the RAAF, in real time, so that commanders can make decisions with the most up-to-date and accu-rate data.

“This is particularly important in our support to natural disasters both at home and in our region.”

AT A GLANCETHE primary roles of the Triton and Poseidon will include the detection of, and response to, naval surface and submarine threats, surveillance and recon-naissance as well as search and rescue.

The aircraft, along with the Poseidon will be part of the AIR 7000 program which will replace the AP-3C Orion maritime sur-veillance and response fleet.

The MQ-4C Triton will not be armed. It is expected to be delivered in mid-2023, Initial Operating Capability is planned for 2024-25 and Final Operational Capability is planned for 2025-26.

Quantum leap forward

MQ-4C Triton a key sea change to our surveillance horizon

‘The Triton will be able to operate at great distances from its operating base for extended periods of time.– GPCAPT Nathan Christie

Acting CDR SRG

Head Aerospace Systems Division, AVM Catherine Roberts, signs a memorandum of understanding for the MQ-4C Triton capability with US Navy CAPT Tony Defrias (US Naval Attache) at Brindabella Park, Canberra. Photo: Lauren Larking

A MQ-4C Triton (altered image).Photo: Northrop Grumman

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4 July 12, 2018RCEAIR FInternational Engagement

FLGOFF Deanna Ellick

AIR FORCE and Royal Malaysian A i r F o r c e ( R M A F ) h av e celebrated 60 years of continuous airbase operations by the RAAF at RMAF Base Butterworth.

WGCDR Michael Edwards, CO of No. 19 Squadron, the RAAF’s Airbase Operations Squadron at RMAF Butterworth, said the anniversary was an important milestone.

“I’m very proud to be the Commanding Officer while the 60th anniversary events were going on,” WGCDR Edwards said.

“We started here in the 1950s with building an airfield and at its peak RMAF Butterworth was the biggest Air Force base the RAAF had with thousands of people posted here.

“With this in mind, I think about all those who have come before me and have experienced the great posting which is RMAF Butterworth.”

RMAF Base Commander, KOL Amer said the anniversary events on June 29 were significant to the RMAF.

“This anniversary celebrates the past contribution between both Malaysia and Australia in terms of security in Defence in this part of the region,” KOL Amer said.

“Australia happens to be the only allied nation that has a permanent military deployment in Malaysia and I am so happy that the anniversary events are being celebrated here.”

The parade marked another milestone as it was also the first time that RAAF and RMAF have conducted a parade together with the words of command called in Bahasa Malay.

“ I fee l very proud and delighted to see both RAAF and RMAF on parade together – it’s not like anything I’ve ever seen in my entire career,” KOL Amer said.

RAAF personnel held key parade positions including the Parade Warrant Officer, Parade ADJ and Parade Commanders.

Parade Warran t Officer, WOFF Barry Eichmann, said having to learn Bahasa Malay

PERSONNEL Capability Specialist CPL Elizabeth Mills, pictured left, has always wanted to post to RMAF Butterworth.

CPL Mills said in just a few months she has had an “experience of a lifetime” at Butterworth.

CPL Mills first came to RMAF Butterworth on an augmentation detachment for Exercise Bersama Shield and was fortunate enough to have stayed in support of Operation Gateway. Previously, she was with No. 24 Squadron at RAAF Base Edinburgh.

“I wanted to come over to RMAF Butterworth to experience a new culture and learn more about what the Air Force is doing in this region,” CPL Mills said.

A unique part of working at RMAF Butterworth is the level of interaction and integration with the locally employed civilians.

“Working here has given me the opportunity to integrate with the local civilians and get a better understanding of their culture and religious beliefs,” she said.

“I was lucky enough to be here for Ramadan and was able to ask the local women questions about their fasting and what it means to them – I’ve been able to learn so much from them.”

In addition to augmentation postings, there are also opportunities to be posted to RMAF Butterworth for up to three years.

“The initial expressions of interest are sent out by the career managers and I would encourage members wanting to post here to put one through,” she said.

“I highly recommend members to put up their hand for a posting here – it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and an amazing experience.”

CPL Mills said it was an honour to be part of the 60th anniversary parade.

Standing tall as friends

EARLY DAYSRMAF Butterworth was formerly known as RAF Butterworth, a Royal Air Force (RAF) base between 1941 and 1957. The Royal Australian Air Force took possession of RAAF Base Butterworth in 1958 from the British, in the same year that the RMAF was created.

During that time, the RAAF and Australia have had a strong relationship with Malaysia and in particular, the people of Penang. Australia handed back control of the base to Malaysia in 1987, but has kept a permanent pres-ence in Butterworth.

In 1958, the RAAF was formally handed control of Butterworth Airbase and a ceremony in June that year celebrated the commence-ment of airbase operations by the RAAF at Butterworth. Today, the RAAF continues to support Australian air power at Butterworth.

Marking 60 years of our close links with Butterworth

was challenging, but a rewarding experience.

“Preparation for the parade involved up to four hours a day of parade practice for the week leading up to it,” WOFF Eichmann said.

“It’s been an exciting week and a fantastic event to host, the parade went extremely well and everyone performed their parts magnificently.”

WGCDR Edwards said the warm relationship between the Malaysian and Australian forces at Butterworth was striking,

“The Malaysian people are well known for the warmth of their welcome and certainly KOL Amer and his team have truly made our small Australian contingent part of their wider base community,” he said.

The week-long celebration included visits by Defence Minister Marise Payne, CDF ACM Mark Binskin and CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies.

Base like no other

Malaysian CAF GEN Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Hj Affendi bin Buang (blue beret) and CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies inspect the parade

that was held to celebrate 60 years of continuous airbase operations by the RAAF at RMAF Butterworth.

Photos: CPL Dan Pinhorn

CPL Elizabeth Mills, left, on parade at the

60th anniversary parade.

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LIFE IN THE RAAF

Career lifts offCPL Bill Solomou meets a member who enjoys being away from the big smoke with his posting at Woomera

ALL systems are go for Air Force Communications Electronic Technician CPL Gregory Milburn who feels right at home

at Woomera.CPL Milburn, Air Force Test Ranges

Squadron within the Air Warfare Centre, said he was enticed to join Air Force in 2005 by job satisfaction, an opportunity to travel and camaraderie.

CPL Milburn’s role at Woomera is to provide communication support to range users.

“These include the ADF, Defence Science and Technology (DST), foreign services, and civilian industry,” CPL Milburn said.

“Support can vary from non- instrumented trials where we provide radio communications for example, to instru-mented trials that require multiple radars, high-speed imagery and even providing weather monitoring via balloon launch.

“We also conduct maintenance on these support systems.”

In his second year of posting to the remote facility, which is more than 450km north west from Adelaide central, he and his family are enjoying the outback life.

“Living and working remotely has been such a different experience,” CPL Milburn said.

“The range offers diversity of work and tempo, while home life is a quiet change compared to the busyness of a big city.

“My three-year-old daughter, Ayla, loves exploring the Woomera Township and the wider area.”

Although Woomera was home to only about 130 people, CPL Milburn said they managed to find enough players to restart the RAAF Woomera Cricket Club and par-ticipate in the Roxby Downs T20 season last year.

“We also happen to have a squash court so an afternoon hit is a good way to unwind,” he said.

CPL Milburn said some of the high-lights about working at Woomera were achieving outcomes and “being part of the team”.

“My biggest highlight so far was being part of the unit during support of the Hypersonic International Flight Research Experimentation program (HIFiRE) 4b,” CPL Milburn said.

“We provided tracking instrumentation for the night launch activity, this included using a kinetheodolite tracking camera to chase the first and second stage of the rocket.”

The successful flight test exceeded expectations and we met the challenge set by the trial.

CPL Milburn said he would like to extend his posting to Woomera.

“We love the relaxed lifestyle and one more year will certainly be enjoyable before Ayla starts school in the following year,” he said.

CPL Greg Milburn, of the Air Force Test

Ranges Squadron, tests high speed

video camera equipment outside the Range Control

Centre at Woomera Test Range.

Photo: CPL David Cotton

FeatureRCEAIR F July 12, 2018 5

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7July 12, 2018RCEAIR F Joint Warfighting

CAPT Jesse Robilliard

FOR the first t ime, No. 35 Squadron C-27J Spartans at Exercise Hamel have deployed to a Forward Operating Base in support of the Army.

The exercise was a signifi-cant step towards achieving Final Operating Capability for the squad-ron.

FLTLT Adam D’Arcy, a pilot with 35SQN, said the range of mis-sions the Spartan completed during Hamel were varied.

“During Hamel 2018 we’ve completed some aeromedical evac-uation sorties, some logistical sup-port, some airdrops of both people and cargo and also some pamphlets out of the back of the aircraft,” FLTLT D’Arcy said.

“Hamel this year has been the first time that we’ve been able to advertise what the Spartan can deliver for the Army.”

Living out of tents, 35SQN members conducted their mission planning from a Defence facility at Rockhampton Airport established for the exercise.

The C-27J Spartan battlefield airlifter conducted missions to Shoalwater Bay Training Area, swapping out troops in the exer-cise.

FLTLT D’Arcy explained the significance of what would nor-mally be a mundane task.

“The significance of Sam Hill, a short unpaved strip, is just a step-ping stone for the Spartan,” FLTLT D’Arcy said.

“It’s going to show that we can get into smaller strips that are unpaved and be able to deliver the cargo that the Army requires.”

SGT Jay Goggin, a loadmaster from 35SQN, said the strips the C-27J would operate from in sup-port of the Army would be much less accommodating.

“The C-27J Spartan has a very short landing capability as well as take-off capability, it can get into a lot more airfields like Sam Hill, so we can resupply troops further, or forward into the battlefield,” SGT Goggin said.

“It will be a lot of dirt strips, smaller airfields; come in to resup-ply with engines running and then take off again to go to the next air-field or resupply with short trips.”

35SQN now has its full comple-ment of 10 C-27J Spartan aircraft.

FLTLT D’Arcy sa id the Spartan’s capabilities bridged the gap between Army helicopters and larger Air Force airlifters.

“The capability of the Spartan is basically between the CH-47F Chinook and the RAAF C-130J Hercules,” FLTLT D’Arcy said.

“We can go faster and further than a Chinook and we can land on shorter strips than the C-130J.”

Spartan packs a punch

Our battlefield airlifter gives Army the edge at Exercise Hamel

A C-27J Spartan conducts a personnel reinforcement flight at Sam Hill Airfield during Exercise Hamel.Photos: CPL Tristan Kennedy

United States Marine Corps CPL Sarah Lindey and FLTLT Alysha Dunn observe the C-27J Spartan landing at Sam Hill Airfield.

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8 July 12, 2018RCEAIR FNews

FLGOFF Bel Scott

WGCDR Jeff Frost has followed the full life cycle of the Australian F/A-18A/B Hornet during his career.

His involvement dates back to 1984, when he helped build A21-103 and A21-104, and fit the first MK10 Martin Baker ejection seats as a systems technician at Government Aircraft Factories in Avalon.

Former XO Test and Evaluation Directorate at the Air Warfare Centre, WGCDR Frost said the A21-101 and A21-102 airframes were about to commence flight testing when he was undergoing training at McDonnell Douglas in St Louis in the US.

“The A21-103 and -104 air-frames were in manufacture prior to their ‘knock down’ and shipment to Australia in a US Air Force C-5 Galaxy aircraft,” WGCDR Frost said.

“I then joined the RAAF in January

1985, four months prior to the deliv-ery of A21-101, -102 and -103 to No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit at Williamtown.

“Having spent most of my military career as an air combat officer, it’s been an honour to watch this air com-bat capability develop and deliver over the years.

“I’ve always said that if I saw a ‘classic’ on a pole outside RAAF Base Williamtown then it’s time to retire. I’m about to hang up the PAF boots so I reached out to 81 Wing for a flight.”

He thanked CO 2OCU WGCDR Scott Woodland and his team, and 81WG, for allowing him “the truly memorable experience” of flying in A21-105 after 33 years of service.

WGCDR Frost retired from the PAF on July 3 with 4000 flying hours on the P-3C /AP-3C, and will continue reserve service with the Air Warfare Centre at RAAF Base Edinburgh.

Classic case of in for the long haul

WGCDR Jeff Frost at RAAF Base Williamtown with one of the F/A-18B Hornets he helped to build. Right: WGCDR Frost, then a systems technician for Government Aircraft Factories, was present for the delivery of A21-103 and A21-104 at Avalon Airfield on June 6, 1984.Photos: CPL Nicci Freeman and inset photo supplied by friends of the RAAF F/A-18 ‘Classic’ Hornet Facebook page

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9July 12, 2018RCEAIR F Training

FLTLT Tracey Li

A PASSION for teaching and lov-ing the challenge of being “out of the comfort zone” are traits that have helped SGT Adam Smith thrive in his career at the Combat Survival Training School (CSTS).

SGT Smith performs the roles of a Medic and a qualified Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) instructor at the unit at RAAF Base Townsville.

“As instructors, we teach stu-dents essential skills and tech-niques to survive, be located and be recovered in peace time and hostile environments,” SGT Smith said.

“The job can be challenging – we need to constantly adapt and adjust our ways of teaching to suit students’ different skills, experi-ence levels and learning styles.

“Additionally it can be diffi-cult to maintain work-life balance when we are required to deploy into the field with students every few weeks.”

Despite the challenges, SGT Smith said the SERE instructor role was a rewarding experience.

“I love guiding and inspiring students to challenge them outside of their comfort zones and instil confidence in their training and skills,” he said.

“I feel extremely proud to wit-ness the positive transition stu-dents go through with the survival

skills and techniques we teach them.

“This instructor role has allowed me to practise medic tra-decraft as well as given me invalu-able opportunities to develop lead-ership and management skills.”

SGT Smith said he had expe-rienced significant personal and professional growth and he would “highly recommend this job to others”.

CO CSTS SQNLDR Jay Nicks said the unit had delivered combat survival training to Army, Navy and Air Force aircrew for almost 30 years.

“We are based in Townsville, which gives us access to a range of environments to conduct train-ing including sea, coastal, arid and jungle regions,” SQNLDR Nicks said.

“This course is designed to match some of the worst condi-tions military aircrew could face in permissive (peace time) and non-permissive (hostile) environ-ments.

“We teach them the skills to survive, be located and be recov-ered should they become isolated for any reason.

“Students are taught the fol-lowing priorities of survival – pro-tection (first aid, clothing, shelter and fire); location (use various devices and aids to assist search and rescue efforts), water and food.”

SQNLDR Jay Nicks said the instructor role at the unit was extremely dynamic.

“This will be a fantastic oppor-tunity to increase your organisa-tional understanding, as you will be working in a joint environment with highly professional and dedi-cated individuals from different services, specialisations and mus-terings,” SQNLDR Nicks said.

He said CSTS was responsi-ble for delivering a continuum of combat survival training and advice, including foundational level IET courses, mission specific aircrew force preparation training, personnel recovery exercises and deploying on ADF operations as a joint personnel recovery officer.

“We would like to hear from you if you are fit, driven, and wish to push yourself outside of your comfort zone,” SQNLDR Nicks said.

“The unit will provide all the necessary training to prepare you for this challenging role. Professional development oppor-tunities will continue to become available throughout your tenure at CSTS to help you to reach your full potential.”

CSTS is seeking interest from per-manent personnel and reservists to become SERE instructors. For more information contact csts.registry@defence.gov.au

Doing a Bear GryllsThe Combat Survival Training School wants more instructors who enjoy being out of their comfort zone

CSTS students practise using different types of flares as part of their survival training.

CSTS Instructor SGT Adam Smith.Photos: SGT Kirk Peacock

Combat Survival Training School (CSTS) students

conduct sea survival training.Photos: SGT Kirk Peacock

10 11RCEAIR FExercise High Sierra July 18, 2018

Our future fighter pilots are put to the test with pinpoint precision during Exercise High Sierra, FLGOFF Monique Lonsdale writes

NEXT GEN OF TOP GUNSNO. 2 Operational Conversion

Unit (2OCU) has graduated eight new fighter pilots with the conclusion of Exercise High Si-

erra. High Sierra was the final intensive

three-week phase of the six month opera-tional conversion course converting pilots from the Hawk 127 Lead-In-Fighter to the F/A-18A/B Classic Hornet. The exer-cise was held at Townsville from May 31 to June 21.

CO 2OCU WGCDR Scott Woodland said High Sierra represented vital train-ing for the next generation of our fighter pilots.

“The pilots are required to achieve an extremely high skill level in flying a com-plex aircraft, including making decisions to employ weapons in fractions of a sec-ond,” WGCDR Woodland said.

Instructional staff at 2OCU have de-signed the six-month conversion course to push would-be fighter pilots to their limits.

The required outcome is for the pilots to demonstrate they are ready to shed their “trainee”’ status and join one of Air Combat Group’s operational fighter squadrons.

2OCU Instructor Pilot, FLTLT Brent, said the course presented a very steep learning curve for students.

“They’ve come a long way. I started off strapping them in, doing up their seat-belts and now they fly the aircraft unas-sisted on simulated combat missions with live weapon deliveries,” FLTLT Brent said.

“They’ve learnt a lot over the six months and it all comes into practice in the last three weeks.”

The journey to arrive in Townsville for

the crucial final weeks has been longer for some trainees than others.

At a public media day during the exer-cise, Pilot Trainee FLGOFF Ryan, shared a little of his story with local journalists.

“I grew up on the Gold Coast near Amberley and we used to see the F-111s flying along the beach,” FLGOFF Ryan said.

“From then on I was basically ob-sessed with trying to get into the cockpit of one of those fast jets.

“After going through ADFA and the pilot training continuum, all up it’s been six and half years for me to get here.

“I’m super excited for the challenges that await me and I just can’t wait to get out to an operational fighter squadron.”

Although 2OCU has returned to Wil-liamtown, and the graduates are off to their next postings, the unit is always aware that the continued success of Exer-cise High Sierra is due, in no small part, to the local Townsville community and to the dedicated personnel of RAAF Base Townsville.

“We’re always delighted to return to Townsville. The exercise facilities and the challenges they offer our pilots and main-tainers are excellent,” WGCDR Wood-land said.

“The community gets right behind us as well, which makes us feel so welcome. It’s almost like a second home for 2OCU.

“We just couldn’t do what we do with-out their combined efforts and support.”

The eight pilots who graduated off High Sierra will be some of the last to convert onto the F/A-18A/B Classic Hornet with only two courses remaining before the introduction of the F-35A into 2OCU in 2020.

FLGOFF Clarice Hurren

AN Air Force Chaplain attended Exercise High Sierra as part of a new trial to deploy chaplains on domestic exercises providing additional support for members.

Chaplain Stuart Asquith, who is newly appointed FLTLT from No. 26 Squadron, participated in High Sierra held at RAAF Base Townsville.

Chaplain Asquith said he was thankful for the experience as he was able to build stronger relationships with the members of No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit.

“I was in Townsville to ensure the morale and welfare of individuals, as well as care for the overall team,” he said.

“The graduating pilots are now on the front line and it’s a huge transition with a range of emotions involved.”

During his time in Townsville, Chaplain Asquith visited the weapons

range, spent his days working from a bunker and travelled between ordnance loading areas.

“This exercise has been a reward-ing experience and I am grateful for the trust the CO of 2OCU has in me,” he said.

“It all about having a good rapport, gaining trust and learning first-hand what others go through on exercise.

“It is invaluable for all Air Force members in my remit to know who I am, and that I get it.”

To compliment his work Chaplain Asquith is also about to study to be a yoga instructor and once he receives his qualifications, will use this training at RAAF Base Williamtown from early 2019 to enhance capability and assist members in building resilience and to de-stress.

“My approach to chaplaincy has always been about spirituality, mind-fulness and wellness,” said FLTLT Asquith.

Blessed with opportunities

‘They’ve come a long way. I started off strapping them in, doing up their seatbelts and now they fly the aircraft unassisted on simulated combat missions with live weapon deliveries.

– FLTLT Brent2OCU Instructor Pilot

An F/A-18A Hornet from No 2OCU deploys ordnance during Exercise High Sierra.Below: The shock wave is visible after the impact of the munition.

Photos: SGT Guy Young

LACW Louise Stott, an Avionics Technician with

2OCU, in front of an F/A-18 Hornet.

LACW Karlie Kent gives the “OK” to a trainee F/A-18 Hornet pilot during Exercise High Sierra.

Chaplain FLTLT Stuart Asquith, left, talks with Aeronautical Life Support Fitters, LAC Ryan Clark and LAC Eddie Townsend, of 2OCU, during Exercise High Sierra.

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FeatureRCEAIR F July 12, 2018 13

L OADMASTER training has entered a new era after a dedicated C-130J Hercules fuselage trainer was handed

over to Defence on June 15.In s t a l l e d a t RAAF Bas e

Richmond, it will provide future generations of loadmasters with a purpose-built classroom before they fly on the real thing.

It’s the first purpose-built device of its kind in almost 60 years of RAAF Hercules operations, with loadmaster training courses tradi-tionally using real C-130 Hercules airframes, or the fuselage hulks of older retired Hercules.

Both of those legacy solu-tions compromised the fidelity and timeliness of loadmaster training, according to CDR Air Mobility Group (AMG) AIRCDRE William Kourelakos.

“We train our pilots in high-fidelity simulators, and our load-master workforce likewise needs a device that prepares them to the highest standard possible before they go flying,” AIRCDRE Kourelakos said.

“We already have a similar device for training C-17A load-masters, and similar one is being acquired for the C-27J workforce.

“A training review into the C-130J workforce, coupled with the retirement of the C-130H in 2012, provided us with the business case and resources to make a C-130J fuselage trainer a reality.”

A contract to provide and sup-port a C-130J fuselage trainer was awarded to CAE Australia, which already provides support to the C-130J Full-Flight Mission Simulator.

Construction of the fuselage trainer was undertaken largely by Airbus Australia Pacific, combin-ing two retired C-130H airframes

TRAINER FACTS Constructed from two retired

C-130H airframes (A97-010 and -012).

Fully representative of the C-130J cargo compartment, with working cargo ramp, main landing gear, flaps, flight control cables, para-doors, crew entry door and emergency exits.

Full audio of C-130J engines, auxiliary power unit and hydraulic systems, with adjustable volume and recreation of ground and airborne sound.

Instructors have remote control of the fuselage trainer using a Toughbook that can trigger scenarios, control working conditions, and activate some working parts of the trainer.

Cockpit features touch-screens to simulate controls and instruments required by loadmasters and technicians during ground handling.

Hefty lift for training

Retired Hercules airframes have been turned into a new fuselage trainer at Richmond, Eamon Hamilton reports

to recreate the longer fuselage of a C-130J.

Additional equipment and pro-prietary material was sourced from the C-130J’s manufacturer, Lockheed Martin.

The fuselage trainer places much less need for loadmaster courses to use live aircraft for their training, according to FSGT Liam Higgins, an instructor with 37SQN’s load-master Training Flight.

“Previously, accessing ‘live’ C-130J Hercules during courses has been undesirable as higher priori-ties have resulted in training stat-ics being cancelled or delayed for

numerous reasons,” FSGT Higgins said.

“With the fuselage trainer, load-master training will be streamlined by allowing students increased and regular access to a state-of-the-art training device.

“The course schedule has been modified to allow practical lessons to follow theory lessons within a day; under the old method, there were sometimes gaps of four weeks between theory and practical les-sons.”

Introduction of the fuselage trainer also follows changes in the C-130J loadmaster curriculum in recent years, which includes greater use of desktop learning.

“When I was a student, I had regular opportunities to go on real tasking on a course that was four months longer than it is today,” FSGT Higgins said.

“In the current climate with the increased effort of operations, previ-ous training methods are not practi-cal.

“The fuselage trainer will allow loadmaster training to be carried out uninterrupted, providing a bet-ter prepared loadmaster student and allowing the C-130Js to concentrate their efforts in the air and not on the ground for training.”

The fuselage trainer can sup-port initial training and competency upgrades for loadmasters, as well as benefit other Defence workforces.

“The other main user will be the 37SQN Maintenance Training Flight, which also needs to regularly access a static aircraft to conduct their lessons,” FSGT Higgins said.

“Additional users include the RAAF School of Administration and Logistics Training, Health Support Wing, Air Movements Training and Development Unit, SOCOM, and Army’s 176 Air Dispatch Squadron.”

C-130J fuselage trainer ready for operation at RAAF Base Richmond. Right: SGT Brodie Stewart, left, of 37SQN assists FSGT Liam Higgins with the removal of a ramp on the new trainer. Photos: CPL Casey Forster

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14 July 12, 2018RCEAIR FPeople Capability

FLTLT Tracey Li

A “definitive and distinctive” period of historic change is under way at the Central Flying School (CFS), which has just marked its 105th anniversary.

The oldest military aviation unit in Australia celebrated its impressive service by having a fun family day at RAAF Base East Sale on May 31.

CFS was formed at Point Cook on March 7, 1913, and its mission is to train and check instructors to maintain flying training standards across Air Force, Navy and Army.

CO CFS WGCDR James Atkinson said the unit had trained almost 6,000 flying instructors who in turn trained almost 40,000 Air Force pilots in the last 100 years.

“The 105th anniversary event also marked the transition to the new pilot training facility at East Sale and the acceptance of PC-21 within CFS’ flying management system,” WGCDR Atkinson said.

“We have flown 50 different types of aircraft at CFS over the years and experienced some dramatic transitions by introducing platforms such as the

Vampire, Macchi and Pilatus PC-9. WGCDR Atkinson acknowledged

2018 will be a definit ive and distinctive year in CFS history as the unit transitions its aircraft and staff to the Pilatus PC-21, a high performance trainer with a cockpit like a modern fighter.

“We are also transitioning to the new pilot training system, which allows us to use a flight training device (simulator) to augment ab initio pilot training for the first time in Air Force history,” WGCDR Atkinson said.

“In addition to its contribution to Australian military air power, CFS has been a key player in promoting Air Force reputation and generating recruitment over the years.

“The Roulettes team and the Air Force Balloon have been travelling around Australia, visiting schools and communities to inspire an interest in aviation among young people.”

FLTLT Daniel Armstrong, Roulette 7, said CFS was making history and it was a great time to be at the unit.

“The future is really bright for CFS as the new training system will

allow us to train more instructors faster and to a higher standard,” FLTLT Armstrong said.

“The Roulettes will get a fresh look with the PC-21 aircraft and the Air Force Balloon will continue to play an important role representing the RAAF.

“East Sale is undergoing massive redevelopment and the region is a great place for family.”

CFS, along with other Air Training Wing units, will move across to a new air academy structure in January 2019.

Right: CO CFS WGCDR James Atkinson, left, and FLTLT Daniel Armstrong, Roulette 7, cut the unit’s 105th

anniversary birthday cake at RAAF Base East Sale.Main: A Pilatus PC-21 aircraft, A54-004, during a flight in

the Gippsland region.Photo: FLTLT Ash Kissock

Central Flying School 105th anniversary

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FLTLT Katie Hall with Fijian Government and RFMF personnel during a medical workshop in HMAS Adelaide’s primary casualty receiving facility as part of Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2018. Photo: CPL Sebastian Beurich

15July 12, 2018RCEAIR F International Engagement

CPL Sebastian Beurich

OUR personnel were among the ADF members who packed a variety of activities into port visits by HMA Ships Adelaide and Melbourne to Fiji and Tonga as part of Indo-Pacific Endeavour in June.

The 40-plus activities that kept them busy during the three-day visit to Suva in Fiji from June 9 to 11 included peacekeeping, medical and search-and-rescue workshops, amphibious exercises, and community engagement activities such as mangrove plant-ing and a joint church service aboard Adelaide.

Commander Joint Task Group 661.1 Navy CAPT Jim Hutton said the port visit was intended to devel-op people-to-people links between the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) and the ADF.

“The visit was an action-packed three days, with most of our activi-ties focusing on community engage-ment, capacity building, and meeting and greeting our RFMF counterparts,” CAPT Hutton said.

“It was fantastic to be able to come and show off Adelaide and give the RFMF more experience in working comfortably and safely with our land-ing craft and helicopters, on and off the ship.

“It was also good to engage with and help the local community around Suva, reinvigorating the Walk On Walk Strong Kids Fiji Resource Centre and bringing local children aboard Adelaide for a tour of the ship.

“I think the most important part of the visit was ensuring both the Australians and the Fijians have a common understanding of each oth-er’s capability, so we can support each other quickly in the event of a natural disaster like Cyclone Winston.”

FLTLT Christopher Luttrell was among the Australian personnel who attended a service in Suva’s Centenary Methodist Church to commemorate

the RFMF’s 40 years of involvement in UN peacekeeping operations.

He said the moving service – attended by Fiji’s President and Prime Minister, both of whom are ex-RFMF members – was an excellent way to recognise Australia and Fiji’s shared history.

“Australia has a long history of working alongside Fiji, so it was great to be here to celebrate such a signifi-cant anniversary with them,” FLTLT Luttrell said.

“It was quite a special day for the Fijians. There was a beautiful choir singing lovely hymns and I was quite proud to be there alongside them.”

Chief of Staff RFMF BRIGGEN Jone Kalouniwai said the visit was “all about capacity building and exposure”.

“We’re quite happy with the rela-tionship we have with the ADF. It’s been there for a long time and … we’re quite familiar with each other.”

The Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2018 Task Group worked with His Majesty’s Armed Forces (HMAF) in Tonga from June 13 to 15.

The activities included community engagement through tours of Adelaide and Melbourne, support for local women’s shelters, and the donation of books to start an HMAF library.

The main focus of the visit was a ceremony to hand over a gift of five Unimog trucks to HMAF. Defence Minister Marise Payne attended the ceremony on the Adelaide flight deck in the port of Nuku’alofa.

CAPT Hutton said Indo-Pacific Endeavour was “about working with our regional partners, like Tonga, to develop a joint understanding and to build capacity, which can then be utilised during times of crisis in our region”.

“We value our defence partnership with Tonga, which is now both deeper and stronger through the bonds and people-to-people links formed during our visit,” he said.

ONE OF the key activities of the Task Group 661.1’s visit to Tonga as part of Indo-Pacific Endeavour did not involve military training – it was about giving back to the local community by helping to renovate two local women’s shelters.

Personnel from HMA Ships Adelaide and Melbourne were joined by a group of His Majesty’s Armed Forces (HMAF) engineers and then split between the Happy Life Shelter and the Tonga National Centre for Women and Children to sand back and repaint the outsides of both.

Nursing officer FLTLT Katie Hall said the activity was gratifying on a personal level.

“It’s always really humbling to talk to women in these situations and listen to their experiences of what they’ve been through,” she said.

“I think this was a great activity for everyone involved, because it gave us all a sense of personal satisfaction to be able to contribute to the local community.

“To see the looks of appreciation on the faces of the women we met was just amazing.”

Happy Life Shelter staff team leader Lesila Lokotui Toia said the crisis centre was grateful for the work the ADF had completed.

“The presence of the ADF has absolutely helped the women of the shelter,” Ms Toia said.

“We have been thinking of painting the house ... but the assistance we had makes it so much easier.”

Every port’s important

Paint job makes a world of difference

‘To see the looks of appreciation on the

faces of the women we met was just amazing.

– FLTLT Katie Hall Nursing officer

Exercise Indo-Pacific Endeavour

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16 July 12, 2018RCEAIR FFlightline

LAC Scott Stanley helps prepare a C-27J Spartan of 35SQN for flight in support of Exercise Hamel in North Queensland. Photo: MAJ Al Green

Loadmaster SGT Jay Goggin, of 35SQN, prepares a communications cable on a C-27J Spartan before a tactical flight during Exercise Hamel. Photo: CPL Tristan Kennedy

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Name Years

WOFF Kevin Leahy 42

WOFF Owen Smith 42

WOFF Peter Goodwill 42

WGCDR Gary Gibbs 41

WGCDR Jan Thorvaldsson 40

WOFF Kevin Smith 40

WOFF Stephen Batcheldor 39

GPCAPT Peter Wood 38

FSGT David Jeffrey 36

GPCAPT Mark Hinchcliffe 34

WOFF Brett Nichols 33

WOFF Rodney O'Donnell 33

SQNLDR Robert Forbes 32

WOFF Rick Smith 32

WOFF Steven Rieger 31

WOFF Warren Matulick 30

FSGT Joanne Williamson 29

SGT Peter Austin 28

GPCAPT Kevin Murray 27

Name Years

SQNLDR Richard Rundle 27

SQNLDR Jamie Purdon 26

WOFF Glen Richardson 26

FSGT Adam Poultney 26

T/WGCDR Elizabeth Scott 25

SQNLDR Darren Shorter 25

SQNLDR Matthew Thomas 25

LAC Michael De Gooijer 25

WGCDR Nicholas Moyle 22

WGCDR Matthew Kennedy 21

FSGT David Henderson 21

FSGT Sue-Ann Cole 21

CPL Moises Benedictos 21

SQNLDR David Martin 20

SQNLDR Michelle McGuinness 20

SQNLDR Richard Kloeden 20

WOFF Andrew Hosch 20

FSGT Nicholas Kozlowski 20

CPL Kirsty Winton 20

17July 12, 2018RCEAIR F Flightline

336SQN Cadets Ethan Kapoor, left, Sienna Quinlivan, and Zachary McPherson at the 3WG Australian Air Force Cadets Competition held at RAAF Base Richmond. 336SQN won the drill contest. Photo: CPL Casey Forster

FLTLT Calum McDonald meets

with a local boy on board His

Majesty’s Thai Ship Chakri

Naruebet during a visit to the

Sattahip Naval Base, Thailand, during Exercise

Pirap Jabiru.Photo: LS Chris Beerens

SQNLDR Kevin Kovic was pre-sented with the Federation Star for 40 years of active service in ADF by Commander Air Mobility Group AIRCDRE William Kourelakos at a ceremony at RAAF Base Glenbrook on June 12.

SQNLDR Kovic first joined Air Force on March 21, 1978 as an Airfield Defence Guard before com-missioning to Security Police Officer on May 3, 2002.

“Air Force has given me opportu-nities and has challenged me along the way, but I could not have done so without the positive attitudes, opinions and diversity of others,” he said.

“For the great people just starting their careers, I have seen history, it is now your turn to make history.”

Present at the ceremony was a military working dog, in honour of his work within the security forces throughout his career.

Left: SQNLDR Kevin Kovic (second from left), with (from left) ACW Kate Russell with Military Working Dog Petra, AIRCDRE Bill Kourelakos, WGCDR Patrick Hoare and WGCDR Dennis Anderson.Photo: SGT Christopher Dickson

Tribute for 40 years of service

SGT Oscar Gavidia, of the Theatre Communications Group,

is deployed to Australia’s main operating base in the Middle East

in support of Operation Okra.Photo: SGT Mark Doran

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18 July 12, 2018RCEAIR FTraining

PTE Renee Breeze

VIRTUAL reality and gaming tech-nologies could be used to enhance future language training, after a suc-cessful trial at Defence Force School of Languages (DFSL) in May.

Language students at DFSL inter-acted with instructors via video link during an Avatar Augmented Role-Play Project (AARP) trial across French, Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese and Indonesian courses.

The instructor’s voice, gender and appearance were morphed to be unrecognisable.

Head of DFSL’s Blended Learning Cell Sheik Taleb Bin Sheik Husain said AARP employed off-the-shelf technology to create avatars speaking foreign languages in an environment likely to be encountered by the students.

“The instructor was transformed and projected as an avatar in another room. The students interacted with the teacher’s avatar via video link,” Mr Bin Sheik Husain said.

The Australian Defence College Simulation Centre (ADCSC) worked on the technology over several years and supported the trial.

Centre director Grant Robinson said motion capture and game engine technology let an instructor realise training objectives through an avatar.

“An easy way to think about this technology is a remote subject matter expert using their whole body as the input device driving an interactive digital puppet,” he said.

“We are able to change characters and sets quickly to improve training and to easily generate after-action review videos of both the avatar and student. It was exciting to see students immersed in their scenario engaging strongly with the range of avatars and settings.”

The technology uses markerless motion capture devices for the body and face which are translated onto high fidelity avatars generated from detailed photography of real humans –including dynamic facial wrinkles and finger movement.

Mr Bin Sheik Husain said the trial made students use impromptu and productive language skills rather than just passive skills such as listening.

“It’s helpful in situations where you may only have two female or two male teachers in a language department,” he said.

“Languages are gender based, some more than others. We also teach languages at DFSL which have dif-fering levels of formality, depending on a range of factors and scenarios.

“This can be easily and effective-ly accounted for when using AARP. The unfamiliarity of the avatar put students on the spot and their feed-back was positive.”

The team aims to use feedback from the trial to help further refine the fidelity of the avatars.

With oversight from Joint Operations Command and collabora-tion with the ADCSC for the past two years, the AARP trial has gar-nered international interest. Mr Bin Sheik Husain said the system gained attention at a recent NATO military language conference.

“It was perhaps the first trial of its kind in an Australian language-learning institution,” he said.

Mr Bin Sheik Husain hoped to update AARP to include holographic projections to create a more immer-sive experience.

For information on the trial, go to drnet/JCG/ADC/ACSC/DFSL/Pages/DFSL-AARP-Trial.aspx

Shifting face of languages

Top: Arabic language instructor Kalsom Ahmed suits up to be morphed into a male police inspector avatar during the AARP trial at Defence Force School of Languages.Above: Head of Blended Learning Cell at the school Sheik Taleb Bin Sheik Husain briefs students participating in the trial.

19July 12, 2018RCEAIR F Sp rt

SGT Max Bree

FIREFIGHTER LACW Meg Ward was unable to help her Queensland side extin-guish NSW in rugby league’s inaugural women’s State of Origin game.

The Maroons went down to the Blues 10-16 at North Sydney Oval on June 22.

LACW Ward said the Queenslanders were prepared to play a “very experi-enced team”.

“They were epically good down their left edge. We knew it was going to be tough,” she said.

“We went out with the Queensland mentality of fighting hard and hitting hard, but the bounce of the ball went their way.”

NSW scored first, but the resurgent Maroons hit back to level the scores 6-6 before the break.

Normally a winger or fullback, LACW Ward ran out in Queensland col-ours to play her first game as a centre.

“The speed of the game was intense. You learn to trust in the winger and trust the inside players,” she said.

“Now I’ve had one game as centre, I want to have another to see if I can implement the things I’ve learned, but I’m pretty happy to play anywhere.”

NSW took advantage of an overlap

to score first in the second half, but the Maroons responded, levelling the scores and making the match a nail-biter with about eight minutes to go.

With minutes to play, the Blues found space on the left for a final try to put them in front.

“We tried a couple of charge downs that didn’t pay off, but that’s the way it goes,” LACW Ward said.

“It really hits when the final hooter goes. You think, ‘I could have done this or should have done that’ but you have to get through it and push forward to next year.”

Almost 7000 people turned out to watch the game, many of whom jumped the fence to meet players.

“The number of little kids who came running up to us was amazing,” LACW Ward said.

“When we were younger we would say, ‘I want to be like Billy Slater’, but now these girls can look up to us.”

After LACW Ward was select-ed to play for the Broncos in this year’s Women’s NRL competition, No. 17 Squadron helped her move to Brisbane while her new mates at No. 23 Squadron’s fire section helped with time off and covering shifts so she could attend training.

PTE Renee Breeze

ADF Women crashed through the thin blue line of the Australian Police team in an inaugural rugby union match in Canberra on June 22.

The ADF team included two Brumbies and two Reds players, help-ing them beat the Police 39-10.

LS Shannon Evans ran in the first try just over a minute from kick-off, setting the scene for the rest of the game.

Police pushed the line, capitalising on penalties but fell short of scoring.

With ADF on 17, Police scored their first try in the last moments of the first half but failed to convert.

ADF continued to press their advan-tage, with play in the second echoing the first half of the match.

In the final minutes of the game, PTE Julia Robinson tore up the field to score Defence’s final try.

ADFA’s Air Force OFFCDT Izzy Atkinson-Smith, also a Canberra Brumbies player, said the Australian Police were tough competition.

“They showed us what to work on so we can come back stronger next time. It was a game which I think all the supporters enjoyed and all the women enjoyed playing.”

The ADF men’s team will take on the Australian Police team in Canberra on July 20. While in Canberra, the team will help run a coaching clinic with the Australian Police for players from various rugby clubs. The game kicks off at 3pm at RMC and entry is free.

FLGOFF Steve Barrett

AS AUSTRALIAN captain, FLGOFF Aminta Thomas will be working on her alley-oops as she prepares for the world titles in Russia in July.

It’s not basketball, as you might expect, but beach handball, in which FLGOFF Thomas, of 7 Wing AAFC at RAAF Base Pearce outside Perth, has represented her country six times.

Beach handball differs from the better-known Olympic sport of European, or indoor, handball in that fewer players take the court and tricks such as alley-oops and 360-degree spin shots earn extra points.

The world titles are contested by 16 teams in four pools. Australia, which finished seventh at the last

titles, is pooled with Paraguay, Greece and reigning world cham-pion Spain.

FLGOFF Thomas’ was drawn to beach handball after watching her brother play. Being highly competi-tive, she joined a team, determined to be better than her brother.

She was soon asked to join the NSW junior state team, then represented Australia at 17. Now she trains twice a week and plays most weekends. Her national com-mitment takes her to Melbourne or Brisbane once a month for team camp, which she funds herself.

FLGOFF Thomas, from the Blue Mountains in NSW, joined the Air Force as direct-entry person-nel capability officer in 2017 after gaining a business and commerce degree and working in sales, event coordination and then property.

She was over the nine-to-five city life and saw the ADF as offering a career path with good remuneration and benefits, and the opportunity to travel. She had always had an interest in aviation, but not in being a pilot, and the Air Force was a good fit.

After completing 17 weeks at Officer Training School, FLGOFF Thomas was posted to the position of Deputy Air Force Liaison Officer at 7WG at RAAF Base Pearce.

She packed her bags and moved to Perth to start her new career and quickly found a local beach hand-ball club in Perth West, training at Scarborough and City Beach.

FLGOFF Thomas, who is also a keen skier, will first travel to the Netherlands in mid-July for a lead-up event and then on to Kazan in Russia for the world titles.

Firey at centre of Origin tilt

Tricks and skills on hand in the sand

Police cop ADF hiding

FLGOFF Aminta Thomas launches into the action during the Oceania women’s beach handball final in South Australia early this year.Inset: FLGOFF Thomas at RAAF Base Pearce.

SP RTJuly 12, 2018

MAROONED

Firey’s gallant fight to extinguish

the BluesPage 23

LACW Meg Ward attempts to break a tackle from a NSW opponent in the

State of Origin rugby league game.Photo: NRL Photos