SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE

NEWSNAVYThe official newspaper of the Royal Australian Navy

Volume 58, No. 17, September 10, 2015

HMAS Canberra off the north Queensland coast with five MRH90 aircraft

on deck and her four landing craft deployed.

Photo: LSIS Helen Frank

Pages 4-5 1400 ADF personnel combine to certify the

Amphibious Ready Element in LHD

CANBERRA PUT TO TEST

HUON IN TIMOR-LESTE

– Page 3 – Centre & Sport

SNOWSPORT SUCCESS

2 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS September 10, 2015

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OVER the next five years the Navy will witness a level of capability trans-formation not seen for

some time. Arguably, this level of transformation has not been seen since the newly commissioned RAN fleet sailed through Sydney Heads on October 4, 1913.

While final decisions on what our future platforms will look like are still some time away, the announcement in recent weeks that the government will invest more than $89 billion in the construction of ships and submarines over the next 20 years confirms the final phases of the Navy capability transition.

This funding commitment follows on from the Anzac ASMD upgrade, the Hobart-class and Canberra-class amphibious ship builds and the acqui-sition of the MH60R Seahawk and MRH90 Taipan capabilities.

As a total Navy package this rep-resents a commitment of more than $100 billion, ensuring Navy will be conducting operations across the mari-time domain with leading edge fifth-generation technology into the future.

Capability changes under way in Navy represent a transformational change, the likes of which may never be seen again.

Each of these capabilities individu-

ally represent leading edge world’s best capability, but when combined they provide Navy a networked, agile force with weapons and sensors that are on par with any modern Navy on the ocean today.

It is an exciting time to be in the Navy as this fifth-generation maritime force comes together.”

The transformational nature of our capability delivery has been recog-nised by the Chief of Navy who has charted the way ahead within Plan Pelorus.

Within this plan, each individual is challenged to understand their role in our Navy, and how they are contribut-ing today to delivering the Navy of 2018.

Transitioning the equipment, peo-ple and supporting elements into the task group oriented Navy of 2018 will require significant effort and commit-ment from all of us.

Delivering the Navy of 2018 will require us to challenge norms, to give critical thought to the reason we do things the way they are currently done, and to innovate. It is an exciting time to be a member of the RAN as we look ahead to continuing to deliver operational effects in the maritime domain, with new world leading tech-nology.

Today’s Navy delivers. Tomorrow’s Navy promises to deliver even more.

Canberra-class THE arrival of the Canberra-class amphibious ships marks the beginning of the transition to expe-ditionary warfare and amphibious operations, including a greatly enhanced capacity for humanitar-ian assistance and disaster relief operations.

These ships represent world-leading capability as well as providing the ability to foster and enhance international engage-ment and assistance to our regional partners.

The Canberra-class introduces well dock operations to the RAN for the first time and also reintroduces complex maritime aviation opera-tions to the Navy, the likes of which have not been experienced since the aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne decommissioned in 1982.

The development of this avia-tion capability has been demon-strated in trials in recent weeks with HMAS Canberra conducting aviation trials with five MRH90 air-craft concurrently.

This platform also introduces enhanced and networked com-mand and control facilities that support ADF deployed forces and a combat management system that is a derivative of the system at sea in the Anzac-class frigates.

Another unique aspect of the Canberra-class is that, for the first time, a Navy unit is being crewed by a joint crew, with Army and Air Force members perma-nently posted to the ships.

Patrol boatsTHE Armidale-class patrol boats will be replaced by an Offshore

Patrol Vessel (OPV) with con-struction to start in 2018

The final design of the OPV has not been selected, however, it will be a larger vessel that will provide better sea-keeping abili-ties and longer endurance for operations.

As a larger platform, the OPV will provide an interim level of capability to the Navy which has not been seen since the last of the Bathurst-class corvettes decommissioned in 1960.

The introduction of the OPV will provide exciting opportuni-ties to develop our border pro-tection tasking as well as exam-ine and determine the full extent to which this new capability can contribute to our broader opera-tional tasks.

Support ships HMA Ships Success and Sirius will be replaced with matching state-of-the-art platforms capable of both fuel and stores replenish-ment operations at sea.

The final design for this plat-form has not been selected but provides an opportunity to move our people into modern ships that provide an important opera-tional capability to the Fleet.

New surface combatantIN THE longer term, the Anzac-class will be replaced by a new surface combatant which the government has stated will start construction in 2020.

This new ship will have a spe-cific bias towards anti-submarine warfare, but it will also be capa-ble of delivering anti-air warfare

and anti surface warfare effects as it operates either in a task group (Plan Pelorus) or indepen-dently.

The capabilities of this ship will be augmented by the MH60R Seahawk helicopter.

SubmarinesTHE highly capable Collins-class submarine will be replaced by a new platform. The future sub-marine program will deliver an affordable, regionally dominant, conventional submarine.

To achieve this the govern-ment has started a competitive evaluation process to select an international partner to design and build the next generation of submarines, with Japanese, German and French design options under consideration.

The RAN is in a process of great change with major capability transformation already under way, Head of Navy Capability RADM Jonathan Mead reports.

On track to deliver even more

NAVY’S capability transition started with the introduction of world-leading Australian designed and built technology in the form of the CEA Digital Phased Array Radar in the Anzac frigates.

The results achieved in the first ship’s upgraded have lived up to expectations and provided excellent operational results through a series of com-prehensive tests.

The ASMD upgrade completed the final opera-tional acceptance trial for the radar and Saab Combat Management System last year, which included successful missile engagements against multiple sea-skimming targets including, for the first time in the RAN, an engagement by the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile against one of the world’s most advanced supersonic targets.

The final fitting out of the first guided missile destroyer

(DDG), Hobart, is under way at ASC in Adelaide.

The entry of these three capable ships to the Fleet will take place from late 2017.

The DDG will provide a generational leap in terms of the air warfare capability being delivered by the Aegis weapon system.

The delivery of this capabil-ity provides an enhanced ability to conduct coalition operations with all of our key maritime allies, as well as complement-ing key capability coming on line with the RAAF in the form of the F35 Joint Strike Fighter, thereby improving ADF joint interoperability.

Importantly, this capability cements the learning gained in recent years from multiple US exchange positions and the embedding of HMA Ships Sydney and Darwin into US Carrier Battle Groups for opera-tions.

ASMD upgrade

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The most capable and mature multi-mission helicopter in the world today.

The MH60R reintroduces a dipping sonar into the RAN order of battle, a capability not seen since it was removed from the

former Sea King fleet in 1990 and represents a significant improve-ment to our anti-submarine war-fare capabilities.

In the anti-surface warfare domain the MH60R has intro-duced the hellfire missile capabil-

ity to our lethality options at sea. In order to maintain our lead-

ing edge capability, the MH60R will continue to be upgraded and improved in step with improve-ments made to the US Navy fleet.

MH60R Seahawk

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3NEWSSeptember 10, 2015 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

THE Senate passed legislation that will establish a new superannua-tion scheme for members of the ADF on August 20.

The new military superannua-tion scheme, to be known as ADF Super, fixes one of the longest running grievances of the vet-eran and ex-service community, namely the lack of flexibility and portability of a member’s superan-nuation benefit when they leave the ADF.

ADF Super will, for the first time, give ADF members the option to select any complying superannuation fund to invest their superannuation benefit.

It enables ADF members to choose their financial future.

In recognition of the unique nature of military service, ADF Super members will receive a community leading employer contribution rate of 16.4 per cent, regardless of the superannuation fund they choose.

ADF Super will apply to ADF members who join on and after July 1, 2016.

Members of the Military Superannuation and Benefits Scheme (MSBS) may choose to move to the new scheme or remain in the current scheme – they will not be compelled to move to ADF Super.

The MSBS will be closed to new entrants from July 1, 2016.

Owing to the unique nature of military service, the government is also establishing ADF Cover, which provides full death and invalidity cover for ADF personnel who are members of ADF Super.

ADF Cover will provide death and invalidity cover consistent with that provided to members of the current MSBS.

Assistant Defence Minister Stuart Robert said the package of bills passed also established the legislative basis for creating more flexible service arrangements for permanent ADF members.

“For the first time, ADF mem-bers will be able to seek part-time work arrangements, subject to Defence’s capability requirements, thereby providing additional flex-ibility for members of the military while also improving the ADF’s ability to recruit and retain person-nel,” he said.

Senate gives new super scheme the green light

Strengthening tiesLEUT Jessica O’Brien

HMAS Huon made her second visit in 12 months to close neighbour, Timor-Leste, continuing to strengthen the relationship between the ADF and the Timor-Leste Defence Force.

The visit coincided with a special event for the Timorese people – the 40th anniver-sary of Falintil Day.

Falintil was an armed guerrilla resistance force formed in 1975.

Over 25 years they used guerrilla tactics to fight the occupying Indonesian military, eventually gaining independence in 1999.

The current President of Timor-Leste, Taur Matan Ruak, was the last commander of Falintil.

The modern nation’s conventional Defence Force, Falintil – Forca de Defensa de Timor-Leste( F-FDTL), includes the Falintil name out of respect for those who fought for independence.

VCDF VADM Ray Griggs and 25 mem-bers of Huon showed their support at Taci Tolu where an impressive parade and medal ceremony was conducted.

These celebrations were close to the heart of CO Huon CMDR Richard Caton who served in Dili in 1999 as part of AUSCDT-4 assisting in the evacuation of Australian and United Nations personnel and then deployed as part of Interfet Forces.

CMDR Caton returned to Dili on posting to the Australian Embassy between 2005 and 2007, in which he witnessed a further period of great turmoil, leading to the eventual return of Australian peacekeeping forces as part of Operation Astute in May 2006.

“Every time I have returned to Timor since 2007, I have noticed great develop-ment and the impressive building of a mod-ern nation,” CMDR Caton said

“I am always welcomed by Timorese friends and Timor-Leste holds a special place in my heart.”

Following the Falintil Day Parade, Huon hosted VADM Griggs and the local Defence Attaché, COL Luke Foster, for afternoon tea.

VADM Griggs highlighted the impor-tance of Defence diplomacy and of Huon’s presence and took the opportunity to pre-sent the Australian Defence Medal to AB Lubomir Vitek, recognising four years of service in the RAN.

During the visit, Huon hosted an offi-cial reception and conducted a Ceremonial Sunset. Special guests included the President of the Committee for Security and Defence, David Ximenes, a founding member of Falintil in 1975, Timor-Leste Defence Force members, officials from the Portuguese and Philippine Navies, AFP and ADF personnel posted to Timor-Leste.

Huon is conducting a three-month Operation Resolute deployment in Australia’s northern waters.

LEUT Jessica O’Brien

AS PART of Huon’s visit to Dili the ship’s company hosted 12 mem-bers of the naval component of the Falantil-Forcas Defensa Timor-Leste for a sea training day as part of the Defence Cooperation Program.

The Timorese members embarked were mostly officers-of-the-watch or marine technicians with one clear-ance diver and one chef, all keen to learn as much as possible from their Australian counterparts.

Upon sailing, Huon proceeded to the north of Dili where members of the ship’s company demonstrated a man overboard exercise before the visitors were invited to be sea riders during ‘touch-and-go’ approaches in the sea boat alongside Huon.

The ship then rolled into damage control exercises. Huon’s Operations and Damage Control Officer LEUT Geoffrey Crane said his team was

happy to assist, with Timor-Leste personnel donning breathing appara-tus and firesuits, and handling hoses.

“Despite the language gap, the guys were keen to get hands on and take away as much as possible from the few short hours they were embarked,” LEUT Crane said

“They really got into it, were enthusiastic and had a great attitude.”

Some members worked with Huon’s bridge team and learned about navigation equipment while CPOMT Joshua Bignell gave the marine technicians a tour of the machine control and engine room.

“The guys were very curious about the technology in the machin-ery control room, especially the monitoring and control systems,” CPO Bignell said

“These are significantly advanced from the systems they have on board their patrol boats.

“On the more practical level, they

were keen to get involved with emer-gency drills, especially the steering gear failure.”

XO Timorese patrol boat Jaco LEUT Zacharias Vidigal said his team enjoyed the day and was excited to be a part of the transit to Darwin with Huon.

“I am looking forward to the trip to Darwin and to learn more about seamanship and navigation, to apply to my role in Jaco,” LEUT Vidigal said

“This ship is much larger then Jaco and I particularly enjoyed the food today.”

Huon will take one Timorese officer-of-the-watch and one chef to Darwin to help them develop naviga-tion, seamanship, catering and cook-ing skills.

The sea training day wrapped up a successful port visit for Huon. The ship’s company also conducted reno-vations at a local girls’ orphanage.

Supporting Timor-Leste

LEUT Geoffrey Crane gives a

member of the F-FDTL a brief

during man overboard drills.

SBLT Samantha McKay helps a member of the F-FDTL with their navigation skills during HMAS Huon’s visit to Timor-Leste.

Above, VCDF VADM Ray Griggs presents ABCSOMW Lubomir

Vitek with his Australian Defence Medal

. Photos: LEUT Jessica O’Brien

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LSIS Helen Frank

BEING a meteorologist isn’t just about the wind and rain, there is a tactical ele-ment to the job as well.

LEUT Ami Hansen specialised in mete-orology after initially joining the Navy as a maritime warfare officer in 2003.

Her career has taken her to Vanuatu, San Diego and Hawaii, and she is now deployed on board HMAS Canberra, which is in the tropical waters of north Queensland conducting amphibious train-ing activities.

The ship has embarked 2RAR with MRH90s from 5 Aviation Regiment to undertake the Sea Series of exercises.

LEUT Hansen is a part of the Amphibious Task Group and her job is to deliver weather reports to Command.

“I report on any weather that may affect aviation and small boat operations,” she said.

“We look at the sea state and swell, as that changes how the ship moves and can determine if we are able to launch a helicopter.

“I also look at the weather where the aircraft is going to land because it’s one thing to take off from the ship but we need to be able to land them also.”

LEUT Hansen reports on many ele-ments of the weather including wind, sea state, swell, cloud cover, visibility and general conditions.

“I get my information from a variety of sources, the Bureau of Meteorology is an amazing resource,” she said.

“The ship has its own sensors for things like wind direction and speed and we can also launch weather balloons which give us an indication of what it happening in the upper atmosphere.

“We also use satellite imagery and computer models.”

LSIS Helen Frank

THE sun is about to rise on a new generation of amphibious capabil-ity, umpires are on the field and the whistle is about to sound.

The Amphibious Ready Element (ARE) is being put through its paces to achieve its certification to conduct humanitar-ian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations or permissive non-combatant evacuation opera-tions (NEO) in our region.

The ARE includes a force of 1400 ADF personnel, supported by four Army MRH90 helicopters embarked in HMAS Canberra for the ‘Sea Series’ of exercises.

The Sea Series comprises three separate exercises.

The first, Sea Horizon, was a command post exercise (CPX) conducted in August.

The HQ of the Amphibious Task Group (ATG) and Army’s 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (2RAR), combined to form a uniquely amphibious joint ARE HQ.

The ARE HQ planned and exe-cuted scenarios within the CPX, facilitated and umpired by Army’s Command Training Centre, based in Townsville, and supported by ADF subject matter experts from across the services.

Commander Amphibious Task Force (CATF) CAPT Jay Bannister said the aim of the program was to focus on integrating the joint HQ staff to support CATF and the commander of the landing force, CO 2RAR LTCOL Michael Bassingthwaighte.

“The next phase of the exercise, Sea Explorer, will see nearly every bunk full and most of the cargo decks loaded with the landing forces’ vehicles,” CAPT Bannister said.

“The ARE will then load per-sonnel and vehicles into landing craft through the ship’s well dock to move ashore over the beach and back to the ship and, similarly, troops into helicopters for move-ment ashore to and from the ship’s flight deck.

“This will test the landing force’s ability to move their vehi-cles safely from the ship to the shore, as well as the ship’s ability to coordinate those movements using landing craft and helicopters,

all the while hosting a large num-ber of embarked forces.”

The last exercise in the series, Sea Raider, aims to certify the ARE.

The ARE comprises forces from all services including Canberra and its embarked 808SQN flight, combat and support elements from 2RAR, an MRH90 troop from 5 Aviation Regiment, the Maritime Operational Health Unit, the Expeditionary Reconnaissance and Clearance Element from Clearance Diving Team 1, and a range of other joint enablers under the com-mand of the ARE HQ.

“Successful completion of Sea Raider will mean the ARE is certi-fied to undertake NEO and HADR operations in a permissive environ-ment,” CAPT Bannister said.

“This is an exciting time that sees the ADF’s amphibious capa-bilities enhanced to another scale.

“When we get to full opera-tional capability in 2017, we will have a mature and trained landing force embarked in the amphibious ships, providing a very capable and flexible joint task force that could be sent off to do a range of amphibious operations.”

CAPT Bannister spoke highly of the task group’s performance during Exercise Sea Horizon, where the ARE was given HADR and NEO scenarios in which it had to plan and develop different courses of action to deliver aid and support an evacuation operation in a fictitious country.

“The ARE HQ was as enthu-siastic and committed as the ship and the rotary wing in terms of integration,” he said.

“Personnel are certainly seek-ing to work closely as a team, to understand each other’s business and rarely have I seen them make the same mistake twice as they continue on the upward path.”

CAPT Bannister said he was excited to see the ARE begin the next exercise of the series with the ship embarking many more per-sonnel, vehicles and equipment.

“It’s going to be busy and it’s going to be a real eye-opener for everybody,” he said.

“The embarked forces will have to learn to live together in this very capable ship, and seeing a high tempo of landing craft and helicopter operations is going to be exciting.”

JOINING FORCESLSIS Helen Frank

PERSONNEL from A Squadron 5 Aviation Regiment are tak-ing a sea change, swapping the bushy surrounds of Townsville for the warm, tropical waters off the Queensland coast. With four MRH90 helicopters, 63 ASQN personnel have deployed on board HMAS Canberra to participate in the Sea Series of exercises.

The Townsville-based squadron and soldiers from 2RAR and other Army units have combined with Canberra and Air Force assets to

conduct amphibious training activi-ties from August to October.

OC A SQN MAJ Andrew Lean said the squadron had been looking forward to joining the exercise.

“During Sea Horizon we worked to integrate with the ship, not only from an aircraft point of view, but the entire maintenance, logistics and forward arming and refuelling point work force as well,” MAJ Lean said.

The MRH90 helicopters on board Canberra enhance the amphibious capability of the ship and will be employed to land forces

on the beach during evacuation or disaster relief operations.

“We provide flexibility to the ground force commander as well as to the ship, to enable them to put a smaller footprint on the ground and reach further inland in a shorter timeframe,” MAJ Lean said

“For the next phases of the exer-cise, Sea Explorer and Sea Raider, we will be working with 2RAR as part of the landing force to conduct training in non-combatant evacua-tion operations and humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations to certify the ship, land force and our-selves,” MAJ Lean said.

LCDR Adam Smith watches

from Flight Control as an MRH90 lands

on HMAS Canberra’s flight deck.

A MRH90 takes off from HMAS Canberra’s flight deck while the ship is docked down and conducting landing craft operations. Below: One of HMAS Canberra’s landing craft exits the well dock with a forklift en route to Ross Island, Townsville, to collect stores.Bottom: Members of Canberra’s amphibious department launch zodiacs from the stern door in preparation for small boat operations during Sea Series 2015.Photos: LSIS Helen Frank

Always take the weather with you

Meteorologist LEUT Ami

Hansen ties off a weather balloon

(inset) before launching it

(main) on board HMAS Canberra.

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Positive side to donatingFOR blood ambassador LCDR Jemma Power, donating blood has always been a priority because put simply, she believes it’s the right thing to do.

“I am O negative which, while not the rarest blood type, is always in short supply as it is universal and therefore can be given to anyone,” LCDR Power said.

“That said, it is always preferable to match the exact blood group which is why I would encourage all Navy mem-bers to make donating a priority during the Defence Blood Challenge” LCDR Power said.

This year, LCDR Power is the Navy ambassador for the Defence Blood Challenge and it’s a role of great per-sonal importance.

The challenge runs from September 1 to December 8 and pits Navy, Army, Air Force and Defence civilians against each other to see who can make the greatest number of donations.

A donor since 1997, LCDR Power, posted to the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group in Canberra, has a strong message for her colleagues about the importance of giving blood.

“Many people have given blood in the past at some point, but have fallen out of the habit for one reason or another, be that posting to a new loca-tion where they are unsure of donation facilities, becoming pregnant, getting a tattoo or deploying to a location which results in you being unable to donate for a time,” she said.

“I really encourage people to use the Defence Blood Challenge as the

prompt to call the Australian Red Cross to double check eligibility require-ments and donation locations so that they can either step up to donate for the first time or get back into the habit of donating blood and saving lives.

“Perhaps think of it this way; if you add up the time it takes to donate and compare it against other things you spend time on, like watching netflicks or checking social media, by compari-son, an hour on any given day or four hours across the whole year is all that is needed and it will save lives.”

Every new or returning Navy donor during the Defence Blood Challenge has the ability to help at least three dif-ferent patients and contribute to make up to 22 different products with their donation.

For many people, blood donors are their lifeline – but while one in three people will need blood in their life-time, presently only one in 30 give this life-saving donation.

The Defence Blood Challenge is in its seventh year and is the largest cam-paign of its kind.

This year, the challenge aims to meet the target of more than 6000 donations.

Last year, a total of 5407 blood donations was achieved, of which Navy contributed 821 donations.

Anyone seeking to add to Navy’s total in 2015 need only identify themselves as a Navy member during a donation during the challenge to play their part. Go to www.donateblood.com.au/defence to register.

Blood ambassador LCDR Jemma Power donates blood at the mobile blood bank, which makes a routine stop at Blamey Square every few months. Photo: POIS Phil Cullinan

7NEWSSeptember 10, 2015 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

Partnership 2015 draws to a close

THE ADF has completed Exercise Pacific Partnership 2015, an annual US-led humanitarian and civic assistance exercise aimed at strengthening international relation-ships with partner and host nations in the Asia-Pacific region.

Over 16 weeks, from May 17 to September 8, military person-nel from Australia, the US, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Canada, Fiji, Timor-Leste and Singapore provided medical care and complet-ed building projects in a number of South-West Pacific and South-East Asian nations.

Deputy Mission Commander CAPT Brian Delamont said ADF personnel had performed a great job across all tasks in Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Federated States of Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Fiji and Vietnam.

“We deliberately chose the most austere, remote places where there is the greatest need, and where the host nation identifies we can do the most good,” CAPT Delamont said.

Australia contributed 58 person-nel to US Navy Ships Mercy and Millinocket.

“As an indication of how reward-ing this mission is, we had far more volunteers than we had places avail-able, with people competing to get involved,” CAPT Delamont said.

“We have provided a great spread of pharmaceutical, medi-cal and engineering skills from Australia’s Army, Navy and Air Force, including some very junior people who have been outstanding among their peers.”

Acting CJOPS MAJGEN Shane Caughey said ADF personnel had performed an important role in improving the lives of our South-West Pacific and East Pacific neigh-bours.

“Our medical personnel ashore and embarked in ships have done an outstanding job to improve the health of people in our region,” he said.

“Aside from the medical pro-gram, a key highlight was our engineering personnel complet-ing the construction of a school in Arawa, Bougainville, in coordina-tion with our Timor-Leste military colleagues. This was a satisfying achievement for many of us.

“This cooperative mission allows the ADF to work with partner mili-taries, inter-governmental agencies, host nation civilian agencies, and non-governmental organisations, which enhances our collective abil-ity to provide humanitarian assis-tance and disaster relief.”

AUSTRALIA’S second LHD, NUSHIP Adelaide, is successfully completing her second and final sea trials in Port Phillip Bay.

The 27,800-tonne warship will then be prepared for delivery by BAE Systems’ Williamstown to Defence’s Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG) and the RAN.

The main aim of the final sea trials was to test the ship’s combat and communications systems.

They were undertaken over a 10-day period throughout the ship’s journey from Williamstown to Jervis Bay, NSW, and back again.

These areas were chosen to provide maximum flexibility and proximity to the ADF assets being used.

The RAN will have the oppor-tunity to perform various routine alongside exercises as it continues to build its capability for crewing the vessel while the ship compart-ments and systems are progres-sively handed over to the Adelaide crew as part of the overall ship delivery process.

The crew has already been trained for its role on the RAN’s second LHD.

BAE Systems Australia trained all 700 crew serving in Adelaide and HMAS Canberra at the com-pany’s state-of-the-art training facility at Mascot, Sydney.

Director of Maritime, BAE

Systems Australia, Bill Saltzer said the upcoming handover would be a proud day for all involved with building Adelaide.

“It won’t be the end of our involvement with these mighty ships,” Mr Saltzer said.

“As prime contractor for LHD In Service Support, our team of experienced engineers, technicians and logisticians in both Sydney and Williamstown will continue to be the key partner to the CASG and RAN in managing the availability of these two ships at Garden Island, Sydney.

“Our LHD team is now focused on the final elements of work in preparing Adelaide for delivery.

“Some of the team members on the LHD build program will then transition to the support services group.”

He said some had already made the transition at the time of delivery of Canberra.

“BAE Systems has the capabil-ity, experience and facilities to sup-port and upgrade the Navy’s ships, as we are currently successfully demonstrating on the Anzac-class anti ship missile Defence upgrade project and our other support activ-ities on both Anzac and Adelaide-class frigates, hydrographic vessels and systems/components installed on the RAN’s minehunters and submarines.”

CMDR Darren Delaney provides medical treatment during a Bougainville community health engagement as part of Pacific Partnership 2015 (above) as Deputy Mission Commander CAPT Brian Delamont inspects a Bougainville Copra warehouse (below). Photos: US Senior Airman Peter Reft and ABIS Chantell Brown

70 cooperative health engagements (non-surgical) 331 events with an aggregate hourly

total of 2485 hours of support to medical, dental, nursing, environ-mental/laboratory, pharmacy, surgi-cal screenings, veterinary services and training 1089 patients treated on board Mercy 550 surgical procedures, 106 dental

activities and eight other surgical events 1995 radiological procedures, includ-

ing tuberculosis screening 36 cooperative health engagements

that treated 22,671 people includ-ing 12,467 medical consultations, 7665 dental examinations, 410 other consults and 4183 pharmaceutical scripts dispensed

FACTS & FIGURES

Ready for delivery

BAE Systems is readying

NUSHIP Adelaide for

delivery. Photo ABIS Kayla Hayes

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9NEWSSeptember 10, 2015 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

THE AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE ARTS FOR RECOVERY, RESILIENCE, TEAMWORK AND SKILLS PROGRAM

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It’s on again! Following the great success of the initial Program, personnel facing service related health and wellbeing issues can

now apply to attend a unique creative arts program utilising music, drama, creative writing and visual arts.

No previous experience or training is required as tutoring and mentoring will be provided.

The Program will be held from 31 October to 28 November 2015 in Canberra.

Applications close 30th of September 2015.

More information about the ARRTS Program, including application forms, can be obtained by emailing ADF.ARRTS@defence.gov.au or calling 0419 549 383 or Nina Craven on (02) 6265 5923.

LEUT Todd Austin

NAVY personnel are again prepar-ing to ‘lose the booze’ next month to raise money for children’s educa-tion programs encouraging healthy lifestyles.

Navy groups have participated in Life Education Australia’s ‘Ocsober’ campaign for a number of years, and 2015 is the fourth year of formal involvement, with personnel raising more than $150,000 in that time.

Those who rise to the challenge choose to abstain from drinking for a month and focus on positive health and lifestyle changes for long-lasting benefits.

Fleet Base West is holding its annual ‘spin-a-thon’ to get personnel motivated and kick start fundraising.

The activity matches unit against unit in a 24-hour team spin bike event.

Last year’s winner, Clearance Diving Team 4, beat 12 other teams, completing nearly 1000km.

This year teams will also be recognised for the number of partici-pants and their fundraising efforts.

CN VADM Tim Barrett, an Ocsober Ambassador, attended the first training session and said the West was in good shape to raise much needed awareness about the fundraising initiative.

“Considering approximately 20 per cent of the Navy is based in WA, I’m sure that there will be a lot of activities conducted here in HMAS Stirling and I put out the challenge to other units and ships around the country to join in,” VADM Barrett said.

“I can see there might be a bit of friendly rivalry between east and west for who raises the most money for Ocsober; I think that’s great as it will mean that we as a Navy will fur-

ther raise awareness and support this important initiative.”

WOCIS Andrew Bertoncin, the Navy’s Western Australian Alcohol and Drugs Program Co-ordinator, said Ocsober had many benefits for participants.

“It provides funding back into the community to help children make the right choices as they mature and that is important because they are going to be our next generation of sailors and officers,” WO Bertoncin said.

“Ocsober also lets participants understand the health benefits of hav-ing a month off the grog.

“If you can combine this with a lifestyle change, both in diet and exercise, you will be amazed how much healthier you will feel in just that one month, and you might even save some money.”

Information on Ocsober can be found at www.ocsober.com.au

It’s that time of year

Anzac experience PEOPLE in remote and regional areas have the chance to see an extensive array of artefacts from the Australian War Memo-rial (AWM) at the Spirit of Anzac Centenary Experience (SACE) travelling exhibition. The exhibi-tion is interactive and includes more than 200 artefacts normally housed at the AWM in Canberra. SACE opened in Albury-Wodonga on September 4 and will visit 23 towns and cities until April 2017. It is a free event, but bookings are essential. Entry times are scheduled at intervals to ensure

visitors can view the exhibits in an uncrowded environment. More information is at www.spiritofan-zac.gov.au

Peacekeepers serviceTHE service and sacrifice of Australian peacekeepers will be recognised during a com-memorative service in Canberra on September 14. Nearly 90,000 Australians, primarily ADF and AFP, have deployed on peace-keeping roles since the first UN peacekeeping mission to the Dutch East Indies in 1947. Many of our peacekeepers have

served on multiple missions. Currently, there are more than 50 ADF personnel deployed on peacekeeping or peace monitor-ing roles, including Operations Aslan, Paladin and Mazurka. The commemorative service will mark 20 years since the end of the ADF’s contribution to the UN Assistance Mission in Rwanda. AIRCDRE Tracy Smart will address the commemorative service, which will be held at the Australian Peacekeeping Memo-rial site on Anzac Parade, start-ing at 11am. More information is at www.peacekeepingmemorial.org.au

IN BRIEF

Life Education Australia mascot Healthy Harold joins LSMT Ryan Hamill, left, LSPT Holly Bradshaw and WO Andrew Bertoncin in the first training session for Ocsober at the Stirling sports field. Photo: ABIS Chris Beerens

10 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS September 10, 2015

THE sailors and officers of the Laser Airborne Depth Sounder (LADS) Flight, based out of Cairns, are among the seriously high flying quiet achiev-ers in Navy.

In the last financial year alone, a record 180 sorties were flown result-ing in more than 6000 square nauti-cal miles surveyed.

The Flight team is now about to embark on an eight-week deploy-ment to Norfolk Island to support improved charting of the remote maritime area using the latest tech-nology from the air.

LADS Flight Commander LCDR Susanna Hung said the team typi-cally flew 140 sorties a year.

“The Flight has been the survey workhorse over the last financial year,” LCDR Hung said.

“One hundred and eighty sorties is an amazing achievement and I’m proud of the team.

“They tirelessly flew six days a week over the months April, May and June to achieve this milestone.”

The Flight is a key asset that enables the Australian Hydrographic Service to produce highly accurate nautical charts for the safety of navi-gation and life at sea.

Navy personnel work in conjunc-tion with civilian contractors to pro-vide a specialised capability operated by only a few military organisations in the world.

POHSM Russ Hinze is the Flight Survey Coordinator on board and said the team was excited about the upcoming deployment.

“It is an area of such historical significance to the settlement of Australia and it will be interesting to compare the data we collect to that collected by Captain Cook in the late 1700s,” PO Hinze said.

Flight member LSHSO Brendan Palmer said he was also looking for-ward to the change of scene.

“It’s great to be a part of a unit

where so much can be achieved in just eight weeks – everyone is look-ing forward to surveying an area vastly different to the Great Barrier Reef,” LS Palmer said.

CPOHSM Michael Baker is one of the most experienced members of the crew and will also deploy to Norfolk.

“It will be interesting to compare

the data with the HMAS Flinders’ survey circa 1993 which I undertook as a Seaman Survey Recorder – that was the first time we used differen-tial GPS for positioning,” he said.

Deploying to Norfolk Island will improve nautical charting in the area for the safe navigation of coastal and commercial shipping.

The Flight aims to achieve in just

two months what would typically take a hydrographic survey vessel more than a year to complete.

Since 1920, the RAN has been responsible for surveying and chart-ing Australian waters, with the Australian Charting Area covering an area of approximately one-eighth of the Earth’s surface.

This includes the waters sur-rounding Australia and its external territories, the Australian Antarctic Territory and Papua New Guinea. In conjunction with six hydrographic survey vessels, the LADS Flight enables the Navy to meet its charting obligations.

The Flight is capable of survey-ing up to 40 square nautical miles a day over a seven-hour sortie, using a modified de Havilland Dash-8-200 aircraft fitted with state of the art sensors and a bathymetric laser.

The completion of a new paint scheme for the Dash-8 aircraft will complement the deployment and recent milestone – the first complete re-paint since it replaced the F27 Fokker aircraft in 2009.

The Navy logo is now in a highly visible position on the tail of the air-craft, along with a number of other changes to the layout. Unexpected efficiencies gained following the repainting work package include a reduction in weight allowing for additional endurance and greater achievable transit airspeed.

Quiet achievers set to flyThe newly painted

Dash-8 Laser Airborne Depth Sounder Flight

is ready for its team to deploy to Norfolk Island.

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11NEWSSeptember 10, 2015 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

LSIS Jayson Tufrey

GUN techos are again vying for the right to be crowned Champion Technician in the annual engineering challenge.

Launched in 2013, the aim of the com-petition is to promote teamwork, skill-of-hand and job planning skills among technical sailors.

The overall challenge was developed with input from the technical community and consists of three sub-elements – mechanical, electronics and aviation.

The mechanical challengeThis challenge involves teams of four

MTs partially stripping and rebuilding a diesel engine, in accordance with a pro-vided work instruction, within a two to four-hour timeframe.

Regional competitions started in May and are being run at Fleet Base East and West and in HMAS Ships Cairns, Darwin, and Cerberus, with each team to be given a single practice event followed by a sin-gle timed competition event.

The regional winner will be the team with the lowest overall time score, taking into account penalties for incorrect work practices and will compete in the national competition in December.

The electronics challengeThis challenge involves teams of four

electronic technicians assembling ele-ments of an optical fire control system (supplied in kit form), conducting system alignment with a supplied laser, undertake a move component and finishing with a tracking and laser-firing run against standardised targets.

Scoring is based on an assessment of design and build quality, as well as move-ment performance and tracking perfor-mance against the targets.

The team with the highest score in each region will also compete in the national competition in December.

The aviation challengeThis challenge involves teams of five

aviation technician personnel conduct-ing mechanical and electrical repairs on a sample of a simulated aircraft structure and associated systems.

Scoring is based on a combination of adherence to repair techniques, including tolerances outlined in supplied structural repair instructions and any innovation in applying the repair.

Quality of both the adherence to the supplied instructions and documenta-tion of all repair work conducted is also assessed.

Additional to this, documented plan-ning of repair techniques, manpower use and WHS considerations are also assessed within the allocated timeframe.

HQ-FAA Senior Aviation Maintainer WO Frankie Siska said this was the third year he had been involved in the chal-lenge.

“Our first round of the competition started in the first week of August,” WO Siska said.

“We have started the aviation technical component of the challenge with seven teams; three from 816SQN, one team each from 723, 725, 808 Squadrons and TA-AVN.

“After the first round four teams will proceed through to the second round which will start in October; after that two teams will progress to the finals.

The winners of each category’s chal-lenge will receive a Champion Technician medallion, a prize consisting of tools to the value of $5000 each, and are entitled to wear a Champion Technician cuff-rate.

More information on the Navy Engineering Challenge 2015 can be found at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/navyweb/sites/HNERCS/ComWeb.asp?page=200691

Challenge of the best

ABET Linda Widdicombe, of FSU-North, configures her robot ‘dog’ (left) during the Engineering Challenge at HMAS Coonawarra and (right) ABATA Samantha Weir and LSATA Keith Eddy refer to technical documents at HMAS Albatross. Photos: ABIS Nicolas Gonzales and LSIS Yuri Ramsey

SQNLDR Jim Veino

More than 800 servicemen and women formed the backdrop for the 26-person Air Force Guard as AIRCDRE Hayden Marshall reviewed the HMAS Cerberus Winter Ceremonial Divisions on July 31.

Acknowledging the strong rela-tionship between the services and their commitment to training the ADF’s future, this was the first time a senior Air Force member acted as Reviewing Officer.

Hundreds of courses are conduct-ed each year at Cerberus. Air Force comprises about 90 staff and trainees across four disciplines: communica-tions electronics technicians, cook, dental hygienist and physical training instructors.

AIRCDRE Marshall presented several awards during the parade, including the awarding of a seventh clasp to the Reserve Force Medal to CPO Graeme Layton.

While addressing the parade AIRCDRE Marshall spoke about the importance of joint endeavours, the value of joint training where endur-ing friendships are forged, and high-lighted exciting times ahead.

“One of the keys to effective integration is joint training, where we see the development of a broad understanding of all Defence capa-bilities, not just those within our single service domains,” AIRCDRE Marshall said.

“Your time at Cerberus will serve you well. Throughout your careers, you will be continually chal-lenged in the learning environment.”

CO Cerberus CAPT Stephen Bowater welcomed the changing of the Reviewing Officer guard.

“Cerberus is delighted to have a member of the Air Force senior lead-ership team visit our establishment to witness the high quality training and long standing support it offers all three Services, and will do so well into the future as Defence continues to reorganise and modernise its train-ing approach.”

The RAN Band provided music and with a nod to the Air Force pres-ence welcomed the AIRCDRE with a rendition of Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines.

Those in attendance were also treated to an impressive Roulette fly-ing demonstration and fly past by the Point Cook Historic Flight.

Changing of the guard

LSET Chris Ramsay and the team from HMA Ships Toowoomba and Ballarat conduct a firing run of ‘the tank’ during the HMAS Stirling leg of the Engineering Challenge. Photo: ABIS Chris Beerens

The RAN platoon salutes Reviewing Officer AIRCDRE Hayden Marshall during Winter Ceremonial Divisions at HMAS Cerberus, Victoria. Photo: ABIS Cassie McBride

12 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS September 10, 2015

CPL Max Bree

MORE than 200 international naval personnel are working to make a dif-ference in the world’s newest nation in landlocked South Sudan.

Among them are three Australian Navy maritime logistics officers serv-ing with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in support, administration and logistics roles.

One of those is LCDR Kylie Robson, the deputy chief of logistics at UNMISS headquarters.

“South Sudan has limited logistics infrastructure to support the transpor-tation and movement of stores and equipment,” she said.

“Add to this a wet season that essen-tially turns roads in into rivers that are impassable for vehicle convoys.”

LCDR Robson has worked closely with the Bangladesh Force Marine Unit (BANFMU) which escorts UNMISS barges up and down the Nile to ensure their safe passage.

“The highlight of my deploy-ment has been working with the BANFMU,” LCDR Robson said.

“They are absolute professionals who go above and beyond to meet operational requirements.”

The Bangladeshis escort vital logistic and humanitarian stores to UN

bases located in the north of the coun-try and play a critical role in the UN mission, aiding the quest for peace in the war-torn county.

BANFMU operate six Defender-class response boats and six rigid hull inflatable boats from Juba and Malakal in South Sudan.

The wet season, which is fast approaching in South Sudan, typi-cally makes up to 90 per cent of the roads impassable, leaving townships to the north of the country isolated and vulnerable.

By ensuring safe barge movement during this period, BANFMU will sig-nificantly extend the reach and capac-ity of the mission.

During their short time in country, the Navy members have worked close-ly with the BANFMU to facilitate and support their role in the mission.

UNMISS also includes navies from countries like the Netherlands, India, Norway, Fiji, Russia, Brazil, Poland and El Salvador.

“I have enjoyed meeting and working with civilians, military and police from all over the world,” LCDR Robson said.

“This is a very challenging role for a maritime logistics officer.”

Help for a new nation

LCDR Kylie Robson with members of the

Bangladeshi Navy and a local sailor in South Sudan during

Operation Aslan.

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AWARD WINNING RESUMES

13NEWSSeptember 10, 2015 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

CPL Mark Doran

A DARWIN-based sailor’s financial worries were quickly sorted when he won $5000 in the Win with Navy Raffle in Draw 150.

ABCIS Harley Dowling, of HMAS Pirie, said it was excellent timing and terrific news.

“I was recently out in the middle of nowhere on my brand new dirt bike when it decided to drop all its oil and seize up,” ABCIS Dowling said.

“I was told the repair bill would be close to $5000 if not covered under warranty.

“It was funny because the crew and I were talking about the raffle at a divi-sional meeting the day before the draw.

“I had told all my mates to join the raffle because it’s a great cause.”

He said it was one way to give back to other sailors and $10 each pay wasn’t much.

ABCIS Dowling said he loved liv-ing in the Northern Territory.

“The best way to describe life on patrols boats is that we work hard and we play hard,” he said.

“The work we do is not the easiest, but when we have time off we get to do some cool stuff in the best place in Australia.”

Raffle manager Jak Goudman said the Win with Navy Raffle was a Navy Canteens organisation initiative devel-oped to raise funds for Navy welfare.

“Navy Canteens distributes the funds to Navy sport, the RAN Relief Trust Fund and grants for sailors’ rec-reational purposes,” Mr Goudman said.

“More than $3 million has been distributed in grants to Navy welfare projects and sport since the start of the raffle four years ago.

“So far, nearly $1 million in prize money has been won by more than 150 Navy Raffle members.”

For more information on the Navy Raffle visit www.winwithnavy.com.au

Raffle win perfect timingABCIS Harley Dowling, of HMAS Pirie, won $5000 in the Win with Navy Raffle in Draw 150. Photo: ABIS Nicolas Gonzalez

A STUDENT team from the Australian Maritime College (AMC) in Tasmania, including two Navy Engineering Division-sponsored naval architecture schol-arship students, took out the prize for ‘best boat design’ at an interna-tional competition in Switzerland in July.

The Hydrocontest, held on the shore of Lake Geneva, drew 150 students from 16 universities com-peting to produce the fastest, most energy-efficient boat.

The event showcases innova-tion, high-tech design and reduced dependence on fossil fuels in a range of events.

The AMC’s eight-member team participated in the event with a radio-controlled hydrofoil-supported catamaran that recorded the fastest peak speed of 25.4km/h at the event.

Team member David Carlsson said various technical problems, mainly with motor controller elec-tronics, prevented them from reach-ing the race finals.

“We put in a lot of effort to get the electronics working for certain times, but unfortunately that didn’t carry on through the races,” Mr Carlsson said.

Students impress Geneva judges with boat design

“But we managed to show what the boat was capable of, which was the main thing and taking out the design prize was a good consolation.”

Three members of the team, including the Defence-sponsored scholarship students Samuel Smith and Reuben Kent, competed in the inaugural Hydrocontest in Switzerland last year, in which their original hydrofoil catamaran, also sponsored by the RAN, won the ‘lightweight technology award’ trophy.

“The Hydrocontest is a revolu-

tionary event where the next genera-tion of engineers are tackling the issues of tomorrow,” Mr Smith said.

Navy Engineering Division Principal Naval Architect Martin Grimm, who mentors the scholar-ship students, said the team had prepared an impressive entry.

“This competition gives the team, including our scholars, early exposure to project management,” Mr Grimm said.

“Navy is proud to have been able to sponsor their participation in the event.”

Australian Maritime College

students with their winning boat design.

www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS September 10, 2015 1514 CENTRE

NAVY’s women snowboarders led they way with a close to perfect performance at the inter-

service snowsports championships to help Navy take out the competition against a hungry Army side, and deter-mined RAAF side who were defend-ing their title.

The Australian Defence Alpine Snowsports Association (ADASA) conducted the Australian Defence International and Interservices Alpine Snowsports Championships (ADIISC) at Perisher, and Blue Cow ski fields, NSW, from August 16-21.

Sailors alongside soldiers, airmen and airwomen competed in the two dis-ciplines of skiing and snowboarding in various events, accumulating points for their respective services over the week-long competition.

The snowboarders competed in the parallel giant slalom (PGS) and boarder-cross (BX) races and slopestyle (SS), freestyle event.

The skiers competed in giant slalom (GS), slalom (SL) and skicross races (SX).

Competing in her fourth consecutive championship, snowboarder LEUT

Harriet Cameron, of 816SQN, HMAS Albatross, said the week was an out-standing success for Navy.

“We had a great preparation in the single-service championships, so we all had a bit of match fitness coming into this week,” she said.

“It feels fantastic to get the clean sweep for Navy.

“I can’t wait to get back here next year to defend our title.”

Navy women’s snowboarders man-aged to take out the top three spots in PGS, SX and only a second placing to Army in the SS got in the way of a com-plete clean sweep.

This was enough to give Navy the top three in the women’s overall snow-board rankings.

Snowboarder PO Dani Humphries, of Defence Force School of Signals, who placed second in the PGS and first in both the SX and SS cemented herself into the top spot overall.

“The single-service competition set me up for this week,” she said.

“This is my sixth year at competing in this competition and it’s the strongest women’s team I have ever seen.

“To take the podium in the manner

we did is unprecedented; I’m so proud of the team and what we have achieved, the men did really well too – it’s been a great week for the RAN.”

ABCIS Emma Hook, of HMAS Cairns, who uses triathlon training to keep her fitness up for the snowsport season, took out first in the PGS and third in the SX, which was enough for second overall in the snowboarder rankings.

AB Hook said she had been snow-boarding on and off since she was 12.

“I’ve just returned to competition boarding after two years at sea,” she said.

“It felt surreal to take out first in the PGS and to be racing against Dani is great, she’s been around a while now and is somebody I look up to.”

The male snowboarders also did Navy proud taking out first and second in the SS and placing third overall in the male snowboarding rankings against a strong Army team.

The skiers managed podium finishes in both male and female events with the men taking first and second and the women finishing third overall, thanks to consistently strong performances from

AB Stephen Gray, of HMAS Albatross, who said there was more to the competi-tion than winning.

“Sure it feels great, but to be able to support, encourage and mentor the other guys is more important for the team and our results reflect that,” he said.

“This is actually my first time com-peting here with Navy, but I did grow up skiing from a young age at Guthega – I also worked as an instructor and coach there for a bit.

“The whole time we’ve spent up here has been great, our camaraderie is strong and we’re just enjoying the com-petition.”

AB Julien Jais, of FSU-E, placed third in the GS and SL and took out second in the SX, which was enough to take out second place overall in the Alpine ski placings.

AB Jais said this was his fifth con-secutive year in the competition.

“I’ve been lucky to have been released each year to attend,” he said

“I’m happy with my performance, especially after sustaining a bad ankle injury here last year; I had a fairly long recovery with heaps of physio to get fit to compete this year.

“The team is very strong this year and it’s great to get a bit of revenge on the RAAF after they did so well last year.”

In his first year as ADF ADASA patron MAJGEN Jeff Sengelman acknowledged the dedication of those who organised the event.

“I wish to thank all those who work behind the scenes for many months, or even years to make all this happen,” he said.

“I know when I was asked to be the patron, and I gratefully accepted, I thought that would come with obli-gations, contribution and delivery on my part; I didn’t expect to receive so much in return as I have already – I feel uplifted.

“What I saw in terms of the compe-tition, camaraderie and support for each other, really does reflect in my eyes the very best about who we are and who we want to be.”

Navy took out the overall cham-pionship with Army a close second, separated by 35 points, and Air Force rounding out the three services, clearly missing some of their star performers from last year.

NAVY BLITZ

Our skiers and boarders dominate at the interservice snowsports championships.

ADASA patron MAJGEN Jeff Sengelman said his role as ADF patron was an important senior leadership opportunity he felt priv-ileged to undertake on behalf of all members.

“I want to help ADASA members realise their full potential, advocate on issues where required and help promote new ideas, relationships and initiatives that add value,” he said.

“As patron it doesn’t necessarily mean I have to be a great skier.

“For me it’s about sharing a pas-sion for skiing and Alpine sports and promoting a strong commitment to the future of ADASA, its effective operation and vibrant participation from across the ADF.

“While I initially thought this was about what I could bring to the organisation, quite unexpectedly I walk away feeling a better person, inspired and genuinely uplifted by your positivity and teamwork.”

MAJGEN Sengelman said he wanted to encourage other mem-bers of the ADF to try snow sports next year.

“This is a great activity and it’s open to everyone in the ADF,” he said.

“It is designed to cater to all skill levels and it’s not just about skiing and alpine sport.

“It’s also about teamwork, chal-lenge and the reward that comes with personal achievement.

“At ADIISC 2015, I have wit-nessed courage, initiative and respect on the snow.

“The people who came here will walk away with new friends, new skills and a positive experience.”

MAJGEN Sengelman said he wanted to carry on the good work of his predecessors and invited all members of the ADF to enquire into the organisation and its events.

“They’ll find, like me, that it’s much more rewarding, demanding and inspirational than expected,” he said.

“We’ll work hard to make sure they’re welcome and their experience is a positive one.”

A MESSAGE FROM THE PATRON

CPO Kerry Dickie competes in the ski slalom event at Blue Cow.

PO Danielle Humphries during the slopestyle

event at Blue Cow. She took out the overall female

snowboarding championship.

Words and photos: LSIS Jayson Tufrey

Snowboarders compete in the boardercross racing event at Perisher.

AB Stephen Gray competing in the giant slalom event at Blue Cow. AB Gray took out the Alpine ski competition.

LEUT Shannon Godfrey competes in the giant slalom event at Perisher.

ALPINE SKI OVERALL (FEMALE)1st: LT Elizabeth Lambert2nd: COL Claire Baker3rd: CPO Kerrie Dickie

ALPINE SKI OVERALL (MALE)1st: AB Stephen Gray2nd: AB Julien Jais3rd: CAPT Alexander Ryrie

SNOWBOARD OVERALL (FEMALE)1st: PO Dani Humphries2nd: AB Emma Hook3rd: LEUT Harriet Cameron

SNOWBOARD OVERALL (MALE)1st: MAJ Alistair Court2nd: LCPL Daniel Robinson3rd: AB Connor Dolan

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17GANGWAYSeptember 10, 2015 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

SMNCIS Ronald Brooks and CHAP Grant Ludlow prepare sausages for the HMAS Stirling chaplain’s barbecue held at the Stirling Chapel, Western Australia. Photo: CPOIS David Connolly

ABEW Melissa Gay, of HMAS Stuart, shows her support for White Ribbon Australia and the Greater Western Sydney Giants at the AFL match against the Sydney Swans at Homebush on August 22. Photo: CPL Veronica O’Hara

LS Matthew Finigan talks with children from Maroubra Junction Public School Care Centre during a visit by personnel from Fleet Support Unit-South East. Photo: ABIS Steven Thomson

The catafalque party, consisting of RAN cadets, marches off at the end of a memorial service held in Anzac Park, Thursday Island, to recognise the military service of Torres Strait servicemen and women. Photo: ABIS Jake Badior

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OUR ONLYMISSIONIS TO LOOKAFTER YOU.

Denise Thomas

DEFENCE’S war-fighting capability depends upon a commander’s ability to access information in order to make strategic or tactical decisions.

To this end, HMAS Canberra personnel have been using Objective, the mandated Defence Records Management System, ashore since 2012.

In order to maintain current pro-cesses and procedures, the ship has a requirement to employ the same infor-mation management capabilities, user experience and environment to that which is available ashore.

Amphibious Capability Program Manager CAPT Stephen Hughes said, as a result, Canberra personnel were trialling Objective at sea as a stan-dalone system.

“We are aiming for the crew and embarked forces responsible for the creation and management of records and information to use Objective on the RH-FIE while deployed away from shore,” CAPT Hughes said.

To ensure amphibious class parity, an Amphibious Information Management (IM) Plan has been developed with IM roles and responsibilities clearly defined for personnel.

Communications Information Warfare Officer Canberra LCDR Andy Mannion said the ship’s company was working hard to support the trial.

“We’ve been working closely with relevant areas to incorporate Navy’s standard information model and folder structure in Objective which removes

18 PERSONNEL www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS September 10, 2015

Objective goes to sea

the need to store information and records elsewhere,” LCDR Mannion said.

“Currently our ships records and information are stored on the g drive, in emails and paper-based files.

“The Objective model and folders remain consistent with the standard which has been rolled out ashore.”

Navy is transitioning to a new IM model based on the Defence Business Classification Scheme (DBCS).

This provides the foundation for how

records are captured, maintained and used to enhance information sharing across Navy and Defence as a whole.

With a permanent triservice crew of about 450 on board Canberra, and the capacity to accommodate a further 950 embarked forces, there will be numer-ous dispersed work centres throughout the ship.

Objective will facilitate greater collaboration and the introduction of workflows for enhanced ship admin-istration.

The Director Navy Information Management and Policy and Reform, Joseph Stablum, said Navy shouldn’t underestimate this unified approach.

“It will reduce any ongoing train-ing overhead for ships personnel in this space, moving from ship to ship and ship to shore,” Mr Stablum said.

“It also enables Navy’s records and information to be consolidated and maintained electronically.

“This positions Navy well in terms of compliance with Defence and the

whole-of-government’s digital transition policy and electronic transactions act.

“Objective on the LHD also provides Navy with the capability to manage records and documents more efficiently through workflows for common, repeat-able processes.”

The sea trial will be rolled out to NUSHIP Adelaide and will continue in both ships until the end of the year. A review will then be undertaken to deter-mine its success.

SGT Clint Legge and LSCIS Emma Perkins using the file system Objective on board HMAS Canberra. Photo: POIS Ollie Garside

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19PERSONNELSeptember 10, 2015 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

CMDR Fenn Kemp

THE RAN’s focus on improving its workforce as part of Plan Pelorus has stepped up a gear, with the launch of a guide detailing Flexible Workplace Arrangements (FWA).

FWAs allow members to continue working, in ways different from the norm, for a specific amount of time, following a change in their personal circumstances.

FWAs are accepted as part of a long-term career and the new FWA Guide will help individuals and commands understand the process.

Those on FWAs agree the ben-efits are clear.

POATA Ryan Watt, of 725SQN, decided to look into changing his work hours when his wife went back to fulltime work.

“Both of us now work alternate shifts,” PO Watt said.

“Under my FWA, my work rou-tine is 7am to 3pm so I can now be home with my children after school.’

PO Watt said his supervisor was supportive of his FWA and estab-lished a trial period, which is work-ing well.

“They’ve been very happy with the results as I am still able to cover all my duties and responsibilities,’ PO Watt said.

LSCIS Suzanne Clarkson, of CIO Group, is on her second FWA since joining Navy and works a three-day week.

“I believe I am the only per-son in my area on a FWA and my workplace has been fantastic,” LS Clarkson said.

“If I have been required on my days off, I have been given ample notice and time in lieu for extra hours worked.

“We have also worked together to assign me tasks that are not time specific, meaning I have ownership of my own work and I feel that I am making a contribution to my area.”

The FWA initiative is being led by Workplace Flexibility Adviser LCDR Amanda Howard.

“I am working six days a fort-night on variable hours,” LCDR Howard said.

“At times I also work from home as I feel it important to spend time with my children while they are young, but I am keen to continue my career.

“Part-time work allows me the best of both worlds.”

LCDR Howard said FWAs were a sound option for any member with a positive work ethic, as the agreements are based on trust and communication.

“I’ve had some great feedback from supervisors regarding my per-formance and I’ve had a few even acknowledge that they have changed their opinions of employing staff in a flexible capacity.

“I think the keys are communica-tion and challenging yourself.

“Ensuring you are clear about your time limitations when negotiat-ing output requirements, but chal-lenging yourself to achieve as much as you can.”

Commanding officers, super-visors and individuals need to recognise that FWAs may not be practical or viable for every position or circumstance and they are not an automatic entitlement.

FWAs are designed to meet the legitimate needs and circumstances of an individual at different stages of their life and are not purely for convenience.

Where FWA is not a viable option, alternate management strate-gies may be employed in order to achieve the best possible outcome for the individual and the organisation.

The new guide can be found under the ‘references’ tab at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/navyweb/sites/EPORT/ComWeb.asp?page=225048

Guide to help with flexibility

Flexible working arrangements allow LCDR Amanda Howard (above), POATA Ryan Watt and LSCIS Suzanne Clarkson (below) to spend more time with their families.

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Introducing the eICR (Electronic Inventory Collection Report)

The inventory Condition Report is an important tool to determine and record the condition of your household goods at uplift and again at delivery. Over the coming peak, the inventory collection report will be done electronically via a tablet device. Once the eICR is signed off by both you and the removalist, you will automatically receive an emailed copy of the eICR, so make sure your email address on the eICR is the most current one.

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DEFENCE and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) are calling for members and their families to partici-pate in the Transition and Wellbeing Research Program.

The program, the largest and most comprehensive study undertaken in Australia, examines the impact of military service on the mental, physi-cal and social health of serving and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families.

If you are a serving ADF member, have transitioned out of full-time service since 2010, or have a family member who meets this eligibility criteria, you may be contacted to vol-unteer as a participant.

The Centre for Traumatic Stress Studies at the University of Adelaide is leading a team of researchers to com-plete the Mental Health and Wellbeing Transition Study and the Impact of Combat Study. The Australian Institute of Family Studies is conducting the Family Wellbeing Study.

Data collection began in early June and will end in November. Up to 50,000 serving (including 11,000 reservists) and ex-serving ADF members, and up to 35,000 family members, will be invited to participate in the different components of the program. More than 50,000 of these invites have already been sent.

Data collection will be via surveys and some individuals will be invited to participate in telephone interviews and physical tests, including neurocogni-tive assessments.

Commander Joint Health RADM

21PERSONNELSeptember 10, 2015 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

Robyn Walker said if you were invited to participate, but had not yet com-pleted the survey, the team still needed your help.

“Although participation numbers have been high, the program team still needs your help to reach our goal of a 50 per cent response rate,” RADM Walker said.

“So far we’ve had the highest num-ber of survey completions from Air Force. Members of Navy and Army are not that far behind and the survey

will remain open until October 30 if you would like to get involved.”

Participants are also reminded to nominate their family members for the Family Wellbeing Study. Only fam-ily members nominated by serving or former ADF members will be invited to participate.

RADM Walker said Defence was committed to the health and wellbeing of ADF personnel.

“Your participation will help us gain a better understanding of the

health impacts of contemporary mili-tary service,” RADM Walker said.

“Nominating family members to complete the Family Wellbeing Study will help us understand the impacts of military service and deployment on families” she said.

If you have not been contacted by CTSS and wish to volunteer to participate, regis-ter at https://transitionwellbeing.adelaide.edu.au/registration.html

Wellbeing on agenda

Serving and former ADF personnel along with family members are encourage to participate in the Transition and Wellbeing Research Program.Photo: ABIS Richard Cordell

Defence science advancesDEFENCE marked National Science Week on August 20 by showcasing a number of innovative technologies designed to support the ADF.

Opening the event, Chief Defence Scientist Alex Zelinsky said a modern defence force needed to leverage advances in technology to maintain its capability edge.

“National Science Week has given us a great opportunity to showcase how science and technol-ogy supports Defence capability,” Dr Zelinsky said.

Among the technologies present-ed were low-cost, lightweight force protection systems developed under the Redwing program by Defence scientists and manufactured by Australian industry to counter improved explosive devices.

Defence scientists are investi-gating a novel energy harvesting approach that scavenges power from a vehicle’s structural vibra-tions and converts them into elec-trical power for use by embedded diagnostic sensors and devices.

Another silent threat faced by Defence as well as civilian indus-tries is in the cyber realm. Defence scientists have won an innovation award for the development of a Digital Video Guard, a unique com-puter security device that provides protection against cyber intrusion.

One split second was all it took for his life to change forever. When he returned home he was told he was the lucky one – he had survived. He tried to wipe it all away. With RSL’s support, his physical and emotional wounds are starting to heal.

At RSL Queensland, we are here to look after the men, women and families of those who cared enough to risk their own lives. To lend a hand. To support and guide. To show respect. And to say thank you.

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22 PERSONNEL www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS September 10, 2015

Jess Brophy

TWENTY-THREE indigenous ADF members and Defence APS employ-ees graduated with a Certificate IV in Indigenous Leadership during a cer-emony at Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera on August 14.

The Certificate IV Indigenous Leadership is designed to develop the capacity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to take on per-sonal leadership and senior roles in communities and organisations, and furthering individual goals in relation to future education and employment.

Graduate Nicole Marlow said although the title of the course was Indigenous Leadership, it should be named indigenous confidence build-ing.

“I found the subjects regarding leadership and mentoring were of benefit to me as it taught me the types of leadership styles and how to mentor younger people,” she said.

“It also showed me that there are some wonderful leaders within Defence, especially my supervisor, and how lucky I am to have her full support.”

Defence Director of Indigenous Affairs Glynn Greenaway said Defence was committed to support-ing and developing its Indigenous members by offering a range of sup-port programs, Indigenous-training opportunities and formal and informal networking.

“Defence is providing our indig-

CPOML-SC Tony Thomas

THREE trainees from the recent Army variant of the Defence Indigenous Development Program have ‘jumped ship’ and been offered employment with the Navy.

As part of HMAS Coonawarra’s Navy Community Engagement Program in the Northern Territory, 30 trainees were given a one-day famil-iarisation on Navy employment and lifestyle.

As a result, seven trainees nomi-nated to undertake a four-day study tour at Coonawarra. Three were subsequently offered Navy employ-ment and the remaining four are still subject to screening.

PTE Edith Wasiu is a mother of two and comes from Bamaya in the Northern Peninsula Area of Queensland.

She has been accepted into the

Navy as a maritime logistics support operations sailor.

“I am excited for my future in the Navy and looking forward to its chal-lenges,” she said.

A maritime lifestyle was part of PTE Morrison Pearson’s upbringing in Coconut Island, Torres Strait and now he is due to enlist in the Navy in March as a boatswains mate.

“Now that my long-term career future is in motion, I am keen to expe-rience all that Navy offers,” he said.

PTE Isabel Mosby’s homeland is Thursday Island in the Torres Strait and is another who is due to enlist in the senior service. In January 2016, she will join as a communication and information systems sailor.

“I am excited to be achieving my goal of being a Navy member and provide a positive role model to other female Indigenous community mem-bers,” she said.

PTE Edith Wasiu, left, PTE Morrison Pearson and PTE Isabel Mosby have signed up to join the Navy after visiting HMAS Coonawarra. Photo: CPOML-SC Tony Thomas

Trainees jump ship

enous leaders with tools and support to further develop their careers,” he said.

“Today marks a significant mile-stone for Defence Indigenous members and I commend their determination and commitment in completing their Certificate IV Indigenous Leadership.”

The Australian Indigenous Leadership Centre (AILC) in Canberra facilitated the Certificate IV

Indigenous Leadership through three five-day face-to-face training blocks and provided support for distance learning.

The AILC specialises in place-based education with accredited and tailored courses in locations across Australia.

More information is at www.ailc.org.au

Future leaders

Indigenous leadership graduates, from left, AB Barnabas Dewis, AB Thomas Fujii and Jamahl Tamwoy perform a traditional dance during their graduation. Photo: LAC Brenton Kwaterski

Get on top of your debtDon’t give up – there are always options to help manage your bills, ASIC chairman Greg Medcraft reports.

23FINANCESeptember 10, 2015 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

Photo: CPL Aaron Curran

IT IS easy to borrow money these days – and even easier to get into debt. But don’t give up if you are having trouble managing your

debts. There are always options available

to you and people that can help. The first thing you need to do is

assess your current situation and get an idea of the size of your debt.

This can be difficult to face, however, you need a clear picture of your circumstances to work out an appropriate plan of attack.

Once you have an idea about your overall financial position, you can start looking at options to clear your debt.

Depending on how much and what type of debt you have, there could be a couple of options available to you.

As an example, you could start by: paying off the debt with the highest

interest rate first; or paying off the smallest debt first (so

you feel a sense of achievement).Using ASIC’s MoneySmart

mortgage, credit card, and personal loan calculators you can work out how long it will take to clear your debt.

They will also help you identify how small extra repayments can make a big difference in reducing the money you owe, the interest you will pay and

the length of time required to pay it off.

If you have multiple sources of debt and are struggling to keep track of when payments are due it may sound like a good idea to consolidate or refinance your loans.

While this can result in lower fees and interest for some people, it may only be a short-term fix for others, especially if they can’t meet the repayments on the new loan.

If you feel your debts are spiralling out of control there are some places you can go for help and guidance.

If you haven’t done so already, speak to your lenders about your situation and then seek financial counselling and free legal advice if required.

If you urgently need help with living expenses, such as food or accommodation, there are charities and community organisations that can help you through a rough patch.

When it comes to getting on top of debt, the most important thing is to act quickly and get started.

Assess your situation and consider your options that will work best for you.

By taking charge of your money, you will ease money stress and feel more secure and in control.

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Using fear as motivationEVERYONE feels fear. It is a

natural and vital response to physical or emotional danger. It can overwhelm and paralyse,

yet it can also be a great motivator. CAPT John Grisinger knows about

fear. As president of the Australian Defence Parachute Association and an MRH90 pilot, he sees people face their fears on a daily basis.

Whether preparing to jump from an aircraft in training, on exercise or on a mission, or simply in competition, he sees people find the courage to learn from their fear to eventually overcome it.

Here, he shares his story about the challenge of meeting his fears head-on.

My heart feels like it’s about to jump through my throat.

The cockpit is saturated with the sweet smell of AVGAS fumes and I am desperately trying to distract myself with the view of the Ballina coastline as we continue to climb. The year is 2008 and I am about to complete my first skydive.

I had a fascination with skydiving after seeing online videos and being an Army pilot added fuel to that fire.

I would often hand over control to the co-pilot and crane round in my seat as best I could to catch a glimpse of our airborne soldiers as they so casually stacked up and fell from the doors of the Black Hawk.

Years later, while posted to Holsworthy Barracks in Sydney, I would be up at the crack of dawn every Saturday driving west on the Hume Highway to the main Sydney drop zone of Picton to build up my logbook to 50 jumps to obtain the illusive category B license, which would allow me to skydive with others and compete in teams.

I would often find myself alone on the highway in the dark morning hours ask-ing myself ‘why am I doing this’?

The fact of the matter was, although I was gaining experience on each skydive I was still just as anxious as that first jump. Would this fear ever subside?

I decided to examine the sport skydiv-ing statistics in an attempt to quell my nerves.

According to the US Parachute Association, there are about 3.2 mil-lion skydive descents made annually in the US with a rate of only 2.3 injuries reported per 10,000 skydive serials and a main canopy malfunction of less than one per 1000 openings.

Armed with this knowledge I contin-ued my weekly trips determined to mas-ter my mental demons.

After achieving my category B

license, I decided to give four-way team skydiving a try.

I don’t know how anyone could be a born natural at this sport.

It requires not only great individual practice, but razor-sharp teamwork to execute the five formations within 35 seconds accurately and in sync without the ability to communicate more than a simple nod or glance.

Many hours are spent walking through the formations on the ground and then simulating them on your belly using a torso-sized trolley called a creeper.

After the better part of a year, I found myself focusing more on the formation moves and the team rather than the fact that I was parachuting from an aircraft.

Visualisation and practising the serial in your head over and over again is essential: this is how I will climb into the doorway; this is how I will place my body on exit; this is what I am look-ing for on each of the moves; that is the height I will open my main parachute; and, that is where I will land.

The mental process, visualisation and drill rehearsal became larger than any apprehensions I had previously felt.

I found the more I took part in this sport the more it flowed to other parts of my work life.

When I found myself in tough situ-ations in the helicopter, like fighting through appalling weather in the Papua New Guinean mountains, I found I had already conquered these feelings many times before.

In a strange twist of events, fear had become my motivator.

For information on the Australian Defence Parachute Association, visit http://drnet.defence.gov.au/VCDF/Sports-Parachute/

Meeting your fears head-on can be challenging.

WHEN someone refers to ‘fear’ they are usually describing the experience of the fight-or-flight response, the body’s natural reaction to perceived threat or danger.

Anxiety is often referred to as dread or apprehension, and may be experienced in relation to situations that don’t necessarily pose a physical threat.

Anxiety is an inevitable part of life in contemporary society, and it is appropriate and reasonable to experience some anxiety to many situations.

Managing anxiety involves understanding what your personal reaction to anxiety-provoking situations are, identifying what your specific concerns are, and learning to let go of anxiety.

You may also benefit from professional assistance to learn the skills useful for managing anxiety disorder symptoms.

Further assistance for serving and ex-serving members can be sought from the Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service on 1800 011 046.

FEAR VS ANXIETY

The mental process, visualisation and

drill rehearsal became larger than any apprehensions I had previously felt.

– CAPT John Grisinger

24 HEALTH www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS September 10, 2015

25SPORTSeptember 10, 2015 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

CPL Aaron Curran

HMAS Cerberus’ rugby team came tan-talisingly close to stamping their mark on Victorian rugby after making it to the Victorian Rugby Union Division 2B grand final on August 15 in Box Hill.

After charging through the draw unbeaten, the team lost at the last hurdle 22-7 to Bendigo.

Team captain SMN Kane Coyne, a trainee marine technician, said once the final came around a couple of key players were lost to postings and injuries.

“When you have players posting out all the time and a different team every three weeks it makes it hard to keep consistent,” SMN Coyne said.

“All through the competition we had a phenomenal team, but in the final we did what we could with who we had.”

There was still one surprise left for the Cerberus team: fullback SMN Nelson Gibuma who picked up all three player awards after the match – leading individ-ual point scorer (145), most points scored during the season and best player of the season.

“Nelson had a fantastic year,” SMN Coyne said.

“He’s unreal, quick and untouchable. He scored an average of three tries per game and he definitely has got big oppor-tunities and a playing career ahead of him. The skies the limit there.”

SMN Coyne posts out this year but said as long as Cerberus continued to get good players they would be competitive.

“I say to the incoming team get in and have a go,” he said.

“We had a great bunch of blokes and the staff put in a huge effort which makes it all worth it.”

Player availability costly for Cerberus

Above: SMN Nelson Gibuma shows the form that saw him take out all three player awards in the second division B competition as he avoids being tackled in the grand final against Bendigo.Inset: Rugby Union Victoria representative Chris Evans, right, presents SMN Kane Coyne, with the ‘runner up’ and ‘minor premiers’ pennants after the match. Photos: LSIS Dove SmithettCPL Mark Doran

SAILORS, soldiers and airmen and women competed in the HMAS Cerberus annual swimming carnival on August 5.

Close to 400 spectators from the base cheered on the six teams who represented the different departments of Cerberus.

The Maritime Logistics Health Department (MLHD) won the cham-pionship cup which was accepted by FSGT Lance Rennie of the ADF School of Catering.

The Defence Force School of Signals finished a close second, as only one point separated them from the winners.

MLHD sports representative FSGT Rennie said he coordinated the team’s trials before the carnival and organised the swimmers into their races.

“Our results were a great team effort,” FSGT Rennie said.

“I wasn’t short of volunteers for any of the events.

“There was also a lot enthusiasm and team spirit in the cheer squads which encouraged all the swimmers to cross the finish line.

“SMNML-C Katherine Langendyk entered all the female masters’ events to help us get across the line and LCDR Kim Leong, of the ADF Dental School, also volunteered to help us out and gave it her best effort.”

A race with a difference was the run-swim event which involved a 200m run followed by a 100m swim.

SMNMLSC Jack Fraser, who is now posted to HMAS Stirling, won the Cerberus Cup as champion male swimmer and SMN Amylee Bonsey, of the Defence Force School

of Signals, won the Catterall Cup as champion female.

SMN Fraser cleaned up the com-petitors in the 50m backstroke with a time of about 33sec and won the 50m freestyle event in just over 27sec.

“I started competitive swimming when I began going to school, though I have not been doing any since Year 10,” he said.

“I didn’t do a lot of preparation for my races and only managed to really train on a couple of afternoons.

“The carnival had a good vibe, there was a lot of competition and the spectators gave us plenty of support.”

Future submariner SMN Bonsey came second in the 50m freestyle and won the 50m backstroke event with times of around 34sec and 37sec and

was also in the 200m medley relay team (backstroke) and the 200m free-style relay team.

She said it was a great carnival because faculty and students were all keen to be involved.

“We dressed up in the School of Signals colours with painted faces and there was a lot of cheering and carrying on,” SMN Bonsey said.

“I am a bit of a swimmer.“When I was at school I played

water polo for north Queensland and was involved with Surf Life Saving as well as the swimming club when I was younger.

“I’m enjoying being at Cerberus, but I can’t wait until summer so I can go back to the beach.”

SMNET Bradley Miron competes in the 50m breaststroke during the HMAS Cerberus swimming carnival held at the Cerberus Gymnasium Aquatic Centre. Photos: LSIS Dove Smithett

Logistical win

XO Cerberus CMDR Melanie Verho presents SMN Amylee Bonsey with the Catterall Cup as Champion Female Swimmer at the Cerberus swimming carnival.

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26 SPORT www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS September 10, 2015

CPL Mark Doran

HMAS Kuttabul dominated the annual Red Anchor volleyball competition in Sydney on August 12.

Nearly 140 sailors from ships and bases across NSW formed 16 teams to compete for the prestigious trophy.

Kuttabul defeated HMAS Watson 25-10 in the final while HMAS Success placed third.

Kuttabul team captain CPO Michael Mackenzie said the competition was tough and the biggest threat to their team was HMAS Albatross.

“If we hadn’t managed to beat them we would have not made it to the finals,” CPO Mackenzie said.

“We were mucking around and were beaten by the other Kuttabul team which meant we had to get our points back.”

The round robin tournament held at the All Sort Fitness and Wellbeing Centre was organised with two pools and games of six minutes designed to keep it fast paced.

CPO Mackenzie said he had been playing volleyball with Navy since 1991.

“The standard of many players was high and I could have easily put together an interservice team with the available talent,” he said.

“AB Nick Rusling, LS Owen Huth, PO Mark Honey, LS Paul Brown and I have the experience of playing together before, so we combined well to win the competition.”

Watson team manager AB Corey Evans said there was a vibrant atmos-phere through to the last a game of the competition.

“The Red Anchor competition is fantastic because it gets all the players together,” AB Evans said.

“Our team had a lot of fun, and we surprised ourselves by making it to the finals.

“We didn’t do any practice, we just showed up on the day and everyone in the team put in their best effort.

“SMN Jack Scott is a former state player so he ran the show on the court and stood out for the skills he displayed.”

Kuttabul anchors down

AB Nick Rusling, of HMAS Kuttabul spikes the ball past the defence of HMAS Watson during the finals at the annual Red Anchor volleyball competition held at the All Sort Fitness and Wellbeing Centre, Sydney. Photo: ABIS Chantell Brown

WO2 Andrew Hetherington

A TEAM of five Navy skiers came a close second to Army during the 2015 Kangaroo Hoppet Cup cross country event held at Falls Creek on August 22.

Eleven minutes was all that separated Army and Navy at the end of the two endurance races.

Team Captain LCDR Garry Lewis said his team entered the race after most of them had competed in the recently held Navy Exercise Cool Shot.

“Our team and the Army team were part of the more than 100 who skied in the reduced distance Hoppet races,” LCDR Lewis said.

“The weather was so bad with the fog and the strong winds, the 42km race was reduced to 34km and the half marathon was taken down to 17km.”

LCDR Lewis said his team had quality skiers in the tough, unique race.

“We were a strong team due to having the 2015 Navy Nordic Skiing and Biathlon champion LEUT Sven Howorth and the 2014 ADF Female Champion LCDR Wendy Hopkins racing for us,” he said.

“Our standout performer was

LCDR Hopkins, who completed the 17km event in 1hr 5min, which was an outstanding result.”

LCDR Hopkins said she didn’t get a chance to defend her 2014 title in Exercise Cool Shot, but prepared for the race by competing in some civilian races.

“I raced in eight Australian cross country races leading up to the Hoppet Cup,” LCDR Hopkins said.

“I managed seven podium finish-es, including winning the NSW short course ski-orienteering championship in early August thanks to my military training and consequent mapping and compass skills.”

LCDR Hopkins has competed in the Hoppet race 12 times and this year she performed well above her expectations.

“In the past I’ve managed a top 15 finish out of the more than 150 other women who enter the race,” she said.

“This year I came 11th and I was placed first out of 15 competitors in my age group.

“I’m pleased my speed over the snow seems to be getting faster rather than slower as I get older.”

As LCDR Hopkins had a high seeding for the race, she was placed on the front row of the start line with Australia’s leading cross country ski-ing talent.

“I felt an exciting rush of adrena-lin as the starter’s gun went off and I went out of the blocks fast,” she said.

“I maintained a strong eighth position throughout most of the race.

“Visibility was poor, it was often difficult to see the track as we skied and many people fell due to having difficulty placing their feet and skis.

“In the final 3km I was overtaken by two women and we pushed each other over the final stages.”

However she was not able to maintain the pace and finished 20 seconds behind the 10th placed woman.

“I was happy with my overall time and form,” LCDR Hopkins said.

“In the final stages, when I need-ed to dig deep, I had nothing left to increase my speed to a sprint when I needed it, to stay in the top 10 female competitors.

“I was challenged by the poor vis-ibility, as it made judging the course direction very difficult and at times I struggled to stay on my feet.”

LEUT Howorth completed the 34km in 2hr 25min, with LCDR Lewis finishing in 2hr 29min.

For more information on the world-wide Hoppet ski races visit http://www.world-loppet.com/

Just a matter of minutes

Above: LCDR Wendy Hopkins, far left, sets out on the 17km cross country race at Falls Creek.Right: LEUT Sven Howorth, left, battles the harsh conditions during the 34km race. Photos: Michael Pischetsrieder, Falls Creek photos

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27SPORTSeptember 10, 2015 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

LCDR Kate Miller

A RECORD-breaking 160 members attended the 25th annual champion-ships of Navy Alpine Snowsports (NAS), held at Perisher between August 8-14.

There was a mix of every rank from seaman to commodore and the full breadth of sailor categories, and every skill level from beginner to for-mer professional ski instructors.

The snowboarders participated in three events: boardercross, slopestyle and giant slalom while the skiers participated in giant slalom, slalom and skicross.

Among the numerous personal achievements, it was the 51 female participants (32 per cent of total attendees) who shone brightest on the mountain.

First-time attendee, AB Sandra Holden, of HMAS Waterhen, who joined the RAN only three years ago, aged 47, successfully completed all three ski race disciplines despite only having skied a few times before.

“I knew I was going to have a great week, but it exceeded all my expectations,” AB Holden said.

“I was challenged in every way, but the encouragement of the more experienced skiers was simply amazing.”

“The mateship was unlike any-thing I had experienced before. It was my first, but definitely not my last, Navy ski week.”

LEUT Harriet Cameron proved unbeatable retaining her crown as female snowboard champion despite strong performances from PO Danielle Humphries and AB Emma Hook, while CPO Kerry Dickie pipped LCDR Danielle Radnidge in

LCDR Kate Miller

IT WAS powder on the face of a different kind for 45 naval officers and sailors at the recent Navy Alpine Snowsports wom-en’s development weekend at Perisher from July 25-26.

The weekend was a Navy Alpine Snowsports initiative to encourage wom-en’s participation, and build race skills for the Navy team to be competitive at the interservice championships.

LCDR Danielle Radnidge, of Capability Development Group, and LEUT Harriet Cameron, of HMAS Albatross, sought to bring together sea-soned professionals and keen amateurs in the icy pursuits of ski and snowboard racing in an inclusive and encouraging environment.

LCDR Radnidge said she was very impressed with the turnout.

“Quite often we all find reasons that we can’t get away to increase our fitness, with work and family commitments” she said.

“This weekend was about getting out on the snow and showing everyone that having a go is half the fun – we had nearly 2 per cent of Navy’s women on the slopes this weekend, some trying skiing and snowboarding for the first time.”

First time attendee AB Jessica Vujcich, of PSU-Victoria, said she got a lot out of the two-day camp.

“I have discovered that skiing is the Defence sport I’d like to further my skills and challenge myself with in the future, AB Vujcich said.

LEUT Cameron said the weekend was about team-building as well as developing skills.

“Often we don’t find many women are available to get to the championships but with a little encouragement, we’ll have a formidable team this year, especially with the women’s snowboard team.”

AB Sandy Holden, of HMAS Waterhen, participated in racing for the first time.

“I will never forget the first time I saw the giant slalom race course on Perisher’s hypertrail,” AB Holden said.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would be able to ski that course.

“As I was waiting on the side of the mountain for my first run the nerves were building and I thought I was going to vomit.

“By the time I got to the start gate the nerves were gone and I was ready to race.

“The sense of pride and achieve-ment on completing that race course was incredible.

“I will never forget that feeling and I will never forget the encouragement from everyone on that day.”

Skiers out in force for NAS

Women hit slopes

the final race to remain the female skier champion.

The competition among the other divisions was fierce.

PO Daniel McLean excelled to take the male snowboard champion-ship, while CMDR Dan Crocker edged out newly-enlisted AB Stephen Gray and last year’s champion AB Julien Jais, to regain the crown of Navy male Alpine ski champion.

On the lighter side, AB Derek Schofield and LEUT Cameron showed their versatility by taking out first and second place respectively in the inaugural ‘Goody’s challenge’ which involved swapping their snow-boards for their first-time on skis (and vice versa for their skier breth-ren) and racing down the mountain.

During the week CMDR Phil Ridgway, who started ski racing with Navy as a seaman in 1984, was inducted into the NAS Hall of Fame. Despite serving more than 14 years

at sea during his long career, he has managed to attend 27 Navy champi-onships and represented Navy at the interservice championships 24 times.

“The best thing about NAS is it brings the whole breadth of Navy together and allows everyone to com-pete on an equal basis regardless of rank, CMDR Ridgway said.

“Through skiing I have made great friends from the rank of able seaman to commodore.”

NAS President CMDR Paul Kirk said the championships were about more than just the sport.

“One of the purposes of the championships is to challenge our officers and sailors so they return to work motivated and confident in themselves.”

Full race results and information about how to get involved in Navy Alpine Snowsports, are available at www.navy-snowsports.com

Forty-five personnel attended a women’s development weekend at Perisher.

CMDR Phil Ridgway competes in the giant slalom race during Navy’s annual championships. He was inducted into the NAS Hall of Fame during the week.

LCDR Joanne Haynes rockets

down the slopes during the NAS championships.

LCDR Sarah Mills trains during the NAS championships.

LEUT Sarah Eddes competes in the parallel giant slalom snowboarding event.

Volume 58, No. 17, September 10, 2015

SPORT

CARVE ‘EM UP

Navy skiers and boarders dominate ADF championships

Cerberus swimming carnival Page 25

Red Anchor volleyball Page 26

Navy snowsports Page 27

INSIDE

Centre

ABAT Connor Dolan competes in the

snowboard slopestyle event at the Australian

Defence International and Interservices Alpine Snow Sports Championships at

Blue Cow ski resort, NSW. Photo: LSIS Jayson Tufrey