AIRF RCEVol. 58, No. 5, April 7, 2016 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

We celebrate 95 years P2 Integrated firepower a blast P5

GRAND SHOW

Our aircraft wowFormula 1 crowd P7

A C-17A Globemaster opens the Melbourne Formula 1 Grand Prix with a low flyover.Photo: CPL Craig Barrett

2 April 7, 2016RCEAIR FNews

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AIRF RCEVol. 58, No. 5, April 7, 2016 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

We celebrate 95 years P2 Integrated firepower a blast P5

GRAND SHOW

Our aircraft wowFormula 1 crowd P7

A C-17A Globemaster opens the Melbourne Formula 1 Grand Prix with a low flyover.Photo: CPL Craig Barrett

SQNLDR Paul Warner

BIRTHDAYS are an oppor tu-nity to reflect, not just celebrate, CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies said at a memorial service to mark the Air Force’s 95th anniversary.

Speaking during the service at the RAAF Memorial in Canberra on March 31, AIRMSHL Davies said the occasion should be celebrated, but it was “also an opportunity to reflect on the path travelled and the journey ahead”.

“This 95th anniversary is as special as every anniversary since a fledgling Air Force took shape back in 1921,” he said. “Today we pay recognition to those who were founders of what is now one of the oldest and most respected air forces in the world.”

AIRMSHL Davies acknowledged Air Force’s origins, paying special homage to those who have died in the defence of their country.

“They will never be forgotten and will forever be remembered for their selfless service,” he said.

“Airmen have served, and continue to serve, often in dangerous and dif-ficult circumstances and our thoughts are with those currently deployed on operations overseas.”

AIRMSHL Davies honoured the commitment of Air Force men and women.

“Behind every innovation, every operation, every initiative are people – our people. And it’s their dedication and sense of duty that makes Air Force what it is today.”

He noted the Women’s Auxiliary

Australian Air Force was celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.

“We acknowledge their service and the valuable, ground-breaking con-tribution they have made as the pio-neers of our female airmen. Ladies, we salute you,” he said.

LACW Samantha Johnston and LACW Sidney Widjaja, both from the Directorate of Personnel, attended the service and recognised the importance of the occasion.

“We are already in a time of signifi-cant change and Air Force’s birthday is a time to think about the changes ahead,” LACW Widjaja said.

LACW Johnston said it “blows my mind to think about what Air Force will be like in another 95 years”.

A flying display by a PC-9/A, piloted by FLTLT Andreas Jacobs from Central Flying School at RAAF Base East Sale, completed the cere-mony.

The average speed during the dis-play was about 220 knots and the pilot experienced up to 5G.

“Almost all the manoeuvres that make up the display are taught to stu-dents on the pilots’ course, with the added dimension here of flying at 500 feet,” FLTLT Jacobs said.

Other 95th birthday celebrations around the country included a com-munity reception hosted by SADFO RAAF Base Townsville WGCDR Matthew Harvey and a commemora-tive service at the Air Force Memorial at Torrens Parade in Adelaide attend-ed by SADFO Edinburgh Defence Precinct AIRCDRE Stephen Meredith.

History features – Pages 19 and 20

95 years youngOur birthday a time for looking at where we’ve been and where we’re going

CPL Sebastian Beurich

CJOPS VADM David Johnston has given an insight into Syrian air strikes as part of an update on ADF operations.

During a media briefing on March 31, VADM Johnston said the Air Task Group (ATG) had deployed 273 munitions over 110 strike mis-sions since the beginning of the year.

“The majority of our missions have involved two aircraft, but a number have involved four aircraft in one mission,” he said.

“The primary location for our strike efforts has been through the Tigris River Valley, the Kurdish region of operations, the Euphrates River Valley and into Syria.”

VADM Johnston also described a strike mission led by ATG in central Syria as part of the larger coalition Syria-based operations.

“On January 17, the ATG led a major air strike against a key Daesh underground tunnel complex in cen-tral Syria,” he said.

“It was estimated the destruction of the complex has affected a signifi-cant percentage of Daesh’s weaponry and ammunition stored for use in that area.

“The complex also served as a

Daesh operations node for the Ar-Raqqah region.

“The early morning strike was carried out by four Australian F/A-18 Hornet aircraft, which dropped eight 2000-pound GPS-guided ground-penetrating bombs onto the under-ground complex.

“A number of other coalition air-craft simultaneously struck multiple secondary entrance shafts into the complex.”

The ATG had also been leading missions in Iraq.

“On March 5, ATG led an air-strike against a Daesh defensive fighting position, weapons storage and improvised explosive device pro-duction facility, involving 18 coali-tion aircraft,” VADM Johnston said.

“Located in a Daesh-controlled area within the Anbar province, the facility consisted of a number of weapon storage and IED production sheds, which were destroyed in the strike.

“Four Australian F/A-18 Hornets dropped a record 10 2000-pound GPS-guided bombs on to the target.

“The ten 2000-pound bombs were the most dropped by an Australian aircraft on a single mis-sion against Daesh in Iraq and Syria.”

On target with strike missions

LAC Aaron McGregor, of Australia’s

Federation Guard, raises the Air

Force ensign at the ceremony in

Canberra.

A PC-9 puts on a display after the

ceremony. Photos: LACW Katharine

Pearson

An Australian pilot prepares to step into an F/A-18A Hornet fighter for a night sortie over the Middle East. Photo: CPL Ben Dempster

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3April 7, 2016RCEAIR F News

CAPT Lucy Saaroni and SQNLDR Nathan Thompson

EXERCISE Predators Gallop began with a road move equivalent to travelling from London to Moscow, and ended with a boom.

The exercise was a massive dry and live fire activity for the Army’s 1 Bde on the Road to Hamel, and Air Force’s aircraft provided a level of realism to enhance the training outcomes.

Held at the expanded Cultana Training Area in March, the exercise integrated mul-tiple Air Force assets, units and personnel. The Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) con-trolled these assets on behalf of 7 Bde.

For the exercise, the TACP contingent included nine attachments and three Air Force members who are permanently posted to 1 Bde.

1 Bde Air Liaison Officer SQNLDR Nathan Thompson is in charge of TACP, which was responsible for airspace control within the brigade’s tactical area of opera-tional responsibility. It also advised Army staff on how best to use tactical level air-power.

“When it comes to air support, we do the planning, operations and execution level across the board,” Air Operations Officer FLTLT James Hunt said.

During the dry field training manoeu-

vres, a No. 32 SQN King Air was used to provide ISR to the battle groups and simu-late close air support platforms.

In a unique use of the King Air, the TACP JBAC FLTLT Marty Ferguson devel-oped capabilities briefs for its air crew to enable them to simulate B-1, B-52 and F/A-18 A and F aircraft providing ISR and close air support to the ground troops.

The King Air flew nine sorties during the week, resulting in multiple opportunities for 1 Bde to practise air–land integration tactics.

During the live fire portion of the exer-cise, No. 1 Squadron Super Hornets and 92 WG AP-3C Orions supported battle group manoeuvres through simulated and actual weapons delivery, as well as Rover feeds and airborne ISR.

The exercise culminated in a joint fires day, where Super Hornet weapons delivery was integrated with artillery, mortar and javelin fire from the ground units.

SQNLDR Nathan Thompson was pleased with the exercise’s results.

“This tactical level air–land integration has propelled 1 Bde to a strong position in our readying cycle,” he said.

“We have learned a great deal from each other, and have identified even greater opportunities to progress air–land integra-tion in the coming months.”

114 MCRU tastes field action in SA

EXERCISE Predators Gallop at the Cultana Training Area in South Australia gave 114 MCRU its first field deployment since Afghanistan in 2007-2009.

The deployment symbolised an increasing move to coordi-nate air and land capabilities more regularly in the tactical arena.

CO 114 MCRU WGCDR Na-than Christie said the coordina-tion of air and land capabilities was progressively improving un-der Plan Jericho, and exercises like Predators Gallop provided the perfect occasion to work together and achieve this goal.

The Mobile Control and Re-porting Centre (MCRC) offered a comprehensive picture of what was happening in the sky during the exercise.

114 MCRU air battle man-

ager FLTLT Shaun O’Leary said MCRC held the airspace above the Tactical Air Control Party.

“We have complete radar situational awareness and can communicate this to the benefit of the ground commander, as well as with any aircraft flying inside the area of operations,” FLTLT O’Leary said.

“Using the equipment in our MCRC, we have been able to give the ground forces the heads up when an enemy aircraft was approaching. This allowed the army to practise its ‘red air’ procedures in real-time.”

The 114 MCRC was de-ployed to Kandahar, Afghani-stan, from 2007 to 2009. During this time, the Australian contin-gent controlled all of the ISF air assets, effectively representing

most of the country’s airspace. That geographical area is still smaller, however, than the size of South Australia.

Air surveillance operator SGT Leonie Reed said although the army was concentrated in Cultana, 114 MCRC’s total area of operations spanned a larger 200 nautical mile radius.

“The additional responsibil-ity of such a broad area is to ensure safety for both civilian and military aircraft, as well as our troops on the ground,” said SGT Reed.

With thousands of flights passing through SA each day, the members of 114MCRU needed to be ready to provide swift and sound judgement.

The mobility of the air control function is intended to be show-cased on a more regular basis.

FLGOFFs Kelly Leeson and Patrick Verdich, of No. 14

Mobile Control and Reporting Unit, monitor the “battlefield”

air space during Exercise Predators Gallop in the

Cultana training area. Photo: CPL Nunu Campos

LBDR Sean Bradow, left, of 8/12 Regt RAA, and FLTLT Martin Ferguson, of HQ 1 Bde, conduct a ground brief before a night air strike. Photo: SGT Janine Fabre

Joint battlefield success

Tactical air–land unity pays off in exercise

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THE F-35A will “change the face of logistics from end to end”, according to SQNLDR Nathan Draper, an Air Force

engineer at Luke Air Force Base in the US.

SQNLDR Draper said that a range of engineering, maintenance and logis-tics changes would be needed as Air Force moved to a 5th generation air-craft such as the F-35A.

“As an engineer, you can see there’s a lot of reasons why the aircraft is the way it is. As a system of sys-tems, it’s like nothing we’ve ever seen before,” he said.

“The aircraft is built on four pillars – survivability, lethality, supportabil-ity and affordability. The supportabil-ity and affordability components will be evolutionary for maintenance and logistics.”

SQNLDR Draper said a number of smart design features made the aircraft more supportable and affordable.

“Just two examples can demon-strate this – the canopy opens forwards

[instead of backwards like other fight-er jets], which improves the maintain-ability of the ejection seat and the abil-ity to check for any loose items that may be in the cockpit.

“The module engine means you can put it back together and away you go – there is less engine testing than the Hornet and less noise at the end of the runway for communities.”

SQNLDR Draper said the cheapest part of buying an aircraft over its life-of-type was the aircraft itself, because the cost of maintenance and logistics to keep it flying was much more than the cost of the aircraft.

He said some deep maintenance would be required during its lifetime, but daily maintenance would be more efficient. The addition of an autonomic logistics information system (ALIS) to support the aircraft’s maintenance would create further changes.

“ALIS is a tool, just like a screw-driver. It doesn’t do our business for us. But it’s a great tool to enhance our operations and support capability.

The challenge bringing the jet home to Australia will be exploiting that tool. No tool can replace good people,” SQNLDR Draper said.

Art Cameron, F-35 site director at Luke for Lockheed Martin, said he believed the new approach was excit-ing. “To develop the warfighter of the future and fight as a coalition team has never been done before. It drives inter-operability and affordability.

“You don’t have Australians and Norwegians at the same base with redundant support parts and sup-port equipment – you can combine all those and have a common support pool. That’s what we do here at Luke – there’s no Australian spares, there’s no US Air Force spares – it’s a global pool. So if you have priority you get the part,” Cameron said.

SQNLDR Draper said ALIS and the new logistics approach would mean some changes.

“There will need to be some train-ing like all large-scale changes, but if we can do our change management

well, most of the challenges of bring-ing the jet back to Australia will fall away.”

“There will be some all-new inte-gration pieces once we operate the air-craft in Australia, and for smart new technicians who jump in head first and make the best of it there will be some great opportunities,” he said.

CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies said an F-35A aircraft alone wasn’t enough to make the Air Force 5th generation – it would require people to come up with clever ideas by using Plan Jericho as the framework.

“Our people are superb. They are brave, resilient and adaptive,” AIRMSHL Davies said.

“Ultimately, Plan Jericho is about empowering our people. They are the ones who will operate all of these sys-tems and adapt them to changes in the environment.

“Transformation of an Air Force must be pervasive. It must embrace every element of our recruitment, training, culture, procurement and doc-

trine. And agile, adaptive, innovative airmen and airwomen are the founda-tions of every element of 5th genera-tion capability.

Commander of US Air Force’s 56th Fighter Wing BRIG GEN Scott Pleus said the maintenance and logistics management transformation at Luke Air Force Base was well under way.

“Just in the two years ... we’ve come a long way in our ability to man-age the logistics long tail associated with flying the aeroplane,” BRIG GEN Pleus said.

“When we first started flying the aeroplane, we only had a few aero-planes on the ramp, so it was very easy for us to manage it, and now I have 35 F-35s at Luke. Being on the cut-ting edge of any sort of technology, there were some challenges they had to overcome to make sure we fly the aeroplane each and every day.

“But the people selected to fly and maintain the plane initially have made huge strides to really set the path for the future,” he said.

Maintaining balance Continuing a series on the F-35A Lightning II, Leigh Watson reveals the nuts and bolts of its maintenance

Air Force engineer Luke Air Force Base SQNLDR Nathan Draper, centre, with a F-35A.

FAST FACTS ON F-35A LIGHTNING II

‘Low observable’ capabilitySQNLDR Nathan Draper says: “If we treat the F-35A like every other platform it won’t work – it’s fundamentally different, especial-ly now that low observable capabilities are an intrinsic part of the aircraft. Low observ-able needs to be at the forefront of your maintenance decision making.”

What is ALIS?Autonomic logistics information system, or ALIS, will replace CAMM2 for F-35A and has more functions. It will provide end-to-end maintenance and logistics support, from post-flight briefing, aircraft error reporting, maintenance workflow functions, to logistics management and supply ordering.

The costingsAs at January 2016, the total approved Aus-tralian F-35A JSF budget is AUD$17.8 billion (adjusted for January 2016 exchange rates). The total approved budget includes AUD$15.5 billion for 72 F-35As, F-35A sup-port systems including information systems, training, weapons, and contingency funding. The project also includes AUD$1.5 billion for JSF facilities at RAAF Bases Williamtown and Tindal. Based on current projections, the average unit cost of an Australian F-35A is expected to be about US$90 million.

What the CAF saysCAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies says: “I have ab-solutely no reservations – zero – about the decision for Joint Strike Fighter being the replacement for Classic Hornet for Australia. I do have some elements of the program that we need to keep an eye on – they need to mature yet. Logistics is one of those – the autonomic logistics system is not mature yet. There are still some elements of the program as we bring on the next software elements of JSF that will need to mature.”

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5April 7, 2016RCEAIR F News

THE powerful effects of integrated air and land operations were on dis-play during a firepower demonstra-tion at Puckapunyal Military Area on March 18.

The demonstration by Air Force and Army, with support from Northrop Grumman, was the latest in the series of Jericho Dawn activities.

The live-fire exercise allowed RAAF and Army operators, together with Defence and industry representa-tives, to observe the combined air and land capabilities in two scenarios.

The demonstration tested new ways to improve air–land integration, including sharing data across dissimi-lar networks, translating data from one format to another, and linking new and old technologies.

Specifically, Northrop Grumman’s airborne communications gateway was tested as a tool for translating between the Tiger armed reconnaissance heli-copter’s Eurogrid network and those of Air Force’s Link-16 and Army’s AFATDS.

The proof-of-concept trial con-ducted at RAAF Base Amberley in mid-March was a world first, sharing tactical data across the three independ-ent networks.

The Puckapunyal demonstration was broken into two parts.

The first demonstrated the close support capabilities of Army and Air Force and highlighted the reliance on voice communication to bridge dis-similar networks.

The second part used the airborne communications gateway to translate friendly and adversary data across the three networks.

CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies said the demonstration showcased air–land operations technologies and process-es, and the operational gains from the improved integration of systems and information.

“Through today’s demonstration, we were able to provide a visualisation of the effects of some of the ADF’s capabilities,” AIRMSHL Davies said.

“The lessons identified from the

activity will help shape Defence’s future capability decisions and improve existing training activities.

“Demonstrations such as today’s are an important means of testing and displaying joint effects.

“We are building on the Air Force’s international reputation for being good at what we currently do, and asking important questions about taking Air Force’s contribution to joint operations even further.

“If this kind of training exercise shows us something we can do that would help Air Force, Army and Navy fight better as a team, then that’s what we will pursue.”

Army’s Head Modernisation and Strategic Planning, MAJGEN Gus McLachlan, said greater air–land inte-gration was an important step towards a joint, combined and interoperable environment.

“Our Army is focused on two key areas to ensure improved air–land inte-gration. The first is to deliver better communication systems to ensure an agile, efficient and timely response to an intelligent, well-armed and moti-vated adversary,” he said.

“The second is to advance how we plan and conduct air–land operations to deliver the right effect at the right place, at the right time.

“The demonstration highlights how we can better harness the strengths of our team by digitally connecting air and land platforms.

“This inc reased connec t iv -ity enhances awareness and commu-nication. It gives a common operating picture, so we are better able to plan and execute joint operations into the future.”

Northrup Grumman Australia’s chief executive, Ian Irving, said the company had unparalleled expertise in developing and deploying airborne gateways that ensured resilient com-munications of disparate networks and enabled a fully networked battlespace.

“We’ve applied this key capabil-ity for more than a decade in numer-ous operational programs, exercises

Powering up linksJoint exercise tests ways of sharing vital data between separate networks

and demonstrations and have seen how effective and transformational net-working a diverse force of assets can be,” Mr Irving said.

Air Force capabilities involved in the demonstration included C-17A,

AP-3C, E-7A Wedgetail and FA-18F Super Hornet aircraft.

Army provided air–land enablers, Tiger armed reconnaissance helicop-ters, a CH-47 Chinook, the M777 155m towed artillery, and vehicles and

equipment from the Combined Arms Training Centre.

The Northrop Grumman airborne communications gateway was hosted on a Gulfstream GII business jet oper-ated by the company.

Above, a 500-pound bomb from a F/A-18F Super Hornet hits target; right, flares are released to evade heat-seeking missiles at the Puckapunyal demonstration. Photos: SGT Pete Gammie

FOLLOWING on from the live-fire dem-onstration of Jericho Dawn at Pucka-punyal, a static display of the Northrop Grumman’s airborne communications gateway platform was organised at Defence Establishment Fairbairn in Canberra on March 21.

The display was attended by ADF members associated with the program.

WOFF Robert McFerran, the joint interface controller officer during the live-fire trial said the gateway was like a router in the sky, enabling digital data to be shared by operational platforms.

“We have never been able to do this before,” WOFF McFerran said.

“Previously, the only way messages were transmitted across the different networks was to talk to each other – a slow process.

“Operational tactical messages, positioning data, red or blue force are able to be seen by every platform.”

WOFF McFerran said ADF would use the lessons from the demonstra-tion to explore future capabilities.

From left, CMDR Andrew Macalister with Northrop Grumman’s Stuart Blackwell and WGCDR John Gill at the static display at Fairbairn in Canberra. Photo: CPL Bill Solomou

‘Like a router in the sky’

FLTLT Mark Spencer, left, and SQNLDR Paul Murphy coordinate air and land assets. Photo: SGT Mick Davis

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Grand display of speedSQNLDR Jaimie Abbott

AIR Force members flew the flag for the ADF in a series of powerful displays at the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix in Melbourne from March 16-20.

The Air Force Roulette aerial dis-plays and F/A-18 Hornets flyovers were crowd favourites for young and old at the four-day event. Flying in the skies above the Albert Park circuit, the Roulettes and Hornets provided a con-trast to action on the track.

A C-17A Globemaster from No. 36 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley made an impression as it opened the F1 GP with a fly-past.

Members from Williamtown-based No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit and Tindal-based No. 75 Squadron show-cased the F/A-18 Hornet, with a high-speed pass ahead of the main Formula 1 race by FLTLT Adam Grinyer of 2OCU.

Travelling at speeds of up to 1000km/h, the Hornet maintained an altitude not below 76m on the high-speed pass, with all other altitudes dur-ing manoeuvres being above 152m.

FLTLT Grinyer was one of the lucky ones to get a tour of the Grand Prix pits and meet the teams behind the scenes.

“Being from Melbourne I grew up watching the Grand Prix as my dad was really into cars and when I was young I

just loved how fast they went,” FLTLT Grinyer said.

“It’s very cool to be a part of the event now and it’s not often you get the opportunity to fly that low, which is what we get to do over the race track.”

During FLTLT Grinyer’s fly-past on race day, FLTLT Brent Jones was thrown into the spotlight by providing commentary to a television audience of about one million.

“It was my first television interview and I didn’t really know what to expect, luckily I was able to talk about what I know and that is the F/A-18 Hornet,” FLTLT Jones said.

Public affairs officer SQNLDR Paul Warner said the Air Force team was pro-fessional, highly-trained, dedicated and was in many ways similar to an F1 rac-ing team.

“All members of the Air Force team – engineers, logisticians, medical and administration – all bring their individ-ual skills and expertise towards putting a pilot into the air to fight and win. This is very similar to an Formula 1 race and an Formula 1 team,” SQNLDR Warner said.

“We are proud to provide support to this event to showcase some of our aircraft to the Australian public and the response was extremely positive.”

SQNLDR Jaimie Abbott

FOR the first time at the Australian Grand Prix, an Air Force C-17A Globemaster conducted a fly-past over Albert Park.

The C-17A flyover was lower and more impressive than any air-craft previously seen at the Formula 1 event in Melbourne.

Just a few minutes before the race began, the C-17A flew over Albert Park at minimum height – just 300 feet above the grandstand. The dis-play captivated a live audience of more than 100,000 and a televised audience of more than one million.

It was a spectacular grand finale for Air Force, which had conduct-ed a few days of fly-pasts with the Roulettes and the F/A 18 Hornets.

No. 36 Squadron’s C-17A Captain FLTLT Brett Aaker said

what the aircraft lacked in speed it gained in power.

“Our power to weight ratio was optimised as the C-17A was purpose-ly kept empty inside for the display which was designed to showcase the performance of the aircraft,” FLTLT Aaker said.

On board the C-17A were three pilots and one loadmaster, and it con-ducted three passes in six minutes over the Formula 1 grid starting area.

Each pass demonstrated the unique handling and manoeuvrabil-ity that was capable from the plat-form. They included numerous low-level passes, a configured decent with flaps and landing gear extended before a final high-speed pass was conducted at about 300 knots.

The C-17A fly-past followed in the footsteps of other large aircraft such as Boeing 747 and Airbus A380,

which have traditionally opened the race.

“We were able to fly this aircraft much slower than people would be used to, in a configuration we would normally use to land but instead we were able to pass low over the crowd,” FLTLT Aaker said.

“There is always pressure on the crew in the lead up to perform a fly-past like this, but we are really happy with the result in putting on a dynam-ic show for the audience in a format we haven’t been involved in before and I am really proud of that.”

The C-17A is a high-wing, four-engine heavy transport. It has three times the carrying capacity of the C-130 Hercules and it allows the ADF to rapidly deploy troops, sup-plies, combat vehicles, heavy equip-ment and helicopters anywhere in the world.

SQNLDR Jaimie Abbott

ROULETTE No. 7 FLTLT Ashley Kissock made his debut at the Australian Grand Prix and there was no time wasted in seeing him thrown into the spotlight.

As the Roulettes performed breath-taking displays in the sky above Albert Park, on the ground FLTLT Kissock was putting on his own performance in front of the TV cameras to provide live televi-sion commentary for audiences around the world.

FLTLT Kissock officially steps into the role as Roulette 7 mid-year to replace FLTLT Thomas Sawade.

The Grand Prix was his first oppor-tunity to give the role a test run and he said he loved every minute of it.

“It is definitely challenging when they throw a microphone in front of you without warning and ask you to speak for 15 minutes live on national televi-sion,” FLTLT Kissock said.

“I need to know the display routine

and all the procedures back to front as the media can ask me anything.”

The 28-year-old was posted in to CFS in January to undertake the role of R7 after having completed a posting at 36SQN flying the C-17A.

FLTLT Kissock has more than 1600 military flying hours.

The six Roulettes may experience up to 5G – or 4.5 times the normal force of gravity – during a display in their PC-9/A aircraft.

As the RAAF’s elite formation aerobatic display team, the Roulettes perform breathtaking displays, using only hand-eye coordination to fly at speeds of up to 550km/h.

When the Roulettes are not show-casing their skills, they teach quali-fied Air Force pilots to become flying instructors at RAAF Base East Sale in Victoria.

R7 THROWN INTO SPOTLIGHT

C-17A flexes its muscles

Roulettes, F/A-18 Hornets and Globemaster provide thrilling contrast to Melbourne’s Formula 1 action

Clockwise from left: an F/A-18A Hornet thrills the crowds with an aerial display; a C-17A Globemaster makes its debut; FLTLT Adam Grinyer gets up close with a Formula 1 racing car. Photos: CPL Craig Barrett

FLTLT Ashley Kissock, left, awaits the arrival of the

Roulette display team at the Grand Prix in Melbourne.

7April 7, 2016RCEAIR F News

8 April 7, 2016RCEAIR FNews

FLGOFF Shane Ivimey

MEMBERS of the Senior Leadership Team gained a shared understanding of matters affecting Air Force when they visited the Edinburgh Defence Precinct at RAAF Bases Edinburgh and Woomera.

The leadership group comprises all Star Rank officers, WOFF-AF and two APS positions.

The group interacted with units such as HQ Air Warfare Centre, No. 462 Squadron, Joint Electronic Warfare Operational Support Unit, the

Aircraft Research and Development Unit, the RAAF Institute of Aviation Medicine and No. 92 Wing.

Air Intelligence Analyst of the Air Warfare Centre AC Cameron Sharman said the meeting made him feel a greater part of the Air Force.

“Senior leaders were eager to learn as much as they could about the roles performed by different units – it real-ly showcased Air Force as one team,” he said.

The senior leaders are focusing on technology, innovation and working in partnership with wider Defence.

They gained an enhanced under-standing of activities at Woomera dur-ing a tour of the village and the air-field. CO No. 20 Squadron SQNLDR Simon Bartlett said his personnel explained to the group what life was like at Woomera.

SQNLDR Bartlett said two-way dialogue was important.

“At RAAF Woomera we have a good understanding of what we need to do in order to meet future needs. All that remains to do is manage the gap in the meantime.”

The senior leaders also received

an update on the capabilities of No. 5 Flight and the Heron with a brief-ing from CO 5 FLT WGCDR Matt Bowers.

The Edinburgh Defence Precinct’s senior ADF officer, AIRCDRE Stephen Meredith, was proud of the effort of the Edinburgh team.

“As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, I got to experience first hand the hard work everybody did,” he said. “I am particularly proud of our ability to host such an impor-tant visit for our workforce while also continuing to provide capability.”

Hornet’s buzz factorFLTLT Aidan Watters

IT WAS supposed to be about the fireworks, but the Air Force stole the show with the F/A-18 Hornet aerial displays at this year’s Skyfire held in Canberra on March 19.

The Hornet performed a six-minute handling display, piloted by SQNLDR Michael.

“I was looking forward to Skyfire and demonstrating the Hornet’s manoeuvring capability along with its impressive thrust-to-weight ratio,” he said.

“The public saw the impres-sive agility of the Hornet. I flew at both ends of the spectrum in relation to speed, and dem-onstrated the extreme angle of attack, the tight turn radius and impressive turning ability of the aircraft.”

The display culminated with a vertical departure, climbing to more than 15,000 feet in under 30 seconds.

Air Force is proud to support Skyfire and relishes the opportu-nity to showcase the speed, agil-ity and strength that our aircraft

Defence lights up the atmosphere at Canberra’s Skyfire

No. 292 Squadron personnel discuss AP-3C Orion aircraft capabilities with senior leaders. Photo: CPL David Cotton

Leadership team gains key insights

are capable of and will continue to support the event into the future.

General manager of FM104.7 Eoghan O’Byrne said Defence’s involvement was welcomed, as each year the interest in its dis-plays kept growing.

Fireworks over Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra; inset, the

F/A-18A Hornet in action. Photos: SGT Pete Gammie

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9April 7, 2016RCEAIR F News

Eamon Hamilton

STEADY progress is being made by No. 35 Squadron as it introduces the C-27J Spartan into Australian service.

Two aircraft are operated at an ini-tial crew training facility in the United States, with another two flying from RAAF Base Richmond.

For 35SQN, the priority is to conduct operational test and evaluation of the Spartan’s capabilities, as well as building experience within 35SQN on the type.

That experience encompasses day and night-time flying with the Spartans, according to CO 35SQN WGCDR Jarrod Pendlebury.

“Our immediate raise, train and sus-tain priorities surround the building of experience levels of C-27J aircrew, par-ticularly in the battlefield airlift capabil-ity space,” WGCDR Pendlebury said.

“This is to allow crews to conduct airborne operations tasks on most days of the week, during which they will often drop loads at Londonderry and land at an airfield in Western NSW.”

Much of these airfields are also used by the larger C-130J Hercules, but as air-field engineers survey more runways, the list of C-27J destinations will increase.

“Our smaller size allows us to deliver payloads and personnel to runways that bigger aircraft physically can’t operate from,” WGCDR Pendlebury said.

“In an operational environment, that means supporting personnel and helicop-ters working right at the frontline.”

The initial cadre of 35SQN Spartan aircrew and maintenance personnel brought considerable experience with air mobility operations.

35SQN is now receiving trained pilots for whom the Spartan is their first opera-tional type.

“They need to develop the skills that will enable them to operate effectively across the spectrum of C-27J operations,” WGCDR Pendlebury said.

35SQN is testing the Spartan’s ability for delivering freefall paratroops and the airdropping of container delivery stores.

The next OT&E milestones are the completion of military freefall parachut-ing and electronic warfare self-protection systems trials.

“The latter is being conducted in the US from the same base our aircrew are conducting training at,” WGCDR Pendlebury said.

Most of the work that 35SQN has conducted with the C-27J has been with the Air Movements Training and Development Unit (AMTDU), however, the scope of its work will expand.

“35SQN is a key enabler of air mobil-ity for Army, and we are working toward building the foundational relationships that will assist in rapid, short-notice joint operations in the future,” WGCDR Pendlebury said.

“Engagement has already occurred with a number of Army Aviation units, and the ability to crossload a pallet from C-27J to a Chinook helicopter has already been proven.”

Eamon Hamilton

THE 2016 Singapore Air Show allowed No. 35 Squadron to showcase the C-27J Spartan before an interna-tional audience.

The show, held from February 16-21, attracted more than 85,000 people, official delegations and media from around the world.

The Spartan’s appearance in a static display (pictured right) was an opportunity for 35SQN to educate people about the aircraft, according to Detachment Commander SQNLDR Simon Ozanne.

“There was also a great deal of interest from our regional neighbours, including delegations from Brunei, Thailand, and Taiwan,” SQNLDR Ozanne said.

“Most visitors were curious and intrigued about the aircraft. Many weren’t sure who was operating it, or the nature of its role, as the Spartan was so different to everything else there.”

A number of larger international airlifters such as the C-17A and A400M also appeared in the show.

Spartan can access more than dou-ble the number of airfields within the Asia-Pacific region, making it an inte-gral part of rapidly distributing sup-plies and personnel in times of need.

Although the Spartan’s delivery flights to Australia required RAAF crews to fly the aircraft from Texas to Alaska, then Japan and along the Western Pacific, these tasks were con-ducted with the support of a C-130J

Stealing the show

Spartan makes good progress

Hercules. However, the trip to the Singapore show was accomplished unsupported.

SQNLDR Ozanne said they deployed on a longer-range task than normal.

“This introduced some unique planning considerations and proce-dures. Overall our participation was a success and showcased some of the capabilities of the platform,” he said.

“Where we intend to typically operate the C-27J is over shorter dis-tances and into more austere airstrips that larger air mobility assets can’t operate to.”

The task also allowed the Air Movements Training and Development Unit (AMTDU) to conduct operational test and evaluation for the aircraft.

FLTLT Callum Jolliffe, a member of the Airborne Systems Development Flight at AMTDU, said AMTDU test practitioners accompanied 35SQN on the transit to and from Singapore to evaluate the C-27J capability for inter-national and hot weather operations.

35SQN puts the C-27J through its paces

Above and top: Day/night training of No. 35 Squadron’s C-27J Spartan at RAAF Base Wagga. Photos: SGT Michael Formosa

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10 April 7, 2016RCEAIR FNews

FLGOFF Shane Ivimey

SINCE opening in February, the Air Warfare Centre (AWC) has fast become the ‘go to’ organisation for air warfare advice.

Plan Jericho has identified that while Air Force works in “stovepipes of excellence”, these can reduce information sharing both within Air Force and across the broader Defence organisation.

Commander AWC AIRCDRE Stephen Meredith said AWC would improve information sharing by driv-ing integration across Air Force.

AIRCDRE Meredith said this meant recognising excellence in Air Force and bringing it together to gen-erate a whole of Air Force solution.

“The AWC will enable Air Force to maximise the effects of emerg-ing technologies and our fifth- generational capabilities,” AIRCDRE Meredith said.

The AWC has structured itself with integration at its core. It has stood up the Integrated Mission Support (IMS) Directorate to provide central coordination and integration of tasking across the AWC.

The range of tasking coming into the AWC reflects the diversity of its workforce – from requests for advice to help aircrew understand how Australia’s changing strategic envi-ronment affects their daily operations to providing engineering solutions to aircraft stores.

The IMS will draw upon people and resources across the entire FEG, and in some circumstances external-ly, to put together the best Integrated Project Team (IPT).

IPTs are cross discipline teams formed by people of varying back-grounds, skills and directorates in order to look at problems from all perspectives. This provides a more holistic, integrated and higher quality product to the customer.

Other FEGs and Defence Groups have been engaged and are providing a small number of specialist person-nel to stand-up critical cells within the AWC. These personnel will pro-vide expert advice to allow Air Force to develop innovative and rapid solu-tions to complex problems.

FLTLT Gareth Buckett, an arma-ment engineer in the Air Warfare Engineering Squadron, said he

looked forward to working with a “range of people outside my nor-mal area of expertise in an IPT that delivers an innovative solution that enables capability across Air Force”.

To help the problem-solving pro-cess, an Innovation Hub has been established within IMS to provide input and advice to the IPT.

“As the CAF discussed in his Commander’s Intent, innovation is driven from the bottom up. What is exciting about the AWC is we now have a formal mechanism, through the Innovation Hub, that can harness the bright ideas that our junior work-force have,” AIRCDRE Meredith said.

The solutions and products gener-ated are shared across Air Force to enhance warfighter effects.

Personnel posted to AWC will provide advice, capability solutions and integrated tactics direct to Air Command assets.

For SGT Bronte Roccisano, SNCO Logistics, Woomera Test Range, being a part of the AWC allows the chance to “have much more of a role in the transformation of Air Force.”

SGT Bronte Roccisano deals with paperwork at the Air Warfare Centre. Photos: CPL Craig Barrett

Centre provides maximum effect

ALL airmen have been challenged to learn more about air power and the big strides being made by Air Force.

WOFF-AF Rob Swanwick issued the challenge, saying an increased knowl-edge of air power was a fantastic way for airmen to educate, professionally devel-op and, ultimately, empower themselves.

WOFF Swanwick said an illustration of the need to spread the word among the ranks was that even though enlisted airmen comprised about 80 per cent of the workforce, 80 per cent of attendees at the recent Air Power Conference in Canberra were officers.

“Many of the examples and sto-ries given by presenters on innovation involved our enlisted people yet, as I looked around the auditorium, I could only count a small number of them.

“I know many more would like to attend and I encourage their command-ers to invest in our future by funding more airmen attendance,” he said.

“Not only does this empower our air-men but it encourages their commanders to seek input from the corporal on the hangar floor who may have an idea or experience that arrives at a better way of doing things, or at least adds value to the process.

“An example was given of a corpo-ral on deployment in the Middle East Region coming up with a fix to their problem of maintainers being only able to work for 15 minutes at a time in the summer heat by wearing ice vests simi-lar to those worn by footy players.”

WOFF Swanwick said he was keen to see “our innovative and brightest air-men” sharing their experiences and ideas at next year’s Air Power Conference.

“Our nation’s ability to project power from the air is fundamental. I am strong-ly of the view that as many of our mem-bers as possible should be more conver-sant with the nature and impact of air power,” WOFF-AF Swanwick said.

LAC Patrick Gusman, a communi-cations electronic technician at RAAF

Base Richmond, was one of the airmen to attend this year’s conference.

He said the best part was learning about the fictional narrative and how to use it to look at potential problems. He said Plan Jericho was a highlight.

“It was good to have a broader under-standing of air power. Being ground-based and putting the technologies into aircraft, I can imagine things may change into the future,” he said.

WOFF Swanwick said encouraging a wider understanding of air power now would augur well.

“The future capability our airmen will provide will be pivotal in future conflicts. Air Force’s future cyber warri-ors will fight and win the war from their keyboards when satellites and other plat-forms are made inoperable by the first strike cyber attack,” he said.

“That’s why we need to be empow-ered by knowing more about air power and the interaction and sharing of ideas.”

CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies said Plan Jericho was already demonstrating ways to better integrate the elements of Air Force. Having people trained in their specialisation and educated in what it means to create air power was what made Air Force tick.

Call for greater air power knowledge

WOFF Rob Swanwick is keen to see more enlisted airmen at the next Air Power Conference.

4 Squadron Combat Control

APPLICATIONS FOR 2016NOW OPEN

More information is available athttp://intranet.defence.gov.au/raafweb/Sites/4SQN

Suitability screening will be conducted at RAAF Base Williamtown overthe period 06-10 June 2016

Applications via EOI will close 02 May 20164sqn.combatcontrol@defence.gov.au

INTEGRATE, SYNCHRONISE AND CONTROL AIRPOWER AT THETACTICAL LEVEL TO ENABLE THE EXECUTION OF PRECISON STRIKE

AND ADVANCE FORCE OPERATIONS

11April 7, 2016RCEAIR F News

WORKING with people and aircraft from many different nations in support of an important humanitarian mission has been a career highlight for two Air Force members.

SQNLDR Andrew Leonard and FLTLT Eric Meredith are deployed on Operation Aslan in support of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), as an air operations officer and an aviation safety officer respectively.

The joint battlefield airspace control officers from the School of Air Traffic Control and Headquarters No. 44 Wing rely on their extensive aviation background to assist UNMISS in its execution of air opera-tions in a highly complex operating environ-ment.

“We are part of the team responsible for ensuring 28 UN air assets operate efficiently and safely,” FLTLT Meredith said.

“These assets include fixed and rotary wing, civilian and military, operated by air-crew from a diverse range of nations, such as Canada, Russia, Rwanda, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka and Ukraine.

“Each flight crew brings their own unique experiences, practices and culture to the mission. Part of our role is to remain cognisant of these differences while main-taining the UN’s safety standards.”

Aviation operations within UNMISS are characterised by challenges that are particu-lar to South Sudan.

SQNLDR Leonard said a comprehensive risk assessment needed to be done before any flights.

“I participate in a weekly risk assessment committee meeting to conduct an exhaus-

tive location-by-location assessment of air safety.

“Such assessments have been prov-en necessary by the previous loss of two UNMISS Mi-8 helicopters to ground fire,” SQNLDR Leonard said.

Adding to the complexity of aviation planning is the requirement to obtain flight safety assurances from the various armed elements controlling the ground on any planned flight routes.

The difficulty of coordinating air opera-tions is matched by their overall importance to mission success. The terrain of South Sudan, particularly during the wet season, makes the roads impassable.

Accordingly, rotary wing resupply of outlying bases is an essential lifeline to the UN personnel based there. Equally, CASEVAC and MEDEVAC operations are only possible using the air transport coordi-nated by UNMISS aviation personnel.

“Despite the many challenges faced by UNMISS aviation, we derive a great sense of satisfaction from the mission effects we are able to achieve,” SQNLDR Leonard said.

The 22 ADF members deployed among 13,000 UNMISS personnel play small but vital roles, helping to protect civilians, deliver humanitarian aid and investigate human rights breaches.

UNMISS employs aviation assets for a wide range of mobility tasks.

Op Aslan is the ADF contribution to the UNMISS. The UNMISS mandate is to pro-tect the people of South Sudan during a time of intense conflict and civil upheaval.

Mission success in Sudan

SQNLDR Andrew Leonard, left, and FLTLT Eric Meredith are deployed as part of Operation Aslan in support of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.

Supporting UN operations means working around cultural differences while maintaining safety standards

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13April 7, 2016RCEAIR F News

CPL Sebastian Beurich

THE annual Long Ride is a long-standing tradition for Defence members, who feature heav-ily among the motorcyclists who strap on their gear to ride across Australia.

The ride, from Sydney to Margare t River in Western Australia, raises awareness of both prostate cancer and safe motorcy-cling.

On the past two Long Rides, Defence has raised more than $250,000 for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia through participation in the ride and associ-ated fundraising events.

About 100 Defence members from around the country are among the 420 participants in this year’s ride.

FSGT Ross Bardsley has partic-ipated in the past two Long Rides.

“We get out on the bikes and away from work for a week, spreading the word about prostate cancer,” he said.

“It’s about the camaraderie. We go to a few bases and talk to the guys about it. This year, we will have a few survivors of prostate cancer with us who will talk about their experiences.”

FSGT Bardsley is riding his

1992 BMW K75, which will be a classic next year.

“I’m just hoping it makes it all the way this year,” he said.

“My workmates have helped out by buying some raffle tickets. The boss was quite supportive as well, letting me go for the entire ride.

“It’s good to see the CDF along for the first part of the ride – it reinforces his support.”

CDF ACM Mark Binskin, the sponsor of Defence participation in the ride, is participating in the first leg of the ride.

He judged a show and shine event – at which WOFF Graham Thompson won the best classic bike category – at Russell Offices in Canberra on March 10.

“It’s terrific to see so many peo-ple bringing out their bikes to sup-port the event,” ACM Binskin said.

“If one person makes an appointment to have a prostate check, then we’ve achieved our goal.”

The 2016 Long Ride starts in Sydney on April 8 and finishes in Margaret River, WA, on April 16.

Riders will be stopping at regional centres and military bases to talk to men about the dangers of prostate cancer.

Word spreads on wheelsDefence motorcyclists gear up to cross the nation to fight prostate cancer

FSGT Ross Bardsley with his 1992 BMW K75 at the show and shine event at Russell Offices in Canberra to promote the Long Ride. Photo: CPL Sebastian Beurich

DELIVERING A TON OF POTENTIAL Aircrew from No. 37 Squadron’s C-130Js

took advantage of a unique chance to practise mass container airdrops while supporting Exercise Elephant Trail 2016

in Sydney’s north-west. The exercise involved the preparation and

airborne delivery of more than 30 tonnes of cargo, which included construction of 60 con-tainer delivery systems.

Army’s No. 176 Air Dispatch Squadron used Elephant Trail to test its ability to respond to short-notice contingency scenarios from a deployed camp within RAAF Base Richmond from March 3-11.

CO 9 Force Battalion LT-COL Chris Clapton said the exercise was the first time in five years that the squadron had practised deploying its capability on such a scale.

The container delivery system loads were airdropped by Hercules to the nearby Londonderry drop zone, which was under 176AD SQN control.

Personnel also carried out construction of other loads, including marine craft and quad bikes, although not all of these were airdropped as part of the exercise.

176 AD SQN is Defence’s only dedicated aerial delivery unit and is incorporated with Air Force exercises where the airdrop is required.

This is critical to Defence’s ability to respond in environments where fragile airfield infra-structure has been damaged by hostile actions or natural disasters.

Flight commander of 37SQN SQNLDR Scott Harris said the exercise was a rare opportunity for C-130J aircrew to practise mass container delivery systems airdrop.

“On two occasions during the exercise, we airdropped 20 container delivery system loads in a single pass of the Londonderry drop zone, with each pass delivering 16 tonnes of cargo,” SQNLDR Harris said.

“Through the exercise, we were able to vali-date the associated training and procedures for a high-end capability skillset, which we rarely have an opportunity to exercise to its limits.”

Critical to mission success is the interaction between 37SQN operations and aircrew, along with its ground liaison officer and 176AD SQN personnel.

Exercise Elephant Trail 16 paves the way for Air Force and Army to improve mass airdrops, Eamon Hamilton reports

14 15RCEAIR FCentrepiece April 7, 2016

Loadmaster SGT Samantha Bax, of No. 285 Squadron, briefs 176 Air Dispatch Squadron personnel on board a C-130J Hercules as part of a simulated air move during Exercise Elephant Trail at RAAF Base Richmond. Photos: CPL David Gibbs

A C-130J Hercules at RAAF Base Richmond during Exercise Elephant Trail.Loadmaster WOFF Greg Skevington, of No. 37 Squadron, and PTE Jim Worboys, of 176 Air Dispatch Squadron, finalise paper work before an airdrop.

A C-130J Hercules drops its load of compact delivery system pallets over the Londonderry drop zone.

“For the C-130J workforce, aerial delivery is a core capability and relies heavily on interoperabil-ity with 176AD SQN and the customer we support in the field,” SQNLDR Harris said.

Concurrent operations to sustain the deployed force included simulated activities that soldiers would be expected to conduct from the national support base if a contingency scenario arose.

OC of 176AD SQN MAJ Francisca Molnar said the exercise also allowed 176 AD SQN to demon-strate its deployed working environment to Air Force personnel.

“We worked with a number of RAAF elements and demonstrated that a close working relation-

ship between RAAF and Army can provide capa-ble, agile and potent joint effects,” she said.

“Working together, we can respond to any con-tingency by projecting personnel, equipment and stores wherever it’s required.”

Operations sergeant at 176AD SQN SGT Matthew David said the exercise scenarios reflect-ed the range of operations the squadron could support.

“We are very dynamic – from a humanitarian aid standpoint we could deliver food, water, shel-ters and blankets,” SGT David said.

“For combat operations, we’re able to prepare rations or ammunition, right up to vehicles and combat engineering equipment – whatever the frontline soldiers require.”

Supervisor of aerial delivery at 176 AD SQN SGT Kyle Beattie said the exercise tested the unit’s ability to respond at short notice.

“We’re constantly checking our stores, making sure we have all of this equipment at a fully func-tional level so that we can go out into the field,” SGT Beattie said.

“When we first deployed out here, not only did we have to start rigging the loads without any facilities, we had to also build our work area, stor-age areas and living accommodation around us.

“It was concurrent, with one team building the tents and the other team straight into the rigging out in the elements.”

The exercise was a welcome introduction for new diggers at the unit, or reintroduction for peo-ple like SGT Beattie who are returning to the unit.

“Compared to living in a hangar with lots of facilities, this gets us out of our normal routine and getting used to what they might be put under in operational circumstances,” SGT Beattie said.

“These skills are something the troops practise every day. Moving out into the field, it’s not the rigging the loads that are difficult – it’s the set-up and living in these conditions that they might not be used to.”

Following on from the exercise, 176 AD SQN will continue to provide aerial delivery effects alongside Air Mobility Group.

‘For the C-130J workforce, aerial delivery is a core capability and relies heavily on interoperability with 176AD SQN and the customer we support in the field.

SQNLDR Scott Harris

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17April 7, 2016RCEAIR F Personnel

Out on the career trailAIR Force career managers will be undertaking base visits throughout Australia during April and May to speak with members before preparing the 2017 postings.

Director of Personnel – Air Force GPCAPT Ken Robinson said the upcoming career manager meetings during the base visits would allow members to put a face to the name of their career manager.

“The purpose of these meetings is to allow the career managers to have a closer engagement with the people in the field,” he said.

“It’s the prime objective of these visits to allow people to look their career manager in the eye and tell them what their aspirations and pref-erences are as well as getting honest feedback about what opportunities may be available.”

The base visit program will run for about six weeks, during which the career managers will travel to all major bases around Australia.

DP-AF coordinates about 2300 member postings every year on top of about 800 promotions and 800 separa-tions.

After these base visits, postings will be released by August 5.

“At this time of year it’s more about hearing what the individual wants rather than us telling them what the plan is,” GPCAPT Robinson said.

“We don’t always wait until August to release postings and where we can trickle them out before then, we will.”

FLTLT Kirk Cartwright is the career manager for junior officer aero-nautical and armament engineers.

He sees the visits as a way to give members input in to their careers.

He also has some advice for mem-bers.

“We want to be in the best posi-tion to match personal priorities with Air Force priorities by speaking with command as well as our workforce,” he said.

“I’m hoping to see people come into our meetings with idea of what

MEET YOUR CAREER MANAGERS

FLTLT Kirk Cartwright Junior Aeronautical and Armament Engineers Career Manager

FLTLT Kirk Cartwright has had a varied and enjoyable career as an aeronautical engineer.

“I’ve wanted to broaden myself and have been given plenty of opportunities,” he said.

Since graduating from ADFA, he has worked in a range of platforms, including spending four months in the UK with the Air Movements Training Development Unit design team working on helicopter external lift design.

At Capability Development Group, FLTLT Cart-wright deployed to Japan as an air mobility specialist with C-17s following the tsunami in 2011 and recently deployed to Kabul on Operation Highroad as a member of the operations cell.

“Kabul was an interesting experience as engineers don’t normally get to work in tactical headquarters, but it was great to bring an engineering skillset to the role,” he said.

As a career manager he recommends members stay in touch and keep their preferences and details up to date on PMKeyS.

“We often have short notice postings and opportu-nities present themselves and if we have to short list members based on qualifications or experience and your PMKeyS is not up to date you’re only disadvan-taging yourself.

“During base visits we are hoping to meet every-one,” FLTLT Cartwright said.

Program of base visits will allow all members to have their say about where they might be posted

SGT Sheree Lingard, GPCAPT Kenneth Robinson and FLTLT Kirk Cartwright are ready for their base visits. Photo: LACW Katharine Pearson

‘It’s the prime objective of these visits to allow people to look their career manager in the eye and tell them what their aspirations and preferences are as well as getting honest feedback about what opportunities may be available. GPCAPT Ken Robinson

they hope to achieve long-term in Air Force. There is no fixed path that must be followed to set you up for a role.

“Be flexible, and consider some second preferences. Also, speak with the unit you’re hoping to get to so you know what you are getting your-self into.”

As the career manager for junior personnel capability specialists, SGT Sheree Lingard said she was looking forward to engaging with her work-force and wants members to know they’re going to be heard.

“I’m looking to get that face-to-face interaction with my members,” she said.

“The main points I’d like every-one to take away from our meetings is that their preferences are in con-sideration and we’ll work to meet them where we can,” she said.

SGT Sheree Lingard Junior Personnel Capability Specialists Career Manager

SGT Sheree Lingard wants her Junior Personnel Capability Specialists (PCS) workforce to know she will be candid in an effort to balance Air Force and the individual’s needs.

“I look to the positive interactions I’ve had with my career managers in the past and I understand that people just want their career managers to be honest and upfront with them,” she said.

Sheree understands the personnel challenges faced by members and commanders, having been posted to a broad range of units from Tindal to Wil-liamtown.

“Within the PCS mustering we have various challenges, for example around flexible working con-ditions, and I’m always working with units to try and find the best solution for everyone,” she said.

During the upcoming base visits, SGT Lingard is hopeful of speaking with as many of her members as she can and has some tips for those meeting their career managers.

“Coming into our meetings I’m after my mem-bers to have an open mind,” she said.

“It helps for people to have a plan to broaden their experience as well as an idea of where they want to be, one to two postings ahead.

“There’s a range of units and locations across the country and across the FEGs and each of them present an opportunity for those willing to take it.”

Name SGT MB RudnikSGT GT HughesSGT KM StainesSGT AL BroomLAC/W SC BeechSQNLDR TA ByronWGCDR ML MasiniFSGT GJ NorthamFSGT D TaylorSQNLDR SC MoloneySQNLDR TCA NewWOFF GA MurraySQNLDR MR WallaceCPL MW DickSGT DJ PeaceWGCDR VS Lewkowski

DEPARTURE LOUNGEWho’s leaving after 20+ years’ service

Last day Feb 15 Feb 28Feb 28Feb 8Jan 31Feb 15Feb 1Feb 21Feb 14Feb 1Jan 31Feb 14Jan 31Feb 12Feb 7Feb 2

Must/Spec CISCONADGMEDASSTPCSASTFITTLOGELECTRAVTECHAVTECHNURSLOGATECHELECTRGSEFITTATECHACO

Years20212222232425252729313334353537

18 April 7, 2016RCEAIR FPersonnel

Jawun placementsTHE Directorate of Indigenous Affairs is calling for nominations from ADF personnel to partici-pate in the Jawun Indigenous Community Placement Program. A Jawun placement provides a way to contribute to the reconcili-ation process, and allows partici-pants to share their experience and knowledge with Indigenous communities and organisations. Nominations close on May 13, with placements scheduled between July 11 and September 24. For more information visit intranet.defence.gov.au and search for “Jawun program”.

Plaque dedicationNO. 37 Squadron Association and the Australian War Memorial

will host a memorial plaque dedication to the aircrew, main-tenance personnel and sup-port staff who have contributed to the squadron’s operations since the unit was established in 1943. The event will be held on Canberra on April 29. The ceremony will begin at 11am in the western courtyard of the AWM. For more information, email 37sqnassoc@iinet.net.au or contact 37SQN Association president Col Coyne on 0402 815 015.

Singapore reunionTHOSE who served at RAAF Base Tengahfor are invited to attend the 2016 reunion in Townsville in June/July. Contact Phil Johnson on 0419 798 951.

IN BRIEFFlexibility worksALTHOUGH the Total Workforce Model (Project Suakin) introduces a new way of defining flexible service arrangements, it will also supplement the many ways that Air Force people already work flexibly.

Many personnel work to routines that enable earlier stand-down, such as on a Friday, and many have flexible working arrangements (FWAs), such as variable work hours, alternatively located work and job sharing.

For personnel capability specialist CPL Kim Pratt, of No. 3 Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, FWA allows her to provide effective service while working reduced hours to meet her family needs.

“I work three days a week in the order-ly room, which means I can spend quality time with my two-year-old daughter.

“In the past, my unit has been unable to fill the position. By allowing me to work flexibly, they have gained important travel and reserve support for our squad-ron,” CPL Pratt said.

For permanent nursing officer FLTLT Kath Harris, a posting to No. 3 Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron as the operations officer offers her the flexibility to work within her circumstances.

“On returning from maternity leave, I was able to negotiate a FWA with my unit for variable work hours so that I can drop my son to day care in the morning. By providing this flexibility, my busy unit has gained extended hours for our operations cell and I get to spend quality time with my son,” FLTLT Harris said.

Additionally, the Air Force integrated workforce construct means reservists are core to the ability to deliver capability flexibly, as they comprise more than 25 per cent of personnel.

OPPORTUNITIESl Home located workl Alternative location workl Flexible service

arrangements (SERCAT 6)l Job sharel Variable working hoursl Remote overseas work

For more information, email AirForce.TWM@defence.gov.au or visit http://drnet.defence.gov.au/RAAF/PERSAF/Pages/Welcome.aspx

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HistoryRCEAIR F April 7, 2016 19

THIS year’s 95th anniversary of the Air Force is special in the shared experience of its uniformed and civilian

members. It is also a reminder of the proximity of our centenary.

The Air Force of 2021 will be different from today’s force and will be almost unrecognisable compared to how it looked at the dawn of the 21st century.

In 2000, uniforms were a blue-grey relic of 1970s design, and air-craft such as the C-130 E and H models, B707, F-111, Macchi and Caribous still graced the flight lines.

Aside from the evolution of uni-forms and platforms, more meaning-ful signs of change have marked our growth since 1921.

Anniversaries are the opportu-nity to consider the more profound experiences that have helped make the RAAF one of the most respected and efficient air forces in the world.

On March 31, 1921, the Air Force was born from the Australian Air Corps. Within its ranks were veterans of the Australian Flying Corps and the Royal Flying Corps, Royal Naval Air Service, as well as veterans of Gallipoli and the Western Front.

We learnt our customs and tra-ditions from the veterans who had experienced life and death struggles in the mud of Passchendaele and in the air over Hamel, Amiens and Mont St Quentin.

The Navy influence in the officer corps and that of the Army in the non-commissioned ranks are still evident in the Air Force rank struc-ture. When we sit down to a dining-in night, parade our colours or bury our dead, we observe the customs of our sister services and those of the British forces.

Through the 1920s and ’30s, the Air Force had to develop its own force structure and capability.

It was a difficult time for the early leaders, such as Richard Williams, Jimmy Goble and Henry Wrigley. In those postwar years, Australia needed to manage its struggling economy, while interna-tionally the world was starting to appreciate the warfighting potential

of the aeroplane. Proponents began to talk of air power as an instrument of national security.

RAAF leaders began to appre-ciate the difficulties of developing capability in the face of an unwill-ing government and an uncompre-hending public.

The lessons of this period and after WWII taught the Air Force that it must work to remain relevant to Australia’s security needs and to share its knowledge of air power with all elements of society.

When WWII began, Australia, including its air force, was ill pre-pared for global conflict. There were no cutting-edge fighters on the flight lines, no long-range airlift or strike aircraft, nor any coherent intelligence, surveillance or recon-naissance network.

Only a handful of officers and NCOs had the professional mastery to develop these capabilities.

Despite this, by 1945 Air Force members had fought with distinc-tion in the air over the Atlantic, Russia, Europe, Africa and Asia, and it had grown to be the fourth-largest air force in the world.

The cost was high. More than 10,000 of the 37,037 aircrew who flew on operations were killed, wounded or went missing. Added to this toll were the ground crews and support personnel who died, such as the No 1 Squadron ground crews

captured at the fall of Singapore. Many of those captured died beside the Thai-Burma Railway.

The achievements of the Air Force during WWII were a result of the example set by its early members on the muddy airfields in France and the sandy dry deserts of Mesopotamia and Palestine.

The lessons of the early years of WWII and of the Korean War, where the same bravery, dedication and persistence were again evident, are clear.

While outnumbered, under con-stant threat or operating obsolete equipment, Air Force people have been essential to turning impending disaster to eventual victory.

The inherited obligation of pro-fessional service and dedication to duty is a unique feature of our enshrined military culture.

In fire, flood, storm and con-flict, each generation of technical and professional masters has passed on to the next, through example and leadership, the skills and ethos needed for success in adversity.

At the 90th Air Force anniversa-ry in 2011, the then CAF, AM Geoff Brown, made it clear that his under-standing of the Air Force that had evolved from 1921 was that the uni-formed and civilian members were central to success.

On the eve of our 95th anniver-sary, at the Air Force Air Power Conference, CAF AM Leo Davies said that “technology may be cut-ting edge but, no matter how sharp that edge, it is the people on the front line and, in a networked envi-ronment, working seamlessly with the other tactical operators and sup-porters who create and sustain the effect”.

Our history shows us that our people have been central to sus-taining our important and essential traditions, to building on lessons learned, recovering from disaster and ensuring success.

Only the members of the Air Force can educate and lead the next generation in the demands of our service and the mastery of air power.

Page 20: Air Force bravery and dedication in action

Air Force historian Martin James reflects on the lessons passed down through the generations

The wisdom of ages

Above, the CAC Wirraway, used as a stop-gap fighter during the Rabaul campaign in 1942.

AVM Henry Wrigley, founding member of the Air Force and early air power theorist.

RAAF TURNS 95

The past and the modern eras join forces as heritage aircraft fly in formation with F/A-18s.Photo: SGT Michael Formosa

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History RCEAIR F April 7, 201620

THE inheritance of service and the obligation to duty did not stop with the lessons of WWII.

In early 1942, the newly formed No. 75 Squadron fought a six-week air battle over Port Moresby. The squad-ron fought until one aircraft was left.

What influenced that dedication to the fight? Possibly it was the example set by SQNLDR John Lerew and his No. 24 Squadron during the air defence of Rabaul in January 1942.

Operating inadequate Wirraway general purpose aircraft as fighters against the modern Zero fighter, and flying slow, poorly armed Hudson bombers for strike missions, 24SQN also fought to the last aircraft.

Ordered to launch this last Hudson bomber against an invasion armada escorted by overwhelming numbers of fighter aircraft, SQNLDR Lerew acknowledged his orders with the Gladiator salute nos morituri te salu-tamus (“we who are about to die salute you”). 24SQN duly launched its last aircraft regardless of the odds.

These examples of outstanding

RAAF TURNS 95

Air Force historian Martin James outlines some of the experiences that have helped to shape our force

Success stems from adversity

THE inherited obligation of profes-sional service and dedication to duty is a unique feature of our enshrined military culture and the reason we hold dear to the concept of customs and traditions.

The LACs of World War II were the SNCOs of Korea. They, in turn, educated the rising LACs who were the WOEs and orderly room and equipment SNCOs of the Vietnam War. Those veterans led by ex-ample in the evacuation of Darwin after Cyclone Tracy and during the Brisbane floods of 1974.

In the unbroken chain of suc-ceeding generations, Air Force

people have set their behaviour and measured their standards from the preceding generation’s experi-ence and actions.

Nos 86 and 92 Wing maintained detachments in the Middle East Area of operations almost con-stantly for 10 years from 2003. Oth-ers are now taking up the gauntlet in Operation Okra.

The experience of East Timor and the Solomon Islands, of Op-eration Gateway, of exercises Red Flag and Talisman Sabre has been the medium by which the current generation of members has learnt its trade and crafted its skills.

bravery and dedication are not con-fined to the air domain.

During the Battle of Milne Bay, even as the battle was being fought out on the perimeter of one of the airfields, the ground staff of Nos 6, 75 and 76 squadrons, as well as the staff of No. 37 Radar Station and the Mobile Torpedo Flight, stayed at their tasks.

Attacked from the air, and under threat of ground attack, they kept the Kittyhawks and Hudsons in the air and the essential air-raid warnings coming.

During the Korean War, the same persistence was witnessed on

the ground when No. 77 Squadron deployed to Yonpo Airfield in North Korea.

Sub-zero, cold-air streams brought constant snow and ice, turning simple maintenance tasks into near impossi-ble epics. Yet, despite the weather, the ground crews maintained a maximum rate of effort when the Chinese sud-denly entered the war during the win-ter of 1950-51.

The ground staff then kept the squadron operating as it was forced to withdraw in the face of renewed attacks on the United Nations forces.

Left, 77SQN Mustang aircraft in the snow at Yonpo Airfield in North Korea.Above right, 35SQN maintenance crew in South Vietnam dismantle a DH-4 Caribou for shipment back to Australia.Photos: courtesy Australian War Memorial

Generations of change and tradition

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THE “magnificent” contribu-tion of women who joined the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force during World War II

was celebrated at the 75th anniversary of WAAAF at RAAF Base Wagga.

RAAF began enlisting women on March 15, 1941, when the first females were able join Australia’s armed forces.

The anniversary was celebrated on March 15 with a parade reviewed by program manager training system transformation AIRCDRE Kathryn Dunn at Fairbairn 4.

CO RAAF Base Wagga WGCDR Jules Adams, who hosted the event attended by Air Force dignitaries and WAAAF members, said the com-memoration was “recognition of the contribution made by those women who enlisted during World War II and served so magnificently”.

“Opportunities today for women in Air Force are even greater with the introduction of the New Horizon pro-gram, which has opened up the full range of careers to young women.

“We are very proud to play our role in providing training to this generation of women and today is an opportunity for these young women and WAAAF members to compare the differences in their service,” WGCDR Adams said.

In 1947, when the last WAAAF was discharged, 27,258 members had enlisted from all states and territories.

Playing a vital role in RAAF activi-ties during the WWII, young WAAAF

WAAAF marks 75 yearsDedication of women during World War II celebrated

members folded parachutes, worked on aircraft as fabric workers, riggers, aircraft mechanics and instrument repairers.

WAAAF meteorological assis-tants monitored the weather, and they screened radar 24 hours a day on sta-tions based at the northern half of the Australian coastline from Townsville

to Geraldton. They also refuelled air-craft, drove trucks and oil tankers, worked as nursing orderlies, x-ray and dental technicians, and staffed hospi-tals and medical units

After the parade, former WAAAF members toured I RTU and went to a morning tea at the Middleton VC Club at RAAF Base Wagga.

Above: Edna Thompson talks about WAAAF with FLTLT Louise Hill, of Ground Training Wing.Right: ACW recruit Breanna Doorne, Maureen Kurr – who served with the WRAAF – and former WAAAF member Edna Thompson cut the 75th anniversary cake. Photos: SGT Brett Sherriff

HistoryRCEAIR F April 7, 2016 21

Defending Australia and its National Interestswww.defence.gov.au

FUNDAMENTALINPUTS TOCAPABILITY

The Defence and Industry Conferencecontinues to be a key event for Defence andindustry collaboration.The Government has a clear intent to reset andtransform the Defence and industry relationship. Usingthis intent, and acknowledging industry as a fundamentalinput to capability, the 2016 conference will focuson delegate involvement with concise and thought-provoking presentations, Q&A panel sessions andinteractive feedback on key topics.

With a renewed focus on efficiency and relevance, thiswill be a highly affordable, practical and productiveconference.

For more information about the conference, including theevent program and how to register, visit our websitewww.defence.gov.au/casg/DplusI/

CANBERRA CONVENTION CENTRE – 15 JUNE

Feature RCEAIR F April 7, 201622

S GT Bodine Luscott’s great-grandfather, PTE Alexander Cox, served in the Army during WWII, setting the example for

his descendant to join the Air Force 10 years ago.

SGT Luscott, who is from the Yorta Yorta Nation, is now an airborne elec-tronics analyst with No. 292 Squadron. He is one of the role models to feature in a marketing campaign to attract future generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island leaders to the ADF.

Defence Minister Marise Payne, Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion and Assistant Minister for Defence Michael McCormack launched the See Yourself campaign at Kapooka on March 14.

Along with Army’s LCPL Natalie Whyte and Navy’s AB Jorde Lenoy, SGT Luscott will share his ADF experience.

Having returned to school to get the grades he needed to become an airborne electronics analyst, SGT Luscott said he hasn’t looked back.

“What kid doesn’t grow up looking at planes and wanting to know what it’s like to fly them?” he said.

“There is something fascinating about them – how does something so big stay in the air and do what it does?”

Senator Payne said Indigenous people had served with distinction from the Boer War through to Afghanistan.

“These men and women are role mod-els, proudly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and have made a dif-ference both in Australia and abroad,” she said.

“We recognise and value the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cul-ture and people and we are proud their history is our history. Their culture is our culture. Their values are our values.”

GPCAPT Geoff Kimmins, from HQ Ground Training Wing at RAAF Base Wagga, represented the CAF at the launch.

He said the New Horizon cultur-al change program had paved the way for Air Force to enjoy the benefits of a diverse workforce.

CDF ACM Mark Binskin, CA LTGEN Angus Campbell and CDRE Tony Partridge, representing CN, attend-ed the ceremony with Indigenous ADF members and community leaders.

DURING WWI, Indigenous people who wanted to join up had to flout the government’s strict European recruit-ment policy and prove they were “white enough” to fight, according to CDF ACM Mark Binskin.

“But, once enlisted, each was accepted as an Australian soldier, respected for their skills and regarded as a peer,” he said.

“In that respect, the Australian military was an early pioneer of the reconciliation process.

“The nation’s Indigenous service men and women stood shoulder-to-shoulder with their comrades, even before they were recognised as Austral-ian citizens.”

ACM Binskin said historians believed 823 Indigenous Australians enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force during WWI.

“A century later, there are 787 Abo-riginal and Torres Strait Islander people serving in the Army,” he said.

“But, in raw numbers, we still have some work to do.”

ACM Binskin said one of the biggest steps was giving young Indigenous people confidence that they could enjoy a successful military career.

“That’s where this marketing cam-paign comes in,” he said.

“The ‘See Yourself’ campaign focuses on the experience and achieve-ments of Indigenous people.

“The Indigenous men and women who feature in the campaign speak about their desire to inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

“And they all speak about being welcomed into the Defence family and embraced as themselves.”

Indigenous airman a role model for future generations, SGT Dave Morley reports

Desire to inspire

PART OF THE FAMILY

SGT Bodine Luscott will feature in a campaign to attract Indigenous people to the ADF. Inset, CDF ACM Mark Binskin at the campaign launch at Kapooka. Photos: Nick Bowers, LS Jayson Tufrey

SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND

INFORMATION

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Employment from support staff to operator

For further information visit:HTTP://intranet.defence.gov.au/armyweb/sites.sftc

FORAS ADMONITIO

PuckapunyalPuckapunyal Area Theatre

Puckapunyal Barracks - 12 Apr 16 at 1900hrs

MelbourneMulti User Depot

Simpson Barracks - 13 Apr 16 at 1900hrs

AdelaideMonash Centre Theatre

RAAF Base Edinburgh - 14 Apr 16 at 1900hrs

Perth16 RWAR Theatrette

Irwin Barracks - 27 Apr 16 at 1900hrs

FeatureRCEAIR F April 7, 2016 23

A RESTORED Jindivik – the first unmanned aerial system used by Air Force – has been unveiled at RAAF Base Edinburgh to celebrate its histori-cal significance.

The Directorate of Air Force Heri tage (DAFH) revealed the Jindivik, which took more than 1200 hours to restore, at a ceremony on March 21.

GPCAPT Greg Weller, represent-ing the senior ADF officer Edinburgh Defence Precinct, was on hand to receive the Jindivik from OIC Static Display Aircraft Support Section SQNLDR Stephen Currie, who repre-sented the DAFH.

GPCAPT Weller said it was impor-tant for personnel to take pride in the base’s history.

“The restoration of the Jindivik is important for RAAF Edinburgh as it highlights an important part of the base’s heritage that we have inherited and are responsible for fostering. This is important as it is our shared past that gives us our collective identity today,” GPCAPT Weller said.

GPCAPT Weller thanked SQNLDR Currie and his team in the Static Display Aircraft Support Section based at RAAF Base Amberley for their intensive work on the project.

SQNLDR Currie’s team comprised about six technical and non-technical musterings. Twelve reservists spent more than 1200 hours refurbishing the airframe to static display condition,

which included stripping and repaint-ing the airframe, replacing and reman-ufacturing components, and designing and manufacturing of GSE to support the aircraft during refurbishment.

“One of the core roles of the DAFH is to improve the appearance and pre-serve the static display aircraft. It is a privilege to lead such a dedicated team whose efforts directly enhance Air Force members’ morale through a shared respect for our heritage,” SQNLDR Currie said.

The Jindivik was developed in the 1950s, with production running from 1952-1986. More than 500 Jindivik models were made for Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States and Sweden.

The Jindivik (A92-9) at RAAF Base Edinburgh is the only remaining example of the 12 Mark 1 Jindiviks in existence, and has been associated with the base since the aircraft was de-commissioned in 1955.

This restoration marks the first step in Edinburgh’s aircraft restoration pro-gram. While on base last month, the team also washed and polished the Mirage gate guard.

Outside the RAAF Museum at Point Cook, there are more than 50 RAAF aircraft on static display across nine bases as well as on loan to Australian historical organisations. The task ahead is to have this nation-wide fleet in top condition for the RAAF’s centenary in 2021.

Restoring historical tiesJindivik project seeks to inspire a sense of pride in Edinburgh’s heritage, FLGOFF Shane Ivimey reports

The Static Display Aircraft Support Section with the restored Jindivik at RAAF Base Edinburgh.Photo: CPL Craig Barrett

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FLTLT Shasma Lea, a logistics officer with No. 86 Wing, is given a Bronze Commendation by Commander Air Mobility Group AIRCDRE Richard Lennon for her efforts during Operation Okra. Photo: CPL Peter Borys

WOFF Stephen Wynne presents the South Australian manager of the Soldier On Foundation, Justin Brown, with a donation of $1000 from the P3 Club at RAAF Base Edinburgh. Photo: CPL Craig BarrettAvionics technician LACW Kelly Lysons-Smith, of No. 75 Squadron, assists Commander Air

Combat Group AIRCDRE Steven Roberton before his flight in an F/A-18A Hornet during his visit to RAAF Base Tindal. Photo: CPL David Cotton

FLTLT Danielle Scilini shaves LACW Nikki Julian’s hair as part of the World’s Greatest Shave. Photo: LACW Casey Gaul

As his last official duty,

SQNLDR Chaplain

Dean Quilty (rtd), of No.

30 Squadron, attends a memorial

dedication ceremony for the voluntary

and free Cockatoo Rise

war veterans’ retreat in Victoria.

SGT Pete Thomas and LAC Phill Camkin, of No. 92 Wing, with the box rally car that they painted as part of No. 11 Squadron’s fundraising for the Cancer Council. Photo: CPL Colin Dadd

24 April 7, 2016RCEAIR FFlightline

The Warranty Scheme for loss or damage to household goods incurred during a removalhas recently been amended. The change applies to domestic removals where the goodshave been uplifted on or after 1st March 2016 including consignments uplifted fromstorage.

With effect from 1st March 2016, the Warranty Scheme allows for new replacement cover to beapplied to items which fall within predefined categories and age limits.

In cases where more than minor damage to an item has occurred, members will be supplied with anew replacement item if Toll Transitions decides that repair of the old item is not economical and theitem is eligible for replacement in accordance with a table (see below) of age-based item inclusions.

The existing like-for-like replacement or compensation cover will continue to apply to itemswhich fall outside the specified age limits.

RememberNot every item that sustains damage will be replaced with a new item or compensation paid at newvalue. In the first instance damaged items will be repaired where practicable and compensationpaid for minor damage.

Read Toll’s “Your Defence Relocation Guide - Version 9” and answers to FAQs available atwww.tolltransitions.com.au/defence for full details of the Warranty Scheme.

For more informationFreecall: 1800 819 167

www.tolltransitions.com.au/defence

Relocating? TherearechangestotheWarrantySchemeforhouseholdgoodsupliftedonorafter1stMarch2016

Item If the notice or loss or damage is for… and the date of manufacture is.. then the item maybe replaced..

1 an electrical item with a new replacement value of $500 or moreExamples: Television, Surround Sound Audio System, Vacuum Cleaner

within 10 years of the removal uplift date new-for-old.

10 years or more before the removal uplift date like-for-like.

2 an electrical item with a new replacement value of less than $500Examples: Computer Monitor, Kettle, Small Television

within 5 years of the removal uplift date new-for-old.

5 years or more before the removal uplift date like-for-like.

3 an electrical white-goodExamples: Refrigerator, Freezer, Microwave, Washing Machine, Dryer,

within 15 years of the removal uplift date new-for-old.

15 years or more before the removal uplift date like-for-like.

4 a furniture itemExamples: Bed, Dining Table, Chest of Drawers, Lounge Suite

within 10 years of the removal uplift date new-for-old.

10 years or more before the removal uplift date like-for-like.

5 other itemsExamples: Picture frames, bicycles, BBQ, crockery, plastic tubs

within 7 years of the removal uplift date new-for-old.

7 years or more before the removal uplift date like-for-like.

25April 7, 2016RCEAIR F Cadets

Triplets aim highGOLD Coast triplets Justin,

Kyle and Liam Pridmore, 17, love the sand, surf and sky – and are all proud

members of No. 232 Squadron Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC) based at Merrimac.

Justin and Kyle recently completed the Cadet Sergeants Leadership course at RAAF Base Amberley, while Liam attended the Cadet Under Officers Leadership course and now outranks his “older” brothers.

The brothers say they have made great mates for life, have gained expe-rience in leadership and organisational skills, as well as being taken out of their comfort zone. They have devel-oped self-discipline, self-respect, self-reliance and self-esteem from being Australian Air Force Cadets.

The boys attend Miami State High and are studying aerospace subjects. Liam is passionate about aviation and flies his own drone. They are excited about being a part of the Australian Air Force Cadets as it celebrates 75 years and they all wish to join the Air Force when they leave school.

The Air Training Corps was origi-nally formed to train young men between the ages of 16 and 18 to join the Air Force.

The second long-term objec-tive was to encourage young men to increase their knowledge of air mat-ters and instil a sense of discipline, and provide elementary training in air related technical matters.

Between 1946 and 1948 the Air Training Scheme was scaled down to become an air youth movement.

Females were admitted in 1982 and in 2001, the Federal Government renamed the Air Training Corps to the Australian Air Force Cadets.

CO No. 232 Squadron FLTLT (AAFC) George Bagajluk said it was “an exciting year for the Australian Air Force Cadets, being 75 years old”.

“The Pridmore triplets epitomise the spirit, adventure and passion as their forefathers demonstrated way back in 1941.”

For more information, go to www.aafc.org.au or contact SQNLDR (AAFC) Danny Hoyland on 0418 732 102.

Cadets show good things come in threes, SQNLDR (AAFC) Danny Hyland writes

Justin, Liam and Kyle Pridmore are looking forward to careers in the Air Force. Photo: courtesy Doris Pridmore

The annual Rent Allowance (RA) review is coming soon. Thisreview checks your personal circumstances and confirms yourongoing RA entitlement.

Get ready for the review now by obtaining a current rent receiptor tenant ledger from your real estate agent.

From 12 April if you are selected for the review:

• you will receive an email notification and be notified viayour dashboard in Online Services

• log in to Online Services, upload your tenant ledger andanswer eight simple questions.

Get ready now to avoid missing the RA review deadline.

dha.gov.au/online

Get ready for12 April

The annual Rent Allowancereview is coming

139 342

26 April 7, 2016RCEAIR FHealth & Fitness

Survey to gauge drinking habitsHave your say in alcohol survey and help shape cultural improvements

VCDF wants selected members to participate in an alcohol survey to help Defence better manage alcohol abuse in the ADF. Photo: LS Jayson Tufrey

AN ANNUAL alcohol sur-vey has been introduced for ADF members to help Defence track improvements

in cultural reform. The irresponsible use of alcohol is

a common problem in the Australian community and evidence from the 2010 ADF Mental Health and Wellbeing Study shows the ADF is not immune.

VCDF VADM Ray Griggs said Defence had an obligation to address anything that might be impacting on the health and performance of ADF members.

“The ADF aspires to be a leader in the prevention and management of alco-hol-related issues,” VADM Griggs said.

“Drinking at unsafe levels, even if only occasionally, can have seri-ous impacts, especially when it comes between family members and mates.”

In 2014 , t he ADF Alcoho l Management Strategy and Plan 2014-2017 (ADFAMS) was launched.

It provides a four-year framework within which the ADF will take decisive action to minimise alcohol-related harm and draws on sound evidence from the National Drug Strategy 2010-2015 and World Health Organisation regarding the most effective approaches to mini-mising harm from the use of alcohol.

The ADFAMS has three aims: enhance operational capability;

reduce personal harm; and,

minimise organisational costs.

These aims will be achieved through the following strategic objectives:

Leadership: reinforce accountabil-ity of leadership to create a positive and consistent alcohol culture;

Systems, programs, policies and protocols: enable ADF members to modify their use and management of alcohol through evidence based systems, programs, policies and protocols;

Knowledge, skills and resourcing: build capacity through knowledge, skills and resourcing to enable everyone to share the responsibility for maintaining a positive alcohol culture;

Evaluation and continuous improvement: continuously improve the ADF alcohol culture through monitoring, feedback and data management; and

Partnerships: build partnerships with internal and external com- munities through effective communication.

The new survey is part of ADFAMS and 20 per cent of ADF members will be selected at random to participate.

“If you are selected, I urge you to participate,” VADM Griggs said.

“Your input will provide Defence with an accurate and balanced view of alcohol consumption and culture that exists today, help us track our improve-ments in cultural reform, as well as tar-get reform efforts.

“Even if you do not drink or do not drink regularly, I encourage you to con-tribute to this survey.

“Your input is very important as we progress through our Pathway to Change initiatives.”

For more information on the ADFAMS, visit www.defence.gov.au/Health/DMH/Docs/AlcoholManagementStrategyandPlan.pdf

27April 7, 2016RCEAIR F Sp rt

SGT Dave Morley

AIR Force’s rugby league team was left feeling gutted after losing a game to Navy by two points at the Combined Armed Services Rugby League tournament at North Ipswich on March 5.

Head coach of Air Force Rugby League LAC Robert Rummery said that although Air Force went down 22-20 to Navy, it drew some compensation from a 16-16 result against Army.

“In both games we needed to complete our sets and finish them with a better sixth-tackle option,” he said.

“We also needed to put in a more complete performance because in both games we were ahead with less than five minutes to go and lost one and drew one.”

LAC Rummery said Air Force

Aiming for new heights

Wanted: fit people keen to improve their marksmanship and ski skills, and happy to wear Lycra

CFN Jesse Jenkins scores a try despite LAC Josh Lees’ tackling efforts during the Army versus Air Force game. Photo: CPL Peter Borys

SQNLDR Michelle Oakden

WHO is crazy enough to wear Lycra in the snow? Cross-country skiing and biathlon competitors, that’s who.

The Air Force Nordic Skiing and Biathlon Association (AFNBA) will hit Mt Hotham’s cross-country ski trails soon to compete in Exercise Coolshot, the ADF’s National Inter-service Cross-Country and Biathlon Skiing competition.

Mt Hotham, in Victoria, is home to

Australia’s biathlon sports and hosts the interservice nordic skiing and biathlon teams.

It offers more than 35km of ski trails and has Australia’s only live-fire biathlon range.

Cross-country skiing and biathlon are fitness-oriented, skill-at-arms and ADF-approved sports.

The 2015 Air Force female cham-pion, SQNLDR Lesley Leppard, said the sports allowed competitors to test

themselves in a fun and supportive environment while improving their marksmanship and skiing techniques.

“It’s surprising how much the snow conditions challenge you, both physi-cally and mentally, but it’s worth the effort in the end,” she said.

AFNBA president SQNLDR Rod Orrock said the association encour-aged participation from people with a reasonable level of fitness.

“But we also want people who are

keen to improve their skills under an active development program.

“We combine this training with friendly competition against the Army and Navy team … and obviously we’re out to beat them if we can.”

The 2016 Air Force Championships and the National Interservice Cross-Country/Biathlon Skiing will be held between July 31 and August 12.

Applications are now open and close on April 29. The AFNBA pro-

vides equipment and elite coaching with a focus on team and individual development. Transport, accommoda-tion and messing are provided at eco-nomical rates.

Information on how to apply can be found at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/raafweb/sites/afnba/comweb.asp?page=48303. More information on the sport and competitions is also available via RAAF.Nordic@defence.gov.au.

Team falls at the finish

SQNLDR Rod Orrock prepares to fire at last year’s ADF Nordic

Ski and Biathlon competition.Inset, WGCDR Andrew Scholten

negotiates last year’s course. Photos: LEUT Scott Reynolds

had a number of standout players. “LAC Rob Worsley was voted as players’ player because, as a front rower, he got through a lot of min-utes, led from the front and gave us a good go-forward,” he said.

“Team captain and halfback CPL Mitch Knowles led the team around the park in some difficult circum-stances and had a hand in the majori-ty of our team’s tries. LAC Josh Lees was another standout for us.”

SP RTApril 7, 2016

TRYINGTIMES

Rugby league team so near yet so far

at interservice tournament

Page 27

Sights set on snow P27

LAC Jay Brookfield tackles Army’s SGT Jason Brand during

the Combined Armed Services Rugby

League tournament in North Ipswich.

Photo: CPL Peter Borys