AIRF RCEVol. 58, No. 20, November 3, 2016 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

A Hornet has its landing gear down ready for landing at RMAF Butterworth during Exercise Bersama Lima. Photo: SGT Andrew Eddie

We rise to the Bersama Lima

challenge

LIFT-OUT

POWER OF FIVE

Townsville air show – Lift-outWilliamtown JSF milestone – Page 3

2 November 3, 2016RCEAIR FNews

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RCEAIR F

Living the Air Force Values: RESPECT – EXCELLENCE – AGILITY – DEDICATION – INTEGRITY – TEAMWORK

Eamon Hamilton

A C-27J SPARTAN has carried an unusual load early in its career with Air Force in the form of four fur seals from Sea World.

The No. 35 Squadron crew flew to Coolangatta Airport in Queensland on October 12 and loaded the four seals along with accompanying Sea World employees.

They were then transported to Moruya Airport on the south coast of NSW, where the seals were released into their natural habitat.

Mitchell Leroy, curator for Mammals and Birds with Sea World, said the fur seals were juveniles that had survived being separated from their home colony during the bad weather down Australia’s eastern seaboard several months ago.

“That seems to have caused a lot of very young fur seals to be washed away from their colonies,” he said.

“When they came onto the beach, they were very emaciated.”

The four seals were survivors of a larger group, the remainder of which would have been unable to survive in the unfamiliar Queensland habitat.

“These animals were no longer able to hunt for themselves, so they needed to come into care,” Mr Leroy said.

“We’ve looked after them for sev-eral months, given them a lot of vet-erinary care and a lot of food.

“Now they’ve grown, they’ve put on a lot of weight and it’s time for them to go home.”

The seals needed to be released in a cooler climate, prompting Sea World to approach Air Force for an airlift.

Air Force has previously worked with Sea World to transport a polar bear late last year and a dugong early this year.

Transporting the fur seals by road

or other transport would likely have proven too stressful for the animals.

“Air Force got us directly to Moruya. There were no intercon-necting flights and we didn’t have to move them from one aircraft to another,” Mr Leroy said.

“The next step was taking them to Montague Island, where they could rejoin a colony.”

Logistics officer for the Air Mobility Control Centre FLGOFF Sarah Fraser said Sea World had asked Air Force to carry the fur seals when a convenient opportunity arose.

“We were able to utilise training flying hours to conduct this mission,” she said.

While not a normal load for the Spartan, the fur seals posed little dif-ficulty for the crew.

“The seals were very easy to carry, and very good passengers,” FLGOFF Fraser said.

“They were in plastic contain-

ers, similar to what you would take a cat or a dog in, and we just strapped them to the floor, just like another piece of cargo.”

Fitted by Sea World with tran-sponders, the fur seals will now pro-vide a picture of their movements and habits in the wild.

The Director of the C-27J transi-tion team, GPCAPT Jim Ghee, said the unconventional task illustrated the flexibility of the Spartan.

“Flying into airfields like Moruya is why we have the Spartan,” GPCAPT Ghee said.

“Airfields with short runways and limited parking space are lit-tered throughout Australia and the local region, and require a smaller transport aircraft that can still deliver larger loads.

“This is an important opportunity for 35SQN to support the civil com-munity with the Spartan.”

FLGOFF Kate Stephens

INSPIRED by his love of aviation and all things fast, David Song has spent more than a year creating a special No. 3 Squadron F/A-18A/B Hornet edition of the high-perfor-mance Italian motorcycle the MV Agusta F4.

The modified MV Agusta has been trans-formed to sport the gun-metal grey of the Hornet and proudly displays the 3SQN eagle and colours.

Mr Song made the journey to Canberra with his motorcycle to meet CAF AIRMSHL Marshal Leo Davies in mid-August.

“I have been a bike enthusiast for a long time. This is a great project that Mr Song has undertaken and builds on the relationship Air Force has with the general public,” AIRMSHL Davies said.

“Mr Song has taken a magnificent Italian machine like the MV Agusta and, with some

positive artwork, turned it into something that depicts what Air Force is about – perfection, modern technology and machinery that allow us to do our job better.”

Mr Song was initially inspired to carry out the project by his passion for the MV Agusta and the history the motorbike shares with military aviation.

“The MV Agusta motorbike has a close tie with the aviation industry, starting as an offshoot of the MV Agusta Aviation Company in 1923,” he said.

“I wanted to continue this tradition and combine my two passions – motorbikes and aviation.

“I have always had a deep respect and fascination with the Air Force. This is my way of honouring the men and women of the Air Force. I feel fortunate to be granted permis-sion for this one-off project.”

Seals of approvalSpartan proves its wider worth by offering furry friends a lift

Eyes on the eagle in a motorbike makeover

35SQN’s WOFFs Randolph Jachimowicz (left) and Steven Burrows help Sea World’s Cath Aitkin load the seals on to a Spartan.Inset: One of the “very good passengers”.Photo: SGT Brett Sherriff

CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies with David Song and the transformed MV Agusta in Canberra.Photo: LACW Katharine Pearson

AIRF RCEVol. 58, No. 20, November 3, 2016 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

A Hornet has its landing gear down ready for landing at RMAF Butterworth during Exercise Bersama Lima. Photo: SGT Andrew Eddie

We rise to the Bersama Lima

challenge

LIFT-OUT

POWER OF FIVE

Townsville air show – Lift-outWilliamtown JSF milestone – Page 3

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3November 3, 2016RCEAIR F News

WGCDR Susan Yates

A MAJOR milestone in the antici-pated arrival of the F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter aircraft took place at RAAF Base Williamtown on September 21 with the opening of the first runway extension designed specifically for the next generation strike fighter aircraft.

The base is undergoing a $1.5 billion upgrade.

Aspects of that upgrade include preparation for the arrival of the first of the 72 JSF aircraft in 2018.

Works began on the runway in May 2015 to extend it from its cur-rent 2438m to 3048m, with the south east runway being extended 340m. Also included in the upgrade is con-struction of a new taxiway, aircraft safety point and approach lighting.

Senior Australian Defence Officer RAAF Base Williamtown AIRCDRE Craig Heap said the pro-ject had been a huge success.

“The runway extension works started in May 2015 and the success of the project has been the result of the collaborative efforts of a number of local department and community agencies. These included Defence, the NACC Project Team, Lend Lease and their contractors, the local council, Newcastle Airport as well as significant consultation with envi-ronmental agencies and the Wormi community” AIRCDRE Heap said.

“The extension will allow the

Runway set for take off

F-35A aircraft to take off without using the afterburner, which will reduce noise impacts to the base and surrounds.”

The first aircraft movement to use the extension was one of Newcastle’s regular passenger transport Dash 8 aircraft on its early morning flight out of the region to Brisbane.

Although RAAF Williamtown is a military airfield, it also serves as the Newcastle and Hunter region’s

main civilian airfield catering for 1.2 million passengers per year.

The final aspect of the full run-way extension involves extending the north-west runway with works expected to be finished mid next year.

The first of the F-35A aircraft will arrive in Australia in 2018 with its first squadron, No. 3 Squadron at Williamtown, operational in 2021.

All 72 aircraft are expected to be fully operational by 2023.

AIRCDRE Craig Heap congratulates Coffey Project Manager Luke Bidaud-Cole on the completion of the south-eastern runway extension as team members SQNLDR Pete Ferris and WGCDR Michael Duggan look on.

CPL Max Bree

AMID the dust, camouflage nets and Bushmaster vehicles of the Army’s 3rd Brigade HQ, a small team of Air Force personnel was tasked with controlling the brigade’s airspace during Exercise Brolga Run.

Their faces thick with cam cream and bodies bulked by armour, the tactical air control party de-conflicted and coordi-nated air activity with land combat from the back of a Bushmaster.

SQNLDR Chris Barnes, the brigade’s air liaison officer, said they were essen-tial for a combined arms operation held at the Townsville Field Training Area from October 8-23

“We can no longer operate on the ‘big sky, small bullet’ theory,” he said.

“We need positive control of all air-craft operating in our airspace.

“From the Army perspective, it was about providing a combat brigade with the ability to bring to bear the full com-bat power of the ADF in support of their combat mission.”

The team of six Air Force personnel was involved in the brigade’s combined arms activity designed to give combat team commanders the opportunity to conduct combined arms training with

things such as armour, artillery and Air Force assets.

SQNLDR Barnes said the team had to be sure aircraft were controlled and wouldn’t collide with high-flying ord-nance.

“That could be movement of air-craft or unmanned aerial systems in the brigade area of operations, and de-confliction of those aircraft with any fires that are being conducted by things like mortars and artillery,” he said.

Air Force personnel not used to field time might struggle to adapt to a tactical field environment, but SQNLDR Barnes said there was good reason for the cam-ouflage and concealment.

“The aim of that is to reduce the pro-file of the headquarters, make it easier to hide and harder to target,” he said.

“It can be a challenge for those who are new to it, especially in the way 3rd Brigade operates. It is a significantly more austere environment.”

Despite the hardships, SQNLDR Barnes said his team members were happy with their situation.

“Morale is pretty high. We get resup-plied regularly and the rations aren’t bad. Quite often you’re far too busy to worry about the conditions you’re sleeping in, you just sleep regardless,.” he said.

FLGOFF Bree Twigger and SQNLDR Chris Barnes were part of the tactical air control party during Exercise Brolga run. Photo: CPL Max Bree

Combined arms operation looks at the big picture

Extension marks milestone in F-35A arrivals

The runway extension at RAAF Base Williamtown brings the arrival of the F-35As one step closer. Photos: PLTOFF Mark Friend

DefenceMAG A Z I N E

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The magazine details organisational and public sector change and its impact on Defence staff, and provides general information to assist Defence employees in their day to day work and enhance their understanding of the organisation.

Defence is available in print and online. Email for print subscriptions to Defence adresses or register online for your E-copy.Now also available via an app. Search for Defence Magazine Australia in the app store for Apple or Google Play for Android devices.

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Issue 3 2016 out soon

4 November 3, 2016RCEAIR FNews

RSL centenaryTHE RSL will celebrate its centenary and its contribution to Australia’s veteran community with a concert aboard HMAS Canberra on Sydney Harbour on December 8. This fully catered event, with performances from Kasey Chambers, Archie Roach, Anne Kirkpatrick, Eric Bogle, Fred Smith, The Stilettos, the RAN Band and Sing Australia, will be hosted by Ian Leslie and Erin Molan. The event will profile the latest footage from the Veterans’ Film Festival and Mel Gibson’s film Hacksaw Ridge, and will showcase the pho-tographic work undertaken by the Australian Institute of Professional Photographers’ Reflections of WWII project. Celebrity crick-eters from Cricket Australia will host activi-ties on board and attendees will receive a limited-edition Great War replica soldier bag from the Military Shop containing an RSL Centenary Proof Medallion, keyring and a variety of gifts from sponsors and support-ers. Tickets are available from Ticketek at http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=RSLANNIV16

Indigenous history exhibitionTHE Australian War Memorial, in conjunction with the Air Force Elder and the Air Force Diversity and Inclusion Section, has launched an exhibition displaying indigenous history in the ADF, with some RAAF aspects. The new exhibition, For Country, for Nation, is designed to commemorate indigenous ser-vicemen and women. The exhibition has six different themes designed to tell the story of Australia’s indigenous service history through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s perspective, and with multiple stories shared through first-person voice. More information is available at https://www.awm.gov.au/exhibi-tions/country-nation-0/

Time to celebrateA CELEBRATION for No. 37 Squadron’s meritorious unit citation will be held at RAAF Richmond on November 25. Past and serv-ing personnel are invited to attend a bar-becue, where the insignia with Federation Star will be presented to members who have been deemed eligible. The point of contact for the event is FLGOFF Kymberlie Morritt and people can RSVP for the event, includ-ing payment of $7 for the barbecue, through https://www.trybooking.com/240012. The unit citation will be officially presented at Government House on November 8.

Employment pathwaysTHE Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, Dan Tehan, has called on the private sector to explore pathways to provide veter-ans with employment opportunities. Mr Tehan launched a pilot training program for veterans in Canberra on October 17. It is run by tech-nology company ServiceNow and ex-service organisation Soldier On. He said the col-laboration between the organisations was an example of how the private sector could use the skills of former ADF personnel.

IN BRIEF

SQNLDR Sean Watson

THE future has just come a little closer, if an augmented reality visualisation (ARV) demon-stration at Russell on October 25 is anything to go by.

The event highlighted the potential Defence applications of ARV through a demonstration of holographic software developed by Saab Australia and the Microsoft HoloLens.

It was conducted as an initiative of Jericho Dawn, in collaboration with Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) and Saab Australia.

Resembling a cross between normal reading glasses and ski goggles, the HoloLens is a com-mercial, untethered and self-contained wearable device that allows a user to visualise holograph-ic images and participate in ARV.

DSTG scientist and team leader Kevin McDonald said augmented reality technology was evolving and the demonstration aimed to increase awareness and interest in how ARV could be adapted for future Defence applica-tions, “either for planning or training”.

“Specifically, the scenario and simulations explored [during the demonstration] show the utility this technology can have on our deci-sion-making models and behaviour in certain situations, and how they can shape and aid our responses to threats,” he said.

More than 50 Defence and industry personal attended the invitation-only event and partici-pated in various ARV simulations.

Trying the technology for the first time, CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies said the adoption and exploitation of technologies such as the HoloLens were part of Air Force’s transition to a fifth-generation fighting force.

“How we communicate, visualise and explore problems and ultimately reach solutions will be heavily influenced by technology such as ARV,” he said.

“It is important that, through initiatives such as Jericho Dawn, Air Force continues to innovate and adapt to evolving technologies to ensure we grow the skills and experience to shape them to our needs.”

Jericho Dawn and DSTG are providing seed funding for Saab Australia – which is a

Microsoft partner for the development of appli-cations for use with the HoloLens – to design tools for DSTG to demonstrate the future of this capability for Air Force.

For the director of Plan Jericho, GPCAPT Pete Mitchell, the success of Jericho and tech-nologies such as HoloLens depended on a care-ful balance between imagination and innovation.

“The future could be stated as either limitless or limited by your imagination,” he said.

“ARV is a rapidly emerging technology with possible applications in fields as diverse and far ranging as medical science, research, chemistry, training, education and remote industry applica-tion – to name just a few possibilities.

“It is our job to explore the possibilities ARV can afford Air Force and this demonstration is one step in examining this potential.

“As ARV applications become more com-mercial and mainstream, we expect this potential to grow exponentially.”

For further Plan Jericho information, visit http://www.airforce.gov.au/Technology/Plan-Jericho/?RAAF-CrI57877JHUU/bo9YoJ64qWYIO7G/14Q

High-tech lens brings potential of imagination and innovation into focus

View of the future

A digital depiction of how the HoloLens might work in a

Defence scenario.Image: Supplied by SAAB Australia

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5November 3, 2016RCEAIR F News

Eamon Hamilton

A THIRD C-27J for No. 35 Squadron arrived at RAAF Base Richmond on October 18.

GPCAPT Jim Ghee, director of the C-27J Transition Team, said the latest aircraft would help bring 35SQN and the Spartan to initial operating capabil-ity (IOC) by the end of the year.

“With three Spartans at Richmond, there’s additional scope for us to com-plete test and evaluation activities, as

well as conduct routine training by 35SQN,” GPCAPT Ghee said.

“Recent milestones have included Exercise Surfrider at the Woomera Test Range, where the aircraft’s elec-tronic warfare self-protection systems were assessed by the Air Warfare Centre.”

Other trials under way include aeri-al delivery of different cargo loads.

A fourth Spartan is expected in Australia by December.

“As more aircraft are delivered

and more roles are cleared, there will be greater scope for Defence units to be exposed to the Spartan,” GPCAPT Ghee said.

“There’s significant potential for 35SQN to support units at events like Exercises Hamel and Talisman Sabre in ways that have not been available before.

“Exposing units to the Spartan on these operations will assist in how we task, plan and operate the Spartan into the future.”

In 35SQN service, the Spartan is expected to be operated largely from austere airfields too small for larger airlifters, directly supporting deployed commanders.

Such airfields are a far cry from the third Spartan’s delivery flight to Australia, which began in Texas and included stops in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Previous aircraft arrived via a route that took them through Alaska, Japan and Guam. A C-130J was required to

travel in support. The delivery of the third aircraft was conducted solo and the route allowed it to visit major for-eign airlift bases, GPCAPT Ghee said.

“Delivery included stops at RAF Brize Norton in England, and the Italian Air Force’s own Spartan base in Pisa,” he said.

“The Spartan also stopped at Australia’s main support base in the Middle East, where our Air Mobility Task Element is based.”

Three’s a welcome crowd

SQNLDR Bruce Chalmers

A TEAM of six from the Australian War Memorial (AWM) and the ADF spent time with the Air Task Group in the Middle East region while it recorded contemporary experiences of Australians serving overseas.

The team went to different loca-tions, including Australia’s main operating air base, identifying artefacts and capturing the 24-hour lifecycle of modern deployment through interviews and photography.

Australian Army History Unit member LTCOL Luke Carroll said the team combined the skills and knowledge of civilian AWM staff and ADF members from the Australian Army History Unit and Air Force’s newly established History and Heritage Branch.

“The tour focused on record-ing for posterity the contemporary experiences and perspectives of

Australians serving in the Middle East region,” LTCOL Carroll said.

The material gath-ered will become part of the AWM’s National Collection, which tells the story of Australia’s defence forces and its place in history. Material collected by Defence’s history and heritage teams is also important to service identity.

“Everywhere we went, we encountered mission focus, a com-mitment to team goals, and a generosity of spirit and consideration that was reflected in the way that people shared their stories, their expertise and their time,” LTCOL Carroll said.

While embedded with the Air Task Group for a week, the team

observed the work of the F/A-18A squadron, attended pre-mission briefings for the KC-30A multi-role tanker transport squadron, and inter-viewed deployed members.

After a solo journey, third Spartan lands at Richmond and fourth is on its way

Captured for posterity

AWM staff Garth O’Connell (left) and Steve Burton record the stencilling on a Hornet at Australia’s main operating air base in the Middle East. Photo: SGT William Guthrie

35SQN aircrew, technicians and operational support personnel on the flightline at RAAF Base Richmond with the latest C-27J Spartan.Photo: Eamon Hamilton

6 November 3, 2016RCEAIR FNews

FOR FLTLT Rob Jackson, the presenta-tion of his Federation Star for 40 years’ service was a chance to recognise the support of his family and reflect on how Defence has changed in four decades.

“Forty years sounds like a long time, but it hasn’t really been that long,” FLTLT Jackson, who initially joined up as an Army apprentice, said.

“It goes quite quickly and I’ve done many different jobs. I’ve travelled around Australia four times and met a lot of wonderful people.

“I’d like to thank my wife. She has been on this journey with me. My whole family has supported me. One of the things that makes being in Defence a joy is when your family supports you.

“The Air Force has changed quite a lot. The ADF as a whole has changed, mostly for the better. Overall, it’s a far better place to be these days.”

CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies said it was important to recognise extended ser-vice by Air Force members.

“This milestone is testament to your staunch commitment to both the Air Force and the role it plays in our nation’s security,” he said.

“For those folks who joined after January 1976, even we have seen a sig-nificant change in what the ADF offers, and, more particularly, what the RAAF offers …we’ve come a long way.”

40 years of change

THE Governor of South Australia, Hieu Van Le (left), presented WOFF Lawrie Best, from 3SECFOR, with the Federation Star that recognised 40 years of distinguished service, during a visit to RAAF Base Edinburgh.

WOFF Best joined the RAAF in 1976 and has served in 35 separate units in the course of his RAAF career. He was promoted to warrant officer in 1993 and did operational tours of East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Photo: CPL Craig Barrett

Award for Best

CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies presents FLTLT Rob Jackson with his Federation Star.

SIX Air Force personnel provided vital sup-port to a multinational medical and human-itarian assistance disaster relief exercise in Thailand in September.

They were among 13 ADF personnel, plus a New Zealand exchange officer, in the Australian Services Contingent that took part in the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM)-Plus exercise, known as AM-HEx 16, in Chon Buri Province and Bangkok.

The Air Force team included CO No. 65 Squadron WGCDR Justin Cockroft, WGCDR Gerard Cunningham, of HQJOC, SQNLDR Matthew Lee, of 95 Wing, SQNLDR Anna-Lisa Hernan and FLTLT Ben James, of No. 3 Aero-Medical Evacuation Squadron, and FLGOFF Annabelle Hill, of No. 27 Squadron.

C o m m a n d e r A u s t r a l i a n S e r v i c e s Contingent WGCDR Justin Cockroft said the exercise was an opportunity to observe and contribute to a multinational control cen-tre (MNCC), and demonstrated Australia’s commitment to a stable and secure region.

“The purpose of Australia’s participation in AM-HEx 16 was to strengthen cooperation and interoperability between the 18 ADMM-Plus nations,” he said.

AM-HEx 16 involved force integration

training and command post and field training demonstrations.

“Air Force personnel supported different command post structures during the exercise and gained a wealth of experience in military support to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations,” WGCDR Cockroft said.

The exercise was hosted by Thailand and co-chaired by Japan, Russia and Laos, with participation from all 10 ADMM nations and eight “plus” nations.

The AM-HEx 16 scenario was based on a multinational response to a 9.0-magnitude earthquake in the Gulf of Thailand, primarily affecting the notional state of Tharulja. This was followed by aftershocks and a tsunami.

The resulting loss was estimated at 50,000 casualties, 200,000 internally displaced peo-ple, 2000 people unaccounted for and cata-strophic damage to infrastructure.

WGCDR Cockroft said the Australians also participated in a parade to open the exercise and in a sports day to close it.

“Australia’s contribution to the ‘Plus’ sport-ing team helped bring home the tug-of-war trophy, despite the rope suffering catastrophic failure with a clean break during the second round, and a collegiate 3-3 tie in the soccer.”

Coping with catastropheOur important part in major relief exercise

Above: FLTLT Ben James, from 3AME, helps the US team carry a casualty at U-Tupao airport in Thailand.Left: Air Force’s FLGOFF Annabelle Hill participates in the AM-HEx 16 opening ceremony in Chon Buri, Thailand.

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7November 3, 2016RCEAIR F News

Eamon Hamilton

THE FIRST batch of loadmaster trainees to be recruited from outside Defence have started their training at Air Mobility Group (AMG).

Previously, all RAAF loadmasters have remustered from another career within Defence, or come from a foreign Air Force as a lateral recruit.

In early 2016, Defence Force Recruiting (DFR) took on five general-entry candidates, opening another path for people to become a Loadmaster.

On graduation from No. 1 Recruit Training Unit, these trainees joined up with six other remuster trainees and have been posted directly to operation-al units within AMG to conduct their initial employment training.

Of the five general-entry trainees, two have been selected to crew the C-17A at No. 36 Squadron, and anoth-er on the C-27J at No. 35 Squadron. The remaining two will join No. 33 Squadron, where they will work on the KC-30A conducting air-to-air refuelling operations.

The five candidates who began their Airman Aircrew Initial Course at RAAF Base Richmond on September 26 were all attracted to similar aspects of the job.

For SGT Daniel Saunders, the opportunity to travel was a strong draw.

“I’ve been told by people that it was the best job in Defence,” SGT Saunders said.

“People told me if they had their time again, they’d do it again. That was what drew me to it.”

SGT Madison Parsons was already applying for another career through DFR when Loadmaster was made available.

“The humanitarian side was what drew me to it,” SGT Parsons said.

“I found out a lot from my dad who is in the RAAF and having seen him do these things and go to interesting places.”

Loadmasters training on the KC-30A will have the unique responsibility of also learning to operate the aircraft’s air-to-air refuelling console.

That includes the hose-and-drogue refuelling drogues and the 18m long refuelling boom.

SGT Daniel Jorgensen, who will join 33SQN, is excited by the prospect.

“I was offered KC-30A loadmaster while at recruits, and I think it’s going to be awesome,” SGT Jorgensen said.

“I wanted a stable career path I could do until I retire.”

Once the members of the group complete Airman Aircrew Initial Course, they’ll train in aviation medi-cine, dangerous goods, combat survival and loadmaster basic course.

Afterwards, they’ll conduct their specific aircraft conversion course before graduating and being awarded a loadmaster brevet.

More general-entry loadmaster can-didates are currently at 1RTU and are due to graduate in late 2016. Serving members can also continue to apply for remuster through the existing applica-tion process.

More information about loadmaster training is available from www.defencejobs.gov.au/airforce/jobs/Loadmaster/. Information for remuster to loadmaster will be posted to http://drnet.defence.gov.au/raaf/DPAF/SEAT/Pages/EOI_s.aspx

SQNLDR Bruce Chalmers

THEY are two vastly different aircraft, with perhaps only the paint job showing any similar-ity, but maintenance on Australia’s KC-30A refuelling aircraft is neces-sary for their continued support of our F/A-18A Hornets in the skies over Iraq and Syria.

Airworthiness compliance of the KC-30A allows it to fly its critical missions to refuel our fighter jets as they operate in coalition missions against Daesh.

Aircraft technician CPL Toby Nuskey, of No. 33 Squadron, said maintenance extended beyond engines, landing gear and hose-and-drogue refuelling parts.

“We have to service everything that you find on the A330 aircraft flying with the commercial airlines as well as the military specific com-ponents of the aeroplane,” CPL Nuske said.

CPL Nuske is one of the main-tainers working at Australia’s main operating air base in the Middle East, keeping Australia’s fleet of deployed assets in top condition.

“In theatre we operate differ-ently,” he said.

“We have to think on our feet, be innovative and, while we are well resourced, naturally we do not carry the amount of spares in thea-tre as we do at home.

“This means new challenges in prioritising systems and workload to ensure we keep our aircraft fly-ing, which in turn ensures that we are available to support our F/A-18A Hornets involved in their vital missions in Iraq and Syria.

“Today we may only be check-ing the passenger oxygen systems, but every system in the aircraft is as important as another in maintaining airworthiness.

“I am really thrilled and proud that I am able to practise my skills in this real world application on deployment.

“While exercises ready you for the task, actually being here doing it brings it all together and delivers so much job satisfaction.”

Air Task Group KC-30A detach-ment commander SQNLDR Paul Taylor agreed that maintenance was

vital in keeping the mission success rate.

“Scheduled services are the best way of avoiding unscheduled ser-vices. We take our airworthiness requirements very seriously. That is because if we are not airworthy we cannot fly,” he said.

“Since the KC-30A is a multi-role tanker transport, at any time we could be called upon to transport up to 270 passengers. To achieve that capability, we need to ensure all of the aircraft systems are maintained.

“The oxygen system is just one of many systems that must meet airworthiness requirements for the aircraft to fly.

“It is doing the scheduled main-tenance on time that prevents break-downs or failures on operations and that is why we have been able to deliver a 96 per cent mission suc-cess rate to the Air Task Group to support it in its role in the Middle East Region,” he said.

The KC-30A refuels Australian F/A-18A, the E7 Wedgetail and coalition aircraft involved in Operation Okra.

SQNLDR Bruce Chalmers

COMMANDER Air Task Group AIRCDRE Philip Gordon has overseen the Takeover of Authority ceremony of Number 2 Squadron’s Wedgetail capability at Australia’s main logistics base in the Middle East region.

The highly regarded E-7A Wedgetail capability continued to build on the reputation for excel-lence it has attained since coming into operation with its cutting edge technology and highly qualified and dedicated aircrew and ground sup-port teams.

Outgoing Commander Task Element 630.1.2 SQNLDR Will Hipps said he was proud to have aircrew flying when needed and to have seen the improvements in oper-

ational tasks over the deployment.“While some of the improve-

ments were minor, they were quite significant improvements in the way we conduct our business and our tech-nical acumen as well, especially with connectivity,” SQNLDR Hipps said.

“We’ve taken systems and improved their performance through flexible and agile-minded aircrew and ground staff and even though the aircraft is at the leading edge of airborne command and control aircraft, the E-7A Wedgetail will still allow our aircrew and ground staff to discover new capabilities we hadn’t even imagined.

“I like to call it expanding capability through pebble building, making those minor changes over time, which collectively makes an avalanche.

“The key to the success of the E-7A Wedgetail is its ability to interact with our own and coalition partner assets so it’s not just a mat-ter of Australia having this latest technology, but the ability to bring it to our coalition stakeholders.”

SQNLDR Hipps said he had learnt a lot on deployment.

“I feel that I have grown as a per-son in this role and I have come to understand what my CO has to face every day,” SQNLDR Hipps said.

“It has been a pleasure to watch the aircrew and ground staff achieve the way they have during this rota-tion,” he said.

SQNLDR Simon Freer took up the task of Commander Task Element 630.1.2 Rotation 8.

Safety all in a day’s work

Aircraft Technician CPL Toby Nuske maintains the emergency oxygen system on board the KC-30A as part of scheduled servicing. Photo: CPL David Gibbs

Change of teams for Wedgetails

No mustering of these masters

Loadmaster trainees at the beginning of their Airman Aircrew Training at RAAF Base Richmond.

Photo: CPL Oliver Carter

Aircraft maintainers think on their feet in the Middle East

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8 November 3, 2016RCEAIR FNews

Out of the frying pan …

FLTLT Adam puts his F/A-18 Hornet through a 10-minute handling display above the Mount Panorama circuit at Bathurst.Photo: SGT Brett Sherriff

9November 3, 2016RCEAIR F News

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FROM one fast seat to another, Hornet pilots from RAAF Base Williamtown swapped the cockpit for a seat in a V8 Supercar during the annual Bathurst 1000.

Over four days, the pilots met some of the best drivers in the world, comparing the difference between fast cars and fast jets and viewing the technology that drives Supercar engines up to speeds exceeding 280km/h.

With these speeds in mind, No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit pilot FLTLT Adam upped the speed and thrilled racego-ers with two handling displays in the sky above Mount Panorama with a number of flypasts down the straight at over 550 knots per hour (more than 1000km/h).

Supercars commentator and former race driver Cameron van den Dungen said it was the most awesome thing he had seen.

“I think they ducked in the control tower,” he said after the first flypast.

FLTLT Adam said it was good to get down on the ground for the first time and meet drivers and spectators.

“The drivers were great and really open to showing us around the cars,” he said.

“It obviously looks very different on the ground than when I am flying over and there is such a great atmosphere to the event that it really made being there a memorable experience.”

For 2OCU pilot SQNLDR Mark, get-ting into Jamie Whincup’s number one poll-positioned Red Bull Racing Australia Supercar on race day was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“It’s like getting an exclusive insight into what Whincup’s view of the track might be like,” he said.

The driver’s seat was not too different from his cockpit, except “maybe a little more comfortable than I’m used to”.

Before the main race, six-time Bathurst champion Craig Lowndes welcomed the Air Force into his garage.

“We are travelling well today and am very positive about the race,” he said.

“It’s great to see you guys and the Hornet was amazing.”

The pilots also met drivers Renee Gracie, Fabian Coulthard, Chaz Mostert, Lee Holdsworth and Karl Reindler.

Navy Bell 429 helicopter pilots LEUTs Tom Corlis, Michael Regan and James “Jimmy” Lovell, and SBLT Aviation Warfare Officer Brendan Scholfield, from No. 723 Squadron, joined Air Force pilots for a personal tour of the Preston Hire Racing facilities with Karl Reindler.

They took part in a detailed discussion on the differences in equipment and cloth-ing required in Supercar driving compared to those used in the air.

LEUT Corlis said pilots, like Supercar drivers, required a deep understanding of their machines “and Karl was kind enough to give us a really in-depth tour of the car, garage and trailer – something we all got a great deal from”.

“Karl drew multiple comparisons between our jobs, and even our machines. Anything that didn’t value add to the per-formance of the car was removed, demon-strating to me exactly how disciplined and competitive the sport is,” he said.

The F/A-18A Hornets and Roulettes also turned on their stuff at the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island, from October 21-23.

Air Force is an official partner of the grand prix, which is one of the largest pub-lic events held in Australia.

As part of the Supergirls team, Renee Gracie is one of two women drivers on the V8 Supercar circuit.

Gracie met Hornet pilot FLTLT Adam after a morning practice round at Bathurst and the two of them swapped stories about racing and flying.

“Being a female driver is no dif-ferent to what the boys do when we are out there,” she said.

“We rely on technology and machinery much like the pilots do but I couldn’t imagine what it’s like to fly a jet. I would give being a fighter pilot a crack, if given the chance. I think I would be fine with the acceleration. I like to go fast.”

… and into the fire, as pilots swap hot seats during appearances at two high-octane events

F/A-18 pilots (from left) SQNLDRs Mark and Phil, and FLTLT Adam visit

the Repsol Honda Team garage at the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix.Below: The Roulettes turn it on at

Phillip Island.Photos: SGT Murray Staff

SQNLDR Mark with Red Bull Racing Car 88’s number one mechanic, Ty Freele.Photo: SGT Brett Sherriff

FLTLT Adam with Harvey Norman Supergirls Team

members Renee Gracie and Simona De Silvestro (in car)

at Bathurst.Photo: SGT Brett Sherriff

‘I would give being a fighter pilot a crack’

10 November 3, 2016RCEAIR FNews

Opportunities for changeKatharine Martin and Kimiah Alberts

THE Defence Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Network (DATSIN) conference was held in Canberra on October 5-6.

Ngunnawal Elder Aunty Agnes Shea delivered the Welcome to Country to about 230 delegates from across the country at the beginning of the conference, the theme of which was Change. Challenge. Opportunity.

The conference was facilitated by a Dunghutti man from Kempsey, NSW, Norm Laing, who served in the Army from 1995-2002 and was one of the first indigenous graduates of a Bachelor of Law.

Now the independent chair of the Cultural Advisory Group for the Directorate of Indigenous Affairs, Mr Laing said it was important indigenous personnel knew they had a lot of support.

“There is no better time to be an indigenous person in Defence, in history,” he said.

“This is because of the programs and pathways available to not only enter the ADF, but to also have a long career in the ADF or APS.”

VCDF VADM Ray Griggs attended the confer-ence and said diversity was a capability issue.

“The more tolerant, inclusive and diverse we are, the more we can harness the different expe-riences and perspectives of each individual to strengthen our organisation,” he said.

The conference also provided an opportunity for DATSIN members to discuss the development of regional chapters in each state and territory.

The development of the chapters will allow the network to function more effectively across Defence.

For more information, visit http://drnet.defence.gov.au/People/Diversity/Indigenous-Affairs/Pages/Defence-Aboriginal-and-Torres-Strait-Islander-Network-National.aspx

CPL Max Bree

ARMY and Air Force will look forward to new technologies and systems as a way to improve their interoperability and joint fusion after talks during the Air Land Symposium at HMAS Penguin in September.

The symposium gathered about 80 person-nel from all three services, VCDF Group and HQJOC to discuss air-land integration and gen-erate a joint air-land concept for employment.

They focused on understanding how Army, Air Force and Navy could integrate new capa-bilities and operate more effectively together across the three environmental domains as well as space and cyber operating environments.

It’s hoped this will be done by integrating things such as UAVs, electronic warfare, infor-mation operations and other new technologies into joint fires and effects.

The symposium included presentations from areas including Air Force, Navy, HQ 1 Div, Air Mobility Group, 16th Air Land Regiment and 20th Surveillance and Target Acquisition Regiment.

COL Ian Langford, of HQ FORCOMD, said the symposium aimed to improve the fusion of joint capabilities in the air/land envi-ronment.

“The future ADF will increasingly have access to the type of technology that will more fulsomely integrate all aspects of air and land environments. In future, we’ll see a far more capable ADF that’s a truly joint force,” he said.

“We will have improved early warning sys-tems using new and diverse platforms that

include air warfare destroyers as well as fifth generation fighters integrated with kinetic and non-kinetic assets on the ground.”

Developments from the symposium would also be especially useful for joint targeteers, including JTACs, according to COL Langford.

“It will mean a better understanding about

how to integrate with the common air picture, as well as how to understand and better employ offensive and ISR assets that act in support of the joint land force,” he said.

Air-land symposiums will now be held each year to keep up with developments in technol-ogy and operational experience.

Integration talks

BDR Mitchell Watson conducts training on the ROVER device with FLTLT Gerard Bonaventura during Exercise Black Dagger. An annual land-air symposium will continue to look at developments in technology for interoperability. Photo CPL Shannon McCarthy

Annual symposium on land-air assets established to discuss interoperability

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11November 3, 2016RCEAIR F News

AIR Force’s FLTLT Todd “Woody” Woodford has become the first for-eign exchange officer to graduate from the Growler course at the US Navy’s (USN) Airborne Electronic Attack Weapons School, HAVOC, in Nevada.

FLTLT Woodford also received the prestigious Commander Louis “Seadog” Fodor Memorial Award for his outstanding leadership with-in his host squadron, the USN’s VAQ-135, otherwise known as the Black Ravens.

HAVOC is the airborne elec-tronic attack (AEA) equivalent to the US Navy’s Fighter Weapons School (“Topgun”) and the RAAF’s Air Warfare Instructor Course.

HAVOC graduates are known as Growler tactics instructors and per-form duties comparable to RAAF fighter combat instructors for the EA-18G Growler. Air Force will be the only operator of the Growler apart from the USN.

WGCDR Taffie Smith, Deputy Director EA-18G Growler Transition Office at RAAF Base Amberley, said the HAVOC course had given FLTLT Woodford exper-tise in the airborne electronic attack mission “which is an essential part of the new Growler capability”.

“HAVOC enables unprecedent-ed access to the significant experi-ence the USN has gained from operating various AEA aircraft over several decades,” he said.

“Woody will pass this knowl-edge on to new Australian Growler crews by developing realistic train-ing packages. He will also play a key role in integrating the Growler into the RAAF and wider ADF in order to achieve initial operating capability in 2018.”

FLTLT Woodford will deploy again with VAQ-135 before returning to the RAAF as No. 6 Squadron’s first EA-18G GTI pilot.

“Woody didn’t have much time to rest. After graduation and

receiving the leadership award he returned to an operational expedi-tionary squadron where he can pay back, in part, the USN by mentor-ing their junior aircrew,” WGCDR Smith said.

FLTLT Woodford is one of six Air Force pilots and electronic war-fare officers (EWOs) who started exchange duties with USN Growler squadrons in 2014. One of the EWOs is doing the HAVOC course.

WGCDR Smith said HAVOC participation was an example of the “unique integration opportunities” arising from the close relationship between the two services.

“Air Force aircrew have filled various roles ranging from instruct-ing at the Growler school through to deploying with expeditionary squadrons,” he said.

Most of the aircrew will soon transfer back to 6SQN, which will continue to operate out of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island before returning to Australia in June.

Our first Growler grad Australian pilot makes history

at HAVOC in important step for EA-18G program

An US Navy EA-18G Growler in flight; and FLTLT Todd

Woodford (centre) receives the

Commander Louis “Seadog” Fodor

Memorial Award for leadership at the Electronic Attack

Ball in September.Main photo: CPL Veronica

O’Hara

12 13RCEAIR FCentrepiece November 3, 2016

‘It has been very satisfying just seeing people shine in their roles. WGCDR Peter Noake OC CSU15

WORKING AS ONE IS NO SWEAT

THE ability to pull together as one team in a short time was the defining feature of Combat Support Unit (CSU) 15, which has completed its operational rotation in the Middle East region.

CO CSU15 WGCDR Peter Noake said he was impressed by how the 195 personnel from more than 40 units bonded together so quickly.

They were drawn from more than 35 musterings or specialisations across the Australian Defence Organisation (ADO), and about 17 per cent were Air Force reserve personnel.

“I like to refer to us as one team because we are part of the team getting and keeping the F/A-18A Hornets in the air,” WGCDR Noake said.

“To see the members come togeth-er and work as a team, delivering the results they have, has impressed me.”

He said the unit was responsible for everything from optimising the sup-ply chain and getting local contractors onto the base smoothly for resupply or maintenance to health support and organising accommodation to make movement in and out more efficient.

“We have only been here for two years at the main operating air base and it was stood up quickly so it was necessarily austere,” WCGDR Noake said.

“Now, however, we are starting to look at more permanent infrastruc-ture to support Air Task Group (ATG) activities.”

CSU15’s main effort was the provi-sion of air base operations and aviation operational support to Air Mobility Task Group (AMTG) and ATG at Australia’s main operating bases in the Middle East.

This included a dedicated host nation liaison officer (HNLO) and visa coordination functions to man-age immigration and the movement of ADO personnel throughout the region.

Some of the key achievements were improving aircraft security, air move-ments, logistics such as reducing stock to free up valuable floor space, and aero medical evacuation operations.

Supporting ATG, the CSU15 pro-ject management team joined with the logistics team and the HNLO, among others, to help the host nation develop

a site for an air maintenance facility.WGCDR Noake said it was this

excellent teamwork that resulted in the aircraft maintenance crews being able to maintain aircraft out of the heat.

“This leads to increased productiv-ity, enhanced capability and the real-

ity of aircraft being mission ready,” WGCDR Noake said.

“But it’s not just about big projects. It is also about a lot of smaller projects which, added together, make a big dif-ference.

“And we are all here to support the air power that Air Force delivers,” he said.

WGCDR Noake said he referred to his members as Team CSU.

“We have a diverse organisation with views and experience from which we can leverage knowledge and abil-ity,” he said.

“It has been very satisfying just seeing people shine in their roles. A lot of junior airmen and officers have really stepped up.”

CSU15 worked closely with Australia’s coalition partners, in par-ticular the New Zealand Defence Force, to support the Anzac AMTG (C-130s), provide combined air load teams and aircraft security operations.

CSU15 continued with the legacy of previous rotations and was quick to establish itself as a unit on a mission.

WGCDR Noake handed over com-

mand to CO CSU16 WGCDR Phil Pender and his team on October 7.

WGCDR Pender said his unit would conduct its business with dig-nity and respect, within an inclusive environment.

“We will be innovative in our approach and foster continuous improvement in all we accomplish,” he said.

“I am confident that our choice of conduct and attitude alongside our professional application of skills will continue to protect and enhance the hard-earned reputation of CSU in the Middle East region,” he said.

CSU has operated in the Middle East for more than 13 years, providing air base operations and aviation opera-tions support from Australia’s main logistics base in the region.

While it is force-assigned to Operation Accordion, it also supports other operations across the Middle East, including Okra, Highroad, Manitou, Aslan and Mazurka.

It didn’t take long for 195 personnel from more than 40 units to gel as Team CSU15. CPL Bill Solomou looks back at a successful rotation as a new unit takes over.

TAKING on the challenge of applying for an any airman position in the Middle East region paid off for LACW Amy Patterson.

LACW Patterson, an air surveillance operator from RAAF Base Williamtown, obtained permission from her unit to apply for the role as visa coordination assistant with CSU15.

“The whole process was quick and I was excited about deploying on my first MER opera-tion,” LACW Patterson said.

“The work has been challenging and I have loved every minute of my deployment,” she said.

She is the first female to undertake the posi-tion. Culturally a male domain, it wasn’t clear how the host nation personnel would take to the change.

“It has worked really well. They even offer me a coffee,” LACW Patterson said.

“My replacement is now a female member, so it was exciting to be the first,” she said.

LAC Martin Cooper, a firefighter from RAAF Base Richmond, has completed his first Mid-dle East region deployment.

“The deployment was busy and I experi-enced several incidents that I would not have had back home,” LAC Cooper said.

“Working with the British team and providing training to the local firefighters was rewarding.”

LAC Cooper said he looked forward to returning home and continuing on with his training.

“I will go back to RAAF Base Richmond and conduct training for my next rank,” he said.

“I always wanted to be a firefighter and the deployment has been the icing on the cake.”

WO2 Andrew Hetherington

WHILE deployed in the MER, CSU15 personnel did some heavy lifting for charity.

The charity challenge was the brainchild of SGT Craig Blakeley, who decided his colleagues had what it took to lift 10 million kilograms during their six-month deployment.

“It was a great initiative to raise awareness of breast cancer in both men and women, raise money and build esprit de corps within the unit.”

The unit calculated the total weight by multiply-ing the lift repetitions by the weight of each lift.

SGT Blakeley enjoyed the activity, amassing a personal total of more than 250,000kg.

Before deploying, LACW Zoe Giles had not lifted weights as part of her regular fitness routine.

“I mainly did cardio training and decided to join

the bench press challenge as it was a great cause,” she said.

“The people I work with took me into the gym and taught me the correct technique. Once I started getting into it they saw I was a bit of a threat to their own lifting totals.”

LACW Giles racked up more than 170,000kg.CO CSU15 WGCDR Peter Noake lifted more

than 175,000kg as part of his fitness training.“It was an excellent initiative, as cancer affects

so many people,” he said.“During our deployment one of our people had

to return home to be with her mother, who is affect-ed by cancer. Anything we can do to raise money and awareness is great.”

All proceeds were donated to the McGrath Foundation, which helps fund breast cancer research.

Doing the heavy lifting for a weighty cause

SQNLDR Bruce Chalmers

SHADE in the Middle East is a rare com-modity and, even as the northern winter approaches, a solution to keeping deployed members out of the sun as much as possible was delivered by CSU15 airfield engineers in the form of a pergola extension at the camp recreation tent.

Winter in the Middle East is akin to an Australian summer, and members spend their recreation time having barbecues, following their football teams, or playing board games at the camp recreation tent. They gather in the fresh air under the pergola to enjoy their down time with their colleagues.

An extension to the pergola has allowed a more permanent barbecue structure to be assembled and has given more shade area for larger groups.

Fun out of the sun

CHALLENGE COMES WITH COFFEE

INSPIRED TO FIGHT FIRES

CSU15’s group photo at RAAF Base Amberley before the unit deployed to the Middle East.

LAC Martin Cooper at work in the Middle East.

Photo: CPL Bill Solomou

From left, SGT Craig Blakeley, LACW Zoe Giles and Camp Baird PTI SGT Bryce Madejewski spot for WGCDR Peter Noake as he bench presses for cancer research.Photo: WO2 Andrew Hetherington

LAC Amy Patterson stamps visa applications

in the Middle East.Photo: CPL Bill Solomou

LACs Danny Penfold and Glen Collidge work on the pergola extension at Australia’s main operating air base in the Middle East.Photo: CPL David Gibbs

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15November 3, 2016RCEAIR F Flightline

The Hero Maker By Stephen Dando-Collins402 pagesPenguin Random House RRP $35Reviewer: SGT Dave MorleyAN AUSTRALIAN author whose books outsold James Bond creator Ian Fleming’s books in 1950s Britain has his own story told by well-known Tasmanian historian and biographer Stephen Dando-Collins in his latest book.

The Hero Maker tells the story of Paul Brickhill who went from newspaper copy boy to reporter, Spitfire pilot, POW, post-war journalist and finally a best-selling author.

Brickhill’s books include The Great Escape, The Dam Busters and Reach for the Sky – the story of RAF fighter pilot and POW ‘Tin Legs’ Bader.

All were made into leg-endary movies, which are

among the most popular war films ever made and are still widely watched today.

Brickhill kept compre-hensive notes on The Great Escape when many of his mates were killed after tunnelling their way out of Stalag Luft Three.

He hid those notes in his bedroll as he and his fellow POWs were marched across Germany ahead of the Russian invasion in 1945.

The book also details Brickhill’s life in England, Australia, New Zealand and Italy after the war, working as a journalist in immediate post-war Germany, his tur-bulent marriage and mental-health problems.

Dando-Collins leaves no stone unturned in this gritty warts-and-all account of one of Australia’s greatest, but now largely forgotten authors.

It’s well worth a read, especially for those who grew up on 1950s and ’60s WWII movies.

BOOK REVIEW

AIR FORCE News has two copies of the book to give away to readers. To win a copy, please indicate in 25 words or less why you would like to own the book. Send your entry to competitions@defencenews.gov.au

CO No. 36 Squadron again hosted a base-wide fundraising event on October 13 for Friends with Dignity Australia. In its second year, 15 teams from Air Force, Army and civilian contractors participated in a C-17A Globemaster III tug-of-war competition with Team Broadspectrum overcoming all rivals to cover the 25m in the quickest time.

Friends with Dignity assists men, women and children who are victims of domestic violence. The $6380 raised from the event will go directly to emergency clothing, housing needs and other much-needed resources for displaced victims of domestic violence. Above: FLTLT Craig Gerardini anchors the team from No. 452 Squadron.Left: AC Jayden Butler, of RAAF Security Forces Squadron, leads his team for the fundraising event.Photos: CPL Brenton Kwaterski and CPL Casey Gaul

FSGT Ross Tindale, left, and FLGOFF Mitchell Brown, of No. 11 Squadron, get ready to participate in a 24-hour ice skating session at the Adelaide Ice Skating centre, to raise funds and awareness for the Soldier On organisation. Photo: CPL David Cotton

LAC Benjamin Jordan tests avionics systems in a C-130 Hercules on his first operational deployment with the detachment as part of the Air Mobility Task Group deployed to Camp Baird in the Middle East region. Photo: WO2 Andrew Hetherington

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Toll’s Warranty Scheme changed for removals uplifts fromMarch 2016Toll’s Warranty Scheme now allows for new replacement cover to be applied to items which fallwithinpredefined categories and age limits. In cases where more than minor damage to an item has occurred,members will be supplied with a new replacement item if Toll Transitions determines that repair of the old item isnot economical and the item is eligible for replacement in accordance with a table of age-based item inclusions.Like-for-like replacement or compensation cover will continue to apply to items which fall outside the specifiedage limits.

Not every item that sustains damage will be replaced with a new item or compensation paid at new value. In thefirst instance damaged items will be repaired where practicable and compensation paid for minor damage.

Read Toll’s “Your Defence Relocation Guide” and FAQs available atwww.tolltransitions.com.au/defencefor full details of the Toll Warranty Scheme including the table of age-based inclusions.

Some helpful hints for those on the move• Please advise Toll if you have any change to your contact details.

• Vehicles and towables being freighted are not covered by Toll’s Warranty. Check with your insurer to seeif they are covered while in transit, otherwise you are advised to arrange your own insurance cover.

• Your removal provider will contact you the day prior to pre-pack/uplift to confirm a start time. Thecontracted work hours are from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. Please contact Toll if you are concerned the uplift ordelivery will not be completed within these hours.

• Any request for long term storage, or overflow storage, must be approved by Toll.

• Remember the Toll Transferee Move Plan App gives you easy access to the details of your relocationitinerary and can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and Apple iTunes App store by searching forToll Move Plan. Once downloaded use the same valid username and password you use to access TollTransitions’ website www.tolltransitions.com.au/defence

Don’t delay, submit your AFR and Inventory online today

For more informationFreecall: 1800 819 167

www.tolltransitions.com.au/defence

Relocating? CompleteyourApplication forRelocation (AFR)andInventoryonlinetoday

SEVEN former National Servicemen reunited at RAAF Base Pearce in September to commemorate the 60th anni-versary of their National Service.

In the 1950s RAAF Pearce was home to No. 7 National Service Training Unit, which predominantly trained ground gunners in readiness for the conflict in Korea.

What made these “Nashos” differ-ent is that within a month of beginning initial training on an intake of some 300 recruits, they were selected for pilot training with F Flight, National Service Training Unit , having demon-strated above average aptitude, matu-rity and leadership.

Consequently, 16 young men start-ed initial flight training at Maylands in August 1956.

The host officer for the visit, WGCDR Gareth Neilsen, said the members of F Flight epitomised the concept of military service.

“These gentlemen put their careers on hold and felt fortunate for the opportunity to serve,” WGCDR Neilsen said.

“Their hard work and shared adversities helped to create a sense of teamwork and resulted in enduring friendships.

“They are great role models for today’s aircrew, and it has been a privi-

HistoryRCEAIR F November 3, 2016 17

Nashos reunite 60 years later at RAAF Base Pearce to relive the unique opportunity of pilot training

lege to rekindle their relationship with RAAF Base Pearce.”

Initial pilot training lasted for five months and, on completion, 11 graduates were issued a private pilot’s licence.

National Service afforded them the opportunity to fly various aircraft, including the Tiger Moth, Chipmunk, Wirraway and even the Vampire jet in one case.

In the meantime, Australia’s com-

mitment to the Korean conflict was scaled back, and their “call to arms” was cancelled.

Relieved of further service obliga-tions most returned to their previous vocations. However, the brief period of military life served to boost motivation and instil confidence, inspiring several to develop successful careers in fields as diverse as retail, engineering, infor-mation systems and teaching.

For a few, flying remained in the

blood, with aviation careers pursued with the Citizen’s Air Force, active ser-vice in the RAAF and the RAN Fleet Air Arm or in civil aviation.

More than half a century later the enthusiasm for aviation has not faded.

Camaraderie and banter among them persists with many a story of misadventure in the air recounted and flying jargon fluently spoken.

The tale of when one of their party and his instructor failed to return from

a sortie after crashing their Chipmunk into a pine forest near Bull Creek is recounted with an air of casualness. The wings were torn off at impact and the empennage detached as the crew exited the wreckage. Yet they emerged virtually unscathed – all accepted as if part of a typical day’s work!

During the visit to RAAF Pearce, the “Nashos” undertook flight line tours of both No. 2 Flying Training School and No. 79 Squadron.

Bond lasts a lifetime

Above: Members of F Flight at RAAF Base Pearce (from left) Ian Braslin, Fred Petersen, Graeme Lanham, John Haug, Bruce Campbell, Graham Thomas and Cedric Woods. Left: The full crew in 1956.

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18 November 3, 2016RCEAIR FPersonnel

SERVICE Category 3, 4 and 5 members will again have the oppor-tunity to “opt in” and be considered for promotion from November 15 when the Directorate of Personnel-Air Force releases the 2017 Reserve Promotion Board (PB) targets.

DP-AF GPCAPT Ken Robinson, said Air Force had embraced the Total Workforce Model with Reserve members included in the Air Force officer and Airman PBs.

“Promotion in a different range of SERCATs enable an operation-ally capable workforce and attract and retain members with changing

personal circumstances enhanc-ing our reputation as employer of choice but also staffing Air Force establishment,” he said.

Even though it is anticipated that Reserve PB targets will be con-strained this year, this will enable more effective future Reserve PB target modelling.

Deputy Director Promotions Air Force SQNLDR Ina Schultz advised that reserve members would have until December 15 to “opt in” with a blanket PMET Distance assignment submission extension date until the ‘opt in’

closing date to enable maximum application.

“I urge reserve members to register on ForceNet and visit the DP-AF website to not only under-stand the relevant reserve promo-tion requirements for the 2017 PB series, but also to stay up-to-date with changes in reserve promotion guidelines,” she said.

More information is available at http://drnet.defence.gov.au/raaf/DPAF/Promotions/pages/Promotions.aspx) and at https://www.ForceNet.gov.au/)

Eamon Hamilton

A PROJECT to digitise aircrew records secured Air Mobility Group (AMG) a national award.

From March 2015 to February 2016, all aircrew flying service records (AFSR) within AMG were transferred into electronic form.

The massive undertaking was rec-ognised at the Records and Information Management Professionals Australasia (RIMPA) Gala Awards on September 12.

RIMPA’s J Eddis Linton Award for Implementation was accepted by AMG Information Manager Lyvern Slender, who led the project.

Mrs Slender said the AFSR con-tained aircrew training assessments and competencies, and were used by AMG to manage its aircrew workforce.

“One hundred per cent of our [AFSR] records are now created and managed digitally,” Mrs Slender said.

“This significantly reduces the risk of misplaced AFSR content or AFSR files.”

“Each member’s AFSR file has become accessible ‘on demand’ at all Defence locations by only those with a ‘need to know’.”

This ensures the member’s privacy, while also increasing the AMG execu-tive’s awareness of aircrew competency and capability.

It also prevents a loss of documents

during postings, and increases the effi-ciency of accessing these documents.

“We are required to meet the Australian Government’s Digital Transition agenda and the National Archives Digital Continuity 2020 Policy,” Mrs Slender said.

“The secure destruction of the physi-cal files has freed up 15m of physical storage space at AMG sites.”

“It has also significantly reduced the AFSR access requirements on AMG registry staff.”

The Director Knowledge, Innovation and Personnel for AMG, Raquel Clarke, congratulated the Knowledge Team on receiving the award.

“While there was a legislative man-date behind this project, AMG is now benefiting from the digitisation of these records,” Mrs Clarke said.

“The dedication and enthusiasm of the AMG Information Manager in pur-suing this project has made it a success.”

The project illustrated how new prac-tices could deliver greater efficiencies within the workplace.

“When bringing Air Force into the 21st Century, there are initiatives we can apply within the office as well as in the battlespace,” Mrs Clarke said.

“Improving our business practice is increasing the scope we have to support operations, as well as other raise, train and sustain activities within Air Force.”

CPL Jake Gardner

EXPRESSIONS of interest are sought from permanent and active reserve members wishing to com-mission to joint battlefield airspace controller (JBAC), air combat officer (ACO) or pilot (PLT).

Applications require chain of command comments and will go to a paper board for consideration.

After passing the paper board, JBAC and ACO candidates can expect to attend the Aviation Screening Program (ASP) at RAAF East Sale. Successful PLT appli-cants will attend flight screening and officer selection board at Pilot

Selection Flight in Tamworth. OIC Aviation Candidate

Management Centre at RAAF East Sale, WGCDR Mark Broadbridge, said candidates should do their research before applying.

“The board members are inter-ested in the candidate’s motivation for wanting to become an ACO or JBAC,” he said.

“The best way for the candidate to demonstrate their motivation is to show that they have researched the training required by talking to ACOs and JBACs and, if possible, visiting squadrons and control towers.”

WGCDR Broadbridge said

applicants should be aware of the qualities required to complete the courses.

“The academics and train-ing are best described as hard or demanding rather than difficult. But candidates need to be aware that both courses are long and intense. Candidates will need to demonstrate to the board that they have a study strategy in place to cope with the intensity of training.”

EOIs can be found on the Directorate of Personnel – Air Force web page (under the SEAT tab). Information can be requested by emailing DP-AFSEAT.DirectEntryAdministration@defence.gov.au

Promotion board targets are open to the total workforce and reserve members are encouraged to apply.

AMG honoured with records award

Time to ‘opt in’

EOIs sought for commissionings

AMG Information Manager Lyvern Slender (left) and Defence Director of Information Management Governance Jan Andrew display the Records and Information Management Professionals Australasia award AMG won for records management.

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Transition pays offIntegrated workforce the aim for DGRES-AFWGCDR Jo Elkington

AFTER almost 32 years in the permanent Air Force, AIRCDRE Bob Rodgers is embracing a change in his career.

He transitioned to SERCAT 5 under the new Air Force Service Spectrum and recently took up the position of DGRES-AF.

He is the advocate for all Air Force Reserve workforce, policy and capability delivery both within and outside Air Force and said he was looking forward to the challenge and changes ahead.

“Air Force has a well-earned reputation for flexibility and innovation that puts us on the right path to achieving an integrated Air Force under the Total Workforce Model,” he said.

“We already make use of our reservists to blend with the permanent force and achieve an integrated workforce. But we will do more.

“So I am ensuring Air Force Reserves are best positioned to deliver now and are actively engaged in the Plan Jericho transformation.”

AIRCDRE Rodgers said part of his role was to represent the Air Force Reserve to the Australian Defence Organisation and external stakeholders as well as ensuring all Air Force Reserve elements and activities best supported Air Force capability outcomes.

“The future workforce will be a combination

of permanent and part-time military members in addition to APS and contracted support,” AIRCDRE Rodgers said.

“How much of each of these elements is needed will be the product of workforce design.

“This will be a workforce design driven by one key driving principle – maximising capabil-ity in a safe and sustainable way.”

AIRCDRE Rodgers and his small team work closely with other service counterparts on the Joint Reserve Working Group chaired by MAJGEN Ian Spence, Head of Cadets and Reserve Division.

Together they engage with the Defence Reserve Support Council and a large number of associations and ex service organisations, advo-cating the use and support of Reserve personnel.

However, DGRES-AF does not operate inde-pendently.

RES Branch is an enabling organisation for DGPERS-AF, working with PERS branch staff to create the integrated workforce effect.

The branch also needs to work closely with Air Command, in particular Air Force Training Group and other elements in AFHQ.

“One of the greatest challenges ahead is to create an effective method of attracting, recruit-ing, training and integrating a larger direct-entry reserve workforce than we have had in the past,” AIRCDRE Rodgers said.

Former DGPERS-AF AIRCDRE Bob Rodgers

has transitioned to SERCAT 5 and taken up

the position of DGRES-AF.Photo: Lauren Larking

19November 3, 2016RCEAIR F Personnel

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20 November 3, 2016RCEAIR FDefence Aviation Safety

ONE FOR ALL

THE previously separate disciplines of aviation safety management have been merged into a single entity as Australia leads the way in implementing a global standard for airworthiness.

Australia formally adopted the new convention, known as the Defence Aviation Safety Regulations (DASR), on September 30 and part of that move has been to estab-lish the Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation (CAMO).

The new organisation will man-age all aspects of aviation safety, including the technical, logistical and configuration management func-tions that have operated as separate disciplines.

FLTLT Cameron Shuck, from the Defence Aviation Safety Authority (DASA), said Defence’s previous regulation structure had approved maintenance organisations conduct-ing maintenance and authorised engineering organisations providing design changes.

“There are a number of other functions required to keep aircraft airworthy that were not explicitly regulated and were being conducted by these organisations through the goodwill and professional relation-ships between operators, engineers and senior technical staff,” he said.

“These functions included config-uration management, fleet planning, capability upgrades and maintenance coordination.”

WGCDR Jason Dean, also of DASA, said defining these functions under one organisation would bring considerable benefits.

“Contemporary better practice regulation grips up these require-ments, regulates them and assigns the responsibility of their conduct to a single entity,” he said.

“This entity [CAMO] ensures these functions are conducted on behalf of the military air opera-tor (MAO), which is the operating organisation for the air vehicle.

“The CAMO resides within the MAO and hence works closely with operators to meet capability and operational requirements.

“The primary function of the CAMO is to ensure the aircraft con-

tinues to remain airworthy. It does this by managing the fleet of aircraft, tasking and contracting maintenance organisations to conduct the required m