rising to the challenge - department of defence · 2018. 4. 18. · rising to the challenge duke of...

AIRF RCEVol. 60, No. 6, April 19, 2018 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

Three more F-35A

fighters set to join us Page 4

THAT MAKES FIVE

BEST OF THE BEST

Pages 2-3

Meet our Proficiency and Leadership Awards winners

Harpoon missile sortie

Pages 12-13

POSEIDON ADVENTURE

SHARPER SKILLS

Page 6

Black Dagger tests the mettle

Air Force’s A35-003 departs Fort Worth, Texas.

Photo: Alexander H. Groves

EDITORIALDirectorDavid Edlington

EditorLawrence Dutrieux: (02) 6266 7612

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

[email protected] Editor, Air Force News, R1-GF-C037, PO Box 7909, Department of Defence, ACT 2600

ADVERTISING AND SUBSCRIPTIONSMarketing ManagerTim Asher: (07) 3332 7651 or

0459 842 551

Assistant Marketing ManagerPam Clarke: (02) 6265 [email protected] [email protected]

DISCLAIMERAir Force News is published fortnightly by the Directorate of Defence News. It is printed under contract by Horton Media Australia Ltd. The material published is selected for its interest. The views expressed in published articles are not necessarily those of Defence or Air Force News. Every advertisement is subject to Directorate of Defence News approval and the Directorate of Defence News may, at its discretion, refuse to accept an advertisement. The Directorate accepts no responsibility or liability in relation to any loss due to the failure of an advertisement to appear or if it appears in a form not in accordance with the instructions received by the Directorate of Defence News. Defence does not endorse the products or services published in advertisements.

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2 April 19, 2018RCEAIR FAir Force awards

ISSN 1329-8909 (Print)ISSN 2209-2234 (Online)

FLTLT Shaun Donnelly

THE 2017 Air Force Maintenance Trophy has been awarded to No. 33 Squadron as part of the annual Air Force Leadership and Proficiency Awards.

The trophy highlights the skill, teamwork and dedication it takes to keep the Air Force fleet of KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft in the air.

CO 33SQN WGCDR Brent Taylor said he was honoured to have the squadron recognised with the Maintenance Trophy.

“Despite an incredibly demand-ing tempo throughout 2017, we achieved a significant amount all while bringing a seventh aircraft into service,” WGCDR Taylor said.

“Our success is directly attrib-uted to the women and men of the 33SQN maintenance workforce and it makes me incredibly proud to part of such a successful team.”

He said 33SQN maintenance personnel maintained high morale and esprit de corps with a work-flow that included: continuous rotations in support of Operation Okra; receiver clearance activi-ties in the United States includ-ing the B-52 Stratofortress and A-10 Thunderbolt II; a workforce restructure to enable support of a seven aircraft fleet; and numerous improvement activities.

SQNLDR Dave Burns, Senior Engineering Officer for 33SQN, said the trophy demonstrated the professionalism and innovation

FLTLT Stephanie Anderson

NO. 1 Squadron has been awarded the Duke of Gloucester Cup for the most proficient flying squadron in the 2017 Air Force Proficiency and Leadership Awards.

By taking on our entire fleet of 24 F/A-18F Super Hornets, 1SQN personnel experienced a new and higher tempo period, supporting domestic and international activities and operations.

CO 1SQN WGCDR Jason Gamlin said he was incredibly

privileged to be the CO of such an amazing team of dedicated men and women of the ‘Fighting First’.

“They rose to the challenges of 2017, after doing a lot of foundation work in 2016 which allowed them to succeed,” WGCDR Gamlin said.

“A lot of the ideas on how to manage and succeed with lower air-craft technician to aircraft ratios was sourced from the ranks.”

The biggest challenge and achievement for the squadron was deploying to the Middle East on Operation Okra in April 2017,

and seeing out the last of Air Task Group’s strike element.

1SQN was pivotal in completing ATG’s strike element in the Middle East by conducting some of the high-est rates of air tasking for the entire campaign during the Battle of Mosul.

The success of the squadron on operations was evident in the efforts of the maintenance teams, who were consistently able to remain flexible in the squadron’s ever-changing operating environment.

The squadron’s personnel also supported the aircraft during the

Diamond and Aces series of exer-cises, Exercise Talisman Sabre, all Havoc Strike exercises and Exercise Lightning Focus.

1SQN was also a feature at high-profile events, such as the Avalon International Airshow, F1 Grand Prix, Canberra Skyfire, Anzac Day and Ipswich V8 Supercars.

1SQN entered 2018 on a high note: returning from the Middle East, moving onto supporting Operation Atlas, and planning for Exercises Pitch Black and Bersama Lima.

Rising to the challenge

DUKE OF GLOUCESTER CUP

MAINTENANCE TROPHY

‘So proud of our team’

SADFO RAAF Base Amberley AIRCDRE Kenneth Robinson, right, awards CO 33SQN WGCDR Brent Taylor with the Maintenance Trophy 2017 for his squadron’s efforts. Photo: CPL Jesse Kane

displayed at all levels within the maintenance sections.

“What gives the WOE and I the most pride is that the significant improvements to mission capability and sortie rates were achieved by the maintenance team in a sustain-able manner, in many cases using

grassroots ideas from the squad-ron’s ‘refresh-retune’ program,” SQNLDR Burns said.

“The trophy is also great substantiation of the improved KC-30A platform support arrange-ments introduced by No. 86 Wing, HALSPO (Heavy Air Lift Systems

Program Office) and Northrop Grumman Australia.”

The trophy is awarded to the most proficient maintenance unit in recognition of their engineering and technical excellence. It was present-ed to WGCDR Taylor at a reception at RAAF Base Amberley.

A 1SQN F/A-18F Super Hornet arrives at RAAF Base Amberley to a welcome home ceremony after completing its journey to Australia from the Middle East on January 24. Photo: CPL Jessica de Rouw

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3April 19, 2018RCEAIR F Air Force awards

OFFICERDefence Force Magistrate1 x Recklessly Making a False or Misleading Statement in Relation to an Application for a Benefit – DFDA s 56(4)Member was accused of making a false statement in support of an application for an allowance. Member pleaded guilty to the charge and was found guilty of the charge. Member was severely reprimanded.

NCODefence Force Magistrate1 x Prejudicial Conduct – DFDA s 60(1)2 x Act of Indecency Without Consent – DFDA s 61(3) and Crimes Act 1900 (ACT) s 60Member was accused of prejudic-ing the discipline of the Defence Force by making an offensive remark to a subordinate member.

Member was also accused of committing certain acts of inde-cency on a subordinate member. Member pleaded guilty to the charges and was found guilty of the charges. Member was severely reprimanded and reduced in rank.

NCORestricted Court Martial8 x Act of Indecency Without Consent – DFDA s 61(3) and Crimes Act 1900 (ACT) s 60(1)2 x Using Insulting or Provocative Words – DFDA s 33(d) 1 x Prejudicial Conduct – DFDA s 60(1)Member was accused of com-mitting certain acts of indecency in relation to several civilians. Member was also accused of using insulting or provocative words and prejudicing the dis-cipline of the Defence Force by

showing a sexually explicit video to a civilian. Member pleaded not guilty to the charges, however, the member was found guilty of all charges. Member was sentenced to 28 days’ imprisonment, dis-missed from the Defence Force, reduced in rank and fined a total of $6002.67.

OTHER RANKDefence Force Magistrate1 x Take Part in Creating a Disturbance – DFDA s 33(b)Member was accused of taking part in creating a disturbance by engaging in a quarrel with another member. Member pleaded guilty to the charge and was found guilty of the charge. Member was fined a total of $558.56 (to be paid in instalments).

All Court Martial and Defence Force Magistrate trial results are subject to command review and appeal. The results indicated are of trials across the ADF.

MARCH TRIAL RESULTS

CPL Bill Solomou

IT IS no surprise that No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit has stepped up and added yet another accolade to its distinguished hon-our board – Airman of the Year 2017.

Avionics Technician CPL Bryan Jones, of 2OCU, was awarded the title following the announcement of the Air Force Proficiency and Leadership Awards 2017.

In 2016, the unit was awarded the Duke of Gloucester Cup, while the J. R. Bartram and R. A. Kee Sword of Honour went to FLGOFF Kylie Zipf, and the Thales Australian Leadership Sword was awarded to AC Ross Archer.

CPL Bryan Jones received the phone call just before the announcement on March 31.

He said he wasn’t expecting the award, and he was humbled and grateful to have been nominated.

“I took out the Airman of 2OCU last year and thought that was the end of that,” CPL Jones said.

“But to take out the title of Air Force Airman of the Year is a great honour.”

Nominations came from his CO, WGCDR Scott Woodland, WOFF Jason Ryan and WOFF Ben Jacobs.

CPL Jones was commended for his appli-cation of superior technical skills, leadership, professionalism, and his organisation and support of the Movember 2017 campaign.

Part of his citation reads: “This is particu-larly evident through your role as a mainte-nance manager where you have enabled the Unit Avionics section to consistently perform at the highest levels.

“You have consistently demonstrated pro-activity, a thirst for knowledge and leadership significantly above what is expected of your rank and seniority.

“You have shown great courage highlight-ing deficiencies with the No. 81 Wing plan to decentralise F/A-18 Hornet Litening Forward Looking Infra-Red Pod maintenance.

“Importantly, you provided simple effec-tive solutions, ensuring the ongoing delivery of F/A-18 Hornet air to ground capability.”

Enlisting in 2006, CPL Jones followed his father’s example.

“My father was a motivating factor on joining Air Force,” he said.

“He was an armament technician with Air Combat Group, so being exposed to the Air Force way of life appealed to me at a young age.”

CPL Jones is a seasoned techo, deploy-ing to the Middle East on Operation Okra in 2015.

He encourages all airmen to always do their best, be proactive and, most importantly, to look after their mates.

AWARD WINNERS LIST FOR 2017

Air Force APS Team Member of the Year Award: Mr Adrian Xavier, HQAFTG. Awarded to an APS employee who exemplifies both APS and Air Force val-ues and makes an outstanding contribu-tion to Air Force.

AVM B. A. Eaton Airman of the Year Award: CPL Bryan Jones, 2OCU. Awarded to an airman of the rank of corporal or below to recognise the cali-bre of the individual and their significant contribution to both the service and community.

CAF Instructor of the Year Award: FLTLT Daniel Hamilton, CSTS. This award highlights the unquestion-able importance of training and educa-tion to the Air Force and formally recog-nises the commissioned officer who has excelled in this field.

WOFF-AF Instructor of the Year Award: FSGT Gregory Krieger, ASEME. This award highlights the unquestiona-ble importance of training and education to the Air Force and formally recognises the airman who has excelled in this field.

Her Majesty The Queen’s Gold Medal: OFFCDT Silas Cocks, 2FTS. Awarded by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to the most outstanding officer trainee from OTS or ADFA to rec-ognise exemplary conduct, outstanding performance of duty, and influence on fellow officers.

SQNLDR W. T. Riggs Trophy: CPL David Said, 1JPAU. Awarded for the best official photograph of the year. The trophy is a competition open to all Air Force members.

Duke of Gloucester Cup: 1SQN. Awarded to the most proficient flying squadron.

Hawker Siddeley Trophy: 24SQN. Awarded to the most proficient unit with primarily whole-of-base functions.

Markowski Cup: 88SQN. Awarded to the most proficient specialist support unit.

RAAF Maintenance Trophy: 33SQN. Awarded to the most proficient Air Force maintenance unit in recognition of their engineering and technical excellence.

Stonehaven Trophy: RAAF School of Administration and Logistics Training. Awarded to the most proficient training unit.

J. R. Bartram and R. A. Kee Sword of Honour: ACW Elysia Cave-Freeman, 6SQN. Awarded to recognise meritorious performance while undergoing train-ing on an AVTECH, ATECH, ASTFITT, ARMTECH or ALSFITT course at RAAFSTT.

‘A great honour’AIRMAN OF THE YEAR

Airman of the Year for 2017, CPL Bryan Jones

from 2OCU, RAAF Base Williamtown.

Photo: SGT Guy Young

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4 April 19, 2018RCEAIR FNews

Three more F-35A aircraft are good to go

‘In addition, with 3F software the aircraft has an increased flight envelope, which means we can pull up to 9-Gs in air combat manoeuvring (‘dog-fighting’

as people may know it).

– WGCDR Darren Clare, CO 3SQN

POTENT FORCECO 3SQN WGCDR Darren Clare, right, and USAF CO 61st Fighter Squadron,

LTCOL Rhett Hierlmeier, return from their first training mission in Australia’s first

two F-35A aircraft (A35-003 and A35-004) with 3F software.

AIR FORCE has taken delivery of the next three F-35A aircraft from Lockheed Martin.

Australia now has five F-35A aircraft at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, US, where our fighter pilots are training.

Defence Minister Marise Payne and Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne con-gratulated Defence and Lockheed Martin on reaching the important milestone.

Senator Payne said our F-35 program was on track to provide Air Force with a fifth-generation aircraft at the forefront of air com-bat technology.

“These latest aircraft are fit-ted with the program’s final soft-ware system, which unlocks the aircraft’s full war-fighting poten-tial, including weapons, mission systems and flight performance,” she said.

“Australia is the first interna-tional partner to accept jets with Block 3F capability, and this is

another key step towards intro-ducing the aircraft into service before its arrival in Australia in December [at RAAF Base Williamtown] this year.”

CO No. 3 Squadron WGCDR Darren Clare, who is currently based at Luke AFB to train with the F-35A, welcomed the addition of F-35A’s final software capabil-ity.

WGCDR Clare said the new 3F software enhanced the perfor-mance of the aircraft’s sensors and “will allow us to target with great-er precision”.

“The software also gives us the ability to use new weapons that were not available previously,” WGCDR Clare said.

“In addition, with 3F soft-ware the aircraft has an increased flight envelope, which means we can pull up to 9-Gs in air combat manoeuvring (‘dog-fighting’ as people may know it).

“So it is exciting for me, as an F-35A pilot, to see the poten-

tial the software brings to how we can fly and fight in this fifth-gen fighter.”

WGCDR Clare said after about 20 years of flying, it had been a unique experience for him to fly an aircraft with only about 10 hours on the clock.

“As these jets will be used to train both USAF and RAAF fight-er pilots, it was special to share the first training mission in the new jets with the Commanding Officer of the USAF 61st Fighter Squadron, LTCOL Rhett ‘Hero’ Hierlmeier,” he said.

“It was a great way to start the next chapter of the future of fighter pilot training for both the 61st Fighter Squadron and for Air Force.”

Mr Pyne said the acquisition was another significant point in the F-35A program.

He said five more F-35As were scheduled for delivery by the end of this year.

MAJ Josh Masopust, USAF, returns from a training mission in an F-35A

(A35-005) at Luke Air Force Base, US.

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6 April 19, 2018RCEAIR FExercise Black Dagger

THE township of Denman, NSW, is under threat from an increasingly violent insurgency and the mission

is to secure the bridge at Sandy Hollow to protect the southern approaches.

This was the scenario presented to the students of Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) Course 61 at this year’s Exercise Black Dagger from March 15-23.

Chief Instructor MAJ Ross Wehby, who made the presentation, said injecting realism into the exer-cise had put the students’ lessons into practice.

“Black Dagger is the culminat-ing activity of the JTAC course where the students put into practice what they’ve learnt in the past five weeks through executing a series of live and dry fire serials directing both PC-9/A and F/A-18 aircraft,” MAJ Wehby said.

So what is a JTAC course?The course covers areas such

as: understanding enemy forma-tions, battle damage assessments and close air-support; how to call controls for planes, helicopters, and UAVs; and the fusing for each dif-ferent type of ordnance used by the ADF and coalition partners.

FLTLT Alysha Dunn, a Joint Battlefield Airspace Controller,

completed the training as par t of her role as Brigade Airspace Cont rol Liaison Off icer with Army’s 1st Brigade Headquarters in Darwin.

“The whole thing was initially pretty daunting and everyone was really nervous, but then you get into the swing of it and you con-quer one little challenge and then another and it actually turns out to be rewarding,” FLTLT Dunn said.

The experience has been an eye-opener for fellow student Air Combat Officer FLTLT Joel Flannery, who admits that this time last year he had no idea what a JTAC was.

“It’s still a bit mind blowing to see yourself as this integral but tiny little speck in such a huge scheme of manoeuvre,” FLTLT Flannery said.

Coming to the course from a maritime background also posed some unforeseen challenges.

“It was incredibly challeng-ing to make the transition not only to an Air Combat Group way of thinking but an Army way of thinking as well,” FLTLT Flannery said.

JTAC graduates are required to employ their new-found skills in very different roles dispersed throughout the ADF battlespace.

These will range from work-ing within a small patrol calling in kinetic effects from forward positions on the ground, to provid-ing coordination for the air aspect at the Combat Team level or even acting as SME adviser in a battle group headquarters.

“The JTAC is in a position to shape the battlespace in a way that no other individual in that scheme of manoeuvre can,” MAJ Wehby said.

“A miscalculation or a lack of situational awareness could lead to a mistake resulting in anything from mass fratricide and law of armed conflict violations down one end, to an aviation safety occur-rence report on the other.”

“With that in mind the stakes are high for directing staff to ensure that at the end of Black Dagger they are graduating stu-dents capable of delivering on the JTAC motto, ‘On target, on time, and safe always’.”

On this course, all eight course members of JTAC Course 61 com-pleted the exercise successfully and graduated with their Dagger call signs. The course’s students com-prised two from Air Force, three from Army and three from Special Forces.

On time, on target, safe always

FLGOFF Monique Lonsdale gets behind the scenes at Exercise Black Dagger and reveals why the JTAC’s motto rings so true

Joint Terminal Attack Controller

student FLTLT Alysha Dunn

(including inset) out in the field

during Exercise Black Dagger.

Photo: SGT Shane Gidall

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7April 19, 2018RCEAIR F News

LIFE IN THE RAAF Values count

CPL Bill Solomou meets an airman who is a firm believer in Air Force’s core values

Living and working by his core faith values of respect, integrity, teamwork and excellence – to name a few

– it’s no surprise that LAC Simon Tagaloa of No. 460 Squadron loves Air Force.

The gentle giant makes it no secret that he loves his job as an Air Intelligence Analyst (AIA), Operation Intelligence (OPINT), and he thrives on the opportunity to learn.

LAC Tagaloa was born in New Zealand and is of Samoan heritage. He said growing up with his faith as a Seventh Day Adventist had given him direction in life.

“I try to live from the values ... don’t just say something, just for the sake of saying it. You have to be able to walk the talk as well,” LAC Tagaloa said.

“Without the foundation, noth-ing can hold.”

His modest and enthusiastic approach to his work and life fits in with Air Force. In five short years, he has forged a reputation among his peers as a great bloke, who is a leader in the making.

Last month he had the honour in presenting the Airman’s Code at Air

Force’s 97th anniversary ceremony in Canberra.

In front of hundreds of guests, he stood tall and recited the code from memory.

LAC Tagaloa said the emotion was very real.

“It comes back to the fact that words are very powerful, there is no point in saying something if you don’t really mean it,” he said.

“So when I was given the hon-our to recite the code, I memorised it. I just didn’t want to limit myself to a piece of paper and to read it aloud.

“I wanted to reflect on it, I wanted to know what it meant to be an airman.

“I spoke as an Australian airman – I didn’t speak from my head, I spoke from my heart.”

After his moving presentation, guests, including CAF, WOFF-AF and visiting dignitaries applauded his efforts.

He said he was humbled to know that there was a connection with the audience.

Both LAC Tagaloa and his brother Orlando – now PTE Orlando Tagaloa, a medic at Gallipoli Barracks with the

1st Close Health Battalion, 11th Close Health Coy – joined the ADF in 2013.

LAC Tagaloa decided to join because it offered the best opportu-nity for him intellectually.

“Once I finished school I thought about what I wanted to do in life, and I thought about all the other jobs that were physically demanding,” he said.

“And I was thinking there is only a certain amount of time your body can put up with that, so I was thinking of something I could do that was mentally demanding.

“Most importantly, I wanted to do something that I could do to be constantly learning as well.”

He and his brother are young men who are an inspiration to their family, their community, and their ADF peers.

LAC Tagaloa recommends Air Force and the AIA OPINT muster-ing to anyone interested in a career with a challenge.

And the last word from him is a quote from Confucius: “Our great-est glory is not falling, but in rising every time we fall.”

LAC Simon Tagaloa is posted to 460SQN in Canberra.

Photo: CPL Bill Solomou

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Eamon Hamilton

COMBAT airlift missions across southern United States for Exercise Green Flag tested the air mobility tal-ents of No. 37 Squadron from RAAF Base Richmond.

Green Flag involved a 37SQN C-130J Hercules and a 23-strong Austral ian cont ingent working from Little Rock Air Force Base in Arkansas from April 4-17.

The 34 th Combat Tra in ing Squadron of the United States Air Force (USAF) hosted the exercise, with airlift missions flown to train-ing areas in Louisiana with the United States Army.

American and international par-ticipants in the exercise worked in a simulated war-like scenario, and were tested on their ability to plan and exe-cute missions.

Dynamic elements in the exercise would challenge their ability to adapt their mission and overcome threats found in the real world.

SQNLDR David Torrington, who led the Australian detachment, said the exercise provided the RAAF with tremendous training benefit.

“A key focus of Exercise Green Flag was joint force integration, which involved our ability to safely deliver ground units and keep them reliably supplied,” SQNLDR Torrington said.

“These kinds of missions require preparation and exposure that’s dif-ficult to find outside of real-world operations, and has been demonstrated

successfully by our workforce in the Middle East region.

“Exercise Green Flag is also criti-cal to how we prepare for future coali-tion airlift operations, whether they’re war-like or humanitarian in nature.”

The USAF conducts several itera-tions of Green Flag each year, each involving up to 200 USAF personnel, 5000 American Army personnel and additional international forces.

During Green Flag, “opposing forces” sought to take control of drop zones and landing strips required for the Hercules to conduct its missions.

“The scenarios that played out in Green Flag are similar to real-world operations, including the kinds of pay-loads we would carry and the threats we might face,” SQNLDR Torrington said.

“We train for this mission in

Australia on a much more limited scale, so we’re grateful to come to Little Rock and gain experience that we can reinvest into developing our crews back home.

“The ADF counts on Hercules crews to be prepared to deploy into a range of environments around the globe, and Exercise Green Flag allows us to accomplish this.”

Green is go for exercise

A 37SQN C-130J Hercules takes part in

Exercise Green Flag in the US.

Photo: CPL David Gibbs


LEUT Sarah West

LAC Ryan Mostyn will have a lot to reflect on this Anzac Day as he performs the role of drummer at the Anzac Day Dawn Service at Villers-Bretonneux in France as part of Australia’s Federation Guard.

He’ll not only provide a steady drum beat to the catafalque party and flag bearers as they move into position at the Australian National Memorial, but will also be thinking of the service and sacrifice of his Great Uncle Albert, who was killed in action on the Western Front, about 90km away from Villers-Bretonneux, in Bois-Grenier.

LAC Mostyn said his Great Uncle was killed as he was moving between dugouts.

“I only learned of the story 12 months ago,” LAC Mostyn said.

“My Great Uncle, LT Albert Campling, served on the Western Front with the 20th Australian Infantry Battalion.

“He had already served in the

Boer War and then commissioned from soldier to officer before vol-unteering again for overseas service in WW1.

“He was killed by an explod-ing shell on June 14, 1916, just two months after arriving in France.”

LT Campling was 43 years old when he was killed in the trenches. He had a wife and four children.

LAC Mostyn said he would have liked to have met his Great Uncle, but was looking forward to paying his respects in France.

“After my Great Uncle’s death, a soldier filed a report with the Australian Red Cross which said the diggers were ‘keen on LT Campling’ and ‘put a lot of work into his grave’ at the cemetery at Bois-Grenier,” LAC Mostyn said.

“I’m proud to know that my Great Uncle was so well regarded by his men, because it means he must have been a good leader.

“Visiting his grave will be a sad and humbling experience, but I feel so fortunate that my own service

in the ADF is taking me to a place where I can visit and say ‘thank you’, not only to him, but to the thousands of Australians who have given their lives in service to their country.

“The Western Front is a really meaningful place, to my family per-sonally, and to many Australian fam-ilies who suffered losses during the Great War.”

An Australia’s Federation Guard contingent of 22 soldiers, sailors, airmen will support Anzac Day com-memorative activities in France this year, which will mark the 100th anniversary of the battle of Villers-Bretonneux.

Villers-Bretonneux was one of the most important battles fought by Australians during WWI and is often described as a crucial turning point of the war.

This year is the final year of the Australian Government’s four-year-long Centenary of Anzac commemo-ration program.

Reflecting on sacrifice

Preparing to honour a Great UncleLAC Ryan Mostyn takes time to remember his Great Uncle, LT Albert Campling, at the Australian War Memorial before heading to France to participate in Anzac Day commemorations.Photo: LS Chris Beerens


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TEAM blue was in force on the front-line of the 2018 Commonwealth Games by providing security at the entrances to key sporting venues around the Gold Coast from April 4-15.

A contingent of permanent and reserve Air Force personnel deployed to the Gold Coast to assist the Queensland Police Service (QPS) with security.

FLTLT David North, of No. 2 Expeditionary Health Squadron, said Air Force and Army personnel were stationed at numerous vehicle check points to search for suspicious items.

“We supported the QPS with secu-rity checks so that any items that posed a risk towards anyone entering the Games didn’t make it in,” FLTLT North said.

When referring to “suspicious” items, the obvious come to mind such as sharp items or weapons, but FLTLT North said even less obvious items were considered restricted.

“There are a number of things that are considered ‘prohibited items’ – typ-ically things that are dangerous, such as knives or glass but also things like unsealed bottles, aerosols and alcohol.”

Each day, FLTLT North said con-tractors, officials, athletes and visitors passed through the established vehicle check points to be screened for secu-rity.

“The screening process requires interaction with different people in

potentially dangerous scenarios, yet it involves nothing either profession isn’t trained to deal with,” he said.

FLTLT North said the police and the ADF had a similar mindset and atti-tude towards public safety but could also learn from one another when working together.

“The police are excellent at interact-ing with people; the military are trained in de-escalation but don’t often have the chance to work day-in and day-out with the public.

“Here we are learning from one another and are strengthening our already good working relationship.”

FLTLT North said F/A-18F Super Hornets based out of RAAF Base Amberley were on standby to provide airspace security to assist in keeping the public safe.

He and his contingent were extremely proud to support the Games.

“Searching vehicles can be repeti-tive at times but it’s important to stay alert because what we’re doing here is extremely important,” he said.

“We’re here to fulfil a security func-tion so that the athletes can do what they’ve come here to do – it’s an hon-our and a privilege to be a part of that.”

More than 1700 ADF personnel deployed to Southeast Queensland to support the Games in various logisti-cal, operational, support and transport roles.

Teaming up at the Games

Queensland Police Service Sergeant Ken Leitch and FLTLT David North search a vehicle at the Commonwealth Games athlete’s village on the Gold Coast. Photo: CPL Kyle Genner


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PRIMED TO RESPOND

A P-8A Poseidon, carrying two MK84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles, takes part in a

training flight.Photo: SGT Pete Gammie

Insets: The sortie was conducted by 11SQN over the Southern Ocean.

Photos: CPL Craig Barrett

An 11SQN crew tests the waters by loading Harpoon missiles on a P-8A Poseidon in a training sortie. FLTLT Christopher Parks and Jaimie Abbott report

One of our P-8A Poseidons has successfully carried two Har-poon missiles for the first time on a tactical training flight.

In a demonstration of the matur-ing P-8A capability, No. 11 Squadron conducted the mission over the Southern Ocean on March 23. It carried two MK84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles.

The Poseidon’s crew tactical coordi-nator, FLTLT Phillip Sydney-Jones, said there were three main objectives.

“We wanted to prove our maintenance crews could load the weapon and the aircrew could carry out the necessary safety checks on the ground and while airborne,” FLTLT Sydney-Jones said.

“We also wanted to ensure the mainte-nance crews could then safely download

the weapon once the aircraft landed.”The P-8A Poseidon recently reached

initial operating capability ahead of schedule.

The aircraft supports a full range of operational tasks, including anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare (ASuW and ASW), maritime and overland intelli-gence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

CO 11SQN WGCDR David Tither-idge said the focus for 11SQN personnel during the second quarter of 2018 was to establish an ASuW skill base and consoli-date ASW skills through simulation and participation in high-end, warfighting international exercises.

“Safely carrying out the first Air Force P-8A flight with two Harpoon anti-ship missiles is an important step in establish-

ing our maritime combat capabilities – capabilities the Poseidon is optimised for,” WGCDR Titheridge said.

“2017 was about safely introducing the platform. 2018 is about generating a warfighting capability ready for retire-ment of the AP-3C Orion.

“The aircraft, the aircrew that operate it and the maintenance and support teams all performed extremely well during this activity.”

He said the flight also provided some operational testing and evaluation for the P-8A Poseidon carrying weapons.

The crew flew for a total of five hours over the Southern Ocean, through a range of flight profiles, while practising ASuW and the amalgamation of ASW skills with simulated threat scenarios.

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UNLOCKING THE FUTURE THROUGH SYSTEMS

ENGINEERING

SYSTEMS ENGINEERING TEST AND EVALUATION CONFERENCE 2018


Peta Magorian

OUR latest pilots received their “wings” at a No. 2 Flight Training School graduation ceremony at RAAF Base Pearce on March 29.

Nine Air Force and Navy per-sonnel from the 250 Advanced Pilot Course received their wings from CDF ACM Mark Binskin dur-ing the ceremony attended by ser-vice members, family and friends.

The parade featured a thrilling PC-9/A aerobatic display and the presentation of unit colours. CO 2FTS WGCDR Grant Taylor was the hosting officer.

ACM Binskin, who was the reviewing officer, acknowledged the role and achievements of those who were on parade, as well as those who assisted them in achiev-ing their goal.

“Many aspire to fly with the Air Force and Navy, but few ever fulfil their ambition. To graduate from advanced pilots course demands perseverance and sacrifice over many years,” ACM Binskin said.

“None of us could reach this milestone without the family and friends who inspire and encourage us to succeed.

“I thank all of those who sup-ported the graduates in their pursuit of a career as a pilot in the ADF.”

The nine-month course aims to produce a pilot capable of fly-ing training aircraft with the skill and confidence necessary to allow ready transition to operational air-craft.

ACM Binskin also acknowl-edged the adaptable skills the graduates needed to complete the course.

“You graduate at a time when Air Force and Navy are being transformed into a fifth-generation fighting force,” he said.

“Over the next decade, almost every aircraft will be upgraded with new technology. It is an excit-ing time to fly and I look forward to watching your career progress.”

After completing what may be his last review of a graduating WA pilots course as CDF, ACM

Binskin presented the pilots with their brevets and trophies. Award winners were:

PLTOFF Adam Andreata was awarded with the Returned Services League Trophy for Leadership for displaying the highest qualities in leadership.

OFFCDT Michael Wright was the graduate with the highest aggregate of academic marks and was awarded the BP Trophy as a record of achievement.

OFFCDT Sage Smith was awarded the RAAF Association (WA division) trophy as the graduate who had displayed the most improvement throughout course.

SBLT Thomas Snow received the Pilatus Trophy for being Dux of 250 Advanced Pilot Course and was awarded for the gradu-ate with the highest aggregate of marks from both the ground and flying school components.

Left: CDF ACM Mark Binskin reviews the graduates of the 250 Advanced Pilot Course at RAAF Base Pearce.Below: OFFCDT David Inglis receives his wings from CDF. Photos: Chris Kershaw

Wings for our new pilots


CPL Sebastian Beurich

BUSINESS as usual is going out the window for the staff at Joint Logistics Unit – East (JLU-E) with the introduc-tion of the Warehouse Management System on May 1.

The project is a joint initiative between the Joint Logistics Command (JLC) and CIOG, to deliver an updated, commercial warehousing capability to Defence.

The new system is designed to integrate with the Military Integrated Logistics Information System and enable enhanced warehouse planning, resource management, efficient put-away strategies and optimisation of storage locations.

Commander JLU-E GPCAPT Allister McInerney said his unit was the latest location to receive the new system, with JLU – North, Victoria-Puckpunyal and North Queensland hav-ing already completed their rollouts.

“This sophisticated tool analyses, plans and forecasts warehouse receipt patterns,” GPCAPT McInerney said.

“It also optimises task allocation for warehouse operators by assigning the right person, with the right skills, to a job.

“Further benefits include a signifi-cant reduction in manual processes for warehouse consolidation and stocktak-ing, automated tasking using wireless mobile devices and increased visibility and assurance of warehouse holdings.

“Given the size of the facility and the number of customers it interacts with, the program will have a signifi-cant impact on the way we do business.”

Leaflets explaining the changes have been added to customer consignments sent from Moorebank since March and will continue until June.

The new system is one step towards preparing Defence’s supply chain for the introduction of enterprise resource planning in 2020.

Reform of supply chain on track

Store person Winona Ryan, store person Tony Danh and Commander JLU-E GPCAPT Allister McInerney with hand-held portable data entry units used with the new Warehouse Management System.

Defence disposals now sells all items that it can online rather than using regional auctions. Disposal projects are done as a partnership between representatives including Capability Managers, CASG’s SPOs, and the disposals team.

By selling items online rather than at regional auctions results in a better outcome for Defence. Director of Disposals Projects John O’Loughlin said ‘About $80 million in revenue will be returned to the Australian Army over 10 years from the sale of ex-Defence vehicles.’ Since November 2012 Defence has sold 5,890 vehicles and the online sale process refunds revenue to Defence to cover the cost of disposals, saving expenditure on scrapping and other processes such as storage or maintenance.

‘In the previous process, a Navy RHIB (rigid hull inflatable boat) would sell for $500, but by selling online it sold for $30,000 instead,’ he said. ‘The sale of two dental chairs for $26,000 was a significant return rather than the previous practice of scrapping dental chairs’.

The Disposal Director said under the modified process, Defence makes the equipment available to an independent company which sells the vehicles and other items through Grays Online.

‘A large part of disposals is the sale of ex-Army vehicles, like Land Rovers, Macks and Mogs. They are now selling from $10,000 to $30,000 as they now come with roadworthiness certificates,’ Mr O’Loughlin said. ‘The after-sale profit is then shared with Defence'.

The Single Disposal Organisation (SDO) was created in 2015 to be a ‘one-stop shop’ for major disposals. Its role is to streamline disposal projects and allow for planning to commence three years prior to an asset’s withdrawal from service.

‘A major disposal is regarded as a capability platform, weapons system, fleet of equipment or operating system and may include items of public interest and items that can be gifted through a government-to-government transaction. It may also include items that require specialist disposal action such as those that contain hazardous material.’ The SDO also assists with smaller business-as-usual disposals.

PROJECTS Disposal projects fall at the end of the Capability Life Cycle (CLC). Defence must meet legislated requirements and preserve the items’ historical value, all-the-while safeguarding Defence’s risks and reputation.

‘The team approach ensures all stakeholders, including government, are engaged and represented during the disposal process,’ Mr O’Loughlin said. HMAS Tobruk was recently disposed of as a dive wreck in Queensland and planning has commenced for the disposal of other major platforms, like the Orion aircraft. The disposals team also works with historical and restoration organisations such as the Australian War Memorial to preserve Defence assets.

‘We recently flew a Seahawk helicopter over the Australian War Memorial for a ceremony before it was defueled and towed off to a storage facility. It is currently being prepared by the War Memorial for display,’ Mr O’Loughlin said. ‘Two Orion aircraft were also recently transferred to the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society in Wollongong and the South Australian Aviation Museum in Adelaide.’ Other recent disposals include M113 troop carriers, .303 rifles and M16 rifles, which were all rendered innocuous before being sent to Returned and Services League (RSLs) for display. Community organisations have significant interest in items with historic value, particularly for local regions and this is an important legacy for Defence to leave in the community.

DEFENCE DISPOSALS GOES ONLINE

POSITIONS VACANTDisposal of Ex HMAS DarwinPositions commence 1 Jul 18 at Garden Island Sydney (FBE)

• You will assist with the disposalof ex HMAS Darwin

• Team Leader – 2 Navy CPO/WO• Must have experience within

last five years and be a current reservistSubmit your resume to the AMSO Mailbox. [email protected]

Disposal of Ex HMAS DarwinPositions commence 1 Jul 18 at Garden Island Sydney (FBE)

• You will assist with the disposalof ex HMAS Darwin

• Positions available for any service/rank• Must have experience within last five years

and be a current reservistSubmit your resume to the AMSO Mailbox. [email protected]

Storeman positionsPositions available in Geelong area

• You will assist in storeman-related duties• Positions available for any service/trade/rank,

commencing 1 May 18 for 200 days• Must have experience within last five years


Disposal of F/A18 aircraft Positions commence July/August 2018 in the Melbourne area

• You will assist in the disposal ofF/A18 and be F/A18 qualified

• Positions available for- WOENG- AVTECH/ATECHS

• Must have experience within last five yearsand be a current reservist

Submit your resume to the AMSO Mailbox. [email protected]

MILIS OperatorsPositions available now

• You will assist in MILIS activities that arecommensurate with your MILIS training

• Positions available for any service/any rank• Must have experience within last five years


Disposals positionsPositions available in Sydney

• You will assist in JLU disposals• Positions available for any service/trade/rank

for 50 to 200 days per year.• Must have experience within last five years


The Single Disposal Organisation (SDO) currently employs over 60 reservists from all three Services in various roles around Australia. We also have fly-in/fly-out teams of reservists so even if you don’t live in the right area, the SDO may still be able to employ you. Most reservists are employed for between 50 and 200 days per year. So if you have a good work ethic and are flexible, then we may have a job for you.

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AFTER facing many challenges as a child in Myanmar, Suan Muan Thang, 47, has joined Air Force as a chaplain.

In his new role as chaplain, Suan will provide spiritual ministry and emotional support to members and their families.

He comes to the Air Force with a unique background. With no formal school in his tiny village in northern Myanmar, Suan learnt the alphabet and maths from a volunteer once a week.

Then at age eight, Suan moved away from home to go to school, eventually completing university overseas.

Suan speaks three languages, including English, Burmese, and Zomi – an Indigenous language spo-ken in parts of Myanmar, India and Bangladesh – and is completing his PhD in psychology and counselling through Louisiana Baptist University.

A Baptist minister, Suan said he was proud to be joining Air Force. He moved to Australia after meeting his Australian fiancé while learning to teach English in the Philippines.

“I have had many hardships and my life experiences have taught me you can climb mountains and do good for yourself and the world if you have a dream and a desire,” Suan said.

His interest in the Air Force

started when he was studying in the Philippines for his Doctor of Ministry.

“My professor was a chaplain in the Philippine Army and I got to meet his colleagues. They were inspiring and made me want to find out more about the Defence force,” Suan said.

He believes leadership, humility, good character and a love for people are just some of the qualities that help Air Force members be successful.

“I’m looking forward to working with our defenders who dedicate their lives to protect our country,” Suan said.

He’s now undertaking initial offic-er training at RAAF Base East Sale. This is a 17-week course where new officers develop core military skills, learn Air Force values and develop their leadership capabilities.

Director General Defence Force Recruiting AIRCDRE Sue McGready said Air Force officers are “diverse, talented, innovative and technically savvy people who are leaders in their professions”.

“The Air Force is a world renowned organisation. It provides these new officers who serve in the air and on the ground, across a wide range of professions from aviation and engineering to logistics and chap-laincy,” AIRCDRE McGready said.

Blessed with challenges18 April 19, 2018RCEAIR FNews

Air Force Chaplains Stephen Turnbull, left, and Robert Hensser, right, congratulate Suan Muan Thang on his appointment to Air Force. Photo: Hannah Photography

Look forward

10795271_DHA_x4_Half_Page_FA.indd 2 11/08/2017 5:14 pm


THE most comprehensive study into the effect of military service on the mental, physical and social health of serving and former ADF members has been made public.

On April 5, Minister for Defence Personnel and Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester issued two new research reports examining the health and wellbeing of ADF members dur-ing service and following their transi-tion into civilian life.

The Mental Health Prevalence and Pathways to Care reports are the first under the Transition and Wellbeing Research Programme.

The Programme examined ADF members who were serving in 2015 and those who transitioned from full-time service between 2010 and 2014.

Commander Joint Health and Surgeon General ADF AVM Tracy Smart said the Departments of Defence and Veterans’ Affairs had already taken significant steps to improve access to mental health care, transition support and future employ-ment assistance programs for current and ex-serving ADF members and their families, since the research was conducted in 2015.

“These first two reports strengthen the evidence base for the programs the departments already conduct,” AVM Smart said.

“They help us to continue to pro-vide relevant, responsive and recovery-focused mental health care programs and support during and after

WHERE TO GET HELP

The ADF Mental Health All-hours Support Line is a confidential telephone service for ADF members and their families available 24/7 on 1800 628 036 or, if calling from overseas, +61 2 9425 3878.

Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Services (VVCS) can be reached 24 hours a day across Australia for support and free and confidential counselling. Phone 1800 011 046 or, if calling from overseas, +61 8 8241 4546.

Care on track: study

transition, to current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families.

“For the majority of ADF mem-bers, transition from full-time service is managed well. For some, transition poses a challenge.

“The provision of free treatment by DVA for any mental health con-dition to all those who have served at least one day in full-time ADF service is one of the key initiatives already in place that helps our mem-bers during the transition process.”

While the report highlights the prevalence of mental disorders

among those who have recently transitioned, they also show there is a growing level of mental health awareness and greater willingness to seek care among serving and transi-tioned members.

The research shows that encour-aging members to seek help early, no matter the cause, is having an effect. A considerable number of members with a probable disorder are seeking help within three months of identify-ing a mental health concern. This uptake of services exceeds commu-nity and international standards in

veteran and military mental health.Results from the research indicate

84 per cent of the transitioned ADF cohort remain engaged and contrib-ute socially through employment and other meaningful activities.

“My message to all those who have served and those serving now, is that if you need mental health support, no matter the cause, seek it as soon as possible,” AVM Smart said. “It is also never too late to seek help.”

She also thanked the participants in the study.

“Research such as this is only possible with your support,” she said.

“Your contribution will be used to develop more effective policy and programs so that both departments will be able to better meet the needs of contemporary veterans, ADF members and their families.”

Further information on the Transition and Wellbeing Research Programme, including the first two reports, is avail-able at www.defence.gov.au/Health/DMH/ResearchSurveillancePlan.asp

Commander Joint Health and Surgeon General ADF AVM Tracy Smart said the reports would assist in the continued provision of relevant mental health care. Photo: LAC Andrew Ingram

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New outfits represent united forceCPL Julia Whitwell

LIGHT, comfortable, standardised and with high levels of protection, the new operational safety equipment for ADF Military Police is being rolled out this year.

Comprising a police patrol belt, load-bearing vest and a high-visibility police vest, the new equipment supports the alignment of ADF Military Police, according to LS Charlee Royan, of the ADF Investigative Service.

“By having the same equipment, MPs from the three services can now look the same and train consistently to execute their duties,” LS Royan said.

FLTLT Kirstie Marconi, of Joint Military Police Unit, said the equip-ment was designed to improve capa-bility.

“This belt is designed to carry increased weight loads yet provides the user greater flexibility, which is an important WHS feature,” FLTLT Marconi said.

“There’s also the load-bearing vest, compatible with stab protection inserts, so we will be protected for all our response tasks.

“If you are smaller, like me, you can also mount our kit onto that to take the pressure off the hips if that’s more comfortable.

“It’s just really user-friendly. Regardless of whether you’re the biggest or the smallest person, it’s comfortable to wear.”

SGT Ryan Lock, of Domestic Policing Unit Kapooka, said the new kit was integral to the con-tinuing reform of military police across the ADF.

“This kit comes out of the rec-ommendations made in the 2017 Military Police Review,” SGT Lock said. “The important thing is the interoperability and standardi-sation that it offers.

“When I’m on patrol with someone from a different service, if I needed to, I could swap equip-ment with my partner’s kit because it’s the same set-up.”

OIC ADF MP Reform LTCOL Ben Respondek said the new belt, in particular, meant military police would have access to a variety of use-of-force options on their belts at all times.

“This new equipment is con-sistent with what other policing agencies, such as the AFP, are using,” LTCOL Respondek said.

“This is the first physical result, the first tangible part, of the reform and an insight as to what policing looks like in the ADF into the future.

“Most importantly, the intro-duction of this new protective equipment is evidence that the chain of command values the role that ADF MPs play within our wider ADF and that ADF MP safety is paramount.”

For more details on the MP reform program, visit http://drnet.defence.gov.au/JCG/JMPU/Pages/JMPUHomepage.aspx

Military police wear the patrol belt at all times on duty, the load-bearing vest on patrol, and the high-visibility vest as necessary, according to their duties.

Accoutrements can be worn on the belt or load-bearing vest in the following configuration:

Weapon side – ASP batonNon-weapon side – OC spray, handcuffs.

Note: The new load-bearing vest and patrol belt are capable of integrating ballistic requirements which will be the subject of future MP reform design activities.

LATEST EQUIPMENT FOR MPs

CDF ACM Mark Binskin with, from left, LS Charlee Royan, wearing the high-vis vest, SGT Ryan Lock and FLTLT Kirstie Marconi, wearing the new load-bearing vest and police patrol belt, at Russell Offices in Canberra. Photo: Jay Cronan

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21April 19, 2018RCEAIR F Flightline

Left: Author Vicki Bennett (front left) shares her book, Little Stowaway, about FSGT Tim Tovell (an WWI airman) with CPL Lisa Stranyer, current winner of the FSGT Tim Tovell Shield, Sally Elliot, granddaughter of FSGT Tovell, and members of 4SQN. While serving in France during WWI, FSGT Tovell, with the help of the rest of his squadron, smuggled a young orphaned French boy out of Europe and brought him back to Australia. FSGT Tovell and his wife adopted the boy into their family and 4SQN adopted him as one of their own.Photo: SGT Guy Young

Queensland Police Service officer Senior Sergeant Mick Trapnell (standing) and Sergeant Malcolm Mossop, with LAC Martin Mayes (standing) and CPL Gabrielle Gross, during Operation Atlas at the 2018 Commonwealth Games at the Gold Coast. Photo: SGT William Guthrie

KC-30A maintenance crew, from left, LAC Christopher Mason, CPL Chris Lane and SGT James Neil, plan maintenance procedures during Operation Okra at the main air operating base in the Middle East.Photo: CPL Brenton Kwaterski

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22 April 19, 2018RCEAIR FSp rt

LEUT Kiz Welling-Burtenshaw

OFFCDT Izzy Atkinson-Smith has a message for all Air Force members who have had some experience with rugby union.

She wants them to put their hands up to represent Air Force, and in doing so, become available for Australian Defence Rugby Union (ADFRU) representative selection.

“I have been lucky enough to trav-el internationally with ADFRU, and I am currently a member of the ACT Brumbies Super W squad,” she said.

“I am working towards a career that I am passionate about, and play-ing a sport I love. Without Air Force rugby I wouldn’t have had the latter.”

The ADFRU Championships kick off at the iconic Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane, on April 29.

The event involves all three ser-vices competing for supremacy and for potential selection in the repre-sentative ADFRU sides.

OFFCDT Atkinson-Smith believes there should be nothing stopping players from having a crack.

“It is the opportunity to have two weeks representing Air Force in a professional sports environment. What you take away both on and off the field is incredible,” she said.

The games kick off on April 29 and entry is free. They will also be live-streamed and details will be available at www.facebook.com/ADFRugby.

Try your hand at union

SGT Chris Whyte takes aim during the Australian Nationals

and World Down-the-Line Championships.

Photo: CPO Billy Morsch

SGT Dave Morley

AN INSTRUCTOR at RAAFSALT, who started shooting when he was 10, took part in Australian Nationals and World Down-the-Line (DTL) Championships at the Australian Clay Target Association (ACTA) headquar-ters at Wagga Wagga.

SGT Chris Whyte, who has been in the Air Force for 14 years, said he used to hunt ducks at Corowa on the Murray River west of Albury until duck hunting became illegal in NSW.

“Then I moved across to clay tar-gets – the whole family are into clay target shooting, the older kids and the old man, and we’re members of the Corowa Gun Club,” he said.

SGT Whyte was part of a six-man ADF team shooting in the Australian Nationals, in a Down-the-Line (DTL) competition against more than 700 competitors in a five-day carnival last month.

“The ADF Clay Target Association has an annual carn iva l every September where they pick the best five shooters to make the side – a trav-elling team where we represent the ADF at the Nationals,” SGT Whyte said.

“At the competition I shot 50/50 clean in the double barrel event, which put me into the shoot-off with 117 other competitors, but I wasn’t suc-cessful in that.

“The weather conditions had been a bit trying with the blustery condi-tions with several dust storms.”

Hitting the mark

SGT Whyte said the Air Force had been really supportive of his shooting.

“The units I’ve been in at RAAF Base Wagga, RAAFSTT and RAAFSALT, have been supportive in getting me time off to do this,” he said.

“Our association is still quite junior compared to ADF Rugby and AFL teams – we’ve only been an

association since late 2008 – we started off with only a handful of members and now we’ve got 105, so we’re growing each year.”

SGT Whyte said ADF members who have an interest in shooting clay targets should contact him or CPO Mick Bryant to find out more.

“You’ll need a firearms licence and preferably your own gun,” he said.

“We have an annual carnival in September where we have a week of shooting and shoot at 700-800 tar-gets, and your shooting ability will go from strength to strength because it’s a daily competition with 100 tar-gets to shoot.

“It’s only in the past couple of years our shooters are getting to the stage where they’ll be representing Australia.”

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23April 19, 2018RCEAIR F Sp rt

PLTOFF Aaron Curran

MAKING the most of a final opportu-nity to impress has spurred on partici-pants in the last athletics, indoor row-ing, archer and powerlifting camp for the Australian Invictus Games 2018 Team.

The final training camp before selection for the above sports was held in Canberra from April 5-8.

For the first time at the Invictus Games, long jump will also be con-tested.

PLTOFF Jesse Costelloe put his all in during the athletics and rowing at the Australian Institute of Sport and relished in the experience.

“I was trying out for the 1500m

run, four minute and one minute row,” PLTOFF Costelloe said.

“My primary focus is on the 1500.”

PLTOFF Costelloe said he experi-enced a massive improvement in his times during the camp.

“It was over the few weeks prior and during the camp because before that I never had a coach or a struc-tured program to go off,” he said.

“I dropped my time by 20 seconds and my running is getting smoother. How much easier the running came to me was a surprise.”

PLTOFF Costelloe said it was not just the athletic improvements that made the camp what it was.

“Being around other people – and

being laid back with them – was fan-tastic,” he said.

“We all have our own ailments. There was another guy who had a brain injury and when he sees me struggling he understood and we talked about it. We also made memo-ry jokes with each other.”

PLTOFF Costelloe said the cama-raderie was great and it delivered a sense of purpose and perspective.

“There are more milestones and personal bests to reach,” he said.

“Sport is the best thing for reha-bilitation and the one thing that keeps me sane. It was everything that I needed and more.”

Stay informed at invictusgames2018.org

FLGOFF Chloe Stevenson

IN the spirit of sportsmanship, ADF personnel competed in the Australian Men’s and Mixed Netball Association (AMMNA) National Competition at Olympic Park, Sydney, from April 1-8.

An annual competition, Defence is represented in netball at the national level by two teams: ADF mixed and ADF men’s.

The representative team is chosen annually from the best players at the ADF Netball Association Triservice Tournament.

ADF Netball Association President GPCAPT Nick Osborne said the AMMNA was an excellent way of rep-resenting what Defence is all about in a positive environment.

“Service sport is a great way of building relationships, not just between our own Defence person-

nel but also within national sporting organisations,” GPCAPT Osborne said.

“ADF Netball embodies Defence values in teamwork, excellence and integrity. Every year that we com-pete in AMMNA I am increasingly impressed with the professionalism and sportsmanship of our players.

“We play hard but fair, and have a lot of fun in the process.”

CFN Merrow Clough, ADF Men’s team player, said playing ADF Netball had helped him create friendships with members of the other services.

“As a trainee, I don’t get to see a lot of the wider Army. So getting to see wider Army, as well as Air Force and Navy is awesome.”

Email [email protected], if you are keen to get involved.

It’s all about camaraderie

Net gains in team spirit

LACW Jordayne Nelson shoots for a goal during the 2018 Australian Men’s and Mixed Netball Association Competition.Photo: SGT Amanda Campbell

Invictus Games training squad member PLTOFF Nathan Parker takes part in athletics training at the Australian Institute of Sport, ACT.Photo: Jayson Tufrey

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SP RTApril 19, 2018

STRIDING AHEAD

Invictus Games

training camp

PLTOFF Jesse Costelloe takes part in athletics

training at the Australian Institute of Sport in

Canberra.Photo: Jayson Tufrey

rising to the challenge - department of defence · 2018. 4. 18. · rising to the challenge duke of...

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