AIRF RCE - Department of Defence · AIRF RCE Vol. 60, No. 1, February 8, 2018 The official...

AIRF RCEVol. 60, No. 1, February 8, 2018 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED Our super Middle East Hornet team returns

Pages 2-3, 12-15

JOB WELL DONEAir Task Group strike element

personnel arrive back in Australia at RAAF Base Amberley on January 24. Inset: An Air Force member reunites with his family. Photos: CPL Craig Barrett

Australia Day honours coverage What’s it like to fly the F-35A?Pages 4-5 Pages 10-11

EDITORIALDirectorDavid Edlington

EditorLawrence Dutrieux: (02) 6266 7612

ReportersSGT Max BreeSGT Mark DoranCPL Bill SolomouCPL Sebastian BeurichCPL Julia WhitwellPTE Renee Breeze Sarah Collins

[email protected] Editor, Air Force News, R8-LG-047, PO Box 7909, Department of Defence, ACT 2600

ADVERTISING AND SUBSCRIPTIONSMarketing ManagerTim Asher: (07) 3332 7651 or

0459 842 551

Assistant Marketing ManagerPam Clarke: (02) 6265 2427

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2 February 8, 2018RCEAIR FNews

‘Australia is proud of you’A daughter greets

her father at RAAF Base Amberley.

Photo: CPL Craig Barrett

Our personnel make their way across the tarmac after arriving at RAAF Base Amberley. Photo: CPL Jessica de Rouw

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3February 8, 2018RCEAIR F News

MORE than 100 family mem-bers of our personnel opened their arms and hearts to their loved ones at a stirring wel-

come home ceremony at RAAF Base Amberley, marking the end of Australia’s air combat operations in Iraq and Syria.

The entire Amberley-based contin-gent of No. 1 Squadron, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Defence Minister Senator Marise Payne, CDF ACM Mark Binskin and CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies also attended the ceremony. They greeted returning Air Task Group (ATG) strike element F/A-18F Super Hornets and 1SQN personnel from Operation Okra at Amberley’s Air Movements Section on January 24.

CDF addressed the audience and spoke of his recent visit to Iraq.

“I met with 1SQN a few days ago before they began to pack up to come home,” CDF said.

“Just under 100 years ago in 1918, 1SQN ceased operations in the Middle East for the first time, so it is fitting that they are one of the last out again this time.”

When congratulating personnel on their efforts, CDF said his international counterparts spoke very highly of Air Combat Group.

“You helped the Iraqi people and security forces defeat Daesh and for that you should be extremely proud. It is physically and mentally demanding,” CDF said.

“The ground crews and support crews, hats off to you. It all would not work without you.”

The ceremony was held after Senator Payne announced on December 22 that strike aircraft operations in the Middle East would cease.

The Coalition partners have been credited with providing critical sup-port to enable the Iraqi Security Forces

to defeat Daesh in Iraq. The ATG was initially deployed at short notice on September 21, 2014, and started its mis-sion 14 days later.

Air Force’s Hornets (including F/A-18A/B Classic Hornets) operated continuously for three-and-a-half years, flying a cumulative 2799 sorties, total-ling 21,763 hours.

CO 1SQN WGCDR Jason Gamlin said the welcome home event was a tribute to all ATG personnel who had deployed since 2014.

“All of these men and women should be extremely proud of their contribution to global security and freedom of the Iraqi people,” WGCDR Gamlin said.

“It was fantastic to see so many families out at the base to welcome our people home. Without their continued support throughout 2017, we would not have been able to achieve what we did over eight months of continuous opera-tional support to Okra.”

Mr Turnbull spoke of the enormous contribution all deployed members had made on overseas operations and thanked their families back home.

“You have our back and we have yours. Thank you for your service. Australia is proud of you. Welcome home. Job well done.”

Senator Payne said the effort to establish the ATG and then to sustain this mission was outstanding and that the men and women of Air Force had again proven themselves to be a professional fighting force.

“We gather to recognise and celebrate the phenomenal work since day one. Every one of you makes a difference to what we and the international coalition have set out to achieve in the Middle East,” she said.

“Since 2014, it has been a team effort. Two thousand and fifteen person-nel have deployed with and in support of

the Air Task Group. They have ensured that operations ran smoothly providing security, logistics, engineering, health and combat support to enable safe air-craft operations.

“This group of men and women have demonstrated all the finest qualities of the ADF, in assisting our Coalition part-ners in the fight to defeat Daesh.

“To deploy seamlessly with interna-tional allies and begin operations on the other side of the world so quickly is a testament to the skill and preparation of our airmen and airwomen, and a clear indication that the RAAF is ready to fight and win at all times.”

Senator Payne said Air Force could be immensely proud of the contribution that both our Classic Hornet and Super Hornet contingents had made.

“There is no doubt that our air strike operations have made a difference to the ability of the Iraqi Security Force’s cam-paign to ensure that the extremists are prevented from spreading their toxic ide-ology further across the globe,” she said.

Echoing the PM, Senator Payne recognised the valuable support of Air Force families who have made great sac-rifices so serving members could deploy.

“It’s an enormous relief to see kids running across the tarmac towards their loved ones with homemade welcome home signs that are works of art in any-one’s eyes,” she said.

She said it was fabulous to hear the babies trying to talk to their mothers or fathers in the background of the cer-emony.

Master of Ceremonies was ACAUST AVM Steve Roberton and the ceremony featured an impressive flypast of six F/A-18F Super and two Classic Hornets at 250ft. Following their arrival, one KC-30A and a C-17 Globemaster also landed to demonstrate the magnitude of our presence in the Middle East.

‘Australia is proud of you’The PM and CDF heap praise on ATG personnel who gave our Hornets plenty of sting in the fight against Daesh in the Middle East for more than three years. FLGOFF Clarice Hurren and PLTOFF Abby-Louise Green report on their homecoming

More on their return home Pages 12-15

An F/A-18F Super Hornet arrives back in Australia at RAAF Base Amberley.


Left: Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, left, and Defence Minister Marise Payne greet personnel.


Above: CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies, right, welcomes personnel.


Reunited on the tarmac at RAAF Base Amberley.Photo: CPL Jessica de Rouw

4 February 8, 2018RCEAIR FAustralia Day honours

AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURS LIST – AIR FORCE

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

GPCAPT Robert DenneyFor exceptional service in air combat capability development and sustainment for Air Force.

AIRCDRE James Hood OAMFor exceptional service in major capability acquisition and sustainment, aviation regula-tory reform, and aircraft and aviation safety engineering for the ADF.

AIRCDRE Richard Lennon CSCFor exceptional performance of duty in air lift capability devel-opment, strategic guidance, air mobility management and cul-tural reform for the Australian Defence Force.

AIRCDRE Michael Paterson DSMFor exceptional performance of duty in military health capability and development for the ADF.

GPCAPT Daniel ReidFor exceptional service in com-bat aircraft logistics sustain-ment and governance.

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

SQNLDR David BorgFor meritorious performance of duty in air base aviation safety and air traffic control develop-ment.

WOFF Brett ByersFor meritorious performance of duty in delivering innovative catering solutions and the coor-dination of executive events for Air Force.

AIRCDRE Leon Phillips For meritorious service in capability acquisition and sus-tainment for the ADF.

Distinguished Service Medal (DSM)

WGCDR MFor distinguished leader-ship in warlike operations on Operation Okra.

Commendation for Distinguished Service

WGCDR DFor distinguished performance of duties in warlike operations as Commander Task Unit 630.2 and Australian Target Engagement Authority within the Combined Air Operations Centre on Operation Okra from September 2016 to January 2017.

GPCAPT Terence DeethFor distinguished performance of duties in warlike opera-tions as Director Combined/ Joint Operations, and Senior National Representative, Train Advise Assist Command – Air in Afghanistan on Operation Highroad from March 2016 to March 2017.

AIRCDRE PFor distinguished performance of duties in warlike operations as the Commander Air Task Group, Middle East region from July 2016 to February 2017.

Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC)

GPCAPT Julie Adams For outstanding achievement in training development and deliv-ery at No. 1 Recruit Training Unit.

FLTLT David JacksonFor outstanding achievement in the development and introduc-tion of the Aircrew Performance Enhancement Program within Air Force Training Group, including gender and diversity initiatives.

Chaplain (AIRCDRE) Kevin Russell For outstanding achievement in chaplaincy reform in Air Force.

FLTLT Thomas Scully For outstanding achievement in advanced electronics engi-neering in the development of force protection systems for Australian deployed forces.

SQNLDR Darren ShorterFor outstanding achieve-ment in the management of the Woomera Weapons Test Range.

FLTLT Douglas SusansFor outstanding achievement in the development of the opera-tional capability of the C-17A Globemaster III aircraft fleet.

WGCDR Philip TriggeFor outstanding devotion to duty while deployed as Commander Air Mobility Task Group, Middle East region on Operation Accordion from July 2016 to January 2017.

GPCAPT Sandra Turner For outstanding achievement in materiel acquisition as the ADF Senior Supply Liaison Officer in the United States Air Force Security Assistance and Cooperation Directorate, Air Force Life Cycle Management Centre, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

SGT Christopher Watkins For outstanding devotion to duty in leadership, instruction and mentoring as a Divisional Senior Non-Commissioned Officer and Divisional Officer at the Australian Defence Force Academy.

Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM)

SQNLDR Simon Bartlett For meritorious achievement in organisational development in establishing No. 20 Squadron and RAAF Base Woomera.

SGT Aron GreenFor meritorious achievement in the development and imple-mentation of the Technical Facilitation and Administration Cell at No. 3 Control and Reporting Unit.

SGT Benjamin HutchenFor meritorious achievement as an Avionics Technical Instructor at No. 285 Squadron.

WGCDR Steven MadsenFor meritorious devotion to duty in the field of aerospace sur-veillance and air battle-space management for the ADF.

SGT Dean MuscatFor meritorious achievement in the enhancement of Air Force capability through improved counter-sniper, marksmanship, and military driver training.

GPCAPT Brendan Rogers CSCFor meritorious achievement as the Commander Task Unit 630.1 on Operation Okra from March 2016 to January 2017.

SGT Christopher Watkins was awarded a Conspicuous Service Cross for his dedication and devotion to the formative devel-opment of more than 1200 train-ee officers at ADFA.

Recently promoted to FSGT, he said he was surprised when he received the award notification.

“To be nominated for and rec-ognised with an award of such a nature is quite humbling and I am deeply appreciative for it,” FSGT Watkins said.

FSGT Watkins said his prima-ry role through his first two years at ADFA was as a Divisional SNCO (DSNCO) and Divisional Officer (DO).

“I was responsible for the management, development, and training of a division of Trainee Officers, as well as providing support, advice and mentoring for the wider corps of officer cadets and midshipmen as required,” FSGT Watkins said.

“In my second year at the academy, I was tasked to assume the DSNCO and DO roles simultaneously, which gave me a unique set of challenges that

come with leading and managing young trainee officers, but which was also very rewarding.

He said the highlight of his time at ADFA came at the end of 2017, with the graduation of trainee officers who began their studies at ADFA simultaneously with the start of his posting to the academy.

“Having been particularly involved with this group during my tenure, I was able to witness their transformation from civil-ians into junior officers over the period of their training. I had the privilege of helping to shape their abilities, skills and ethos as they prepared for their future roles across the ADF,” FSGT Watkins said.

“My sincere thanks go to each of the Delta Squadron staff across 2015-2016, and especially to LCDR Mhanda van Engelen, FSGT Richard Rogers and WO1 Michael Kelly.

“I also wish to give my broad thanks to my fellow divisional SNCOs at ADFA, for their efforts and support throughout.”

SIGNIFICANTLY improving specialised training that enhances Air Force’s ability to project air power from secure locations has earned SGT Dean Muscat, of No. 1 Security Forces Squadron, a Conspicuous Service Medal.

SGT Muscat said he provided assistance in developing a driver training continuum and for selecting candidates and developing their skillsets within the ground combat environment to attend the sniper pre-selection.

“This training was to better prepare candidates to undergo the sniper pre-selection and subsequent sniper basic course,” SGT Muscat said.

“As a driving training officer (DTO) it was my role to train members in the vehicle fleet held at 1SECFOR – this ranged from ATVs and G-Wagons through to Protected Mobility Vehicles.

“The highlight for me was seeing young airmen devel-op through the training conducted and then successfully complete a specialist course.”

SGT Muscat said the driver training not only enhanced the capability of the Rifle Flight Group and 1SECFOR, but it also provided invaluable skills that could be used in day-to-day activities and on exercises and operations.

“I would not have achieved my duties without the assistance of a number of people, especially the sniper NCOs CPL Cohen Thamm and CPL Jesse Stanfield and PMV drivers and DTOs CPL Noel Klaehn and CPL Jack Mayhew,” he said.

“SQNLDR Mark Folley and FSGT Scott Robertson as my direct chain of command were instrumental in provid-ing guidance, so we could achieve the capability growth within the sniper cell from three qualified snipers in 2015, to five basic qualified snipers and three team leader quali-fied snipers in 2017. We also increased the PMV drivers from four to a total of 18 in a 12-month period.”

SGT Christopher Watkins, CSCSGT Dean

Muscat, CSM

Chaplain Kevin Russell, CSC

Right on target

Guiding handCHAPLAIN (AIRCDRE) Kevin Russell said he was hon-oured and blessed to receive a Conspicuous Service Cross.

“I view the award as an acknowledgement of the value of Air Force Chaplaincy and I thank the Air Force Chaplains for their effective ministry with our people,” CHAP Russell said.

He received the award for his leadership and collegiate management in delivering sig-nificant improvements in gen-der equality, religious diversity, and inclusivity in the Air Force, to better support the Australian Defence Force capability. He is transferring to SERCAT5 on February 28 after three decades of service.

CHAP Russell said: “We have worked hard over the last couple of years to reform Air Force chaplaincy in a number of areas”.

“We have increased the diversity of the Chaplain Branch, dramatically increasing the number of female chaplains and lowering the average age of chaplains.

“More importantly, we have worked hard at developing and enhancing our understanding of social and cultural trends in

Blessed with top support

order to provide more effective ministry to our Air Force peo-ple,” he said.

CHAP Russell said there were many people to thank, including “my patient and supportive wife, Debra, my fellow chaplains who captured the vision of a more diverse and effective chaplaincy ser-vice, and the people over at Personnel Branch who cooper-ated and found ways to help us”.

Meet the new DGCHAP-AF

Page 19

Stories: CPL Bill Solomou

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5February 8, 2018RCEAIR F Australia Day honours

SGT Ben Hutchen, of No. 285 Squadron, felt hon-oured but was pleasantly shocked after receiving a letter from the Governor-General.

“I remember reading, and re-reading the let-ter, telling me that I was being considered for the medal, which was something that I could never imagine happening to me,” SGT Hutchen said.

“To find out that my nomination had been accepted, and I was to receive this award, is some-thing that I still cannot comprehend. Just to be nominated was enough of a reward for me, so I will be forever grateful.”

SGT Hutchen said his role as an avionics instructor at 285SQN was to provide safety and technical training to the C-130J community which operates and maintains the aircraft.

“In addition to these duties, my colleagues and I were responsible for bringing in a new training system, while still meeting the required training demands, with no loss in capability,” he said.

“Since the new system was designed for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) training model and delivered to us as a RCAF system, one of our major achievements was converting this course-ware to comply with Air Force’s training standards and trade structure, without dropping a single course.

“This process was labour intensive, required precise coordination between us and the contrac-tors to meet deadlines, on a system that we were unfamiliar with, but with dedication and persis-tence, we managed to implement this training system.

“During this process we also found ways to adapt and improve our training methods. We have enhanced the C-130J technical training environ-ment that will hopefully meet the needs of now and the future workforce.”

SGT Hutchen said he would like to thank his wife, Laura for all her support and “opportunities she has given to me, by allowing me to pursue whatever pathway I wish to follow during my time in the Air Force”.

HELPING the Afghan Air Force (AAF) become a more capable, professional and sustainable combat force, has earned GPCAPT Terence Deeth a Commendation for Distinguished Service.

GPCAPT Deeth deployed on Operation Highroad as the Director Operations of the 438th Air Expeditionary Wing (438th AEW) from March 2016 to March 2017.

The 438th AEW is a multinational organi-sation, under the command of a USAF briga-dier general, which forms the NATO Train Advise and Assist Command – Air (TAAC-Air).

GPCAPT Deeth said he was “absolutely delighted with the award and I was honoured to be selected from among the excellent ADF military advisors, support staff, and dedicated security personnel on Operation Highroad”.

“They have done, and continue to do, such good work in building capacity within the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces under difficult circumstances,” GPCAPT Deeth said.

“A highlight of my time, among many,

was to be involved in the development of the AAF’s fast maturing air-to-ground attack capa-bilities.

“While the AAF’s successes were a fea-ture, I also must make special mention of the exceptional RAAF and Australian Army air advisers (including our assigned Australian Army force protection personnel) who were likewise embedded into TAAC-AIR during my time overseas.”

GPCAPT Deeth added: “To do the work that we do deployed, and at home, ADF per-sonnel can’t hope to be optimally capable without the support of our loved ones.”

“My own family and friends were enor-mously supportive while I was away and I can’t thank them enough.

“A big thanks also to my executive team mates and subordinate airmen within TAAC-Air. This collection of outstanding military professionals from Australia, the US, Sweden, the UK, Romania, Denmark, and the Czech Republic, among several other contributing nations, will forever hold a special place in my memory.”

SGT Benjamin Hutchen, CSM

GPCAPT Terence Deeth, Commendation for Distinguished Service

‘Forever grateful’

Proud of Afghan success

“I would also like to thank my workmates at 285SQN for putting in the hard yards with me and the students who contributed to the validation and feedback process of this new training system,” he said.

“Finally I would like to thank my chain of command for nominating me. It is reassuring to know that during these busy times, they saw the effort involved. To be recognised for this is some-thing that I will cherish.”

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INFORMATION Warfare Division (IWD) issued the new Information Warfare Strategy on January 29, flag-ging areas of rapid growth in informa-

tion-related capabilities.The strategy identifies four areas

of capability – self-defence, passive defence, active defence and offence.

Deputy Chief Information Warfare MAJGEN Marcus Thompson said the latter two were the main focus of the strategy.

“We should already be doing self-defence and passive defence,” MAJGEN Thompson said.

“Everyone has an obligation to think about and act upon their own defence in the information environment.

“And passive defence is the domain of communicators and system adminis-trators to make sure that our networks and mission systems are protected.

“Much of the conversation in this domain falls in the active defence and offence, and they’re the capabilities we’re growing quickly.”

MAJGEN Thompson said while the strategy was an internal document for IWD it had relevance across the ADF.

“I’d like to think all members of the ADF would be looking across the growth of technology, and how that is affecting the way we fight now, and the way we might in the future,” he said.

“When we look at conflicts our ser-vicemen and women are involved with in the Middle East, we can see information effects being used on a daily basis; both against the coalition and against adversaries.

“If we look at other conflicts and crises around the world, we can see the growth of information warfare capabili-ties.

“My simple take on all of that is that information warfare is real, whether we like it or not, and we have an obligation to the Australian people to be able to fight and win in any environment where Australia might be threatened.

“So if there’s an adversary in cyber-space, then that’s where we, the ADF, need to be able to go and fight and win.”

MAJGEN Thompson said new recruitment and training opportunities would become available to support the strategy.

“We’ll be growing this workforce substantially over the next 10 years. To achieve that growth, we’ll be recruiting

A new information warfare strategy has been added to the ADF’s arsenal, CPL Julia Whitwell reports

Game on in cyberwar

A SELF-confessed ‘geek’ with a PhD in Cyber Security, MAJGEN Marcus Thompson has spent his entire career working in information war-fare, so it’s not surprising he was the go-to person when the job of Deputy Chief Information Warfare was created last July.

“I grew up in the Signals Corps and had a recent stint as Head of Corps,” MAJGEN Thompson said.

“I think from an Army per-spective this workforce will continue to be dominated by Signals Corps, but this capabil-ity is not the exclusive domain of that Corps.”

He said every single mem-ber of the ADF had a respon-sibility to protect themselves,

their mates and their families in the information environment.

“I think that’s particularly true in cyberspace, where we see threats daily, both from a national perspective and an individual perspective,” he said.

“Every member of the ADF has an obligation to think about their own defence in cyber-space, to be alert to not click on that link in the phishing email, to not randomly – or unthink-ingly – plug in other devices or USB sticks into Defence sys-tems and networks.

“It’s really important because even sniper rifles have comput-ers in them these days.

“It’s not just about computer networks, it’s also about mis-sion systems.”

MAJGEN Thompson empha-sised that personnel needed to think about what they’re posting on social media and what vul-nerabilities that might introduce, and what information people might be giving away.

“That’s not to say that people should not use social media,” he said.

“There are great benefits to everyone of social media as a means of communicating and sharing ideas and debating important topics, but it would be naïve of any member of the ADF to think that anything they post on social media might not also be read by someone who might wish us harm, either now or in the future.”

Why we need to be responsible in cyberspace

Deputy Chief Information Warfare MAJGEN Marcus Thompson at his desk at Russell Offices. Photo: CPL Bill Solomou‘

– MAJGEN Marcus Thompson, Deputy Chief Information Warfare

Information warfare is real, whether we like it or not ... we have an obligation to the Australian people to be able to fight and win.

CPL Julia Whitwell

INFORMATION Warfare Division (IWD) stood up a new command following the changes made to the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) late last year.

ASD has become a statutory authority and the Defence Signals-Intelligence Cyber Command (DSCC) was established on January 29 to administer the ADF personnel working within ASD.

Deputy Chief Information Wa r f a r e M A J G E N M a r c u s Thompson said DSCC would be led by Director General Support to Military Operations CDRE James McCormack.

“Beneath him will be the joint cyber unit that was created on July 1 last year, and what we’re calling the joint SIGINT unit, which will

also be formed as a new unit,” he said.

“And of course the commander will have his support staff at head-quarters around him.”

The new arrangement will con-solidate personnel from all three services under the one command structure.

“We had some disparate com-mand arrangements, which had grown out of 70 years of evolu-tion,” MAJGEN Thompson said.

“What this structure does is streamline the command arrange-ment so it is clear to ADF mem-bers posted to ASD who is man-aging their career, and who has that administrative and command responsibility for them.

“It will mean no change to their day-to-day work. They will still go to work at the same place, doing

the same work, under the same tasking authorities that come from Director ASD, but this will improve their overall management and wel-fare.”

MAJGEN Thompson said DSCC would adopt a model similar to Special Operations Command.

“I don’t see us having a cyber corps, I don’t think we need it,” he said.

“I tend to draw comparisons to the special operations com-mand model, where personnel are selected from any rank, any trade, any corps, any service, and pro-vided those people meet the selec-tion criteria, they can be trained and employed within Special Operations Command.

“That is a good analogy for an ADF cyberspace operations work-force.”

Honing the team

both internally and externally and there’s going to be opportunities for people in the permanent workforce, in the reserves and for civilians, especially people who have the skillsets we can readily apply,” he said.

“There are many members of the ADF who would like to forge careers in cyberspace operations, so we’ve been working with the three services to devel-op career models.

“We’ve got an accelerated training program under way right now, and we hope to run a similar program next year and in 2020.”

He encouraged people interested in working in information-related capabili-ties, particularly in cyber operations, to talk to their career management agency.

IWD has capability management responsibility for military cyber; joint intelligence; joint electronic warfare; information operations; space; command and control; and battlespace situational awareness.

“Our job is bringing all those areas together into something coherent, so a warfighter can achieve information effects against an adversary,” MAJGEN Thompson said.

While information warfare was important, MAJGEN Thompson said “information effects in and of themselves aren’t going to win any wars”.

“Information effects will be at their absolute best when they are fully inte-grated and used alongside other kinetic and non-kinetic effects,” he said.

“Fighting is still a team effort.”

Meet the person behind the star in our new series. CPL Bill Solomou has a quick chat with AVM Catherine Roberts, Head Aerospace Systems Division, Canberra

MEET OUR SENIOR LEADERS

Seeking new frontiersA

SELF-confessed Star Trek fanatic, AVM Catherine Roberts lives and works at warp speed and believes

space will become a frontier for Air Force.

She says her dream is “to boldly go where no one has gone before” and that Air Force’s current fifth generation evolution is a step closer to developing space capability.

“I’m a Star Trek fan and some of the stuff is really happening now. And are we going to have a Starship Enterprise in Air Force? I’m not sure … but we are pretty close in some ways and we are moving that way.

“If we do, it would be great to be the Commander – some lucky Air Force person in the future will be the Commander … perhaps of the ‘RAAF Enterprise’.”

AVM Roberts joined Air Force as a 16-year-old to do engineering. Why? “Because it was the hardest thing I could do.”

She loves skiing, camping, fish-ing, Aussie Rules and travelling the world with her husband Stuart and their two teenage daughters. “We also love hooking up the caravan and travelling around Australia.”

The Trekkie says she is proud of her diverse Air Force career, which has had her do “a flight test one day, and a crash investigation the next”.

AVM Roberts has had consider-able experience working as a diplo-mat in London.

She has a love of mentoring Air Force members and teams.

“I have been successful because I have had great people working with me.”

AVM Roberts’ advice to mem-bers is to take on any opportunities in front of you.

“Take a chance and move through different roles – Air Force offers so much. And, of course, live long and prosper.”

Any burning ambitions? “I would love to run the Air Force – I would equally love to be Deputy Chief.”

Among her many career high-lights, AVM Roberts was responsi-ble for acquisition approval for the F-35 and now enjoys the challenge of acquiring and sustaining all Air Force fixed wing capabilities.

She was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2016 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

AVM Catherine Roberts, Head Aerospace Systems Division.Photo: CPL Bill Solomou

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Surprise packagesEamon Hamilton

KEY supplies were delivered by No. 37 Squadron to isolated communities in the West Pacific in December.

Held annually since 1952, Operation Christmas Drop is the world’s longest running humanitarian airdrop exercise, and from December 7-15, a Hercules and crew from 37SQN joined American and Japanese counterparts in Guam for the lat-est iteration.

Altogether, they delivered 120 bundle loads to 54 drop zones across an area of six million square kilometres.

Each load was filled with more than 180kg of items including rice, fishing wire and hooks, clothing, children’s books and toys, crayons, and hand-powered torches.

Air Force Detachment Commander SQNLDR Scott Harris said the Australian contingent delivered 34 bundle loads to 15 different islands during the operation.

“We frequently conduct humanitar-ian aid missions in the Pacific, so coming together for Operation Christmas Drop ensured we’re able to work together effec-tively during future operations,” SQNLDR Harris said.

“The United States, Japan and

Australia each have similar practices when it comes to airdrop, but coming together in Guam allows us to share tac-tics, techniques and procedures with each other.”

The longest mission flown by 37SQN was 1852km from Guam to the isolated islands of Tobi, Pulo Anna and Sonsorol.

Another mission saw the Air Force contingent deliver 16 bundles to five islands in the one sortie.

For the 37SQN crews, the operation provides useful airdrop experience, deliv-ering to a very thin strip of beach or a lagoon, where these communities can then safely recover the load.

One of the 37SQN pilots at Operation Christmas Drop, FLTLT Omar Rigo, said each drop zone was dynamic and had not been seen by crews before.

“We had to complete an airborne assessment at each location to decide the best method of delivery to ensure safety of people and infrastructure on the ground,” FLTLT Rigo said.

“We also needed to ensure the load delivered survived and could be retrieved safely by the local population.”

LAC Stephen Manila, Avionics Technician with 37SQN, watches a bundle depart from a C-130J Hercules to a Micronesian island during the 66th Operation Christmas Drop on December 10. Photo: STAFF SGT David Owsianka (USAF)

Master SGT Joshua Mackey, a Loadmaster with the United States Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), with SGT Karl Penny, a C-130J Hercules Loadmaster with 37SQN, before a rehearsal mission at Operation Christmas Drop. Photo: Eamon Hamilton

SGT Karl Penny, left, and WOFF Nicholas Stubbs-Race, of 37SQN, during the 66th Operation Christmas Drop. Photo: STAFF SGT David Owsianka (USAF)

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A REPARATION scheme has been introduced for survivors of Defence abuse.

All complaints of abuse made to the Defence Force Ombudsman (DFO) will now include an assessment for a reparation payment.

The Ombudsman’s role was expanded in December 2016 as an alternative way to report abuse for peo-ple who preferred not to use Defence’s internal mechanisms.

The DFO will contact individuals who have already lodged complaints to seek further information and consider whether to make a recommendation for reparation payments.

Reparation payments of up to $45,000 may be recommended for the most serious forms of abuse. Alternatively, a recommendation of up to $20,000 may be made for other abuse involving unlawful interference accompanied by some element of inde-cency. An additional payment of $5000 may be made where Defence misman-aged the incident of abuse.

Defence Minister Marise Payne announced the scheme in December and said it was a significant milestone for Defence.

“These payments recognise that what has happened in the past was wrong,” Senator Payne said.

“Defence has zero tolerance for abuse and has well-established frame-works to encourage individuals to report abuse and to support Defence in responding appropriately to allega-tions.”

The DFO will need to be satisfied that the abuse reported is reasonably

To be eligible for a reparation payment, the following criteria must be met: The report constitutes seri-

ous abuse. The abuse is reasonably

likely to have occurred. You were, at the time of the

alleged abuse, a member of the ADF.

The alleged abuser was an employee of Defence, and

There is a connection between the alleged abuse and your employment in Defence.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE

likely to have occurred on or before June 30, 2014, and that the complaint relates to the most serious forms of abuse or sexual assault.

Reparation payments are available from this year, with the government budgeting $19.5 million over four years for the scheme.

Complaints must be made to the Ombudsman on or before June 30, 2021.

Information on the different avenues to make a complaint of abuse is available at www.defence.gov.au/ReportAbuse/. More information about the Defence Reparation Scheme is available at www.ombudsman.gov.au/defence.

Reparation scheme for abuse victims


THE US Marine Corps has awarded a rare honour to 107 ADF members who helped recover a US Marine Corps aircraft that crashed and sank off the north Queensland coast in August.

Air Force, Army and Navy personnel have been awarded a Meritorious Unit Commendation by the Commanding General of the US Marine Corps in the Pacific, LT-GEN David Berger, during his visit to the Navy amphibious ship, HMAS Adelaide.

Defence Minister Marise Payne, said LT-GEN Berger’s decision to pre-sent this award in person is evidence of the importance of the operation and the efforts of ADF members to the Marine Corps and the strength of our relationship with the US.

“The United States Meritorious Unit Commendation is a great hon-our for our service members and the Australian public can be proud of what our people achieved,” Senator Payne said.

“The support we provided to the US Marine Corps is a testament to our relationship with the United States.

“The commendation praises the

Australians’ ‘unrelenting perseverance and unfailing devotion to duty’ and their actions are in the finest traditions of the ADF.”

The ADF was called into action when the MV-22 Osprey crashed into the Coral Sea near Rockhampton on August 6.

The aircraft was carrying 26 American service members and, tragi-cally, one pilot and two other marines were killed in the incident.

Over the following fortnight, the Australians worked with US Marines and the US Navy to locate the aircraft and support the recovery operation.

A total of 14 dives were conducted on the Osprey by a RAN dive team in sometimes difficult conditions.

The commendation has been presented to members of Maritime Operations, Australian Clearance Diving Team One, Australian Mine Warfare Team 16 (HMAS Waterhen in Sydney), Navy Hydrographic Ship crew Blue embarked in HMAS Melville (based at HMAS Cairns), and to members of the Australian Mine Warfare and Clearance Diving Task Group.

ADF support recognised

Left: The Commanding General, Marine Forces Pacific, LT-GEN David Berger, USMC, alongside Defence Minister Marise Payne, right, and CDF ACM Mark Binskin, left, addresses the media at the presentation event of a Meritorious Unit Commendation on board HMAS Adelaide. Photo: ABIS Kieran Dempsey

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Feature RCEAIR F February 8, 201810

IT IS going to be a fascinating and exciting challenge to stand up Australia’s first F-35A squadron, according to its new CO WGCDR

Darren Clare.WGCDR Clare, who is currently

based at Luke Air Force Base (AFB) in Arizona to train with the F-35A, returned to Australia in December to assume command of No. 3 Squadron based at RAAF Base Williamtown.

He revealed some of his plans to stand up the squadron and also the responsibilities this first F-35A squadron would have as the trailblaz-ers of a new Air Force and ADF capa-bility.

“It is going to be a fascinating and exciting challenge to stand up this new capability,” WGCDR Clare says.

“This is truly a fifth-generation aircraft. It is a challenge for Air Force, and for Air Combat Group, to learn and understand its full capabilities.

“3SQN is currently embedded with the 61st Fighter Squadron of the United States Air Force – we are fly-ing two F-35A aircraft now and will have 10 by the end of 2018.

“Two aircraft will be f lown to Australia at the end of 2018 and eight will remain at Luke AFB for train-ing purposes – with both aircrew and maintainers.”

WGCDR Clare says it is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for him and his 3SQN team to shape the way the Air Force conducts fighter operations for the next 40 years.

“Initially operating from Luke AFB gives us the opportunity to learn from the USAF.

“We will apply and build on that knowledge within an Australian con-text over the next few years in the lead-up to declaring Initial Operating Capability at the end of 2020,’’ he says.

“3SQN’s role will be to guide future squadrons as they transition to F-35A operations.

“We wil l d r ive generat ional change – not only for the aircrew but for maintainers and all other person-nel associated with this aircraft.”

Changes will be made to work-force structures to accommodate the F-35A transition.

“We currently have a transition plan; however, the challenge will be to not only adjust the plan as we go, but to record those changes so we understand what we did and why,’’ he says.

“3SQN is being built-up around the delivery of the F-35A.

“As we gradually build up the F-35A aircraft numbers and expand

3SQN blazes new trailThe new CO of our first dedicated F-35A squadron shares his insights into the future with Jacqui Payne

3SQN, we will draw down the F/A-18A/B Hornet fleet.

“The subject matter experts for the F-35A will comprise the current cadre training in the US.”

WGCDR Clare says the introduc-tion of the F/A-18F Super Hornets and EA-18G Growlers provided Air Force with the opportunity to understand the security requirements of this new aircraft.

“We have to learn how to operate

in a high security environment as it is vital to protect this capability,” he says.

While they operate within the USAF system, the 3SQN team is tak-ing all the opportunities they can to learn from their hosts.

“The USAF operates within a very different context to the RAAF and, because it is a large force, this is entirely understandable,” he says.

“The RAAF approach to main-

taining the aircraft will be different. Our maintainers do an excellent job and US aircrew are always very happy to fly our jets.

“RAAF aircrew and maintainers, by sheer necessity due to our fewer numbers, drive efficiencies, are high-ly innovative and can make changes far more quickly than the Americans.

“We are a lean air force – and this makes us able to change quickly when we need to do so.’’

‘3SQN’s role will be to guide future squadrons as they transition to F-35A operations.

– WGCDR Darren Clare, CO 3SQN

Left: CO 61st Fighter Squadron (USAF) LTCOL Rhett Hierlmeier welcomes WGCDR Darren Clare back after his first flight in an F-35A last year. Photo: USAF

FeatureRCEAIR F February 8, 2018 11

THE global F-35 Program is a massive undertaking and the F-35A aircraft Australia is acquiring are the epitome

of fifth-generation fighters. But who gets to fly these game-changing pieces of machinery?

WGCDR Andrew Jackson and SQNLDR David Bell, former F/A-18 Hornet pilots, were the first Australians to fly and qualify on the F-35A. They are based in the US at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, where they are now instructing on the F-35A and playing an integral role in the successful transition of the global capability.

WGCDR Jackson, who joined the Air Force in 1995 and flew PC-9 and MB-326H aircraft before quali-fying on the F/A-18A/B Hornet in 2000, says he has always loved fast jets.

“Flying fast jets in the Air Force is the type of flying you can’t do anywhere else,” he says. “I wanted to fly the F-35A because I want-ed to be part of bringing in a new capability. I felt I had something to offer, and that my experience flying Hornets would benefit the transition process.”

SQNLDR Bell joined the Air Force in 2002 and started his pilot training on the CT-4 in Tamworth before progressing to the PC-9 and Hawk 127 at RAAF Base Pearce. He completed his F/A-18A/B Hornet training at RAAF Base Williamtown in 2006.

“I enjoy the challenge of fly-ing fighters,” he says. “Every sor-tie is different and there is always something to learn and improve on for next time. The opportunity to fly a brand new RAAF platform only comes around once every 30 years or so. The task of bringing a new platform like the F-35A into Australian service spans many com-plex elements and I’m looking for-ward to the challenge of playing my role in that process.”

WGCDR Jackson and SQNLDR Bell were selected for F-35A train-ing following an expression of interest process in Australia. They then posted to Arizona and were put through their paces on the air-

craft, qualifying in April and September 2015, respectively. They have been instructing at the F-35A International Pilot Training Centre (PTC) at Luke ever since.

“[There are no dual-seat F-35 aircraft and] instructing from anoth-er aircraft for all flight sequences can be challenging and is a sig-nificantly different skill to instruct-ing from the back seat,” WGCDR Jackson says.

Sharing skills

SQNLDR Bell says until recently they have been instructing pilots

from F-35 Program partner nations, including US pilots who have come from other operational fighters.

“Earlier this year, the training syllabus was expanded to include ab initio training – pilots who have never flown an operational fighter before,” he says. “The single-seat nature of the F-35 presents a chal-lenge to timely, effective instruc-tion, which at times can be exacer-bated by the Australian accent.”

WGCDR Jackson enjoyed the experience of instructing students on the first ab initio course, mem-bers of which graduated in August 2017.

“Instructing a group of students who had never previously flown an operational fighter [and progress-ing them] through to an F-35 ops squadron was a rewarding experi-ence,” he says.

The F-35A is designed to be a force enabler for other Air Force and ADF assets.

“The utilisation of networked capabilities to synthesise a compos-ite picture and communicate that to other network participants in a CDO [contested/degraded operational] environment provides a significant capability increase over legacy fighters,” WGCDR Jackson says.

“In addition to the obvious phys-ical differences and the fact there isn’t a head-up display, the manner in which we fight the aircraft is very different.

“The combination of stealth and sensor fusion means we can put the aircraft into situations that would have been impossible for a Hornet.”

SQNLDR Bell adds that the stealth nature of the aircraft allows it to operate in contested environ-ments in which the Hornet cannot.

“The sensor suite is particularly impressive and the F-35A’s capabil-ity to share that information with other ADF platforms will facilitate better, more timely tactical deci-sions,” he says.

Both pilots were in Australia in late November 2017 to help mem-bers of the Air Combat Transition Office and Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Division develop the Verification & Validation (V&V) plan for when the first F-35A aircraft are scheduled to begin arriving at RAAF Base Williamtown from December 2018.

“We were working to identify the ‘long-lead’ items that need to be in place in time to start flying opera-tions,” SQNLDR Bell says.

First F-35A squadron

WGCDR Jackson says his prior-ity for 2018 is to ensure that

everything is in place to allow No. 3 Squadron – Australia’s first F-35A squadron – to “hit the ground run-ning” in 2019.

“I’ll be supporting the transi-tion effort, including planning for the ferry of the first two aircraft to Australia, V&V and developing tac-tical procedures and publications,” he says. “I’ll be working closely with the 3SQN team to ensure that F-35A Initial Operating Capability milestones are achieved.”

Although he has loved living and working in Phoenix, WGCDR Jackson is excited about posting back to Williamtown in December 2018 and living in Newcastle again. “I’m looking forward to playing my part in standing up the Australian F-35A capability,” he says.

SQNLDR Bell is also posting to 3SQN when he returns to Australia in late 2018.

“The squadron will have a two-year period to verify and validate the facilities, procedures, processes and training that define the capabil-ity of the F-35A in the Australian operating environment,” he says.

“This activity will span issues such as working out how long it

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takes to order spare tyres, to vali-dation of the workforce structure and development of tactics to inte-grate with other ADF platforms.”

Both pilots agree that, while training to be a fighter pilot can be challenging, the rewards far out-weigh the difficulties.

“Being a fighter pilot is like no other job on the planet. It takes time and a considerable amount of effort to succeed, but the rewards are absolutely worth it,” WGCDR Jackson says.

‘Absolutely worth it’

Alisha Welch meets our two pilots who fly the F-35A

Air Force F-35A pilots SQNLDR David Bell and WGCDR

Andrew Jackson at the 2017 Australian International

Airshow at Avalon.Photo: CPL Ben Dempster

‘Flying fast jets in the Air Force is the type of flying you can’t do anywhere else.

– SQNLDR David Bell, F-35A pilot

12 13RCEAIR FHornets return February 8, 2018

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED More on their return home

Pages 14-15

KEY FACTS OF ATG’s STRIKE ELEMENT

More than 850 personnel deployed within the strike element.

The F/A-18F two seat Super Hornet was deployed initially from September 2014 to March 2015.

The F/A-18A single seat Hornet was then deployed from March 2015 to May 2017.

The F/A-18F Super Hornet redeployed in May 2017 and was the final rotation to fly operational sorties in support of Operation Okra until their withdrawal in January 2018.

Over this time, 1SQN, 3SQN, 75SQN and 77SQN deployed to the Middle East region, sustaining continuous operations.

Both the F/A-18A Hornets and F/A-18F Super Hornets conducted strikes with precision GPS and laser-guided bombs.

The strike element has released more than 2350 munitions in support of Iraqi ground forces.

2014 INITIAL DEPLOYMENT TIMELINE

August 13: RAAF C-130 air-drops nine tonnes of humanitarian aid to Mt Sinjar, Iraq.

August 31: An Air Force C-130J Hercules con-ducted a second air drop of 15 parcels to isolated communities in Amerli.

September 3: C-17A completes military stores mission to Erbil.

September 5: C-17A completes second military stores mission to Erbil.

September 8: Third C-17A completes mission to deliver stores to Erbil.

September 14: CDF issues statement on Iraq.

September 14: PM announces ADF contribution to international Coalition to combat Daesh.

September 17: ADF delivers fourth arms shipment to Middle East.

September 21: Air Force main contingent leaves for Middle East.

October 3: Cabinet authorises missions.

October 5: Missions commenced.

Our Hornets flew almost 2800 sorties over three-and-a-half years since the Air Task Group’s strike element began in 2014. Listed here are some of the remarkable achievements our personnel have completed in the Middle East

Air Force personnel wave good-bye to a C-17A Globemaster

loaded with fellow personnel and F/A-18F Super Hornet equipment from the main air operating base

in the Middle East.Photos: CPL Brenton Kwaterski

F/A-18F Super Hornet aircrew walk out for the final mission on Opera-tion Okra in the Middle East.

Hornets return RCEAIR F February 8, 201814

HIGH TEMPO

HORNET pilot FLTLT Hummer praised fellow Air Task Group personnel who maintained a “massive logistical effort to get the aircraft up and running before each flight” in the Middle East.

FLTLT Hummer, 27, returned to RAAF Base Amberley, after a three-month deployment on Op-eration Okra, flying the F/A-18F Super Hornet – it was his first overseas duty.

“The support team was fan-tastic, even when a mission was quiet for us in the air there was a huge amount of effort that went

into getting assets airborne and maintaining our presence in the region,” he said.

“In total I flew more than 200 hours in the Middle East region and between mission tasks and air-to-air refuelling, I broke up the time with small snacks from the mess.

“It was rewarding to see the impact we had assisting the Iraqi Security Forces to defeat Daesh at the macro level and, at the micro level to see cities liberated street by street.”

During the welcome home ceremony, FLTLT Hummer spoke

broadly about his 10-year career with Air Force. He said his desire to join Defence started at a young age surfing on the Sunshine Coast.

“While I was out on the water, I would see the F-111s shooting past and thought I’d love to do that one day,” he said.

“As aircrew it’s great to have the mix of a job that can be aca-demic at times, but hands on and physically demanding too.

“We now have a compre-hensive physical conditioning program that helps a lot.”

A pilot’s experience

An F/A-18F Super Hornet departs the main air operating base in the Middle East region for its return to Australia.Photos: CPL Brenton Kwaterski

ATG personnel kept the pace up until their last sortie during Operation Okra in the Middle East. Here are members in action just before the strike element returned home

Hornets returnRCEAIR F February 8, 2018 15

AUSTRALIA remains committed to the Coalition and will stay in the Middle East region to support Iraq and its security forces to defeat Daesh, according to Defence Minister Senator Marise Payne.

The E-7A Wedgetail and KC-30A aircraft will continue to operate in the Middle East.

The training mission at Task Group Taji, which involves about 300 personnel, and about 80 personnel in a Special Operations Task Group, will also continue.

To date, 30,000 Iraqi Security Force personnel have been a part of the training programs.

“This mission is not yet completed with some of our forces still deployed in the area,” she said.

“While we expect the nature of the coali-tion’s role to evolve over the coming months, the ADF will continue to provide assistance as required.”

So, where do we go from here?

Aircraft technician, LAC John Schultz,

replaces an F/A-18F Super Hornet

exhaust cover after its final mission.

An F/A-18F Super Hornet returns from its final mission for Operation Okra in the Middle East.

LAC Alexander Andrews cleans the canopy of an F/A-18F Super Hornet in preparation for its final mission on Operation Okra.


SGT Dave Morley

A BLACK and white photo, marked on the back with, “RAAF Copyright Reserved, Base Squadron RAAF, Air

Base Butterworth”, and dated October 11, 1972, arrived in the Air Force News editor’s in tray recently.

The photo shows three sergeants in khaki tropical dress beside an Iroquois helicopter, and was accompanied by a note indicating the sergeants were all highly-decorated aircrewmen from the Butterworth SAR Flight.

Follow-up phone calls and emails to SGT Dave Moles (retd) resulted in the unravelling of a remarkable story span-ning two services and three wars.

SGT Moles, 74, from Railton, a small village in northern Tasmania, joined the Regular Army in 1961 and discharged as a LCPL in February 1967. He served in Malaya, the Thai-Malay border and Borneo during the Indonesian Confrontation.

He then enlisted in the Air Force in July 1967, discharging as a sergeant in July 1976.

SGT Moles said he sent the image in because of his two mates depicted in it, SGT George Edwards and SGT Bill Harrington, have both now died and he hoped Air Force News could publish a small piece of Air Force history.

“Bill Harrington was on one of the aircraft that dropped the ammo to D Coy, 6RAR, during the Battle of Long Tan in 1966, and later received the Air Force Medal (AFM) for crewman instruction,” he said.

“ G e o r g e E d w a r d s g o t a Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM) in 1969 for an action near the Long Hai Hills in South Vietnam on a gun ship call sign Bushranger.”

According to the Australian War Memorial, then CPL Harrington served as an aircrewman during the Malayan Emergency and later, during the Vietnam War, he was involved in three forced landings and two machine gun actions with the Viet Cong.

SGT Moles said he and SGTs Harrington and Edwards remained close mates until their passing in 1997 and 2003 respectively.

“Bil l Harrington and George Edwards were both two great crew-men,” he said.

SGT Moles said he felt the Air Force should have kept the DFC, AFC, DFM and AFM awards.

“With these new awards one doesn’t know if the award was for actions in the air or on the ground, or which service it was awarded to,” he said.

Tribute to ‘great’ crewmen

SGT David Moles (retd) had completed an operational tour of duty in Vietnam as a helicopter crewman for No. 9 Squadron and as a result was awarded a Distinguished Flying Medal.

On several occasions during his tour, SGT Moles displayed outstanding cour-age in the face of the enemy fire with complete disregard for his own safety.

Early in the evening of May 2, 1969 he calmly, and with steadfast determi-nation, winched three members of an SASR patrol out of the jungle while his aircraft was subjected to enemy fire.

On June 6, 1969, while providing overhead fire cover for Australian and allied troops, SGT Moles continued to deliver accurate machine gun fire although completely exposed to enemy automatic weapon fire.

On July 4, 1969, during a night casualty evacuation following an enemy mine explosion, SGT Moles showed outstanding devotion to duty and cour-age, in supervising the evacuation of the soldiers wounded in the explosion, and the recovery of the body of a sol-dier killed by the mine.

With complete disregard for his safety, SGT Moles left his aircraft and entered the enemy mine area to recover the body of the soldier killed in the incident.

Throughout his tour SGT Moles strove to improve squadron operat-ing techniques applicable to crewman duties.

As a leading instructor for crewmen, he set a fine example of professional-ism, courage and devotion to duty and made a significant contribution to 9SQN’s effort in Vietnam.

SGT MOLES’ DFM CITATION

Vietnam veterans SGT George Edwards (deceased), SGT David Moles (retd), and

SGT Bill Harrington (deceased) at Air Base Butterworth on October 11, 1972.

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NEW Defence Personnel Minister Michael McCormack was sworn in on December 20 last year and said he was looking forward to his new role even though Defence was not foreign to him.

“It is an honour to be appoint-ed Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Minister for Defence Personnel and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Centenary of the Anzac,” Mr McCormack said.

“And it is a pleasure to be back in the portfolio having previously served as the Assistant Minister for Defence in the lead-up to the 2016 Federal elec-tion.”

He said he had a big agenda to deliv-er this year and was impressed by the support already shown to him by the department in helping him get across such a dynamic portfolio.

“As someone who has a passionate interest in military history and the ADF, I am proud to be looking after the inter-ests of the more than 58,000 serving men and women and 300,000 veterans who have done so much for us,” he said.

“The dedication, professionalism and contribution made by our Defence personnel here in Australia and over-seas is exemplary and something I look forward to learning more about, along with your experiences, the work you do, visiting our defence base footprint and meeting many of you.”

Mr McCormack said he was lucky to live in the city of Wagga Wagga, which was the only inland city in Australia with all three arms of the ADF – Army, Air Force and Navy.

“As you would know, Wagga Wagga

SQNLDR Alyssa Badgery at a dawn Anzac ceremony during deployment.

Valessa Basic

TWENTY per cent of Air Force members are female, and SQNLDR Alyssa Badgery wants that figure to rise.

“Air Force has made leaps and bounds over the last 15 years in regards to supporting women in the workplace,” SQNLDR Badgery said.

There also has been a number of positive retention improvements made in recent years.

With International Women’s Day (IWD) held globally on March 8, Defence will be supporting events hosted across Australia.

SQNLDR Badgery believes the event is a chance to highlight diver-sity within Defence, and Air Force in particular.

“I have been in Defence for 23 years, completing an Arts Degree at ADFA, and working across the width and breadth of Australia,” she said.

“My husband is also a serv-ing member and we have received strong support from Air Force to access a range of flexible work arrangements including part time, work from home, and variable work-ing hours as we raise our four chil-dren.

“It’s been made possible through working with supportive superiors to try and juggle the best outcomes for us as a family as well as meeting Air Force requirements. I have experi-enced how flexible Air Force can be towards working parents.”

This is a message she believes needs to be spread to recruit and retain females into the future.

SQNLDR Badgery has seen first-hand how Air Force loses female members once they start a family but has noticed a significant change in recent years.

“It’s certainly becoming more common for women to continue their Air Force careers after starting a family,” she said.

“Air Force has been good to me, I want to share this message to show others you can combine a career and a family.

“In 2013 I was deployed to the Middle East; this involved a seven-month commitment including prepa-ration training.

“This experience was a highlight in my time at Defence. It’s always a goal when you join up, to serve overseas, and to contribute to an important operation. Deployment made all of my work more tangi-ble; it also highlights Air Force are

willing to support females to retain them.”

While deployed, SQNLDR Badgery participated in the base’s IWD event, and found the experi-ence uplifting as she felt a connec-tion to women in Australia, knowing they were participating in similar events at the same time.

The base hosted a morning tea, and deployed female Commander’s video tele-conferenced in to address the crowd.

“A small event, but it normalised things,” SQNLDR Badgery said.

The Defence People Group Women’s Speaker Series will sup-port two IWD-focused events in Canberra and Melbourne. Defence will also be sponsoring three tables at United Nations IWD breakfasts, one each in Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane.

IWD Women’s Speaker Series: Melbourne: March 5: guest speaker: Penny Locaso, Defence Plaza, 1000-1230, she will also be in Canberra, Russell Offices, on March 7.

To register your interest for the IWD events, email [email protected]. Further information can be found on DEFGRAM.


IWD talks set to inspire

McCormack ‘honoured’ to take on role

New Defence Personnel Minister Michael McCormack has previous Defence experience, having served as Assistant Defence Minister in 2016.

is home to the Army Recruit Training Centre at Blamey Barracks, Kapooka, and RAAF Base Wagga, as well as many retired servicemen and women,” he said.

“This gives me first-hand experience of the hard work and dedication of all three services and the contributions you make to the community.”

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From life as an underground miner to a world in space, LAC Benjamin Byrne has not looked back since joining the Air Force as

an air surveillance operator (ASOP).The 27-year-old is what’s known as an

‘SSS’ – space systems supervisor at No. 1 Remote Sensor Unit (1RSU) at RAAF Base Edinburgh where he has worked for the past four years.

He supervises other operators who monitor the world for space situational awareness from a C-Band radar console and the Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS).

LAC Byrne operates these 1RSU sys-tems to deliver No. 41 Wing’s persistent Air and Space Defence mission. It’s a world away from his previous job as an underground coal miner.

“Working in the mining industry pays well, but for me, I wanted more of a men-tal challenge, rather than just a physical one,” LAC Byrne said.

“Here at 1RSU my day is dynamic – you never get the same day consecutively and you are often dealing with tasks under strict time restraints.”

Those tasks include monitoring Australia’s airspace and keeping a watch-ful eye over the entire globe for strategic warning of missiles or rockets.

LAC Byrne’s work tempo during the day can go from slow to very quick within seconds.

“The role I am currently in as a space systems supervisor gives me a unique opportunity as an LAC to manage a small team and report back to the surveillance director,” LAC Byrne said.

Originally from Newcastle, LAC Byrne would watch the Hornets flying over his house and developed an interest in the Air Force as a teenager.

He says he’s grateful he gained some world experience up until the age of 23 working in the mining industry before he joined Air Force.

LAC Byrne learned from the ground up as an ASOP with 12 weeks training at Surveillance and Control Training Unit at RAAF Base Williamtown and was originally cross-trained in both space and the Over the Horizon Radar. It was not long before he became an SME in space systems and he did a number of specialist courses facilitated by Air Force and pri-vate companies.

Would he recommend members to pursue this role? “Absolutely, there are many opportunities.”

His future plans include advancing towards a commission where he hopes to become an Air Combat Officer (ACO).

“There are more opportunities in the ACO specialisation which are starting to move into space roles – that’s where I would like to take my career in the future,” LAC Byrne said.

Jaimie Abbott talks to a LAC whose job is to infiltrate our next frontier – space

LIFE IN THE RAAF Space invader

LAC Ben Byrne, of 1RSU, at the Space Operations

Section at RAAF Base Edinburgh.



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19February 8, 2018RCEAIR F Personnel

A sense of prideCPL Sebastian Beurich

THE CHAPLAINCY Branch is now under the guiding hand of Principal Air Chaplain Mark Willis, the new Director General Chaplaincy – Air Force.

CHAP Wi l l i s was o ff i c i a l l y commissioned by the church into the role alongside Army CHAP Darren Jaensch, who was commissioned as Director General Chaplaincy (DGCHAP) – Army, in front of family and friends at RMC-D’s Anzac Chapel on December 4.

Along with great responsibility, CHAP Willis said he felt a sense of privilege to be able to lead Air Force’s highly regarded Chaplaincy Branch into the future.

“During my tenure, I wish to focus on ensuring our people, and their families, have the best credentialed, skilled and most passionate chaplaincy available, readily accessible to support all,” he said.

“Our branch is in good shape, our structure is pretty good and our culture is one of collegiality and respect.

“It’s early days, so I’d like to take six months to catch an eagle eye’s view of the capability we provide and how effective it is before I start to target particular areas.

“I do intend to empower our chaplaincy leadership team a little more and ensure the placements of

chaplains around our bases are best fit for purpose.”

CHAP Willis is already looking at projects he can work on to improve the conditions of Air Force personnel.

“I’d love to partner with Defence Families Australia in a joint research project into the impact of service personnel going MWD(U) on their families,” he said.

“I’ll also be active in ensuring the recent CAF-approved Chaplain Workplace Welfare Dog Trial achieves its aims.”

However, CHAP Willis doesn’t attribute all of his career successes to himself.

“There are too many highlights of my career to list them off, but some of the highlights are helping members and their families work through their deepest struggles and troubles of the soul,” he said.

“I’ve loved each posting I’ve had and the variety and spice of life they have brought me.

“Everything I have done has only been possible through the grace of God and the wonderful support of my wife Lisa and our family.

“The future looks bright as I still have those two factors guiding me in the ministry and role I have been commissioned to fulfil.”

Our new DGCHAP-AF CHAP Mark Willis stands in the Royal Military College’s Anzac Chapel on December 4.Photo: CPL Sebastian Beurich

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IN BRIEF

Call for volunteersPROJECT Pax, a floating men’s shed for veterans in WA, is seeking members to help restore former wartime minesweeper RV PAX. Once restored, it will be used for veteran activities including fishing trips, scuba diving and sightseeing. Project Pax, located in Banjup, is a place for veterans who have suf-fered mental or physical illness as a result of their service. For more information, call Phill on 0414 781 677, or email [email protected]

Windows 10 roll-outTHE initial rollout of Windows 10 for 2000 Defence personnel is con-tinuing at a limited number of sites. Personnel at Russell 8, Russell 4, Australian Defence College, Timor Barracks, Defence Community Townsville, Wagga Wagga, Ham-stead and Edinburgh. Participants will provide feedback to the project team ahead of the upgrade for all personnel, which will begin next month.

FLGOFF Clarice Hurren and PLTOFF Abby-Louise Green

WITH 67 years of service between them and more than 35 post-ings, WGCDR Catie Williams and WGCDR Joanna Elkington have both been promoted to the rank of GPCAPT.

DCAF AVM Gavin Turnbull conducted the ceremony at Russell Offices in Canberra on January 15.

Appointed in 1979, GPCAPT Williams joined as a PLTOFF Air Traffic Controller and has had a varied career spanning across Australia from Williamtown, Pearce, Townsville, Richmond, Darwin, Edinburgh and back again. After a short time away from the Air Force, she re-joined as an operations officer (OPSO) in 2011. GPCAPT Williams then proceeded on an Operational Command as CO MNBC-TK Afghanistan from 2011 to 2012, and after, rose to challenge in 2015 when she was appointed as the CO of 3SECFOR SQN.

It is believed she is the first OPSO to reach GPCAPT.

GPCAPT Williams said her time in Defence had afforded her the flex-ibility and skills to pursue endeavours close to her heart and run Avalon air shows in her spare time.

20 February 8, 2018RCEAIR FPersonnel

SQNLDR Emma Kilpatrick

SQNLDR Peter Greenacre, who has been awarded a Federation Star, has had a diverse and interesting career, spanning more than 40 years and three different career paths.

SQNLDR Greenacre, of Cadets Branch – Air Force, was presented with the award by CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies on November 6.

He enlisted on June 13, 1977, and on completion of initial training at 1 Recruit Training Unit he was posted to a number of different units as a Communications Operator.

SQNLDR Greenacre reached the rank of SGT before deciding to commission as an Air Traffic Control Officer in 1991. After nine years as an Air Traffic Controller, he changed specialisation to Personnel Capability

Officer in 2000. During 1993-94, he deployed with the United Nations in Mogadishu, Somalia, as a member attached to one of the first Australian Air Traffic Control contingents to deploy on operations.

AIRMSHL Davies made special mention of SQNLDR Greenacre’s postings all around Australia with the only exception being Hobart.

He said this could not happen without significant support from home and family.

During the ceremony, SQNLDR Greenacre presented his wife Leanne with a bunch of flowers as a thank you for her ongoing support over the years.

“I wouldn’t still be here at Air Force, if I didn’t have my family’s support, in particular Leanne’s,” SQNLDR Greenacre said.

Leadership coursesCONGRATULATIONS to the newest Air Force Leadership Coaches who completed their residential training in November.

Air Force has now trained 128 members as Leadership Coaches who are directly enhancing our capability by helping great people become even better.

Adaptive Culture now invites appli-cations for the next course, which will focus on leadership development at all levels and aims to produce coaches who assist other Air Force personnel to be more effective and self aware. It directly supports New Horizon, Plan Jericho and is linked to Core Values.

SQNLDR Jeff Newton, who completed the course, said the most rewarding aspect was “being able to use these skills to help others reach their goals.”

EOIs are to be submitted using the ANYA/ANYO application form locat-ed on the Adaptive Culture website and email it to [email protected]. The EOI closing date the course scheduled from May 7-11 must be submitted by March 19.

For more information visit http://drnet.defence.gov.au/raaf/AFAC/Coaching/Pages/Coaching.aspx. The POC is SQNLDR Anita Green at [email protected].

Dynamic duo rise to next challenge

“It has been a long spanning career where I have been provided countless opportunities to explore new cities and countries, and kick personal goals.”

“I have made life-long friends and my time as CO 3SECFOR SQN was definitely one of the highlights,” said GPCAPT Williams.

GPCAPT Elkington joined the Air Force in 1988 as a PLTOFF

Administration Officer and her first postings included No. 77 Squadron and Air Transportable Telecommunications Unit, followed by a tour in 1995 as Aide de Camp to CDF Admiral Beaumont and then General Baker. She was selected for an exchange to England in 2001 where she completed Command and Staff College. Further high-lights include a four-year stint serv-

ing Air Marshals Houston, Shepherd and Binskin as the Deputy Director Communications and Reputation Management. She also spent 2015 in Parliament House as the Defence Advisor to Joint Standing Committee Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade.

GPCAPT Elkington said the opportunities the Air Force provid-ed were second to none in terms of career and personal development.

“My time in Defence has ena-bled me to travel the country and the world; I’ve had the pleasure of serving at RAAF Williamtown, Richmond, Edinburgh, Wagga and Glenbrook, as well as in government focused roles in Canberra.”

“A highlight would have to have been my time as CO 31SQN and meeting the original squadron members who flew and supported the Beaufighters in WWII protecting northern Australia against the enemy.

“There’s never been a dull moment, each position has been a challenge and reward that I am thank-ful for,” said GPCAPT Elkington.

GPCAPT Williams has now been appointed as the Director of Avalon Airshow Coordination and GPCAPT Elkington to the role of Deputy Director General Reserves – Air Force.

GPCAPT Joanna Elkington and GPCAPT Catie Williams (right) with DCAF AVM Gavin Turnbull during their promotion ceremony held at Russell Offices, Canberra. Photo: FSGT Mark Eaton

Family support key to success

CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies with SQNLDR Peter Greenacre and his wife Leanne during SQNLDR Greenacre’s Federation Star award ceremony in Canberra.

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MEMBER contributions for living-in accommodation for 2018 have increased by 0.5 per cent across the five levels of accommodation and all ranks.

The new rates took effect on January 25 (Defgram 618/2017 and Signal 150123Z Dec 17) and will be reflected in members’ pay from February 8.

The living-in accommodation utili-ties contribution has increased by 8.9 per cent ($3.94), which results in a contribution rate for all members of $48.11 a fortnight.

Group Rent Scheme contribu-tions, rent bands and rent ceilings are adjusted to reflect the annual move-ment in the cost of Defence housing and to ensure the Defence requirement of sharing the cost of housing with members on a 50/50 basis is met.

For meal contribution rates, the lunch rate has increased by 50 cents to $7.50 and the dinner rate has increased by $1 to $7. There is no increase to the breakfast rate, which remains at $5.

The discounted fortnightly meal charge, based on 10 days of casual meal charges over a fortnight, has increased to $195 from $180.

The adjustments to allowances,

living-in accommodation and utility charges reflect the annual movement in the Consumer Price Index.

Changes to the Group Rent Scheme contribution and regional rent band adjustments, reflect current housing market realities and are calculated on the national average rent for Defence houses in each rent band.

Unlike living-in accommodation and the Group Rent Scheme, meal charges and contributions are reviewed using a cost recovery methodology. This ensures the adjusted rates are based on the recovery of the actual costs incurred by Defence provid-ing meals. The member contribution amount is set at half the average cost to Defence during the previous finan-cial year (2016-2017).

If you have any questions on any ADF housing or meal issues, forward it through your chain of command in the first instance.

More information on both housing assis-tance and meal contribution rates can be found on the Pay and Conditions Manual webpage at intranet.defence.gov.au/pac or on the Housing Accommodation Index pages on People Connect at drnet.defence.gov.au/People/Pay-and-Conditions/ADF

Rent rate reviewed

By way of example, the 2018 Group Rent Scheme fortnightly member contribution for three-bed-room housing is provided in the following table:Three Bedroom Housing

Classification of Housing

Rank Group Rate per fort-night

($)

Rent Band Group Current New Increase

1 B1 PLTOFF, FLGOFF, SGT, CPL or lower

$502.93 $507.53 $4.60

2 B2 FLTLT, WOFF, FSGT

$599.35 $622.64 $23.29

3 C SQNLDR, WGCDR

$661.99 $685.58 $23.59

4 D GPCAPT, AIRCDRE

$909.12 $948.92 $39.80

5 E AVM and above $1430.04 $1492.64 $62.36

21February 8, 2018RCEAIR F Personnel

OFFICERDefence Force Magistrate1 x Prejudicial Conduct – DFDA s 60(1)1 x Customs offence –DFDA s 61(3) and CustomsAct 1901 s 234(1)(d)Member was accused of doing an act that was likely to prejudice the discipline of the Defence Force by involving a subordinate in the transport of equipment on board an aircraft into Australia with the intent of avoiding having to pay Goods and Services Tax.Member was also accused of inten-tionally making a false statement to an officer.Member pleaded guilty to the charges and was found guilty of the charges.Member forfeited seniority in rank and was fined $1200.

OTHER RANKDefence Force Magistrate2 x Prejudicial Conduct – DFDA s 60(1)Member was accused of doing an act that was likely to prejudice the discipline of the Defence Force by using a mobile telephone to show other members a nude photograph

of another member. Member was also accused of send-ing a nude photograph of another member via a social media applica-tion to another member.Member pleaded guilty to the charges and was found guilty of the charges.Member was reprimanded and fined the sum of $1000 (to be paid in instalments).

OTHER RANKDefence Force Magistrate

1 x Prejudicial Conduct – DFDA s 60(1)Member was accused of doing an act that was likely to prejudice the discipline of the Defence Force by uploading a nude photograph of another member on social media, without the consent of the member.

Member pleaded guilty to the charge and was found guilty of the charge.

Member was reprimanded and fined the sum of $1000.

All Court Martial and Defence Force Magistrate trial results are subject to command-review and appeal. The results are of trials across the ADF.

NOVEMBER TRIAL RESULTS

AIR Force personnel and their families who have recently moved to a new area are invited to attend one of Defence Community Organisation’s (DCO) Welcome Events being held around the country between January and March.

DCO Military Support Officer FLTLT Kylie Willmot said the welcome events were a great opportunity for Air Force members and their families to get to know their local area, meet other families, and get to know more about the services and support available in their region.

“The welcome events help families

build community and social networks, gain information about Defence and local community services, and enjoy a day out with their family,” FLTLT Willmot said.

“Although the welcome events focus on families who have recently posted to the area, all Air Force members and their families are welcome to come along.”

To find out when a DCO Welcome Event is happening near you, visit defence.gov.au/DCO/Events/Welcome/default.asp for more information.

DCO offers family days

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22 February 8, 2018RCEAIR FHealth & Fitness

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now availablefor tablet andsmartphone

Try something newIt might be time to mix things up on the fitness front, writes CPL Julia Whitwell

TO HELP keep your New Year’s resolution to stay fit in 2018, here’s a list of fitness activities that you might not

have thought about trying.

HIKINGA FANCY name for walking that sounds better when you’re asking your mates to tag along. Find your-self a hill, or a mountain if you’re up for a challenge, and you won’t even realise it’s a workout until you’re hurting the next day. Optional extras

include weight vests, navigation chal-lenges and overnighters. Check the weather before setting out, and let someone know where you’re going and what time to expect you back.

ROCK CLIMBINGWHATEVER your fitness level, rock climbing will almost always give you whole-body delayed onset muscle soreness. Whether you head for an indoor climbing gym or an outdoor rock face, there’s a route to suit eve-ryone. Search online for your nearest

climbing gym or outdoor climbing group to get started and look for introductory offers, such as a dis-counted first week of climbing.

YOGAWHILE some use it as a way to stretch, professional athletes are tak-ing up yoga to improve their flexibility and performances. Look for power vinyasa classes for a challenge, or yin classes for a stretch, and keep an eye out for ‘first session free’ offers at studios.

STAND-UP PADDLINGTHE core exercise that doesn’t feel like a core exercise, stand-up-pad-dling (or supping as the proponents call it) is a great way to work your body and improve your balance. Board hire starts from about $20 at most places and instructions are pretty straightforward. For an added challenge, try somewhere that gets a little choppy, or ask for a less stable board so you have to work harder.

HIITHIGH Intensity Interval Training peaked a couple of years ago, but it looks like this style of training is here to stay. It’s mostly circuit-based and, as the name suggests, involves short bursts of hard yakka in between even shorter rest periods. The workout is credited with increas-ing the metabolism, but mostly it just offers a good workout under instruc-tion.

WATER-SKIINGTHE second-best use for a boat, after fishing, is to be towed on skis behind it. If you’re short of a boat, look for cable-ski parks in your area. It takes a lot of effort to stay upright on water-skis, so if you start to fall more frequently, that’s when it’s time to take a rest.

DANCE CLASSESBALLROOM dancing can offer a decent workout, especially when you’re starting out. If you’re putting in the effort, you’ll have sore arms, and maybe even legs, the next day. For a fast-paced workout why not try out

hip hop. Being a little less structured than other forms of dance, hip hop allows room for a bit of individuality and flair. The added bonus is you can pick up some transferrable skills for the dance floor on your nights out.

ROLLER BLADINGPOPULAR during the 1990s, roller blading has made a comeback as a workout on wheels. It’s great for developing your balance and endur-ance, whether in a rink or on the street. Most major cities have some-where you can hire a set of blades. If you’re on enough of a roll that you want your own set, they’ll cost any-where from $50-$200 new.

ICE SKATINGWORK on your balance in the cool climes of an ice rink and take a friend or your favourite playlist along for a few laps. Layer up at the start, but don’t be fooled, you’ll work up a sweat before long.

FRISBEE GOLFFRISBEE golf, sometimes called disc golf, is exactly what it says on the can. You throw your frisbee and take your next shot from where it lands, until you get to the hole (a big metal bucket on a stick). Each tee-off point will state how many ‘shots’ make par, depending on how many obstacles are in the way of the hole. You can even buy different discs, such as drivers, mid-rangers and putters. Look it up – you might be surprised to find there’s a course near you.

Stand-up paddle boarding is a great core exercise. Photo: CPL Julia Whitwell

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EXCITEMENT is bui lding for Invictus Games Sydney 2018 with the first training squad camp for cycling held from January 11-15 in Adelaide.

Thirty-eight serving and former serving military personnel took part in the camp, centred around competitors’ participation in the debut of Revolve24 Australia, at Tailem Bend Motor Park.

Competitors participated in the 12-hour leg of the 24-hour endurance event, as part of the Santos Tour Down Under program.

Split into groups of four, each team had to ensure at least one cyclist was present on the track for the duration of the event which kicked off at 7pm on 13 January.

FSGT Ben Morgan, Airborne Electronics Analyst at No. 462

Squadron, said he was a little tired fol-lowing the ride, but felt deep satisfac-tion having been able to complete the 12-hour event.

“As a team we knocked over 3200km which I am really proud of,” he said.

“The most difficult part of the event was trying to keep pace with some of the faster riders out there, and there were a lot of professional cyclists in the race.”

FSGT Morgan said he applied for the Invictus Games 2018 to assist with his recovery from spinal problems, a major shoulder reconstruction and chronic tinnitus.

“Applying to be part of the Invictus Games has given me a goal to work towards as well as the opportunity to be part of something positive and enjoyable,” he said.

“As part of my training I will be riding between eight and 10 hours a week, plus my gym work on top of that. I applied for both cycling and swimming so I’ll see how I go.

“Sport has been absolutely key for my rehabilitation, the endorphins you get make you feel better and it also gives you something to work towards.”

The Invictus Games is an interna-tional adaptive sporting event for serv-ing and former serving defence per-sonnel which will be held from 20-27 October 2018 in Sydney. The games use the power of sport to inspire recov-ery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for wounded, injured and ill servicemen and women.

The final combined ADF and RSL Australian team of 72 competitors will be announced mid-year.

MAJ John Grisinger

AIR FORCE skydivers parachuted into success on the Sydney drop zone during the annual Military Parachute Nationals (MilNats) held from December11-17.

With almost perfect weather, the 52 ADF members competed across five events and completed more than 1000 descents during the competition.

FLTLT Ben Skuce, of No. 36 Squadron, who has been involved with the sport for two years and has made 250 jumps with team ‘Red Belly Flat’, won gold in the eight-round four-way flat formation intermediate category.

He said the teamwork was the best part of the event.

“We all need to hit the points at the same time and all fly at the same time,” FLTLT Skuce said.

“Everyone in the team could be a good flyer, but if one person does something wrong then the whole jump cannot go so well as we only have 35 seconds to complete our formations after leaving the aircraft.

“We finished with an 8.3 average and our highest score was 12.

“I love skydiving because there are so many disciplines and ways to

evolve with the sport.”Team members included CAPT

Holly Godwin, of Defence School of Intelligence, FLGOFF Ariel White, of No. 32 Squadron, and CAPT Ian Brooks, of 6th Engineering Support Regiment.

The formation skydiving open category was dominated by the team ‘Terminal Velociraptor’ which has had the same members for the past five years.

Team captain POETSM Matthew Holmes, of HMAS Farncomb, said the team moved up to the open category and used the event to prepare for the Australian Nationals in March.

“We have to step up training to compete against some of the best teams in the world,’ he said.

PTE B, of Parachute Training School, competed in the vertical for-mation skydiving event where mem-bers create formations while in either head-down or sitting positions.

He said it took a lot of training because they fell much faster than when they were on their stomachs.

“The competition among the teams is getting closer each year in this com-petition,” said PTE B.

The two-way vertical formation

open event consisted of five teams and was won by ‘BF Defence’ with LEUT Gerard Vejrych, of No. 723 Squadron, and LT Dallon Hay, of 11/28RWAR, along with Mr Mark Willis as the cam-eraman.

It was the first time the discipline of Wingsuit skydiving was contested at the MilNats, with CAPT James McKew, of ADFA, winning gold in the competition.

CAPT McKew said he had the ben-efit of competing against the world’s best at the Wingsuit World Cup in Las Vegas during November.

“I was well prepared for the event,” he said.

“The best part of the competition was introducing other skydivers to Wingsuiting and we qualified three new ADF members.”

A highlight of MilNats was a mid-air marriage proposal between two long-time ADF skydiver team mem-bers, LAC Callum Dempsey, of No. 77 Squadron, and SPR Trudy Keys, of 14 Field Squadron.

If you are a skydiver or would like to be involved with ADF Parachuting, email the committee at: [email protected]

CPL Bill Solomou

FOR the first time in the 33-year history of the ADF Golf Association (ADFGA), both the male and female National title Champions were decided in a playoff between two Air Force personnel.

A fist pump on the third play-off hole from FSGT Rod Smylie signalled his delight in winning the National title, after a shot-for-shot battle against WGCDR Danny Sgalippa.

FSGT Smylie from the Maritime Patrol Systems Office at RAAF Base Edinburgh said he felt great winning the event.

He said: “I was eight under coming in. I shot two under, and this put me into the playoff for the championship. I putted well but the best part of my game was my driving.”

The women’s final was decided on the first playoff hole, with LACW Laura De La Paz, putting out to take the honours against seasoned player SQNLDR Debbie Baker.

LACW De La Paz, of No. 13 Squadron at RAAF Base Darwin,

said her strategy coming into the final day was to “relax and chill”.

“In the first four holes I got four pars in a row, I stayed focused and played my own game,” LACW De La Paz said.

“My putting was switched on today.”

“I look forward to playing more golf this year,” she said.

National Tournament Director, WO2 Nick Jago said, “Overall the event saw the ADFGA Nationals conducted with great success”.

“ADFGA will continue its long term relationship with the Federal Golf Club, with the event sched-uled for December 14-16, this year,” WO2 Jago said.

Results FSGT Rod Smylie – ADF

Champion with a score of 298 (3rd playoff hole)

WGCDR Danny Sgalippa – Air Force Champion with a score of 298

LS Derrin Morgan was the Navy champion with a score of 301

MAJ Ben Magi was the Army Champion with a score of 302

LAC Laura De La Paz – Ladies Champion with a score of 373 (1st playoff hole)

History made at ADF golf championship

FSGT Rod Smylie, left, proudly holds the ADF Golf National Champion trophy. LACW Laura De La Paz on her way to winning the women’s. Photos: CPL Bill Solomou

Invictus gets into full swing

ADF swoops on medals

23February 8, 2018RCEAIR F Sp rt

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SKY PILOTS

ADF teamwork leads to gold at Military Parachute Nationals

FLTLT Benjamin Skuce (green helmet), and FLGOFF Ariel White (black helmet),

with Red Belly Flat teammates CAPT Ian Brooks (red helmet) and CAPT Holly

Godwin (yellow triangle on parachute), during the Military Parachute Nationals.

AIRF RCE - Department of Defence · AIRF RCE Vol. 60, No. 1, February 8, 2018 The official...

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