AIRF RCEVol. 60, No. 10, June 14, 2018 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

Spartan lifts our international

profile at Exercise Croix du Sud Page 5

RIDING HIGH

35SQN loadmasters on board a C-27J Spartan assess a parachute drop zone during training with the French Armed Forces of New Caledonia at Exercise Croix du Sud. Photo: CPL Kyle Genner

OUR FIRST CJOPS

Pages 2-3

Memorable handover ceremony at HQJOC

HEAVY LIFTERS

Pages 10-13

Air Mobility Group marks 15 years in Middle East

EDITORIALActing DirectorAngela Buchecker

EditorLawrence Dutrieux: (02) 6266 7612

ReportersSGT Max BreeSGT Mark DoranSGT Dave MorleyCPL Bill SolomouCPL Sebastian BeurichCPL Julia WhitwellPTE Renee Breeze

raafnews@defencenews.gov.auThe Editor, Air Force News, R1-GF-C037, PO Box 7909, Department of Defence, ACT 2600

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2 June 14, 2018RCEAIR FCJOPS handover

AIRMSHL HUPFELDAIRMSHL Mel Hupfeld joined the RAAF as an Academy Cadet in January 1980, winning the Flying Prize for his year and graduating with a Bachelor of Science in 1983.

He flew Macchi, Mirage and F/A-18 fighters, and became a Fighter Combat Instructor in 1989. He has served as B Flight Commander in No. 3 Squadron, Executive Officer at 2OCU, and Deputy Director Aerospace Development.

He assumed command of No. 75 Squadron in 2001 and led the unit during the Operation Falconer deployment to the Middle East for which he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the squadron received a Meritorious Unit Citation.

He later served as Director Aerospace Combat Development, Officer Commanding No. 81 Wing, and Director of the Combined Air Operations Centre (CAOC) in the Middle East, Commander Air Combat Group, and Air Commander Australia, before being appointed as Head Capability Systems Division in the former Capability Development Group. Following the re-organisation through the First Principles Review, he served as Head Force Design.

Role carries ample weight

Back in 2010: The then AIRCDRE Mel Hupfeld,

Officer Conducting Exercise Pitch Black, gives a thumbs up for a mission in an F-111.

Photo: Melina Mancuso

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3June 14, 2018RCEAIR F CJOPS handover

CPL Bill Solomou

HUGS, laughter, and tears were shared during the transition of authority parade to mark the change in CJOPS from VADM David Johnston to AIRMSHL Mel Hupfeld, at HQJOC, on May 24.

VADM Johnston made a huge effort to shake the hand of every member who lined up to form his farewell guard of honour.

All showed mutual respect as they said thank you and good-bye to the pop-ular commander.

VADM Johnston was the fourth CJOPS since the position was estab-lished in 2008; he now moves on to his new role as VCDF. AIRMSHL Hupfeld is the first Air Force officer to become CJOPS.

VADM Johnston said he was hon-oured and privileged to have led a pro-fessional, dedicated team.

He thanked everyone, including the families who allowed members to do the job they do.

“To our community, the ADF rep-utation is based on our history, and our operational performance,” VADM Johnston said.

“The ADF is renowned for its exper-tise, hard work and skill that we commit to operations.

“You are the stewards of that reputa-tion and that is the responsibility we all bear here at the General John Baker Complex.”

VADM Johnston praised the efforts of ADF personnel, from planning and

supporting, through to command and control.

“When we deploy people on oper-ations and exercises, all the activities that are done on behalf of our ADF, our nation and the government in order to deliver the outcomes for our people, you do well,” he said.

“Your role is largely not seen by the public and that is the way it should be, because of the nature of the work we do.

“Thank you for the work you do; it is the foundation of which all operational performance is built on.”

Upon receiving the ‘weight’, the changing of the pennant, and the offi-cial signing of the transition of authority witnessed by Defence Minister Marise Payne, AIRMSHL Hupfeld said he was thrilled to take on the role as the new commander.

“To have the position whatever col-our the uniform, the fact that Air Force has had the opportunity, I am truly grate-ful for that,” AIRMSHL Hupfeld said.

He said he had deep respect for VADM Johnston and the work he had undertaken during his time as CJOPS.

AIRMSHL Hupfeld’s message to all the members at HQJOC was honest and from the heart.

“Under the leadership of VADM Johnston, over the past four years, your significant efforts, commitment and achievements has brought this headquar-ters to a level that is absolutely amaz-ing,” AIRMSHL Hupfeld said.

“There is not much that I need to change. Certainly, what you have done

has been highly impressive and has set us on a terrific vector to move forward.

“That’s what I am going to leverage off.”

AIRMSHL Hupfeld said he was ada-mant he would earn the trust of the team.

“One of the key things that is impor-tant to us here is trust; that is trust amongst each other; that is trust to the CDF and certainly it is trust to the min-ister and the government,” AIRMSHL Hupfeld said.

“This is vitally important; it is some-thing that we always have to keep work-ing on.

“My trust in you is extant: VADM Johnston’s trust in you is very apparent to me, and I take that as implicit in this hand over.

“What I commit to you is that I need to earn your trust.”

AIRMSHL Hupfeld urged all ADF members to keep up the good work.

“Your work is vitally important to the security of this nation. Everyday what you do makes a difference and where that rubber hits the road is through JOC,” he said.

“We then deploy the capabilities and the forces that all our services represent and provide to us to do the job we have to do.

“It is going to be a daunting task; my wife and I are truly excited about the opportunities and challenges ahead.

“And we have a great team to work with.”

VADM JOHNSTONVADM David Johnston graduated from the Royal Australian Naval College in 1982 and later special-ised as a Principal Warfare Officer. He has served as Commanding Officer of HMAS Adelaide and HMAS Newcastle, as Director Joint Plans in Strategic Operations Division and as Commodore Flotillas in Fleet Headquarters.

In 2008 he assumed the role of J3 (Director General Operations) at Headquarters Joint Operations Command. In October 2010 as Deputy Commander Joint Task Force 633 in the Middle East, he was awarded a Commendation for Distinguished Service.

In 2011 VADM Johnston assumed the role of Deputy Chief Joint Operations Command and then as Commander Border Protection Command. In April 2014 he assumed the appointment of Chief of Joint Operations.

Role carries ample weight

Left: Outgoing CJOPS VADM David Johnston farewells personnel at HQJOC.

Outgoing CJOPS

VADM David Johnston.

Incoming CJOPS AIRMSHL Mel Hupfeld,

left, accepts the weight of command from outgoing

CJOPS VADM David Johnston as Defence

Minister Marise Payne looks on.

Photos: Lauren Larking

4 June 14, 2018RCEAIR FQueen’s birthday honoursMember (AM) in the Military Division of the Order of AustraliaSQNLDR Paul James SimmonsFor exceptional service to the ADF in air combat capability development.

Medal (OAM) in the Military Division of the Order of AustraliaGPCAPT David John HoughtonFor meritorious service in materiel acqui-sition and sustainment as the Joint Program Office Lead, Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft System Program Office, and as Commanding Officer of the Training Aircraft Systems Program Office in CASG.SGT Katrina Louise ListonFor meritorious service in instruction, case officer support, and training medical supervision as a Divisional Senior Non-Commissioned Officer at the ADFA.SQNLDR Christopher Nicholas PlainFor meritorious service in project manage-ment as the No. 78 Wing Transition Team Manager for the Hawk 127 Lead-In Fighter Capability Assurance Project.

Distinguished Service CrossAVM Timothy Charles InnesFor distinguished command and leadership in warlike operations as the Commander

Joint Task Force 633 on Operations Okra and Highroad from January 2016 to January 2017.

Distinguished Service MedalWGCDR GFor distinguished leadership in warlike oper-ations as Commander Task Element 630.1.1 on Operation Okra from January 2017 to May 2017 AIRCDRE Michael Robert Kitcher For distinguished leadership in warlike operations whilst deployed as Commander Air Task Group 630 on Operation Okra from January 2017 to June 2017.AVM Stephen Leslie MeredithFor distinguished leadership in warlike oper-ations while deployed as Director Combined Air and Space Operations Centre, United States Air Force Central Command, from January 2017 to July 2017.

Commendation for Distinguished Service FLTLT G For distinguished performance of duty in warlike operations as the Task Unit 630.2 Dynamic Targeting Intelligence Officer sup-porting Operation Okra from December 2016 to June 2017.GPCAPT H For distinguished performance of duties in warlike operations while deployed as

Commander Task Unit 630.2 on Operation Okra from April 17 to August 2017.SQNLDR M For distinguished performance of duty in war-like operations while deployed as a Combat Controller with the Special Operations Joint Task Force and as the Strike Director, Combined Joint Operations Command, Iraq on Operation Okra between February 2015 and June 2017.

Conspicuous Service CrossFSGT Renee Louise ColeFor outstanding achievement in the advance-ment of the ADF’s Space situational aware-ness capability at No. 1 Remote Sensor Unit.SQNLDR Samuel Ian HarkissFor outstanding devotion to duty as the Information Systems Technical and Acquisition Manager within the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter Division of CASG.SQNLDR Michael James YeomansFor outstanding devotion to duty in manag-ing the implementation of the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter facilities program as part of the CASG.

Conspicuous Service MedalFLTLT Joshua Dominic BrownFor meritorious achievement in the introduc-tion of the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and response aircraft capability.

SQNLDR Alesha Lee CanteloFor meritorious devotion to duty as the Task

Unit 630.1 Operations and Aviation Safety Officer on Operation Okra from November 2016 to June 2017.

GPCAPT Nathan Mark ChristieFor meritorious achievement as the Chief of Staff, Headquarters Combined Joint Task Force 633, while deployed on Operation Accordion during the period September 2016 to July 2017.

WGCDR Peter John HayFor meritorious achievement in the project management of the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft and support systems capability acquisition.

WGCDR Julie-Ann Elizabeth LeoFor meritorious achievement in the introduc-tion of battlefield mobility capabilities into the Air Force.

FLTLT Tobias John Liddy-PucciniFor meritorious devotion to duty as the Fighter Combat Instructor at No. 75 Squadron and as Instructor of the inaugu-ral Air Warfare Instructor Course at No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit.

CPL Daniel Joseph MaynardFor meritorious achievement in cyber secu-rity development at No. 462 Squadron.

LAC William John NewnhamFor meritorious achievement as the lead intelligence analyst for the Space Mission at No. 1 Remote Sensor Unit.

WGCDR Ray Gregory Simpson For meritorious achievement in air warfare development as the inaugural Commanding Officer of No. 88 Squadron.

Cracking the final frontierCPL Bill Solomou

MOVING into a new capability gave FSGT Renee Cole, of No. 1 Remote Sensor Unit at RAAF Base Edinburgh, a renewed spark.

For her service, FSGT Cole was awarded a Conspicuous Service Cross in this year’s Queen’s birth-day honours list.

FSGT Cole, has not looked back after she moved into the space sur-veillance realm following 20 years as an Air Surveillance Operator.

“The No. 1 Remote Sensor Unit gave me a new start, and most importantly, the spark to move forward in my career within Air Force,” FSGT Cole said.

FSGT Cole was awarded the CSC for applying specialist knowl-edge and skills relating to the C-Band Space Surveillance Radar with professionalism and devotion to duty.

She was acknowledged for men-toring the initial cadre of specialists and procedures that supported the

development of the radar, which is now a crucial ADF capability.

The un i t ach ieved F ina l Operational Capability for the Radar in 2016.

FSGT Cole said her unique role involved looking at low earth orbit-ing satellites, and tracking their positions in space.

“We do this on a daily basis, contributing to space-flight safety and ensuring that satellites are not endangered by space debris,” FSGT Cole said.

FSGT Renee Cole is the SNCOIC of Space Operations at 1RSU at RAAF Base Edinburgh.Photo: CPL Craig Barrett

CPL Bill Solomou

DEDICATED Communications Electronic Technician CPL Daniel Maynard has put forward his work philosophy, his training, and his love for the job as key factors in receiving a Conspicuous Service Medal in this year’s Queen’s birthday honours.

CPL Maynard, of No. 462 Squadron, said he was surprised by his nomination as he was performing his duties to design and build a system for cyber operations.

CPL Maynard said he was honoured to receive the award.

“It’s my dream job, I’ll be staying in cyber forever,” he said.

He received the award for his excep-tional technical skills and devotion to duty, which has seen his contribution expand beyond his rank and position, while his solutions have been keenly accepted and utilised on operations.

CPL Maynard was instrumental in creating and developing solutions to cyber security risks, and influencing future designs to enable new capabilities for the ADF.

‘It’s my dream job’

5June 14, 2018RCEAIR F International engagement

CAPT Megan McDermott

FLGOFF Ross Bardsley was sur-prised to discover a photograph of his grandfather when visiting a historic WW2 coastal gun emplace-ment overlooking Noumea while in New Caledonia for Exercise Croix du Sud.

FLGOFF Bardsley decided to visit the site knowing that his grandfather, Army engineer WO1 George Bardsley, had helped build the defences 77 years earlier.

“My grandfather came across on HMAS Sydney in 1941 as part of Robin Force to install two six-inch heavy coastal artillery guns atop Ouen-Toro facing out towards the Coral Sea,” FLGOFF Bardsley said.

“I visited Ouen-Toro where the guns still stand, but I wasn’t expecting to see the image of my grandfather’s battery frozen in time, printed on an information board for the public to see.

“One man leaning against the gun looked just like my grandfather only 50 years younger so I sent the photo to my parents back home who replied, ‘That’s him!’.”

FLGOFF Bardsley said Robin Force, which was largely made up of the 3rd Independent (Commando) Company and an artillery component, constructed the gun emplacements with support from the Free French Militia.

“The guns were installed to

CAPT Megan McDermott

OUR newest battlefield airlifter, the C-27J Spartan, has successfully completed 11 days of disaster relief training in New Caledonia as part of Exercise Croix du Sud.

The exercise is hosted by the French Armed Forces of New Caledonia every two years, and tests the ability of participants to plan and execute a multinational Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) response.

For 2018, the exercise was based around a hypothetical tsunami complicated by civil unrest requiring aid and troops to be transported across the Pacific island.

Commander of the Australian air component, SQNLDR Bradley Drew, said accessing areas affected by natural disaster could be problematic, but not for the C-27J, which bridges the gap between small and large aircraft capability.

“The C-27J provides a unique battlefield airlift capability as it is able to carry cargo into a combat environment with a higher range and endurance than Defence rotary wing assets,” SQNLDR Drew said.

“With a significant load it can still land on soft, narrow and unprepared surfaces (such as beaches, roads and paddocks).”

SQNLDR Drew said i t was important to train with other militaries in the South Pacific, where natural disasters were prevalent and they presented unique challenges.

“The isolation of countries such as New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Fiji complicate logistics when considering HADR,” he said.

“The vast distances involved and the rapid response requirements following a natural disaster, mean that the most efficient response will

Dogged determinationExercise Croix du Sud

general ly involve coordinat ion of airlift assets with our regional partners.”

The Air Force contingent for Croix du Sud comprised 22 personnel and a C-27J from No. 35 Squadron, along with a KA350 King Air tactical utility aircraft.

They worked alongside French and other multinational counterparts, planned and coordinated air operations such as troop and cargo airdrops, troop movement in combat, maritime surveillance and VIP transport.

SQNLDR Drew said he was lucky to observe a number of “firsts” for the C-27J during the French-led exercise.

“Croix du Sud saw the first drop of French paratroopers from an RAAF C-27J, which even included a French military working dog doing his first jump,” he said.

“The aircraft also conducted its first maritime intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance mission over the mountainous tropical island.”

While the C-27J has achieved a number of firsts on Croix du Sud,

SQNLDR Drew said it was not the first time 35SQN and the C-27J had conducted training in New Caledonia.

“35SQN participated in Exercise Mhanuu last year where it established a good working relationship with the French Air Force and a good foundation for building common procedures,” he said.

However, Croix du Sud was a much larger exercise than Mhanuu, as it involved more than 2000 multinational personnel, 12 aircraft and 11 ships from 11 participating

countries, SQNLDR Drew said.“The sheer scope of this year’s

activity has seen C-27J support significantly increased,” he said.

“This has allowed us to specifically target differences in operations between RAAF and the French Air Force in an attempt to generate a more standardised global air mobility fleet.”

The ADF also contributed a troop of Army engineers, three Navy vessels and a headquarters element of about 30 triservice personnel.

The French connection

protect New Caledonia against the threat of invasion by the Japanese during the war,” he said.

“My grandfather was an engi-neer and helped construct the 1.55 metre long cannons with the help of the French and local labourers.”

Like his grandfather, FLGOFF Bardsley came to the French terri-tory because of his military service, however, unlike his grandfather,

war was not what brought the No. 87 Squadron analyst to the island.

As an analyst, FLGOFF Bardsley was embedded to provide intelligence support to the Joint Force Air Component Command centre where he has built a rapport with his French counterparts – just like his grandfather would have done years ago, albeit in different circumstances.

FLGOFF Ross Bardsley at a gun emplacement his grandfather helped to build during WWII at New Caledonia. Photo: CPL Kyle Genner

A soldier from the French Armed Forces of New Caledonia and a military working dog jump out of a C-27J Spartan aircraft from 35SQN over New Caledonia during Exercise Croix du Sud. Photo: CPL Kyle Genner

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6 June 14, 2018RCEAIR FNews

FLGOFF Bel Scott

PERSONNEL from No. 462 Squadron felt privileged to support a commemoration making the 76th anniversary of Bomber Command held in Adelaide on June 2.

The RAAF Association (SA Division) and Air Force hosted the special service at the Air Force Memorial, Torrens Parade Ground.

Dignitaries joined veterans and Air Force personnel in commemo-rating the incredible courage, feats and sacrifice of those who served in Bomber Command during WWII.

4 6 2 S Q N wa s a B o m b e r Command unit that re-formed in 2005.

CO 462SQN WGCDR Michael Reidy said: “Over three-and-a-half years, thousands of allied aircrew supported by ground personnel fought at terrible cost in an endur-ing offensive that was the longest and most costly campaign in WWII.

“We recognise their remark-

able achievements and remember the supreme sacrifice of Bomber Command personnel who lost their lives over the campaign.”

About 10,000 Australian airmen served with Bomber Command in Australian and composite squad-rons in RAAF or RAF uniforms. Of those 10,000, almost 3500 lost their lives.

“Today, the RAAF, once again, operates 460 and 462 Squadrons within the Air Warfare Centre – both originally distinguished ‘Australian’ units within Bomber Command,” he said.

“As the Commanding Officer of 462SQN, I am so honoured and privileged to lead a unit with such an incredible legacy.”

A particular focus of this year’s service was recognising the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Ruhr (March 5 - July 31, 1943) and the dam busters raid (May 16, 1943).

Chief of Staff Air Warfare

Centre GPCAPT Brendan ‘Buck’ Rogers said: “We are honoured to have 462SQN partnered with the RAAF Association to commemo-rate Bomber Command together with surviving South Australian Bomber Command veterans and our distinguished guests.”

Official RAAF Historian Dr Alan Stephens has noted: “No single group of Australians from any service probably did more to help win WWII than the men who fought in Bomber Command.”

462SQN today performs defen-sive cyberspace operations, infor-mation assurance activities and counter intelligence operations in order to secure Air Force freedom of manoeuvre in cyberspace. This is a modern day interpretation of its information operations and elec-tronic warfare roles of WWII.

The service was attended by the Governor of South Australia Hieu Van Le and South Australia’s Premier Steven Marshall.

Unit’s legacy lives onBomber Command’s 76th anniversary commemoration

WOFF Drew Bennett conducts the

acknowledgement of country at the Bomber

Command service.

Members of 462SQN host the 76th anniversary service of Bomber Command at the Air Force Memorial, Torrens Parade Ground, Adelaide. Photos: SGT Rob Hack

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7June 14, 2018RCEAIR F International engagement

CAPT Jesse Robilliard

COMPLETE darkness proved no obstacle for the Australian Army contingent and their colleagues in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) during a night exercise in Cabanatuan during Exercise Balikatan.

Fortunately for them, they were able to call upon the surveillance power of an AP-3C Orion from No. 10 Squadron.

PLTOFF Peter Brewster, of 10SQN, said: “The Orion has proven itself as a surveillance aircraft with its advanced sensors, first in the Middle East, and now in the South-East Asia theatre.”

The exercise, held from May 7-18, tested a variety of scenarios from Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) to security operations mainly on Luzon island.

MAJ Tobi Horton said: “The ADF contributed to this exercise through a command post exercise contingent, a ground force element, some air capability as well and our national command element.”

On the ground, sappers from 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment assisted in the building of classrooms for local schools, while other members of the Army contingent conducted training scenarios with the AFP.

The Army contingent and their AFP colleagues were given the task of seizing an airfield from hostile forces.

For three consecutive nights, the Orion crew provided crucial intelligence to the Army contingent on the ground.

“The specific mission we conducted was the coordination with the Army element for surveillance of potential threats in the area,” PLTOFF Brewster said.

Balikatan is an annual exercise conducted by US Pacific Command and the AFP. About 60 ADF personnel, the United States Armed Forces, AFP, and Japan Self Defense Forces attended.

FLGOFF Larissa Stevens, left, and WOFF Steve Shuck in the flight station of an AP-3C Orion during a night mission in the Philippines as part of Exercise Balikatan. Photos: LS Jake Badior

Altering lives of students

Crucial eye in the sky

CAPT Jesse Robilliard

CHAPLAIN Raphael Abboud, of No. 26 Squadron, established valu-able relationships during Exercise Balikatan from May 7-19.

US Pacific Command and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) requested a Catholic Padre for the exercise.

CHAP Abboud provided support to engineers from the United States Marine Corps, AFP and Army’s 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment.

“I helped build relationships with

the local leaders, and I’ve offered support to the US Marine Corps,” he said.

CHAP Abboud officially blessed new classrooms at two schools that were built by the USMC, AFP and two sappers from 3CER.

Five schools in the Philippines gained new classrooms as a direct result of Balikatan.

The classrooms were built over a five-week period and when works began, CHAP Abboud was given a high profile task.

“The first two weeks we did ground-breaking ceremonies, I was representing Australia,” CHAP Abboud said.

He also forged relationships with local churches.

“I had the chance to do cer-emonies at the local churches; they did appreciate our presence here,” CHAP Abboud said.

This was CHAP Abboud’s first overseas tasking with Air Force, a fulfilling experience he won’t forget in a hurry.

CHAP FLTLT Raphael Abboud, right, blesses a classroom during a handover ceremony at Calangitan Elementary School in the Philippines during Exercise Balikatan.

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9June 14, 2018RCEAIR F NAIDOC Week

Val Basic

THE NAIDOC Week 2018 theme of ‘Because of her, we can!’ is one that reso-nates strongly with LAC Brodie McIntyre, who hails from the Warlpiri community in the Northern Territory.

LAC McIntyre was raised by his moth-er and thinks his life would be very differ-ent if it wasn’t for her influence.

The contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have made, and continue to make, to our commu-nities, families, rich history and to our nation as a whole will be the focal point of the NAIDOC activities, taking place from July 8 to 15.

It is a nation-wide dedication that LAC McIntyre is more than happy to support.

“Mum always put me first, she really wanted the best for me, and still does,” LAC McIntyre said.

LAC McIntyre, a Military Dog Handler with No. 2 Security Forces Squadron, admits that he didn’t make it easy for his mum growing up.

When he was a teenager, his mother made a decision that changed the direc-tion of his life; sending him to board at St Teresa’s college Abergowrie in Ingham.

“She was upset, and didn’t want to send me away to school, but she knew it was the best decision for my future,” he said.

“As an only child and mum being so close to her family, she has four sisters, for her to send me away, shows how much she wanted me to have the best life pos-sible.”

“I was lucky; boarding school had many strong, influential Indigenous females teaching staff there. They sup-ported me through the years with a moth-erly touch. They were very approachable. They were mothers as well so knew how to handle me; they knew what to say and had such patience.”

With his mother’s support and guidance LAC McIntyre entered the ADF through the Defence Indigenous

Development Program (DIDP) where he joined Norforce.

“Without DIDP, I wouldn’t be in Air Force today,” LAC McIntyre said.

LAC McIntyre looks forward to becoming a role model and leader within Defence.

“I think I have a lot to offer the Indigenous community, anything to help (others) with a uniform on,” LAC McIntyre said.

LAC McIntyre is already beginning to show leadership qualities, representing RAAF at the 2016 Anzac Day ceremony at Gallipoli Cove. Later that year he per-formed on the didgeridoo at the Australian War Memorial (AWM) during a NAIDOC Week Last Post ceremony to honour PTE Maitland Madge.

“After I performed, Dr Brendan Nelson [AWM director] asked if my didg-eridoo could be donated to the national collection, it is now on a national tour with a roving AWM collection,” he said.

“NAIDOC Week is always an opportu-nity to reflect on and celebrate our culture with all of Australia. But this year means the most, as I can celebrate the role my mum, my aunties and my old teachers have played in making me become what I am today, and that will pay forward, when I can become a role model for the next lot.

“I talk or exchange texts with my mum almost every day, and I still have contact with some of my old teachers, all I can really say is without them, I don’t know where I’d be,” LAC McIntyre said.

NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all ADF personnel and APS staff to par-ticipate in or host events in and around the community.

Are you planning a NAIDOC Week event? Self-host packs will soon be available on the Ministerial and Executive Coordination and Communication (MECC) intranet page on the DRN. To register your local or community NAIDOC Week event email corporate.events@defence.gov.au

Mum empowered me

2SECFOR Military Working Dog Handler LAC Brodie McIntyre and Military Working Dog Keesha. Photo: SGT Andrew Eddie

How this year’s NAIDOC Week theme is pause for thought for one of our airmen

10 11RCEAIR F15 years in Middle East June 14, 2018

Our Hercules continue to flex their muscles in the Middle East. In a year that marks 15 years of continuous deployment, Eamon Hamilton reveals the stoic commitment of Air Mobility Group’s personnel in the region

IN FEBRUARY 2003, few in the RAAF could predict the deployment of 36SQN C-130Hs to the Middle East would grow into a legacy.The 15-year continuous deployment

of RAAF Hercules has become the big-gest influence on RAAF airlift since the Second World War, according to Com-mander Air Mobility Group (AMG), AIRCDRE Bill Kourelakos.

“It’s unmatched in terms of duration, distance from home, and impact on the wider AMG community,” AIRCDRE Kourelakos said.

“Our last sustained combat deploy-ment was to Vietnam with the Caribou from 1964 until 1972, with everything since then being temporary or in relative proximity to Australia.

“In the Middle East, we’ve main-tained a continuous presence at bases 12,000 kilometres from home, and sus-tained operations in Iraq and Afghani-stan.”

On top of the thousands who have deployed to support or conduct RAAF Hercules operations in the Middle East, its legacy has been felt in Australia – both at the professional and personal level.

“Nothing else in the modern era has quite the same presence within the wid-er AMG community, especially for indi-vidual members who have spent months away from their families,” AIRCDRE Kourelakos said.

“There are loadmasters, technicians,

air movements personnel and pilots who have deployed up to six times – and in many cases, more – over the course of their career.”

Typically, two RAAF Hercules are deployed to the Middle East at any one time, with more aircraft sent during high-tempo periods.

Flying more than 6000 missions, RAAF Hercules have carried supplies, vehicles, VIPs, and Defence person-nel; repatriated Australian servicemen; evacuated Australians escaping war in Lebanon; and airdropped aid relief to Iraqi civilians.

The deployment began with a select group of C-130H personnel at 36SQN, who had trained with Coalition forces to work in high-threat environments.

Their aircraft represented the few airframes fitted with the necessary self-protection equipment to go ‘over the wire’ in a warzone.

“A lot of the training and systems used for that 2003 deployment in Iraq would be familiar to the wider AMG workforce today,” AIRCDRE Kourela-kos said.

“The C-130H was then the ‘platform of choice’ for RAAF combat air mobil-ity, and it was a big step in 2004 to ex-tend that role to the C-130J.

“Today, the Middle East experience has shaped and informed our wider busi-ness of flying combat air mobility op-erations away from home.”

Since 2009, RAAF C-17As have as-

sisted the Hercules through short-term deployments to provide strategic airlift throughout the Middle East.

The Hercules remain a critical logis-tics link, carrying 272,569 Australian and Coalition personnel throughout the Middle East Region since 2003.

“For the passengers, there’s little dif-ference in stepping off the ramp of a C-130J in 2018 compared to a C-130H in 2003,” AIRCDRE Kourelakos said.

“There’s been significant growth and maturity in how we sustain and support that deployment.”

“When 36SQN deployed in 2003, it shared a flightline with United States Air Force C-130s, and was heavily reli-ant on its relationship with them to con-duct its airlift missions.”

Since July 2008, RAAF C-130Js have been continuously deployed in theatre, and in November 2009, they relocated to Australia’s main operating base in the Middle East.

“Locational stability has allowed us to build a more mature base to operate from, and using the C-130J consistently in theatre is a more sustainable prac-tice than swapping types,” AIRCDRE Kourelakos said.

“Air Lift Systems Program Office and our industry partners have also built their sustainment of the Hercules fleet around the assumption of aircraft being continuously deployed.”

An Air Force C-130H from 36SQN at Al Asad Air Base in Iraq in April 2003.

More on our Herculean effort Pages 12-13

SGT Max Bree

A SPECIAL ceremony was held in the Middle East to mark 15 years of continuous C-130 Hercules operations.

Defence Minister Marise Payne and CDF ACM Mark Binskin congratulated the Air Mobility Task Group on its milestone on February 16.

CDF and Senator Payne unveiled a Defence Long Service Medal on the tail of a C-130J aircraft to represent the achievement during the ceremony.

Commander Air Mobility Task Group WGCDR Jason Pont said the H and J model C-130s flew more than 37,400 hours across about 6030 mis-sions with a 98 per cent success rate.

“A mission success rate of over 98 per cent speaks for itself, and is even more remarkable given the harsh environmental conditions the aircraft operate in the Middle East region,” WGCDR Pont said.

“The aircraft are backed by an ex-cellent maintenance workforce and ag-ile logistics chain, which is testament to the professionalism and dedication of the C-130 workforce.”

The first RAAF C-130H deployed to the Middle East in 2001 on Operation Slipper, but the continuous deployment of a C-130 capability to the region commenced in February 2003.

“It is not uncommon to have over a quarter of 37 Squadron deployed to the Middle East, and when combined with high domestic operational tasking rates, it is testament to the dedication and service of the Air Mobility Group’s C-130 workforce,” WGCDR Pont said.

“This year will also mark the 10th anniversary of C-130J operations in the MER, which represents another key milestone.”

The C-130 fleet transports cargo and personnel around the Middle East to support Joint Task Force 633.

Nos. 36 and 37SQNs were award-ed Meritorious Unit Citations by the Governor-General in 2016 for a then combined 12 years and six months of operations in the Middle East.

37SQN continues to support Middle East operations as part of Air Mobility Task Group, currently operat-ing two C-130J aircraft from Australia’s main base in the Middle East.

“It was an honour to be in com-mand of Air Mobility Task Group during this auspicious occasion, having the chance to be a small part of a remark-able achievement,” WGCDR Pont said.

“This milestone is a direct result of both past and present members of the C-130 Task Unit and they should be extremely proud of their achieve-ments.”

CDF, MINDEF PRAISE TASK GROUP

TRUE GRIT

36SQN’s first RAAF C-130 Hercules contingent in the Middle East in April 2003.

15 years in Middle East RCEAIR F June 14, 201812

DEEP IMPACT

Evacuees from Lebanon board an Air Force C-130J Hercules at Royal Air Force Base Akrotiri, Cyprus. The aircraft was used to transport Australian nationals out of Cyprus to locations where flights were available for their return to Australia. Photo: SGT Katrina Johnson

An Air Force C-130J Hercules on the tarmac at the Kabul International Airport after the first snowfall for the winter season.

Photo: GPCAPT A. McCormack

Members of Combined Task Unit 633.2.3 conduct the airlift of United Nations equipment and personnel by C-130J Hercules

across Africa for Operation Aslan in South Sudan.Photo: FLTLT Mark Keritz

A C-130 Hercules lands on a dirt strip at a forward operating base in Afghanistan to resupply the Australian Special Forces Task Group during Operation Slipper.Photo: SGT John Carroll

An Air Force pilot at the controls of a C-130J aircraft transporting members of Task Group Taji 3 to Iraq. Photo: LS Jake Badior

2014

2006 2013

2016 2005

15 years in Middle EastRCEAIR F June 14, 2018 13

2002 January: C-130Hs from 36SQN

conduct a series of short-rota-tion deployments to Afghanistan for Operation Slipper, support-ing a Special Operations Task Group and other Allied Forces in country.

2003 February: Australia’s con-

tinuous airlift presence in the Middle East is established with the deployment of two C-130Hs from 36SQN in support of Operation Bastille/Falconer, providing airlift operations dur-ing the invasion of Iraq. A third C-130H soon joins them, along with a C-130J from 37SQN to support ADF personnel across the wider Middle East.

2004 September: 36SQN C-130Hs

return from the Middle East, rotating out of theatre with 37SQN C-130Js. Responsibility for the Hercules detachment is rotated between the C-130J and C-130H every six-to-eight months until July 2008.

2005 April: Hercules support the

establishment of a 500-strong Australian Army battlegroup to the Al Muthanna Province, which provides security for the Japanese forces and assists in training Iraqi security forces.

August: The re-deployment of a Special Operations Task Group for Operation Slipper sees the return of RAAF C-130 flights into Afghanistan.

2006 June: Support to Operation

Ramp, evacuation of Australian citizens from Lebanon.

July: The Australian Army battlegroup in Al Muthanna is relocated to Tallil Air Base in neighbouring Dhi Qar province, where it is called Overwatch Battle Group (West).

November: RAAF C-130Hs come under the command of 37SQN, with 36SQN re-equipping with the C-17A Globemaster.

2008 June: Hercules complete the

withdrawal of Overwatch Battle Group (West) 4 from Tallil in Iraq, which provided security patrols, training and reconstruc-tion with Iraqi Security Forces under Operation Catalyst.

July: C-130Hs return to Australia after completing their final rotation through the Middle East.

2009 July: Operation Catalyst, which

began in March 2003 as the Australian mission to provide stabilisation and security to Iraq, concludes. Intra-theatre airlift into Afghanistan is pro-vided by RAAF C-17As for the first time.

2013 November: Operation Slipper

in Afghanistan concludes, although RAAF Hercules crews continue to support up to 300 ADF personnel deployed to provide training and assistance to Afghan personnel under Operation Highroad.

2014 January: Unrest in South

Sudan leads to a mission by a C-130J to Liberia on the West Coast of Africa, transporting peacekeeping supplies to Juba in South Sudan.

August: The spread of Daesh terrorists in Syria and Iraq leads the ADF to establish Operation Okra. Hercules crews join Allied transport air-craft to conduct mass humani-tarian airdrops to northern Iraq, delivering aid to Iraqi civilians at Mt Sinjar and Amirli under a cover of darkness. Alongside the C-17As, transport missions to Europe are flown by the Hercules to deliver ammuni-tion to equip security forces in Northern Iraq, and the deploy-ment of Air Task Group 630 under Operation Okra also requires intermittent support from the Hercules crews. On the ground in Iraq, Hercules also support the creation of a Special Operations Task Group and Task Group Taji, the latter of which is charged with train-ing Iraqi Security Forces.

November: A further humani-tarian airdrop mission is flown to support Iraqi civilians on Mt Sinjar under Operation Okra.

2016 November: Governor-General

Peter Cosgrove presents 36SQN and 37SQN with the Meritorious Unit Citation for their role in operating the C-130 Hercules in the Middle East Area of Operations between January 2002 and June 2014.

2018 February: Defence Minister

Marise Payne and CDF ACM Mark Binskin congratulate the Hercules workforce with Task Force 633 for 15 years of continuous deployment in the Middle East, having flown 37,400 hours across about 6030 missions with a success rate of 98 per cent.

Timeline of the enduring legacy of our Hercules and personnel in the Middle East. Eamon Hamilton reports

DEEP IMPACT C-130J Hercules loadmasters conduct pre-flight checks prior to departing Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates for northern Iraq with 15 bundles of humanitarian aid. Photo: CPL Janine Fabre

A RAAF C-130H in the Middle East on September 1, 2005, flew the 1000th C-130 mission in support of Operation Catalyst. The crew were, from left, FLTLT David Jackson, FLGOFF Mark Saurins, FSGT Randall Law, FLGOFF Conan Brett, WOFF Huey Baldwin and WOFF Dennis Matthews.Below: Personnel board the C-130H at Kuwait airport for transit to Baghdad airport for the 1000th mission in support of Operation Catalyst. Photos: AB Phillip Cullinan

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LIFE IN THE RAAFKing of the air

FLTLT Shaun Donnelly meets an inspiring pilot who has loved every minute of his recent 10,000-hour milestone

FLTLT Chris Beauchamp may be retiring after 34 years in the Air Force and Army early next year, but if he had his

way he wouldn’t hesitate doing it all over again.

In fact, FLTLT Beauchamp, better known as Chumpy, has recently attained a significant moment in his career after surpassing 10,000 flying hours – or over one year spent in the air.

Reaching the milestone at his current unit, No. 38 Squadron in Townsville, FLTLT Beauchamp reflects on what it means to amass 10,000 hours and how this still inspires him and hopefully those just starting their Air Force careers.

“Looking back over my 34 years, I wish I could begin it all again,” he said.

“I was always interested in flying since I was 12, but I didn’t manage to get any lessons in before I joined the Air Force.

“10,000 hours is a lot of time out of the office, but a lot of time to form new friendships and I have treasured those throughout the years.”

FLTLT Beauchamp joined the Air Force in 1984 as a Radio Technician (RADTECH).

As a junior RADTECH he went along to the RAAF Amberley Flying

Club and rapidly progressed in his private pilot’s qualifications.

Applying for the Army in 1990 he was selected to commission as an SSO pilot and graduated with number 52 pilots’ course on the CT-4As at Point Cook.

FLTLT Beauchamp completed tours on Iroquois gunships and Squirrel helicopters before becoming the Standards Officer at the Army’s 173 Surveillance Squadron flying the fixed wing B200 King Air. In 2011 he accepted an offer to transfer back to Air Force with 38SQN.

“Upon the retirement of the Caribou in 2009, I volunteered to become the training flight Commander as 38SQN took over the King Airs and I stayed on with them as we received the new Proline 21 model variants,” he said.

“This aircraft has afforded me some excellent experiences including a delivery flight across the Atlantic, Europe, the Middle East and South-East Asia, the long way around.”

In 34 years, FLTLT Beauchamp has seen a lot of the flying world change.

From the predominately male-dominated workforce with the heavy flight bags full of publications, today’s pilots are introduced to

new aircraft such as the PC-21, computer-based simulations and electronic flight bags based on tablets.

“The RAAF is at a great point in time. We are embracing change, new technology and new aircraft types coming into service,” he said.

“All the services have upgraded their fleets both in equipment and technology.”

Some of the highlights throughout his career will remain with him.

“A couple of things will always stay will me, like coming to work every day and not knowing where I could end up. I have enjoyed the freedom of the airborne office,” FLTLT Beauchamp said.

“I really loved my time with 5 Aviation Regiment flying Huey (Iroquois) gunships. Firing the rockets and the mini-guns was something I will always remember.

“And I always appreciated the smile on a trainee’s face when they finally learnt to hover or came back from their first solo.”

FLTLT Beauchamp has a few more flights before he hangs up his Air Force hat and he’s going to have a chance to look back over some great memories in the service, top and tailed by life in the RAAF.

Pilot FLTLT Christopher Beauchamp, right, with 38SQN members on the Townsville flightline after completing 10,000 flying hours. Photo: CPL Glen McCarthy

FeatureRCEAIR F June 14, 2018 15

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OUR pioneering Aircraft Research and Development Unit (ARDU) will mark 75 years in support of the

warfighter this year.The unit started life as No. 1

Aircraft Performance Unit (APU) at RAAF Base Laverton in December 1943. In September 1947, APU was renamed to ARDU to better reflect the nature of the unit’s duties to flight test all new Air Force aircraft, modifica-tions and ancillary equipment.

ARDU has pioneered flight test in the ADF – a tradition that continues to this day.

CO ARDU WGCDR Dan Rich said he was proud of ARDU’s history.

WGCDR Rich contributed the unit’s success to the talented and dedi-cated men and women who had helped formed its strong legacy over the dec-ades.

“It’s a unique unit that supports the whole of Air Force,” WGCDR Rich said.

“We have the privilege of being trusted to support every FEG’s capa-bility development program allow-

ing us to fly every aircraft type in our amazing organisation.

“Our work is extremely rewarding because we support test and evaluation during all phases of the capability life cycle, from cradle to grave.

“ARDU continues to build on the wisdom, knowledge and devotion of our predecessors to ensure we safely and effectively achieve our flight test goals to continue to advance ADF avi-ation capability.”

ARDU remains a unit within the Test and Evaluation Directorate, Air Warfare Centre (AWC), and consists of three flights located across four bases with headquarters located at RAAF Base Edinburgh.

In accordance with the philoso-phy of Plan Jericho, under the AWC, the role of ARDU has significantly changed from a purely Developmental Test and Evaluation centre of exper-tise to one that encompasses the con-tinuum of test and evaluation from start (Acceptance T&E) to finish (Operational T&E).

To register interest in the anniversary events and receive updates, visit ardu75th.com

Talented personnel key to unit’s success over 75 years, FLGOFF Bel Scott writes

ARDU SNAPSHOTTHE Aircraft Research and Development Unit (ARDU) has flown trials and development sorties on every aircraft in the Air Force inventory current and past. These include F-111C, Mirage, Macchi, Kiowa, CT4-A, the ven-erable Dakota, and current fleet F/A-18 and PC-9/A.

The unit has been involved in numerous weapons trials, such as a 27-inch rocket, Matra R550 missile and Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM).

The need for a scientific approach to aircraft performance and operation was recognised early in WWII when Australian-built aircraft and a variety of types from overseas were enter-ing the RAAF.

For this reason a flight was

formed in 1941 to accurately determine the performance of new aircraft.

By 1943 the importance of this work was such that the unit was expanded. Its early name, Special Duties and Performance Flight was altered to No. 1 Aircraft Performance Unit.

The unit continued to expand until the end of the war and many types of aircraft were tested, including a captured Japanese Zero.

Today, ARDU continues to provide a complete and integrat-ed aviation test and evaluation capability for Air Command and generates flight test profession-als for future fifth generation Air Force capability.

Building on dedication

ARDU personnel on the flightline in 2017 with a PC-9/A and C-27J Spartan aircraft in the background.Photo: CPL Craig Barrett

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17June 14, 2018RCEAIR F Joint capability

FLTLT Stephanie Anderson

NO. 1 Expeditionary Health Squadron recently exercised its expedition-ary Role 2 (R2) health capabil-ity at RAAF Base Amberley during Exercise Regimen White.

More than 100 personnel, includ-ing 30 reservists, from across Health Services Wing participated, along with members from Nos. 65 and 1 Combat Communications Squadrons.

The aim was to exercise Air Force’s scalable expeditionary health capabilities and to complete a mis-sion rehearsal activity prior to deploy-ing on Exercise Pitch Black (July 27-August 17).

This year’s activity included engagement with other Air Force health assets and the Army’s R2 Enhanced capability.

CO 1EHS WGCDR Nicole Dos Santos said Regimen White was an opportunity to build on the R2’s suc-cessful deployment to Talisman Saber.

“This year’s activity focused on our role in the joint trauma system and reducing the scale of the facility, without compromising health capabil-ity, as we would operate in contin-gency tasking,” WGCDR Santos said.

Realistic clinical scenarios were conducted which focused on the anticipated injuries and illnesses that would be received into a R2, which looks like a small field hospital, on deployed airbases.

Air Force and Army health facili-ties successfully tested the joint trau-ma system as patients moved through the echelons of health care.

Heathy dose of trainingWe team up with Army to bolster capability skills during Exercise Regimen White

1EHS personnel training during this year’s Exercise Regimen White.

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18 June 14, 2018RCEAIR FNews

Our future marches on

BRISBANE residents lined the streets to wave flags and hold banners in sup-port of 700 Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC) marching in the Freedom of Entry to the City on May 19.

The granting of Freedom of Entry is a tradition with medieval origins, and is the highest accolade a city can bestow upon a group. It is a mark of trust and confidence for citizens to allow a formed body to enter the city.

No. 2 Wing AAFC exercised their

rights granted under the proclamation.Representing CAF was former 2WG

AAFC OC AVM Hugh Bartholomuesz. SADFO AIRCDRE Ken Robinson was a VIP, together with the DG AAFC AIRCDRE Gary Martin, and the Commander AAFC, GPCAPT Mark Dorward.

The AAFC teaches youth valuable life skills and develops qualities of lead-ership, self-reliance, confidence, team-work, and communication.

Some activities undertaken by the AAFC include: flying, field craft, adventure training, firearms safe-ty training, drill, ceremonial, service knowledge, aero-modelling, navigation and gliding.

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LS Jason Tufrey

PLTOFF Nathan Parker and FSGT Ben Morgan represented Air Force among the 13-strong Australian team at the Warrior Games in Colorado Springs in the United States from June 1-9.

Competing in the 100m, 200m, 400m and 4x100m relay on the track, PLTOFF Parker won three gold medals and one bronze respectively. He also was in the sitting volleyball side which defeated the UK and participated in swimming and indoor rowing.

PLTOFF Parker said competing in Colorado felt pretty awesome.

“I was lucky enough to get a taste of Invictus Games last year, but to come and experience the Warrior Games here in the US and see the camaraderie between the different arms of their military was just fantas-tic,” he said.

“The Australian team was popular with all the other teams, our inflatable kangaroo “Roo” was a big hit with both competitors and fans alike. I think the atmosphere we are bringing to the event is incredible.”

The Australian team competed in

11 adaptive sports such as archery, cycling, shooting, sitting volleyball, swimming, track and field, and wheel-chair basketball, and for the first time in the event’s history, indoor rowing, powerlifting, and time trial cycling.

PLTOFF Parker said the camarade-rie within the team was a highlight.

“It’s fortunate to be in such a small team, this means you get to know eve-ryone much better,” he said.

“The team have made an effort to go and watch everyone else compete and cheer each other on.

“To have that support within a group like this is amazing.”

PLTOFF Parker said the highlight was seeing the athletes come and com-pete and give their all.

“The cyclists were very impressive. Every one of them won a medal and to see them take out gold, silver and bronze in the road race was just awe-some,” he said.

“Some of the people on our team are fairly new to their sports and haven’t competed in this sort of atmos-phere before. To see the results they are getting is fantastic to watch.”

He said the biggest challenge was competing at high altitude.

“You notice it when you are trying to get through a race and replenish your oxygen stores and you are really struggling to breathe,” he said.

The games is an adaptive sport competition for wounded, injured and ill (WII) serving and former serv-ing defence personnel hosted by the United States Air Force.

PLTOFF Parker said the power of recovery through sport was massively significant.

“With my injuries the first thing I could control was my ability to do sport, to get up and walk around, to go and do some push ups,” he said.

“Especially during the toughest of times of rehab when the treatment’s not working or things aren’t going your way, every second you gain on the track or a PB in the pool or on the rower is progress and it means the world and keeps you moving forward throughout that journey.”

The games brought together about 300 personnel from the United States Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Special Operations Command and competitors from the UK Armed Forces, ADF and Canadian Armed Forces.

CPL Bill Solomou

FIREFIGHTER LAC Matthew Herbert, of No. 23 Squadron, smashed his per-sonal best time at the Port Macquarie Ironman Australia event on May 6 by finishing in the top 50 in his field.

A member of the ADF Triathlon Club, LAC Herbert finished 47th in the 35-39 Year age group.

LAC Herbert completed the full Ironman in 11hr and 5 minutes, which was 43 minutes quicker than his first Ironman at this event 12 months ago.

“I had a 10-minute mechanical issue on the bike leg which would have given me an even bigger personal best, and it would have put me under the 11 hour mark,” LAC Herbert said.

His times were: 3.8km swim: 1.01, 180km bike: 5.57, and 42.2km run: 3.58. He competed in his first triathlon

five years ago and since then he has not looked back.

“LAC Herbert said he takes on the gruelling event because of the challenge.

“Seeing what the body and mind can do, the friendships made through train-ing both with the ADFTC and my local triathlon club in Brisbane,” LAC Herbert said.

“Not long ago I would never have thought I could do an Ironman, endur-ance sports were never my thing.

“Seeing results after each training session is rewarding, (especially the long ones) the feeling of accomplishment is a great feeling.”

Results: Half Ironman (1.9km swim/90km bike/21.1km run): SGT Tom O’Neil – 2 OCU – 6:32 (98th aggre-gate); Ironman (3.8km swim/180km bike/42.2km run): LAC Matt Herbert, 23SQN: 11:05 (47th aggregate)

Keeping up the pace

Lapping up games’ spirit

FSGT Ben Morgan celebrates winning the bronze medal for the time-trial cycle race as part of the Warrior Games 2018 at the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Photo: LS Jayson Tufrey

19June 14, 2018RCEAIR F Sp rt

SP RTJune 14, 2018

GOLD! GOLD! GOLD!

Warrior Games action: Page 19

PLTOFF Nathan Parker displays his swag of medals with AF Liaison Officer to HQ USAF Space Command WGCDR Stuart Briese at the Warrior Games in the US.Photo: LS Jayson Tufrey