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AIR FVol. 53, No. 12, July 7, 2011 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

RCERCETh

SUPER STARS

CAF change of command parade marks historic first for Air ForceHISTORY was briefly made on July 1 when, for the first time in its 90 years, Air Force had one four-star and three three-star officers leading its senior command echelon.

The event occurred when VCDF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin handed over command of the Air Force to new CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown. CDF ACM Angus Houston and the other three-star, Chief of the Capability Group AIRMSHL John Harvey, were also in attendance.

Air Force historian Chris Clarke said the event was unique in Air Force and ADF history.

“Never before has the Air Force had three three-star officers at once, let alone a four-star as well,” he said.

“Whenever Air Force filled the

CDF position, the usual pattern was for there to be one three-star – CAF (or CAS as it used to be known) – and the four-star incumbent.

“In the past, until Sir Frederick Scherger was promoted to ACM in 1965, the Air Force had two serving three-stars for a short time before ACM Scherger retired in 1966.

“That was also the situation when AIRMSHL Douglas Riding was VCDF from 1998 to 2000.”

This historic ‘super stars’ grouping only lasted for three days; AIRMSHL Houston retired on July 4 after hand-ing over command of the ADF to GEN David Hurley.

Read the full story and meet your new chief on Pages 2-3.

SECOND TANKER FOR 33SQN TINDAL TEAM TO THE RESCUEP5SSINSIDE: P7

HISTORIC MOMENT: From left, CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown, VCDF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin, former CDF ACM Angus Houston and Chief of Capability Group AIRMSHL John Harvey were the stars of the show at the CAF change of command ceremony in Canberra on July 1. Photo: FSGT John Carroll

2 July 7, 2011RCEAIR F

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News

New chiefs take

Andrew Stackpool

NEW CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown is looking forward to building on the legacy of former leaders such as CAF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin.

“It is an exciting time to take command in what I consider to be one of the most dynamic periods in Air Force history,” AIRMSHL Brown said.

“I hoped I would be given the opportunity and privilege to lead this incredibly capable organisa-tion. We have some exception-ally talented people.”

He believed that his duties as the former DCAF were important in preparing him for his new role.

“While DCAF’s role is to manage Air Force’s business in Canberra – making sure the operational part of Air Force

has the resources it needs to raise, train and sustain the out-fit – most issues affecting Air Force pass through the office so you get involved in all parts of Air Force’s business,” he said.

As he and the former CAF shared a similar vision for the service, AIRMSHL Brown did not anticipate any dramatic changes in approach or direction.

He does believe a number of existing processes and account-abilities need to be simplified to ensure they are appropriate and the challenges facing Air Force are managed properly.

“When I travel around the Air Force I see people who are enthusiastically and energeti-cally committed to reforming our processes. I am astounded by some of the innovation out in the squadrons, especially from our junior personnel who

have the ability to exploit mod-ern technology in order to sim-plify many of our processes.”

He believes Air Force’s great-est strength will always be its personnel, not just aircrew but its non-flying personnel.

“Every uniformed member, permanent or reserve, every APS member and contractor has a mission to perform and has a part in the Air Force story,” he said.

“I see a service that meas-ures its success by its very high standards. I see an organisation that not only embraces change, but also wrings every advantage it can from new and innovative solutions.

“I have every confidence in our people to overcome the chal-lenges of the future and look forward to leading the Air Force through this exiting time.”

Career highlights➤ Flying a variety of aircraft

types, both helicopters and fixed-wing fighter and strike aircraft.

➤ The teams within which I’ve worked – the people I worked with were a source of constant pride.

➤ Memorable positions include the Roulettes, CO 3SQN, OC 82WG and DCAF.

Challenges on his watch➤ Maintaining the intensity of

current operations balanced against the continuing strain and deployment tempo on personnel, particularly in SRG, ALG and CSG.

➤ Continuing the replacement of the majority of Air Force’s capabilities, which will stretch Air Force’s engineer-ing and logistics capabilities.

➤ Operating and maintaining the ageing AP-3C, PC-9 and air traffic control infrastruc-ture during the remaining five to 10 years of their lives.

➤ Reshaping the workforce to match the requirement of the new platforms and systems.

Andrew Stackpool

AIRMSHL Mark Binskin is sad to be moving outside the Air Force as he assumes the duties of VCDF but he said he was looking forward to the challenges ahead.

“VCDF will be a change for me, but coming into the job fully understanding the challenges facing the three services day-in and day-out will be an advantage,” he said.

“VCDF oversees a broad portfolio and, as the Joint Capability Authority for areas such as reserves and cadets, logistics, health and

‘I see a service that measures its success by its very high standards. I see an organisation that not only embraces change, but also wrings every advantage it can from new and innovative solutions. – CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown

Building on achievements in exciting time for Air Force

Understanding tri-service challenges

CAPTURED ON CANVAS: AIRMSHL Mark Binskin with his official painted portrait. Photos: FSGT John Carroll

many capabilities, as well having Military Strategic Commitments and the Australian Defence College

under my control, I’ll be kept fairly well occupied most days.”

He will approach the new

job by taking many of the lessons he had learned while CAF.

“The same issues we faced as one team in Air Force are applicable across Defence.

“Every day we work as an integrated defence force – uni-formed, civilian and contractor – to deliver the best outcome, and I won’t be changing that view as VCDF.”

He said there would be one more, personal challenge: maintaining a suitable work-life balance.

“I still intend getting out on motor bikes when I can with family and friends from around Defence.”

AIRMSHL Binskin said there had been many highlights, challenges and achievements in his tenure as CAF.

There was the repatriation of the two aircrew from the missing Canberra bomber in

Vietnam and the humanitar-ian operations in Australia, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand and Pakistan.

He paid tribute to the peo-ple with whom he had worked in Air Force.

“They are a highly profes-sional and proud group – men and women who are doing the best with what they have and who all contribute to the great reputation that the Air Force has globally.”

The biggest challenges were the introduction into service of new aircraft and sys-tems, focusing on the reforms required under SRP and main-taining an extremely high oper-ational tempo globally.

“Also, ensuring the wel-fare of Air Force people and families throughout this intensive period has been at the forefront of both my and DCAF’s minds,” AIRMSHL Binskin said.

THE next DCAF will be Air Attache to Washington AIRCDRE Leo Davies.

He is expected to take up his duties on promotion to AVM at the end of the year.

In the interim, Acting DCAF will be AIRCDRE Neil Hart, who said he was “delighted to be given the opportunity to assist the incoming Chief until the new deputy can complete his com-mitments in Washington”.

AIRCDRE Davies has held appointments as XO and CO of 1SQN, OC 82WG and Director Combat Capability.

More on AIRCDRE Davies in a future edition.

Next DCAF, AIRCDRE

Leo Davies

From Washington to Russell Offices

VCDF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin

CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown

3 NewsJuly 7, 2011RCEAIR FF

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up their rolesNumber of officers who have been Chief of the

RAAF (October 2, 1922 to July 1, 2011)

Twenty-three, including two who were ‘Acting’ in the absence of any other incumbent. AIRMSHL Geoff Brown is the 24th.

Longest tenureAIRMSHL Sir Richard Williams – 16 years, four months, but with absences overseas in 1922-25 (25 months) and 1932-34 (18 months).

Longest continuous tenureAIRMSHL Sir George Jones – nine years, eight months: May 1944 to January 17, 1954.

Officer appointed who never assumed role

CDRE M.W.S. Boucher, RN – appointed by War Cabinet January 4, 1940, but replaced by AIRCDRE William Anderson on January 9, 1940, before taking up post.

First RAAF Chief appointed AIRMSHL in office

AIRMSHL Sir George Jones – promoted July 1, 1948.

Number who went on to head ADF as four-star

Three – ACM Sir Frederick Scherger (1961-66), ACM Sir Neville McNamara (1982-84), ACM Angus Houston (2005-11).

– Source: Office of Air Force History

DID YOU

KNOW?

Pomp, ceremony and seeing starsAndrew Stackpool

A FAREWELL salute flypast by an F/A-18F Super Hornet, two F/A-18 Classic Hornets and a Hawk 127 provided the climax to the handover of Air Force command between out-going CAF AIRMSHL Mark Bin-skin and incoming CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown on July 1.

The event was the first time in Air Force’s history that it had a four-star and three three-star offi-cers in service.

The officers were former CDF ACM Angus Houston, AIRMSHL B i n s k i n , A I R M S H L B r ow n and Chief of Capability Group AIRMSHL John Harvey.

The Air Force guard changed at a display of pomp and ceremony at Russell Offices.

Also in attendance was new CDF GEN David Hurley, CN VADM Ray Griggs and CA LTGEN David Morrison.

About 400 Air Force per-sonnel watched the event, which included the Air Force contingent of Australia’s Federation Guard forming a guard of honour and the

parade of the Queen’s Colour of the Air Force.

CDF was the first VIP on parade, followed by AIRMSHL Brown and then AIRMSHL Binskin who, after a general salute, inspect-ed the guard and band.

Despite the formality of the parade, some levity occurred as he inspected the guard to the tune Working Class Man.

He then addressed the parade.AIRMSHL Binskin said he had

been privileged to have been CAF over the past three years.

“Your efforts and the positive way you have approached those tasks have been noticed here and by overseas air forces,” he said.

“I am proud of all we have achieved and it is with great plea-sure that I hand over command to AIRMSHL Brown.

The outgoing and incom-ing CAFs signed the Change of Command Certificate, after which, as the as the four jets flew over-head, AIRMSHL Binskin was hon-oured with a final general salute and WOFF-AF JJ Millar presented him with his Chief of Air Force flag.

It was then AIRMSHL Brown’s turn to address the parade, after which he took a general salute as the new CAF.

AIRMSHL Brown thanked AIRMSHL Binskin for his stew-ardship of the Air Force and said taking over as CAF was profoundly significant for him, a great privilege and responsibility.

Then to the tune Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Mach ines , CDF, CAF, and AIRMSHLs Binskin and Harvey left the ceremony together.

AIRMSHL Binskin officially assumed his new duties as VCDF on July 4, at the same time as the three new service chiefs.

BOWING OUT, CHECKING IN: Outgoing CAF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin signs the handover book, as the incoming CAF, AIRMSHL Geoff Brown, looks on at the change of command ceremony.

Photo: LAC Bill Solomou

SKY-HIGH TRIBUTE: Above, a montage of the four-ship flypast, from left, two F/A-18 Classic Hornets, a F/A-18F Super Hornet and a Hawk 127 jet. Right, Air Force members on parade during the historic ceremony.

Photos: FSGT John Carroll

MARCH: Air Force members of Australia’s Federation Guard. Photo: LAC Bill Solomou

l

4 July 7, 2011RCEAIR FFNews

SGT Andrew Hetherington

SITES for future bases and posting lo-cations for Air Force personnel might be determined by a new review into force posture of the ADF.

Defence Minister Stephen Smith launched the review on June 22.

The findings will be presented to the government early next year.

“[The review’s] purpose is to assess whether the ADF is correctly geographically positioned to meet Australia’s modern and future stra-tegic and security challenges,” Mr Smith said.

“It will address the range of pre-sent and emerging global, regional, national strategic and security factors which require careful consideration for the future.”

They include the rise of the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean as regions of global strategic significance, the growth of military power projection capabilities in the Asia Pacific, the growing need for the provision of humanitarian assistance and disas-ter relief following extreme events in the Asia-Pacific region, and any energy security and security issues associated with expanding offshore resource exploitation in Australia’s Northern and North-West approach-es.

What this means for the ADF will be an evaluation of future basing requirements for all three services to assess their ability to cope with future tasking.

Examples of future tasking will include deployments on overseas operations, support of operations in the Asia-Pacific region and practi-cal engagement with countries in the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean rim

For Air Force this could involve potential base development and dispo-sition movements relating to new air-craft and associated support systems into future service, including the Joint Strike Fighter.

The review will be conducted by the Defence Department and will be overseen by two former Secretaries of Defence, Dr Allan Hawke and Mr Ric Smith.

to assist with shaping security and strategic circumstances in Australia’s interest.

The review will make recom-mendations on the basing options for Force 2030 across Australia. It will take into account the work being done in relation to base consolida-tion, which is developing options for changes to Defence’s estate over the next 25 years.

FUTURE POSITION: A force posture review will assess whether Air Force bases need to be developed or repositioned to better meet future strategic and security challenges. Photo: LACW Rosaleen Normoyle

AIR Force messes will be examined under an ADF-wide review of hospi-tality and catering services as part of the Strategic Reform Program (SRP).

CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown is right behind the outstanding progress that is being made through the reform process.

“Under the Air Force Improvement program, our capability-led, people-focused and cost-conscious reform strategy has allowed Air Force to make some great improvements in both capa-bility delivery and the way we do busi-ness,” AIRMSHL Brown said.

“I’m looking forward to seeing more examples of our people work-ing to improve capability delivery and reduce their workload through continu-ous improvement activities.”

Air Force has partnered with Army, Navy, the Defence Support Group and other groups to work towards key reforms in the Non-Equipment Procurement (NEP) stream, which will contribute $3.2 billion to the SRP by reforming garrison support, and in par-ticular hospitality and catering.

Defence spends about $130 mil-lion on hospitality and catering ser-vices each year and the three-star NEP committee (which includes the service chiefs) has agreed to a fun-damental review of hospitality and catering services to ensure that they are aligned with Defence capability requirements and are affordable.

Air Force has been fully engaged in designing this review, which will exam-ine from a capability perspective all messes and junior ranks clubs and will address catering, bars and facilities.

The review recognises the important role that messes play in service culture and heritage and will consider what facilities are needed to enable ADF members to socialise as well as recog-nise tradition and heritage.

Base messes to be subject of reform

RESPONSES to emergencies and disasters in the Pacific region by the Australian and Royal New Zealand Defence Forces (RNZDF)are to become more closely aligned and coordinated.

CDF GEN David Hurley and his predecessor, ACM Angus Houston, met New Zealand CDF LTGEN Rhys Jones in Canberra on June 24 to sign a Joint Statement on an Anzac Ready Response Force (RRF).

The statement formalises an initiative by the Australian and New Zealand governments to plan and exercise for joint emergency responses in the region.

“Disasters such as the 2009 Pacific tsunami and the recent series of earthquakes across the region highlight the need for well planned and executed humanitar-ian assistance and disaster relief operations,” ACM Houston said.

“The ADF and RNZDF are working together to develop and exercise plans under the RRF for a common response to these types of regional contingencies, and the first exercise with an RRF element will be held later this year.”

As a first step, in March RNZDF planning personnel were posted with ADF planning staff at the ADF’s Deployable Joint Force Headquarters in Brisbane.

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AIRMSHL Brown said Air Force’s capability requirements would deter-mine what services and facilities were required at each base.

“Reforming hospitality and cater-ing is a process we have been fol-lowing for some time – key examples include base redevelopment plans to co-locate new messes that leverage off a single kitchen,” he said.

The review has already examined the Officers’ and SNCOs’ Messes, and Junior Ranks Club in the Russell Defence complex in Canberra and the decision has been made to close these messes by the end of the year.

“The Russell messes do not contribute significantly to capability,” AIRMSHL Brown said.

“For example, unlike other messes, they do not help to train or maintain the skills of our cooks and they are not the best way to cater for the few living-in members who work at Russell.

“The changes in NEP are challeng-ing our view of mess services and tra-ditions. We will investigate each mess on a case-by-case basis to assess their contribution to capability and how they provide the services our members need.”

Base sitings to be looked at under review

New territory

ON THE MENU: Air Force messes will be examined as part of a review into hospitality and catering services. Photo: LAC Bill Solomou


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E MANMANAG

CPL Melanie Schinkel and Eamon Hamilton

A SECOND KC-30A is now on strength at 33SQN.

Touching down at RAAF Base Amberley on June 18, the massive tank-er arrived the same week that 33SQN maintainers were certified as Authorised Maintenance Operators on the tanker.

That entitles them to perform the basic maintenance tasks on the KC-30A.

An Air Worthiness Board in August will determine whether 33SQN can start flying the aircraft on its Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) program.

The program’s initial focus will be on clearing the KC-30A to operate as a hose-and-drogue tanker for Air Force’s Hornet squadrons, and as a transport aircraft.

As CO of 33SQN, WGCDR Guy Wilson heads the world’s only KC-30A squadron. He said 33SQN personnel were now transferring their lessons from the classroom to reality.

“The next few months will be the process of everyone getting some hands-on experience with the aircraft,” WGCDR Wilson said.

Members of 33SQN are all too aware of the impact the KC-30A will have on Air Force capability.

“It is now the biggest aircraft in the Air Force, and can fly further than any other aircraft in the Air Force,” he said.

The KC-30A is the fastest aircraft in Air Force for long-distance cruise. In the tanker role, the KC-30A can carry up to 111 tonnes of fuel, and can be refuelled midflight.

“We’re proud to be operating the world’s best tanker, and to be the only Air Force in the world doing so,” WGCDR Wilson said.

“The United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are also pur-chasing the aircraft but we are the fore-runner in introducing it into service.

“From our squadron’s perspective, our challenge is to put into practice everything we have learned. For the Air Force, the challenge will be getting used to operating and supporting this size of aircraft.

“We can fit 270 people on board and fit as many pallets as a C-130J – that’s about eight military pallets or 26 airline-style containers.

“Any aircraft of this size requires a lot of support. We need people trained to refuel it, to provide catering, to load and unload it, as well as air traffic sup-port and fire-fighting.”

SENGO 33SQN SQNLDR Andrew Brandham said the scale of the KC-30A presented significant challenges.

“Even simple things like providing meals for more than 200 people during a flight is something we’ve never actu-ally done before,” SQNLDR Brandham

Giant leap for fleet

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Among his jobs on the KC-30A, crew attendant FSGT Talwyn Davies provides food and refreshment. Photo: ACW Joanne Larsen

said. “We’ll be offering support services to Air Force that have never really been tested before, so it’s a challenge for the Air Force because we’re just not used to this size of aircraft.

“Everyone’s confident and excited by what the future will bring for the squadron, but we want to make sure we get it right.”

Next month, WGCDR Wilson will hand over the reins to WGCDR Geoff Fox, who is currently learning the ropes at 33SQN. WGCDR Wilson will be pro-moted to GPCAPT and become the new Chief of Staff at Air Lift Group.

OH, WHAT A FEELING: CO 33SQN WGCDR Guy Wilson is surrounded by his enthusiastic crew attendants as they mark the arrival of the second KC-30A on the tarmac at RAAF Base Amberley. Photo: ACW Joanne Larsen

BUSY DAYS: SENGO SQNLDR Andrew Brandham (front) has joined CO WGCDR Guy Wilson and incoming CO WGCDR Geoff Fox (background) in preparing for the challenges ahead of operating two new tankers.

Photo: CPL Melanie Schinkel

RR E S TPA

R E H A B IL I T A T I

O N

R

6 July 7, 2011RCEAIR FNews

THE service and sacrifice of a RAAF hero and 2200 more Australians who were killed in the fighting in WWII in New Guinea was remembered on May 20.

The six Air Force personnel deployed aboard USS Cleveland as part of Pacific Partnership 2011 joined Director General Joint Exercises and Evaluations at Headquarters Joint Operations Command AIRCDRE David Steele, US Navy RADM Sean Buck and Army and US Navy per-sonnel at a wreath-laying ceremony at Lae War Cemetery.

The RAAF hero was pilot FLTLT William Newton, VC, who was awarded the medal for his

fearless flying and attempts to land his stricken Boston aircraft as far as possible from Japanese forces after being shot down on a bomb-ing raid on Salamaua.

He was executed on March 29, 1943. He was the only RAAF recipient of the medal in the Pacific Campaign.

Also recognised was LT Albert Chowne, who won the VC, as well as the Military Medal. LT Chowne was killed in 1945 while single-handedly attacking two Japanese machine gun posts, sav-ing his platoon and opening the way for the 6th Division attack on Wewak.

During the memorial ser-

vice, AIRCDRE Steele said: “It is important to remember that although we’re here to recognise two people in particular, everyone lying here is a hero.”

He read a brief biography of the two men before he and RADM Buck laid wreaths.

RADM Buck said it was wonder-ful that people paid their respects and never forgot those who gave their lives in the pursuit of peace. 24SQN’s SGT Trevor Moir was honoured to be part of the service.

“It was very moving to view the graves of all the servicemen and women who lie here – they are all heroes,” he said.

SPECIAL STOPOVER: RAAF members deployed aboard USS Cleveland for Pacific Partnership pay their respects at Lae War Cemetery in Papua New Guinea. From left, FLGOFF Kylie Gosling, CPL Madelaine Byers, FLTLT Khai Nguyen, FLTLT Andrew Bonnitcha, LACW Benita Boucher and SGT Trevor Moir. Photo: LS Helen Frank

Paying respects to WWII heroes

10 weeks of joyPEEK-A-BOO: CPL Madelaine Byers cheers up a baby at the Wampar Health Clinic, Lae in Papua New Guinea. Photo: TECH SGT Tony Tolley

PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP

WORK STILL TO DO: The USS Cleveland as now at East Timor on the next phase of Pacific Partnership.

Photo: MC3 Chris Farrington

LCDR Priya Chandra

SIX Air Force personnel were among a diverse group of 20 from all three ser-vices who participated in the first three phases of Pacific Partnership 2011.

For 10 weeks, LACW Benita Boucher, CPL Madelaine Byers, FLGOFF Kylie Gosling, FLTLT Andrew Bonnitcha, FLTLT Khai Nguyen and security policeman SGT Trevor Moir lived and worked beside doctors, dentists, nurses, medics and dental technicians aboard USS Cleveland to visit Vava’u in Tonga, Luganville in Vanuatu and Lae in Papua New Guinea.

Pacific Partnership is an annual

humanitarian program sponsored by the Commander US Pacific Fleet, which also involves military person-nel from the US, New Zealand and Canada and other military and non-military participants.

Although the ship had further stops scheduled in East Timor and the Federated States of Micronesia, the mission ended for the Air Force personnel when the ship docked in Darwin.

But their memories of the trip would not be forgotten.

Dentist FLTLT Nguyen said: “We have forged life-long friendships and bonded over some fantastic and unique times and experiences.”

LACW Boucher said: “I really like doing something out of the ordinary that I couldn’t do in a civilian job. Helping out people who are so much less fortunate than ourselves is a real-ly rewarding experience.”

Perhaps the first eye-opener came on their first stop, Tonga, when the mission members were transported to shore by Landing Craft Utility (LCU).

LCUs are capable of carrying 350 personnel and can carry provisions for 14 days. Luckily this capability was not called upon, though some of the trips took over an hour to ferry per-sonnel to and from the ship.

FLGOFF Gosling said she enjoyed the ride, but “as an Air Force member

it is unlikely I’ll ever get that experi-ence of travelling in such an unusual boat again”.

The busiest stop came last of all.In Lae, they saw almost 11,000

medical patients, including 850 dental patients, more than double the other two countries combined. They con-ducted basic health checks, issued reading glasses and medications, extracted severely decayed teeth, and operated on animals large and small.

THE STORY SO FARIn the first 10 weeks of its mission – to Tonga, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea – the Pacific Partnership team:➤➤ treated more than 14,000

patients; ➤➤ cared for hundreds of

animals; ➤➤ completed dozens of

engineering projects, including school buildings, bathrooms and water catchment systems; and

➤ ➤ engaged in several community service projects.


RESERVE and permanent Defence personnel are being asked to give their views on what is being called the biggest review of reserve forces for generations.

The Reserve Reform Stream (RRS) has the support of senior Defence chiefs, with former CDF ACM Angus Houston saying it had the potential to be the most progres-sive reform of reserves in 60 years.

Evidence from Defence personnel is being sought through two means – a Have Your Say website and a sur-vey exploring reserve employment, what it means and what personnel expect from it.

An open letter from new CDF GEN David Hurley appears as an adver-tisement on Page 12 of this edition. He said that service chiefs wanted genuine reform and urged Defence personnel to take part.

“We appreciate that there are often requests for feedback, ideas and submissions,” GEN Hurley said.

“However, if you undertake one such measure this year we urge you to make it this.”

The RRS is part of the Strategic Reform Program to enhance the way the respective reserve forces and reservists are used.

It aims to ensure that Defence has a contemporary employment offer for

reservists that is more flexible, adap-tive to the needs of the reservist and Defence, and attractive in an increas-ingly competitive workforce market.

The Reserve Reform Stream Project, headed by Jerome Reid, said the reforms would ensure reserves were considered as an integral part of the total force and deliver the required capability for Force 2030.

Mr Reid said he was keen to hear the views and ideas of permanent and reserve members on how to help make this happen.

He said the survey would be sent to Defence personnel from July 12 and was keen to ensure maximum engagement in the survey.

“If you do not receive a survey and would like one, simply email us with your contact details, postal address, service and role and a survey will be sent to you.”

To enable the timely receipt and processing of the survey responses, register your interest as soon as possible by emailing [email protected]. Views and ideas can be submitted at www.defence.gov.au/srp/reserve. Defence personnel who do not receive a survey can request one by emailing [email protected]

Andrew Stackpool

RESCUE assets at RAAF Base Tindal swung into action on June 19 when the CHC organisation on base responded to an emergency beacon in southern Kakadu.

CHC scrambled its SK76 helicop-ter with medical personnel from 2 Expeditionary Health Squadron (2EHS) detachment aboard.

On arrival 35 minutes later, the crew found a 65-year-old woman, who was travelling with a 12-person group, had fallen down a ravine and suffered head and right leg injuries.

322 Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron Base Aviation Safety Officer FLTLT Howard Wooster said in the first instance AMSA had asked if CHC could respond with medical support as there was a possibility that there were multiple casualties.

The medical team comprised the duty medical officer FLTLT Jason Dawson and duty nursing officer FLGOFF Paul Head.

The CHC crew members were air-craft captain Stuart Dawes, co-pilot Mischa Hodalin, aircrewman Mick Gablonski and rescue crewman Charles McGregor-Shaw.

The helicopter was guided in by a SAR mission-specific Dornier aircraft operated by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), which had located the position of the emergency beacon and was orbiting the site.

FLTLT Dawson praised the Dornier crew, which included reservist FLTLT Carrolyn Borstelmann as mission com-mander.

He said the hikers had placed a bright red ground sheet on rocks at the base of the ravine to highlight their position.

After making a couple of passes the CHC pilots selected a safe area to land.

“We hovered about two to three metres while Mr McGregor-Shaw winched down to clear away some

Chance to have your say on reserve reform

low-lying bushes and trees,” FLTLT Dawson said.

“After landing, FLGOFF Head, Mr McGregor-Shaw and I scrambled down to where the patient was located. We found she had landed on her head after falling off the ravine edge.

“She had fallen late in the after-noon the day before and been looked after by one of the party who was a retired nurse.

“We treated her as having potential spinal injuries, provided pain relief and then readied her for winching up in a basket.”

The patient and three members were then winched back aboard the waiting helicopter. It was a 70m winch in wind gusts up to 15 knots.

The woman was taken to the Royal Darwin Hospital where she was released later that day after being cleared of any major injuries.

Kakadu rescue

TINDAL TEAM RESCUE: From left, captain Stuart Dawes, rescue crewman Mick Gablonski, nursing officer FLGOFF Paul Head, medical officer FLTLT Jason Dawson, SAR base manager Charles McGregor-Shaw, senior base engineer Scott Holden and first officer Mischa Hodalin in front of the CHC helicopter used to rescue an injured woman in southern Kakadu. FLTLT Dawson, FLGOFF Head and Mr McGregor-Shaw scrambled down to help the woman who fell off a ravine edge while hiking. Photo: LAC Terry Hartin

Ex Talisman Sabre about to take offEamon Hamilton

MORE than 140 aircraft will be engaged in Exercise Talisman Sabre 11’s air campaign, flying out of airfields across Australia.

RAAF Base Darwin personnel will support operations by US Air Force F-15C Eagle fighters, along with a number of KC-135 tankers.

Further south at RAAF Base Tindal, 75SQN Hornets will oper-ate alongside a 2SQN Wedgetail, which will be making its debut appearance on the exercise. RAAF Base Townsville personnel will be supporting a squadron of US Marine Corps F/A-18s, as well as Marine KC-130J tankers.

RAAF C-130, C-17As and King Air aircraft will be pro-viding airlift of personnel and materials into Rockhampton, Tindal, Townsville, Darwin, and Shoalwater Bay. The C-130s and C-17As will also be involved in paradrop activities, tactical field insertions and extractions.

At RAAF Base Amberley, 1SQN Super Hornets will support maritime and amphibious opera-tions in the Shoalwater Bay area, along with 76SQN Hawk 127s. Additional support will come from 92WG AP-3Cs, flying alongside US Navy Orions.

Full coverage in coming editions.


FLTLT Skye Smith

FRESH from supporting Exer-cises Arnhem Thunder and Aces North, 3SQN members are pre-paring for the largest exercise Australia will participate in this year, Red Flag Alaska 11-2.

Red Flag Alaska is a US Pacific Air Forces Command-led multilateral exercise designed to replicate a high-end combat environment.

Up to seven F/A-18s and 140 members from 3SQN will oper-ate from Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska from July 7 to 22.

CO 3SQN WGCDR Terry van Haren said Exercise Red Flag involved a series of air combat scenarios that test operational air and ground crews to the highest level.

“Red Flag Alaska is one of the largest exercises Australia will participate in this year,” he said.

“It provides a realistic com-bat environment in which our Air Force personnel can show-case their extraordinary abilities in a coalition scenario.”

Aircrew would be exposed to large-force employment on a scale not possible in Australia when they perform counter-air, precision strike and offensive air support in packages of up to 100 aircraft.

“Red Flag also provides invaluable training for our logis-tics, support and maintenance personnel as they are able to practice deploying to another country and working together with other air forces.”

The coalition exercise will also involve participants from Japan, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand as well as the US.

A 37SQN C-130J will par-ticipate in Red Flag for the first time, and it will operate from Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska.

S p e c i a l O p e r a t i o n s Command joint terminal attack controllers will also participate in the field training exercise phase.

In the lead-up to Red Flag, from July 5 to 8, 3SQN will par-ticipate in Exercise Nichi-Go Dawn 2011, which is a bilater-al air combat training exercise held between the RAAF and the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force.

Australia last participated in the exercise in 2008.

FLTLT Dan O’Donnell

THE tour of duty of a US Air Force exchange officer with 3SQN finished with a double bang when he participated in Exercise Arnhem Thunder and achieved the A-Category F/A-18 fighter pilot award.

MAJ Aaron Lapp is the first US exchange officer to receive the prestigious award.

OC 81WG GPCAPT Vincent Iervasi presented his award certificate on June 3 in front of 3SQN members deployed to RAAF Base Tindal.

The A-Category is awarded for “achieving a consistent standard of excellence in effec-tiveness of the highest levels practicable within a particular role and, in particular, having displayed outstanding leader-ship and tactical ability”.

In more than 10 years of fighter flying, MAJ Lapp has accumulated more than 1700 hours. This includes flying the F-15E Strike Eagle with the USAF’s 90, 333, 389 and 391 Fighter Squadrons.

In congratulating MAJ Lapp, CO 3SQN WGCDR Terry Van Haren said that during his exchange tour MAJ Lapp had been a squadron fighter combat instructor, B-Flight commander and temporary XO.

“He conducted each duty to an exemplary standard,” WGCDR Van Haren said.

MAJ Lapp participated in several Australian and inter-national exercises including Exercises Aces North 08, Talisman Saber 09, Pitch Black 10, Bersama Lima 09, Bersama Padu 10 and Arnhem Thunder 11.

“His superior tactical knowl-edge and leadership has also been crucial to 3SQN’s ability to continually achieve its mis-sion of delivering air combat capability – on target, on time,” WGCDR van Haren said.

MAJ Lapp is return-ing to the US where he has been selected to serve as a Fighter Weapons Instructor at the USAF Weapons School at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada.

FLTLT Skye Smith

MORE than 54,000 pounds of high explosives, 16,000 pounds of inert ordnance and 7500 rounds of 20mm ammunition were employed during Air Combat Group’s annual bomb-ing camp, Exercise Arnhem Thun-der, in the Top End between May 23 and June 16.

Up to 21 F/A-18s from 3 and 75SQNs, along with six Hawks from 79SQN, conducted air-to-sur-face combat training at Delamere Weapons Range and Bradshaw Field Training Area for the exercise.

3SQN XO SQNLDR Adam Loong said that as part of the gen-eral mission scenario, pilots fought their way through enemy aircraft, dropped bombs, fought against sim-ulated surface-to-air missiles (SAM) and picked up time sensitive target-ing with 4SQN joint terminal attack controllers.

“It has been almost two years since the squadron has conduct-ed a dedicated bombing camp,” SQNLDR Loong said.

“Arnhem Thunder was a high-ly valuable training exercise to upgrade some of our pilots in line with the 81WG category scheme and also enhanced deployed opera-tions, particularly as the unit pre-pares for Exercise Red Flag Alaska.”

Arnhem Thunder was also ben-eficial for the squadron’s arma-ment technicians as they prepared for missions involving high and low drag bombs, Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) and laser-guided training rounds, including 500 and 2000-pound bombs.

3SQN’s Senior Engineering Officer SQNLDR Brian Rowe said his armament technicians were able to consolidate a lot of weap-ons related training, “especially on JDAM”.

Playing Red Air for Arnhem Thunder, 79SQN gained exposure to combined operations with F/A-18s, as well as both day and night multi-ship operations they do not normally experience at RAAF Base Pearce.

Meanwhile, 75SQN achieved an impressive rate of effort with the jets during Arnhem Thunder.

CO 75SQN WGCDR Phil Arms said: “The exercise allowed for real-istic large-force employment oppor-tunities with added reality being provided with the use of high explo-sive and ground-based SAM simula-tors.

“This was the first use of JDAM at the Delamere and Bradshaw ranges in a realistic tactical sce-nario. We also got to work col-laboratively alongside the F/A-18F Super Hornet, Wedgetail and Vigilare weapon systems as we conducted our primary mission of offensive counter air during Arnhem Thunder.”

About 400 personnel from the three squadrons participated in the exercise, in addition to all the sup-port staff at RAAF Base Tindal.

The squadrons also supported Exercise Aces North, which put the Air Force’s most elite fighter pilots through their paces as part of the Fighter Combat Instructor Course.

Turn to the centre for coverage of Exercise Aces North.

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Even further north, to Alaska

Arnhem Thunder rocks Top End

SUNSET CAUSE: A 3SQN F/A-18 is prepared for night operations on the flightline at RAAF Base Tindal. Photos: LAC Terry Hartin

WELL DONE: GPCAPT Vincent Iervasi, front left, presents MAJ Lapp with his A-Category Fighter Pilot Certificate during Exercise Arnhem Thunder.

US pilot ends tour on a high

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LEUT Peter Croce

IT WAS a small step for CPL Andrew Wren, but that final stretch on to the HMAS Coonawarra wharf marked the end of a four-month Air Force border security mission in northern Australia.

CPL Wren, a communications technician from 114 Mobile Control and Reporting Unit, was one of the 37 RAAF members detached to Transit Security Element 60 (TSE60) for Operation Resolute to augment Navy and customs crews at sea.

The detachment was made up of volunteers from across Australia who supported Navy and Customs crews as part of Border Protection Command operations.

For CPL Wren, standing back on terra firma marked the end of a great opportunity to experience life outside the Air Force and also claim some bragging rights.

“I volunteered for the job because I thought it would be a challenge and when I stepped off HMAS Albany I had cracked more days than anyone else at sea [from TSE60] with about 80 in the bag,” he said.

“I got to experience some amazing things. We dodged a cyclone out of Darwin on HMAS Launceston and we also travelled past an erupting volcano near one of the Indonesian islands.

“I’d never been to Western Australia before either so pulling into Broome to check out Cable Beach as well as Exmouth was fantastic.”

Conquering the sea

TSE60 OIC SQNLDR Pete Duddridge said his crew could look back on their rotation with pride at a job well done.

“Their task was to provide tran-sit security support to boarding par-ties both on Navy ships and Customs vessels, whether it was assisting

the patrol boats when people were embarked or maintaining security onboard an intercepted vessel.

“They performed extremely well

over the duration of the deployment and displayed a maturity and initiative that showed the professionalism of the ADF,” he said.

OVER THERE: Australian Customs Officer John McNamara gives FLGOFF Luke Ogden, second in charge of Transit Security Element 60, a quick brief while on board Australian Customs Vessel Triton during an Op Resolute Patrol; right, from left, CPL Andrew Wren, LAC Andrew Thomas and LAC Brad Lawton leave HMAS Albany at HMAS Coonawarra.

Photos: AB James Whittle

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CPL Melanie Schinkel

SECRETARY of Defence Dr Ian Watt raised $17,365 when he par-ticipated in the St Vincent de Paul Society’s Vinnies CEO Sleepout on June 16.

The annual Vinnies CEO Sleepout takes place in capital cit-ies across Australia and challenges business and community leaders to experience homelessness for one night to raise money for the home-less and help alter widespread pub-lic perceptions on homelessness.

More than 105,000 Australians are homeless and in 2006 the Australian Bureau of Statistics esti-mated that about 50,256 homeless are forced to sleep on the street every night.

Dr Watt was the fourth highest ACT-based fundraiser. At the time of going to print, the national event had raised $4,106,598.

Dr Watt said 973 CEOs were involved nationwide and that 152 of them participated with him at the National Museum of Australia from 7pm on June 16 to 7am the next day.

“I’ve always thought the CEO Sleepout was a great idea. It’s very easy for some CEOs to donate money, but this actually required CEOs to do something personal that inconvenienced them,” Dr Watt said.

For more information or to make a donation, visit www.ceosleepout.org.au/ceos/act-ceos/. All money raised goes directly towards the ongoing provision of Vinnies’ homeless services across the country.

Andrew Stackpool

THE service of 11 pilots who flew with 77SQN during the desperate days of the Korean War was officially rec-ognised in Canberra when they were presented with the United States Air Medal.

US Ambassador Jeffrey L. Bleich presented the medals at Russell Offices on June 27 to SQNLDR Ross Glassop, FLTLT Hartley Shearn, FLGOFF Ronald Guthrie, PLTOFF John Newham, SGT Ronald Bastin, SGT Billie Collings, SGT Peter Coy,

SGT Robert Macintosh, SGT William Monaghan, SGT John Seaton and SGT Spencer Seaver.

SQNLDR ( l a t e r GPCAPT) Glasson’s award was a posthu-mous one. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in WWII and a Bar and Mention in Dispatches in 1953 in Korea. He died recently.

The medal was authorised by for-mer US president Teddy Roosevelt in 1942 and is awarded to any person who “while serving in any capacity in or with the armed force of the United States, shall have distinguished him-

self by meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight”.

The squadron flew in support of the 5th US Air Force during the war and was the first non-US squadron in action against the invading North Korean forces. It suffered heavy casu-alties during the war.

FLGOFF Guthrie, whose four- year-old grandson James Guthrie was on hand to witness the ceremony, said he greatly appreciated getting the award.

His award said that he had distin-guished himself while participating as

a Meteor pilot from July 27 to August 29, 1951.

He “exhibited extraordinary air-manship and courage by accomplish-ing 26 reconnaissance, strike and attack missions against enemy forces under extremely hazardous condi-tions,” his award certificate read.

FLGOFF Guthrie was held as a prisoner of war after his Meteor was badly damaged by MiG-15 jet fighters and he ejected from 38,000 feet on August 29, 1951.

He was freed in 1953 at fighting’s end.

BELATED HONOUR: Above, from left – front: former Chief of Air Staff ACM Sir Neville Patrick McNamara, PLTOFF John Newham (later AIRMSHL and Chief of Air Staff), SGT John Seaton, US Ambassador Jeffrey L. Bleich, then CAF now VCDF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin and FLTLT Hartley Shearn. Rear: WGCDR Paul Bastin (son of SGT Ronald Bastin), SGT Billie Collings, SGT Spencer Seaver, FLGOFF Ronald Guthrie, SGT Peter Coy, FLTLT Robert Macintosh, SGT William Monaghan and CO 77SQN WGCDR Glen Beck. Photo: FSGT John Carroll

RAISING AWARENESS: Dr Ian Watt prepares for a chilly night.

Photo: LAC Bill Solomou

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ADMIRING COURAGE: Left, James Guthrie, 4, admires his grandfather’s medal. FLGOFF Ronald Guthrie was captured in August 1951 after ejecting from his Meteor when it was badly damaged by MiG-15s. He was held as a POW for two years. Photo: LAC Bill Solomou


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Paul Lineham

AIR Force and Army military working dogs (MWDs), their cousins from police and emergency services, as well as some puppies destined for a future in ADF service, were on hand to witness the inauguration of the MWD Team Day at 2 Airfield De-fence Squadron, RAAF Base Amberley.

The day, which will be commemorated on June 7 each year, was sponsored by the Australian Defence Force Tracker and War Dogs Association (ADFTWDA), and endorsed by former CDF ACM Angus Houston.

The president of the ADFTWA, retired LTCOL

George Hulse, said the date had been chosen because it is the anniversary of the death in Afghanistan of Sapper Darren Smith and Explosive Detection Dog Herbie, who died with Sapper Jacob Moerland while on patrol as part of Mentoring Task Force 1 last year. SPR Smith was the first ADF dog handler killed on the battlefield while in charge of a MWD.

In his welcoming remarks, CO 2AFDS WGCDR Iain Carty said that “not many people understand the capa-bility provided by our MWDs unless they have worked alongside them and seen what they can offer in combat envi-ronments”.

“A highly trained team is a force multiplier and provides

significant capability to those combat forces,” he said.

“The MWD capability in the ADF is essential for cur-rent and future operations, and continues to save lives on operations today.”

The ADFTWDA is a non-profit organisation made up of current and former ADF personnel, civil police, Corrections, Customs, Australian Federal Police and Australian Quarantine Inspection Service dog han-dlers.

They are working with the RSPCA to establish a Military and Service Working Dog National Monument at Wacol in Queensland, which is expected to be opened on June 7 next year.

Paws for Paws for reflectionreflection

LOOK AND LEARN: Above, MWD handlers LACW Samantha Luck, left, and ACW Melanie Hinds play with the recruit puppies at the launch of the MWD Team Day. Left, the president of the ADF Tracker and War Dogs Association, retired LTCOL George Hulse, presents a certificate of appreciation to CO 2AFDS WGCDR Iain Carty at RAAF Base Amberley. Photos: LACW Kylie Gibson

Dear Permanent and Reserve Members of the ADF,

Good information is critical to the development of good policy. We believe it is important to

get the views of all stakeholders as we move to create new policy which will shape the Reserve

contribution to the Total Force in the coming decades. Today we seek suggestions from both

Permanent and Reserve Personnel to ensure all have a say in helping us shape the way we all

serve in the future.

History oft en shows that the most infl uential changes occur when good ideas converge to cre-

ate a unique opportunity at the right time. As far as Reserves are concerned that time is now

and through the work being done by Reserve Reform Stream of the Strategic Reform Program,

we are now positioned to fundamentally shape the way we perceive, structure and use our Re-

serve Forces as part of our Total Force.

Permanent personnel leaving full-time service represent an important investment by the ADF

and we need to maximise their participation in the Reserve once they leave. In this sense it is

important we understand their views about Reserve service.

Th e Reserve Reform Stream is undertaking two initiatives designed to gather evidence that will

help provide for a more effi cient, eff ective and fl exible Reserve force into the future. Th ese new

initiatives are:

1. a “Have your say!” web page where you can submit your ideas for change via

an ‘ideas’ template. Th is site can be accessed at www.defence.gov.au/srp/reserve; and

2. an innovative survey designed to explore Reserve employment, what it means

to you and what you expect from it.

We appreciate that there are oft en requests for feedback, ideas and submissions, however if you

undertake one such measure this year, we urge you to make it this.

We want the ideas of both Permanent and Reserve personnel and your feedback will be used.

Th e Service Chiefs and I are committed to genuine Reserve Reform. We believe it is only

through collaboration, by harnessing the collective ingenuity of all our personnel that we will

fi nd the answers needed to create our best possible future force.

If you have any questions or if you do not receive a survey and would like one, please email

[email protected] and provide your full name, location, service and role.

For the timely receipt of survey responses, please register your interest ASAP.

Kind regards,

D.J. Hurley, AC, DSCGeneral

CDF

July 2011


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Graham McBean

WHEN FSGT Tony Benfer died dur-ing eight hours of surgery, the flow of his own life-giving blood had long since run out.

FSGT Benfer was left for dead in June 2007 after a hit-and-run head-on collision between his motorbike and a vehicle overtaking from the opposite direction.

When life burst back into his body on the Townsville operating table it was due in large part to the Australian Red Cross Blood Service and blood donations from the community.

FSGT Benfer lost his leg below the knee and half his little finger on the right side, and has an artificial elbow. He also broke his left hand and had a titanium rod inserted into his thigh bone.

Since then, the PTI has used every ounce of determination to return to work and is now posted to RAAF Base Wagga.

Being asked to front up as the ‘Face of Air Force’ for the 2011 ADF Blood Challenge was a small ask for

the grateful airman. His aim now is to make it three in a row for Air Force to take out the blood challenge, which started in 2009.

“This is just my small contri-bution to help and to highlight the importance of donating blood,” FSGT Benfer said.

He has the backing of the new CAF, AIRMSHL Geoff Brown, who said the ADF should be involved in all aspects of the community but should be leading the way with donating blood.

“Tony is an incredible ambassador for donating blood and what he has done over the years to work his way back in the Air Force,” AIRMSHL Brown said.

“I think he is an incredible adver-tisement for the Air Force attitude and Air Force people.”

FSGT Benfer’s personal message is that blood donations could one day help someone close.

“It could happen to you or some-one in your family, and when I say family I mean our brothers and sis-ters in arms in the Navy and Army as well.”

Straight from Straight from the heartthe heart

2011 BLOOD CHALLENGE

LEADING THE CHALLENGE: Australian Red Cross Blood Service nurse Belinda Hotston prepares FSGT Tony Benfer for a blood donation. Photo: Graham McBean

The ADF Blood Challenge is a Defence-spon-sored initiative to highlight the importance of donating blood while increas-ing blood stocks Australia-wide. The competition is in its third year and will be con-ducted between September 1 and November 30. De-fence members, APS employees and families can pledge their dona-tion to a particular service or to the APS category when they donate blood. The Aus-tralian Red Cross Blood Service will collate the pledged donations and a winner will be announced in early 2012. Air Force has won both competitions so far.

14 July 7, 2011 15JJJJJJJJJJuJJJRCEAIR FFCentrepiece

BEST OF THE BESTNext wave of fighter combat instructors join elite club, reports FLTLT Skye Smith.

Aces North ends with dawn sweep

Air Force’s top fighter pilots have graduated following six months of intensive training to become part of the elite fraternity of fighter

combat instructors (FCIs).Exercise Aces North was held at

RAAF Bases Darwin and Tindal from May 30 to June 23.

FLTLTs Mark Biele, Duncan Glover, William Grady, Martin Parker and Joel Stitt joined the ranks of the most experienced and skilled F/A-18 pilots when they successfully completed Aces North, which represented the final four weeks of the challenging six-month FCI course.

The postgraduate course was con-ducted by 2 Operational Conversion Unit (2OCU).

“We take the top two guys from each of the three fighter squadrons and turn them into really elite fighter pilots,” CO 2OCU WGCDR David Smith said.

“Over the past six months, they have learnt not only how to instruct on the Hornet, but how to teach other aircrew how best to fight it.”

The FCI course focused on advanced missions involving air-to-air and air-to-ground employment, while Aces North allowed the stu-dents to put all their skills into prac-tice by leading large force packages into realistic war-like conditions.

The simulated war missions involved FCI candidates leading 12 to 14 Blue Force jets into battle against up to 30 Red Force adversaries.

The enemy forces, comprised of

Hornets and Hawks from 3, 75 and 79SQNs, tested the students as they planned, briefed and executed com-plex missions.

“Aces North is specifically designed to make these guys lead-ers of really large, complex war mis-sions,” WGCDR Smith said.

“The FCI students, completely outnumbered, had to fight their way through enemy territory, find a fairly difficult target, and drop bombs on target on time.

“All the while, they had to defend themselves against adversary air and surface-to-air missile systems and fight all the way home.”

The students faced a number of complex scenarios.

“We put the FCI students in posi-tions where they had to use all of the planning, management and leader-ship skills they had learnt throughout the course, take them to their highest tactical proficiency level as far as their flying abilities went, and expose them to operations they would not be exposed to in the course of day-to-day training.”

He said the students had to solve resource conflicts and shortages, coordinate entire mission planning, allocate tasks and integrate all the air and ground assets available to them.

“We take them down a certain path, which might lead to more prob-lems for them to solve in the multi-dimensional threat environment.”

Twelve 2OCU staff acted as men-tors and instructors for the five new graduates.

“The FCI course is testament that

Air Force generates some of the world’s best fighter pilots, which was demonstrated during Iraqi Freedom when FCIs deployed to the Gulf in 2003,” WGCDR Smith said.

One of the course outcomes was to develop new tactics and doctrine for the operational squadrons to remain at the pinnacle of modern warfare.

The integration of the Classic and Super Hornets, Wedgetail and ground-based air defence network, plus all the new weapons systems, sensors and upgraded avionics test-ed the FCI students like never before.

“These five guys are highly capa-ble and demonstrated their air com-bat skills by putting all the pieces together to achieve their missions,” WGCDR Smith said.

“They now have the expertise to step into a mission commander role in any type of coalition exercise or operation and lead large packages of dissimilar aircraft.”

Before returning to the operational Hornet squadrons, the new FCIs will remain at 2OCU to instruct new fight-er pilots to fly the Hornet during the next operational conversion course.

The 9 Fighter Combat Controller and 5 Fighter Intelligence Instructor courses ran parallel to the FCI course, with FLTLTs Bradley Evans, Kieran Frost, Adam Lawson and Robert Vine from 41WG and FLTLT Chris Khouzam from 87SQN also graduating.

FLTLT Skye Smith

THE silence of dawn was broken by the roar of 13 Hornets flying in forma-tion as Air Force’s newest fighter combat instructors (FCIs) made their final approach to RAAF Base Wil-liamtown.

The jets conducted a low pass over the base to mark the graduation of 31 FCI course.

The FCIs, led by course dux FLTLT Mark Biele, headed up the 13-jet Blue Force as friends and family eagerly awaited their heroes return from a month in the Top End.

Rewind five hours earlier to RAAF Base Townsville.

The day started at 1.30am after a full day of intensive planning and briefing for the final mission of the course.

The 7258kg thrust twin-turbo engines fired up as the pilots conducted their final checks and launched one after the other.

The 13 jets headed into enemy ter-ritory as they fought their way through everything Red Force had to throw at them.

On edge and ready to strike, they were tested to the full extent of their capabilities, employing all the skills and tactics they had learnt during the course.

The anticipation of conducting their last mission was then followed by relief when they touched down at Williamtown.

Relieved and happy to be home, they celebrated with a glass of cham-pagne and reflected on what it had taken to reach the pinnacle point in their careers as fighter pilots.

Top honours went to FLTLT Mark Biele for the best overall proficiency during course, with FLTLT William Grady receiving the award for aca-demics and FLTLT Joel Stitt for the most effective weaponry employ-ment.

FLTLT Skye Smith

FIGHTER Combat Instructor (FCI) graduate FLTLT Duncan Glover received the Fighter Pilot of the Year award as the highest performing F/A-18 pilot for 2010.

Former CAF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin presented him with the Sir Richard Williams Trophy during Exercise Aces North.

As a graduate of 31 FCI course, FLTLT Glover has followed in the foot-steps of many of the award’s previous recipients by becoming one of the Air Force’s elite fighter pilots.

Fellow graduates FLTLT Martin Parker and FLTLT Mark Biele won the award in 2007 and 2008 respectively.

CO 2 Operational Conversion Unit (2OCU) WGCDR David Smith said FLTLT Glover displayed strong leader-ship, highly developed skill and contin-ued dedication throughout the FCI course, which is a reflection on the outstanding fighter pilot that he is.

“FLTLT Glover has gained a comprehensive understanding of tactical procedures and demon-strated the ability to employ the Hornet across the spectrum of roles undertaken by 81WG,” WGCDR Smith said.

“He has displayed maturity and judgement beyond his experience during his tour at 77SQN and now at 2OCU.

Double the accolades for 2010’s ace fighter pilot

You have to have a huge mental capacity to make the grade as an FCI, keeping up with everything going on around you, adapting to the many changes and taking yourself to the limit. – CO 2OCU WGCDR David Smith‘‘

FLTLT Glover’s performance has been outstanding and has contributed sub-stantially to the effective conduct and execution of 31 FCI course along with his fellow course mates.”

FLTLT Glover is now looking forward to applying his enhanced fighter skills as he trains the next generation of pilots on how to fly and fight in the Hornet during their operational conversion course.The Sir Richard Williams Trophy was ini-tiated in 1974 by the Grumman aircraft company and later sponsored by McDonnell Douglas.

ALL OVER: Left, a Hornet taxis home, and below, FCI instructor SQNLDR Paul Simmons with his family. Photos: LAC Mark Friend

MISSION’S END: Above, FLTLT Christine Vanderwees welcomes home FLTLT William Grady after the Hornet dawn sweep to mark the FCI graduation. Photo: LAC Mark Friend

THIRSTY WORK: Below and above, as the sun goes down in the Top End, the FCI students conduct air-to-air refuelling with an Omega tanker en route to targets during Exercise Aces North. Right, to assist the pilots, 87SQN GIAs CPL Craig Hollindale and ACW Alana Lambert check the terrain ahead of them. Photos: SQNLDR Paul Simmons and CPL Clint McKay

JET TRAIL: An F/A-18

flies low over RAAF Base Williamtown at the end of

Exercise Aces North.

Photo: LAC Mark Friend

TOP PILOT: FLTLT

Duncan Glover

with his trophy.

I’M HOME: Above, FLTLT Martin Parker gets a warm welcome from his partner Chany after arriving at RAAF Base Williamtown. Photos: CPL David Gibbs

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Feature RCEAIR FF July 7, 201116

SGT Craig Wilcockson is living his dream of flying warbirds.

SGT Wilcockson, from the Aerospace Operations Support

Group at RAAF Base Edinburgh, is not only rated for propeller-powered aircraft but also for a lead-in jet fight-er/trainer, the Czech-designed and manufactured Albatros L39.

SGT Wilcockson was already a pilot when he enlisted in 1993, having gained his unrestricted pilot’s licence in 1989. He obtained his commercial licence in 1995 and had flown a vari-ety of light aircraft, but wanted to go further.

“I had always dreamed of fly-ing old military aircraft,” SGT Wilcockson said.

The chance to live that dream finally came to fruition in 2004 when a friend told him he was looking for a pilot to fly some former Chinese Air Force aircraft (the Nanchangs) on the weekends.

While an interest in aviation goes hand in hand with the Air Force job, it’s rare to find ground crew who are pilots as well. Andrew Stackpool talks to one.

“Naturally, I jumped at the oppor-tunity,” he said.

The Nanchang was the only war-bird available in Adelaide at the time,

Up with the Up with the warbirdswarbirds

but a Russian Yak 52 arrived later and he flew that as well.

Then he saw the Albatros. “Ever since I first saw one in Australia I

wanted to fly it and in August 2010 that became a reality,” he said.

He already had the relevant require-ments to fly the Nanchang and Yak, so his endorsement to those comprised a short check flight. But endorsement for the Albatros was a bit different.

“That endorsement took three days and they were very intensive days.”

Now SGT Wilcockson has his hands full of warbird flying at air-shows and other occasions on the weekends. He is a partner in a com-pany called Adelaide Warbirds.

When asked if he preferred flying the prop or jet aircraft he said the two aircraft were very different.

“The Nanchang/Yak 52 is very light on the controls and easy to throw around when doing aerobatics.

“The Albatros, on the other hand, is quite heavy on the controls.

“Both aircraft have unique quali-ties so I really don’t have a prefer-ence; however getting down low in the jet doing around 650-700km/h is a lot of fun.

“I enjoy this type of flying because it is what I call fun flying and I enjoy both aspects; the flying and the interaction with other people.

“The day it becomes ‘work’ is the day I will leave it.”

SKY-HIGH FUN: In his own flying suit, SGT Craig Wilcockson, of AOSG, stands in front of the Albatros L39 he flies in his spare time. The commercial pilot flies warbirds at airshows and other events on weekends.Photos courtesy of SGT Wilcockson

ALL DRESSED UP: The Russian Yak 52 and the Chinese Nanchang warbirds in the skies over Adelaide.ALL DRESSED UP: The Russian Yak 52 and the Chinese Nanchang

17 FlightlineJuly 7, 2011RCEAIR FF

Have you thought about your future workforce?

Have you considered offering placements through the Defence Work Experience Program?

This Program provides opportunities tostudents to experience the ADF or Defence APS as an employer of choice.

Send enquiries to:

[email protected] Visit:

www.defence.gov.au/workexperiencehttp://intranet.defence.gov.au/dsg/sites/workexperience

ON TASK: Above, FLGOFF Janelle Kingston, an air combat officer with 285SQN, plans out a flight on board a C-130H. Photo: CPL Colin Dadd

GOOD SPOT, WAYNE: Left, ACAUST AVM Mark Skidmore presents 82WG’s CPL Wayne Jones with an Air Command Good Show Award for his actions in helping to avoid a potential aircraft accident at RAAF Base Amberley. On the last day of F-111 operations last December, CPL Jones discovered a fuel leak on an F-111 as it was being prepared to taxi. The flight was aborted, and the leak fixed so the jet could then take off. Photo: LACW Rosaleen Normoyle

CHARITY DASH: Above, Paul Brealey presents CAPT Darlene Murray of the Salvation Army with a blanket as WGCDR Mark Paterson, left, and CAPT Dale Murray look on. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Salvation Army’s annual blanket run appeal, where local motorcyclists ride around Canberra collecting donations of cash and blankets. Photo: LAC Bill Solomou

PIG PUZZLE: Left, CPL Ben Cox was part of the 82WG crew that helped transport an F-111 to the RAAF Museum. Here he assembles part of the aircraft for eventual display. Photo: LAC Benjamin Evans

SWEET 71ST: Left, the youngest member of 24SQN, LACW Kym Gilkes, and squadron CO WGCDR Breck Tonkin cut 24SQN’s 71st anniversary cake at RAAF Base Edinburgh. Photo: LACW Shannon McCarthy

DAD’S ON BOARD: Right, Executive Warrant Officer WOFF Cary Thompson (right) caught a lift with son FLTLT Nathan Thompson (centre), of 38SQN, while accompanying CDR ALG AIRCDRE Gary Martin (left) on a recent visit to ALG units at Townsville and Amberley. FLTLT Thompson was tasked with the King Air flight.

SATC PARTYGOERS: FLGOFF Daniel Gusthart and PLTOFF Sofie Rich, of 453SQN, enjoy the celebrations at the School of Air Traffic Control’s 30th anniversary event at RAAF Base East Sale. Photo: AC Oliver Carter

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18 July 7, 2011RCEAIR FCadets

SIX hundred cadets from NSW and the ACT heralded a big year for the Aus-tralian Air Force Cadets (AAFC) at RAAF Base Richmond on June 12.

The AAFC is joining a year of sig-nificant ADF anniversaries by cele-brating its 70th anniversary.

The national 70th anniversary parade and dinner will be held at RAAF Base Williams on October 9, but each wing is staging parades,

balls and other events throughout the remainder of the year.

Number 3 Wing led the activities when it held its anniversary parade, competition and ball at Richmond. The AAFC banners flew proudly on the parade as the cadets marked the mile-stone.

Commander Air Lif t Group AIRCDRE Gary Martin was the reviewing officer.

Director-General Cadets – Air Force AIRCDRE Roger Harrison said that over the past 70 years the AAFC had given thousands of young people the skills and experience to enhance self-esteem and self-discipline.

The AAFC stood up in February 1941 as the Air Training Corps. It was formed as part of the Air Force Reserves and the original intent was to provide general education to males

aged between 16 and 18 who volun-teered to join it.

Membership was expanded in 1982 when girls were admitted for the first time, and in today’s AAFC they form 25 per cent of the membership.

In 2001, the Air Training Corps became the Australian Air Force Cadets, and today it has more than 7000 members.

The Commander of the AAFC,

GPCAPT (AAFC) Ken Given, said he wanted “to use these celebrations to focus on our determination to provide more exciting and challenging aviation experiences for cadets in the future because, as CAF has said cadets are Air Force’s future.”

For information on future events and on the cadets in general, visit the AAFC website at www.aafc.org.au

Marking 70 yearsMarking 70 years

GRAND PARADE: Above, reviewing officer Commander Air Lift Group AIRCDRE Gary Martin salutes as Australian Air Force Cadets march past; left; cadets from No. 324 (City of Randwick) Squadron conduct ‘eyes right’ as they march past the crowd at RAAF Base Richmond. Photos: LAC Chris Hall

19 TrainingJuly 7, 2011RCEAIR FF

Life Insurance

Your crew

It’s nice to know that your crew on the home front will be looked after if anything happens to you. Because life is full of uncertainties no matter how fit and healthy you might be now. So if you have people who depend on you financially, then consider Defence Health Term Life Insurance for their protection. It will even cover you on warlike operations if you take it out before you know you are to be deployed. Don’t delay.

For a quote, brochure or application form call Defence Health on 1800 335 425 or visit www.defencehealth.com.au

This information is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider your personal circumstances and the relevant Product Disclosure Statement in deciding whether to acquire this product. You may wish to seek independent advice. This product is underwritten by Asteron Life Limited (ABN 64 001 698 228, AFSL 237903) and Defence Health receives remuneration of 11.78% of all premiums you pay to Asteron Life Limited. The Financial Services Guide and Product Disclosure Statement may be obtained by calling the Defence Health Member Service Centre on 1800 335 425 or downloaded from www.defencehealth.com.au

New AFI courses to cater to levelAIR Force has introduced four courses to enable per-sonnel to better understand the Air Force Improve-ment (AFI) program at a relevant level.

There are currently four levels of training avail-able within the AFI program.

The levels are AFI awareness training, improve-ment project team member training, improvement practitioner training and improvement leader train-ing.

AFI awareness training is aimed at units and will build understanding of the need for reform across Defence, the AFI program and what it means at the local level. It introduces Air Force personnel to a few simple tools that can help them to improve their own workplaces.

Awareness training is generally delivered by a combination of flight commanders and the local AFI team members.

Improvement project team member training is aimed at personnel who are involved in improvement projects as team members or subject matter experts. It includes additional training on specific tools to use in the course of the project they are working on.

The training is normally delivered by the local AFI team or a trained improvement practitioner.

Improvement practitioner training is aimed at those specific personnel who have been assigned to lead an improvement project and/or those who have been appointed as a continuous improvement coordi-nator within their Force Element Group.

The course provides project leaders with the basic change management and project management skills to define and establish an improvement activity.

It also provides more in-depth training on specific LEAN tools and techniques to be applied during a project. LEAN is a workplace philosophy and set of procedures designed to identify and remove waste, uneveness and burden from the workplace.

On completion of the training, personnel should be able to run an improvement project with coach-ing support from an AFI team member or qualified improvement practitioner/improvement leader.

Finally, for advanced training to improvement leader level, Air Force is using the Defence Materiel Organisation-contracted LEAN Level 2 course.

Air Force members are to be nominated for this course through the AFI Training Coordinator, or their local capability domain program office.

The courses are PMKeyS reportable, and the AFI program is looking at the possibility of aligning these courses with nationally recognised competen-cies in the near future.

For more information, contact the AFI Training Coordinator, Darion Parise, on (07) 5361 2720 or your local AFI team.

Role: SRG – Ground Safety OfficerRank: WOFFMustering: ANYAClosing date: July 15.......................� For more

information on this EOI and how to apply, log on to People Central.

� �EOIProgram touches baseSTUDENTS from remote indigenous communi-ties got to experience Air Force life first-hand when they visited RAAF Base Williamtown on June 16.

The students, aged between 17 and 24, were participants of the Defence Indigenous Development Program.

The program provides remote indigenous adults with education, training, life skills and confidence to prepare them for employment and to help them become role models

within their communities.For most of the students, who were from the Cape York and Torres Strait region, it was their first time on an Air Force base and their first opportu-nity to see a fighter jet and Wedgetail aircraft up close.

For Gloria Ganaia from Thursday Island, the visit was a unique insight into Air Force.

“I enjoyed the visit very much … it’s a differ-ent experience seeing the aircraft [up close],” she

said. “The best part of the day was talking to one of the pilots.”

The visit showcased various aspects of work-ing on a RAAF base, and included a cockpit tour of 4SQN’s PC-9 aircraft, the ground transport and carpentry workshops, the base fire section and air traffic control tower. Students also received an overview of the role of air surveillance from 3 Control Reporting Unit and 2SQN personnel.

REFORM UPDATE

FRONT ROW SEAT:Members of the Defence Indigenous Development Program listen in as PLTOFF Scott Rushworth, of 4SQN, talks about the ejection seat of a PC-9 at RAAF Base Williamtown.Photo: CPL David Gibbs

www.dha.gov.au139 DHA

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21 PersonnelJuly 7, 2011RCEAIR FF

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RESERVISTS will soon benefit from the PMKeyS Technical Refresh Project that will incorporate reserve payroll into PM-KeyS using the current version of Peo-pleSoft Global Payroll.

The project will facilitate the intro-duction of self-service for reserves and supports Defence’s Strategic Reform Program objectives by providing a mod-ern, stable and supported technology platform to build a long-term solution for Defence personnel systems.

The new system will deliver signifi-cant improvements to the user experi-ence, with the use of modern web-based technology. Changes will be supported by various business processes familiar to CENRESPAYII users.

Beginning in October, the technical refresh will have two phases of imple-mentation:� Phase 1 implementation will

occur on October 1 when the current reserve payroll system CENRESPAYII will be replaced with a more efficient system – PeopleSoft Global Payroll.

� Phase 2 implementation is planned for April 2012 when migration of the current PMKeyS application

Reserves to benefit from new payroll system WHAT YOU NEED TO DO

To enable a smooth transition to Global Payroll from October, reservists should ensure the fol-lowing details are up-to-date in PMKeyS and CENRESPAYII as soon as possible:� Home address (PMKeyS)� Contact details (PMKeyS)� Bank details (CENRESPAYII)� Marital status (CENRESPAYII

and PMKeyS)� Attendance Zone

(CENRESPAYII)

A LEADING women’s group recently recognised Air Force’s ‘outstanding contribution to sup-por t ing the development of Australia’s female leaders’.

Wo m e n a n d L e a d e r s h i p Australia – a national initiative ded-icated to supporting female lead-ership throughout the Australian workforce – presented a Certificate of Acknowledgement to Air Force at the annual Australian Women’s Leadership Symposium in Sydney.

WGCDR Dee Gibbon and SQNLDR Llani Kennealy from the Directorate of Workforce Flexibility and Diversity (DWFD) accepted the award.

The symposium, held on June 15 and 16, was attended by women from all sectors and industries and featured presentations by leaders, trainers and academics focusing on contemporary leadership theory.

Speaking at the symposium, WGCDR Gibbon highlighted some of the unique challenges faced by military women.

“How do families manage two 24-hour-flying jobs, with overnight sorties, 10-hour day care and abso-lutely no nearby family support?” she said.

“How do you work part time in a high-tempo operational envi-ronment where all personnel work 50-hour weeks?

“There are some real challeng-es, but if we really want women to reach the highest echelons of our organisation, we must work towards identifying those challenges and finding practical ways to help them all reach their full potential.”

WGCDR Gibbon said that Air Force was focusing on ways to miti-gate those challenges and potential barriers and emphasised the impor-tance of providing development and networking opportunities for Air Force women through accessing industry-based and internal learning opportunities.

One of those ways is the trial of a new networking, education and mentoring program by DWFD,

which has been designed to meet the specific needs of Air Force women.

DFWD member SQNLDR Jade Deveney, who is facilitating the pro-gram at RAAF Base Williamtown, said she hoped the program would become an everyday part of Air Force operations and encouraged Air Force leaders to consider par-ticipating in development opportu-nities.

“Air Force is investing heavily in building the type of organisa-tion that values diversity, works more flexibly and helps members to negotiate their careers through dif-ferent life stages,” she said.

Director General Personnel – Air Force AIRCDRE Bob Rodgers strongly encouraged commanders to support staff attendance at local development opportunities.

“This is all about building our personnel capability, developing our future leaders and retaining our very best and brightest,” AIRCDRE Rodgers said.

Departure LoungeWho’s leaving after 20+ years’ service

NameWOFF Donald McLeanWOFF Ralph DunnWOFF Paul DowdleWGCDR Linda CorbouldWOFF Dorian AdamsSQNLDR Warren HutchinsonFSGT Karen JenkinsSGT Madonna DoyleFSGT Terry CooneySGT Dimitri MildeFSGT William EckelSGT Jeffrey DensleySGT Benjamin Knade

Must/SpecATECHARMTECHARMTECHPLTLOADMPLTCISCONCLKGSEMGRATECHATECHATECHATECH

Last day May 18May 22May 8May 8May 9May 1May 1May 29May 20May 29May 16May 16May 15

Years40363230292424222221202020

PROUD TO BE INVOLVED: WGCDR Dee Gibbon, right, and SQNLDR Llani Kennealy with a certificate acknowledging the Air Force’s work in developing Australia’s female leaders. They accepted the award on behalf of Air Force at the Australian Women’s Leadership Symposium in Sydney.

�

to the latest web-based version of PeopleSoft will occur, as well as implementation of APS Payroll on PeopleSoft Global Payroll, and self service for reservists.

For Phase 1, reservists will need to be aware of the following changes:� introduction of a fortnightly pay

cycle;� use of PMKeyS ID instead of ser-

vice number;� new-look payslip format; and� payslips sent to home address (as

recorded in PMKeyS).The introduction of a fortnightly

pay cycle will also cause a variation to payroll processing cut-off dates. The last payday on CENRESPAY II will be September 30 and the first payday on Global Payroll will be October 13 (for the processing period October 1-7).

Phase 2 changes for reservists will include online payslips and the ability to record attendances online (via a self-service functionality).

Visit the FAQs section of the PTRP intranet site for more detailed information and register to receive update alerts. You can also email [email protected] for further information.

AN EXCHANGE program is under way for a faulty range of socks. The Clothing Systems Program Office (CLOSPO) has identified a manufacturing issue with the Bellview Khaki Heavy Weight Sock, stock numbers: 66-139-1436, 1437 and 1438, under batch code number ADF 041. The batch code num-ber can be located on the front of the Bellview label attached to the sock. These items are being recalled under a warranty claim. All Defence members who have purchased or been issued with socks within this range should return them to their nearest cloth-ing store for replacement before July 31.

For more information, contact CLOSPSO National Fleet Manager Frans Buissink on (03) 9282 5494 or [email protected]

Khaki socks unfit for service

ROLLING OUT: Reserve payroll will be incorporated into PMKeyS soon.

Have you had your say?

Centre for Military and Veterans’ Healthcmvh.org.au/families

Tim

or-L

este

Fam

ily S

tudy

Because families deploy as well...If you have received an invitation to participate in the Timor-Leste Family Study, but have yet to accept, we would really like to hear from you! We especially wish to hear from ADF families who have not experienced a Timor-Leste deployment – your participation is just as vital.To participate, please go to the webpage that is shown in your invitation.

ADF members - Help us invite your current or former partner(s) to the study–to do this, just fill out your partner’s details on your consent form.

Your participation and your partner’s participation will contribute to a broader understanding of the deployment experiences of families.

1800 708 335 [email protected]

A study under the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Family Study Program

22 July 7, 2011RCEAIR FHistory

July 8: The Ceremonial Band will support the OTS graduation parade at RAAF Base East Sale from 11.30am.July 20: The Ceremonial Band will support the 1RTU graduation parade at RAAF Base Wagga from 11am.� To confirm dates and timings, call WOFF

Stephen Bate (03) 9256 2514.

AIR FORCE BAND

Andrew Stackpool

AN ARTICLE from Air Force News is being used tohelp tell the story of one of Australia’s worst maritimedisasters, the loss of the hospital ship Centaur.

It is on display at an exhibition at the Milne BayMilitary Museum in Toowoomba.

The exhibition opened on May 14, the same datein 1943 the ship was sunk by the Japanese submarineI-177 at 4.10am.

It sank in three minutes and only 64 of the ship’scomplement of 332 survived.

In the April 14 edition of the newspaper,SQNLDR Paul Lineham wrote about the sighting ofthe survivors in the water by a 71SQN Avro Anson36 hours after the sinking.

Museum curator Barrie Wallis said the Air Forcecomponent of the display was substantial. As wellas the enlarged article, it comprised an Air Forceensign, a Cheetah engine, the instrument panel andcontrol column from an Avro Anson, and a bullet-damaged propeller also from an Anson.

“This was complemented with an original RAAFpilot’s uniform belonging to WOFF Len Waters[Australia’s only Aboriginal fighter pilot],” Mr Wallissaid.

Other items in the display include a four-leg-ged stool from the ship that was washed ashore atRedcliff Beach and the uniform of a staff sergeantwith the 2/12 Field Ambulance who was sent toassist the survivors after they were landed.

Mr Wallis said that the museum decided to pre-sent the exhibition on Centaur after receiving thestool.

“It provided an opportunity to present to the com-munity the little-known and tragic history from ourown area, which was highlighted with the discoveryof the wreckage of Centaur,” he said.

The display will run for two months but could beextended if there is sufficient public interest.

Visitors look over merchandise during the inaugural 76SQN Mirage reunion at RAAF Base Williamtown from May 13 to 16. The reunion involved a dining-in night and tours of 76SQN and Fighter World, which has a Mirage aircraft on display. On base the visitors were treated to a static display of a Hawk 127 and F/A-18 so they could compare the jets. Inset, Horace ‘Taffy’ Davies took the opportunity to look over the Hawk.Photos: LACW Amy Trebilco

Helping to tell Centaur story

LOOK-SEE: The Air Force component of the display is substantial. Photo courtesy Milne Bay Museum

RESCUE: From Air Force News on April 14.

76SQN brings Mirage back into focus RFFNA

23 FinanceJuly 7, 2011RCEAIR FF

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It pays to be debt-freeDO you owe money to

Defence?An in-depth analysis of

employee debts has identified that a significant number of uniformed members and civilian employees owe the department money.

In DEFGRAM 314/2011, for-mer CDF ACM Angus Houston and Defence Secretary Ian Watts directed that Defence personnel must settle debts owing to the department imme-diately.

In the event that an overdue debt has not been settled or a negotiated repayment plan agreed, then the debt will be referred to Defence Legal Services for appropriate action.

Director Finance Business Centre Glenn Johnston said employees who paid their debts immediately would be contributing to the Strategic Reform Program.

“They should take particular care when discharging or resigning to ensure they have received the pay-ments they are due and have settled any debts owing to the Commonwealth before leaving,” Mr Johnston said.

“There is a mutual responsibility on both parties to ensure all debts have been paid in full, and that Defence personnel have been paid the correct entitlements.”

There may be circumstances where the legitimate repayment of the debt may require further consideration or cannot be paid in full before the due date, in which case the individual concerned should contact the National Defence Accounts Receivable Centre

or the Payroll Recovery Unit (salary and allowance repayments only) to discuss repayment options.

If personnel believed there was a legitimate cause to dispute the debt, they should immediately write to the National Defence Accounts Receivable Centre or the Payroll Recovery Unit to discuss options.

Methods of repaymentPersonnel who receive an Accounts

Receivable invoice detailing the amount of the debt and options for repayment have an obligation to repay the debts by the following methods:

➤ Australia Post (Post billpay): Payment may be made by cash, cheque, EFTPOS or debit card (cheque or savings account only) at any Australia Post Office outlet.

➤ BPAY: Payments can be made for debts less than $10,000. Contact your bank, credit union or building society. For more information, visit www.bpay.com.au

➤ Government Easy Pay (online): Payments can be made using Mastercard, Visa or American Express cards for debts less than $10,000 by going online to www.optussmartpay.com/govteasypay

➤ Recovery from salary: Recovery of debts through salary systems is available for members of the per-

manent ADF only. However, as this is more expensive for Defence to operate, personnel are encouraged to use the other repayment methods. Recovery of debts will occur at a minimum of $100 per pay or the outstanding balance (values less than $100), and must be fully recov-ered within six pay periods.

OverpaymentIf you have been overpaid in salary

or allowances, recovery will normally take place in ADFPAY, CENREPAYII or PMKeyS. You can repay by:

➤ Recovery from salary: An over-payment can be recovered through your salary if sufficient funds are available. An amount equivalent to 10 per cent of your gross salary less tax will be recovered each pay peri-od. If your overpayment will recov-er within three pay periods at the 10 per cent recovery rate you need do nothing. If it is going to take longer to repay, then the Payroll Recovery Unit will contact you.

➤ Cheque or credit card (Visa and Mastercard only): You should discuss this option with the Payroll Recovery Unit.

For more information, contact the Payroll Recovery Unit at [email protected]

Defence personnel are being urged to quickly settle their debts with the Department of Defence to avoid legal action, reports Andrew Stackpool.

CRUNCH TIME: Personnel in debt to the department should now start thinking about how to pay it back. Photo: LS Paul Berry

GOLD COASTAMBASSADOR APARTMENTS

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24 July 7, 2011RCEAIR FHealth

TO MANY, conceiving a baby seems like the most natural thing in the world but for thousands of couples

this seemingly simple process can be the toughest challenge of their lives.

I was a 23-year-old Army corpo-ral when I had my first baby. Three months later I fell pregnant with my second so, for my husband and me, conceiving, pregnancy and childbirth was relatively stress-free.

For us it was easy but as I get older I hear more and more stories about friends and acquaintances struggling to start families.

It takes about a year of trying to conceive before couples are consid-ered to be having trouble.

Most readers could be forgiven for assuming infertility is a problem women should deal with but, accord-ing to the Victorian Department of Health, around 40 per cent of fertility problems originate in the male partner,

Taking baby stepsWhat can you do to increase the chances of you or your partner conceiving? Alisha Welch takes a look at the research.

Improving the odds

40 per cent of problems are female and the remaining 20 per cent are caused by unknown factors.

The most common male fertility problems include poor quality sperm and blockages in the tubes of the reproductive system.

Tests for men Investigating suspected infertility

requires a number of tests, including:

➤ Semen analysis: to check for abnormalities and antibodies.

➤ Blood tests: to assess hormone levels.

➤ Testicular biopsy: to check the net-work of tubes for blockages.

➤ Ultrasound test: to view the repro-ductive organs.

Treatment for menNo treatments are available to

improve a man’s sperm quality. However, techniques can increase the odds of conception using existing sperm. Treatment can include: ➤ Hormone therapy: if low sperm

count is due to insufficient levels of the hormone gonadotrophin.

➤ Artificial insemination: the semen is collected and concentrated, then delivered with instruments directly into the partner’s uterus.

➤ In vitro fertilisation: conception occurs in the laboratory and the fertilised egg is implanted in the prepared uterus.

Tests for women Female fertility problems include

failure to ovulate and abnormalities of the fallopian tubes or uterus. Tests for women include: ➤ Blood tests: to check for the pres-

ence of ovulation hormones. ➤ Laparoscopy: a keyhole surgical

procedure in which an instrument is inserted though a small incision in the abdomen so reproductive organs can be examined.

➤ Ultrasound tests: to check for the presence of fibroids.

Treatment for women Treatment options for female infer-

tility depend on the cause, but may include: ➤ Hormone therapy: to prompt ovu-

lation. ➤ Surgery: to unblock fallopian

tubes, treat endometriosis or remove fibroids.

➤ In vitro fertilisation: conception occurs in the laboratory and the fer-tilised egg is later implanted in the prepared uterus.

For more information, visit your health centre or check out www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au, www.kidspot.com.au or www.bubhub.com.au

BUNDLE OF JOY: Having a baby comes easy for some, but not so for many couples.

Under Health Directive 203, Defence will assist members with Assisted Reproductive Services (ARS) as listed on the Medicare Schedule.

➤ Defence will pay for standard medical services required for the investigation of infertility, including laparoscopy, radiological investi-gations and semen analysis.

➤ There is no limit to the number of IVF cycles required.

➤ Defence will cover the cost of freezing a member’s semen only if he is deployed and his partner is undergoing ARS that requires his semen.

➤ For specific ARS, Defence will cover costs such as anaesthetic and gynaecologist fees. Defence will not fund items not covered by Medicare.

*Health Directive 203 can be accessed on the DRN

APPLICATIONS are open for positions in the 2011 Air Force Nordic and biathlon team which will participate in the Air Force and inter-service championships from August 1 to 12.

The event – at Mt Hotham in Victoria – is open to all full-time Air Force members, reserves and Defence APS.

Club president SQNLDR Andrew Scholten said the first week would be dedicated to skills development, coaching and selection of the Air Force inter-service team.

“A strong field of Air Force competitors will once again be expertly coached from beginner to advanced level, ready to battle it out against the Army and Navy in the second week at the inter-service competition,” he said.

For more information, visit http://intranet.defence.gov.au/raafweb/sites/AFNBA/ComWeb.asp?page=48303 or contact SQNLDR Andrew Scholten on (02) 626 53369 or at [email protected]

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25 July 7, 2011RCEAIR FF Sp rt

Bill blogs on ... taking pain forgain JO

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Lawn bowlers to defend titleCPL Zenith King

AFTER winning the Australian Services Bowls As-sociation (ASBA) national championships in a cliff-hanger last year, Air Force team manager SQNLDR Ian Lane is under no illusions of the difficulty of going back-to-back this year.

“As defending champions, the pressure is on to retain the trophy,” he said.

SQNLDR Lane said, however, he felt his team was well prepared for the competition from September 19 to 23.

“Regardless of who we have available, Air Force always puts up a very competitive side. Last year we had some of our best players unavailable and still won,” he said.

SQNLDR Lane said Defence members who are registered bowlers in Australia can participate at the national championships.

New and novice bowlers were encouraged to par-ticipate.

After the championships, the ASBA will select a national side of 16 players to represent Defence next year and a tour of South Africa to take on the South African National Defence Force.

For further information, visit http://intranet.defence.gov.au/lawnbowls

CPL Cassie Fien has no idea how she will go in this year’s City2Surf – if indeed she enters at all.

CPL Fien, who finished a close sec-ond in last year’s 14km fun run, has been sidelined with an injury to her left leg and hopes to test the waters with come-back 10km and 11km races at club level in coming weeks.

She will see how she pulls up before deciding whether to tackle City2Surf again on August 14.

Last year CPL Fien was only 58sec adrift of women’s winner Lara Tamset.

She finished 52nd overall in a field of about 80,000 starters in Sydney.

CPL Fien said then her slow start cost her any chance of victory.

“Lara got away from me at the start-ing line and maintained that lead all the way to the finish,” she said. “If I could run the race again tomorrow, I would make a much faster and stronger start.”

Alas, her time out this year presents a bit of a hurdle.

Injury has interrupted the momentum she had built up with a string of fine per-formances, including an emphatic win in the Sydney half-marathon in May last year, and representing Australia for two years in a row at the world half-marathon championships.

She injured her leg in mid-May.This year CPL Fien, a PTI, has moved

from RAAF Base East Sale to RAAF Base Richmond, and resumed some weeks ago her punishing before-work training regime that starts at 4.50am.

She had hoped to make her debut in a full-marathon at in the Gold Coast on July 3 but has had to put that on hold.

She now hopes to do a marathon later this year; if not, next year.

“I’ve dreamed of representing Australia in the marathon since I was 12,” she said last year.

UNCERTAIN STARTER: CPL Cassie Fien is ready to test the waters. Photo: CPL Steve Duncan

UnUnfinished businessin City2Surf race

Snow-time for Nordic and biathlon team

AFTER three weeks of pain, the gain is starting to show.

PTI SGT Shane Duncan put me through my paces one morning recently and, on completion of the session, it was time for a weigh-in.

I knew my fitness level had improved, but this was the moment of truth.

The good news is that I have lost just over 2kg. Even better news is that my measurements have changed significantly. I have lost a whop-ping 6cm off my waist and chest. It just goes to show the importance of taking your measure-ments.

In some circumstances you may find you have lost size, but you may weigh the same or actually have put on weight. As fat cells get smaller, heavier muscle replaces them.

I will limit myself to a weigh-in only once a month. I don’t trust scales: they always seem to lie.

Again, thank you to members for your sup-port. The journey continues.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Bill will consult nutrition-ists and explore food-related issues relevant to his campaign in a coming edition. If you have any questions he can put to the experts, email him at [email protected] and we will publish reponses. Here is a recent message of support:

Bill, here are some key points to help you on your weight-loss journey: 1) You have to set your SMART goal and set the strategy (the how); 2) Your diet will make or break you no matter how hard you train. Remember to have the right foods, right amounts, the right combos and at the right times; 3) Consider meal replacement supplements; 4) Train in moderation. No need to spend hours in the gym – 45min max; 5) Drink plenty of water throughout the day; 6) Surround yourself by like-minded people; 7) Most impor-tantly, have fun.

– Theo

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26 July 7, 2011RCEAIR FSp rt

AS THE serious business of the Defence squash champi-onships approaches, CPL Craig Baldwin just knew those orange and yellow socks would come back to haunt him.

He wore them in the opening round of the Arafura Games squash tournament in May.

To be fair, all the members of the men’s team did.But it was a failed experiment.“The socks only lasted one match because nobody

liked playing in them,” CPL Baldwin said.And, if his luck had been in, nobody outside squash

circles would ever have known.Unfortunately for CPL Baldwin, representatives of

this newspaper attended that first game and his image was captured for posterity.

Fortunately, for him, we did not use the photograph at the time. We did not even notice the socks. Sheesh, what self-respecting editor looks at feet, for goodness sake?

But CPL Baldwin’s fortunes took another turn, this time very much for the worst, when we delved into the files for the photo to illustrate the Defence national titles preview – and came up with the incriminating sock photo.

One thing’s for sure. CPL Baldwin, of RAAF Base Amberley, will go for a more conservative look at the Defence titles at RAAF Base Williamtown from August 7 to 12.

CPL Baldwin won the title in 2008 and was runner-up in 2009.

Last year he was beaten in the semis in a tough five-set match against SGT Darryl Ferguson, of the Defence Explosive Ordnance Training School in Sydney.

“I have been training hard to hopefully go one better this year and make the final – although there are a few good young players coming through who will prove extremely tough competition if they are available to attend.”

For more information on the ADF titles, contact SGT Anthony Griffin, [email protected] or (02) 4034 6180); or Craig Ambler, [email protected] or (02) 6933 8575). For general Defence squash information, check out http://intranet.defence.gov.au/pspg/sites/Squash

Sock it to them – for a limited time only

POWER AND THE FASHION: CPL Craig Baldwin like we’ve never seen him before, resplendent in those socks (and shoelaces) at the Arafura Games. Photo: AB James Whittle

CPL Zenith King

LESS than a year ago Olympic Trap Shooter LAC Matthew Stokes was not even on the radar of competing at the Olympic Games – now he has the top two contenders in his sights.

Mind you, they will take some catch-ing.

Sitting at No. 1 and 2 is Michael Diamond and Adam Vella. Both men are Olympic medallists, ranked in the top 10 in the world.

LAC Stokes , of RAAF Base Edinburgh, has moved up to equal No. 3

with Michael McNabb but he knows full well that only the top two seeds will be selected for the Olympics.

To overtake them, he would have to shoot very high scores consistently.

“At the moment I am probably two or three targets per event off the leaders, and to be selected I would have to close that margin,” he said.

“I really want to improve and shoot well enough to catch the top guys.”

In November last year, LAC Stokes had not shot enough events to earn a ranking but he has placed second and third in his last two competitions.

LAC Stokes began taking trap shoot-ing seriously after a series of successful competitions in 2010.

He started shooting when he was 10 but did not shoot the Olympic discipline until he was 18.

“The first Australia Cup I competed in, I shot 119/125 and placed second. This was the first time I had shot a big score but it was at my home ground so I put it down to a fluke and let it be.

“When I made the South Australian state team and competed at the national championships in November, and was in contention in both events, I decided

to really have a crack and see what I could do.”

LAC Stokes said he felt like he was improving with each outing.

“Before the start of an event I try to remind myself that the targets I’m about to shoot are the exact same targets I have shot in practice, nothing has changed.

“Also I know I have to concentrate 100 per cent on every target. You only get so many events a year and it is important to perform well in as many as you can.”

LAC Stokes will compete at the Australia Cup in Brisbane in July.

BIG MOVER: LAC Matthew Stokes with his recent medals. He is going up the rankings with a bullet.

Photo: LACW Nicci Freeman

Gunning for the

Olympics

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27July 7, 2011RCEAIR FF Sp rt

From Back Page

To make the adjustment to hotter climes he is considering taking some long-service leave closer to the race so he can spend a bit of time in northern Queensland before he leaves for the US.

The weather will not be exactly the same and there’s likely to be fewer Elvis impersonators around but it will put him some way on the path to Viva Las Vegas.

Northern Queensland is not exact-ly foreign territory for CPL Hughes. He used to be based at RAAF Base Townsville and last month he finished second in the ADF ironman-distance tri-athlon (3.8km swim, 180km bike ride and 42.2km run) in Cairns.

He was the first ADF competitor out of the water but hit the wall at the 110km mark of the bike leg, something he blames on changing his nutrition plan for the race. From that point, he was just trying to consolidate and he was disap-pointed with his result.

He should not be too hard on himself though.

If you want to be philosophical, if it hadn’t been for Cairns, Las Vegas might not even be on the radar.

To sharpen up for the full-distance ADF ironman triathlon in Cairns, CPL Hughes entered the Port Macquarie half-ironman triathlon on May 1.

Even though it was a selection event for the world titles, he had no intention of going too hard. His goal was doing well in Cairns and he merely wanted to use the Port Macquarie race to fine-tune.

It did not pan out like that though. Despite getting a puncture only 30km into the bike leg, he felt good and decid-ed to push himself. It was worth the effort because he finished fourth in the 30-34 age group in 4hr 42min.

Only the top two finishers would nor-

CPL Hughes plans to give the Australian Defence Sports Triathlon Association (ADSTA) colours a run on the world stage in Las Vegas.

Because there is no Australian uniform for the world titles, he plans to wear the ADSTA colours in the race.

And in an example of the spirit of cooperation in the ADF, CPL Hughes’s coach is actu-ally a Navy man, AB Michael Baruch.

AB Baruch has done a lot of fitness testing with both CPL Hughes and CPL Owen Yabsley over the past six months, which has led to a successful season for both members.

SUCH was the pain, LAC Simon Hunt did not notice the competitor who flashed past him 10 metres from the finish line of the Cairns Challenge ironman-distance triathlon.

Cramping in both legs had stopped him in his tracks and he said the crowd gathered at the finish line shouted encouragement, which helped him muster those final steps to com-plete the race.

He never doubted he’d get there, though. He’d come too far to falter.

He’d started June 5 with the rising sun, swum 3.8km, rode a bike 180km and finished with a 42.2km run in the heat of the day in 10hr 22min and 4sec later.

It was only after the race, he looked at the results and realised someone had beaten him by 9sec.

“I didn’t see him go past,” he said.Luckily, it wasn’t one of the 15

Australian Defence Sports Triathlon Association competitors.

The Cairns Challenge attracted

640 triathletes, so the Defence event was a race within a race.

In a 1 -2 -3 f in i sh fo r Ai r Force, LAC Hunt, of RAAF Base Townsville, won the Defence iron-man-distance triathlon title, followed by CPL Pete Hughes, of RAAF Base Richmond, nearly seven minutes behind, and CPL Owen Yabsley, also of RAAF Base Townsville.

LAC Hunt estimates he drank between six and eight litres of liquid during the race.

“But obviously it wasn’t enough. I know others also had problems with cramping.”

LAC Hunt has now completed six ironman-distance triathlons.

Why? Surely, the pain isn’t the lure?“No, it’s the physical and mental

challenge.”When LAC Hunt, 39, was 18 he

watched the Hawaii Ironman on TV and decided there and then that it was what he wanted to do.

He has not gone to Hawaii yet –

but he certainly has not given up on securing a qualifying time.

He has now competed in ironman-distance triathlons across four age divi-sions: 18-24, 25-29, 30-34 and 35-39.

Next year he’ll go into the 40-44 age division.

You’d think the ranks would be thinning out now but not so appar-ently.

“It gets easier when you’re 70 plus. Not so much competition,” he laughed.

So near, yet so far

mally have qualified for Las Vegas – but there was a catch.

The catch was they had to be at the after-race function to sign the papers and lodge a travel deposit.

CPL Hughes was one of about 200 people who gathered in the auditorium.

“I would like to have had a heart mon-itor there.”

When the 30-34 age group winner’s name was called and he didn’t come for-ward, his heart raced a bit.

The second placegetter was there and accepted.

But the third was nowhere to be seen and CPL Hughes, his heart fairly racing now, seized the moment.

“It was not something I was expect-ing.”

FLYING THE FLAG

Razzle dazzle in the desert: triathlete heads for Vegas

COMMON GROUND: Above, LACW Kylie Mather with driver Paul Dumbrell before their hot lap; left, driver Karl Reindler inspects the cockpit of an F/A-18.Photos: AB James

Whittle and CPL Clint McKay

LACW Kylie Mather discovered three things when she donned a racing helmet on June 16.

LACW Mather, of 3 Expeditionary Health Squadron at RAAF Base Darwin, was one of the ADF personnel who won a hot lap with V8 Supercar stars ahead of the sixth round of the V8 Supercar race at Hidden Valley Raceway in Darwin.

Her lap was with Paul Dumbrel from the Bottle-O Racing Team.

The things she discovered were these.➤ When she told her husband, SGT

Mark Mather, who is deployed in Afghanistan with the Army and is a fast-car enthusiast, he was “super jealous”.

➤ The Ford performance team pro-vide excellent childcare. While LACW Mather was burning around the track, they took good care of the Mather sons Jack, 7, and Jamie, 4. “They spoiled them rot-ten with flags and hats,” mum said.

➤ A V8 Supercar is incredibly fast.

Green with envy

“I was very frightened of the speed were going to reach, 170km/h down the straight. After I was strapped in, however, my fear turned to pure adrenaline and I couldn’t stop screaming and smil-ing as we sped off out of pit lane.”

On June 15, the boot was on the other foot when V8 Supercar driv-ers Karl Reindler and Tony D’Alberto checked out the Air Force’s F/A-18s at RAAF Base Darwin.

The fighter jets were in the Top End for Exercise Aces North.

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RTRT

Razzle dazzle in the desert

THE COLOURFUL ODDODD SOCKS WE WEREN’T SUPPOSED TO SEE – a failed experiment that probably won’t be repeated at the Defence squash titles

John Martin

WHEN CPL Pete Hughes’s colleagues find out he’s planning a trip to Las Vegas in September, they might raise an eyebrow or two.

After all, Las Vegas bills itself as the entertainment capital of the world and is famous for its casino resorts, bright lights and entertainment.

But fear not. If CPL Hughes hits any table in the Nevada desert, it’s likely to be a remedial massage table.

In what came as quite a surprise

even to him, CPL Hughes, of RAAF Base Richmond, has qualified for the world championship half-ironman (1.9km swim, 90km bike ride and a 21km swim) on September 11.

He has already done some research on the internet and is determined it’s going to be tough preparation training through winter – even in relatively mild Sydney.

“It was two degrees here yesterday morning and it’s going to be 35 degrees-plus in the Nevada desert at that time of year,” he said.

Continued

GUNNING FOR THE

OLYMPICS

Page 26

Page 26

TRUE GRIT: CPL Pete Hughes on the run and, inset, on the bike. Main photo: AB Alan Lancaster

AGONY AND THE ECSTASY FOR ADF

IRONMAN TRIATHLON

CHAMP – PAGE 27

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