PREPARED AND PRECISE€¦ · Living the Air Force Values: RESPECT – EXCELLENCE – AGILITY –...

AIRF RCEVol. 59, No. 9, June 1, 2017 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

Virtual training links bases – Page 5Airman of the Year – Page 3

PREPARED AND PRECISE

Our Hornets stay focused on target

Centre

An Australian F/A-18A Hornet, complete with precision-guided munitions, takes off from the main air operating base in

the Middle East.Photo: CPL David Cotton

DirectorDavid Edlington: (02) 6265 4650

Acting EditorShane Hendrickson: (02) 6265 7117

ReportersWO2 Andrew Hetherington: (02) 6266 7614SGT Dave Morley: (02) 6266 7613CPL Bill Solomou: (02) 6265 1355CPL Max Bree: (02) 6266 7608 CPL Mark Doran: (02) 6265 1304CPL Sebastian Beurich: (02) 6265 4140

CONTACT [email protected] Editor, Air Force News, R8-LG-047, PO Box 7909, Department of Defence, ACT 2600www.defence.gov.au/news/raafnewsFax: (02) 6265 6690

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

2 June 1, 2017RCEAIR FNews

CPL Sebastian Beurich

GENERALLY milestones are celebrated with cake or gifts, but the 115,000,000th pound of cargo carried by the Air Mobility Task Group (AMTG) was marked slightly differently.

On the eve of Anzac Day, as the ramp door of the C-130J Hercules opened at Taji Military Complex in Iraq, the grateful faces of deployed soldiers gazed upon their prize – Anzac biscuits, delivered just in time.

A day earlier, April 23, another milestone – the first RAAF C-17A Globemaster landed at Taji to deliver Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and CDF ACM Mark Binskin to visit the troops.

Commander Task Unit 633.2.2 (C-130 detach-ment) SQNLDR Christopher Bassingthwaighte said the achievement was one of many over the 13-year deployment of the aircraft.

“Since 2003, when the C-130 first arrived in the Middle East, the fleet has flown more than 37,000 hours and carried more than 270,000 passengers throughout 19,000 sorties,” he said.

“Task Unit 633.2.2 has deployed more than 40 rotations of RAAF members from both 37SQN and other units around Australia in support our mission.

“The most recent achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our maintenance and air load teams, or the intelligence, logistics and admin-istration members.”

FLTLT Christopher who was the co-pilot of the flight and is on his first operational deployment, said the milestone came as a surprise to the crew.

“We didn’t know we were going to pass the mile-stone until we got a text message upon landing at Taji,” he said.

“It was a great feeling to be part of the crew who passed a significant milestone, especially considering the cargo we were carrying.

“This isn’t the first milestone the C-130 crews have passed while deployed to the AMTG, and it won’t be the last.”

For the airmen and airwomen of 37SQN, as well as the AMTG as a whole, both milestones are significant operational achievements.

Major milestone

FLTLT Tom Maclean and CPL Mark Doran

A RESERVIST personnel capability spe-cialist (PCS) won the champion Air Force shot at the annual Australian Army Skill at Arms Meeting (AASAM) at Puckapunyal, where more than 200 top shooters from almost 20 countries competed.

Units from across the ADF competed against each other last month with the best shooters selected to take on soldiers from the visiting nations.

LAC Nigel Raddie, of No. 23 Squadron, won the Air Force award for the second year in a row and said he was mentally and physically prepared for the competition.

“It can throw people if they are not aware what’s involved in AASAM before they get there,” he said.

“It was unexpected to win the Air Force top shot award as I was actually coming second until the last shoot.

“I wasn’t shooting at my best, but I was shooting consistently, which is what counts at the end of the day.”

AASAM competitions now have more moving and robotic targets to increase the focus on combat shooting, rather than just marksmanship on a traditional classifica-

tion range, and the new practices are all included in the champion shot aggregate.

All competitors wear the body armour and helmets worn on operations, which adds an extra physical challenge and ensures the fittest participants stand out.

Participants have to react quickly to unexpected threats and learn to shoot in challenging situations, including through small gaps and in awkward positions.

LAC Raddie said the change to a greater focus on combat shooting during AASAM was his biggest challenge.

“They are not skills I regularly use as a PCS,” he said.

“Another challenge was shooting the 450m targets as we have to use the stand-ard 1.5x optic scope to compete for the Air Force award.

“I’m hopeful I can compete again next year.”

Cambodia competed this year for the first time and regional neighbours such as Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea returned.

Fiji sent observers with a view to send-ing a team to AASAM next year.

Stand-outs included South Korea, Indonesia and Japan, but the Australians also performed well.

A second shot at the prize

LAC Nigel Raddie is carried to receive the champion Air Force shot award at the Australian Army Skill at Arms Meeting. Photo: CPL Nunu Campos

WOFF Greig Skevington stands with the pallet containing the 115,000,000th pound of cargo moved by the C-130s deployed to the Air Mobility Task Group in the Middle East, and inset, CDF ACM Mark Binskin and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull disembark from a Globemaster. Photos: CPL Sebastian Beurich

AIRF RCE

2016 Air Force Proficiency and Leadership Awards

Air Force APS Team Member of the Year: Kim Gibbons, 24SQNAVM B.A Eaton Airman of the Year: LACW Alicia Bannerman, 17SQNAVM Tony Dietz Memorial Quality and Achievement Medallion (lo-gistics support): Michael Loxley, TFSPOCAF Instructor of the Year: FLTLT Nikki Olsen, SATCHer Majesty The Queen’s Gold Medal (officer trainee): PLTOFF John Hensman, ADFA

J.R Bartram and R.A Kee Sword of Honour: AC Ross Archer, 2OCULipshut Family Bursary: LACW Melissa Roberts, 23SQNMcCarthy Rowbottom Jones Me-morial Award (operational health support): FSGT Nicola O’Brien, HOCUSQNLDR W.T Riggs Trophy (best official photograph): CPL David Gibbs, 28SQNThales Australia Leadership Sword (OTS graduate): FLGOFF Kylie Zipf, 2OCUWOFF-AF Instructor of the Year Award: SGT (then CPL) Joseph Munro, 1RTU

Duke of Gloucester Cup (most proficient flying squadron): 2OCUHawker Siddeley Trophy (most proficient RAAF base): 23SQNMarkowski Cup (most proficient non-flying, non-maintenance, non-reserve and non-training squadron, unit, wing or group not eligible for other awards): 460SQNRAAF Maintenance Trophy: 92WGStonehaven Trophy (most profi-cient training unit): RAAFSTTAir Force Improvement Team of the Year Award: HALSPO

AND THE WINNERS ARE …

CPL Bill Solomou

LOVING life and living by the values her mother and grandmother instilled in her, Alicia Bannerman was always going to make a great airman.

In fact, the values she follows in her everyday life align with Air Force’s own values of respect, excel-lence, agility, dedication, integrity and teamwork.

LACW Bannerman, an air move-ment operator from No. 17 Squadron at RAAF Base Tindal, was awarded the AVM B.A Eaton Airman of the Year Award for 2016.

“Winning the award is a great hon-our. It’s a great feeling, being reward-ed for doing something you love,” she said.

LACW Bannerman had an excep-tional year. She also received the Combat Support Group Airman of the Year Award and participated on the Anzac exchange Antarctica program, spending six months working with airlift teams from various countries, based in New Zealand.

“I had a great t ime on the exchange, especially seeing how other air forces go about their business,” LACW Bannerman said.

“I learnt new skills that I can apply to my job at Tindal.”

Her busy year included efforts to

improve the lives of elderly people in the Katherine community.

With the support of her unit, LACW Bannerman established a visit-ing service to the local nursing home, where her team of volunteers bring smiles to the residents.

“My grandmother was in a nursing home and it saddened me to see other patients at the centre that did not have family visitors,” she said.

“We now have 12 Air Force volun-teers from our unit who have adopted an elderly resident. They visit them during work hours in uniform or after hours. The residents get very excited when they see us arriving in our uni-forms because they know we are there to see them.”

CO 17SQN WGCDR Andrew Tatnell said LACW Bannerman was an outstanding airman.

“While you are only ever as good as the rest of the squadron you work alongside, her efforts truly inspired others to excel,” WGCDR Tatnell said.

“She is an inspirational leader to the community and brings credit to the RAAF.”

LACW Bannerman said she looked forward to a long career in Air Force.

“My advice to my peers is to keep doing your best, strive for excellence and chase your dreams,” she said.

Bringing value to her work

3June 1, 2017RCEAIR F News

‘SATC (School of Air Traffic Control) is full of talented instructors who are passionate about helping our students develop into future JBACs and the reality is any of them would be just as deserving of this award.

FLTLT Nikki OlsenCAF Instructor of the Year

Photo: PO Rick Prideaux

LACW Alicia Bannerman’s inspiring work and values earned her the Airman of the Year award.Photo: SGT Andrew Eddie

FLGOFF Deanna Ellick

NO. 2 Operational Conversion Unit has been rewarded for its hard work in fighter pilot training and aircraft maintenance with the 2016 Duke of Gloucester Cup.

The cup was presented as part of the annual Air Force Proficiency and Leadership Awards by ACAUST AVM Steven Roberton (then Commander Air Combat Group) and CO 2OCU WGCDR Scott Woodland.

Dating back to 1946, the Duke of Gloucester Cup takes the form of a perpetual trophy held at the winning unit for the year and a certificate of award.

The winning unit is assessed against competitive criteria such as the delivery of effective sup-port to ADF flying operations, aircraft availability, community

Quest for excellence rewarded

AVM (then AIRCDRE) Steven Roberton presents CO 2OCU, WGCDR Scott Woodland with the Duke of Gloucester Cup award for the most proficient flying squadron. Photo: CPL Nicci Freeman

engagement and morale and esprit de corps.

WGCDR Woodland said he

was “incredibly proud to see 2OCU receive this award”.

“It is well-deserved recogni-

tion of the unit’s hard work and achievements in both fighter pilot training and Classic Hornet main-tenance practices,” he said.

Individual members of 2OCU also received awards.

The Thales Australia Leadership Sword was presented to FLGOFF Kylie Zipf for the leadership attributes and officer qualities she displayed at Officer Training School.

The JR Bartram and RA Kee Sword of Honour was presented to AC Ross Archer for his per-formance at the RAAF School of Technical Training.

“The two members who received awards this year are rightly proud of their achieve-ments,” WGCDR Woodland said.

“They are now members of the 2OCU team where such excellence is the standard to which we continually strive.”

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maintenance teams means that technicians from each Air Force will use the hosting country’s documentation and maintenance systems.

“Fortunately, the C-17A technical orders are close to identical between the nations, and the maintenance recording system is the same,” WGCDR Roberts said.

“Even so, the trade structures from each country are different, and defining the scope of maintenance tasks to be author-

ised for technicians from the other country will require some careful consideration.

“Overall, EAC 17-3 will give both countries an insight into how they conduct their maintenance, and build confidence to enable greater interoper-ability of maintenance during future joint operations.”

RAAF and USAF C-17As are a common sight at each other’s bases, and many technicians from No. 36 Squadron were trained in the United States following the aircraft’s acquisition.

“The RAAF has previously con-tributed maintenance support to USAF C-17As requiring unscheduled mainte-nance, and the USAF has done likewise for the RAAF,” WGCDR Roberts said. EAC 17-3 will be the first activity under the EAC series to focus on primarily on maintenance support.

Previously, EAC 17-1 saw the deployment of F-22A Raptor fighter air-craft to RAAF Base Tindal, while EAC 17-2 concentrated on airfield damage repair training activities.

Keeping our C-17As ‘fit to fly’

‘The focus will be on learning from each other and developing confidence and understanding in each other’s practices.

WGCDR Ken Roberts

LAC Aaron Kouyoumtzoglou and SSGT Dustin Sheffield lock wiring a fuel filter during the Enhanced Air Cooperation third phase as part of Exercise Pacific Agility focusing on the maintenance of the C-17A as a common platform between the USAF and RAAF. Photos: CPL Brenton Kwaterski

Eamon Hamilton

KEEPING the C-17A fit to fly is the focus of the next Enhanced Air Cooperation (EAC) activity between the United States and Australia.

EAC is part of the United States Force Posture Initiatives and builds on a range of air exercises and training activities undertaken by the United States and Australia. Under EAC 17-3, technicians from the United States Air Force (USAF) and RAAF will embed within each other’s C-17A maintenance workforce.

With its long range and cargo carrying ability, the C-17A is criti-cal to how both the USAF and RAAF deploy person-nel and equipment across the wider Pacific region.

WGCDR Ken Roberts, Deputy Director of Maintenance at Headquarters Air Command, said EAC 17-3 focused on scheduled maintenance activities for the C-17A.

“During EAC 17-3, the focus will

be on learning from each other and developing confidence and under-standing in each other’s practices,” WGCDR Roberts said.

“The USAF technicians were embedded in a RAAF C-17A main-tenance team to conduct a Home Station Check (HSC) on a No. 36 Squadron aircraft at RAAF Base

Amberley dur-ing the week of May 8-12.”

“The scope of work the RAAF tech-nicians will perform on a USAF C-17A is yet to be defined, but is planned to be conducted at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickham in Hawaii.”

The first EAC 17-3 exchange at Amberley was preceded by a planning conference at RAAF Bases Richmond and Amberley from April 3-7.

During the planning conference, senior USAF technicians were exposed to RAAF maintenance, authorisation and documentation processes. Using blended

There was much knowledge shared

between the crews.

The crews disembark together after inspecting the inside of the C-17A.

SQNLDR Bruce Chalmers and WGCDR Michael Tully

EXERCISE Diamond Thunder has broken new ground, linking up bases from across the country to train simultaneously on one virtual range.

Centred at RAAF Base Williamtown during the exercise, Air Force's Air Warfare Instructor Course (AWIC) pro-vided operators from across Air Force with specialist training in the integration of ADF and Air Force platforms, systems and capabilities.

For the first time Diamond Thunder networked Air Force’s F/A-18A/B simu-lators at Williamtown and RAAF Base Tindal with the E-7A Virtual Wedgetail simulator at Williamtown, the C-130J sim-ulator at RAAF Base Richmond and the Air Warfare Centre’s Joint Air Warfare Battle Laboratory at Williamtown.

Each of these high-end simulator devices were networked and simultaneous-ly flew on the same “virtual range” to meet AWIC combined force training outcomes, primarily driving mission rehearsal activity

in preparation for the upcoming Diamond “live” fly exercises.

AWIC encompasses both collective and Force Element Group-specific train-ing and produces graduates who are not only technical masters on their individual weapons system but who are also experts in the integration of capabilities across the ADF.

Director Simulation Services ADSTC GPCAPT Bernard Grealy said they demonstrated the incremental development of the live, virtual and constructive (LVC) environment for key personnel from Air Force, Navy, Army and joint organisations.

“This is one of the most technically complex scenarios we have delivered in Australia,” GPCAPT Grealy said.

“This simulation has set a high stand-ard for Defence and is a major step for-ward in Air Force’s LVC capability.”

AWIC aims to broaden the training audience to include Air Force platforms and has been designed to integrate at the tactical and operational level across Air Force, creating a trusted network of

highly skilled and broadened warfight-ers. Commander Air Mobility Group AIRCDRE Richard Lennon observed Diamond Thunder from Williamtown.

“Diamond Thunder demonstrates the significant advances Defence has made

in LVC capabilities,” AIRCDRE Lennon said. “The ability to develop, evaluate and practise tactics in a simulated envi-ronment allows all combat elements to work better with each other and assure positive mission outcomes.”

In the past, both No. 2 Squadron at Williamtown, with the E-7A Virtual Wedgetail simulator, and No. 285 Squadron at Richmond, with the C-130J Hercules simulator, have participated with American-based training network systems for exercises conducted by the United States Air Force.

“Just as we benefit from a mix of domestic and international flying exer-cises, it’s advantageous for us to also participate in domestic and international LVC exercises,” AIRCDRE Lennon said.

“Increased familiarity for the RAAF workforce with LVC training will create exciting opportunities for how we devel-op and train our workforce, regardless of where they’re based.”

As part of AWIC 2017, the Diamond Series of exercises are integral drivers in achieving the aim of creating experts in the defence of Australia in integrated high-end warfighting environments.

Unlike Diamond Thunder, Exercises Diamond Shield, Diamond Spear and Diamond Storm are all “live" flying AWIC activities.

Eamon Hamilton

MEMBERS of the C-130J Hercules work-force have warmly received the first virtual exercise conducted by the Air Warfare Centre.

CO No. 285 Squadron WGCDR Jason Baldock said the Hercules’ role during Exercise Diamond Thunder was much like any “live” exercise flown by the aircraft.

“We’re flying into an environment that’s defended by an integrated air defence system, with fighters, ground radars and surface-to-air weapons systems that are coordinated to attack us,” WGCDR Baldock said.

“We were part of an escorted package, so we’re providing training value to the fighter and Wedgetail participants.

“At the same time, we’re benefiting from the experience of rapid planning with those participants, so that we can conduct this mission in an integrated manner.”

Similar to its mission during exercises

such as Pitch Black, the Hercules’ role during Diamond Thunder was to “deliver and recover” Army personnel at airfields and drop zones in a virtual tactical environment.

Activities such as Diamond Thunder give the Hercules workforce greater capac-ity to train with the wider Air Force, without having to deploy away with aircraft that are already in high demand.

While participants in Diamond Thunder flew their missions from simulators at RAAF Bases Richmond, Williamtown and Tindal, they were all in the same virtual environment.

Already, the C-130J Hercules simulator at 285SQN has previously been “linked” to several international exercises.

In 2015 and 2016, members of 285SQN worked with industry partner CAE to link the simulator to Coalition Virtual Flag – a massive online exercise where simulators from across the United States are joined by international partners.

“Exercise Diamond Thunder is the same as Coalition Virtual Flag in terms of con-nectivity, but different in that it is part of the Air Warfare Instructor Course,” WGCDR Baldock said.

“That brings with it different training objectives and mission outcomes, coupled with it obviously being a RAAF-only exer-cise, rather than a coalition effort.”

The experience gathered by the Hercules workforce will feed into how it further incorporates live, virtual and constructive (LVC) training into its future.

“Although in its infancy, the exercise was a success for the Hercules participants,” WGCDR Baldock said.

“From here, there’s potential for LVC training to further advance and develop, and complement the existing training that we do.

“There are a number of applications for LVC, including pre-deployment and exercise training, that would ensure our workforce is appropriately prepared and integrated.”

Making Herculean tasks easier

Virtual training a reality


Commander Air Mobility Group AIRCDRE Richard Lennon is greeted by Director Air Force Ranges Darren Manser.

From left, Brad MacPherson, WGCDR Michael Tully and Dan Stogkobski.Photos: CPL Nicci Freeman

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Eamon Hamilton

A CLOSER bond has been formed between Australia and the Pakistan Air Force Hercules crew following a visit to RAAF Base Richmond from May 8-12.

The visit by a Pakistan Air Force Hercules to Richmond was the first of its kind, and allowed them to conduct an exchange of information with their counterparts from the RAAF’s No. 37 Squadron.

Both countries have much experience to share with the Hercules, with Australia acquiring C-130As in 1958 and Pakistan introducing C-130Bs in 1963.

Today, the Hercules remains an important tactical airlifter for both coun-tries, however the roles and environments to which the aircraft are exposed differ greatly.

FLTLT Jacob Ralph, of 37SQN, coor-dinated the visit for the Pakistan Air Force to Richmond.

“Like us, the Pakistan Air Force is also in a constant state of supporting frontline operations,” FLTLT Ralph said.

“However, Pakistan differs from us in that their day-to-day work routine involves flying Army support for actual operations from their home base.

“While 37SQN regularly deploys, it is over a fixed period and we get periods of respite back in Australia.”

In the past eight years, 37SQN Hercules crews have conducted a hand-ful of visits to their Pakistan counter-parts, as well as delivering flood relief for Operation Pakistan Assist II in 2010.

The visit to Richmond allowed the Pakistan Air Force crews to see how Australia supports and operates the Hercules, as well as share their own unique experiences.

“We were impressed on the level of ingenuity shown by the Pakistan Air Force with some of their solutions,” FLTLT Ralph said.

“This included integrating a highly capable intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance system on their airframe.”

CO 37SQN WGCDR Matt Cooper said a palletised workstation in the


Strengthening bonds

Pakistani Hercules allowed it to relay live video and information to other air-craft or a ground station.

“It’s a capability that allows the Pakistan Air Force to be very flexi-ble in how they employ the Hercules,” WGCDR Cooper said.

The visit to Richmond included dis-

cussion of traditional airlift missions, including a video of Pakistan’s highest drop zone – a glacial valley 11,000 feet above sea level.

With mountain peaks soaring to 15,000 feet or higher, Pakistan Hercules crews briefed their Australian counterparts on how they delivered

to the drop zone. By comparison, drop zones in Australia are typically between 60 and 400 feet above sea level, with little in the way of rising terrain.

Pakistan Hercules crews accompa-nied 37SQN on a number of Hercules missions at Richmond, including for-mation flight and airdrop, and flying with night-vision goggles (NVGs).

“Fundamentally, we both use the Hercules to conduct the same roles – airland and airdrop of cargo and per-sonnel, and conducting airborne opera-tions,” WGCDR Cooper said.

“The Pakistan Air Force is building some experience with NVG operations with their Hercules crews, and were therefore very interested in how we apply it to the C-130J.

“They were also very interested in how we conduct our airdrop operations with the Hercules, including the use of a cardboard helibox to deliver small items such as batteries or rations.”

FLGOFF James Brennan (left), talks with members of the Pakistan Air Force, and below, CO 37SQN WGCDR Matt Cooper, (right) and FLTLT Jacob Ralph present a gift to WGCDR Usman Ahmed of the Pakistan Air Force. Photos: SGTs Guy Young and Greg O’Neill

A SIMPLER approach to course evaluation has been introduced by Air Force Training Group (AFTG).

A new system comprising of just four questions forms the basis of the new approach that will be applied to more than 300 courses across AFTG.

CDR AFTG AIRCDRE Geoffrey Harland has instructed that a tri-age approach be applied in a move designed to generate responses that are more valid and reliable, and able to be applied as a standard across the FEG.

So far, 38 per cent of all AFTG courses have been evaluated using this approach.

This is giving greater confidence to category and mustering advisers, as well as unit commanding officers, that

courses are providing up-to-date and valid instruction.

The new system allows the learner to more easily provide their own opin-ions on the learning received, which in turn will aid continuous improvements in training.

While the new methodology is still in its early days, it has already provided some indications for improvements in the training processes.

It has also recognised the high standard of training currently being delivered by units within AFTG.

Further information available by emailing [email protected]

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THIS year marks the 75th anniversary of the formation of No. 75 Squadron, their WWII deployment to New Guinea, and the death of its first operational CO.

When 75SQN was formed in Townsville in March 1942, CO SQNLDR John Jackson had mere weeks to prepare the squadron for deploy-ment to the harsh conditions of Seven Mile Strip just outside Port Moresby. On March 21, 75SQN arrived in New Guinea to begin the air defence of the region in direct retaliation to the Japanese who had been conducting air raids on Port Moresby since early February.

Seventy-five years later, CHAP

Thomas Killingbeck presided over a service at the Jacksons International Airport. CHAP Killingbeck then unveiled a memorial created to honour SQNLDR Jackson and provide pass-ing air travellers with the history of the name behind the airport.

GPCAPT Steve Fielder (retd), Port Moresby RSL sub-branch vice-presi-dent, said the significance of the 1942 Port Moresby air defence, the piv-otal role 75SQN played early in New Guinea, and the sacrifice made by SQNLDR Jackson, should not pass unnoticed.

“The Port Moresby RSL sub-branch worked behind the scenes with various agencies in PNG to ensure a fitting and

lasting tribute was constructed in the international departure lounge,” he said.

WGCDR Grant said the squadron was formed at a time of great need and met their call for the nation with bravery.

“75SQN had few experienced pilots and most of the new pilots had only flown a few hours each, which makes their achievements in Port Moresby even more significant,” he said.

“It is important to remember our her-itage. The strong bonds forged during the 44 days in 75SQN’s air defence of Port Moresby have been kept alive in the squadron today.”

At a separate event held before the unveiling of the memorial, Governor-General GEN Sir Peter Cosgrove

(retd) presented replicas of SQNLDR Jackson’s medals to his children and grandchildren, who had flown in for the memorial’s opening.

The presentation was made at Bomana War Cemetery in Port Moresby in front of SQNLDR Jackson’s grave. The medals are now on display at the memorial after being donated by the family. WGCDR Grant said the memori-al was important as it highlighted a piv-otal piece of history for both Australia and PNG.

“SQNLDR Jackson and the other members of 75SQN made a great sac-rifice for the freedom of both Australia and PNG, and it’s good to see that it has not been forgotten,” he said.

Moresby defender honoured

Before being appointed as CO 75SQN, SQNLDR Jackson had already established himself as an exceptional pilot in the Middle East campaign, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and was Mentioned in Despatches. SQNLDR Jackson led 75SQN during its defence of Port Moresby until his death on April 28, 1942.

75SQN began their deployment in an aggressive manner, shooting down a Japanese reconnaissance bomber on the day they arrived. The next day they followed up with a dawn attack on the main Japanese airfield at Lae, PNG.

Over the following weeks, 75SQN maintained a near constant presence in the air over Port Moresby during daylight hours. They maintained standing patrols and scrambled to intercept no fewer than 32 incoming raids. In total the unit claimed 35 en-emy aircraft destroyed, four probably destroyed and 54 damaged.

The constant action came at great cost; 12 Australian pilots were killed in combat and 17 of the squad-ron’s aircraft were destroyed.

75SQN’s last combat mission over Port Moresby was flown on May 3, 1942, by the unit’s only remaining operationally serviceable aircraft – a joint interception of an incoming raid alongside newly arrived P-39 Aira-cobra aircraft of the United States. 75SQN had literally fought to its last aircraft.

FIRST DEPLOYMENT

At Bomana War Cemetery, CO 75SQN WGCDR Michael Grant pays his respects at the grave of SQNLDR John Jackson; and inset, the memorial to SQNLDR Jackson at Jacksons International Airport.Photos: CPL Ben Dempster

THE RAAF Mission Data Support (RMDS) detachment at US Naval Air Station Point Mugu recently marked the opening of a new shared Electronic Warfare (EW) facility – the Trans-Pacific Electronic Attack Research Laboratory (T-PEARL).

The facility, one of several advanced EW facilities operated by the US Naval Air Warfare Centre – Weapons Division (NAWC-WD), will serve as both a laboratory and a collaboration space, delivering EW operational support to both RAAF and USN aircraft – primarily EA-18G Growler, P-8A Poseidon, F/A-18F Super Hornet and MQ-4C Triton aircraft.

Director Growler Transition Office GPCAPT Tim Churchill said the significance of the event was a symbol of the deepening ties between the RAAF and USN EW communities.

“This facility represents the strong strategic EW partnership established between the RAAF and USN that will enable our forces to maximise operational integration for our shared missions” GPCAPT Churchill said.

“The outputs of this facility are key to ensuring the sensors, weap-

Modern facility marks deepening partnership

ons and mission systems of Air Force’s emerging platforms remain effective in the future operating environment.”

There are currently four Air

Force members and a DST Group engineer embedded within NAWC-WD to promote integration and pro-vide operational support to common platforms and mission systems.

GPCAPT Timothy Churchill and CAPT Karl Andina cut the ribbon together, while left, GPCAPT presents CAPT Adina an Australian Flag, to be displayed in the new facility.


8 June 1, 2017RCEAIR FNewsFLGOFF Deanna Ellick

RAAF Base Darwin hosted AVM Steven Roberton’s first Air Force base visit since assuming his role as ACAUST on May 1.

AVM Roberton started the visit, on May 18, by dropping in on No. 13 Squadron’s headquarters, where he addressed the orderly room and recounted memories of working in the Top End in 2003-06.

“I’ve always had a soft spot for Darwin,” AVM Roberton said.

“It is more than just Australia’s frontline base.

“We would always come here for holidays when I was based at RAAF Base Tindal.”

His visit to the base came in the middle of its preparations for Exercises Diamond Storm, Talisman Sabre and Southern Frontier.

“There are so many significant events for Air Force in Darwin,” he said.

“We have some major exercises coming up as well as supporting the Marine Rotational Force Darwin.

“I encourage you all to stay focused and work together.”

Escorted by base SADFO WGCDR Steven Parsons, ACAUST also visited MEOMS, 2SECFOR, Air Movements and the catering section.

“It was a great pleasure to host ACAUST during his visit to RAAF Base Darwin,” WGCDR Parsons said.

“It was a rare opportunity for 13SQN personnel to get to meet and speak with the Air Vice-Marshal in their own workplace.”

AVM Roberton rounded off his visit with a morning tea on the base.

FLGOFF Deanna Ellick

ROTATION 10 of the Air Task Group has returned to Australia, welcomed home by ACAUST AVM Steven Roberton.

It was an early start in Darwin on May 18 for personnel of the Air Task Group, who were met by AVM Roberton as they walked through the gate at Darwin International Airport on their way to Sydney.

AVM Roberton addressed the group, thanking the personnel for their dedica-tion and their great achievements.

“We have received a lot of praise from other countries, who are impressed with our support capabilities,” AVM Roberton said.

“In particular, the US has reiterated how important the KC-30 (multi-role tanker transport) and the E-7 (Wedgetail) are to the missions.

“Your success is of no surprise to me, though. It is a great tribute to you and your professionalism.”

AVM Roberton focused on the need for personnel to reconnect with their families and to recognise there will be a time of adjustment back home.

“You should be incredibly proud of yourselves,” he said.

“You have done a great job serving your country and I thank you for your commitment, both professionally and personally.

“Welcome home, look after your families and look after yourself.”

A special mention went to No. 77 Squadron and its CO, WGCDR Grant Burr, for flying about 2200 hours, under-taking 300 sorties and landing 100 per cent of its bombs on target.

Rotation 10 consisted of personnel from 81 Wing, Nos. 2, 22, 33, 77, 295 and 460 Squadrons, No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit , No. 1 Combat Communications Squadron, Tactical Fighter Systems Program Office, No. 1 Expeditionary Health Squadron, 3SECFOR, and the 1st Joint Movement Group.

Soft spot for base

Quality of support comes as no surprise

ACAUST AVM Steven Roberton chats with Air Force cooks (from left) ACW Sonia Gomez and LACWs Emily Casey, Lee Jay and Angela Chin during a tour of RAAF Base Darwin.Photos: CPL Oliver Carter

AVM Steven Roberton welcomes 81WG personnel back to Australia at Darwin International Airport.

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LCDR Peter Croce

ONE million push-ups across a sev-en-month deployment is the ambi-tious target driving the ADF commu-nications and information systems (CIS) personnel in the Middle East.

About 115 Theatre Communi-cations Group Four (TCG-4) person-nel deployed to the Middle East in support of Operations Accordion, Highroad, Manitou and Okra are attempting to push their way to the finish line by the end of August.

CO TCG-4 WGCDR Michael Mammana said one of his squadron commanders came up with the idea to increase fitness levels and build morale among the team.

“It started as a far-fetched idea but the team have really commit-ted to improving fitness, building strength and achieving goals out-side of their deployed ADF role,” WGCDR Mammana said.

“The benefits of improving health and fitness assist in reducing stress levels, building resilience and improving personal strength – all key attributes when you are on a lengthy deployment away from home. I am very proud of how the

Pushing up to the target

‘If each person can do as little as 50 push-ups per day, over the course of the deployment, we should reach our target of one million push-ups.

WGCDR Michael MammanaWGCDR Michael Mammana gives a double thumbs up while participating in the TCG One Million Push-up challenge, while left, WGCDR Mammana (second left) teams up with WOFF Raylee Scott, LCPL Jessica Hurrell, and CPO Simon Bagnall. Photos: CPL David Cotton

team is progressing, and if each person can do as little as 50 push-ups per day, over the course of the deployment, we should reach our target of one million push-ups.”

WGCDR Mammana said the initiative had already attracted the attention of other deployed elements, including Commander Joint Task Force 633, MAJGEN John Frewen, who was regularly pro-

viding his tally to the overall total. TCG-4 personnel provide CIS

support to more than 1700 personnel deployed across the Middle East.

The TCG-4 team consists of members from Air Force, Navy and Army, and are

spread across multiple operations in the Middle East.

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CPL Sebastian Beurich

ANYONE who has been deployed to, or transited through, Australia’s main operat-ing base in the Middle East has seen the solemn memorial near the entrance of Camp Baird.

Prominently placed in the memorial garden is a plinth featuring a number of plaques, each of which is dedicated to one of the Australian soldiers who has died over the past 16 years of operations in the region.

It also features a small tree, sibling to similar trees planted in Australia over the past 83 years.

This tree holds significance for SGT Jack Kruljac, who transported the tree from Australia in 2008 and had it planted following a Remembrance Day ceremony.

The tree is an Aleppo Pine, bred from the pine which was planted at the Australia War Memorial in 1934, using seedlings from a pine cone found on the battlefield after the Battle of Lone Pine at Gallipoli in 1915.

SGT Kruljac said he originally came up with the idea to improve the memorial and link Australia’s then current opera-tions with the nation’s lengthy involve-ment in the region.

“There was a memorial in place at the time, but it wasn’t as significant as the plinth which currently stands in the gar-den,” he said.

“The Lone Pine has really become synonymous with the ADF and our his-tory, so I thought it would be a good way to visually link the landing at Anzac Cove to where we are now.”

Currently deployed to Operation Okra as the E-7A Wedgetail Maintenance Manager, SGT Kruljac walks past the tree every day and remembers the moving cer-emony in which the tree was planted.

“We started the day with a commemo-ration in the Canadian compound with our coalition partners,” he said.

“We then marched over to our com-

pound to conduct the planting ceremony for the tree, during which I gave an ora-tion about the Lone Pine and its history.

“I feel fantastic when I walk past the tree and see that it’s still there and growing.”

Yarralumla nursery in Canberra propa-gates the pines from seed material col-lected from the tree at the Australian War

Memorial. The nursery sells the pine seed-lings to schools, RSLs, and other organi-sations and individuals seeking to estab-lish a memorial.

“I remember that I had to get a ‘photo-sanitary passport’, basically a passport for plants, from the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service when I was trying to bring the tree over,” SGT Kruljac said.

“I arrived in-country a few months before Remembrance Day, so I was tending to the tree in a pot until we could plant it.

“Luckily, the chain-of-command at the time was supportive of planting the tree, so arranging the planting cer-emony went smoothly.”

Reunion for Lone PinesWhile there are no definite re-cords of every Lone Pine sapling which has been planted in Aus-tralia, a number of them have been planted on military bases and at significant memorials.These include two saplings planted at the Australian De-fence Force Academy in 1987; one planted at Headquarters Joint Operations Command, Bundgendore, NSW, in 2009; one planted outside of Head-quarters 7th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Austral-ia, in 2015; and one planted at Duncan Oval, Gallipoli Barracks, Queensland, in 2016. Notable memorials featuring Lone Pines include the Australian War Me-morial in Canberra, Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance and the Adelaide War Memorial.

HOME GROWN

SGT Jack Kruljac enjoys seeing the Lone Pine he planted nine years ago continue to flourish.Photo: CPL Sebastian Beurich

‘The relationships I have formed with the US and other coalition forces has allowed for a free flow of communication.

SQNLDR Alesha Cantelo

THE RAAF’s latest maritime sur-veillance and response capability – the P-8A Poseidon – has assisted with the co-ordination of a search-and-rescue response, approximate-ly 50 kilometres south of Mount Gambier, Victoria.

While on a training mission from its home at RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia, the P-8A Poseidon, call sign Blackcat 20, intercepted a may-day call from a distressed vessel, the MV Port Princess, around 1pm May 16.

Port Princess was observed taking on water, with four people on board.

Blackcat 20 provided commu-nications assistance to aid in the rescuing of the stricken ship’s captain and three crew.

XO 92 Wing WGCDR Brett Williams said the successful search-and-rescue response by the Poseidon’s crew was a great demonstration of this remarkable

aircraft.“The P-8A Poseidon takes

RAAF maritime surveillance and response capability to a new level of interoperability and per-formance,” WGCDR Williams said.

“This is the first search-and-rescue response completed by the P-8A Poseidon since the air-craft’s arrival into Australia last November. The Poseidon is still undergoing test and evaluation activities before a formal intro-duction into service.

“Search-and-rescue forms an important part of the operational test and evaluation program which we’ve laid out to bring the Air Force’s P-8A Poseidon into service.”

Images of the rescue event were relayed in real-time from the aircraft to the Rescue Coordination Centre in Canberra.

Poseidon comes to the rescue of stricken vessel and its crew

The crew of MV Port Princess was rescued by

RAAF’s P-8A Poseidon.

STRATEGIC planners, forecasters, capability developers and air power pro-fessionals now have a new Air Power Development Centre publication to assist them with evolving for the next generation of air power effects.

Releasing Beyond the Planned Air Force, Director General Strategy and Planning AIRCDRE Mark Green said the new publication would assist force designers, capability developers and air power professionals in developing future air power concepts for the defence of Australia.

“The Defence White Paper and Air Force Strategy provide a sound basis for strategic decision-making for the next decade, however, planning for systems with multi-decade life spans requires con-sidering possibilities well beyond current forecast horizons,” he said.

“This publication conceives of a future Air Force beyond fifth-generation technol-ogy, and the factors Air Force may need to consider.

“Beyond the Planned Air Force is an opening statement for consideration of future aspirations as an Air Force, and con-siders the disruptors and drivers we may encounter. External factors will impact our chosen path – accelerating, deviating or denying our plans.

“Considering what the future impacts on our force might be, means that force designers and capability developers can start to consider them as they devise the future air force.”

Beyond the Planned Air Force consid-ers a range of future challenges, including: Multi-domain integration, including

space Integrated systems Technology, including autonomous

systems, stealth and directed energy weapons

Force and enterprise design, including communication security

People Training and education, including

live, virtual and constructive (LVC) simulation

Political and economic factors.“There is an opportunity for us to

exploit future changes to our advantage. If we can look beyond our current planned

Air Force and consider future factors in force design, we will retain our ability to project air power, anywhere, across all domains, in the way we choose,” AIRCDRE Green said.

Download a copy from the publications section at airpower.airforce.gov.au

New book for evolving force


parking and maintenance facilities in order to support our surges in opera-tions,” she said.

“The relationships I have formed with the US and other coalition forces has allowed for a free flow of communication about safety and operational issues affecting the base or the operational airspace as well as any lessons learnt.

“From this we are able to improve the way we do things and improve safe operations collectively rather

than individually making the same mistakes or experiencing the same issues.

SQNLDR Cantelo said forming relationships early has ensured issues arising can be resolved quickly and at the lowest possible level.

“Regular interaction with coalition partners ensures an enduring relation-ship and the Tim Tams that usually accompany my visits also assist when asking for sightly larger favours.

“I’ve made so many friends on

this tour and collectively we have learnt so much more about how each country operates.

“This has definitely been the high-light of my deployment.

“No one wants to think about an aircraft emergency, but in the event of such an occurrence, we will oper-ate together as one team ensuring a smooth and transparent recovery of both aircrew and aircraft.”

Forging friendships with safetyFLTLT Natalie Giles

THE A3/7, or operations and aviation safety officer at the Air Task Group, is a dynamic and challenging role.

SQNLDR Alesha Cantelo is currently deployed as the A3/7 in support of Operation Okra.

Her role helps ensure that safe and effective fly-ing operations are maintained at the main air operating base in the Middle East.

“My role requires that I liaise with the USAF Safety and Operations team to ensure that in the event of an aircraft incident we have all the support assets in place to respond but also that we are included as part of the crisis reaction team to ensure the

safe recovery of both aircrew and air-craft,” SQNLDR Cantelo said.

Australia’s involvement in the US-led coalition supports the Iraqi Security Forces to liberate their coun-try from Daesh influence.

The coalition is formed of 68 countries, 20 of which have air assets deployed to support the Iraqi Security Forces.

This results in a complex and challenging park-ing situation on the airfield, especially when you factor in the number of different aircraft

types, ranging from heavy lift aircraft to fighter jets.

“Having a good relationship with the US operations and base mainte-nance teams has allowed me to nego-tiate the use of additional aircraft

Operations and airside safety officer SQNLDR Alesha Cantelo, of the Air Task Group, discusses airside safety with United States Air Force 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Flight Safety personnel. Photo: CPL David Cotton

‘

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Rotary takes to the sky12 June 1, 2017RCEAIR FNews

Above: Members of the Ipswich Rotary Club and local business leaders took part in the flight. Photos: SGT Peter Borys

Right: SADFO AIRCDRE Ken Robinson (left)

with Ipswich mayor Paul Pisasale.

It was a great way to show our appreciation to the local community.AIRCDRE Ken Robinson

SADFO RAAF Amberley


THE Rotary Club of Ipswich, mayor Paul Pisasale and local community leaders took to the skies for an air-borne meeting was held on a No. 33 Squadron KC-30A multi-role tanker transport.

On May 9, SADFO RAAF Base Amberley, AIRCDRE Ken Robinson hosted the meeting and said the flight was a fantastic opportunity for par-ticipants to get an insight into Air Force.

“We really value our relationship with the Ipswich com-munity,” AIRCDRE Robinson said

“It’s so rewarding to give back to the people of Ipswich and have the local community and busi-ness leaders come on board today to see what the Air Force is all about.

“It was a great way to show our appreciation to the local community.

“Many of the Air Force, Army, APS and contractors working on base live in the Ipswich area and it’s important for us to have a deep con-nection with our neighbours.

“The Air Force at Amberley is joined at the hip with a very support-ive Ipswich community.”

During the meeting, the passengers were able to see the aircraft refuelling five F/A-18A Hornets from 33SQN off the coast of NSW. After the refuelling, they had a chance to inspect the flight deck and speak to the pilots and the air refuelling operator.

The flight took them close to the Gold Coast in a missed approach training serial, before heading back to Amberley over Brisbane’s skyline.

There were also Air Force per-sonnel as passen-gers on the flight, adding to the important training opportunity for both AMG and CSG elements in managing large passenger loads.

Mayor Pisasale said he valued the relationship between Ipswich and RAAF Base Amberley and the experience demonstrated

the great expertise of the Air Force personnel.

“This has been a great exercise in partnership with RAAF Base Amberley,” he said.

“Australia is in safe hands. Ipswich is in safe hands. We are a Defence city and we thank them for their service and their sacrifice.”

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14 15RCEAIR FCentrepiece June 1, 2017

AMONG the multitude of international voices that can be heard on the com-bat aircraft radio net above Mosul, the Australian accent stands out for many

reasons.Well regarded for their professionalism,

dedication and long-term commitment to defeating Daesh, the Australian voices are a reminder that the RAAF’s Air Task Group is continuing to take the fight to Daesh in support of Iraqi Security Forces (ISF), who are slowly but surely liberating West Mosul.

The release of a precision-guided muni-tion from an F/A-18 Hornet aircraft occurs in the blink of an eye, but the work done prior to achieve that moment involves long, com-

plex and thorough preparation. Commander Air Task Group AIRCDRE Mike Kitcher said the process undertaken at the coalition’s Combined Air Operations Centre (CAOC) to conduct a strike involves many agencies and processes to deliver munitions where they will achieve their best effect.

“Hours prior to jets arriving on-station in West Mosul, the CAOC team begin liaison with coalition strike cells and review intelligence reporting of the area, to identify potential target areas,” AIRCDRE Kitcher said.

“Prior to the Hornets launching, ground liaison personnel from the Australian Army will brief the aircrew on the situation they can expect on the ground in West Mosul, includ-

ing expected friendly positions and planned schemes of manoeuvre. After air-to-air refuel-ling our Hornets approach West Mosul and dynamic target requests will be made to the CAOC team.

“These will come from the Iraqi Security Forces and coalition support personnel who are on the ground in or near to West Mosul.

“They will request support when they are coming under enemy fire or if they identify Daesh targets that are impeding their advance.”

ISF and supporting coalition personnel will use a combination of direct observation and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance resources to pinpoint enemy targets.

This includes full-motion video feeds

from remotely piloted aircraft overhead West Mosul, to refine targets, assess for legality and proportionality, ensure Iraqi government approval and minimise the risk to civilians before making a strike request.

Australian Hornets carry a variety of weap-ons, including low collateral damage weapons, referred to as LOCO by the airmen, to ensure maximum flexibility when destroying valid targets while minimising the risk of harming civilians and property.

“Our weapons are very precise,” AIRCDRE Kitcher said.

“We use a range of weapons and in West Mosul a lot of those have been LOCO bombs because of the nature of the terrain. There are

lots of old buildings very close together there.”To date the Air Task Group has deployed

more than 1860 munitions from about 2300 Hornet sorties, ably supported by 990 KC-30A tanker sorties transferring more than 75 mil-lion pounds of fuel and 340 E-7A-Wedgetail sorties conducting control of all air operations in the battlespace.

No. 1 Squadron and their Super Hornets have recently taken over from No. 77 Squadron in the strike role.

This sees the Super Hornets return to theatre for the second time since 2015 and the completion of more than two years of success-ful continuous operations from the Classic Hornets from Nos. 3, 75 and 77 Squadrons.

Avionics technician CPL Robert Graham walks past an F/A-18A Hornet on the flightline during his Operation Okra deployment.Photos: CPLs David Cotton and David Gibbs

PRECISION PLANNINGThe Air Task Group is continuing to take the fight to Daesh, slowly but surely aiding Iraqi Security Forces to liberate West Mosul, FLTLT Natalie Giles reports

Commander Air Task Group AIRCDRE Mike Kitcher and FLTLT Andrea Hateley in front of an F/A-18 Hornet which is used to release precision-guided munition on the enemy.

A Hornet taxies back after an Operation Okra mission.

Aircraft surface finisher CPL Michael Cumbers positions a stencil to update artwork on the side of an F/A-18A Hornet.

Two Hornets taxi back after a mission.

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THE F-111 (A8-138) on display at the main gate to RAAF Base Amberley is currently undergoing enhanced weather-proofing by mem-bers of the Directorate of Air Force Heritage – Static Display Aircraft Support Section (SDASS).

The aircraft has been on display since 2016 and this maintenance activity will further protect it from deterioration.

OIC SDASS SQNLDR Stephen Currie said even though the aircraft is under a specially-made canopy, further work is needed to arrest deterioration and ensure the ongoing integrity of the aircraft.

“The existing canopy provides some protection, but we have diverse weather in Amberley, including storms and at times extreme heat, which all contribute to the aircraft deteriorating,” he said.

“The SDASS team’s charter is to ensure the longevity of the Static Display Aircraft (SDA). To achieve this, SDASS have developed a weather-proofing package that should address the issues of water ingress, and bird and other pest infestation that may occur with the display of the aircraft.”

The original refurbishment for display was tailored for an indoor environment, and placing the aircraft outside has made it vulnerable to wind erosion, infestation by birds and insects, and water damage.

Amberley’s F-111 will have the

You’re never too old to learn skills of a past era in aviation manufacturing and maintenance as a team of AF reserv-ists and volunteers from the RAAF Base Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre and the Static Display Aircraft Support Section found out recently.

“Over three days, 12 personnel undertook instruction on the Stewart System which is considered to be the latest in waterborne technology for the aerospace industry using non-toxic water based products in applying

synthetic aircraft fabric to aircraft,” Heritage Centre OIC WGCDR Clive Wells said.

Within the restoration workshop three warbirds of old; a Sopwith Camel, an Avro Anson, and a Winjeel are un-dergoing restoration for static display with each of them requiring fabric to be attached to all, or particular, surfaces on the airframes. These new skills will enable staff to ensure Air Force’s static aircraft collection is maintained to a high standard for future generations.

Shelter from the elements

airframe joints resealed, intakes and exhausts blanked, a bird-net fitted to the undercarriage, covers fitted to the swing-wing side seals and the entire aircraft will be subject to paint touch-ups.

The problems with SDA differ from operational aircraft which are constantly under maintenance and care; SDA are left to endure the ele-ments with minimal regular main-tenance. SDASS members regularly travel to bases with display aircraft, identifying and problem-solving issues that arise with ageing air-frames. They also need to be aware of the WHS implications of their work; most of these aircraft were built using

potentially hazardous materials which can require significant research to establish the safest manner to deal with the hazards.

“The SDASS team comprises for-mer RAAF senior aircraft technicians and logistic personnel who bring a vast array of experience and expertise to the complex maintenance of more than 60 display aircraft. Maintaining SDA requires the team to think later-ally,” SQNLDR Currie said

“They don’t always have access to comprehensive workshops, and this means they need adopt innovative solutions to address the issues they find; the members of my team excel in this regard.”

STATIC DISPLAY AIRCRAFT SUPPORT SECTIONA program of work to improve the ap-pearance of the ‘gate guard’ fleet now referred to as Static Display Aircraft (SDA), is undertaken by the SDA Sup-port Section (SDASS).

The work of the SDASS had its ori-gins in 2010 when the RAAF Heritage Advisory Council agreed to trial a con-cept for the refurbishment of the RAAF Wagga SDA by using a combined Reserve and contractor workforce.

The trial resulted in the council deciding to establish an in-house capa-bility within the Directorate of Air Force Heritage and based at RAAF Amberley.

The SDASS consist of reservists whose technical skills have enhanced the appearance of static aircraft on public display at the entrance to RAAF bases.

The SDA fleet comprises all complete aircraft on static display at RAAF bases, excluding those used as

training aids or preserved in the RAAF Museum as part of the RAAF Heritage Collection.

Over the past five years, the SDASS has refurbished 11 SDAs. In 2012 the team repainted an Iroquois at Amberley and spent several months refurbishing a Neptune maritime patrol aircraft at RAAF Base Townsville using parts from two ageing airframes.

In 2013 the team prepared and repainted another Canberra bomber at Amberley and refurbished two Blood-hound missiles, one Mirage fighter and a Mirage tail fin at RAAF Base Darwin. In 2014 the team relocated Macchi aircraft in Edinburgh, Wagga and East Sale and conducted baseline assess-ments of the SDA fleet and repairs at several locations.

In 2016, the SDASS received a CAF Group Commendation for its work.

SGT John Oppelaar removes masking

tape from the F-111. Photos: SGT Kirk Peacock

Avionics technician SGT Henry Taylor removes excess sealant.


LAC Andrew O’Grady volunteers at the RAAF Base Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre workshop. Photo: supplied

‘

History RCEAIR F June 1, 201718

The CO asked me if I wanted to wait ... and be awarded by the King in London, or go home earlier and receive the medal later. I said, ‘no fear, I want to go home’.

FLGOFF Bert Adams (retd)

Recognition after decadesA former Bomber Command navigator is recognised more than 70 years after flying sorties in WWII, SGT Dave Morley reports

Above: FLGOFF Bert Adams (retd) displays a French Legion of Honour medal. Photo: SGT Dave Morley

Inset: FLGOFF Adams during WWII between missions over Europe.

A FORMER Bomber Command navigator enjoyed the Air Force so much he went back for more, 20 years after the

end of WWII.FLGOFF Bert Adams (retd), 93, of

Wagga Wagga, joined the Air Force in September 1942.

On April 24, more than 70 years later, he received a French Legion of Honour medal from former Assistant Defence Minister Michael McCormack.

The last time he’d received a medal was in February 1947, when NSW Governor LTGEN Sir John Northcott presented him with a Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for “skill and forti-tude in operations against the enemy”.

FLGOFF Adams said he was advised of his DFC award in late 1945.

“The CO asked me if I wanted to wait around until January 1946 and be awarded by the King in London, or go home earlier and receive the medal later,” he said.

“I said, ‘no fear, I want to go home’.”

FLGOFF Adams served with No.

467 Squadron (Lancasters) and sur-vived 29 missions over Europe during 1944-45.

He said his most frightening mis-sion was an attack on the German pocket battleship Lutzow at Danzig on December 18, 1944, involving a 10-hour flight.

“We arrived on time, but the ship was covered by a smoke screen, so we had to make a second run, and that time we saw it too late,” he said.

“So we made a third run – it was a 15-mile turnaround each time – and that time the flak was so thick I donned my parachute.

“There was no great damage to the plane, but we were getting bumped around by the flak.

“We dropped 10 1000-pound semi-armour-piercing bombs on that mission.”

When the war in Europe ended in May 1945, FLGOFF Adams became an instructor at just 21, preparing Tiger Force for action against Japan, but with the bombing of Hiroshima, Tiger Force was no longer needed.

Back in Australia and out of the Air Force, FLGOFF Adams became a high school mathematics teacher.

He rejoined the Air Force in 1965 as a flight lieutenant education officer and taught maths and physics to adult train-ees at RAAF Base Wagga until 1967.

His advice for young Air Force members today: “Enjoy the opportu-nities and lifestyle, and the training opportunities that will become useful later in life”.

Overseas allowances made more consistent Derek Cox

FOLLOWING a whole-of-government review of entitlements, additional allow-ances and financial support provided to Australian government employees stationed overseas, the government has decided to standardise key components of overseas allowances for staff from all agencies.

The review’s terms of reference direct-ed it report on current entitlements and allowances, the appropriateness of these allowances, and make recommendations for allowances to be made more consist-ent. Other considerations of the review included ensuring entitlements were in keeping with community expectations; personnel are not financially worse off as the result of working or serving overseas; and the impact that a posting can have on

a family is taken into account. The review excluded Defence personnel deployed on military operations.

It covered both ADF members and APS employees posted or employed overseas.

These changes will not affect ADF per-sonnel or APS employees who are current-ly on an overseas posting, or those who have received notice of a posting before July 1, when the changes will take effect. These personnel will remain on the current overseas conditions package until the end of their posting, or until July 1, 2020, if their posting period passes that date.

For more information, visit the Whole-of-Government Review of Overseas Conditions of Service web page, or email [email protected]


BEING part of the Defence family is important to the Ipswich community, particularly when many of the schools are attended by children who have one or both parents in the ADF.

The Defence students at St Mary’s College Ipswich created a mural that was donated to RAAF Base Amberley.

The mural’s theme centres on the students’ lives as ADF family mem-bers, and is dedicated to ADF person-nel. SADFO Amberley AIRCDRE Ken Robinson accepted the mural on behalf of the base, saying it was important to recognise the support ADF members received from their families.

“We spend a lot of time away from our homes, and it’s important to acknowledge that our families sacrifice pieces of their lives,” he said.

“This also shows the close relation-ship RAAF Base Amberley has with the Ipswich community. We live here, we work here and so do our families.”

St Mary’s College Ipswich is dedi-cated to supporting Defence students and families, along with several other schools in the Ipswich area, and runs programs to assist and support stu-dents and families of ADF members.

Principal Judith Finan said upon entering the gates, an expansive sense of pride was palpable.

“Our girls have an immense respect for the ADF and we look

19June 1, 2017RCEAIR F Personnel

Support comes from the art

forward to a continued partnership between our college and RAAF Base Amberley.”

Grade 12 student Sarah Foster said

that it was gratifying to create the mural with her Defence sisters.

“The mural represents the rela-tionship between our college and the

ADF,” she said. “The connection is evident through images within the artwork such as the compass and hand prints.” The students, teachers

and parents were treated to after-noon tea at HQCSG before heading to 36SQN to view one of the C-17A Globemasters.

Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA): calculation will be based on spendable (rather than dis-posable) salary and the mem-ber’s unaccompanied or accom-panied (without children) status, using an independent provider’s methodology.

Cost of Posting Allowance (COPA): set at 18 per cent of actual gross salary for unac-companied members, and 28 per cent for accompanied members. The minimum amount payable is based on the base salary of a SQNLDR(E) and the maximum amount payable is capped at the top of the GPCAPT(E) salary, with no additional payments to members above that threshold.

Location Allowance: All agen-cies will adopt common post categories as determined by an independent provider and, using that independent provider’s

methodology, adopt a common Location Allowance for category C to F posts.

Child Supplement Allowance: to be set at pre-determined percentages of Defence’s aver-age annual overseas salary and adjusted by the applicable Post Index in locations where it is above 100. The percentages are 6.5% for children under three; 5% for children aged from three to under 12; and 6 per cent for children aged 12 and over.

Removal of Child Reunion Allowance, noting reunion travel has been retained.

Removal of allowances which are no longer considered in align-ment with community standards, such as financial counselling assistance, assistance with cable/satellite television or inter-net subscriptions, household help and loss of sale of a vehicle.

KEY CHANGES

THE RAAF East Sale Officers’ Mess celebrated a long and col-ourful career as they farewelled a much-loved colleague.

FLTLT Barry Plater was present-ed with his Federation Star on April 10 to recognise 40 years of service to the Air Force.

FLTLT Plater joined the RAAF in 1976 as a clerk, rose through the ranks to a warrant officer and was commissioned as a FLTLT in 2007.

FLTLT Plater’s career was primarily based in training and

education, with postings to RAAF SCST, RAAFCOL, Defence Force Recruiting, OTS (twice), CFS and now SATC.

He also deployed on Operation Accordion in 2015.

The event was hosted by CO SATC WGCDR Matt West who gave an entertaining speech demonstrat-ing the changes FLTLT Plater had seen over the decades.

FLTLT Plater, accompanied by his family, was presented with a let-ter of thanks from CAF AIRMSHL

Leo Davis and his Federation Star by his long-time friend and fellow Federation Star recipient WGCDR Daryll Topp.

In accepting his award FLTLT Plater thanked his family for their enduring support.

“When I joined the Air Force it was twice the size and we are still creating the same output, and that is testament to the wonderful people I have and still continue to work with,” he said.

Star treatment and a fond farewell after 40 years

FLTLT Barry Plater (left) received his

Federation Star from WGCDR

Daryll Topp.

Students and teachers from St Mary’s College Ipswich, AIRCDRE Ken Robinson and WOFF Lisa Sheridan stand inside a C-17A Globemaster with the painting put together by the students for RAAF Base Amberley. Photo: CPL Brenton Kwaterski

SERCO Australia has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the ADF in sup-port of reservists across all of its Australian operations.

Head Reserve and Youth Division Cadets RADM Bruce Kafer said the purpose of the MOU was to formalise the relationship between Serco and the ADF and to further develop a mutual understanding and agree on terms for the employment of personnel who are members of both organisations.

“Reservists bring valuable life skills back to their civilian workplaces,” RADM Kafer said.

“Reservists are highly disciplined team-players with a ‘can-do’ work ethic and the confidence to accept responsibilities. Adding the experience and expertise they gain from their Defence service also helps in their civilian environment to shape them as better employees.”

At the signing of the MOU in Canberra, Serco Asia Pacific CEO Mark Irwin said Serco had the utmost respect for the men and women of the ADF.

“We are committed to supporting them,” he said.

“We are proud to have supported the ADF for more than 15 years and take our corporate responsibility very seriously.

“This MOU recognises our employees who contribute to the ADF and makes it easier for them to do so.”

Serco is an international service company focused on the public sector. Apart from Defence, Serco supports public service provid-ers in health, justice and immigration, citizen services, and transport.

Emily Carnevale and Ashleigh Macpherson

ADF members leaving the military will receive individual career coach-ing and an improved experience as Defence implements changes to its transition services.

Announcing the changes last month, Defence Personnel Minister Dan Tehan said ADF members would be offered tailored career coaching ser-vices during their transition, and up to 12 months afterwards, to further sup-port ADF members and their families moving to civilian life.

ADF members will also have all relevant documentation available by the time they leave Defence.

Head of People Capability RADM Brett Wolski said improvements to the transition process would deliver a consistent and efficient experience to transitioning ADF members, no matter their location.

“ADF members will receive a per-sonalised transition plan and all doc-umentation including their medical, training and service records,” RADM Wolski said.

“ADF members a re sk i l l ed and have a strong work ethic that employers find valuable to their business.”

All Defence transition officers are completing Certificate IV in career development to professionally coach and mentor ADF members. Defence transition centres in Townsville, Holsworthy and Adelaide have been

Improving the move Serco deal secured

20 June 1, 2017RCEAIR FPersonnel

the first to offer career coaching services, with all transition centres to follow throughout 2017.

“Career coaching means Defence can deliver a personal-ised service to ADF members and help them plan and prepare to find meaningful employment outside of the ADF,” RADM Wolski said.

Adelaide transition manager Phil Cock said it was rewarding to provide ADF members advice and resources to create their own career options.

“We get to work with members to uncover what their career goals are and what they need to do to reach them,” he said.

“That could be through train-ing, employment services, or job search skills offered through the Career Transition Assistance Scheme,” he said.

More information, including a list of ADF Transition Centres, is available at defence.gov.au/dco/transition.


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AC Joel van Gunst and his mum, Air Command WOFF Michelle Foley, at

the communications electronic technician

Course graduation. Photo: LSIS Nina Fogliani‘I would reiterate

the words of OC 44WG and that is –leadership starts at all levels.

Air Command WOFF Michelle Foley

Following in their mum’s footstepsFLGOFF Graham Orams

IT WAS a proud day for Air Command WOFF Michelle Foley when she watched her son Joel graduate as a communications electronic techni-cian (CETECH) – her sec-ond son to take up the trade.

AC Joel van Gunst fol-lowed his older brother, Nathan, into the trade when he graduated in a ceremony at HMAS Cerberus on May 12.

AC van Gunst said his brother’s decision to become a CETECH tech had a big influence on him.

“ W h e n m y b r o t h e r joined, he always talked about what he was doing and it sounded like something I would be interested in,” AC van Gunst said.

“I used to dismantle things; I didn’t necessar-ily put them back together but I enjoyed pulling them apart.”

AC van Gunst’s mother, WOFF Foley, said seeing her second son graduate as a CETECH tech was a proud moment.

“I’ve never pushed them to join the Air Force but I’ve been in 29 years and I guess the boys have been around me and been immersed in the culture and the organisation,” she said.

WOFF Foley handed her son some important advice as he started his career.

“I would reiterate the words of OC 44 wing and that is – leadership starts at all levels,” she said.

“Hit the ground running and be motivated; use your innovation and creativity;

and be the leader and the inspirational young man that I know you are.”

AC van Gunst is posted to No. 453 Squadron at Richmond.

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DESPITE being told by his RAAF flying instructors that his attitude towards the service was unacceptable, Mike Falls has

gone on to have an impressive career.And even though he turns 80 next

year, the aviation businessman is still per-forming regular aerobatics displays at the RAAF Museum.

“I joined the Air Force straight from school; I thought I knew everything,” Mr Falls said.

“Nine months into the course my attitude toward the service was deemed ‘not acceptable’ for a number of reasons.

“I was a know-it-all 17-year-old and the Air Force was right; I was not con-

forming very well, so subsequently I went into business.”

Mr Falls, who now has about 22,000 flying hours under his belt, runs an air-craft charter business in Essendon with his son, Mike Jnr.

They operate a fleet of corporate jets, as well as sightseeing and adven-ture flights in their DC-3 and Harvard; with another jet trainer coming online to replace an ex-Polish Air Force ‘Iskra’ (similar to a Macchi).

Mr Falls still makes time to fly his 1943 SNJ-5B to the RAAF Museum at Point Cook each month to entertain the public.

“I really think display flying is very

much a solitary art,” Mr Falls said. “(It requires) a really conservative

mental attitude; and good display pilots have no ego at all. We’re not out there trying to prove how good we are, or to impress other pilots, rather displaying the aircraft for the enjoyment of the audience.”

Mr Falls has been performing aero-

batic displays at the RAAF Museum for more than 15 years.

When asked if aerobatics became harder to perform as you get older, he was quick to say no, but did add the need to be careful and not to become complacent.

“There’s an old saying: You can do

anything in an aeroplane in complete safety until you do it near the ground,” he said.

“I’ve seen people over the years where you just know they’re on the rag-ged edge and occasionally it all ends up in tears before bed time.”

From know-it-all kid to 60 years in the air, one pilot is still flying high and loving it, FLGOFF Graham Orams reports

22 June 1, 2017RCEAIR FPersonnel

Wowing excited crowds

One human resource management and payroll system for One DefenceDefence OneDefence One, the new pay system for Defence that will bring APS, Reserves and full time ADF members onto the same HR & payroll system, is coming 7th August 2017.

This will allow both the eligibility for and rates of many allowances to be automated based on your information in PMKeyS.

This combined with a later pay cut off day, means your allowances will be processed and paid to YOU sooner.

Proficiencies

When a member holding a matching proficiency occupies a position which has a related position proficiency, it will automatically trigger the payment of the relevant allowance (e.g. Special Forces Disability Allowance).

Proficiencies will be used in conjunction with Operation, Activity, and Position Data to assess and determine eligibility of allowances.

Currently, Operation and Activity transactions are separately processed in ADFPAY by a Personnel Administration Centre (PAC) operator, who undertakes validation/verification of the transaction.

With the implementation of Defence One, increased automation will result in these transactions having a direct impact on payroll processing and allowing YOU, the member, to receive the payments earlier!

NAVY Example: If you are a member who has a Qualified Clearance Diver proficiency P117687 and are in a qualified Clearance Diver Position P117687, you will receive the

Your pay is soon to be automated!payment of Clearance Diving Allowance. It will continue to be paid when on Operation or Activity.

ARMY Example: If you have a Jump Instructor proficiency (PTS) P122579 and your position has P122578 attached, you will recieve payment of Paratrooper allowance.

RAAF Example: If you have a Flying Disability proficiency P117684 and your position has been flagged as a flying or flying related duties position, you will receive payment of Flying Disability allowance Annual.

You can always refer to the Defence One Website for a full list of the allowances triggered by Proficiencies.

No more SmartForms and You get the payment sooner!

Categorisation

Your categorisation in PMKeyS determines your eligibility for and the rate at which certain benefits are paid.

Changes to categorisation details are still subject to approval, but the single source of truth will be Defence One from Go Live.

There will also be an interface that links Defence One directly to Defence Housing Australia’s (DHA) systems. This will generate housing type allowances, advances and deductions.

Payment rates will now be automated by Defence One based on your categorisation. Different amounts are payable depending on whether or not you have dependants and if you are accompanied or unaccompanied. Some of these are listed:

» District Allowance payment rates

» Payments for Housing type allowances

» Housing Advances and deductions

This automation, combined with a later pay cut off day, means your allowances and deductions will be processed sooner.

What can YOU do to get Ready? Please log in to PMKeyS Self Service and ensure the following details are correct:

» Rank (PSS > My ADF Pay)

» Contact details (PSS > Personal Data)

» Emergency contact details and next of kin (PSS >Emergency Contacts)

» Dependant details (PSS > Dependent/Beneficiary)

» Categorisation (PSS > My ADF Pay)

» Position details including location (PSS > My PersonalInformation)

» Allowances (PSS > My ADF Pay)

» Leave data – including absence entitlement, outstandingabsence applications and denied absence applications(PSS > My Leave)

Remember: It is important that you keep your personal details up to date to ensure accurate and timely payment.

For Further information visit: Defence Home > Groups > CIOG > For CIOG Staff > CIOG Initiatives > Defence One

DPS:APR028-17


AUTOMATED payments based on Defence Housing Australia data, proficiencies and categorisa-tion will be among the streamlined features of the Defence One pay system, which goes live in August.

Defence One will bring all per-sonnel – permanent and reserve ADF, as well as APS members – into the same human resources and payroll process.

The integration of HR and pay-roll data is a key element of the new system, and allows many allowances (both eligibility and payment rates) to be automated based on informa-tion from PMKeyS and inbound interface data from external parties.

Director General Personnel – Air Force AIRCDRE Henrik Ehlers said payments and accruals were being automated in many ways.

“Together with the expansion of Self Service, automated payments will often result in more timely pay-ments to members,” he said.

“It is critical that members ensure that their PMKeyS details are updated accurately and in a timely manner, to ensure accurate payments.”

An interface will link Defence One directly to Defence Housing

Australia’s systems. This will gener-ate housing allowances, advances and deductions and make the pro-cess easier.

New proficiencies have also been created for a range of allowances. These will be recorded against both positions and members as accomplishments.

When a member holding a fly-ing disability proficiency occupies a position that has been flagged as a flying or flying-related duties posi-tion, it will automatically trigger the payment of the relevant allowance (eg. flying allowance).

Categorisation determines a member’s eligibility for and the rate at which certain benefits are paid. Changes to categorisation details are still subject to approval, but the “single source of truth” will be Defence One from when it goes live on August 7.

This automation, combined with a later pay cut-off date that will commence with Defence One imple-mentation, will result in members’ pay and leave accruals being more accurate and credited sooner.

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24 June 1, 2017RCEAIR FFlightline

LACW Sarah McCarthy with the new mural in No. 3 Aero-Medical Evacuation Squadron Headquarters depicting images that represent Air Force values, White Ribbon and bystander behaviour. Photo: SGT Amanda Campbell

CPL Matthew Veermann, from the Air Task Group, conducts post-flight maintenance on an F/A-18A Hornet at the main air operating base in the Middle East. Photo: CPL David Cotton

LAC Paul Jensen, from the Air Task Group, works among the refuelling trucks during his deployment to the main air operating base in the Middle East.Photo: CPL David Cotton

LAC Sean Liddle, from the Air Task Group, at work on an aircraft tow motor at the main air operating base in the Middle East.Photo: CPL David Cotton

The youngest member of Combat Support Group, ACW Renee Holdstock, cuts the cake for the group’s 19th birthday at RAAF Base Amberley. Photo: CPL Ben Dempster

LACW Stephanie McCanna is welcomed home from Operation Okra in the Middle East by WOFF Michelle Foley at Darwin International Airport. Photo: CPL Oliver Carter

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25June 1, 2017RCEAIR F Health & Fitness

FITNESS trends, by definition, come and go but many fads, even if they are temporary, have genuine health benefits.

Video games, for instance, have been blamed for many overweight people but now the gamers are getting fit. As technol-ogy incorporates itself into our lives, the trend is to use video games to boost fitness levels.

Dancing, fighting or body-movement games are all helping people keep in shape through the use of technology.

PTI CPL William Cottle, of RMC-D, said fitness should be a part of ADF mem-bers’ everyday lives.

“If it’s not, your body will suffer,” he said.

This may mean embracing fitness trends such as pole dancing, which might have a stigma attached to it but is still growing in popularity.

“Pole dancing is a fantastic way for men and women to stay in shape and increase their core strength by using functional movement and their own body weight,” CPL Cottle said.

Skateboarding pilates, in which a skate-board is used to add an extra challenge to

moves, is another growing trend.While the pilates-inspired activities are

a full-body workout, they also improve flexibility and balance.

CPL Cottle said he was a fan of CrossFit workouts, which incorporate ele-ments from high-intensity interval training with Olympic weightlifting, gymnastics and other exercises.

He said to beware of trainers in trend-ing activities such as CrossFit who did not have the right knowledge.

“The CrossFit Level 1 trainer course only takes two days but if someone doesn’t have the right experience I don’t believe they can be a qualified instructor.

“Unskilled coaches teaching people lifting techniques they have only seen on YouTube is very risky.”

CPL Cottle said CrossFit was benefi-cial for ADF members because it com-bined strength, speed, coordination and endurance with gymnastics skills.

“We should be able to adapt any physi-cal activity, whether it’s a run, pack march or a lifting task,” he said.

“CrossFit is a vigorous workout, but the goal is to be functionally fit and push every aspect of the body to the maximum level.”

Work it while it lasts

Some fitness fads might be fleeting but their health benefits can be lasting, CPL Mark Doran writes

Skateboard pilates is a growing fitness trend

that provides a full-body workout while improving

fitness and balance.Photo: CPL Mark Doran

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FLGOFF Lisa Green

FROM his first track cycling session at the Adelaide Superdrome in 2014, FLTLT Ash Muir has been hooked.

His form has rapidly improved and he has consistently achieved podium finishes at state and national levels.

His latest achievement was a silver medal in the sprint at the Masters Track National Championships at the Dunc Gray velodrome in Sydney in March.

“The sprint is the most exciting event held at the velodrome and is a highly tactical race with riders reaching speeds exceeding 70km/h,” FLTLT Muir said.

Within 12 months of his first ride, FLTLT Muir had gone on to win silver in both the sprint and the time trial at the 2015 South Australian Masters Track Cycling Championships.

At the Australian Masters Games in October of the same year, a mere 18 months after taking up the sport, he took home gold in the sprint and time trial, defeating the reigning Australian 1km time trial champion along the way.

FLTLT Muir, an instructor at the Air Warfare Centre’s Air Intelligence Training Unit (AITU) at RAAF Base Edinburgh, took up road cycling

in 2014 to try something new. He was then introduced to competitive track cycling after a couple of mates suggested he check out the local velodrome.

FLTLT Muir stood at the top of the podium at both the 2016 and 2017 South Australian Masters Track Cycling Championships, cycling his way through South Australian records to this year’s nationals.

After qualifying third fastest in the sprint event, FLTLT Muir won both his quarter- and semi-final races to set himself up for gold-medal showdown at the end of an intense day of rac-ing.

FLTLT Muir said he was happy to win silver after pushing the fastest qualifier to three rounds in the final race.

“I received amazing support from all staff at AITU to assist in getting to Sydney for the Championships,” he said.

“The unit has also allowed me the flexibil-ity required to conduct intensive strength and cycling training.”

FLTLT Muir has continued training at Kilkenny Cycling Club with the 2018 State and National Championships in sight, and harbours a long-term goal of competing at the Masters Track Cycling World Championships.

IN ITS second year, the Air Force Bowls Association championships attracted double the number of partici-pants from last year’s event.

The championsh ips , a t the Windsor Bowling Club in NSW from May 15-19, grew from 15 to 30 competitors.

Ten titles were up for grabs and it was no surprise last year’s runner-up in the major singles, SGT Gerry Harkins from No. 22 Squadron, played a part in the finals and managed to go one step further.

He said losing the final last year made him more determined this year.

“The depth of talent this year shows Air Force bowls recruiting is heading in the right direction,” he said.

He was selected, alongside SGTs Jason Wholohan and Anthony Tapper and CPL Wayne Jones, to represent the ADF at the Australian Open in Queensland this month.

SGT Harkins said lawn bowls was a sport for people of any age, skill or gender.

“If you are looking for a new chal-lenge and a sport that still requires that competitive edge then lawn bowls is for you,” SGT Harkins said.

Winners from the Windsor event

will represent Air Force at the ADF bowls championships in September.

AFBA winners: Major singles – SGT Gerry Harkins; minor singles – CPL Zach Gabrielsen; rookie singles – SGT Jason Wholohan; novice singles – CPL Karen Lane; major pairs – CPL Zach Gabrielsen, SGT Jason Wholohan; minor pairs – SGT Daniel Johnson, SGT Lucia Werner; rookie pairs – LAC Greg Wetzler, WGCDR Bruce Murray; novice pairs – FSGT Brent Marshall, CPL Brian White; major fours – FSGT Brent Marshall, CPL Zach Gabrielsen, SGT Jason Wholohan, CPL Brian White; minor fours – SQNLDR Ian Lane, WGCDR Trevor Owens, FSGT Marc Werner, CPL Karen Lane.

CPL Mark Doran

AIR Force members set fast times as part of the ADF team at the Ironman Australia Triathlon in Port Macquarie on May 7.

Of the 17 ADF Triathlon Club athletes who tested their physical and mental endurance at the triathlon, nine competed in the full-distance ironman, including a 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride and 42.2km run, while eight competed in the half-length event.

WGCDR Stuart Jones, CO No. 435 Squadron, was the fastest Air Force member, finishing 39th in his division with a time of 11hr 25min.

LAC Matthew Herbert, of No. 23 Squadron, was not far behind, finish-ing 74th in his division in 11:48.

While the goal for some of the triathletes was to qualify for the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, the objective for many was to finish the race unscathed.

The Port Macquarie bike course is known as one of the toughest in Australia and takes in the amazing NSW coastal scenery.

WGCDR Jones has been a mem-ber of the ADF triathlon team for the past two years and completed two half-ironman events at Port Macquarie to prepare for the full ironman.

“Finding the time to train was the biggest challenge, as it amounts to about 15 hours a week in the few months before the event,” he said.

He said the swim at Por t Macquarie was in calm waters and the rolling start reduced crowding.

“I had a minor mechanical issue on the bike ride which caused my front tyre to deflate twice in the first 20km. Thankfully the aid station came to the rescue with a quick valve replacement, allowing me to com-plete the remaining 160km without further incident.

WGCDR Jones said the run was always going to be the hardest leg.

“At around the 15km mark the previous eight hours started to take its toll,” he said.

“I slowed to the pace of an old diesel engine and only made it through by mentally breaking the run down into manageable chunks from aid station to aid station.

He said the event went to plan and he finished without injury. “This triathlon was about completion, not competition, so I treated it as a long training day.”

FLTLT Brendan Bailey, of RAAF Base Williamtown, was the first Air Force member to finish the half-iron-man, completing the race in 5:07 and finishing 28th in his division. WOFF Glen Browning was only two minutes behind, finishing 30th in his division.

FLTLT Bailey has been doing tri-athlons for only 18 months and said he focused on achieving a good time for his swim leg because of the lim-ited training he had before the race.

He was happy with his time, which was about seven minutes quicker than his swim leg last year.

FLTLT Bailey said a highlight was the support for the Defence entrants. “The people cheering us on were fantastic and it helped me get through the run leg,” he said.

Fast track to success

Head count grows on the

greens

When winning is about finishing with a grin

FLTLT Brendan Bailey in the last leg of the half-ironman at Port Macquarie. Photo: Tamara Jones

FLTLT Ash Muir with his haul of medals, including a silver for the sprint at this year’s Masters Track National Championships.

Photo: CPL Colin Dadd

SGT Jason Wholohan was among the winners at the AFBA National Championships.Inset: Major singles winner SGT Gerry Harkins.Photos: SGT Guy Young

CPL Karen Lane measures up during the championships.

Look forward

SGT Dave Morley

AWESOME skills among the waves have earned trophies for two of Air Force’s top surf riders.

ACW Mandy Leong, of No. 1 Combat Communication Squadron, and LAC Joshua Poate, a firefighter from No. 26 Squadron, were recently announced as winners of the women’s and men’s 2016 Air Force Surfing Championships respectively.

A i r Fo rce Su r f R ide r s Association (AFSRA) member Colin McIntosh said ACW Leong took part in several heats and then the finals, all in heavy and challenging surf conditions, with waves shoulder-to-head height.

“Her courage, balance, ath-letic skills and fitness enabled her to execute high scoring surfing manoeuvres,” he said.

ACW Leong, a CETECH, has only been surfing for four years and in the Air Force for almost two years, and said she took it up because she loved the beach, and surfing looked like so much fun.

“I enjoy being out in nature and watching the sun set and rise in the ocean,” she said.

Not long after receiving her trophy for the Air Force Surfing Competition, ACW Leong took part in the International Surfing Festival from May 8-12 and came third.

She said both were expe-rienced and stylish surfers and dominated the competition.

“The Aussie team smashed the Brits, Army and Air Force teams, in the team event,” she said.

“Conditions were tricky on the first day of the women’s comp with 2-3ft closeouts, moderate winds, but sunny at Mollymook Beach.

“We initially started the day at Dolphin Point in epic, sunny 3-5ft, light winds.

“However, the majority of the female Brits were completely out of their depth with too big, too strong rips, and the competition was stopped during the second heat due to safety concerns.”

ACW Leong said the final day was amazing.

“It was sunny, 2-4ft, with light winds and dolphins at Supertubes at Ulladulla,” she said.

ACW Leong sa id she’d encourage other Air Force females to get involved in surfing.

“We need more females to join AFSRA and it doesn’t mat-ter if you’re a beginner or expert, everyone is welcome,” she said.

“I work at 1CCS Williamtown and they’re really supportive and encouraging of my participation in the single service, inter-service and international surf comps.

“It’s also a fantastic way to keep fit, challenge yourself, and travel to incredible surf breaks for work.”

LAC Joshua Poate, a firefight-er from No. 26 Squadron placed first in the men’s short board event and was among other win-ners at the competition.

Air Force surfing team captain SGT Jamie Levin, also a firefight-er in 26SQN, said LAC Poate’s progressive style of surfing was a cut above the norm and included a large repertoire of manoeuvres.

“LAC Poate is the reigning Air Force short board champion and spends many hours of his own time in the surf perfecting his skills and is truly dedicated to performance surfing,” he said.

“He has been competing in the Air Force and triservice com-petitions for the past few years, and now the International Surfing Festival. His knowledge of com-petitive surfing has enabled him to develop into a formidable com-petitor.”

LAC Poate has been in the Air Force for seven years and has been surfing for about 15.

He said his love of the ocean started when he was five and got into Nippers when he moved to the coast.

“There’s no better feeling than when you’re riding a wave.”

“When you’re out in the water, the only thing you’re thinking about is the next wave, all cares are forgotten and you live com-pletely in the present,” he said.

“It was a close final with some of the best surfers we have on the team,” he said.

“I’d encourage other RAAF members to get involved in AFSRA. It’s a really supportive environment; everyone has a great time and cheers each other on.

LAC Poate took part in the International Surfing Festival from May 8-12 in the short board category, making it through to the finals and coming fifth overall.

“The thing I need to do better with my surfing is to improve my consistency, but we all have our good and bad days,” he said.

Dominating the waves

LEUT Kiz Welling-Burtenshaw

THE ADF Rugby Union (ADFRU) women’s team battled it out against Australia’s best at the Australian Rugby Union National Championships on the Gold Coast, from May 12-14.

Sporting players from all three services, the team ended their cam-paign by lifting the plate after knock-ing off NSW Country in a tense and aggressive match, which had adrena-line levels running high both on and off the field. The final score was 10 -7 and the result gave the ADFRU Women one better than 2016’s sixth place finish.

Head coach WO2 Aaron Callister was pleased with the way the team rose to the occasion.

“The previous day’s game against SA, which we won convincingly 24-0, gave the team the confidence required going into the Plate Final on Sunday.”

“It was typified by strong defence by both teams with neither being able to establish dominance in the first half. The scores were locked at 7-7 at full time and I knew we had to raise the intensity of the game if we were going to come away with the win.”

“The team rose to the challenge with the game in extra time, applying pressure in the attack”

OFFCDT Izzy Atkinson Smith, Echo Squadron wasn’t on the field

Passion and camaraderie

Tony Sukkar presents ADFRU team members with the 2017 plate. Photo: Joel Honig

27June 1, 2017RCEAIR F Sp rt

during that final game, but there was just as much adrenaline on the bench.

“Playing at the ADFRU Championships for Air Force on the iconic Ballymore Stadium and then being selected as a rookie in the ADFRU team has been such an amaz-ing experience,” she said.

“It has introduced me even further to the extended opportunities avail-able within the ADF. The match was

played with such passion and cama-raderie.

“I learnt so much and I hope to continue to be part of the ADFRU family into the future.”

The ADFRU Women’s team hopes to compete in the ARU 7s at the end of the year.

You can follow ADFRU on face book - @ADFRugby.

LAC Joshua Poate is the reigning Air Force short board champion.Inset: Female Air Force surfing champion ACW Mandy Leong with WGCDR Mark Evans. Photos: CPL Nicci Freeman and SGT Brett Sherriff

© Image courtesy of Department of Defence

Assisting serving and ex-servingADF members and their familiesin times of injury, illnessand crisis.

rsldefencecare.org.au

SP RTJune 1, 2017

SURFIN’ TURF

Our board stars ride a wave of

success

LAC Joshua Poate shows the form that has won him the 2016 Air Force Surfing Championship.Photo: CPL Shannon McCarthy

PREPARED AND PRECISE€¦ · Living the Air Force Values: RESPECT – EXCELLENCE – AGILITY –...

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