AIRAIRFF RCERCEVol. 62, No. 11, June 25, 2020 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

INSIDE: AIR POWER CONFERENCE TRIUMPH – Page 2 QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS, FULL LIST – Pages 4-5

SKILL SET

OURVITALJOBSLAC Nicholas Glancy is a

carpenter with 65SQN.Photo: CPL David Said Pages 12-16

2 News

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AIRAIRFF RCERCE

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

Conference proves a triumph of agilityWGCDR Tharren Kingston-Lee

THE Air Power Development Centre has demonstrated its agil-ity delivering 2020’s Air Power Conference via video and digital platforms.

With the support of many of the original speakers, the Air Power Development Centre collected and distributed a range of videos covering topics from an historical perspective of great powers in our region with David Hunt’s entertain-ing reflections, through to Professor Paul Dibb’s contemporary analysis of Chinese and Russian activities in our region today.

“I’d like to thank our eminent speakers who have provided their thoughts and insights and have contributed to the 2020 Air Power Conference,” CAF AIRMSHL Mel Hupfeld said.

“The change to a digital format has allowed us to be able to still have this very important conversa-tion. Their flexibility to work with us to reschedule and deliver their presentations to a camera, instead of an auditorium of 1500 people, is the key to Air Force being able to deliver this year’s conference.”

Participants heard from CAF who outlined his vision for Air Force.

CDF GEN Angus Campbell and Defence Secretary Greg Moriarty discussed the way in which Defence integrates with government to sup-port national intent in our region.

Chief of the Royal New Zealand Air Force AVM Andrew Clarke shared a Kiwi perspective on rela-tionship building in the Pacific region.

The challenges of delivering the conference were significant.

The impact of COVID-19 and the requirement for social distanc-ing and the geographic distances for many presenters meant the videos were captured on a range of devices and means – from professional stu-dios to PC-based webcams.

No. 28 Squadron helped with filming, editing and finalising pro-fessional videos and the RAAF Digital Communications team was instrumental in sharing the content through web, YouTube and various social communications channels.

“The teamwork and effort required to get this from an audi-torium-based conference to one where delegates and others could

view the content on any electronic device was significant,” Air Power Development Centre Director GPCAPT Jarrod Pendlebury said.

“Along the way, the APDC team were required to rapidly learn new ways of business to get the job done and I’m very proud of the product they’ve developed.

“This is but one example of the work underway in the Air Power Development Centre to explore new ways of engaging with the global air and space power community.

“Our aim is to build a world-leading centre that is closely inte-grated with partners across the globe, delivering timely and insight-ful analysis exploring the utility of air and space power along the con-tinuum from cooperation to con-flict.”

In another first for Air Force, the professional development site, ‘The Runway’, produced its first podcast episode of Conversations on The Runway. By leveraging the 2020 Air Power Conference online initiative, they explored air and space power in the region, using a Q&A approach.

“The podcast episode takes a fascinating look into the effects that national power levers and stra-

tegic thinking can have on air and space power in our region,” Podcast Executive Producer SQNLDR Kath Kennedy said.

The episode will be available to access, share and comment on from mid-June at www.runway.airforce.gov.au

“I encourage all Air Force per-sonnel to access the videos, pod-casts or transcripts from the 2020 Air Power Conference,” AIRMSHL Hupfeld said. “The more informed we are about what is happening in our region, the better we are all able to contribute at the tactical and oper-ational levels of our mission.”

The Air Power Development Centre hopes that these presenta-tions are an informative, thought-provoking and engaging means to bring the 2020 Air Power Conference to life.

The Air Power Development Centre is currently working to deliv-er future monthly Air Power semi-nars via webinar – stay tuned and don’t forget to register.

All 2020 Air Power Conference videos, pod-casts and transcripts are available from the APDC website (www.airpower.airforce.gov.au/events/2020-air-power-conference).

Jacqui Payne

THE No. 82 Wing Training Flight at RAAF Base Amberley is trialling the delivery of aircrew operational conversion training in the F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft in Australia.

82WG provides air combat and electronic attack capability for Australia and operates F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft.

CO 82WG Training Flight (82TF), and 82WG XO WGCDR Trevor Andrews said the launch of the trial was an important milestone for Air Combat Group.

“Ab-initio operational conversion

training for F/A-18F Super Hornets started with United States Navy in 2015,” WGCDR Andrews said.

“The first graduates returned in 2016 to complete the first opera-tional transition course.

“This occurred in parallel with the last 6 Squadron F/A-18F Operational Conversion for No 10 OPCON, which ran from April to September 2016.

“This program will enable 82WG to provide enduring aircrew training for the entire capability spectrum required for the F/A-18F. We expect significant advantages to be realised through an Australian-based opera-tional conversion, such as improved

delivery of Australian-trained aircrew back into the squadrons, increased standardisation and reduc-tion in duplicate training overheads.

“82TF will provide a sustainable flying training solution supported by six F/A-18F aircraft and a mixed maintenance workforce of contract-ed and uniformed members.

“The challenges of international travel during the COVID-19 pan-demic has also meant the timing of the trial has been extremely benefi-cial for workforce sustainment and capability.”

82TF is a partnership arrange-ment between Air Force and Boeing Defence Australia’s (BDA)

Air Combat Electronic Attack Sustainment Program (ACEASP).

Under the arrangement, BDA provides the operational main-tenance to the fleet of six Super Hornets under the existing ACEA sustainment contract. Ten uniformed RAAF technicians are also embed-ded within BDA’s maintenance per-sonnel, thereby building the work-force strength of both organisations.

82TF’s first programmed fly-ing day was January 14 when two sorties were launched designed to ensure ACEASP staff readiness before full-rate training began in the second quarter of 2020.

Training across full spectrum

A F/A-18F Super Hornet from No. 1 Squadron awaits its next sortie during Exercise Thai Boomerang last year. Photo: CPL Colin Dadd

RCE 3June 25, 2020AIR F News

Air Force supports satellite mission

Alisha Welch

THE first Australian F-35A aircraft to roll off Lockheed Martin’s Texas production line back in 2014 has com-pleted 1000 flying hours over the skies of Arizona.

Australian F-35A Pilot FLTLT Adrian Herenda was at the controls of A35-001 as the clock ticked over 1000 hours.

The former F/A-18A pilot has been flying the F-35A for about 12 months and said it was a good feeling to be flying the jet when it reached the mile-stone.

“The F-35A provides the pilot with phenomenal situational awareness, which is a significant benefit when operating in complex threat environ-ments,” FLTLT Herenda said.

Aircraft A35-001 is currently being operated by the international Pilot Training Centre (PTC) at Luke Air Force Base (AFB) in the US as part of a pool of training aircraft qualify-ing F-35A pilots and maintainers from across the globe.

Director General Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) AIRCDRE Damien Keddie said A35-001 reaching 1000 flying hours was an important achieve-ment for the Australian F-35A Project.

“It demonstrates the maturity of our F-35A capability and showcases the importance of the international F-35 partnership,” AIRCDRE Keddie said.

“A35-001 is one of five Australian aircraft at Luke AFB, with other F-35 partner nations also contributing air-craft to the PTC in a show of global collaboration that has been the corner-stone of the F-35 Program since the earliest days.”

Air Vehicle Sub-Project Manager SQNLDR Brook Porter, of JSF Branch in Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG), said as the first Australian F-35A, A35-001 was the visible symbol of a new type of weapon system that had already provided reliable pilot training for Australia and the F-35 Cooperative Partnership.

“In reaching this milestone, A35-001 typifies the extraordinary contri-

bution that Australia has made as a partner nation within the global F-35 Program,” SQNLDR Porter said.

“It’s another significant step for-ward as the F-35A weapon system continues its successful path to becom-ing our future fighter capability – a capability that provides obvious ben-efits to Defence but is also highly prof-itable to Australian industry, with more than 50 Australian companies winning more than $1.7 billion in production contracts to date.”

Project Engineering Manager Timothy Rafferty, of JSF Branch, said the milestone signified the maturity of the platform and associated support systems.

“Given A35-001 completed most of its 1000 flying hours at the PTC, this milestone highlights the contribution Australia has made to the collaborative training environment, with more than 1000 F-35 pilots now qualified and flying with their respective services,” Mr Rafferty said.

Australia has now accepted 26 F-35A aircraft in total. In addition to

the five at the PTC, 17 are operating at No. 3 Squadron and No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit at RAAF Base Williamtown. The remaining four jets are scheduled to transit from the US to Australia before August.

Mr Rafferty said JSF Branch personnel played a key role in the acquisition, initial certification and air-worthiness management of Australia’s F-35A fleet from 2014 until mid-2018. In 2018, the Air Combat Systems Program Office (ACSPO) in CASG assumed responsibility for airworthi-ness and overall sustainment manage-ment of the fleet.

“This demonstrates the critical and ongoing collaboration taking place as we work to ensure all 72 jets are delivered to Australia by the end of 2023 for Final Operating Capability,” he said.

SQNLDR Porter said the Mission Systems team in JSF Branch was focused on ensuring Australia’s needs were rolled into the weapon system as the aircraft evolved over its life cycle.

“Since 2014, we [Australia] have

grown our fleet to 26 aircraft, estab-lished training systems, simulators and the complex autonomic logistics infor-mation system, developed electronic warfare reprogramming capabilities and upgraded RAAF bases to handle the F-35A,” SQNLDR Porter said.

“We have also assisted in the crea-tion of Australian-based industry sup-port.

“We have increased our pace from a crawl to a jog, with ACSPO and Air Combat Group rapidly taking up the reins and doing so with aplomb.”

It was important to acknowledge that the achievement of the 1000 fly-ing hours milestone was the result of “tireless work by so many people, past and present, working together”.

“There is a lot more work to be done and we are well prepared,” he said.

This is the final year of the RAAF’s contribution to the PTC. From 2021, all F-35 training is planned to be con-ducted in Australia.

1000 on the clock

SQNLDR Chris Myles, left, the Australian Participant Maintenance Lead at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, and Pilot FLTLT Adrian Herenda, with the F-35A, A35-001, after the aircraft reached 1000 flying hours.

AN Australian-made miniature satellite has been launched into space to test radio communi-cations technologies to help shape future space capabilities in Australia.

The M2 Pathfinder, devel-oped by the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Canberra in partnership with the RAAF is a significant next step in devel-oping Defence space systems.

Small satellites such as M2 Pathfinder, also known as CubeSats and about the size of a loaf of bread, allow high-tech capabilities to be tested in space at a lower cost than larger satellites.

Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said the satellite would help inform future capa-bility designs for the ADF.

“The collaboration between UNSW Canberra and Air Force

allows small satellites to be used for evaluating technologies on more complex space sys-tems, such as communications or Earth observation satellites,” Senator Reynolds said.

“Through this collaboration, it has enabled UNSW Canberra to develop a number of space courses and programs to benefit Defence personnel.

“The experience gained in the development and operation of these spacecraft also offers educational benefits for Defence personnel studying space pro-grams at UNSW Canberra. This further enhances the future Defence space workforce.”

Staff at UNSW Canberra will conduct a series of com-munications tests with the M2 Pathfinder satellite over the coming months.

A Rocket Lab rocket leaves its New Zealand launch pad with the M2 Pathfinder. Photo: Rocket Lab

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4 Queen’s Birthday Honours

FLTLT Bel Scott

THE inaugural CO of the Air Intelligence Training Unit (AITU) from 2017-18, WGCDR Andy Miller has been awarded the Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM) for meritorious achievement in intelligence capability development for Air Force.

After completing Command and Staff College in New Zealand last year, he returned to the Air Warfare Centre as the XO Information Warfare Directorate and Intelligence Officer Specialisation Capability Adviser at RAAF Base Edinburgh.

“The recognition was most hum-bling and I’m certainly very hon-oured,” WGCDR Miller said.

“The award is reflective of the fan-tastic team that I was fortunate to work with during my tenure as CO. This award equally belongs to them.”

With an appetite for global adven-ture, he left the shores of Hobart for Canberra when he was just 18 and joined the Air Force through ADFA.

“It was a great opportunity to advance my studies at university while exploring different areas of Australia and the world that I had never been to,” WGCDR Miller said.

“I consider myself to have been very fortunate with my career to date, which included a three-year exchange position to the Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii to conduct an intelligence role supporting their targeting efforts.

“But without a doubt, a career highlight was becoming the inaugural CO of the Air Intelligence Training Unit.”

CO quick to thank team

During his time at AITU, he led the team to mature the Air Force approach to intelligence training through con-siderable changes to baseline skill training.

“Perhaps the single greatest change was the work that we did to align portions of the officer and airmen training, creating a collective culture

between the three airmen intelligence musterings and intelligence officers before they graduated to the work-force,” WGCDR Miller said.

“I’m also particularly proud of the agility that AITU staff displayed on regular occasions in order to address emerging requirements.

“This was personified through the

development of initial employment training for air intelligence analyst signals intelligence (AIA-SIGINT) members, which was not available at the required level through any other means. This training ensured the most seamless and efficient level of training was provided to AIA-SIGINT trainees, which is still in place today.

“Such an effort by the AITU instructional staff speaks volumes to the calibre of staff that I had the privilege of working alongside. I’ll be forever grateful for the team. And to my wife [Millie] and two boys [Patrick and William], who supported me – and continue to do so – in my professional aspirations.”

XO Information Warfare Directorate and IntelligenceOfficer Specialisation Capability Adviser WGCDR Andy Miller in the office at RAAF Base Edinburgh.Photo: LACW Jacqueline Forrester

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RCE 5June 25, 2020AIR F Queen’s Birthday Honours

Member (AM) in the Military Division

AIRCDRE Graham Edwards CSCFor exceptional service to the ADF in aerospace acquisition and sustainment, and organisational capability develop-ment.

GPCAPT Jennifer FantiniFor exceptional service in aerospace maintenance reform, maintenance productivity improvements, and aircraft maintenance interoperability strategy development for the RAAF.

AIRCDRE Craig Heap CSCFor exceptional service in aerospace capability management, operational support, and organisational develop-ment for the ADF.

GPCAPT Karon MillettFor exceptional service to the ADF in communications engineering, personnel coaching and Cyberspace Workforce development.

GPCAPT Jane WheatonFor exceptional service in workforce development for the ADF.

Officer (AO) in the Military Division

AIRMSHL Warren McDonald AM CSCFor distinguished service in responsible positions as Deputy Chief of Air Force and Chief of Joint Capabilities.

Medal (OAM) in the Military Division

WGCDR Steven Parsons CSCFor meritorious performance of duties in very important persons operations at the Air Mobility Control Centre; and in the provision of airbase support and cultural reform as Commanding Officer of No. 13 Squadron.

WOFF Paul ShepherdFor meritorious service in the field of airborne electronic warfare develop-ment.

Commendation for Distinguished Service

SQNLDR Richard LettsFor distinguished performance of duties in warlike operations as the Combined Joint Operations Centre, Train Advise Assist Command - Air Liaison Officer from September 2018 to March 2019 while deployed on Operation Highroad.

Bar to the Conspicuous Service Cross

AIRCDRE Jennifer Lumsden CSCFor outstanding achievement in Special-ist Reserve health services for the ADF.

Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC)

WGCDR Wayne BradleyFor outstanding achievement in the recruitment and retention of Aboriginal

and Torres Strait Islander personnel in the RAAF.

SQNLDR David BywaterFor outstanding achievement in aeronautical life support equipment regulatory reform, rapid acquisition, and organisational development for the ADF.

GPCAPT Paul DeightonFor outstanding achievement in lan-guage training reform, development and delivery as Commanding Officer of the Defence Force School of Languages.

FSGT Stewart HassallFor outstanding achievement in P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft maintenance and in the development of technical personnel at No. 11 Squadron.

AVM Joe Iervasi AMFor outstanding achievement as the Commander Joint Task Force 633 on Operations Okra and Highroad from January to June 2019.

SQNLDR Jasper McCaldinFor outstanding achievement in the creation of integrated tactical proce-dures to maximise air combat effective-ness for the RAAF.

CPL Tobias O’NeillFor outstanding achievement in cyber warfare at No. 462 Squadron.

Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM)

GPCAPT Matthew BarnettFor meritorious achievement as a Joint Operations Command domestic and counter terrorism planning team leader.

WGCDR Julie CanterburyFor meritorious achievement in project management of upgrades to the C-130J Hercules air transport capability for the ADF.

GPCAPT Paul CarpenterFor meritorious achievement in joint air operations planning and force genera-tion of command and control personnel for the RAAF.

SQNLDR Lisa HubbardFor meritorious achievement in logistic support of the C-27J Spartan battlefield airlifter capability.

WGCDR Andrew MillerFor meritorious achievement in intel-ligence capability development as the inaugural Commanding Officer of the Air Intelligence Training Unit.

CPL Daniel-Scott ZaniolFor meritorious achievement in the maintenance and development of specialised electronic test equipment in support of the ADF’s air combat elec-tronic warfare capability.

RAAF FULL LIST

FLTLT Bel Scott

NOVOCASTRIAN CPL Dan Zaniol has received a Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM) for meritori-ous achievement in support of the ADF’s air combat electronic warfare capability.

“I feel deeply honoured to receive such a significant award,” Avionics Technician CPL Zaniol said.

Before his posting to Joint Electronic Warfare Operational Support Unit at RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia, CPL Zaniol worked for 81WG Avionics Maintenance Facility, in the Electronics Counter Measures Section, where the Joint Service Combat Systems Tester (JSECST) was supported and maintained for Air Combat Group.

The JSECST provides squadrons and repair depots with a capability

to fault-find and verify the opera-tional status of aircraft-installed electronic combat systems.

“Equipment that is unserviceable or degraded can often make a diffi-cult job harder to accomplish,” CPL Zaniol said.

“I felt that it was extremely important to rectify and improve the overall performance for its stake-holders. As such I was tasked with rectifying them.”

“Once key contributing factors had been prioritised keeping in mind that strike capability could not be compromised, an action plan was developed.”

“Ultimately this led to iden-tifying and implementing new-generation test equipment, creating new procedures, rectifying software faults, improving training and awareness, and applying a suitable tracking system to manage critical components.”

“Technicians can now confi-dently use the upgraded JSECST to conduct functional testing of elec-tronic combat systems installed to the aircraft for optimal operation.”

CPL Zaniol joined the Royal Australian Navy in 2002 then later transferred to the Air Force in 2010.

“As a teenager, I had a keen interest in the mechanical and elec-trical industries, I thought a career in the aviation industry would best suit my interests,” CPL Zaniol said.

“I never dreamed that one day I would see my name in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List as a recipient of the CSM.

“I would like to thank everyone involved with the JSECST rectifica-tion and upgrade. I worked with a lot of people locally and abroad to deliver an improved system.”

“It is a great privilege to serve with like-minded individuals com-mitted to continuous improvement.”

Hightech,high

praise

CPL Dan Zaniol has advanced specialised electronic test equipment. Photo: LACW Jacqueline Forrester

Leading way to positive changeFLGOFF Claire Burnet

HAVING grown up on a farm in Marrar and Brucedale near Wagga Wagga, FSGT Stewart Hassall never imagined he would be named on the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

FSGT Hassall joined the Air Force when he was 22 as an avion-ics technician.

While working as the sen-ior non-commissioned officer in charge of the avionics section and line production manager at No. 11 Squadron – based at Edinburgh – FSGT Hassall developed the unit to better support the P-8A aircraft, while providing a safe and enjoy-able workplace.

“I was determined and excited to create positive change for No. 11 Squadron,” FSGT Hassall said.

“There were many identified challenges; the hangar and flight line facilities were inadequate, there was a shortage of aircraft spares, we had fleet and workforce defi-ciencies, and all while we continued to support concurrent domestic and international exercises and opera-tions.

“These issues placed significant stress on the workforce and affected morale and productivity.

“By working with many innova-tive and driven squadron members, I was able to address critical defi-ciencies in the conduct of hazardous tasks, emergency procedures, air-

craft configuration and task respon-sibilities.

FSGT Hassall’s efforts in cre-ating posit ive change to the squadron were recognised with a Conspicuous Service Cross “for his outstanding achievement in P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft maintenance and in the development of technical person-nel at Number 11 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force”.

“I am deeply honoured to receive this award but I’d like to acknowledge that it was a team effort,” FSGT Hassall said.

“I was privileged to work with a great bunch of technicians and engineers at No. 11 Squadron and together we accomplished so much with the introduction of the P-8A Poseidon and the development of new maintenance practices in a complex and challenging environ-ment.”

The 11SQN Senior Engineering Officer during this time, SQNLDR Justin Hill, said it was a privilege working with FSGT Hassall who proved himself as an outstanding leader with a bright future in the Air Force.

“He dedicated himself to improving the unit for the benefit of his personnel and creating sig-nificant positive cultural change,” SQNLDR Hill said.

“His exceptional technical capa-bility also led to the resolution of several critical degraders impacting the P-8A Poseidon fleet.”

FSGT Hassall is now clos-er to home at a new posting to Air Force’s School of Technical Training in Wagga Wagga.

He is facilitating and develop-ing Defence Force culture, values, attitudes, skills and knowledge to support professional development, military inculcation and transition into the ADF aviation technical environment.

FSGT Stewart Hassall said it was a privilege to work with such a great bunch of technicians.

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RCE 7June 25, 2020AIR F News

Payment summaries

DHOAS subsidy

IN BRIEF

THE Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has made changes to the way employ-ers report salary and wage informa-tion. The changes are a part of Single Touch Payroll (STP). Defence imple-mented STP in February 2020 and commenced automatically providing payee earnings and wage information to the ATO every fortnight from pay day March 19, 2020. Defence will no longer issue payment summaries at the end of a financial year. Instead, you will be able to access an income statement via myGov after the end of the financial year. Defence and Australian Signals Directorate payees are able to check year-to-date earnings, tax and super-annuation information through myGov at any time during the financial year. Reportable Fringe Benefits Amount (RFBA) information will be available at the end of the year. If you do not have a myGov account you can sign up at my.gov.au. Existing processes

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THE Defence Home Ownership Assis-tance Scheme (DHOAS) helps current and former Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and their families to buy their own home by paying a monthly sum towards their approved home loan. On June 22, the timeframe to access a DHOAS subsidy certificate will be extended from two to five years after a permanent or reserve force member leaves the ADF. The exten-sion to five years will provide veterans with the time to carefully consider their options.

Information about DHOAS is available from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (https://www.dhoas.gov.au/).

Ken Wilson

A FORMER workhorse of the sky, Caribou A4-199, has a new rest-ing place at the front of RAAF Base Townsville.

The Caribou’s gate guard position has been transformed with new light-ing and a publicly accessible land-scaped viewing area, honouring 45 years of service.

Senior ADF Officer RAAF Base Townsville WGCDR Mathew Green, Base Manager Mick Harris and former Caribou maintainer WOFF Kevin Parker unveiled the new site in May.

It follows extensive refurbish-ment to the Caribou, including a new Vietnam War-era green paint scheme and red wallaby emblem on the tail,

a nod to the popular nickname given to the Caribou’s former squadron – Wallaby Airlines.

The Canadian-built de Havilland Caribou A4 -199 first flew with Air Force in 1964 and operated out of Townsville from 1976 until its retire-ment in 2009.

Reservists from the Static Display Aircraft Support Section – an element of the RAAF’s History and Heritage Branch – completed the refurbishment works in late 2019.

WOFF Parker helped with the project, drawing on his 25 years’ experience maintaining and flying the Caribou.

“It was a great aircraft to fly in, extremely robust,” WOFF Parker said.

“And while it wasn’t fast, it could

get in to some tight, rough places and carry heavy loads.”

WGCDR Green said the new garden area represented a significant investment in the local economy.

“It looks amazing, especially at night with the new lighting,” he said.

“All the work on this display, from early design through to completion was undertaken by 12 local contrac-tors, nearly all of whom have never worked at RAAF Base Townsville before.”

The viewing area was the first of a number of planned additions.

“The Caribou at the front gate is the result of extensive planning by the History and Heritage Branch of Air Force Headquarters to increase the heritage presence of the RAAF Base at

Townsville and to recognise its signifi-cant contribution to aviation history,” WGCDR Green said.

“In the next phase we’ll see the complete revamp of the Townsville Aviation Heritage Centre and instal-lation of new historic aircraft displays – a Mirage fighter jet, a Pilatus PC-9,

a Winjeel, a working Caribou cockpit display and an Iroquois gunship.

“All these aircraft types have a connection to Townsville and it’ll be exciting to see them back, fully restored, hopefully in time for the cen-tenary of Air Force commemorations in 2021.”

Well-earned retirement

RAAF Base Townsville Senior ADF Officer WGCDR Mathew Green, Base Manager Mick Harris and WOFF Kevin Parker in front of the De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou after the completion of base improvements.Right: A plaque installed as part of the refurbishments. Photos: LACW Annalin Wright

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8 News

FLTLT Chloe Stevenson

LAC Matthew Shomali has been crowned “Airman of the Rotation” during his first ADF deployment to the Middle East with the sixth iteration of the Expeditionary Airbase Operations Unit (EAOU).

LAC Shomali, who joined the Air Force in 2006, said he was honoured to receive the recognition.

“It was a big surprise. I was not expect-ing any award at all,” LAC Shomali said.

“Going in, I thought anything on top of a good deployment was a bonus, so I’m pretty happy.”

The security governance team performs biometric enrolment duties, which are not carried out in Australia.

“My role involved looking after all the other country nationals, or locally employed contractors. That’s all our cooks, cleaners and drivers who need to be biometrically enrolled,” LAC Shomali said.

“We do their security vetting, finger printing, compare checks with other data-bases and from those results we assess them for security clearances to come onto base.

“The language barrier has been the most interesting. When I first started I could not understand the managers I had to liaise with several times a day but we figured out a way to communicate with pen and paper.”

As part of his award, LAC Shomali received the EAOU flag that flew during his deployment.

He said he would take the flag back home to Byron Bay.

“I reckon I’ll take it to the family home and leave it with my parents so when I go home on holidays it will be in the bedroom. I think dad will be pretty happy with that,” LAC Shomali said.

“My dad is from Palestine, he is Arabic. Growing up, mum and dad wanted us to visit family who still live there but they held off because it was an unstable environment.

“I’m glad I was able to finally spend time in the Middle East.”

EAOU provides operational support to Australia’s airbases in the Middle East region. The unit provides aviation logistics and ground support services for Operation Accordion, and expeditionary airbase opera-tional support to Operations Okra, Highroad and Manitou.

Honour on first deployment

EAOU CO WGCDR Shannan Forrest presents LAC Matthew Shomali with the EAOU flag. Photo: PO Yuri Ramsey

Tower taking shape in Top EndBettina Mears

CONSTRUCTION of a new air traffic control (ATC) tower at RAAF Base Darwin is under-way.

As part of the joint Defence / Airservices Australia ‘OneSKY’ program completely new state-of-the-art ATC equipment is being installed in the new tower.

The project will enable the seamless and continued deliv-ery of air traffic services for the region.

Defence contractors Lendlease began works in July 2019 at the site of the joint mili-tary and civilian airfield (leased by Darwin International Airport), with the main support structure increasing at a height of about 6m a week, from April.

A major construction step involved separate lifts of the tower cabin to the top of the structure. The first being around 25 tonnes and the second around 50 tonnes with the use of a 500-tonne hydraulic crane.

The new tower will be utilised by Air Force air traffic controllers and Communications electronics technicians to deliver Darwin’s ATC capabilities.

No. 452 Squadron CO WGCDR Andy Hoare said Air Force personnel support both military and civilian air move-ments at Darwin Airport and

would transfer to the new facil-ity when completed.

“The new infrastructure will support the delivery of traffic management capabilities. It will also provide a more flex-ible and conducive work envi-ronment for our highly profes-sional, highly skilled personnel who maintain ATC services for the ADF and civilian passen-gers travelling through Darwin International Airport,” WGCDR Hoare said.

“Significantly, the new tower facilities will support a future upgrade of the air traf-fic control system known as CMATS (Civilian Military Air Traffic Management System). CMATS will deliver state-of-

the art technology as part of the joint Defence / Airservices Australia ‘OneSKY’ program.”

RAAF Base Darwin Senior ADF Officer WGCDR Andrew Anthony said the facility was a welcome upgrade.

“With both elevator and stairwell access to the control cabin level, the new facilities will house an external observation deck, crew rest area, kitchen-ette and a mechanical plant room,” WGCDR Anthony said.

“Once ATC services are being provided from the new tower, the old tower will be demolished in order to provide an unobstructed view from the new location.”

The new tower and cabin at RAAF Base Darwin.

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RCE 9June 25, 2020AIR F Life in the RAAF

Centenary onlineThe AF2021 team has been gather-ing stories about past and present members who have made an excep-tional contribution to Air Force.

These stories will be shared through Air Force social media and website platforms showcasing the critical role our people have played in building the world’s best Air Force over the past century.

More information about Air Force 2021 is avail-able at our website www.airforce.gov.au/100

WGCDR David Cooksley is proud to be part of ‘something so great’, SQNLDR Bruce Chalmers writes.

From NZ to share a life of expertiseWGCDR David Cooksley has

put his skills in emergency, pre-hospital and retrieval medicine to good use since

leaving New Zealand in the 1990s.He came to Australia to undertake

training in emergency medicine and now is part of Air Force’s Health Operations Conversion Unit at RAAF Base Amberley as medical officer instructor for the prin-cipal military critical care aeromedical evacuation Team (MCAT) .

“I’ve always had an interest in the mil-itary but finally began thinking seriously about joining the ADF approximately 16 years ago while working in Townsville,” WGCDR Cooksley said.

“Townsville is a city with a strong military presence and I felt I might be able to contribute a little to the ADF with my medical knowledge and skills in emergen-cy, pre-hospital and retrieval medicine.

“Now that I ponder about what it means to be part of Air Force’s first 100 years, I’m incredibly proud, and feel gen-uinely blessed by the privilege, of being part of something so great.”

The ADF is well known for its humanitarian and disaster relief opera-tions and WGCDR Cooksley is working with the MRH90 projects office and Airbus Helicopters as one of the subject matter experts for the MRH90 helicopter aeromedical fit-out, designed to enhance medical assistance when needed.

“Being a reservist and trying to man-age a civilian career while making a use-ful contribution to Defence can be hard,” WGCDR Cooksley said.

“Working away from family for

extended periods of time while on deploy-ment or exercise is hard at times and with-out a very supportive wife and family it would be impossible. They’re the unsung heroes.”

The important work done by the ADF’s Joint Health Command contributed to the effective COVID-19 response by the ADF and the work of medical professionals like WGCDR Cooksley continues to build on the extensive medical capabilities of the ADF.

“I think one thing that really sur-prised me is just how many different opportunities open up once you join the ADF – especially if you’re willing to get involved,” he said.

“I love the ability to contribute to something that’s important for this nation.

“I love the camaraderie and opportuni-ty to engage in interesting and challenging activities in Australia and abroad.”

SQNLDR Bruce Chalmers

GROWING up in Redland Bay while completing her secondary schooling at Our Lady’s College, Annerley, SQNLDR Lauren Bish-op spent most summer holidays on Stradbroke Island with her grandparents, rather than picking strawberries in the local area.

While fishing and swimming at Point Lookout, she had a strong desire to learn how to cook and started her first job as an appren-tice chef at a fine-dining restau-rant in Brisbane.

Her love of cooking led her to join the ADF as a cook, with a view to saving enough money to continue her cooking training in Italy.

Twenty years later, SQNLDR Bishop is now Air Force’s Senior Movements Officer at Headquarters No. 96 Wing, RAAF Base Amberley.

“My team and I are responsi-ble for ensuring safe delivery of the air movements and aviation refuelling capability for Air Force,” SQNLDR Bishop said. “Within No. 96 Wing we have a workforce of approximately 330 people who are working hard to prepare cargo for load and unload operations and to refuel aircraft across the globe.

A recipe for career excitement

“Like our aircraft I have had the opportunity to travel exten-sively, with one highlight being a deployment to Antarctica in support of Operation Southern Discovery.

“I worked and lived in Antarctica as the Casey Station logistics officer during the 2017-18 summer.”

SQNLDR Bishop was award-

ed the Conspicuous Service Cross for her logistics support to the Air Force’s Heron Remotely Piloted Aircraft operations.

In her spare time she is a keen hiker.

“Last winter my daughter and I completed the Overland Track in Tasmania and we have also done some hiking in the Canary Islands,” SQNLDR Bishop said.

WGCDR David Cooksley in a training room at RAAF Base Amberley. Photo: CPL Jessica de Rouw

SQNLDR Lauren Bishop said a career highlight had been travel-ling to Antarctica for Op Southern Discovery. Photo: CPL Jesse Kane

10 News

Amberley going strong at 80

Evita Ryan

RAAF Base Amberley turned 80 on June 17, a day to reflect on its many milestones; from its official opening in 1940, to taking the lead in introduc-ing women to the Defence workforce, to becoming a modern, fully opera-tional platform for the conduct of joint operations.

Starting in 1939, the construc-tion of RAAF Base Amberley was described as one of the largest projects undertaken in Queensland at the time – officially opening on June 17, 1940.

Air base operations began the same month with the first aircraft at station

headquarters being the Moth Minor No. A21-26, followed shortly by four Wirraways.

By the end of 1940, there were 54 aircraft based there and over the next two years it was transformed into a centre of excellence for the assembly, maintenance and salvage of aircraft, which was the primary focus of the base during World War II.

Not long after, Amberley became part of a quiet revolution with RAAF leading the way in introducing women to the Defence workforce.

In 1948, a Lincoln A73-11 aircraft crashed in the north-east corner of the airfield, bursting into flames on impact

and killing all 16 service personnel on board.

Three years later, the first bomber in RAAF service to be fitted with ejec-tion seats, the Canberra Mk 20, arrived at the base. It was later converted for target-towing and photo reconnais-sance roles until 1982.

The first six F-111C aircraft arrived in 1973. This was followed a few months later with the formation of No. 12 Squadron comprising CH-47 Chinook helicopters.

The transfer of the battlefield heli-copters from the RAAF to the Army in 1989 provided the opportunity for further expansion of aircraft capabil-

ity on the base and three years later, 10 Caribou aircraft were relocated to Amberley.

In 2000, redevelopment works began with the relocation of Combat Support Group from Glenbrook and new headquarters for No. 82 Wing, while the base also hosted several operational combat support units and security and fire training capabilities.

Development of the super base continued over the subsequent years with accommodation, airfield upgrades, a gym, military working dog facilities, security and fire training and the headquarters building. In 2010, after 37 years of service, the F-111

was retired, with two remaining on display – one at the main entrance to the base and the other at the RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre.

The base has hosted elements of the Australian Army. From 1960 to 1973, it was home to Army aviation and since 2006 has supported a vari-ety of Army units. Amberley now hosts a range of Air Force, Army and joint capabilities and is a fully opera-tional platform for the conduct of joint operations. Today, RAAF Base Amberley accommodates about 6000 military personnel, public servants and Defence aviation contractors, and pro-vides facilities for many aircraft.

Calling all members of the Chinook community CAPT Campbell Rogan

ON June 30, C Squadron 5th Aviation Regiment celebrates the dual milestones of its 25th anniversary alongside the 40th year of CH-47 Chinook aircraft operations across the Australian Army and the Royal Australian Air Force.

C Squadron will be holding a gathering for members past and present of the Chinook community in Townsville during the end of 2020 to celebrate the squadron’s 25th anniversary and the 40th year of Australian CH-47 Chinook operations. Event dates are to be confirmed in line with COVID-19 restriction easing.

The Australian operation of the CH-47 Chinook began during the drawdown of the country’s involve-ment in the Vietnam War with No.

12 Squadron. Previously a World War II general purpose, bomber and transport squadron, it was re-formed at RAAF Base Amberley on September 3, 1973.

The squadron received the aircraft with delivery aboard the Navy aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne during March 1974. In doing so, Australia became the first international export

customer of the CH-47 Chinook from the United States. The acquisition of the 12 new CH-47C Chinook aircraft was made in partnership with the introduction into service of the DHC-4 Caribou to form a battlefield medium-lift capability replacement for the aging C-47 Dakota.

Over the course of its operations, 12SQN established the aircraft’s ver-

satility and capability as a medium-lift helicopter in support of the ADF both domestically and internation-ally in Malaysia and in support of newly independent Papua New Guinea.

The aircraft proved its worth to the government of the day in its capacity to respond to national dis-aster relief and regional emergen-cies.

Within a backdrop of the service transfer of the battlefield helicopter capability to the Australian Army, the aircraft was retired from Air Force on June 30, 1989 after 15 years of dedicated service.

Half a decade later, the CH-47 Chinook returned to Australian service this time with the Australian Army’s Aviation Corps to rectify the capability loss following the Air Force retirement.

As part of the acquisition, the

mothballed CH-47C aircraft stored at RAAF Base Amberley since their retirement were transferred to Boeing Helicopters.

In return, four of the ex-12SQN CH-47C aircraft were upgraded to the CH-47D variant and delivered to C Squadron again by sea on January 27, 1995, heralding the return of the CH-47 Chinook to Australian skies.

C Squadron paraded for the first time at the 5th Aviation Regiment, RAAF Base Townsville on the June 30, 1995. The squadron began its first years operating two aircraft types simultaneously with the CH-47D Chinook and UH-1H Iroquois gunship.

Expression of interests in attending the anni-versary events can be made via csqn.anniver-sary@defence.gov.au

A CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopter over RAAF Base Amberley.

Main: A Caribou flying over RAAF Base Amberley. Top: 1SQN F-111 Pilot FLTLT Stew-art and navigator FLTLT Kelly practise a spectacular fuel “dump and burn”. Above: The arrival of the F-111 circa June 1973. Inset left: A Canberra Bomber photo-graphed from the tower at RAAF Base Amberley.

RCE 11June 25, 2020AIR F Plan Jericho

Samara Kitchener and FLTLT Bel Scott

A FIRST-of-its kind trial to remotely pilot a small Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) from the back of a C-130J has taken air-land integration to new heights.

The collaboration between Plan Jericho, 3SECFOR, 37SQN and Army has the potential to open up a range of capability options for the joint force.

The trial, recently undertaken at RAAF Base Edinburgh, tested the viability of operating a UAS via the aircraft’s on-board satellite commu-nications (SATCOM) link, opening up future potential to operate UAS, or other networked capabilities, from anywhere in the world and, vice-versa, demonstrating an ability to upload live imagery from off-board sensor sys-tems.

SQNLDR Peter Cunningham said it was the first time airborne con-trol UAS has been attempted from a C-130J Hercules.

Collaborating on the future

Hitching a ride to the stratosphere

Samara Kitchener

ON a crisp winter day in regional NSW, a couple of high-altitude balloons could be seen floating up into the clouds.

But this was no joy flight – the two balloons each carried a series of networked sensors as part of a trial launch by RAAF’s Plan Jericho team.

The aim was to test how the rapidly deployable payloads could be used to improve situational awareness over a vast area.

Plan Jericho’s Advanced Sensing Lead WGCDR Paul Hay said high-altitude balloons offered a sovereign and low-cost comple-ment to space-based systems.

“As our operating environment continues to become more com-plex, we need a greater number and diversity of small and low-cost sensors to give us the most up-to-date and comprehensive data,” WGCDR Hay said.

Plan Jericho is trialling the application of these sensors as part of their advanced sensing program, which also includes sub-orbital rocket launches.

“By taking our payload up to the stratosphere, these balloons will help us to exploit the under-utilised altitudes between where aircraft generally fly and space, giving us a wide view on what’s happening below,” WGCDR Hay said.

The intention is for the data to be integrated into a cutting-edge Combat Cloud, which is being developed by Plan Jericho.

“This will enable faster and bet-ter decisions to be made,” he said.

Jericho Director GPCAPT Lyle Holt said the project was a col-laboration between Defence and Thunderstruck Space.

“At Plan Jericho, we look for partners who think like we do –

Australian companies who are at the forefront of innovation,” GPCAPT Holt said.

“This gives us excellent oppor-tunities to access and test out cutting-edge technology, while supporting our local industry.”

Plan Jericho also used the launch as an opportunity to cap-ture the imagination of the next generation of aerospace experts.

A 3D-printed Jasper – an ani-mated character developed by Air Force to encourage more children to study STEM subjects – soared into the stratosphere on one of the balloons.

Mounted on the balloon, a 360-degree camera recorded foot-age, which was overlaid with sci-entific facts about the atmosphere.

CGI render using the digital model of Jasper’s plane circled the balloon as it reached the atmos-phere.

The video will be shared across multiple social media channels, inspiring children by showing the incredible aerospace opportunities that are happening in Australia.

“We want to motivate these kids to study STEM and reach for the stars,” WGCDR Hay said.

Head of Air Force Capability AVM Catherine Roberts applauded the flight.

“Now that Air Force is leading space within Defence, it is fitting we take Jasper with us into the stratosphere as one of our first steps,” AVM Roberts said.

The results of the trial will be evaluated for future integration into operations, helping Defence to advance Australian designed and developed launch capabilities.

Video of the launch can be seen at: https://innovatehub.sharepoint.com/:f:/s/mediahub/EjT9nnCtmqlKiIWR2pUbwt4BNIN0gb9lfZi3c1ps1nxPbw?e=Oz5Mp6

“We used our wide-band satellite communication systems to provide a link to the UAS controller on the C-130J beyond the line of sight, and received video from the UAS through-out the flight,” SQNLDR Cunningham said.

Using 3SECFOR’s UAS capa-bility together with the Air Mobility

Innovation C-130J aircraft, meant that the team was able to conduct the trial within a very short timeframe.

“Working together with different skillsets and stakeholders, such as 3SECFOR, Army and Plan Jericho, has shown how we can be responsive to meet the needs of Air Force in pret-ty short order,” he said.

Plan Jericho’s Advanced Sensors Lead WGCDR Paul Hay said the unclassified concept got off the ground in just two weeks.

During the airborne operation, the team had also been able to capture overarching video of the trial, using the Litening sensor pod, which had recently been mounted on a pylon

underneath the wing of the C130J demonstrator. This proof-of-concept further extended the connected sen-sor network, showing the potential to share greater amounts of information and improving decision making in the air and on the ground.

WGCDR Hay said the trial demon-strated how bringing people together with different interests and capabilities drove ground-up innovation and new capabilities across the force.

3SECFOR UAS Operator LAC Rhys Mitting urged airmen who had ideas that could improve Air Force to speak up.

“Be proactive, network with other units and you will find like-minded people who are willing to help,” LAC Mitting said. “You need to be moti-vated, hardworking and you need to contact Jericho.”

Join EDGY Air Force and turn your game-changing idea into a joint force edge, submit your idea to plan.jericho@defence.gov.au or visit airforce.gov.au/EDGY

The Sky Ranger R70 drone on the ground and 3SECFOR LAC Chaddyn Bray operating the drone from an airborne Air Force C-130J Hercules. Photos: LACW Jacqueline Forrester

The 3D-printed character ‘Jasper’ climbs into the sky on a balloon. Inset: Another of the balloons is launched over country NSW.

13June 25, 2020RCEAIR F12 Our vital jobs

TRUE WORKFORCE

Keeping Air Force operational involves a vast array of personnel, skills, training, talent and dedication, CPL Veronica O’Hara writes.

Electrician a powerhouse of knowledge

Across a wide range of rolesAIRFIELD Engineer FLTLT

Loretta Newton-Hoare saw Defence help in the worst of times during the 2019

Townsville floods.“Loading the flooded contents of

people’s houses into dump trucks, seeing how much they’d lost and their raw emotions was really eye-opening,” FLTLT Newton-Hoare said.

Her Air Force journey started when she joined the ADF Under-graduate scheme in 2015 while studying civil engineering.

After graduating university, FLTLT Newton-Hoare’s military life “got real” in 2017 with officer train-ing, then six months of professional development and training in a vari-ety of airfield engineer roles while attached to 65SQN, Air Force’s air base recovery squadron.

This followed with nearly seven months doing specific courses on airfield survey, pavements, weapon effects on structures, project and construction management before posting back to 65SQN.

“Part of the entry into the airfield engineer officer stream is once you’re attached to the squadron, you get a whole range of experi-ences with different units and on exercises,” FLTLT Newton-Hoare said.

“I got the opportunity to do a fair bit of travel during that time and it gave me insight about what my career might look like.

“The best thing was it gave me exposure to all the different types of postings, especially in the junior ranks and I got to meet a lot of people along the way.

“As with any job, it’s about who you know and I’ve certainly used a lot of those contacts in my profes-sional life since.”

Based in Townsville as a section commander, FLTLT Newton-Hoare is kept busy at the high-tempo squadron.

In nearly two years, she’s done local and international exercises, a deployment and supported Opera-tion North Queensland Flood Assist 2019.

There’s also broader opportuni-ties outside the squadron.

“When Air Force provides a contingency response, there’s an airfield engineer officer at each of those units,” FLTLT Newton-Hoare said.

“But there are quite a few other roles. Everything from weapons targeting at 460SQN, project man-agement in Canberra, base airfield engineer at each air base and training roles in AFTG and the ADF School of Military Engineering .”

FLTLT Newton-Hoare’s engi-neering skills allowed her to have an impact during humanitarian and disaster relief tasks.

“It’s not always airfield-related but regardless of role, we’re all here to help when the call goes out.”

She described the knowledge diversity in her role as “an inch deep and a mile wide”.

“That may or may not suit every-one as some people love to become experts at one thing, whereas we get exposed to a huge variety of things which it makes you incredibly employable and it keeps your work life interesting and varied,” FLTLT Newton-Hoare said.

As section commander, she’s re-sponsible for ensuring the readiness of her team, maintaining capability through personnel and equipment resources.

“It isn’t particularly glamorous and the challenges are broad, but that’s reality when leading people,” FLTLT Newton-Hoare said.

“The role overall opened a lot of doors for me and I’ve found it excit-ing, particularly as someone who wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do.

“Because you get exposed to so much, sometimes finding out what you don’t like is just as good as find-ing out what you do.”

Plenty of thinking outside the set square

LAC Adam Robertson takes pride in being able to provide Air Force personnel the comforts of home even when they are in a

tactical environment.An electrician at 65SQN, RAAF’s

airfield engineering squadron since 2014, he was a military working dog handler before deciding to remuster to electrician, spending the first year of his apprenticeship at Albury-Wodonga, before three years of on-the-job training at the School of Military Engineering, now at Holswothy.

“I worked under civilian contractors at jobsites around Sydney for the on-the-job training portion and found bouncing between working with business-savvy contractors and then transitioning to military style training the most challeng-ing,” LAC Robertson said.

“Despite those differences I will always be grateful for the experience. Learning valuable lessons from both the business side of the trade and how those are best applied to the military environ-ment both in theory and in practice has always been something I reflect on.”

Air Force electricians provide electri-cal support to Air Force expeditionary operations.

They install, maintain and conduct repairs on electrical reticulation kit such as generators and environmental control units and operate light plant equipment for maximum overall effect.

He’s usually one of two electricians deployed as part of a small air base recovery team, often involving multiple trade groups.

“We could be on a small task like setting up a small power distribution system expediently with minimal kit or maintaining the power already estab-lished inside a hardened airhead,” LAC Robertson said. As a small air base recovery services team of three or four we have attached to a health support unit and built a hospital out of tents in days, not weeks or months, which has served as a critical component of an operation or exercise.

Each year these specialists can spend up to 200 days away from home where “most of the work” is.

“We integrate with other units and everyone needs power and water on exercise or deployment and whether it’s a contingency response squadron, flying unit, communications or health sup-port unit – wherever they go, they take tradies as required to help project the desired air power effect,” LAC Robert-son said.

He finds it most rewarding in making someone’s living conditions unexpect-edly comfortable.

“It’s a very varied working environ-ment from being attached to airfield defence guards doing contact drills or medical personnel dealing with intense scenarios. Providing a few comforts when they get some downtime at camp at the end of their day gives me a real sense of accomplishment,” LAC Robert-son said.

“There’s also the humanitarian side. I feel privileged to help people pick up the pieces after a disaster, especially for Australians; I can see it makes a big dif-ference to them.”

He also used his skills to mentor foreign forces on deployment and at multinational exercises.

“During Exercise Pacific Angel I ad-vised USAF and other coalition tradies on how Australia does things with electricity,” LAC Robertson said.

“Voltages and equipment are specific to our own countries. You can’t see it and the only time you feel it is when you’ve done something wrong, which can have a critical flow-on effect to the mission and personnel, so safety is always key when we are mentoring.

“A lot of lessons and corporate knowledge is shared and I don’t think I’d have gotten this opportunity as a civilian electrician. This role has sent me to a lot of places I never would have purchased a ticket to but I am happy to represent ADF and the capability we provide.”

THE average chippy wouldn’t be making bun-kers or building air bases, but for Air Force Carpen-

ter LAC Nicholas Glancy, it’s part of the job.

“One day I might make a small plaque and the next I’m making a hardened bunker for a vehicle control point,” LAC Glancy said.

“Then I could be planning a job before vehicle training for deploy-ment and validating equipment, because we’ve got heaps of gear.

“There’s a lot of manual labour but it often involves lateral thinking when working out stairs or pitched roof calculations and designs. It’s always rewarding when it’s done.”

LAC Glancy was born into a mostly Air Force family and grew

up wanting to become a carpen-ter.

He mixed the two influences when he obtained a trade through Air Force in 2014.

Posted to 65SQN, RAAF’s air base recovery squadron, LAC Glancy was recently sent to Tu-mut for Operation Bushfire Assist, although his work was not related to carpentry.

“We have chainsaw qualifica-tions and used them to help farm-ers cut down burnt-out trees and those that fell on fences,” he said.

“We also did road clearing along with water and hay deliver-ies with our trucks.

“Helping people in any way felt great.”

Air Force carpenters typically perform site planning, excava-

tions, timber and steel construc-tions and concreting for expedi-tionary operations.

Last year he worked in Papua New Guinea with the USAF dur-ing Exercise Pacific Angel.

“I helped build a new toilet and shower block for one of the Army barracks and others did repairs at a school,” LAC Glancy said.

“It was really good seeing the difference we made for another country that’s got such close links to Australia.”

The apprenticeship gave him civilian qualifications after 18 months theory at Latchford Bar-racks and two-and-a-half years on the job with contractors in Sydney.

“I found it a culture shock go-ing from a training base environ-ment to only being on base about

twice a month at Holsworthy,” LAC Glancy said.

Besides getting on the tools, he finds the best part is planning projects, ordering materials and having some free rein in design.

“It’s really good being in the process from start to finish; I can do a full build with planning and run the job or help someone else run theirs,” LAC Glancy said.

“I’ve finished a few small jobs at Orchard Hills this year, like staircases and refurbishments. I’ve also done planning and order-ing ready to complete a couple of guard towers.

“I’ve been giving 37SQN a hand cutting up some of their ma-terials and we’re doing scaffolding at the moment, then tomorrow I’ll have vehicle checks to do.”

LAC Adam Robertson takes great satisfaction in helping rebuild communities struck by natural disaster. Photo: CPL David Said

No day or task is the same for LAC Nicholas Glancy. Photo: CPL David Said

FLTLT Loretta Newton-Hoare possesses a diverse skill set.Photo: LACW Annalin Wright

14 Our vital jobs

THE NEXTLEVEL

Attention to details and much more

AS modern warfare rapidly evolves, critical people-centric roles such as intel-ligence officers (INTELO),

air intelligence analyst operational intelligence (AIA OPINT) and air intelligence analyst signals intel-ligence (AIA SIGINT) have never been more in demand.

The need for air intelligence has heightened in order to win against the increasingly complex and lethal threats of warfare in the Information Age.

An integral part of Australia’s requirements to deliver effective air power, air intelligence has always been a prerequisite for the success-ful planning, execution and assess-ment of air operations.

INTELO FLGOFF Ki Gladding works in a classified environment at Air Force’s intelligence squad-ron, No. 87 Squadron 42 Tactical Intelligence Flight (TIF) Edinburgh Detachment specific to No. 10 Squadron and the AP-3C Electronic Warfare (EW) aircraft.

“My day-to-day duties include acquiring and interpreting intel-ligence and preparing briefs in sup-port of ADF operations and interna-tional security initiatives,” FLGOFF Gladding said.

“I was inspired to join Air Force as an intelligence officer because of the challenge, and being able to test my abilities in a dynamic envi-ronment, where I get to be part of something bigger than myself.

“If you want to succeed as an INTELO, you need to put the time and effort in to understand your air-craft, the crew and the problem set at hand.

“I get to lead a team of incred-ibly smart and resourceful air intel-ligence analysts in the conduct of active ADF operations, which have real-world outcomes that you can see make a difference.”

Across the flight line at 87SQN 92TIF supporting P-8A Poseidon missions, INTELO FLGOFF Tiffiny Hollenberg-Kay, comes from an arts educational background but transi-tioned to a STEM-centric research role as an Air Force INTELO.

“It was a big change that required commitment and getting out of my comfort zone,” FLGOFF Hollenberg-Kay said.

“It’s been rewarding meeting an entirely new network of friends and getting a confidence boost from expanding my skill set.

“This is such a broad category and you get excellent training while

some aspects might seem difficult, you’re always prepared for the chal-lenges that appear along the way.”

87SQN Air Warfare Instructor – Intelligence Combat Instructor FLTLT Cosmo Fardone, completed the Air Warfare Instructor Course – Intelligence Combat Instructor (AWIC-ICI) in 2019.

AWIC integrates warfighting functions across a range of speciali-sations to develop expert air warfare instructors who will represent the next generation of tactical and inte-grated warfare experts across the air combat spectrum.

“Graduating AWIC as an ICI has been the hardest but most reward-ing thing I’ve done,” FLTLT Fardone said.

“After that it was deploying as a targeting duties officer (TDO) on Operation Okra and last but not least, getting to fly in a Super Hornet as part of my intel training.

“People assume it’s just being very book smart or technically minded to become an INTELO, but the best INTELOs blend really good technical knowledge with an ability to communicate well with their audi-ence.

“Social mastery is a key compo-nent of being a good INTELO.”

Specialists meeting challenges of an ever-evolving world

AIR intelligence analysts (AIA) work in the front line of surveillance, reconnais-sance and electronic warfare

monitoring and reporting tactically-advantageous intelligence.

Located at RAAF Base Edinburgh, the Distributed Ground Station - Australia (DGS-AUS) is the Air Force’s centralised intelligence, sur-veillance and reconnaissance (ISR) processing, exploitation and dissemi-nation (PED) capability.

DGS-AUS is data and sensor agnostic, and through the exploitation of imagery and signals intelligence, provides the ADF and allied forces timely, accurate, relevant and action-able intelligence.

DGS-AUS Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) Ana lys t LAC Har ry Lumsden analyses a wide range of signals during real-time support for aircraft performing operations around the globe.

“This continuous monitoring ensures the safety of our aircrew and our airborne platforms,” LAC Lumsden said.

“There are many technical con-cepts in the SIGINT [signals intelli-gence] trade which can be difficult to understand, however, the mentors and instructors are accommodating, edu-cated and highly experienced.

“During the downtime, we main-tain technical proficiency, develop our trade knowledge and mentor others at the unit.

“The opportunity to train and work in a field that is forever evolving and hidden away from the world is moti-vating.”

Operational Intelligence (OPINT) Analyst LACW Rosemary McAlpine was drawn to a career in Air Force intelligence because of the diverse and fast-paced nature of the role.

“I wanted a job that required criti-cal thinking and analysis, and Air Force offered an opportunity to do this in a unique environment,” LACW McAlpine said.

“Intelligence is an area that is con-stantly evolving, and requires its mem-bers evolve with it.

“My daily tasking at DGS-AUS depends largely on what operations I am required to support. One day is never the same.

“The opportunity to participate in multi-service and multi-nation exer-cises while putting my skill sets to the test has been one of the biggest rewards of the job.

“For example, at the start of the year I had the opportunity to partici-pate in Operation Bushfire Assist, pro-viding daily intelligence briefs in sup-port of the ADF’s contribution to the bushfire efforts. An incredibly reward-ing experience. I find the biggest chal-lenge of the Operational AIA role is

maintaining an in-depth knowledge of air and ground-based tactics and capa-bilities, which are constantly evolving.

“You need to be able to judge what information is reliable, and what you learn one day may be out of date the next.

“There is a lot of responsibility placed on you as an analyst, as your product may be used to brief high-ranking commanders.

“At the same time, the job comes with many rewards. You learn so much in both training and the first few years of your role that it’s hard not to grow personally, as well as professionally.”

AIA come from a multitude of diverse backgrounds, and bring intel-ligent and motivated individuals to ensure a continuous learning environ-ment.

The role of an AIA offers training in skills that are valuable, not only in the intelligence community, but in most careers outside the mustering.

AIA training includes the funda-mentals course at the Air Intelligence Training Unit (AITU) at RAAF Base Edinburgh, then AIA SIGINT proceed to the Defence Force School of Signals in Cabarlah and INTELO/AIA OPINT proceed to the Defence Force School of Intelligence in Canungra, both located in Queensland, to finish their initial employment training.

87SQN and DGS-AUS are part of the Air Warfare Centre’s Information Warfare Directorate (IWD). IWD cen-tralises the Air Force’s tactical infor-mation warfare elements and provides the wider ADF with an integrated and tailorable operational support capabil-ity drawn from across the intelligence, electronic warfare and information operations domains.

For further information on the intelligence employment categories, visit: Ihttps://airforce.defencejobs.gov.au

OPINT Analyst LACW Rosemary McAlpine. Photos: LACW Jacquline Forrester

ELINT Analyst LAC Harry Lumsden.

RCE 15June 25, 2020AIR F Our vital jobs

Networking in the cyber domainNO. 462 Squadron is at the

frontline in protecting Air Force’s cyber security and cy-berspace domain.

Former CISCON CPL Luke Burns recently transitioned into the NETECH role and currently works in the cyber vulnerability investigation team at 462SQN.

His team is responsible for con-ducting vulnerability assessments (VA) on government ICT systems for the purpose of highlighting potential weaknesses and improving their over-all cybersecurity posture.

CPL Burns participated in the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal for the NETECH pay case that formed part of the successful submission to establish the NETECH category, an amalgamation and enhancement of the CISCON and CETECH roles.

“The CISCON and CETECH cat-egories have been operating on top of each other for many years now,” CPL Burns said.

“This transition formalises the changes that have mostly happened organically with the ever-evolving changes in technology.

“The merger provides benefit in that it gives a clear pathway for those looking for a career in this field.

“It brings with it clear posting and promotion opportunities, training requirements and updated employ-ment/job task profiles.”

CISCONs and CETECHs have always adapted to change by develop-ing skills and operating outside of their official job requirements, engaging in external courses or on-the-job training opportunities to keep up with demand.

“At 462SQN, our daily task-ing often involves constant technical skill development and cybersecurity research to ensure we are always up to date with the latest technology and attack methods,” he said.

“It can be challenging building and maintaining the knowledge and experi-ence needed for this job. Every ICT system is different from each other.

“I find a lot of satisfaction and reward when I am able to identify a novel security vulnerability on a sys-tem that I had spent time researching in the past.

“It can be very motivating to take something learnt from theory and make use of it in a practical way.”

As highly skilled, technical experts, the NETECHS at 462SQN provide cybersecurity services and information assurance advice to ADF stakeholders who own, operate or manage ICT sys-tems for Air Force.

This offers a dedicated workforce capable of supporting network opera-tions for a fifth-generation Air Force.

Awarded the 2019 462SQN Halifax Award, presented to a mem-ber who exemplifies the highest level of professionalism and selfless com-mitment, NETECH CPL Natalie Ekonomopoulos has embraced the mustering changes.

“I was always interested in joining Air Force and after much considera-tion towards the plethora of jobs avail-able, I decided I was most interested in developing my information technology skills through a CISCON role,” CPL Ekonomopoulos said.

“Information technology is a vastly developing area with an ever expand-ing scope and opportunity.

“I really enjoy networking, prob-lem-solving and learning, so it seemed like the smartest career choice for me at the time.

“I now work in a role that provides information assurance and advice to accreditation authorities to appropri-ately secure and risk manage capabili-ty in order to support a fifth-generation Air Force.

“If you are interested in IT, innova-tive, enjoy learning and being chal-lenged then I would recommend con-sidering this job opportunity.

“It’s an excellent long-term career path and there are always learning prospects and diverse IT and cyber security roles available.”

ACW Lauren Campbell enlisted as an air intelligence analyst but after an interim posting with 462SQN informa-tion systems security team, she’s mak-ing the leap to become a NETECH and began training this month.

“I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside and learn from other cyber professionals,” ACW Campbell said.

“I am constantly faced with new and exciting challenges that I have never come across before, which ignit-ed my curiosity.

“It’s rewarding being able to over-come and achieve something once you put your mind to it. This experi-ence inspired me to remuster to a role which supports cyberspace operations.

“I think more women should con-sider and be less intimidated about going into technical and cyber roles.

“You’ll surprise yourself by what you’re good at and you’ll get the chance to contribute your own differ-ent yet invaluable perspective.”

For further information on the intelligence employment categories, visit: https://airforce.defencejobs.gov.au/jobs/network-technician

Technical skills have never been so in

demand, FLTLT Bel Scott writes.

INTELO FLGOFF Ki Gladding with the AP-3C EW aircraft at RAAF Base Edinburgh. Photos: LACW Jacqueline Forrester

INTELO FLGOFF Tiffiny Hollenberg-Kay and Intelligence Combat Instruc-tor FLTLT Cosmo Fardone with the P-8A Poseidon aircraft.

ACW Lauren Campbell, left, with CPL Natalie Ekonomopoulos in a communications cabinet for cyber research and development systems at 462SQN. Photo: CPL Brenton Kwaterski

16 Our vital jobs

WITH its long pointed nose and bullet-like airframe streamlined for supersonic flight, FLGOFF Kaitlyn

Lyons distinctly remembers the Con-corde passenger airliner that flew over her primary school in England.

Inspired to become a pilot, she was awarded a Powered Flying Scholarship by the Australian Air Force Cadets after returning to Brisbane and joined the aviation learning program at Indooroopilly State High School.

“I really wanted to be a pilot when I was a kid,” FLGOFF Lyons said.

“I got private flying lessons through cadets and loved the aviation community at the flying school, so I applied to join the Air Force while I was at school. It was Defence Force Recruiting that suggested I look into engineering.”

Back at school, one of FLGOFF Lyons’ mathematics teachers offered to

Concorde inspires career take a class of students to an engineer-ing day at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and from then on, FLGOFF Lyons knew she wanted to be an engineer.

“It was so cool,” she said. “I decid-ed that I wanted to study engineering at QUT.”

Never losing sight of her Air Force dream, FLGOFF Lyons applied for the Air Force’s undergraduate sponsorship Scheme during the first year of her Bachelor of Engineering degree.

“They were really supportive,” she said. “I started out studying electri-cal engineering, but I got to the point where I was studying power engineer-ing and I thought ‘I can’t do this with

my life’, and Defence approved for me to switch to mechatronics engineering so I could major in robotics and minor in programming.”

Admitting that her current role as Officer in Charge of Team Echo at No. 1 Combat Communications Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley doesn’t involve as much engineering as she expected it to, FLGOFF Lyons said she was enjoying the personnel management aspect of her job while still being able to fall back on the skills she acquired during her years of engineering study at QUT.

“Because I studied engineering, I can understand what my team mem-bers are saying when they’re talking

about network and cyber vulnerabili-ties – for the most part, anyway,” she said.

FLGOFF Lyons is excited about what lies ahead for her ADF career.

She’s added an overseas posting to her bucket list as well as plans to study at the Defence Force School of Languages.

“In the ADF, you feel like you’re part of a community of open, caring and accepting people,” she said.

“You train for real-life situations and develop skills that can make a big difference, and you get to see the effect of that in the real world, which is pretty amazing.”

International Women in Engineering Day on June 23 highlights the profession’s achievers. Evita Ryan speaks with one of our members forging a path in this important arena.

FLGOFF Kaitlyn Lyons dreamed of being part of Air Force ever since she was a child.

Bettina Mears

AS the first member of her family to pursue a career in the military, FLTLT Arihia Peri has always forged her own path, welcomed new challenges and has never been afraid to aim high.

Born in New Zealand, FLTLT Peri came to the Central Coast, NSW, when she was a child. As an independent teenager FLTLT Peri’s parents were not too sure what life in the military was going to be like for their only child and were surprised when she signed up to join the Air Force.

Fast forward to 2020 and FLTLT Peri has served more than a decade in the RAAF as an air traffic controller and is posted to No. 452 Squadron at RAAF Base Darwin.

After joining the Air Force in January 2009 and studying at ADFA in Canberra for three years, FLTLT Peri reflects on the commencement of her career journey which has delivered many opportunities.

“As an 18-year-old, I had no idea what career I wanted to have but I knew that I wanted to go to univer-sity. I saw an opportunity walking past Defence Force Recruiting in Newcastle and was overwhelmed by the list of potential jobs offered to me. I thought I would just give it a crack and 11 years on here I am,” FLTLT Peri said.

“Meeting lifelong friends, travel-ling Australia, always learning new things, being challenged personally and professionally, and having the

opportunity for further study with ADFA and a Masters of Aviation Management has been incredible.”

In addition to her role of approach (radar) supervisor at Darwin International Airport, FLTLT Peri extended her passion for safety, train-ing and developing controllers through her active support to the role of unit aviation safety officer.

FLTLT Peri led the development and establishment of a series of educa-tion and training programs as well as network forums that enhanced aviation safety across RAAF Base Darwin.

The success of these initiatives extended the education program to the general aviation community.

These efforts were recently acknowledged with the announcement

that FLTLT Peri had been awarded the Royal Aeronautical Society’s Dr Rob Lee Defence Flight Safety Award for 2019. The award recognises an indi-vidual or collective effort that enhanc-es flight safety in Defence and is open to all members of the ADF, Defence civilians, Defence contractors, foreign exchange and loan personnel, and Australian Air Force cadets.

FLTLT Peri received a certificate, trophy and $500 from the Royal Aeronautical Society last month at 452SQN’s air traffic control complex.

The award ceremony was held over videoconference with the trophy, cita-tion and cheque presented by Officer Commanding No. 44 Wing, GPCAPT Ruth Elsley in front of an audience of FLTLT Peri’s family and colleagues.

“I was pleasantly surprised and did not expect it at all,” FLTLT Peri said.

“My flight commander made a good effort of keeping the surprise under wraps and managed to get my family on videoconference for the presentation, which made it extra spe-cial. I am very thankful and apprecia-tive of being the recipient of such an esteemed award.”

CAF AIRMSHL Mel Hupfeld praised FLTLT Peri for her initiative and commitment.

“I commend FLTLT Peri for her efforts, specifically her readiness to champion generative safety culture improvement both within and external to Defence in the Darwin region,” AIRMSHL Hupfeld said.

Passion and commitmentrecognised

FLTLT Arihia Peri, an air traffic controller at RAAF Base Darwin, with her Dr Rob Lee Defence Flight Safety Award trophy from the Royal Aeronautical Society.Photo: SGT Ben Dempster

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18 Personnel

FLTLT Jessica Aldred

WITH about 20 years of service under her belt, Pilot SQNLDR Anna Lovatt brings a lot of experience and knowl-edge to the Air Force.

Before becoming a KC-30A pilot, SQNLDR Lovatt flew as a navigator in F-111s.

She believes the aircrew specialisa-tions are in the early stages of work-force diversity.

“As one of four female pilots at 33SQN, and with the low numbers in the pilot world overall, it’s very early days for us,” SQNLDR Lovatt said.

“We are already at a recruiting dis-advantage because being a pilot is not something every little girl wants to be, but I believe that if we focus on retain-ing female pilots and getting them beyond SQNLDR rank, we can begin to make a real difference.”

SQNLDR Lovatt said diversity was about acceptance and understanding how different perspectives could con-tribute to the workforce.

“Diversity to me is all about being accepting of people who are differ-ent to me – be this in gender, culture, religion and background,” SQNLDR Lovatt said. “Diversity brings a number of things to the workforce; a wealth of ideas from different per-spectives, along with encouraging people to become more open-minded and accepting of others. Many of the women I work alongside are excellent communicators, they bring empathy, and they are always well prepared – but the unconscious bias of others

Accepting the path to wealth of ideas

The Directorate of Organisational Behaviour and Culture – Air Force has developed the Air Force Diversity and Inclusion Guide which discusses diversity of thought, perspectives and approaches using examples, members’ stories and a range of online resources including Ted Talks and useful templates.

The Guide

means these may not be recognised as strengths.”

As a mother, SQNLDR Lovatt also brings another set of experiences which shapes her perspective of work.

“I am a mother trying to juggle kids and flying, and I generally look at a problem in a different way to many people around me. Unfortunately there are so few mums flying, and we are all spread out, so it’s hard to share our lessons learnt and provide a model for managing and getting the most out of flying mums,” SQNLDR Lovatt said.

“But critically, we need to com-municate to the lowest levels about the diversity initiatives aimed at recruiting women. If we communicate why they are so vitally important, it will help them to be accepted and understood.” SQNLDR Anna Lovatt (then FLTLT) says a focus needs to be on retaining female pilots. Photo: CPL Jesse Kane

Go west to get the job done: JLU-W’s wide shouldersSGT Sebastian Beurich

FOR every plane that takes off from RAAF Base Learmonth, surveil-lance reconnaissance vehicle (SRV) that drives through the Pil-bara or ship that leaves Cockburn Sound, chances are someone from JLU-W has had a hand in it.

With one of the largest areas of responsibility of any Defence unit, JLU-W combines military and com-mercial experience, according to CO CMDR Ben Macdonald.

“It’s sometimes easy to fall into the trap of thinking that WA isn’t a significant player in the ADF’s operational context,” he said.

“You only need to think of SASR and the Submarine Force to under-stand the strategic value the West brings to the table, but a substantial portion of Navy’s surface fleet oper-ates from HMAS Stirling and RAAF Base Pearce provides basic flying training to all pilots.

“Delivery of logistics support to these units requires a team that has a deep knowledge of the intricacies of operating in WA.”

JLU-W provides warehousing, distribution and maintenance ser-vices to all units located in, visiting, or transiting through the state.

It combines ADF and APS while

integrating Linfox as the warehous-ing and distribution partner and Broadspectrum for material mainte-nance and military clothing.

Their major sites are at HMAS Stirling and Palmer Barracks, though they also maintain a small-er presence at RAAF Base Pearce and Irwin Barracks. JLU-W’s area

of operations starts at Eucla, on the state’s south-eastern border, extending westward to the coast and north to Sandfire between Port Hedland and Broome.

“In the past 12 months, we have provided trade repair and windscreen replacement for six ER vehicles travelling to Jigalong

for AACAP [Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Program] communications system upgrades for Pilbara Regt SRVs and main-tained refuelling vehicles at RAAF Base Learmonth,” CMDR Macdonald said.

“Our success is entirely depend-ant on the professionalism of our

people and the partnerships we’ve developed over 21 years of opera-tions in the state.

“We’re trusted to provide mainte-nance on just about anything, from outboard motors and Mack trucks, through to communications equip-ment and weapons.”

ADF members from JLU-W and LS Dan Atkinson working in the JLU-W warehouse at HMAS Stirling. Photos: LS Ernesto Sanchez and AB Chris Beerens

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20 Personnel

Milestones celebratedThe stars aligned at RAAF Base Amberley when three members each received the Federation Star, recognising 40 years of continuous service in the ADF, FLTLT Robert Cochran writes.

FLTLT Ian Pinch WOFF Peter Hungerford FLTLT Colin LambkinFLTLT Colin Lambkin is a reservist personnel capa-bility officer who works as a planner in HQ 95WG.

Raised in Perth’s south-east, he was an Air Force cadet with 13 Flight in Maddington. Camps at RAAF Base Pearce during the school holidays and fly-ing in a C-47 Dakota were some of the experiences that influenced him to join Air Force.

“I’m very honoured to receive the Federation Star – I had always wanted to complete 20 years, but never dreamt that I’d go on to achieve 40 years of ser-vice,” FLTLT Lambkin said.

In those four decades of service FLTLT Lambkin has seen a great deal of posi-

tive change in Air Force, especially in relation to gender equality.

“I’ve witnessed massive changes over the past 40 years, like females not hav-ing to discharge if they got married or fell pregnant, along with equal pay for women and the absorption of the Women’s RAAF into the regular RAAF,” FLTLT Lambkin said.

“But while the aircraft and working conditions have changed, one thing has stayed the same, and that’s the overwhelming support from my wife of 37 years and my two children – this award is as much theirs as it is mine.”

FLTLT Ian Pinch is an electri-cal engineering officer who works as a planner in HQ 95WG.

Born in Wondai, a small rural town near Kingaroy, he grew up in various parts of country Queensland as his father worked for the railways, and joined Air Force after fin-ishing his Junior Certificate in Rockhampton.

“One of my brothers was in the ADF and on his recom-mendation I applied and was accepted, joining Air Force as an engineering apprentice a month after I finished school,” FLTLT Pinch said.

“I feel privileged to have received the Federation Star, and I’m in awe that I’ve lasted so long.”

When asked what advice

he would give to himself as a new recruit, he offered some sound words of wisdom that all serving members could benefit from.

“Appreciate each posting for what it is, and view them as challenges to learn new skills and knowledge,” FLTLT Pinch said.

“Find yourself good coaches and mentors, experi-ence life outside your normal employment profile, enjoy the people you work with and don’t live your life on social media.

“People make the Air Force, so when you become a supervisor or manager, look after your people and they’ll move mountains for you.”

WOFF Peter Hungerford is a reservist military working dog handler who works in HQ 95WG.

B o r n a n d r a i s e d i n Queanbeyan, he joined the Army at the age of 17.

“I remember recruiting visiting my school and thought it’d be a great job as I liked animals and was into fitness and team sports but police dog handlers, as they were called back then, had to be at least 19 years old, so I did three years as Infantry then joined the RAAF,” WOFF Hungerford said.

“I feel very proud to receive the Federation Star – it’s a great honour to join a select group of Defence per-sonnel who’ve given 40 years of service to the nation.”

When asked about the secret to lasting four decades in Defence, he boiled it down to his canine workmates and the ongoing support of his civilian employer.

“Working with military working dogs is a dream – the satisfaction of training an animal for duty in the Defence Force, and the devotion, bond and friendship between handler and dog means everything to me,” WOFF Hungerford said.

“I’d like to thank the University of the Sunshine Coast, my civilian employer for the past 20 years for allow-ing me to return to the RAAF temporarily on continuous full-time service and go on deployments, work reserve days at the drop of a hat.”

Every step, challenge and reward

Photos: CPL Colin Dadd

CPL Veronica O’Hara

HITTING the 40-year mark of an Air Force career could only be reached by WGCDR David Glerean getting out of an “explosive” situation dur-ing Operation Blazer in Iraq 26 years ago.

“I’d walked into a mine-field and had to remember eve-rything from the mine aware-ness course I learned in one day’s training at Holsworthy to get myself out,” WGCDR Glerean said.

“Turned out the Iraqi bloke waving at me, who I thought was being friendly, was trying to warn me.”

WGCDR Glerean received his Federation Star, letter of appreciation from CAF and record of service from CJOPS at HQJOC on May 8.

Every posting felt like he’d changed jobs which kept things “interesting and fresh”.

“There were great times as a junior officer when working in a squadron, or as a troop back in the early days. That’s where you cut your teeth and really get interested in what’s happening in Air Force and as you get higher you are able to link it together, the tacti-cal to the strategic,” WGCDR Glerean said.

WGCDR Glerean enlist-ed as an aerial photo plotter in 1979, transferred to photo interpreter and reached the rank of Flight Sergeant before commissioning as an intelli-gence officer in 1995.

“At the time intel was short of experienced people and I wanted to take what I’d gained over 15 years as a troop and relate it as a junior officer,” he said.

WGCDR Glerean trans-fer red to SERCAT 5 in February but hasn’t wound down yet.

“ W h e n I j o i n e d t h e Reserves I thought I’d retired, but it’s been a five-day-a-week job – the bushfires were hap-pening, then TC Harold and now COVID-19,” he said.

He spent three years in Butterworth on a 92WG detachment and went to Iraq multiple times.

“ I t r ave l l ed a l l ove r Iraq with the UN Special Commission before people were trying to shoot at you and again when working with US Army III Corps,” WGCDR Glerean said.

“Al though t ravel was

more limited this time, it was interesting and I worked with some fantastic coalition and American people, and I’m still in contact with quite a few of them.”

WGCDR Glerean also received a US Meritorious Service Medal, US Army Commendation Medal and shared in unit citations for 36 and 37SQNs.

Friends and colleagues were there to celebrate his 40 years but COVID-19 restric-tions prevented family attend-ing.

“It was a shame my wife Jennifer couldn’t be there because I think it’s partly her award,” WGCDR Glerean said.

“I was away a lot with exer-cises and six deployments and she had to look after the house-hold and family.

“The support I received from my family helped me go the years.”

Then LAC David Glerean as an aerial photo plotter working with a 1SQN F-111C. Inset: WGCDR Glerean today.

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RCE 21June 25, 2020AIR F Personnel

FLGOFF Michael James-Holland

MAINTAINING impor-tant training outcomes in a changing environment, the Control and Reporting Centre (CRC) at No. 3 Control and Reporting Unit (3CRU) honed its efforts and increased simulated training for operators during the period of reduced live flying as a result of COVID-19.

In addition to their full-time role on an operations crew, the personnel of the s imulat ion sect ion are responsible for designing and executing bespoke mis-sion sets that cover a wide range of scenarios includ-ing Defensive Counter Air, Offensive Counter Air and Homeland Defence.

This important train-ing genera tes No . 41 Wing’s capability, as part of Surveillance and Response Group assets, to command and control air power for the Joint Force.

Working from a system provided and supported by the Air Warfare Centre, each simulator pilot can control up to four ‘Blue’ or eight

3CRU keeps up skill levels

‘Red’ aircraft. Conducting large force exercise-sized missions, they replicate RAAF and coalition military aircraft, civil air traffic, Link 16 and threat Integrated Air Defence Systems (IADS).

Over the per iod of reduced flying, the section responded quickly, adapt-ing to the changed environ-ment. Maintaining appropri-ate COVID-19 protocols of social distancing, the CRC generated two-hour mis-sions, twice a day, to ensure the entire unit remained cur-rent, competent and ready to execute when called upon.

Realistic scenarios and operating realism were at the forefront of the section’s

execution strategy, with some participating person-nel even wearing masks to simulate the muffled com-munication a live aircraft may produce.

After recently complet-ing Sim Pilot Course, ACW Shaan Flannery is a new addition to the 3CRU simu-lation section.

“The missions have been challenging to fly, but are rewarding as you can direct-ly see the benefit you’re giv-ing to other members of the unit,” she said.

“The knowledge pro-vided on sim pilot course is foundation knowledge and you’re constantly learning as you go.

“It’s also really interest-ing to see the level of real-ism that we are able to simu-late.”

Officer-in-Charge of the simulation section is FLGOFF Timothy Dillon.

“The team have found many opportunities while standing up this new unit capability, with plans under-way to network simulation across the Wing to produce complex training scenarios that the live environment does not always provide.”

ACW Shaan Flannery. FLGOFF Malia Naupoto

THE efforts of an Air Force Ti-ger Team have revitalised cur-rent SERCAT 3-5 workforce readiness and bolstered the Air Force personnel capability.

Recently, the Tiger Team sought to contact all SERCAT 3-5 members to update their contact information and broaden information on skills and availability. For Tiger Team member LACW Emma Gerolemou, the experience enhanced her understanding of the Air Force total work-force.

Being on the team was an opportunity for LACW Gerolemou to work with mem-bers of various SERCATs, ranks, musterings and physical locations.

She was involved in corre-lating the responses received from more than 4200 SERCAT 3-5 members on their avail-ability, skills and limitations to service, such as essentiality of their primary employment or impact of COVID-19 on their circumstances.

“It was a great experience for me, learning how effective we can be during a pandemic,” LACW Gerolemou said. “I also learned that gathering person-nel from many different areas in the RAAF can work so effi-ciently.”

Director General Workforce Design and Reserves – Air Force AIRCDRE Tony Hindmarsh said such efforts provided Air Force with greater insight into the total workforce capability.

“Air Force is experiencing ongoing demand for SERCAT 3-5 personnel to enhance ADF operations,” AIRCDRE Hindmarsh said.

In turn, Air Force needed to better understand if SERCAT 3-5 personnel were available to render additional reserve service days in the COVID-19 environment.

“This work has improved the means to communicate with SERCAT 3-5 personnel and further matured the Air Force Total Workforce System across SERCAT 3-7,” he said.

For Director General Personnel – Air Force AIRCDRE Karen Ashworth, the Tiger Team efforts added depth to the personnel land-scape.

Tiger Team enhances readiness

Tiger Team member LACW Emma Gerolemou, Personnel Branch – Air Force. The recent efforts helped her understand the Air Force total workforce.

22 Personnel

Evita Ryan

MOTHER of three SQNLDR Emma Kilpatrick is proof that flexible work-ing arrangements work well in the Australian Defence Force.

Her 11-year Air Force career has seen her work in various roles and locations in between three bouts of maternity leave.

Working full time up until the birth of her oldest child in 2014, SQNLDR

Kilpatrick first experienced a flex-ible working arrangement when she returned from maternity leave.

“I still had all the entitlements of a full-time Air Force member but with a flexible work arrangement negoti-ated through my chain of command, where I worked three days a week,” SQNLDR Kilpatrick said.

Since the birth of her first child, SQNLDR Kilpatrick said she’s changed jobs almost every year due

to relocating, posting into a new role or being promoted but in each she’s been able to work with her chain of command on a flexible work arrange-ment that works for her family and her workplace.

During her son’s first year of school, SQNLDR Kilpatrick worked compressed hours over four days so she could be there for school drop-offs and pick-ups.

Earlier this year, SQNLDR

Kilpatrick transferred to the Air Force Reserves so she could continue her Air Force career while studying a Bachelor of Nursing and supporting her family.

“Now that I’m a reservist, I can adjust my work schedule to fit my studies, although this year hasn’t exactly gone according to plan,” SQNLDR Kilpatrick said.

“Working, studying and home-schooling three kids has certainly been challenging.”

“I work two days a week at Combat Support Group’s headquarters at Amberley and half a day at home,” SQNLDR Kilpatrick said.

“The other half of the day is allo-cated to studying. I’ve also have great support from my husband and his backing has enabled me to believe that I can do this.”

Visit: https://www.defence.gov.au/ADF-TotalWorkforceModel/Docs/190624-Flexibility-in-the-way-you-work-and-serve.pdf

WHILE usually rewarding for mem-bers, deployments and other absences can be a stressful and challenging time for some families.

With many Air Force members currently deployed on exercise and operations, Defence People Group (Defence Community Organisation) has developed a new webinar series for members and their families called ‘Deployment: embracing the chal-lenge’.

Military Support Officer at DCO in Darwin SQNLDR Pete Shipley said the webinar series will provide fami-lies with a range of information and practical tips for managing before, during and after deployment.

“The four-part webinar series cov-ers the phases of deployment, the plan-ning families can make pre-deploy-ment, tips and strategies for members and their families during deployment, and also the preparations families can make for their member’s return when the deployment is over,” SQNLDR

Deployment support series

Shipley said.“The extraordinary events of 2020, with the bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic, has only increased the stressors on many mem-bers and their families. This webinar series provides a great opportunity to get a range of useful information from the comfort of home.”

The DCO website also has a wide range of information for members

and their partners and parents about deployment and absence from home. One of the most helpful resources available on the website is the Absence from Home support handbook.

“The handbook provides a range of information about how members and their families can prepare practi-cally and emotionally, as well as tips for staying positive and how to help

kids during deployment,” SQNLDR Shipley said.

The handbook also includes a Member and Family Care Plan which has a checklist of important fam-ily information like Defence and Air Force contacts.

It also details the personal adminis-tration to be completed before leaving on deployment, relevant family medi-cal and education information, and other useful contacts and information for insurance, banking, vehicle and home maintenance.

“Things can go wrong when the member is deployed and sometimes their partner doesn’t know all the details of where to go or what to do,” SQNLDR Shipley said.

“Events like car break downs, issues with Government payments or if a family member or pet needs urgent medical attention can be difficult when the family isn’t prepared.

“Even things like storms causing damage to property and insurance

claims can be quite stressful if partners don’t have all the details on hand.”

Air Force families can always call the all-hours Defence Family Helpline/National Welfare Coordination Centre on 1800 624 608 if they need support, referral or advice, or if they need to contact their member on deployment.

Families are encouraged to opt in to receive absence from home support calls.

The support calls provide a good opportunity to chat with Helpline/NWCC staff and ask any questions they might have about the support available from Defence and in their local community. The webinar series will be held on the Zoom platform and families can download the free app from the Apple iStore or Google play.

Follow DCO on social media, ForceNet Families or see the website for details about the deployment webi-nar series or deployment support.

www.defence.gov.au/dco

SQNLDR Emma Kilpatrick working from home. She is grateful for the opportunity to care for her family while progressing through her Air Force career. Photo: CPL Colin Dadd

FlexibleForce

helpingfamilies

A family waits to greet a loved one

returning from Operation Okra to RAAF Base Williamtown in

2017.Photo: CPL Nicci

Freeman

RCE 23June 25, 2020AIR F Sport

ORIGINALLY a netballer, LACW Olivia Tannock started kicking a soccer ball for fun and has been hooked

ever since.Last year, LACW Tannock played

in the ADF Football women’s team for a match against Newcastle Jets’ W-League on Remembrance Day.

“It’s one of those things I won’t forget. It was eye-opening to see the standard of W-League and how hard they train; they’re very professional,” LACW Tannock said.

“We got annihilated, but when you put a lot of people who’ve trained once together in a team, it’s a bit hard.”

In an earlier Air Force promotional event, she was invited to train with the

Newcastle Jets A-League men’s along with several RAAF footballers.

Nestled between her side’s defend-ers and forwards, LACW Tannock can usually be found playing as a midfielder.

“I like being in the middle as you’re always involved in attacking and defending and get to create lots of plays,” LACW Tannock said.

She played netball at school and club level before deciding on a change, switching about 13 years ago inspired by a school friend.

“I don’t think I was very good at the start, but I really enjoyed it and kept playing – I didn’t know I was going to play for years to come,” LACW Tannock said.

She played every season and futsal in the off-season before joining Air Force as an avionics technician.

After posting to 2SQN, she com-peted in the 2017 and 2019 interser-vice tournaments, only skipping a year due to a deployment.

“Last year we had the Royal Navy here and two years ago the NZ Army and Air Force joined us; they were very skilled,” LACW Tannock said.

“Not only being able to play against our Army and Navy but also other country’s military teams has been a privilege and a wonderful way to meet new people.”

In 2017, she was on the inaugural ADF Futsal women’s team in a nation-al competition against state sides.

She recently dropped to the Zone League after playing two seasons in the higher-class Newcastle Premier League.

“With work trips and night shifts it’s been hard to make all the train-ing, so this year I’m taking a break and playing a league down,” LACW Tannock said.

“I missed the season start because of COVID-19, but training starts next week so I’ll be meeting a whole bunch of new people.

“It’s been good to have a break but I’m ready to play again.”

The next ADF Football interservice tournament is proposed from October 23 to November 6 at RAAF Base Richmond.

Taking to the pitch

LACW Olivia Tannock switched ball games and never looked back, CPL Veronica O’Hara writes.

Peta Magorian

PERTH Wildcats captain Damian Martin, was recently hosted by No. 79 Squadron introductory fighter course (IFC) trainees at RAAF Base Pearce for a valuable mental skills training (MST) session.

The IFC consists of 14 weeks of combined ground and flying training and equips the trainees with the the-oretical, practical and mental skills required to support them in achieving successful careers in the RAAF’s fast-jet environment.

Each training squadron is respon-sible for developing their own MST package that outlines the nine key mental skills; attitude, motivation, goals and commitment, people skills, self-talk, mental imagery, dealing effectively with anxiety, dealing effec-tively with emotions and concentra-tion.

Wildcats skipper shares secrets of success

79SQN’s A-Flight Commander SQNLDR Martin Keer and residential Psychologist SQNLDR Shayne Hanks developed a robust 12-session program

covering these skills through a series of interactive sessions with inspiring guest speakers.

“The weekly sessions include dif-

ferent case studies with guest speakers providing their personal perspective on the value of acknowledging mental skills which can be related to a flying training context,” SQNLDR Keer said.

Session five of 79SQN’s MST focused on the ‘elite athlete perspec-tive’ and Damian was excited to visit the squadron for a unique question-and-answer session.

The six-time NBL Champion, six-time NBL Best Defensive Player and 2018 Olympian, shared his advice on dealing with pre-game anxiety, the benefits of mental toughness during the game and mental game rehearsal.

“I know my team plays their best when they are mentally switched on, fit, healthy and confident and as cap-tain, I can help my teammates be men-tally switched on and confident which goes a long way to getting the ball in the hoop,” Damian said.

“It takes a good team to win a final,

but it’s what’s above your shoulders that separates you from being a really good team or a championship-winning team.”

FLGOFF Jack Smith said all of the sessions so far had been well received and the trainees felt it was refreshing to hear a different perspective on how to cope with similar mental pressures experienced during their IFC.

“The Qualified Flying Instructor’s viewpoint and experience during the session aligned seamlessly with Damian’s perspective and advice,” FLGOFF Smith said.

“This adds context to our psycho-logical theory and validates the value of each session from a flying training perspective.”

Damian’s tour of the training facili-ties included a flight in the Hawk 127 simulator and a flight line tour of the aircraft.

79SQN Flight Instructor SQNLDR Martin Keer shows Perth Wildcats captain Damian Martin the Life Support room. Photo: LS Ronnie Baltoft

LACW Olivia Tannock all set to resume training and, inset, in action on the turf.Main photo: SGT Dave Gibbs

SPSP RTRTJune 25, 2020

NEW GOALS

Ready to get the ball

rolling againPage 23

Air Force soccer player LACW Olivia Tannock is ready to return to training. Photo: SGT Dave Gibbs