AIRF RCEVol. 60, No. 22, November 29, 2018 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

ARMISTICE DAY100th anniversary

Pages 2, 10-11

APEC WRAPOur work in PNG

Pages 4-5

UNITED FRONTTeaming up with USAF

Pages 12-13

PERSISTENCE PAYS OFF

Green light for armed MQ-9 to

watch and protect Page 3

A General Atomics MQ-9.Image: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems

2 November 29, 2018RCEAIR FNews

EDITORIALDirectorDavid Edlington

EditorLawrence Dutrieux: (02) 6266 7612

ReportersSGT Max BreeSGT Mark DoranCPL Bill SolomouCPL Sebastian BeurichCPL Julia Whitwell

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

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CAPT Megan McDermott

THE Air Force band set an appro-priately sombre tone during a ser-vice to commemorate the centenary of the WWI Armistice in Villers-Bretonneux in France.

The band performed a com-pilation of WWI songs alongside the Queensland-based Voices of Birralee Choir at the Australian National Memorial, where thou-sands of Australians joined ADF members in a poignant ceremony.

The Australian memorial stands atop Hill 104, overlooking the Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery. The hill was a strategi-cally vital piece of land during WWI and a site of intense battle between

German and Allied forces, particu-larly for the Australian soldiers.

On the early morning of April 24, 1918, the Germans captured Hill 104 before being driven back by an Australian counterattack the next day (exactly three years after the storming of Gallipoli).

The Australians’ recapture of Villers-Bretonneux was described by British officer BRIG-GEN George Grogan, VC, as “perhaps the greatest individual feat of the war”.

The victory came with incredible loss, however, as 1200 Australian soldiers died saving the small French town.

Since that day, the French vil-lage has been irrevocably tied to Australia and the townspeople con-

tinue to tell the story of the coura-geous Australian diggers.

Air Force band piper LAC Robert Scott felt emotions run high as he played the bagpipes high above the audience in the central tower looking over the Somme countryside.

“It was a pretty surreal experi-ence, being there after visiting the battlefields. It really put the war into perspective,” he said.

The ceremony was given added significance for the piper whose great-grandfather, Frederick Haylock, fought in the war.

“I even found my great-grandfather’s battalion’s name, the 22 Australian Infantry Battalion, inscribed on the wall directly below

Echoes from

Hill 104

Commemorating the Armistice centenary in France

Piper LAC Robert Scott plays from the tower during

the Remembrance Day ceremony at the Australian

National Memorial in Villers-Bretonneux in France.

Photos: CPL Jake Sims

Thousands of Australians joined ADF members to commemorate the centenary of the WWI Armistice at the Australian National Memorial, in Villers-Bretonneux, France.Inset: FLTLT Daniel Phillips leads the Air Force band during the service.

More Remembrance Day coverage

Pages 10-11

where I was playing,” he said. “He fought in France during

WWI until he got shot in the leg and was hospitalised for a few weeks. After going back to the front line he was eventually sent home.”

The bodies of the soldiers who did not make the journey home to Australia at the end of the war remain in Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemeteries scat-tered across the Western Front.

About 18,000 Australians who fought in France and Belgium have no known graves.

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3November 29, 2018RCEAIR F News

CPL Bill Solomou

A I R F O R C E ’s I n t e l l i g e n c e , Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capability is set to gain a sig-nificant boost after the government unveiled plans to acquire Australia’s first armed remotely piloted aircraft.

Defence Minister Christopher Pyne announced the government had select-ed the General Atomics MQ-9 aircraft as the system that best met the capa-bility requirements for Australia.

Mr Pyne said between 12 and 16 armed medium-altitude, long-endur-ance unmanned aircraft were planned to be in operation from 2020.

Head Aerospace Systems Division AVM Catherine Roberts said the remotely piloted MQ-9 capability moved Air Force further toward being a fifth-generation Air Force.

“The MQ-9 is a catalyst to trans-form our support for our Army and Naval capabilities,” AVM Roberts said.

“It will change the way that we conduct ISR and strike missions and overcomes one of air power’s weak-nesses – persistence.

“We look forward to working fur-ther with the United States Air Force, General Atomics and Team Reaper on making this capability a reality.”

Project AIR 7003 was established to procure the MQ-9 aircraft.

Mr Pyne said the aircraft could be integrated within the ADF and would be fully interoperable with our allies.

“These new aircraft will provide enhanced firepower and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance sup-port to a range of missions,” Mr Pyne said.

He said the aircraft would be used to watch and protect ADF and coali-tion land forces, and provide recon-naissance support for search and res-cue, humanitarian assistance and dis-aster relief operations.

“Remotely-piloted aircraft allow military commanders to make more

informed decisions faster while pro-viding the option to conduct strike and reconnaissance operations without risking the safety of aircrew,” he said.

“The aircraft will be operated under the same laws of armed con-flict, international human rights law and rules of engagement as manned aircraft.”

Mr Pyne made the announce-ment at RAAF Base Edinburgh on November 16.

Ready to protect Armed MQ-9 to give us a fifth-generation edge

‘It will change the way that we conduct ISR and strike missions and overcomes one of air power’s weaknesses – persistence.

– AVM Catherine Roberts Head Aerospace Systems Division

Vice President international strategic development General Atomics Joe Song, Head of Aerospace Systems Division AVM Catherine Roberts, Defence Minister Christopher Pyne and Senator for South Australia Lucy Gichuhi at the MQ-9 announcement at RAAF Base Edinburgh. Photo: CPL Craig Barrett

A scale model of the General Atomics MQ-9

on display at RAAF Base Edinburgh.

Photo: CPL Craig Barrett

4 November 29, 2018RCEAIR FJoint Operations

A PAIR of F/A-18F Super Hornets from No. 1 Squadron took to the air from RAAF Base

Townsville early on day one of Operation APEC 18 Assist.

Ahead was a 90-minute flight to circle the skies above Port Moresby. The task was to support the PNG Defence Force with air security during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ conference.

Supported by air-to-air refu-elling from the KC-30A mul-ti-role tanker transports of No. 33 Squadron, up-to-date information from the team on board the E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warn-ing and control aircraft of No. 2 Squadron and ground-based radar capabilities, the two Super Hornets put in a long and successful sortie.

They returned to Townsville just in time to see the next pair start their journey towards Port Moresby.

Pairs of Super Hornets rotated throughout the APEC Leaders week to provide comprehensive security patrols for the national

leaders meeting below.CO 1SQN WGCDR Jason

Gamlin led the first flight out and said all the planning had paid off.

“Providing air security for our friends in PNG was a great experi-ence and playing a role in a major international event was a brilliant opportunity,” he said.

The Super Hornets’ ability to stay on station and patrol the airspace depended on mid-air fuel top-ups from the KC-30A.

This provided the regular spec-tacle above Port Moresby of a jet hovering 30 feet from the wing tips of the tanker as 1300 pounds of fuel per minute was pumped through the line binding the two aircraft.

With the tanker in level flight at 28,000 feet and 230 knots, the margin of error during the aerial manoeuvre was slim.

KC-30A captain FLTLT Sam Bymouth said he would never get used to the aircraft operating so close in a very tight air space, but, “to have the opportunity to come out to a live operation, particularly with all the pressures involved,

makes it really worthwhile”.During a six-hour flight for the

tanker, the regular visits from the Super Hornets were interrupted by the E-7A Wedgetail requesting time at the pump.

The Wedgetail, from No. 2 Squadron, operated out of the Northern Territory in support of Operation APEC 18 Assist.

About 150 maintenance, oper-ations, logistics and administra-tion personnel from 2SQN were stationed at RAAF Base Tindal during the operational period

CO 2SQN WGCDR Jason Gamlin said the squadron’s role was to be a back-up command and control platform and its tempo escalated over the two weeks.

“The first week was work-up week, where we worked a 12-hour operational day to provide seven hours airborne for the aircraft,” WGCDR Jason said.

“During the second week, we ran a 24-hour operational day with the majority of that time having an aircraft on station.”

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Spectacle in the skies

The airspace above Port Moresby provided a stage for our people and equipment to shine during APEC, FLGOFFs Dean Squire and Deanna Ellick report

International Engagement

Air refuelling operator WOFF Colin Lubbock communicates with Super Hornet pilots while refuelling over Port Moresby during APEC. Photo: CPL Glen McCarthy

2SQN aircrew prepare to board an E-7A Wedgetail in support of APEC 2018.Photo: SGT Ben Dempster

5November 29, 2018RCEAIR F Joint Operations

CAPT Dean Benson

THE delivery of a safe and suc-cessful Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in PNG has underlined the endur-ing strength of the partnership between the Australian and PNG defence forces.

Commander of the PNG Defence Force’s contribution to the APEC Joint Security Task Force COL Esekia Wenzel said close support from partners including Australia, New Zealand and the US had helped deliver a “very successful” leaders’ confer-ence in mid-November.

RAAF personnel and equip-ment played a key role as the defence forces of three nations worked alongside their PNG counterparts out of a partnered headquarters in Port Moresby to support the task force.

“I’m very, very happy because it was a team effort,” COL Wenzel said.

“As our neighbour, Australia has played a very important part in the training and capacity build-ing of our defence force.”

Commander of Australia’s Joint Task Force 658 MAJGEN

Paul McLachlan said Operation APEC 18 Assist would last long in his memory.

“I was incredibly impressed with the PNG Joint Security Task Force and their ability to coor-dinate what is a very complex security operation,” MAJGEN McLachlan said.

“We were given all of the freedom of actions we needed to do the tasks Papua New Guinea asked of us: the air security, the maritime security and some of the other contingency support.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison paid tribute to the more than 1500 ADF personnel who were in Port Moresby with Joint Task Force 658.

Mr Morrison visited airmen, soldiers and sailors on board HMAS Adelaide less than 24 hours after the conclusion of APEC to thank them for their “tremendous performance” and to serve up a freshly cooked breakfast.

He said the ADF personnel had “enabled APEC to go on as part of a broad operation so that people can gather in peace and talk about future prosperity”.

AB Kieren Whiteley

THE chances of having family on operations together are minuscule at best – let alone identical twins. However, that was the case for the Longley brothers.

Almost 30 years after joining the Air Force on the same day, Andrew and Simon Longley were deployed on Operation APEC Assist – WOFF Andrew Longley as the engineer with No. 114 Mobile Control and Reporting Unit and SQNLDR Simon Longley as Chief of Combat Operations.

SQNLDR Longley enjoyed serving on operations with his brother.

“It made the experience more memorable and I know our families and parents are very proud,” he said.

Growing up on the remote Nullarbor coastline in South Australia, the brothers had little to do with the military until an Air Force AP-3C Orion spectacularly flew over their fishing boat one day.

This sparked an interest in the Air Force, which the pair main-tained throughout high school before making the trip to the Adelaide Defence Force Recruiting centre at age 17.

Age restrictions prevented SQNLDR Longley from joining as aircrew so, driven by their mutual interest in electronics, the twins joined up as radio technicians in 1989.

“We never expected to be accepted at the same time, but it was a nice surprise,” Simon said.

They graduated from recruit

school and electronics technician training together before SQNLDR Longley was posted to RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia and WOFF Longley to RAAF Base Richmond in NSW.

The pair shared many things in the early days, including their sala-ry. The confusion caused by identi-cal twins being on the same course meant only Andrew was paid for the first few months.

In 1995, SQNLDR Longley remustered as an airborne electron-ics analyst on the Orion aircraft, eventually commissioning as an air combat officer in 2002.

WOFF Longley said sharing Air Force experiences had been special for the twins.

“Even more importantly, we’ve remained best mates throughout the whole journey,” he said.

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Some of the ways Air Force supported APEC 2018:

Radar surveillanceBEING involved in Operation APEC 18 Assist was particularly special for No. 41 Wing,

41WG was formed in Port Moresby 75 years ago in the thick of WWII. One of its units, No. 114 Mobile Control and Reporting Unit, received two bat-tle honours for its distinguished and dedicated service in the region.

The unit found itself on the out-skirts of Port Moresby, just a few kilometres from its parent wing’s birthplace, in mid-November when it deployed to the APEC summit.

Home to an advanced tactical air defence radar system, 114MCRU pro-vided an elite air surveillance capa-bility to bolster the overall security support mission for APEC.

Commanding Officer 114MCRU WGCDR Brett Risstrom said the unit’s deployment to Port Moresby – its first since returning from Afghanistan in 2009 – was a “poignant time” in the unit’s history.

“Serving operationally in PNG again after 75 years is very special, given our long and distinguished ser-vice record in the region,” he said.

Military working dogsIN THE first deployment since East Timor, Air Force military working dogs and their handlers travelled with No. 114 Mobile Control and Reporting Unit and its tactical air defence radar system to the outskirts of Port Moresby as part of a specialised force protection unit for APEC.

Dog handler ACW Annari De Jong was in charge of German shepherd Dawn and said it was rewarding to see her four-legged colleague’s hard work pay off in a different environ-ment. “It has been great having the chance to deploy with the dogs for the first time,” she said.

Air traffic controlTO HELP manage airspace conges-tion during APEC, ADF air traffic con-trol specialists were integrated as mil-itary liaison officers at Port Moresby’s Jackson International Airport.

Four officers were also embarked in HMAS Adelaide to help coordinate air movements around the ADF’s Maritime Task Group.

SQNLDR Patricia Atkinson, one of two Air Force officers based at the air-port, said working with her PNG col-leagues was a rewarding experience.

Make that a double serve

A job well done with a little help

WORKING IN THE WINGS

A 1SQN F/A-18F Super Hornet provides air

security over Port Moresby as part of

Australia’s support to APEC 2018.

SQNLDR Simon Longley, left, and twin WOFF Andrew Longley in Port Moresby during the APEC summit, and (inset, with Simon on left) as aircraftmen after graduating from No. 1 Recruit Training Unit in 1989. Photo: AB Kieren Whiteley

SQNLDR Patricia Atkinson with PNG air traffic control cadet Lorraine Wapi at Jackson International Airport in Port Moresby. Photos: AB Kieren Whiteley

Handler CPL Adam Sykes conducts a building clearance

with military working dog Herc in Port Moresby.

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Alisha Welch

MAINTAINERS have started F-35A training at the Integrated Training Centre (ITC) in No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit at RAAF Base Williamtown.

Williamtown is busily preparing for the arrival of the first F-35A aircraft at No. 3 Squadron in December.

Until now, Australian maintenance personnel have completed all their F-35A training in the US.

Project Director Support Systems GPCAPT Guy Adams, of Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Division, said while the Australian training capability was estab-lished at Williamtown, Air Force maintainers would continue to be embedded at Luke Air Force Base (AFB) in Arizona, gaining first-hand knowledge of F-35A maintenance and logistics operations.

“Fourteen students are currently training at Williamtown,” GPCAPT Adams said.

“This includes six avionics technicians, four air-craft technicians and four armament technicians. All students at the ITC have also completed Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS) training on or off the aircraft depending on the trade, a safety and familiarisation course, as well as a ground-handling course. Each course is trade-specific.”

Australian maintainers have access to world-class facilities both at Williamtown and in the US. An Ejection Systems Maintenance Trainer (ESMT) and Weapons Load Trainer (WLT) – part of the delivery of training equipment by an Antonov An-124 on May 2 – were connected to the facili-ties in the ITC at 2OCU ahead of the maintenance courses beginning in September on the ESMT.

“These trainers have been available for staff familiarisation training since July,” GPCAPT Adams said.

Project Manager JSF Training Systems Shane Northover, of JSF Division, said after students had graduated from the ITC, they would have fulfilled the academic portion of trade training prior to beginning on-the-job-training at Luke AFB.

“Maintainers completing their training will post to Luke AFB in early 2019 for staggered periods up to 12 months,” Mr Northover said.

The first cadre of 3SQN maintainers recently finished their training at Luke AFB, following RAAF trade group training at the F-35 Academic Training Centre at Eglin AFB in Florida. Many will return to Williamtown with the first F-35A aircraft in December.

“The RAAF maintenance trade structure differs from the US Air Force structure, so the training had to be tailored to meet our technical requirements,” Mr Northover said.

CO 3SQN WGCDR Darren Clare said he expected a lot from the squadron’s maintenance team.

“We have taken on the philosophy of ‘nose-to-tail’ maintenance, where every F-35A maintainer can do any job on the aircraft,” WGCDR Clare said.

“We will still have our specialists, but we need to build maximum potential from a small force.

“Maintenance personnel also need to be low observable specialists, as they need to fully under-stand the impact they might be having on the aircraft’s signature. These are new skills that are necessary in a fifth-generation workforce.”

Building a sovereign training capability is a priority for the Australian F-35A Project. Future training equipment deliveries to 2OCU will include six full mission simulators for F-35A pilot training, with two of these currently being installed.

GPCAPT Adams said initial F-35A pilot train-ing was progressing well at the F-35 International Pilot Training Centre at Luke AFB.

“Pilot currency training is planned to commence at Williamtown early next year and operational conversion is scheduled for 2020,” GPCAPT Adams said.

If you are a technician and have a preference for employ-ment as an F-35A maintainer, contact your career manager in the Directorate of Personnel – Air Force.

WEAPONS LOAD TRAINER

A WEAPONS Load Trainer (WLT) is repre-sentative of all three F-35 models from the rear of the canopy to the rear of the aircraft fuselage.

It has a full set of landing gear, as well as fully operational internal weapons bays and operational hard-points beneath both wings for weapons installation.

It includes a common A and C model weapons bay on one side and a smaller B model on the other side, as well as an A and B model wing on one side and a larger C model wing on the other side.

The WLT will train personnel on the fol-lowing:

internal and external weapons man-agement

weapons loading and unloading alternate mission equipment installa-

tion and removal internal gun loading, unloading and

maintenance.

EJECTION SYSTEMS MAINTENANCE TRAINER

AN EJECTION Systems Maintenance Trainer (ESMT) is representative of the F-35 cockpit area, canopy and ejection seat and will ena-ble aircrew to train without having to remove aircraft from flight schedules.

It includes a flexible linear-shaped charge training aid used to instruct technicians on safe canopy maintenance, such as removal and replacement. It also has two ejection seats – one fitted to the ESMT and one stand-alone to be used for ejection seat familiarisation training.

The ESMT comes with a crane that is used to remove the ejection seat and includes two viewing platforms and hydraulic platforms used for other maintenance.

The ESMT will train personnel on the fol-lowing:

safe aircraft ingress/egress cockpit and ejection seat controls emergency canopy release ejection seat maintenance – removal and

replacement flexible linear-shaped charge maintenance ejection seat familiarisation.

7November 29, 2018RCEAIR F News

Airmen armed with right skills

F-35A maintenance training in full swing

Maintainers SGT Brooke Saunders and SGT David Thomson work on the flightline at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona.Photo: SGT Christopher Dickson

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Eamon Hamilton

IN AN Air Force first, members of No. 37 Squadron have been awarded the Chief of Joint Operations (CJOPS) Gold Group Commendation.

The Rotation 41 Maintenance Team from 37SQN was recognised for its efforts in the Middle East on Operation Accordion.

The 24-strong team of technicians, life support fitters and suppliers deployed from June to November 2017.

Air Commander Australia AVM Steven Roberton presented the Commendation on behalf of CJOPS at RAAF Base Richmond on November 12.

“Much like the 40 rotations before, you have displayed exemplary professionalism and mastery on operations,” AVM Roberton said.

“You should be incredibly proud of yourselves.”

Our Hercules have been deployed continuously to the Middle East since February 2003 and remain the primary means of airlift support for Australian personnel in theatre.

Senior Engineering Officer 37SQN SQNLDR Matthew Grinham said all Hercules maintenance teams deployed to the Middle East faced an array of challenges.

“The foremost challenge is supporting a demanding operational tempo, with much of our logistical and engineering support half a world away,” SQNLDR Grinham said.

“The very unforgiving operating environment adds to these challenges, especially when supporting forward operations out of Iraq and Afghanistan.

“All C-130 Maintenance Rotations have risen to these challenges and have supported essential intra-theatre air mobility capability in doing so.”

Members of Rotation 41 Maintenance Team faced a unique string

of challenges during their deployment.“One example was the recovery of

an aircraft in Iraq with an unprecedented avionics failure, with the maintenance team recording temperatures during the repair approaching 100 degrees celsius,” SQNLDR Grinham said.

With no other C-130J ever experiencing this fault, the Maintenance Team sent five members to Baghdad to investigate and repair the aircraft.

On another occasion, the team repaired a nose landing gear bulkhead of one of the two Hercules on deployment, which untreated could potentially have proven catastrophic.

Despite these challenges, the Maintenance Team was able to keep the other C-130J flying in support of operations.

“The entire team provided exceptional support in maintaining an air mobility capability while managing a number of substantial technical issues,” SQNLDR Grinham said.

“The dedicated efforts of the entire team to deliver uninterrupted Hercules capability in these conditions is truly amazing and supports the recognition the members have received.”

WOFF Wade Shipway who led Rotation 41 Maintenance Team said his personnel worked across remote locations, coalition and regional forces, and civilian agencies to get the C-130Js in the air.

“They tirelessly combined multi-source engineering support from agencies spread across four time zones,” WOFF Shipway said.

“Their agility and dedication was instrumental to delivering around-the-clock maintenance support, all while deployed in multiple locations in the Middle East.

“The team generated fully mission-capable aircraft through its can-do attitude and cohesive approach to every task.”

Gold star for

team Air Commander Australia AVM Steven Roberton, right, presents the Acting CO No. 37SQN, SQNLDR Aidrian Willey, with a Chief of Joint Operations Group Gold Commendation for C-130J Maintenance Rotation 41. Inset: LAC Damian Hart salutes AVM Roberton after receiving his Gold Commendation.Photos: CPL Casey Forster

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Eamon Hamilton

IDAHO in the United States might seem an unlikely place to find a Hercules from No. 37 Squadron training for combat airlift missions.

In reality, the Mountain Home Range Complex operated by the US Air Force (USAF) in Idaho challenges aircrew and aircraft like few other environments can.

A 37SQN Hercules deployed to Mountain Home Air Force Base for intensive training from October 24 to November 1.

Covering 19,000 sq km of airspace and 500 sq km of land, the complex has two air-to-ground ranges and 30 electronic combat sites.

This includes the Saylor Creek Range, which contains radar, missile, gun and artillery sites.

Like the Nevada Test and Training Range used for mass-formation missions during the Red Flag advanced aerial combat training exercises in the US, the ranges in Idaho can also simulate an array of threats to aircraft.

Detachment Commander for 37SQN FLTLT Pete Cseh said Mountain Home Range Complex could accommodate individual training needs.

“At Saylor Creek Range we

have 100 per cent control over our exercises and scenarios,” FLTLT Cseh said.

“The simulated threats can be spread out and better controlled. The range facilities are fantastic and we get looked after very well.”

In recent years, Australia’s C-130J Hercules have received c o m m u n i c a t i o n s a n d s e l f -protection upgrades to ensure they can continue delivering in tough environments.

They have also been equipped for the Joint Precision Aerial Delivery System, which uses GPS-guidance to airdrop cargo.

As an emerging technology for Air Mobility Group, JPADS must be tested under combat conditions.

FLTLT Rob Maliphant , a C-130J captain with 37SQN, said Australia had nothing like the Mountain Home complex.

“Mountain Home Air Force Base has a really good mix of terrain and various airfields that we can use,” FLTLT Maliphant said.

“When you combine the mountains, range complex, and the short distance they are from the base it’s the perfect opportunity to meet our training objectives in the one location.”

9November 29, 2018RCEAIR F News

At home on the rangeHercules trains in the US

GPS-guided cargo leaves a 37SQN Hercules over the Saylor Creek Range in Idaho. Inset: Loadmasters SGT Karl Penny and SGT James Lambeth prepare to drop the cargo using the precision-guided system. Photos: US Air Force

Eamon Hamilton

AMONG those taking the plunge from No. 36 Squadron’s C-17A Globemasters during the Legacy Skydive event this year was squadron CO WGCDR Pete Thompson.

It was WGCDR Thompson’s first jump from a C-17 and his final flight in charge of the Globemaster before he hands over command of 36SQN in December.

Donating more than $38,000 between them for the opportunity to jump from a C-17A, more than 270 civilian skydivers travelled to RAAF Base Amberley on November 10.

Three missions took them over Ramblers Drop Zone in Toogoolawah, where they made the jump.

WGCDR Thompson took off in command of the third mission of the day. He handed over the controls to another pilot near the drop zone and jumped in a tandem skydiving rig.

“I haven’t jumped from the C-17 before or conducted free fall before. It was an awesome experience and I see why people catch the parachuting bug,” WGCDR Thompson said.

He said the Legacy skydiving event

was a fulfilling way to cap off his tour with the squadron.

“The feedback we had from the jumpers on the day was outstanding – not one complaint,” WGCDR Thompson said.

“They were all in awe of the aircraft and how they were treated. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many.

“They all donated to go on the flight, with one gentlemen raising $5000 for the opportunity to jump from a C-17A.”

Held annually since 2016, the Legacy Skydive at 36SQN has raised nearly $80,000.

The money raised will help with running camps for Legatees, along with other support programs for Legacy families.

Taylah Green is among those being assisted by Legacy Australia and made her second tandem jump from a C-17A at this year’s event.

“Last year my father, SQNLDR Brett Green, passed away while still in the Defence Force and Legacy took me and my family on board,” she said.

“It’s been beneficial for me to go and hang out at the Legacy support house and speak to people who understand what it’s like to lose a parent.”

Leap leaves a lasting legacy

CO 36SQN WGCDR Pete Thompson with junior

Legatee Taylah Green at RAAF Base Amberley.

Photo: Eamon Hamilton

Honouring a family history

10 November 29, 2018RCEAIR FRemembrance Day

Changes to Employer Support Payment Scheme

from January 2019

Do you or your employer receive Employer Support Payment Scheme

(ESPS) payments?

The process for submitting applications for payment under the ESPS is changing.

From 1 January 2019, applications for payment under the ESPS must be lodged online.

Webforms AD138-1 to AD138-4 will not be accepted from that date.

To find out more about the changes: www.defencereservessupport.gov.au D

PS

:MAY

032/

18

SGT Dave Morley

A ONCE-in-a-lifetime opportunity allowed an Australia’s Federation Guard (AFG) member to honour his WWI relatives at the Australian War Memorial on a Remembrance Day 100 years since the war ended.

LAC Brendon Lukin said being involved in the Memorial’s centenary ceremony meant a lot as three brothers from his father’s side of the family died during that war.

“TPR Dudley Lukin, of the 10th Light Horse Regiment, was killed just below Lone Pine at Gallipoli in August 1915; SGT Henry Lukin was posted MIA (missing in action) in July 1916, at Villers-Bretonneux; and CPL Lionel Lukin was killed at the Somme in June 1918,” he said.

“Henry and Lionel were both in the 28th Infantry Battalion. They were an influ-ence on me joining the ADF because I was aware serving our country ran through my family. It’s also why two of my uncles and a grandfather later enlisted.”

LAC Lukin, a musician by trade, has been

in the Air Force for more than 14 years and in Australia’s Federation Guard for 18 months.

His brother Gavin Lukin is an Army Reserve musician with the 1st/15th Royal NSW Lancers Band.

LAC Lukin said he enjoyed being in AFG because of the diversity.

“It represents all trades, all musterings and all three services and I get a lot of enjoyment from that,” he said.

“It’s been a real opportunity for me to meet people from other parts of the ADF and also learn a lot more about the history of the ADF.

“One of my career highlights was to go to Belgium, where we marched for the King of Belgium on Belgian National Day.”

LAC Lukin encouraged Air Force mem-bers to consider a posting to AFG.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to do some-thing completely different from what you might have been doing in your usual trade,” he said.

“You might even get an overseas trip out of it.”

Serving runs in the blood

Peta Magorian

PERSONNEL from RAAF Base Pearce were prominent among the volunteers who stepped in to help the RSL in Western Australia create and install 62,000 handcrafted red poppies in Perth’s Kings Park to mark the cente-nary of the WWI Armistice.

Their efforts were in support of the nationwide Poppy Project, designed to commemorate the 62,000 Australian soldiers who died in the Great War.

The project was divided in two phases, covering the creation then the installation of the poppies, and the RSL needed armies of volunteers to carry out both.

RAAF Base Pearce was part of the ADF response to the call for help, host-ing the biggest creation workshop of the WA project. More than 50 volunteers prepared 1968 stems and French-knitted 1150m worth of poppy stem covers in four hours.

CO No. 25 Squadron WGCDR Brett

Mitchell was pleased to see so many personnel working tirelessly together to get the job done.

“Answering the call for volunteers to partake in this project united the base at every level,” he said.

Air Force personnel were also among the more than 140 Defence members who helped plant the poppies in the lawns of Kings Park surrounding the State War Memorial.

The completed installation was a striking field of red reaching down to the memorial, with smaller “fallen” poppies circling the eternal flame.

WGCDR Mitchell said it was “pleasing to be able to give something back and strengthen the ties between the serving and retired members and create that strong sense of belonging and esprit de corps that makes us all one of the same family”.

The poppies remained in place for the official commemorative services on Remembrance Day and were later avail-able for purchase.

Popping in to help with a monumental project

LAC Brendon Lukin, at the Australian War Memorial on Remembrance Day, finds the names of two of his great-uncles who were killed in action during WWI. Photo: SGT Dave Morley

Volunteers from RAAF Base Pearce in a field of handcrafted poppies at Kings Park in Perth for Remembrance Day. Photo: LS Kylie Jagiello

11November 29, 2018RCEAIR F Remembrance Day

AB Kieren Whiteley

AS PERSONNEL deployed to Papua New Guinea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) sum-mit took time out of their busy sched-ules for reflection on Remembrance Day, the significance of the location was not lost on FLTLT Patrick Verdich.

The logistics officer, in PNG on November 11 as part of Operation APEC 18 Assist, marked the centenary of the WWI Armistice at the place his great-great-uncle, LCPL Kevin Burke, fought and died 75 years earlier.

FLTLT Verdich found some quiet time beside the grave of LCPL Burke, who was killed while helping to defend Port Moresby.

“It meant a lot to be able to visit his burial site while serving on operations in the same country in which he passed away. It’s a moment I’ll cherish forever,” he said.

LCPL Burke enlisted in the Army in June 1940 and served in the Middle East before being sent to the campaign against Japan in the Pacific.

He was killed in action during a Japanese air raid on Port Moresby on April 12, 1943, and is now buried at the Bomana War Cemetery, 20km north of Port Moresby.

FLTLT Verdich attended a Remembrance Day ceremony at the PNG Defence Force’s Murray Barracks.

“I hope many more ADF personnel get the opportunity to reflect on their ancestors’ service and pay respects for their ultimate sacrifice,” he said.

“It’s an experience that has given my service a whole new meaning.”

‘It’s a moment I’ll cherish forever’

FLTLT Patrick Verdich visits the grave of his great-great-uncle, LCPL Kevin Burke, at Bomana War Cemetery in Port Moresby. Photo: AB Kieren Whitely

12 13RCEAIR FCentrepiece November 29, 2018

A C-17A Globemaster from No. 36 Squadron has landed at an isolated Pacific island to perform a forward arming and

refuelling point (FARP) exercise with a US Air Force C-130 Hercules.

Wake Island military airfield hosted the Globemaster aircraft in September in a display of bilateral cooperation across the Pacific region.

With engines shut down on both aircraft, a hose from the cargo hold of the Globemaster transferred 10,000lb of fuel to the Hercules.

A FARP mission allows a larger aircraft to transfer fuel and ordnance, usually to aircraft, vehicles and ground equipment at forward airfields where other refuelling options are not available or will take too long to perform.

Two days later, a USAF C-17A Globemaster deployed to RAAF Base

Amberley to perform a FARP procedural check with a No. 6 Squadron EA-18G Growler as part of Exercise Kangaroo Ace.

Working alongside 36SQN, the US crew also participated in an aeromedical evacuation training flight and a two-ship formation flight over the coast of the south-east Queensland, and conducted air-to-air refuelling training with a KC-30A from No. 33 Squadron.

XO 36SQN SQNLDR Tim Smith said this kind of training was invaluable for personnel on both sides of the Pacific.

“The training we get from seeing each squadron operate is very valuable and sharing ideas and skills brings us closer together in the region,” SQNLDR Smith said.

“In the case of the C-17A Globemaster, the RAAF and USAF aircraft are managed as part of a

common global fleet and the crews operate them using similar procedures.

“Being able to land Globemasters from either nation and perform a refuelling mission to another aircraft on a remote island are just some of the ways we are further increasing our interoperability and increasing our capability.”

The activities on Wake Island and at Amberley were agile combat employment activities conducted under the auspices of the Enhanced Air Cooperation (EAC) program between the USAF Pacific Air Forces and the RAAF. Exercise Kangaroo Ace is part of the EAC program.

The program is designed to increase interoperability between Australian and US forces, as well as strengthen capability and cooperation with regional nations.

FLTLT Stephanie Anderson

AEROMEDICAL evacuation scenarios were played out mid-flight with teams from No. 3 Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and a US Air Force (USAF) C-17 from Hickam Air Base in Hawaii in late September.

The scenarios were part of an aeromedical activity as part of the Enhanced Air Cooperation program to increase Australia’s interoperability with the US.

Each air force has different ways of operating within an aircraft and the aeromedical activities help personnel from the RAAF and USAF become familiar with each other’s processes.

WGCDR Elicia McGinniss, a RAAF exchange officer with the USAF, said it helped to know what to

expect when operating on another na-tion’s aircraft.

“While we do operate in a very similar way there are differences. In ad-dition to becoming familiar with each other, it’s good to observe and learn how others do things so we can ensure we’re doing best practice.”

The aeromedical teams were given patients to load onto the aircraft, diag-nose, treat and offload to simulate an aeromedical evacuation mission that may occur in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief situations or on op-erations in a warlike environment.

LTCOL Penny Cunningham, of the USAF Pacific Air Forces, was an observer for the activity.

“Our aircrew fly a lot with our own aeromedical teams, so this was great to get outside the comfort zone and also

build positive friendships and relation-ships,” she said.

The flight left from RAAF Base Amberley and lasted a few hours, which gave the team a chance to run through several scenarios.

FLTLT Karen Nicholls, 3AMES Amberley OIC, said it was “great to get on board and run through some scenarios”.

“After this, we’re all going to feel comfortable getting onto a USAF aircraft in a situation where we have to conduct an aeromedical evacuation, and we’ll definitely feel welcome,” she said.

This was the second aeromedical interoperability activity between Aus-tralia and the US.

The first was held in February this year during Exercise Cope North in Guam.

Australian and US squadrons open doors to each other’s operations so they can be comfortable working together, SQNLDR Shaun Donnelly reports

FAMILIARITY BREEDS

CONTENT

International Engagement

Patients and patience in shared scenarios

‘Sharing ideas and skills

brings us closer together in the

region.– SQNLDR Tim Smith,

XO 36SQN

A US Air Force Globemaster flies over the outskirts of Brisbane during Exercise Kangaroo Ace.Photos: CPL Jesse Kane

Aircraft structural fitter LACW Jessica Brinworth and USAF Senior Airman Coty Walker at RAAF Base Amberley during the combined exercise.Photo: CPL Jessica de Rouw

Medics from 3AMES prepare to board a USAF Globemaster

with a patient as part of Exercise Kangaroo Ace.

Health Operational Conversion Unit nursing officers FLTLT Tassie Smith and FLTLT Sonya Etches liaise with US counterpart LTCOL Penny Cunningham on board a USAF Globemaster.

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LIFE IN THE RAAF

Fits like a glove CPL Bill Solomou meets a former apprentice fitter and turner who reaped rewards after choosing an Air Force career

Ground Mechanical Engineer Fitter LAC Jarred Dowsett, of 24SQN, at RAAF Base Edinburgh.Photo: CPL Bill Solomou

FeatureRCEAIR F November 29, 2018 15

When the power industry in NSW went through drastic changes in 2014, it provided an opportunity for a young

apprentice to join Air Force.LAC Jarred Dowsett had just com-

pleted his fitter and turner apprenticeship at the Wallerawang Power Station when a decision was made to close the facility. He was among the workers who lost their jobs.

It was then the 25-year-old father of one decided to look at the ADF as an employer.

“I applied for both Army and Air Force, with Air Force offering me the opportunity to join practically the next day,” LAC Dowsett said.

Since enlisting as an Air Force Ground Mechanical Engineer Fitter (GMEFITT), he is proud to put on the blue uniform.

“We have a family history in Army, however I am the first RAAFie,” LAC Dowsett said.

LAC Dowsett is posted to RAAF Base Edinburgh as a member of the Mechanical

Equipment Operations and Maintenance Section within No. 24 Squadron.

He said his role varied from metal fab-rication to servicing the aircraft arrestor system on the flightline.

“We service anything that doesn’t fly,” he said.

“I enjoy my role as a GMEFITT. It is challenging and you get to do something different nearly every day.

“Having the ability to offer mentoring and training is another thing I love about the job.”

LAC Dowsett said Air Force was a great place to work and he “likes the fact that I am contributing to the big picture”.

“Although we are a tiny cog in the big wheel, I love serving our nation,” he said.

“The great thing about an organisa-tion like Air Force is that it gives you the opportunity to try something different, to improve yourself.

“I am a big believer in contributing 100 per cent and giving everything a go.”

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FLGOFF Graham Orams

TAMWORTH has played host to a world first with 30 CT-4B trainer air-craft flying over the town’s CBD.

The 30-ship flypast celebrated the long-standing partnership between BAE Systems and the ADF Basic Flying Training School (BFTS).

The BAE-initiated event showcased the CT-4B, affectionately known as the Parrot, which has 27 years of opera-tional service in Tamworth.

BAE Systems Project Manager in Tamworth Jim Maguire said he wanted to hold the event before staff and stu-dent numbers dropped off in prepara-tion for close of operations at the end of 2019.

“We’ve only got 12 to 14 months left to run here and it was the ideal opportunity to boost morale and moti-vation,” he said.

Mr Maguire said he was particu-larly motivated to organise the event after being told the formation was not achievable.

“I was told you could never achieve a 30-ship formation because there would never be enough pilots or never be enough planes,” he said.

CO ADF BFTS WGCDR Leigh Dunnett said the flypast was “a real highlight of my three-year command”.

“The icing on the cake was the clear pride all of my team and their families displayed,” he said.

WGCDR Dunnett said getting 30 aircraft airborne at once, from a fleet of the same number, was an exception-al achievement and required seamless teamwork between BAE, the school and many other agencies.

“The success of this activity is evidence of the excellent relationship between ADF BFTS and BAE Systems Flight Training Tamworth,” WGCDR Dunnett said.

BFTS will finish flying operations on the CT-4B next October. No. 1 Flying Training School will stand up at RAAF Base East Sale and commence operations on the PC-21 in January.

A party of Parrots at their peak

A record formation of Parrots flies over Tamworth. Inset: Basic Flying Training School CT-4 aircraft during the flypast. Photos: CPL David Gibbs, CPL Nicci Freeman

Flying school’s 30-ship flypast

16 November 29, 2018RCEAIR FNews

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MORE than $540,000 was channelled from the Army and Air Force Canteen Service (AAFCANS) vending machines into Defence welfare funds in the past financial year.

In all, AAFCANS contributed $549,026 from its automated retail vending program to Army and Air Force welfare.

The top three Air Force wel-fare recipients were RAAF Base Williamtown, which received $39,624.13, RAAF Base Edinburgh with $17,904.63 and RAAF Base Amberley with $14,302.58.

The profits generated by 274 AAFCANS-branded vending machines, located across 28 ADF bases, went to 31 Defence welfare funds.

AAFCANS vending machines earn big rewards for their host bases and provide members with 24-hour access to amenities.

AAFCANS is developing a new range of tap-and-go vending facilities.

Machines that include heat-and-serve meals, protein and health snacks, beauty and convenience products, and barista-style coffee are being trialled at some bases.

AAFCANS managing director Stewart McGrow said ADF clubs had access to wholesale pricing, discounts, trade promotions and base deliveries via AAFCANS canteens.

“The support offered includes coffee machines, consumables, grocery and beverage products, and assistance with point-of-sale equipment and training,” he said.

“Our current Red Bull promo-tion offers clubs purchase incentives, freebies and a chance to contribute to AAFCANS promotional funds in aid of Army and Air Force welfare.”

For more information contact AAFCANS HQ on (07) 3332 6356, visit the AAFCANS website at aafcans.com.au/giving_back or speak with local canteen managers

How our snacks are giving back

FLGOFF Bel Scott

A MULTI-MILLION-dollar train-ing system that can help save the lives of ADF personnel has been unveiled at the Institute of Aviation Medicine (IAM).

Senior Defence leaders viewed the Spatial Disorientation Training System while students on an air-crew aviation medicine refresher course used the system for the first time at RAAF Base Edinburgh last month.

The new device greatly enhanc-es ADF aviation medicine training capability by providing scenarios in which aircrew deal with in-flight disorientation.

IAM acting XO SQNLDR Martin Biner said in-flight disori-entation had long been a threat to flight safety due to the limitations of the human orientation system in the airborne environment.

“It has been the cause of fatal ADF aviation accidents in the past and will continue to be a threat to ADF aviation safety,” SQNLDR Biner said.

“Aviation medicine training at IAM frequently constitutes provid-ing ADF aircrew with knowledge and understanding of physiology in the classroom but this is best reinforced with practical experi-ences whenever possible. The abil-ity to provide practical experience

is often limited by the technology of the day,” he said.

“Our new training system is the third device of its kind at IAM, with a wider field of view, upgrad-ed motion system, better environ-mental realism and better flight models to replicate contemporary ADF training platforms to name a few.”

IAM, part of the Test and Evaluation Directorate within the Air Warfare Centre at Edinburgh, is responsible for ensuring the ADF aviation medicine risks (human performance limitations) are known, understood, and properly managed.

17November 29, 2018RCEAIR F News

Dealing with disorientation

High-tech training defuses danger of confusion

Profits from base vending machines go back into ADF welfare programs.

Institute of Aviation Medicine Development Flight Officer FLTLT Paul Collins controls the new Spatial Disorientation Training System. Photo: CPL Brenton Kwaterski

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18 November 29, 2018RCEAIR FWhite Ribbon

SGT Dave Morley

DISMAL weather didn’t deter a large number of Defence personnel turning out to support White Ribbon Day with a bridge-to-bridge walk at Lake Burley Griffin on November 22.

Director General Air Force 2021 AIRCDRE Andrew Elfverson, a White Ribbon Ambassador for five years, said the walk was an opportunity for Defence to demonstrate it supported the White Ribbon cause.

“As we increase the number of females employed in Defence, it’s important we can show we are taking this seriously,” he said.

“Domestic violence is a social problem Australia has to deal with and any violence is a tragedy, especially with the toll it takes on families and in particular the women in our com-munity and therefore the women in Defence.

“It’s important we stand up and we make this public statement.”

AIRCDRE Elfverson said i t was good to see the weather hadn’t deterred a good-sized group from taking part reflecting on the cause of White Ribbon.

The event included a post-walk sausage sizzle in Blamey Square, where Defence support organisations set up information tables and walkers were entertained by elements of the Band of the Royal Military College.

Taking the right stepsTHE WHITE RIBBON VISION

WHITE Ribbon Day aims to raise aware-ness of men’s violence against women and how to prevent it in the community.

White Ribbon’s vision is that all women live in safety, free from all forms of vio-lence. Its mission is to make women’s safety a men’s issue.

It encourages men to play an active role in preventing violence against women.

The day aims to encourage men to show their support for the campaign by

taking the White Ribbon pledge to “stand up, speak out and act” to prevent men’s violence against women.

Fundraising for promotion, support and education are undertaken through ribbon sales, morning teas, community engage-ment activities, sponsored runs and walks.

Defence is a supporter of White Ribbon Australia and all three services are White Ribbon accredited.

ADF personnel and APS members participate in Defence’s annual White Ribbon Day bridge-to-bridge walk around Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra. Photo: Jay Cronan

SASR SELECTION COURSE 2019Applications NOW OPEN, closes 08 FEB 19 | Course starts 04 May 2019Further details: http://drnet.defence.gov.au/Army/SFTC/Pages/Home.aspx

19November 29, 2018RCEAIR F Training

FLTLT Tracey Li

A NEW Air Force Training Group (AFTG) will be presented to ADF stakeholders to better meet “raise, train and sustain” obligations that will take effect in January.

AFTG has been undergoing significant reform to modernise the Air Force education and training system under Plan Jericho Project 16 in the past two years.

WGCDR Jude McCann, Implementation Manager of Plan Jericho Project 16, said there would be three major changes to the current AFTG structure starting next year:

A new Ground Academy consisting of the merger of RAAF College and Ground Training Wing.

A new Air Academy, which is the reorganisa-tion of Air Training Wing including all of its responsibilities, capabilities and functions.

A new Student Services Hub at RAAF Bases Wagga and East Sale to provide centralised administrative, logistics and training systems support services at each location.

CMDR AFTG AIRCDRE Glen Braz acknowledged that personnel might take a while to get used to the new names but was he opti-mistic about the changes.

“This reform will reduce organisational complexity and provide clearer role account-abilities, which can provide greater agility and efficiency in the Air Force education and train-ing system,” AIRCDRE Braz said.

“I am confident that the new AFTG will be able to better deliver essential, effective and efficient training to enable our integrated and fifth-generation Air Force.”

Key changes unveiledAir Force Training Group reform

Aviation Officer candidates PLTOFF Jack Shellcot and PLTOFF Sam Adams at the Aviation Training School at RAAF Base East Sale.Photo: PO Rick Prideaux

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THE ADF’S top doctor has remind-ed ADF members the Australian Government’s My Health Record ini-tiative is separate from Defence health records.

Commander Joint Health and ADF Surgeon General AVM Tracy Smart said deciding whether to opt out of My Health Record was a personal choice and would not affect individual Defence health records.

My Health Record will provide all Australians with an online summary of their health information, which can be shared with health-care providers.

People have until the end of January to opt out of the program. For those who don’t opt out, a My Health Record will be created for the details on their Medicare or DVA card or an Individual Healthcare Identifier.

“My Health Record is a separate eHealth record and is not synchronised with your Defence eHealth records,” AVM Smart said.

“ADF members who elect to have a My Health Record profile have full con-trol over what health information is added to it, and this is not in any way dictated by Defence.”

She encouraged all members to visit the My Health Record website and make an informed decision.

For more information on My Health Record go to myhealthrecord.gov.au/ or ring1800 723 471. For Individual Healthcare Identifiers contact 1300 361 457 or healthcareidentifiers@human-services.gov.au

Opting out an option till January

SQNLDR Pete Croce

HEADQUARTERS Air Command Logistics directorate has achieved a first for an Air Force organisation with the development of a team-wide coaching charter.

Personnel across all ranks from the Logistics directorate at RAAF Base Glenbrook devel-oped the document to facilitate and drive proactive coaching techniques after participating in a Coaching 101 Workshop.

CPL Melinda Cannavo, the directorate’s local site adminis-trator, said the one-day course and the ensuing coaching charter would ensure personnel in the high-tempo directorate could contribute to their full potential.

“As a directorate we decided to develop a coaching charter that outlined the coaching techniques and tools that we could sign up to and commit to using in our workplace,” CPL Cannavo said.

“Development of the charter spanned all ranks in the team so that we could all have the chance to equally contribute to its creation as well as its imple-mentation.

“In signing the charter, we

all agree to focus on giving everyone the chance to be their best in their role and provide opportunities to help each other develop as Air Force and APS members.”

Coaching 101 facilitator, GPCAPT Karon Millett, said the coaching charter outlined what principles they would fol-low to support coaching and how they would implement it into the workplace.

“Coaching techniques and tools such as active listening, asking open questions, setting SMART goals and helping people to come up with their own plans to achieve their goals helps create a culture that fos-ters innovation and empower-ment,” GPCAPT Millett said.

“People capability is key to Air Force achieving its fifth generation goals and also allows us to contribute strongly in the joint domain.

“ACAUST has reinforced a commitment to a coaching culture as an important and necessary step in the transition to a fifth-generation Air Force during his commander’s call in October and Theme 2 of Plan Jericho intends to develop an innovative and empowered workforce.”

20 November 29, 2018RCEAIR FPersonnel

Coaching charter

CPL Melinda Cannavo and

her colleagues are developing a

coaching charter.Photo: CPL Casey

Forster

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21November 29, 2018RCEAIR F Flightline

DEPARTURE LOUNGE

Who’s leaving after 20+ years

CPL Monare Reitermeier, of 10SQN, cleans general service equipment at Royal Malaysian Air Force Base Butterworth during her Operation Gateway deployment. Photo: SGT Pete Gammie

Above: ADF PTI students show their strength during their graduation display at HMAS Cerberus, Victoria. Photo: PO Nina FoglianiBelow: CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies presents SGT Daniel Amiet with the Rolls-Royce Eagle Trophy at the Commonwealth Club, Canberra. Photo: SGT Rodney Welch

Name Years

WOFF Neil Scott-Jackson 41

FSGT Peter Jackson 40

WGCDR Anthony Wennerbom 36

AIRCDRE Christine Guilfoyle 33

SQNLDR Mauricio Bassaletti 33

WOFF Steven Foster 31

LAC Danny Hawthorne 30

FSGT Paul Ward 29

GPCAPT Nina Harvey 28

WGCDR David Lavicka 28

SQNLDR Graham Hall 28

SQNLDR Clinton Kelly 28

WOFF Brett Parker 28

WOFF Simon Koch 26

WGCDR Terence Atkinson 25

SGT Nathan Hill 24

SQNLDR Christopher Loeliger 23

SQNLDR David Scomazzon 20

WOFF Rebecca Gibbons 20

SGT Bryan Camlin 20

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22 November 29, 2018RCEAIR FSp rt

CPL Julia Whitwell

AN UPSET loss in the final event could not take away from some impressive results by Air Force riders at the ADF Cycling National Carnival in Canberra from October 22-26.

Among the standout riders at Mt Stromlo was CPL Sarah Booth, who was crowned Gravity Goddess, for her efforts in the gravity enduro. She also finished first in the elite women’s downhill category.

FLTLT Adam Nelson was the Cross-Country God: King of the Mountain, having won the elite section of the cross-country Olympic event.

FSGT Nicola Harford, meanwhile, won the elite women’s cross-country short-track and cyclocross events.

Air Force riders – SGT James Miller, FSGT Paul Hollander and LAC Steven Smith – also completed a clean sweep of the masters cyclocross.

The disappointment for Air Force was a disqualification in the carnival’s culminating event, the tri-cyclathon relay, in which road riders handed over to successive cross-country riders before a downhill finale.

Downhill rider LAC Simon Campbell said he knew it was going to be tight from the outset.

With just the downhill leg to go, the third-stage riders for Army Team One and RAAF Team One reached their teammates at the same time, but the Air Force rider didn’t have a ribbon to hand over.

“Someone lost it in the early stages of the race and we just had to finish without it,” LAC Campbell said.

“We rolled past each other and high-fived, and I figured it was just fun now. There was nothing else we could do.”

LAC Campbell then gained a slight lead ahead of Army downhill rider CAPT Cameron Shilton before losing his chain on the track.

He said he did his best but “the odds were against us”. Without a rib-bon to hand over, RAAF Team One was disqualified.

CAPT Shilton said there was no way of knowing how the race would have gone if the Air Force ribbon was still in play.

“LAC Campbell is a pretty fast rider … I’d like to think I would have beaten him, but who knows,” he said.

Incoming president of ADF Cycling LCDR Kent Browning said while the competition was fierce the National Carnival was not just for elite riders.

“We had 130 personnel attend this year’s event, with the full range of experience from novices up. For many, it is an opportunity to try dif-ferent disciplines, while others used the opportunity to hone their skills in their preferred event, be that downhill, cross-country, road riding and even BMX,” LCDR Browning said.

For information on ADF Cycling, go to www.adfcc.adn.au.

Ups and downs

LAC Simon Campbell rides the downhill section of the tri-cyclathon relay at the ADF Cycling National Carnival in Canberra.Photo: CPL Julia Whitwell

23November 29, 2018RCEAIR F Sp rt

SGT Mark Doran

LAC Daniel Mooney put it all together when it counted most to wind up among the ADF win-ners at the International Surfing Festival in Cornwall, England.

In contestable waves at the surf capital of the UK, Tolcarne Beach in Newquay, members of the ADF Surf Riders Association competed against the UK Armed Forces on October 16 after a week of training and acclimati-sation.

The military surfing com-petition was tight across all four disciplines – men’s open shortboard, women’s open short-board, longboard and bodyboard – with the UK Armed Forces fielding a much stronger team on their home water than the one defeated in the inaugural International Surf Festival in Australia in 2017.

The 17 ADF surfers tri-umphed as the Champion Military Surfing Association with a score of 10,948 to 10,475

and also received trophies for the men’s open shortboard, women’s open shortboard and bodyboard disciplines.

After winning the men’s open shortboard, LAC Mooney, of No. 26 Squadron, said he was not really sure what happened.

“I just turned into a sort of wave magnet and managed to pick up a few of the good ones,” he said.

“Some of the Brit surfers live on top of the local cliffs and it’s their local break so they knew the ins and outs of the whole beach. They were very competitive, but the Australians managed to get first, second and fourth in the final.

“During the heats I was just scraping through but during the final I scored well enough to take the victory.”

As a father of two, LAC Mooney said his lead up train-ing was sparse but he took every opportunity to get in to the surf and improve his skills.

“Surfing is a family pastime

and a lifestyle for me,” he said.LAC Luke Adams placed

second in shortboard competi-tion while LAC Christopher Wilson performed strongly in the heats and took third in the longboard final.

Vice-president of the Air Force Surf Riders and team captain FLTLT Jason Griffiths said a highlight of the tour was Australian world champion surfer Mark Richards joining the military surfers for a memorial paddle-out after the competition.

“We had more than 60 surf-ers at the local Cornish beach, including veterans with disabili-ties, who took part in the sombre ceremony to remember those we have lost,” he said.

“The UK Armed Forces surf-ers have stepped up their game, but it was a unique competition and a lot of fun.”

For more information contact: FSGT Euan Grant euan.grant@defence.gov.au

SGT Mark Doran

AUSTRALIANS put in a strong effort in Malaysia during the inau-gural International Air Force Cricket Challenge to regain the Madsen Cup in a T20 match against New Zealand.

The International Air Force Cricket Challenge was contested in Kuala Lumpur between the RAF, RNZAF, RMAF and RAAF from October 11-17. The tournament opened with a 50-over match against the RMAF with strong batting performances by AC Cameron Nicholls, of 2SECFOR, and team captain CPL Joshua Mulligan, of 26SQN, to boost the score to122.

Determined bowling by LAC Lucky Wijesuriya, of 37SQN, CPL Michael Douglas, of DEOTS, and LAC Kuldeep Pegu, of 92WG, was not enough to prevent the Malaysians from achieving victory with five wickets in hand. The next day RAAF played a T20 match against the RNZAF.

Vice-President Air Force Cricket and team manager, SGT Ian Smith, of 81WG, said the match was significant because it was the Madsen Cup.

“The Madsen Cup was struck in honour of FLTLT Hayden Madsen, a RNZAF pilot and cricketer, who was killed in a helicopter crash on Anzac Day 2010,” he said.

“Accurate bowling allowed the Australian team to restrict the RNZAF to 126 off 20 overs.

“Our best bowlers were LAC Pegu, FLTLT Raymond Cox, of 1FTS, and CPL Jeremy Kirk, of 2OCU.

“Solid batting from LAC Thomas Lavender, of 1 SECFOR, FLGOFF Nitilaksh Prasad, of TASPO, and CPL Mulligan helped achieve victory in the final over.”

LAC Lavender was named player of the match.

The final match of the series was a 50-over match against the RAF.

CPL Mulligan said with the excep-tion of LAC Pegu and CPL Kirk, the RAAF team were unable to come to grips with the RAF bowling and posted a sub-par score of 98.

The plate final was against the RNZAF which posted a score of 204 off 20 overs.

In a thrilling finish, RAAF fell only six runs short of the New Zealanders’ total and finished on 7/198.

In the final match between the RMAF and RAF the Brits proved too strong for the RMAF hosts, bowling them out well short of the total.

A World Air Force XI team was then selected to play a T20 match against a Malaysian Cricket Association President’s XI with LAC Pegu, LAC Lavender, CPL Mulligan and FLGOFF Prasad selected for the team. The World Air Force XI scored 117 runs off 20 overs, but the MCA President’s XI cruised to victory with the loss of only two wickets..

All pitching in to regain the prize

Madsen Cup

SGT Mark Doran

AIR FORCE pulled out all stops to win the men’s and women’s T20 competition during the ADF National Cricket Championships held in Canberra and Queanbeyan from November 10-18, but Army proved too strong in the men’s and women’s one-day matches.

The men’s competition also compe-tition also benefitted from a fourth side representing the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF).

Day one of the tournament was a rest day for the women while the men faced the New Zealanders for a 50-over match.

The men’s team enjoyed a comfort-able 92-run victory with CPL Joshua Mulligan, of 26SQN, and OFFCDT Heet Amin, of ADFA, both scoring half centuries and LAC Dane Carter, of 3CR, and SGT Matthew Monaghan, of the Joint Strike Fighter Division, taking three wickets apiece.

But on the next day the men’s bat-ting capitulated in a 30-run loss to Navy.

Air Force Cricket Association President, SQNLDR Paul Collins, of 96WG said after three-wicket hauls from SGT Monaghan and SGT Ricky Mace, of 81WG, the batting failed to deliver with the exception of a half century from AC Jesse Bush, of 3SECFOR.

“The women fared better against the Navy, in their 40 over match, with an eight-wicket victory,” he said.

“The bowling honours went to ACW Emily Bennewith, of the Air Intelligence Unit, with three for eight and the batting highlight was 42 not out from LACW Tayla Seymour, of 22SQN.”

In the match against Army, the men’s batting again let them down.

SQNLDR Paul Collins said only a last wicket stand of 78 runs between LAC Lucky Wijesuriya and AC Aamir Brohi, both of 37SQN, allowed a defendable total.

“However, the target was easily reached by the Army with six wickets in hand,” he said.

“In the women’s match against Army, ACW Bennewith starred with 74 runs in an otherwise poor batting display.

“In a repeat of the men’s result, Army cantered to victory with the loss of only three wickets.”

In a thrilling finish, the women’s T20 match against Navy ended in a 103 run tie, the first in ADF women’s cricket history.

The men’s match against the RNZA was abandoned without a ball being bowled because of inclement weather.

SQNLDR Collins said the fifth day was not a good day for Air Force cricket.

“In the match against Army they set a respectable total of 149, with

OFFCDT Amin (49) and CPL Luke Thomas (47), making good contribu-tions, but Army reached the target in the final over,” he said.

“The best bowler was CPL Phillip Lavender, of 81WG, with two wick-ets.”

Against some tight Army bowl-ing, the Air Force women only scored score three for 93 off 20 overs.

The Army women chased down this modest total in the fifteenth over for the loss of just one wicket.

In the final men’s T20 pool match Navy batted first and finished on six for 127.

The best of the bowlers was LAC Carter with two wickets.

Air Force reached the target of 128 in the 19th over, for the loss of

five wickets. Best contributors were OFFCDT Amin (53 not out) and CPL Thomas (40).

These results meant the men’s and women’s teams qualified for the T20 final in Queanbeyan.

SQNLDR Collins said the women saved their best for last and bowled beautifully to have the Army at nine for 93 at the end of their 20 overs.

“CPL Lauren Lennox, of 22SQN with three wickets was the chief destroyer,” he said.

“LACW Kate Block (28), of 75SQN, was the mainstay of the innings and the scores were tied with one ball remaining.

ACW Bennewith (48 not out) dis-patched the final ball to the boundary to ensure the first ever victory in the Reg Ellis Cup.”

In the contest for the Angus Houston Cup, Air Force batted first and set Army a target of 137.

The major contributors were OFFCDT Amin (32) and LAC Thomas Lavender (25), of 1SECFOR.

SQNLDR Collins said the match was also set for a thrilling finish with Army requiring three runs to win off the last ball.

“SGT Ricky Mace, of 81WG, held his nerve on the final delivery and conceded only a single for Air Force to win by one run,” he said.

“The other notable bowler was LAC Carter with two wickets.”

LACW Seymour, of 22SQN, CPL Lennox, LACW Block, LACW Kathryn Asher, of 35 SQN, and ACW Bennewith were selected for the ADF Women’s Combined Services XI.

CPL Mulligan, SGT Monaghan, LAC Matthew Authurs, of 2SECFOR and OFFCDT Amin were selected for the ADF Men’s Combined Services XI.

At the end of the competition SQNLDR Paul Collins was also inducted as the sixth life member of Air Force Cricket.

Air Force Cricket is seeking new men and women cricket players. If interested contact RAAF.Cricket@defence.gov.au

Hitting sweet spot

Big splash made in the UK

ADF cricket

International Surfing Festival

CPL Joshua Mulligan, of 26SQN, defends his wicket against Navy during the ADF National Cricket Championships. Photo: SGT Mark Doran

SGT Benjamin Wilkie at the International Surfing Festival in Cornwall, UK.Photo: CPL Dave Blackburn (RAF)

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Feast of cricketPage 23

LACW Tayla Seymour, of 22SQN, batted well in the women’s one-day match in the ADF National Cricket Championships.Photo: PO Phil Cullinan