AIRF RCEVol. 58, No. 6, April 21, 2016 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

Wedgetail team’s perfect record P5

BASIC INSTINCT

Support unit’s success built on fundamentals

CENTRE

RAAF military working dog handler LAC David McKay, right, conducts

training with a member of the US Air Force K9 section in the Middle East.

Photo: CPL Ben Dempster

Pilot’s praise for F-35A P7

2 April 21, 2016RCEAIR FNews

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AIRF RCEVol. 58, No. 6, April 21, 2016 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

Wedgetail team’s perfect record P5

BASIC INSTINCT

Support unit’s success built on fundamentals

CENTRE

RAAF military working dog handler LAC David McKay, right, conducts

training with a member of the US Air Force K9 section in the Middle East.

Photo: CPL Ben Dempster

Pilot’s praise for F-35A P7

Jaimie Abbott

WORKING alongside the P-8A Poseidon aircraft during Exercise Balikatan 2016 in the Philippines held special signifi-cance for No. 11 Squadron pilot FLTLT Angus Wheeler.

The AP-3C Orion captain will be among the first operational captains when 11SQN begins operating the P-8A Poseidons next year.

FLTLT Wheeler will move to Naval Air Station Jacksonville in Florida in the US next month. He will be embedded with the US Navy to train on the aircraft until December. Following that he will become the captain of the new-look Crew 2 in 11SQN on the P-8A Poseidon.

“I am really excited to take on the challenge – we have a few exciting years ahead in No. 92 Wing. During Exercise Balikatan we worked alongside the P-8A and the technology is outstanding,” FLTLT Wheeler said.

“It was impressive to see how they can take command and control of the airspace to enhance maritime awareness for all players.”

The P-8A Poseidon is based on the Boeing B737, incorporating the latest maritime surveillance and attack capabil-ities. It includes a bomb bay, under-wing and under-fuselage hard points for weap-ons, as well as increased strengthening to enable continued low-level operations.

In the recent White Paper, the govern-ment committed to acquiring 15 P-8A Poseidons for the Air Force. The first air-craft will be delivered in 2017, with eight aircraft fully operational by 2021. All will be based at RAAF Base Edinburgh.

“From what I have seen during Exercise Balikatan, they can fly faster and longer than the AP-3C Orions and provide a better situational awareness picture in the maritime environment,” FLTLT Wheeler said.

The first two Australian pilots to be converted on the P-8A, flew their first training mission in April 2015.

Under Plan Jericho, Air Force will deliver an integrated system for the P-8A, so it becomes more agile, reaches further, hits harder, gathers more information and distributes it more quickly.

CAPT Dean Muller

THE unrelenting Philippine sun formed a haze across the tarmac at Clark Air Force Base north of Manila as airmen and women from No. 92 Wing conduct-ed pre-flight checks for their APC-3 Orion on Exercise Balikatan 16.

For the third year in a row, the ADF sent a contingent to participate in the US and Philippines bilateral exercise conducted from March 31 to April 18 across various locations in the Philippines.

The US Pacific Command and the Armed Forces of the Philippines hosted the exercise.

The 35-person detachment from 92WG consisted of an APC-3 Orion, an aircrew element, maintenance element and operational and support staff.

92WG detachment commander SQNLDR Michael Sleeman said some of tasks they undertook included tradi-

tional maritime surveillance missions and overland intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions in sup-port of the Philippine and US ground forces.”

“We enjoyed working with the pro-fessional men and women from both militaries, and conducting operations that will assist us in working together,” SQNLDR Sleeman said.

The Orion worked closely alongside the US Navy P-8A Poseidon air frame and Filipino navy aviators.

About 4400 soldiers from US Pacific Command joined with 3300 counterparts from the Armed Forces of the Philippines for the two-week exer-cise, which included command post exercises, field training exercises, live-fire exercises and a humanitarian civil action program.

More coverage of Exercise Balikatan will feature in the next edition.

Turning up the heatNo. 92 Wing detachment takes part in Exercise Balikatan in the Philippines

Exciting view of Poseidon

US Navy personnel marshall a No. 11 Squadron AP-3C Orion at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines during Exercise Balikatan. Photo: CPL David Said

No. 11 Squadron pilot FLTLT Angus Wheeler with an Orion during Exercise Balikatan.Photo: CPL David Said

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FLTLT Shaun Donnelly

THE ADF has ended its humanitarian assistance relief operations in Fiji in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Winston.

The final ADF elements began returning to Australia on April 14 in the lead up to the formal end of Operation Fiji Assist on April 19 .

The Air Force made a significant con-tribution to the operation that began on February 20 after the devastating catego-ry 5 cyclone battered the island nation.

Over the course of the operation, Air Force airlifted four MRH-90 helicopters, 224 personnel and more than 500 tonnes of equipment, food and vital medical supplies.

That’s thanks to the C-17As of No. 36 Squadron at RAAF Amberley and the C-130Js of No. 37 Squadron at RAAF Base Richmond.

They formed the air bridge between Australia and one of Fiji’s main runways at Suva before the arrival of the cen-tral Australian assistance effort on board HMAS Canberra.

FLTLT Jonathan Lee, a C-130 pilot at 37SQN, flew a number of missions into and around Fiji, distributing the supplies where they were required.

“Visually, it was clear a cyclone had hit the area. We flew over a wide river and could see large-diameter trees and logs had swept up around the bottoms of the pylons,” he said.

“Suva’s airport apron was very busy and cramped for its size.

“We were very impressed with how many multi-engine aircraft were able to operate in and out of the field, as well as with air traffic control’s ability to effi-ciently control the traffic.”

FLTLT Lee completed multiple mis-sions in the C-130 to support Operation Fiji Assist.

“The days were long and tiring with landings into the early hours of the morning,” he said.

“However, to be delivering foreign aid to people who need it most is without doubt some of the most personally and professionally rewarding work we do.”

For an initial damage assessment, two AP-3C Orions from No. 92 Wing at RAAF Base Edinburgh were diverted to Fiji on their way home from an anti-submarine warfare training exercise in Hawaii.

Thanks to high-resolution cameras and surveillance equipment and, work-ing alongside Orion aircraft from the RNZAF, the initial scale and range of the devastation was able to be realised.

SQNLDR Shane Hawkes, 92WG’s Chief of Operations, said that during the first couple of missions, an aircraft was diverted to Nadi and another to Suva, “to cover the widest area possible”.

“The aircraft in Suva took on board

3April 21, 2016RCEAIR F News

Tonnes of help for Fiji

some air riders and were able to cover four outlying islands in that first sortie.

“The second aircraft was able to photograph the affected areas and estab-lish the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Winston,” he said.

The Orions were deployed for one week before returning home.

FLTLT Jessica Oosterlaak, an Environmental Health Officer from No 2. Expeditionary Health Squadron detachment in Darwin, was one of the first on board a C-17 to Fiji.

“I was given three hours’ notice to get on an aircraft to Townsville and from there I was to board the C-17 to Fiji. I boarded with no idea what we would find at the other end,” she said.

“My role was to provide the health reconnaissance capability for the joint task force along with medical officer FLTLT Rowan McCarthy.”

An aerial point of disembarkation was established and FLTLT Oosterlaak covered the health threat assess-ment for Air Force personnel at Nasuri International Airport in Suva.

“I had to assess the threat of the vec-tor borne or communicable diseases and ensure we were taking appropriate pre-cautions for the personnel,” she said.

“It was tough, but I also was able to get some experience working with the medical officer in the joint operations room and other joint task force staff.

“It wasn’t until I was returning to Australia that I could think about how much I had done. I am proud of that.”

FLTLT Shaun Donnelly and LEUT Will Singer

THE Amphibious Mobile Airspace Control Cell (AMACE) on board HMAS Canberra ensured a safe and orderly flow of air traffic in support of Operation Fiji Assist.

HMAS Canberra’s combat management systems, sensors and communications were used to provide surveillance advisory services to all aircraft that were part of the joint task force.

The senior joint battlefield airspace controller on board, SQNLDR Mark Rowe, said the ship was “able to maintain a flight deck window of around 10 hours per day with the daily flying brief generally held at 0630 and the deck opening at 0800”.

“It wasn’t unusual to have aircraft based ashore begin flying earlier to get the stores around the islands and places they needed to go,” SQNLDR Rowe said.

“We would stay on station

until the last flight landed, usually around 1830 local.”

The requirement to operate aircraft safely in operations is essential and there are specific challenges when operating with an amphibious task force.

“The surveillance and control we provided is of vital importance to maintain safe and effective fly-ing operations,” SQNLDR Rowe said. “It’s of particular value when there is low cloud and thunder-storms. This occurs a lot in Fiji and the South Pacific at this time of year.”

Essential to ensuring com-munication across the aircraft operating from HMAS Canberra, the AMACE was the link between the joint operations headquarters and the aircraft flying.

“They would monitor the aircraft from wheels up until it was at its destination and wheels on the ground again,” SQNLDR Rowe said.

“Being in constant contact with the aircraft meant that the AMACE could pass on re-tasking

and confirm loads to track the status of the humanitarian and disaster relief stores.”

FLTLT Stephen Robson said his role on Canberra was akin to air traffic controllers at civilian airports – with a twist.

“Our profession is similar to civilian air traffic controllers with added combat-related tactics, techniques and procedures,” FLTLT Robson said.

The reservist said he was fortunate to be offered the role to support Operation Fiji Assist.

“All credit to the ADF for accessing the reservist pool for such an exciting opportunity,” he said.

“I was extremely proud to be part of the operation to help the people of Fiji recover from the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Winston.”

On their first deployment with HMAS Canberra, the Air Force personnel ensured communica-tion was clear and precise. The air control and coordination of the relief effort depended on it.

ALL ABOARD TO TAKE IN SEA AIR

Operation draws to an end

Air Force and Army personnel load an MRH 90 onto a C-17 Globemaster in Fiji. Photo: LAC Brenton Kwaterski

FLTLT Stephen Robson on board

HMAS Canberra during Operation Fiji Assist.

Photo: LS Helen Frank

Defence Asbestos Exposure Evaluation Scheme

Defence is concerned that in the past current and former ADF members andAPS employees may have been exposed to asbestos during the course oftheir Defence employment.

Current serving and former ADF members and APS employees who believethat they may have been exposed to asbestos and wish to have theirasbestos-related medical status evaluated are encouraged to contact:

1800 DEFENCE (1800 333 362)

and register with the Defence Asbestos Exposure Evaluation Scheme.

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whs/programs/asbestos-exposure-evaluation-scheme.asp

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Defence Intranethttp://intranet.defence.gov.au/

people/sites/WHS/ComWeb.asp?page=112016

4 April 21, 2016RCEAIR FNews

JTAC course held during Exercise Black Dagger a valuable experience for studentsFLGOFF Nat Giles

PREVIOUSLY simulated activi-ties were brought to life for students from No. 56 Joint Tactical Airspace Control ler (JTAC) course dur-ing Exercise Black Dagger 16-1 in Townsville from April 1-15.

The exercise was the culmination of the intensive six-week course and allowed the students to conduct close air support (CAS) on the range.

Twelve students from Army and Air Force took part in the course, which qualifies JTACs who are ready to deploy at short notice.

The students conducted at least 10 terminal attack controls during the exercise. The controls included a plan-ning, briefing, execution and debrief-ing phases.

During the planning phase, the JTAC was given the information about the target. The student took this infor-mation and had to consider a range of options and issues, such as weather, threats and friendly forces, as well as safe flight routing through the battles-pace for the aircraft.

This plan was then briefed to an instructor operating as the ground commander, who gave the go-ahead for the control.

In the execution phase, the JTAC carried out the CAS plan, including terminal control.

The debrief phase had the JTAC self-evaluating, before debriefing the control in detail with an instructor.

If a training systems officer observed the control, that officer also provided feedback to the student, as well as advising the instructor on tech-nique.

The course was supported by 8 F/A-18E Super Hornet aircraft from the US Navy VFA115 Squadron, locat-ed in Atsugi, Japan.

CO No. 4 Squadron WGCDR Harvey Reynolds said it was important for the students to conduct the training with real time, live weapon employ-ment.

“Working with VFA115 on Black Dagger enhanced our interoperabil-

Training at the sharp end

ity with the USN. The entire exercise involved collaborative training, so useful coalition interoperability les-sons have been learned while we were up there,” he said.

“We both picked up some great training working together up in Townsville. The training we conduct-ed here was important to VFA115 as well as 4SQN.

“They [VFA115] were able to tick some currency and qualification boxes while they were here by utilis-ing our range, which is different to the training they typically conduct in Japan. This was a great example of interoperability and we really enjoyed working with the USN.”

The Super Hornets dropped a range of armament on the range, from GBU training bombs to 500 pound HE bombs, as well as conduct-ing a large number of accurate straf-

ing runs, all supported by 82 Wing Armament Fitters.

USN LT Junior Grade Chris Pagenkopf, of VFA115, said they received valuable training during Black Dagger.

“Participating in Exercise Black Dagger was a tremendously valuable experience for our squadron,” he said.

“Executing attacks against targets as directed by ground-based JTACs is an extremely important mission that we don’t get to practise as often as we would like, so the exercise was great training for our pilots.

“We were proud to be able to sup-port the qualification of the JTACs and look forward to operating with them in future allied operations.

“We appreciated the generous hospitality afforded to us by both Air Force and the people of Townsville during our detachment.”

FLTLT Colin Burrows and FLTLT Brian Williams are

strapped into a No. 4 Squadron PC-9 by ground maintenance

staff before a sortie. Photo: CPL Glen McCarthy

LAC Edward French refuels a US Navy F/A-18E.Photo: SGT Guy Young

Above: CPL Trevor Connell attaches a tow bar to a PC-9 during the exercise.

Above: FLTLT Steven Booth monitors the airspace during Black Dagger. Photos: SGT Guy Young

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Eamon Hamilton

THE Air Movements Training and Development Unit at RAAF Base Richmond has changed its name for the first time in 51 years to reflect the evolving nature of its role.

The unit was formally reti-tled the Air Mobility Training and Development Unit (AMTDU) on April 1.

The new name also reflects changes to AMTDU’s parent organi-sation, Air Mobility Group, and will communicate its role more accurately across Defence and foreign militar-ies.

CO WGCDR Matt Hetherington said the unit originally took on the Air Movements title in 1965.

“Back then Defence needed an organisation to train people in how to load new transports like the C-130 A and E model Hercules,” WGCDR Hetherington said.

“Today, our core business today is threefold: load clearance and devel-opment; test and evaluation (T&E); and air logistics training, across the full spectrum of air mobility aircraft.”

Under Plan Jericho, AMTDU’s Load Development role will contin-ue, but its T&E function will transi-tion to the Air Warfare Centre.

The focus on air movements train-ing has also shifted in recent years with RAAFSALT taking on that role for Air Force, while AMTDU has retained the training of Army mem-bers.

“We will still perform and refine our fundamental job of load clear-ance and development for the ADF,” WGCDR Hetherington said.

“However, we will broaden our training functions, to include support to Nos. 84 and 86 Wing in the devel-opment of an ‘air mobility mastery continuum’.

“This initiative aims to develop a cadre of air mobility professionals with the ability to plan and lead the

FLTLT Mick McGirr

THE Air Task Group’s E-7A Wedgetail command and control air-craft has achieved a record 100 per cent mission success rate in coali-tion operations against Daesh in the Middle East.

The record is attributed to the current detachment, Rotation 5, of aircrew and maintenance personnel who operated the aircraft over the last four months.

CO ATG AIRCDRE Antony Martin said the detachment’s mem-bers should be immensely proud of their efforts.

“They’ve all set the bar excep-tionally high, especially achieving 100 per cent mission completion – a fantastic effort,” AIRCDRE Martin said.

“Such success speaks volumes about what the whole team has achieved in the past few months.

“The take away for Rotation 5 is that their role and that of the E-7A Wedgetail in facilitating combat air-power capability in the Middle East is first class.”

R o t a t i o n 5 D e t a c h m e n t Commander SQNLDR David said the record was the first time in the Middle East that an E-7A rotation had successfully conducted every single mission they were assigned over the period of their deployment – in this case all 36 missions.

“I’m very proud of what our rotation has achieved over the four months that we’ve been deployed to

the Middle East,” SQNLDR David said.

“While 36 missions may not sound like a lot, when you consider that each mission lasts upwards of 12 hours, and we only have one air-craft, that’s nearly 500 hours of fly-ing and a lot of maintenance.

“The Wedgetail is a very tech-nically advanced and complicated aircraft, so under normal circum-stances we expect to have to can-cel the occasional mission due to a maintenance requirement or perhaps crewing issue.

“While luck might play a small role, it’s a credit to the Rotation 5 maintenance team who have ded-icated themselves to making sure the aircraft is always ready, and that they are prepared for all practical contingencies.”

FSGT Barry Damsma, senior engineering officer and head of Rotation 5 maintenance, said he was proud of his workforce for achiev-ing the record.

“It’s really hard to get a 100 per cent mission success rate,” FSGT Damsma said. “It’s the first time I’ve seen it achieved in 23 years and I’ve worked on a number of differ-ent aircraft.”

He attributed the team’s suc-cess to three key factors: logistics arrangements, maintenance practic-es and personnel management.

“We’ve been proactive, rather than reactive; looking forward into the future,” he said.

“From a logistics point of view, we’ve focused on establishing a more long-term supply of spares and more solid supply chain manage-ment.

“While the earlier focus was more on critical items, we’ve looked ahead at what might become critical in the future and tried to make sure it never reaches that stage.

“As for maintenance practices, we’ve developed policy that is more sustainable and we’ve tried to mirror the practices we do back home.

“That means, for example, mov-ing from working with toolboxes to putting everything on tool boards.

“When it comes to people, it’s important that they are happy, moti-vated and have the resources to achieve what they want.

“If people are motivated they will come into the workshop during their spare time and try to fix prob-lems that they’ve been working on.”

SGT Andrew Green, aviation technician, acknowledges luck played a part, but luck and hard work seem to often go hand-in-hand.

“It all boils down to attitude, and we’ve had the right attitude – the right attitude can overcome just about anything.

“It’s a modest team, and I don’t think we’ll be celebrating. We’ll just end the day as normal, and turn up tomorrow and do it all over again.”

5April 21, 2016RCEAIR F News

High achievers set a record

New era starts for mobility unit

E-7A Rotation 5 racks up 100 per cent mission success

delivery of integrated joint mobility effects at the operational level.

“It will be closely integrated with the Air Warfare Centre suite of cours-es, due to be rolled out over the com-ing years.”

Tasked with the job of developing, testing and teaching new techniques for delivering cargo by Defence aircraft, AMTDU comes under Air Force command and is comprised of about 50 per cent RAAF and Army personnel respectively.

AMTDU has been kept extremely busy through the introduction of new Defence transports such as the C-17A Globemaster III, C-27J Spartan, and MRH90 helicopter. AMTDU contin-ues to support upgrades to existing aircraft like the C-130J Hercules and CH-47 Chinook to accommodate new vehicles or specialist equipment.

AMTDU delivers short-notice assessments on the safe carriage of urgently required equipment, such as recent delivery of vehicles to the Australian Antarctic Division.

The name change comes in time for AMTDU members to march under the new unit banner in Sydney on Anzac Day.

Air Movements Training and Development Unit loads a C-17A Globemaster III at RAAF Base Richmond. Photo: CPL David Gibbs

Wedgetail maintenance personnel at Australia’s main logistics base in the Middle East. Below left, pilots prepare for Rotation 5’s final flight with the Air Task Group. Below right, the Wedgetail takes off. Photos: CPL Ben Dempster

SGT Dave Morley

AIR Force’s Gap Year program is fol-lowing up its 2015 success with anoth-er 53 recruits marching out of No. 1 Recruit Training Unit on March 30.

DG Capability Planning – Air Force AIRCDRE Michael Kitcher reviewed the parade, which was also attended by Assistant Defence Minister Michael McCormack.

AIRCDRE Kitcher told the recruits they had passed two important mile-stones.

“The first was the privilege of being selected from thousands of hopeful candidates for the Air Force Gap Year program and the second is the successful completion of this course,” AIRCDRE Kitcher said.

“As you go forward over the next year and beyond, whether that be in the Air Force or elsewhere, you will face many challenges and you will be given many opportunities.

“Hopefully you will benefit from the skills and perspective you have

gained during this course and the remainder of your year.”

CO 1RTU WGCDR Jules Adams said the recruits had made themselves, their families and their instructors proud.

“You have been fantastic ambas-sadors for the Air Force Gap Year pro-gram,” she said.

“My personal hope is that you will take the opportunity to explore all the options available to you in Air Force, make an informed decision for your

future and strive for excellence in whatever career path you take.”

Mr McCormack said he was pleased to be able to attend the parade and personally congratulate the recruits on a significant milestone in their training.

“Today completes the first stage of their Air Force training before they begin their initial employment training in the air base protection role,” he said.

ACW Alannah Kreidl and ACW Amanda Patzwald took out the Legacy

Airmanship Award for A Flight and B Flight respectively.

AC Vaughan Kernan from A Flight and AC Nicholas McIntyre from B Flight received the RSL Most Improved awards.

More than 430 young Australians are undertaking training in the 2016 ADF Gap Year program with more than 40 per cent of them female.

A three-ship flypast of Beechcraft King Air 350s took place twice during the parade.

SGT Dave Morley

TWO ACWs who went that little bit further for their mates, took out the Air Force Gap Year course’s Legacy Airmanship awards.

ACW Alannah Kreidl, of A Flight, said she joined the Gap Year program because she wasn’t sure if she wanted to join the Air Force.

“I thought the program was a good way to get a taste of what the Air Force was like, and after the past 12 weeks I’ve decided it’s something I want to continue doing with my life,” she said.

“I’d like to take every opportunity I can and maybe commission as an offic-er sometime in the future.”

ACW Kreidl said her sergeant told her she received the award for a lot of little things that added up.

“It was for doing the best that I could, looking out for other people, helping them out and giving them words of encouragement,” she said.

ACW Amanda Patzwald, of B Flight, said she joined the Gap Year pro-gram to gain some life experience.

“I didn’t want to go straight into uni-versity and I wanted to gain some new experiences I wouldn’t gain anywhere else,” she said.

She believed she received her award

for being able to keep everyone going when they were exhausted.

“I encouraged everyone to put in a little bit more effort so they could con-tinue on when it got really difficult,” she said.

ACW Patzwald’s great-uncles, LAC Hermann Kregenbrink and LAC Albert Profke, served with the Air Force in the 1940s, and her grandfather, PTE Norman Kregenbrink, served with the Army from 1942-44.

Meanwhile, one proud Navy officer travelled from the Sunshine Coast to see his stepson march out as a new airman.

LCDR Brian Greaves, from the Australian Maritime Warfare Centre, said he was more than happy to see AC Dylan Hughes join the Air Force.

“I didn’t push him, I gave him some guidance, and, while I don’t think it’s for everyone, there are certainly some great opportunities for those who want to enlist,” he said.

AC Hughes said he joined the Gap Year program after finding he didn’t enjoy university.

“I wanted to try something else and my stepdad has told me lots about the ADF,” he said.

AC Hughes also took out the marks-man award for his course.

New recruits march forward into Air Force careers after passing the Gap Year challenge

Legacy awards for young recruits

More than a stop gap

The graduation parade of Gap Year recruits from No. 1

Recruit Training Unit at RAAF Base Wagga on March 30.

Photo: SGT Dave Morley

Above: LCDR Brian Greaves and AC Dylan Hughes.Left: AC/W Alannah Kreidl and AC/W Amanda Patzwald. Photos: SGT Dave Morley

6 April 21, 2016RCEAIR FNews

7April 21, 2016RCEAIR F News

CPL Bill Solomou

AN AP-3C Orion from No. 11 Squadron responded to a search and rescue emergency while conducting pilot continua-tion training off the shores of Adelaide on April 13.

Five men were fishing on a 6m vessel about 1km off the eastern side of Kangaroo Island when a large wave capsized their boat forcing them overboard.

They set off a distress bea-con, which directed the 11SQN aircrew to their position.

The Orion captain, FLTLT Benn Carroll, said they were in

the middle of an approach when they were tasked to assist and then headed to the location.

“As we were arriving, my crew saw a flare go off and we started to descend to 100 feet,” FLTLT Carroll said.

“We identified a small fishing vessel upturned with five men on top of it.”

FLTLT Carroll said they kept an eye on the vessel and directed rescue crews to them.

He said the whole experience played out perfectly.

“We applied our training principles and we were really happy to help,” he said.

Orion comes to aid of anglers overboardINDIGENOUS FLAGS RAISED

Two new flag poles have been installed for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags to fly permanently in Blamey Square at Russell Offices in Canberra. Members of Aus-tralia’s Federation Guard raised the flags for the first time on April 11. Previously the flags were flown for specific events or occasions such as NAIDOC Week. Here CDF ACM Mark Binskin leads the salute as the flags are hoisted alongside the Australian National Flag, ADF Ensign, Australian White Ensign and the RAAF Ensign. Photos: Lauren Larking

SGT Dave Morley

AIR Force’s first F-35 pilot SQNLDR Andrew Jackson, who is back in Australia briefly to report on the air-craft’s progress, said they hadn’t even begun to scratch the surface with its capabilities yet.

“You can definitely see the potential of it. It’s going in the right direction and it’s going to be pretty awesome once it’s where they want it,” said SQNLDR Jackson

“The range of things you can do with it grows, so it’s definitely easier to fly and operate. I think operating the jet well will take us some time, just to get our heads around how we play, but the net effect of that will be our combat capability will be so much greater than what we have now.”

SQNLDR Jackson is currently assigned to Luke AFB in Arizona flying the F-35A with the US Air Force 61st Fighter Squadron and has been flying the aircraft since March 2015.

He said he and the other Air Force pilot instructor, SQNLDR David Bell, now had almost 230 hours between them flying the F-35A.

“Over the 12 months I’ve been flying the aircraft there’s been continual devel-opment,” he said.

“When I started, the aircraft had a 3-G restriction on it and now we’re out to 7-G with an unrestricted angle of attack and up to Mach 1.6 from Mach .9, so in a short time there’s been a lot of development there.

“The aircraft will continue to change as we continue to explore the flight envelope. As we start to get the capa-bilities on board with the aeroplane, who knows where we can take it.”

SQNLDR Jackson, who came from

F-35’s just awesome

a background of flying F/A-18 Hornets, said when he heard people talk about the F-35 being sluggish, he could say it out-performs a Hornet in all respects.

“There are technical complexities we’re still working through, but I think it’s significantly better than it’s being made out to be,” he said.

“You can see the potential of the aircraft, but equally you can see the challenges the software engineers and designers are facing.

“I haven’t met anyone who’s involved with operating the aircraft that has a negative outlook on it and that in itself should be relatively telling.”

SQNLDR Jackson said the aircraft was extremely aware of itself with a prognostics health management system and its own nervous system that fed back to the aircraft what was going on with its various components.

He said people considering a career in Air Force, and training as pilots, would have the chance to shape the service and how it trains to fight wars of the future.

“I’ve had a great career and the opportunities that has afforded me have been spectacular,” he said.

Squadron Leader Andrew Jackson. Photo: SSGT Marleah Robertson

TIME is running out to have your say on how Air Force should mark its centenary in 2021, as the consultation period ends on April 30.

CAF launched planning for Air Force 2021 late last year. Since then, there have been more than 200 submissions from members, veterans, the AAFC and members of the public.

“The centenary will be a unique opportunity to commem-orate the sacrifices and achieve-ments of the past, engage the Australian nation and inspire the next generation of Air Force men

and women,” Chief of Staff Air Force Headquarters, AIRCDRE Hayden Marshall said.

“The centenary will be pow-ered by your creative ideas, so make sure you have your say.

“There will be finite resourc-es that we can devote to the Air Force 2021 program of events.

“We will select activities that are value for money and deliver maximum effect,” AIRCDRE Marshall said.

Submissions can be made at www.airforce.gov.au/RAAF2021

Your say on centenary

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9April 21, 2016RCEAIR F News

WO2 Andrew Hetherington

WHEN aircraft technician AC Lucky Wijesuriya was deployed to the Middle East region in February, the last thing on his mind was winning an award for his perfor-mance on his trade training course.

“I received an email in mid-March from my executive Warrant Officer at Air Mobility Group in Richmond, congratulat-ing me on winning the J.R. Bartram and R.A. Kee sword of honour,” he said.

“I was surprised and honoured when I found out, as there were 280 students who graduated on my course in April last year.”

The aircraft technician course takes a year to complete and the sword of hon-our is presented to the most outstanding trade trainee who completes one of the five different aircraft training courses, run at the RAAF School of Technical Training (RAAFSTT) at RAAF Base Wagga.

AC Wijesuriya is on his first deployment overseas, with the Air Mobility Task Group.

“I help maintain the engines, propellers, flight controls, landing gear and the pneu-matic and hydraulic systems on our C-130J Hercules aircraft,” he said.

“The best parts of my job are the travel and the people I work with; it’s like a big family and the sense of achievement I get after finishing a job.

“Our mission here on Operation Accordion is important and it’s great being able to help improve the lives of people in the Middle East region.”

The award is an important step forward for AC Wijesuriya and his career.

“I plan to commission in the future to become an engineering officer,” he said.

“Before I enlisted into my current job I’d originally applied to become an air force

airfield engineering officer, but was offered three of the technical jobs instead.”

AC Wijesuriya wanted to join Air Force after coming to Australia from Sri Lanka in 2005.

“I moved from Colombo to Glenroy in Melbourne with my father to finish my high school education at Taylors College in the centre of Melbourne,” he said.

“I then did my civil engineering degree at RMIT in Melbourne and decided to join the air force after working in a pub during and after finishing my degree.”

“My family supported my move to Australia and throughout my education because they wanted me to live in a safe country that respects their citizens. This is something I regularly reflect on working for the ADF.”

His passion for aviation has a family connection back to his birth country.

“I also have two uncles in Sri Lanka who were in the air force there. One was an air-field defence guard and the other an aircraft technician like me,” he said.

In 2012 AC Wijesuriya made a step clos-er to realising his dream to work on aircraft with the RAAF.

“I became an Australian citizen in 2012 and it’s a great country to live in. I’m extremely proud to be an Australian and to wear this uniform,” he said

The sword recipient receives a replica of the real sword, which has their name engraved on its blade and is held at the school.

The award was named after two former commanding officers of RAAFSTT. It rec-ognises meritorious performance in the avi-onics technician, aircraft technician, arma-ment technician, aircraft structural fitter, or aircraft life support fitter courses.

Driven by passion

WO2 Andrew Hetherington

NOT every member of the ADF who deploys on operations is keen to blow their own trumpet.

However, CPL Andrew Strange, deployed with Combat Support Unit 15 to the main air operations base in the Middle East, is looking forward to the prospect.

“Before I left Australia I dis-cussed with my warrant officer the possibility of playing my trumpet for the Anzac Day service,” CPL Strange said.

“He thought it was a great idea and I’ve been practising the Last Post for 20 minutes a day since early March.

“It’s such a sacred tune to play.”CPL Strange has played the

instrument for most of his life.“I started learning the trumpet

at primary school and continued into high school,” he said. “There I was involved in school musicals, the concert band and the school choir.”

This will not be the first Anzac Day he has played the Last Post for an audience.

“When I was in the Army Reserve 20 years ago, I played at the Capella [central west Queensland] service,” he said.

“This time I think I’ll be a little nervous, wanting to make sure I hit the right notes.

“I’ll also feel honoured, privi-

Proud to play Last Post

leged and humbled I’m able to play a part in such a historic day.”

His job as a watchkeeper keeps him busy working on Operation Accordion.

“I like my role as it’s never the same on any given day,” he said.

CPL Strange is also proud to play his part in Australia’s mission in the Middle East region.

“I am glad I can contribute to Australia’s mission here,” he said.

“Already I’ve made some fantas-tic friends – mates for life.”

Technician humbled to receive sword of honour

CPL Andrew Strange will play during the Anzac Day dawn service. Photo: CPL Nicci Freeman

AC Lucky Wijesuriya with his J.R. Bartram and R.A. Kee sword of honour award. Photo: CPL Mark Doran

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10 April 21, 2016RCEAIR FNews

THE Spirit of Anzac Centenary Experience (SACE) is the flagship activity of the centenary commemora-tions.

The travelling roadshow of arte-facts from the Austral ian War Memorial will visit 23 regional, rural and capital city locations over a two-year period.

SACE provides an immersive and interactive way for Australians to com-memorate World War I and the ensuing century of service.

Visitors can walk through recreated WWI environments and view an exten-sive collection of genuine military artefacts. The exhibition also features a Community Zone for local stories.

The exhibition in Adelaide in March set a record for the tour to date – more than 29,300 visitors, the six busiest visitor days and the oldest attendee at a spritely 106 years of age.

Since the first SACE exhibition in Albury-Wodonga in September 2015, almost 120,000 people have viewed the once-in-a-lifetime event.

The ADF is providing volunteer guides to assist and enhance the visitor experience.

Some of these volunteers have found it such a rewarding opportu-nity that they have supported three and

four events out of the eight which have been completed.

FSGT Cliff Marshall, a reservist and Defence public servant, has vol-unteered at the Ballarat, Bendigo and Melbourne exhibitions.

He said the SACE exhibition is a reminder of the loyal and proud Australian men and women who stepped forward to defend the freedom of Australian life, and to support allies in a time of need.

“Australians must never forget that the Australian way of life that we enjoy today, comes at a very high personal, physical and financial cost,” FSGT Marshall said.

“I have enjoyed and continue to enjoy being able to present the expe-rience to the Australian people. SACE is a fitting remembrance activ-ity being provided to the public by the Australian Government.”

SQNLDR Glenn Buesnel-May described his experience as a volunteer as humbling.

“I have met families of men who served in multiple WWI theatres and survived, and those that landed at Gallipoli and were killed on day one. Their stories and homage were truly humbling things to hear,” SQNLDR Buesnel-May said.

Get into the spirit

n The next Spirit of Anzac Cente-nary Experience events will be in Tamworth from April 26 to May 1, followed by Toowoomba in May and Brisbane in June.

n Entry to the Spirit of Anzac Centenary Experience is free, but bookings are essential as places are limited. People are encouraged to visit www.

spiritofanzac.gov.au to book their tickets when the exhibition visits their area.

n In addition to clips on YouTube, a 360 degree Virtual Reality app for iPhone and Android is available. For information visit www.spiritofanzac.gov.au/media/teach-learn/google-cardboardUserGuide_v4.pdf

HOW TO BE PART OF THE EXPERIENCECPL Kenneth Walker-

Pittman, LS Nick Clancey and CPL

Tim Nuss welcome visitors to the Spirit

of Anzac exhibition in Adelaide. The event

in Adelaide attracted record crowds for the

tour to date. Photo: CPL Craig Barrett

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11April 21, 2016RCEAIR F News

FLGOFF Nat Giles

AMID the huge mountains and amazing scenery of Wanaka, New Zealand, four Hawk 127 pilots from No. 79 Squadron conducted flypasts and flying displays at the biennial Warbirds over Wanaka International Air Show from March 25-27.

The squadron f lew four Hawks from RAAF Base Pearce to New Zealand via Hobart on March 23 to participate in the air show.

SQNLDR Grant Taylor, FLTLT Robert Graham, FLTLT Jonathan Pearson and FLTLT Farzan Kalantary conducted a four-ship flypast and a solo dis-play on all three days of the show.

“It was a fantastic experience getting to fly in New Zealand,” FLTLT Kalantary said.

“The backdrop for our dis-plays was incredible and it was amazing being able to look at all the old aircraft in static displays and aerobatic displays. Our jets were very popular.”

More than 30,000 people attended on each day of the week-end and there were up to 80 air-craft on display.

“There was definitely some-thing for everyone at this show,

with so many aircraft on display,” FLTLT Kalantary said.

The event included a Spitfire, Corsair, BF-109, Harvards, Avro Anson, Catalina and DC-3s as well as US C-17 aircraft.

Flying displays were held con-tinuously from 10am until about 4pm, with the final event being a mock airfield attack. The fighters on display at the event defended the airfield from the “enemy”.

“As a final display for the show, air raid sirens rang loudly as six Harvards ‘strafed’ the air-field and an Avro Anson actually released two dumb bombs, with flames and explosions approxi-mately 200m from the crowd,” FLTLT Kalantary said.

“In response, WWII aircraft including the Spitfire and Corsair were scrambled to ‘shoot’ down the enemy aircraft. As they were shot down, smoke bellowed from their bellies and they disappeared behind the mountains.

“In total, there were about 12 aircraft airborne during the attack and scramble.”

As a tribute to veterans, the show closed with a massed 12-ship fighter formation flypast.

Warbirds over Wanaka will next be held in 2018 over the Easter long weekend.

Hawks’ peak showingImpressive contribution to spectacular Warbirds Over Wanaka air display

Members of No. 79 Squadron with a New Zealand security officer and canine assistant at the Warbirds Over Wanaka International Air Show in New Zealand.

12 13RCEAIR FCentrepiece April 21, 2016

FROM THE GROUND UPThe most recent Combat Support Unit

rotation in the Middle East proves success starts with a mastery of the nuts and bolts, CPL Nichola Freeman and

FLTLT Mick McGirr report

‘CSU 14 has clearly demonstrated that the unit delivers much more than garrison support.

WGCDR Iain CartyCO CSU 14

COMBAT Support Unit Rotation 14 can put the success of its six-month stint in the Middle East region down to “being brilliant at the basics” and quick to iden-

tify opportunities.The unit was deployed in support of Australian

forces, including the Air Task Group (ATG) at Australia’s main air operating base.

The detachment in support of the ATG provid-ed a range of services to help sustain Australian air power in both Iraq and Syria.

These included medical, security, logistics, airfield engineering and host nation liaison.

CO CSU 14 WGCDR Iain Carty said the unit played a critical role in the delivery of airbase and aviation operations in the region.

“The men and women of the unit have remained focused on the core business by being brilliant at the basics and identifying opportuni-ties across the board to improve the manner in which they deliver and support capability.

“The focus on safety, governance and stand-ards provided a solid and effective foundation for the conduct of airbase and aviation support opera-tions,” he said.

“Recent safety and logistic governance reviews identified no significant issues and are a clear indication of the combined efforts that CSU 14 have made in this area.”

WGCDR Carty said all elements of CSU 14 achieved their mission to provide sustained and integrated airbase operations and aviation opera-tional support.

“The application of technical mastery has resulted in a significant improvement to physical security and mandated security governance at Australian bases in the region,” he said.

“The team supporting the ATG demonstrated initiative and resourcefulness to facilitate the relo-cation of strike maintenance, as well as identify a suitable site and gain approval for the construc-tion of a temporary aircraft shelter at our main air operating base.”

He said in both cases, CSU 14 directly contrib-uted to the generation of airpower through airbase support.

“Collectively, the host nation liaison teams and visa coordination team have provided sus-tained and mission critical support to a range of complex and sensitive basing, immigration and strategic issues,” WGCDR Carty said.

“Overall, as a unit, CSU 14 has clearly dem-onstrated that the unit delivers much more than garrison support.

“The members of CSU 14 have well and truly achieved their mission and should be understand-ably proud of their individual and collective achievements.”

Air Force firefighter SGT Marty Whiley on the flightline at Australia’s main logistics base.

Airfield defence guard LAC Michael Skinner patrols the flight line

area at Australia’s main air operating base in the

Middle East region. Photos: CPL Ben Dempster

Nursing officer FLTLT Kahlia Rawlings at work in the medical section of Australia’s main air operating base.

Electrician LAC James Strang wields a heavy duty

cement saw while installing electrical cables.Procurement clerk LACW Asha Appleby sorts stores

at the logistics tent warehouse.

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15April 21, 2016RCEAIR F New Horizon

Good citizenship takes off

AIR Force Training Group (AFTG) is delivering the Air Force Citizenship Package, which was developed as a result of recommendations from vari-ous reviews, to all new Airmen and Officers.

New Horizon initiatives have already resulted in No. 1 Recruit Training Unit and Officers’ Training School (OTS) making significant changes to their induction courses, moving towards values-based assess-ment.

Among those changes is the focus on bystander ethics – part of the

Healthy Relationships and Sexual Ethics Module (HRSE).

The training draws on best prac-tice from ADFA, RAN programs, school-based programs, SeMPRO guidance, academic research, and US military programs – particularly in the area of sexual ethics.

Air Force personnel psychologist SQNLDR Donna Merkx said she was already seeing positive results.

“The students are responding well to the courses and many have expressed the opinion that the topics covered are important,” she said.

“We see the students come to the realisation that they can speak up about something that is wrong if they see it, and so to see the Air Force val-ues becoming part of their thinking is rewarding.”

The Air Force Citizenship Package is used to reinforce New Horizon and Air Force values within the courses.

CO 1RTU WGCDR Jules Adams said the most significant addition to the package was the introduction of the HRSE module.

CO OTS WGCDR Davin

Augustine said students had endorsed the need for the content.

“There has been some evidence of attitude improvement and an increased perception of taking action in bystander situations,” WGCDR Augustine said.

“A recent redevelopment of the OTS curriculum was an excellent opportunity to pull these existing sub-jects together under the package.

“It’s a key driver for an officer candidate’s attitude, behaviour, Air Force Values and positive choices,” he said.

A C-17 from 36SQN performs a flypast at 300 feet

for the General Salute at a graduation parade at 1RTU.

Photo: CPL Cam Scott

4 Squadron Combat Control

APPLICATIONS FOR 2016NOW OPEN

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

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

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

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

AND ADVANCE FORCE OPERATIONS

16 April 21, 2016RCEAIR FPersonnel

Kit system gears upTHE ADF is well on its way to modernising clothing and personal equipment manage-ment with good progress being made in the implementation of the new Personal Inventory Management System (PIMS).

A pilot of the PIMS project was launched in Townsville and at Fleet Base East on February 1, with all services putting the system through its paces.

The next destinations for the rollout are NT and WA units during April-May, followed by the Sydney region and Adelaide in late May. The national rollout is due for completion by the end of 2016.

WGCDR Matt Harvey, CO 27SQN, said the system made life a lot easier.

“Base personnel use the Lavarack Barracks clothing store, meaning a 20-minute trip each way for combat clothing exchange, or SD clothing purchase,” WGCDR Harvey said.

“PIMS means we can order anywhere, any-time.

“We are currently involved in testing the system to order at work and at home.

“When fully functional, it should be able to deliver direct to the workplace, hold for us at the clothing store, or deliver to a personal address for a small postage fee.

“We can see this will save the unit and members time and effort,” he said.

PIMS combines a personal electronic clothing card (PECC) with an online ordering system for both combat and non-combat items.

It will give members the flexibility to request exchange of entitlement-managed clothing and equipment such as DPNU, flying coveralls and boots.

Members can also purchase non-combat and service dress items such as shirts, skirts, trousers, shoes and headdresses.

Personnel from Joint Logistics Unit-South, Colin Sherriff and Sarah Smurthwaite, conduct a stocktake at the Edinburgh Defence Precinct clothing store. Photo: CPL Nicci Freeman

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERDefence Force Magistrate

1 x prejudicial conduct – DFDA s 60(1)The member was accused of prejudicing discipline by grappling a subordinate member. The member pleaded not guilty to the charge but was found guilty. The member was convicted without punishment.

All court martial and Defence Force Magistrate trial results are subject to com-mand review and appeal. The results are of trials across the ADF.

MARCH TRIAL RESULTS

THE Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Reporting Office (SeMPRO) will hold a series of presentations for Canberra-based ADF and APS staff throughout May and June.

The presentations will provide an overview of the services available through SeMPRO, as well as advice and guidance on what you might do if you experience or witness sexual misconduct in the workplace.

The timetable will be available shortly on the SeMPRO website.

For more information on SeMPRO go tot www.defence.gov.au/sempro

Staff urged to take action

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

FUNDAMENTALINPUTS TOCAPABILITY

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

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

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

CANBERRA CONVENTION CENTRE – 15 JUNE

FeatureRCEAIR F April 21, 2016 17

ONE OF three heritage air-craf t g iven to his tor i -cal organisations by CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies will

soon begin its journey from Wagga Wagga to a new home at the Australian National Aviation Museum (ANAM) in Moorabbin, Victoria.

Canberra A84-226 was built at the Government Aircraft Factory (GAF) in 1955 and served with No. 2 Squadron, taking part in a goodwill visit to the US in 1956.

The aircraft was later used as a training aid at RAAF Base Wagga and became a long-term resident opposite the trainees’ mess inside the base.

SO Air Force Heritage Projects WGCDR Bill Sanders said ANAM would add A84-226 to its collection of Australian-built aircraft.

“Over Easter, the museum’s Australian Aircraft Restoration Group went to RAAF Base Wagga to disman-tle their Canberra and prepare it for removal to Melbourne,” he said.

“Their care in the dismantling process and attention to detail was remarked on by all there.”

He said Air Force Heritage safety adviser WOFF Stan Lawler was on site to oversee the work.

WGCDR Sanders said the immi-nent removal of the aircraft had gener-ated much interest among Air Force members.

“While they are losing the aircraft, they are pleased to see it’s going to a good home,” he said.

Sec re t a ry o f ANAM Ewan McArthur said the museum focused on Australian-built aviation.

“With the Canberra’s arrival, and a GAF Nomad just two weeks ago, our GAF aircraft collection is now com-plete,” he said.

“The Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation collection is not far behind either, so having such com-plete collections is important in terms of preserving Australian aviation and manufacturing history.”

Mr McArthur said they had taken care not to cut into the aircraft as such.

“Instead, we have drilled out hun-dreds of rivets so that we can then re-rivet upon arrival and not have to patch up grind marks etcetera,” he said.

“This is a heritage acquisition and needs to be treated with all the respect it deserves.”

He said a couple of large semi-trailers hauling the aircraft along the highways from Wagga Wagga to

Moorabbin would be an interesting spectacle for people along the route.

Mr McArthur said the aircraft was in better shape than first thought.

“The cockpit is gutted so we need to do some work on that, but it will go on display very quickly and be worked on so visitors can see up close what is involved in restoring and preserving.

“It will enhance our jet-age aircraft collection; Sabre, Meteor, Jindiviks and a Mirage. It’s a big aircraft and

finished in camo, which we only have on our F-111 cockpit module,” he said.

“If all goes well and we can com-plete the cockpit rebuild, it will even-tually be used on the family open cockpit day in October, which is our biggest day of the year.”

Other Canberra bombers are on display at the RAAF Museum Point Cook, the RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre and the RAAF Base Wagga Heritage Centre.

A piece of air warfare history is being prepared for a careful drive to its new home, SGT Dave Morley writes

Delivery by land

Members of the Australian Aircraft Restoration Group dismantle the Canberra bomber at RAAF Base Wagga before its journey to Melbourne. Photo: WOFF Stan Lawler

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18 April 21, 2016RCEAIR FFlightline

SGT Chris Watkins, of ADFA, gets set to ride from Canberra. His grandfather died of prostate cancer in 2008 while SGT Watkins was deployed. Photo: LS Jayson Tufrey

Long Ride participant SGT Peter Noyce, of No. 17 Squadron at RAAF Base Tindal, with his Can-Am Spyder. Photo: CPL David Cotton Riders from RAAF Base Williamtown. Photo: SGT Shane Gidall

Defence personnel involved in the Long Ride gather around an Orion at RAAF Base Edinburgh. The event raises funds for prostate cancer.Photo: SGT Rodney Welch

SGT Guy Young proudly receives a Silver Level Commendation from CO No. 28 Squadron WGCDR Pete Gilbert on his return from Operation Okra. The award recognised his work in developing and implementing a nationally based imagery task management system. Photo: LACW Katharine Pearson

SGT Allison Stephenson and SQNLDR Catriona Dowling, of HQ Combat Support Group, display their CAF Commendations awarded for their efforts on deployment to Afghanistan. Photo: LACW Casey Gaul

LAC Nathan Warrener with his children Ashleigh, left, and Clay enjoy a family day for No. 36 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley. Photo: LAC Brenton Kwaterski

GPCAPT Peter Davis, Assistant Defence Attache Washington, and his wife, FLTLT Susan Isherwood, present the official game ball to the referee at a National Basketball Association game in Washington DC.Photo: Dana Robertson,

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19April 21, 2016RCEAIR F Our 95th birthday

Farida Ximemes, from the officers mess, serves 95th birthday goodies to RAAF Base Darwin aircraftmen, from left, Lex Fallon, Keith Alsford and Hayden Collins. Photo: CPL Terry Hartin

LAC James Smith, ACW Holly Piera and LACW Jessica Whitehall at the Tindal reception. Photo: CPL David Cotton

MEMBERS of the Air Task Group (ATG) in the Middle East were congratulated on their contribution to Air Force’s rich history, during a ceremony to celebrate our 95th birthday on March 31.

Chief of Staff WGCDR James Parton told ATG’s personnel they should be “very proud of your achievements and of our history”.

“More than 100 years ago, a small footprint of Australian avia-tors and technicians were conduct-ing operations in this area, flying reconnaissance and bombing mis-sions deep inside Iraq,” WGCDR Parton said.

“And here we are, once again, 100 years later, back in the same region – an expeditionary Air Force operating in defence of our national interests.”

As dictated by tradition, the most senior and junior ranks present cut the cake, in this case: WGCDR Parton and AC David O’Toole.

“It was a privilege to be given the opportunity to cut the RAAF birthday cake while on deployment in the Middle East region,” AC O’Toole. “It looked and tasted great – it was a shame to cut it.”

The 95th birthday was also marked at many events at home.

Headquarters Air Command cel-

Pride shines for 95 yearsPaying tribute to a sense of belonging and Air Force’s values

ebrated the occasion in the histori-cal setting of the RAAF Glenbrook grounds.

ACAUST AVM Gavin Turnbull made special mention of one guest, Dr Ron Houghton, DFC. Dr Houghton flew Halifax bombers, Spitfires and Hurricanes in WWII.

“ H e w a s a w a r d e d t h e Distinguished Flying Cross in May 1945 for ‘skill and fortitude in oper-ations against the enemy’ and he was further honoured in 2014 when he received the French Legion of Honour,” AVM Turnbull said. “I mention Ron specifically because he is 92 and wouldn’t miss this day – not even for a family wedding.”

FLGOFF Georgina MacDonald, one of HQAC’s newest members, told assembled guests the best thing she had experienced since joining the Air Force was “the sense of belonging as a member of the Air Force family”.

Meanwhile, the Air Warfare Centre in Adelaide marked the Air Force’s 95th birthday with a ser-vice at the Air Force Memorial at Torrens Parade Ground and an even-ing reception at the RAAF Base Edinburgh Officers’ Mess.

For ACW Leisa Sampson, the highlight was being able to interact with the veterans present.

“I had the opportunity to speak to a veteran by the name of Angus Schulz, a council member for the RAAF Association of South Australia, and helped him lay a wreath on the Air Force Memorial,” ACW Sampson said.

For ACW Sampson, the birthday holds particular significance as it allowed her to reflect on the legacy of members of her own family who have served in the RAAF.

“It is an opportunity for person-nel to come together and reinforce the value that we are all one team, and to honour the great work we do and that of everyone before us,” she said.

ACW Leisa Sampson. CPL Craig Barrett

Air Force personnel in Australia’s main air operating base in the Middle East region mark 95 years with a cake. Photo: CPL Nicci Freeman

FLGOFF Georgina MacDonald with aircraftmen Rhys Aitken, Lindsay Rainey, Dale Carta and Jake Ovington at RAAF Glenbrook. Photo: SGT Rodney Welch

P03016bOct

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dreams.ASIC’s MoneySmart retirement

planner is a useful free calculator to help you work out what income you are likely to receive from super and the age pension after you retire.

You can also use it to see how con-tributions, investment options, fees and retirement age will affect your retire-ment income from super, and what you can do to boost your superannuation savings and retirement income.

Most ADF members will know that a new Defence superannuation arrangement takes effect from July 1.

It will be based on members’ choice of superannuation and will include a new fund called ADF Super, into which members may choose to direct their employer contributions.

The Military Superannuation and Benefits Scheme (MSBS) will be closed to new members from July 1.

The MSBS is what is typically called a defined benefit fund, as dis-tinct from the new arrangement, which is based on a defined contribution (also called an accumulation fund).

ASIC’s MoneySmart tip is to stick with a defined benefit fund unless you’re sure that you will be better off in another type.

If you are a member of the MSBS, consider getting professional advice before changing to the new ADF arrangement. Remember that once you leave the fund you can’t get back in.

The new ADF arrangement will allow ADF members to join the super-annuation fund of their choice.

One of those choices will be a self-managed superannuation fund. Some people want the control that comes with managing their own super, but this comes with greater responsibility, time and effort.

Self-managed funds can be suitable for people with skills in financial and legal matters as they are personally liable for all the decisions made about the fund.

You should be aware of the costs of accounting and auditing. You should also consider whether the investments you choose will outperform a standard super fund.

If you’re managing your own fund, you will typically need a large amount of money in the fund to make set-up and yearly running costs worthwhile.

A plan of attack pays

You will also need to budget for ongoing expenses, such as professional accounting, tax, auditing, legal and financial advice fees.

Make sure you have enough time to research investments and manage the fund and, importantly, that you have the financial experience and skills to make sound investment decisions.

Use ASIC’s MoneySmart superan-nuation calculator to compare super funds. This will help you work out how much super you’ll have when you retire and how fees can affect your final payout.

Super comparison websites can also help you weigh up super funds, but don’t take their ratings as gospel.

Before making a decision about leaving or joining a super fund, evalu-ate all the options.

You might even consider getting professional advice from a licensed financial adviser who specialises in superannuation, especially military superannuation.

A little planning for your retirement can go a long way, Australian Securities and Investments Commission Chairman Greg Medcraft writes

You can find a financial adviser through the ADF Financial Advice Referral Program at adfconsumer.gov.au.

For more information and access to the planning tools and calculators, go to ASIC’s MoneySmart website, moneysmart.gov.au. The

retirement planner and superannuation calculator can be found under the “Tools & Resources” then “Calculators & apps” tabs. Super comparison websites can be accessed through the “Superannuation & retirement” and “How super works” tabs.

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ANYONE who has been in my shoes would know how diffi-cult it is to give up smoking.

As a bit of background, I have been smoking for

roughly eight years now.I started at the tender age of 16, the

way that I’m sure a lot of smokers took up the habit. I thought it was cool and, by extension, I was cool.

Fast forward a few years to when I joined the Army. At that stage, I was probably smoking between five and 10 cigarettes a day.

After my first year in, that number turned to 25-30 a day. Why, I hear you asking? There were a number of factors, downtime being the primary one. If we had some cigarettes, the smokers would excuse themselves for a break.

The extension of that is when one of the smokers went out for a break they would invite the rest of us out as well. As they say, smoking is a very social thing.

Let’s fast forward again, to the pre-sent. When people ask me why I smoke, my common answer is: “I don’t know actually. I’ve been quitting for the past five years.”

And that’s true. I’ve been at one stage or another of quitting throughout those five years. In 2014, I quit for a month and a half, and then fell back onto the band-wagon when I went out into the field.

I’ve tried patches, e-cigarettes and even replacing smoking with eating trail mix. Unfortunately none of them stuck for a variety of reasons.

Smoking isn’t even a social thing

any more. None of my co-workers smoke, nor do any of my friends.

It has reached the point where I need to give it up. The first thing I need to fig-ure out is how I am going to quit smok-ing. I’ve gone cold turkey for various amounts of time in the past, but it doesn’t seem to stick. For this part, I need to visit my local ADF health centre and see what options are available.

I know the common methods – nico-tine replacement therapy using patches, gums and mints – but I’ve heard both good and bad things about Champix.

A great resource to get some facts and information is the government-run Quit Smoking website, which has all the infor-mation you could want about quitting smoking. The first thing I deduced from the website was that I needed a personal reason for quitting.

Now this reason isn’t something that came to me overnight. It’s something I’ve thought about in the back of my mind for the last few months.

I want to be as fit as I was before I started smoking. I used to be able to run 2km in eight minutes, now I can barely run 2km in 10 minutes.

I’ll leave off here until my next report, in which I will cover the advice given to me by a medical officer.

If anyone has any tips or tricks they would like to share to aid me in my quest for better health, feel free to email me at sebastian.beurich@defencenews.gov.au.

For more information, visit your local health centre or www.quit.org.au

Smoking is a drag, so howdo I quit? In the first of a series on his quest to stop smoking, Cpl Sebastian Beurich tells of his battle to get started

Quitting cigarettes would be such a breath of fresh air. Photo by LS Jayson Tufrey

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MAJ Felicity Hamblin and FLTLT Shaun O’Leary

SEVEN Air Force players have been selected in the ADF All Stars teams to play during the AFL’s Anzac round, after the ADF Australian Rules (ADFAR) carnival in Melbourne this month.

Four men will play for the All Stars side against a team from Combined Emergency Services, as a curtain raiser for the Port Adelaide and Geelong fix-ture at Adelaide Oval.

Three Air Force women will play a Victorian Women’s Football League representative side in Melbourne.

Another highlight from this year’s carnival was the presentation of the AC David Hudson Memorial Sportsman Award to women’s team captain FLTLT Debbie Herberz, the driving force behind Air Force women’s footy who, after a dismal 2015 turnout, ensured there was a team on the field in 2016.

While neither the men’s or wom-en’s teams won a match, the coaches of both teams were happy with the performance of their sides.

The women’s team, in particu-lar, had something to celebrate, hav-

ing fielded only two players in 2015. FLTLT Herberz was especially pleased.

“It was just so rewarding to get a team together this year and be com-petitive enough to add to the carnival atmosphere, which was really lacking last year,” she said.

“There was a lot of communica-tions from us to try and get some RAAF players on board, really try-ing to canvas the RAAF and let them know about the competition.

“I was pretty chuffed to get the award. It was so good to see us get a team together and, while we’re not at the Army and Navy level yet, hopeful-ly in the next two to three years we’ll be able to develop the girls we’ve got and keep moving forward in the com-petition.

“We just want to keep encouraging RAAF women in sport. It’s traditional-ly considered a male dominated sport, so it’s really good that we can get the awareness out there that women can take part in Aussie Rules as well. The camaraderie is excellent, and the esprit de corps among the team is second to none.”

Men’s captain SGT Aaron Clayden said the competition this year was bit-

tersweet. While the Air Force team could not manage a win, the players had pulled together and increased their skills.

Spectators were kept happy by game day sponsors, the Australian Military Bank, who kept the food and drinks flowing throughout the compe-tition.

ADFAR Chairman BRIG Matt Hall said this year’s carnival, in which ADF’s Indigenous players again took to the field, had yielded excellent results across the board.

“Every single player involved in the competition has represented their side to an extremely impressive stand-ard,” he said.

New to this year’s carnival was a wheelchair Australian rules compe-tition in which ADF representatives, primarily from No. 1 Brigade, took on other Australian state based teams and RSL NSW veterans.

Air Force’s All Star players Men: AC Jeff Ladd (92WG), FLTLT Adon Lumley (453SQN), CPL Stefan Mapleson (2SQN), LAC Ben Sinclair (11SQN) Women: FLTLT Elizabeth Buffet (OTHRSPO), LACW Marie Gebert (35SQN), LACW Taryn Allen (1RSU)

All star turnsPlayers rewarded with selection in representative teams

SQNLDR Deb Baker (pictured) has become the first woman to win the ACT Regional RAAF golf trophy, at Quean-beyan Golf Course on March 24.

SQNLDR Baker, a player for more than 35 years, said the conditions on the day suited her.

“My short game and putting were on song,” she said.

She came into the clubhouse with a nett score of 35 stableford points.

“The best thing is my name is etched on the trophy, and that is fantastic.”

SQNLDR Baker is the women’s com-mittee captain at Queanbeyan Golf Club.

WHILE many people relaxed over the Easter break, 13 women from all three services sweated it out on ice in Newcastle.

The inaugural week-long devel-opment camp, held by the ADF Ice Hockey Association (ADFIHA), was aimed at increasing women’s partici-pation within the association.

Participants ranged from those who had never skated or touched the ice before to national representatives.

The ADFIHA is the only associa-tion in which men and women partici-pate together at representative level.

Participants at the camp spent up to 12 hours a day in training and develop-ment.

ADFIHA head coach MAJ David Johnson enlisted internation-ally renowned Canadian power skat-ing coach Debbie Strome to put the women through their paces.

FLTLT Kirstie Winter, of HQAC, is a newcomer to both ice skating and

ice hockey and said the camp was an opportunity to create an avenue for a future ADF women’s team.

“The week has taken me out of my comfort zone in so many positive ways, both on and off the ice,” she said.

“The camaraderie and encourage-ment of the other girls has made this an amazing experience and I would highly recommend it to anyone inter-ested in ice hockey.”

SQNLDR Rebecca Sharp, from 81 Wing RAAF Base Williamtown, said she had some experience with local ice hockey clinics, but this one had more personalised time.

“I’ve made improvements in a week that I could have not made for months under my normal training regime,” she said.

For more information on ADF ice hockey or to join the association, please email adf.icehockey @defence.gov.au.

Ice skaters stick with itIron lady breaks golfing ground

Water polo women’s surprise secondTHE ADF Women delivered a surprise performance to finish second at the Country Water Polo Championships in Woy Woy, NSW, from March 23-27.

The military women dominated their competition, winning all games except those against the NSW-A team

and earning their first podium finish in almost six years.

Team captain FLTLT Carrie Fettes was the tournament’s most valuable player and the only Air Force member selected in the Australian Country team to play in Thailand in November.

SQNLDR Rebecca Sharp in action at the camp.

Air Force’s Sara Schirripa goes

for the ball during the ADF

Australian Rules Championships in

Melbourne.Photo: CPL Nunu Campos

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LS Jayson Tufrey

The Invictus Games 2016 wheelchair basketball squad had its first outing against teams in the NSW autumn league competition only a day after many of the members had sat in a wheelchair for the first time.

The squad, comprising members from the ADF and RSL, was given a wild-card entry into the social league game held at Shellharbour city sta-dium in Wollongong on April 3.

Formal selection of the squad had taken place the previous day at Randwick Barracks. Some old hands from the 2014 games were re-selected but the majority of the squad were new to the game.

In its first game, against the Canberra Chargers, the IG team chased a deficit of only a few points

for most of the game before losing 16-20.

Squad member SQNLDR Danny Jeffery, of HQ 81 Wing RAAF Williamtown, competed in the games in 2014 and in the US Air Force trials in Nevada earlier this year. He said the way the team gelled was fantastic.

“Considering the team was only thrown together the day before, the marked improvement of both individ-ual and team skills was amazing to see. The team we are taking to IG16 is above and beyond the one we took to London in 2014 in terms of competi-tiveness,” he said.

“My main highlights were the fact we kept the Chargers, the leading team in the comp, to such a low score, and those who watched our game were of the impression we had been together as a team for much longer.”

Assistant coach CPL Tim Boland said he was proud of the effort the squad put in.

“For a team that was only named yesterday this was a remarkable effort,” he said.

“Across the board there was a great level of skill on display considering how new some of the guys are to the game. The camaraderie was fantastic to see as well.”

The team was back on the court for its second game five minutes after its opening game.

It scored three quick goals against the Sutherland Sharks and led until the last break before losing 21-30.

The IG squad will next roll on the court for its second training camp at Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera, from April 28-May 3. The team will fly to Florida for the games on May 4.

LS Jayson Tufrey

THE 2016 Invictus Games team came together for the first time during a training camp at Randwick Barracks in Sydney from March 31 to April 5.

The second Invictus Games, for serving and former wounded, injured and ill (WII) personnel, will be held in the US from May 8-12 and aim to build on participants’ individual reha-bilitation and recovery programs.

The word Invictus means “uncon-quered”. This embodies the fighting spirit of the WII personnel and demon-strates what these tenacious men and women can achieve, post injury.

The games harness the power of sport to inspire recovery, support reha-bilitation, and generate a wider under-standing and respect for those who serve their country.

The 2016 games will be held in Orlando, Florida, at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in the heart of Disney World Resort.

Australia is planning to send a team of up to 40 athletes, including three Air Force, 14 Army, three Navy mem-bers and 20 veterans, supported by the RSL.

Prince Harry initiated the Invictus Games after a trip to the Warrior Games in the US in 2013, during which he saw how the power of sport could help physically, psychologically

and socially. At his insistence, London hosted the inaugural Invictus Games in 2014.

Prince Harry said he was delighted the US was hosting the games.

“I have no doubt the US will set the bar even higher than London did and put on a great show,” he said.

Contingent Commander COL Phil Langworthy said it was important for the ADF to take part in the games.

“It’s probably the ultimate opportu-nity for our athletes to experience and participate in adaptive sport, second only to the Paralympics,” he said.

“It’s well accepted now that adap-tive sport can play a key role in a ser-vice person’s recovery and return of a higher degree of wellbeing.

“The Games are a fantastic setting where our athletes can mix with both coalition and non-coalition countries with whom we’ve served, when many of the injuries initially happened.”

Australia’s participation in the Invictus Games is part of a broader adaptive sports program in which ADF and veteran WII compete in events such as the Canadian Allied winter sports camp and the US Navy, Marines, Army and Air Force trials.

The ADF and RSL’s cooperative approach is a foundation for a poten-tial Australian bid to host the 2018 Invictus Games.

Invictus reps on targetCompetition, camaraderie and convalescence are on the agenda as athletes prepare for games

FSGT Pete Quee, of No. 24 Squadron RAAF Base Edinburgh, takes to the archery field to get his eye in for the Invictus Games to be held in Orlando, Florida, in early May. Photo: CPL David Gibbs

Team gels after only a day

Invictus Games basketballer CPL Ade Rolfe, of 81 Wing RAAF Base Williamtown, takes part a trial match in Wollongong. Photo: LS Jayson Tufrey

SP RTApril 21, 2016

ON A ROLLWheelchair basketballers show form leading up to Invictus GamesPage 23

All stars on the ball

P22

Invictus Games wheelchair basketballer SQNLDR Danny Jeffery

goes for a hook shot during a training session

at Randwick Barracks in Sydney.

Photo: LS Jayson Tufrey