AIRF RCEVol. 56, No. 14, July 31, 2014 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

NAIDOC WEEK LIFTOUT Celebrating indigenous service

CENTENARY AND BEYOND

SPECIAL LIFTOUT

Personnel celebrate indigenous

involvement in the military during NAIDOC Week

RCEAIR F

July 31, 2014

NAIDOC WEEK 1

Aboriginal members of Australia’s Federation Guard raise the Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islands flags at a ceremony

in Canberra.

TRIED AND TESTED

No. 37 Squadron put through its

paces at Exercise Red Flag Alaska

PP 6-7

CO No. 37 Squadron WGCDR Darren Goldie banks a C-130J Hercules at low level during a mission for Exercise Red Flag Alaska 14-2. Photo: LACW Jessica Johnson

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RESPECT – EXCELLENCE – AGILITY – DEDICATION – INTEGRITY – TEAMWORKLiving the Air Force Values:

2 July 31, 2014RCEAIR FNews

THE final AP-3C Orion to undergo a com-plete strip and repaint in New Zealand has arrived back in Australia.

The return of Orion A09-751 on June 16 completed a successful repainting pro-gram.

The entire Orion fleet of 13 were progressively stripped and repainted at Air New Zealand’s paint facility in Christchurch under a multi aircraft-type surface finishing contract with Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) from May 17, 2012.

Australian Aerospace provided associ-ated AP-3C ground maintenance support throughout the project.

OIC Servicing and Structural Integrity Flight SQNLDR Adam Bowler, of the Maritime Patrol Systems Program Office, said the external surface finish paint pro-vided the primary barrier against corro-sion.

“AP-3C fleet operations locally and overseas impose considerable pressure on maintenance activities associated with cor-rosion removal and repair,” he said.

“To limit the extent of this pressure, AP-3C aircraft are repainted every five years.

“This is the last repaint we will have to do before the AP-3C is replaced by the P8 Poseidon aircraft later this decade.”

Closure of the RAAF Base Richmond Corrosion Control Facility in 2009 meant that another ADF option to repaint the Orions was no longer available.

In 2012, BDA won the tender for the work and partnered with Air New Zealand Engineering Services to provide surface finishing of RAAF fixed-wing aircraft.

Aerospace Materiel Systems Program Office contract manager SQNLDR Denis Bergamasco said the collabora-tive approach between BDA and the Commonwealth had reaped significant benefits for Air Force.

“All aircraft were inducted and then delivered on schedule, to the standards required and on budget,” he said.

“The AP-3C surface finishing activity is a credit to all involved and an excel-lent example of management and coop-eration between the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO), Air Force and BDA.”

BDA Managing Director and Vice President Kim Gillis said the centralised contracting model adopted by DMO for the contract “has given BDA the flexibility to identify the most optimal resurfacing solution for each RAAF platform”.

The AP-3C is the second RAAF air-craft type to be finished under the contract. To date, three C-130H aircraft have been repainted and BDA is partway through repainting 28 Hawk 127s. The repainting of 20 F/A-18 Hornets will soon begin at RAAF Base Williamtown.

Program success for Orion repaint

CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown has approved a project that will help commanders at all levels to make better decisions based on fused intel-ligence.

At the heart of the project is the Distributed Ground Station Australia (Interim) [DGS-AUS(I)], a central-ised intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) system capable of processing, exploitation and dis-semination (PED) from numerous ADF and allied imagery and signals intelligence.

It is part of Plan Jericho – endorsed recently by AIRMSHL Brown – which aims to break through the walls that prevent Air Force achieving the best operational effects.

The DGS-AUS(I) system will also conduct USAF ISR PED opera-tions in a partnering arrangement.

Project Manager WGCDR Zane Gray said the system represented a revolution in RAAF operations by significantly changing tactics, doc-trine and organisation.

DGS-AUS(I) will ingest informa-tion from ADF and allied ISR assets in diverse operational theatres and combine it with strategic reference material from the Australian intel-ligence community to improve com-manders’ situational awareness.

The DGS model will be able to receive imagery and signals feeds from ISR collection aircraft operat-ing in multiple areas and operations, often over a single day.

“We have already seen the ben-

  April, 2014: Project endorse-ment by Commander AOSG AIRCDRE Stephen Osborne, Head Electronic Systems Division Michael Aylward and ACAUST AVM Mel Hupfeld.

July, 2014: CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown formally approves DGS-AUS(I) project.

August, 2014 – December, 2015: Acquisition, acceptance and operational test of the DGS-AUS(I) system.

January, 2015: Establishment

of five positions for standards, evaluation and training.

January 2016: DGS-AUS(I) Initial Operational Capability. 8/5 operations 17 personnel. Operation of DGS-AUS(I) sys-tems to enable continued devel-opment activities for reach-back of AP-3C Orions, Super Hornets and MALE UAS platforms and PED of USAF assets.

January 2017: Phase Two DGS-AUS(I). 16/5 operations 27 per-sonnel, integrated PED of USAF assets. Reach-back support of selected ADF assets.

CAF approval for central collection

The Distributed Ground Station Australia (Interim) operations room, left; demonstrating future Triton processing, exploitation and dissemination operations, from left, LACW Tara Enchong, CPL Chris Bell, seated, SGT Al Barrass and SQNLDR Kim Wilson.

efits of the DGS-AUS(I) trial sys-tem by being able to support from RAAF Base Edinburgh a range of operations from Defence aid to the civil community during Queenland’s Cyclone Ita and the Philippines’ Hurricane Haiyan, through to high-end warfighting roles in the Middle East,” WGCDR Gray said.

“Already we have demonstrated that it is feasible to centralise the PED effort rather than deploy peo-ple and equipment forward.

“In the Cyclone Ita, Hurricane Haiyan and Middle East exam-ples, there is no way we could have deployed a platform and the asso-ciated analysts forward to support

those widely geographically sepa-rated areas in the time required.”

By 2016, the system will be able to use information from AP-3C, AP-3C EW, Heron and non-traditional ISR collectors such as Super Hornets.

The DGS-AUS(I) will be staffed by air intelligence officers and air intelligence analysts from the Geospatial Intelligence and Signals Intelligence specialisations.

CPL Christopher Bell said that DGS-AUS(I) would make his job as a geospatial air intelligence analyst easier.

“The future looks exciting for air intelligence analysts as DGS AUS(I) will provide a PED capability with

the ability to fuse intelligence from multiple sources and multiple plat-forms in real time.” CPL Bell said.

“The system will also open a lot of new and exciting job prospects. We will be doing something different every day.”

O C I n f o r m a t i o n Wa r f a r e Wing GPCAPT Richard Trotman-Dickenson said the system would greatly benefit commanders and the intelligence workforce as a whole.

“The introduction of DGS-AUS(I) provides Air Force with a weapon system that will enable commanders to make faster and more informed decisions and fur-ther enhances the skills and oppor-tunities of our Air Force intelligence workforce throughout their careers,” GPCAPT Trotman-Dickenson said.

As a future-leaning capability, the DGS-AUS(I) system is primed to support the next wave of Air Force aircraft including P-8, F-35A and the Triton remotely piloted aircraft.

Under the initial operational capa-bility schedule for 2016, the organi-sation will have about 27 personnel, comprising air intelligence officers, air intelligence analysts and mainte-nance personnel. The mature DGS-AUS organisation has the capacity to employ up to 200 personnel working 24/7 operations.

More information on the DGS-AUS(I) project is available through the AOSG website at intranet.defence.gov.au/raafweb/sites/IWWGHQ/comweb.asp?page=1284170&Title=DGS-AUS

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3July 31, 2014RCEAIR F News

‘MY YOUNGER self would have laughed out loud if I’d been told I would be CDF one day,”

said Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, who became CDF on June 30.

“When I was a young, acting sub-lieutenant flying A-4 Skyhawks in the Navy, I’m not sure back then if I even knew who the CDF was; I was so focused on flying.”

ACM Binskin’s motivation for joining the Navy in 1978 was simple.

“My aspirations for my career were to just fly,” he said.

“The vision of the future most of us had back then, sitting in the ward-room at HMAS Albatross, was we’d probably end up as lieutenant com-manders, old, crusty and still flying in a squadron.”

Since his time on Navy A-4s, making more than 40 landings aboard aircraft carriers, ACM Binskin has carved out a career that makes him one of the most diversely qualified and experienced CDFs the ADF has had.

Apart from Skyhawks, he has flown Mirages and Hornets, served as a fighter combat instructor, CO No. 77 Squadron, commander of the Air Combat Group, chief of staff at HQ Australian Theatre, director of the US Central Air Force Combined Air and Space Operations Centre during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, CAF and VCDF.

He is also a graduate of Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program and the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

These experiences have shaped his leadership style, which he describes as inclusive.

“I like to explain to people why we are doing something and the way we are doing it,” ACM Binskin said.

“I like to listen and get feedback on what’s happening and I like to shape a team around me which pro-vides that feedback.”

His predecessor, GEN David Hurley, had some simple words for him before handing over command.

“He said: ‘You know what to do, I’ll let you get on with it’,” he said.

ACM Binskin said working with the people of the ADF excited him the most about his new role.

“The ADF’s a great organisation and I enjoy getting out of Canberra, visiting the units where the people are

Flying into the top jobCDF ACM Mark Binskin talks to WO2 Andrew Hetherington about his love of flying, leadership style and goals.

ACM Mark Binskin says he will be upfront with personnel during his tenure as CDF. Photo: David McClenaghan

‘I’d like to pull rank and fly an F-35A, but I’ll have to stick to flying the simulator.

– CDF ACM Mark Binskin

We are bringing them home

doing the job every day and they’re doing it really well,” he said.

ADF personnel can expect ACM Binskin to be candid with them dur-ing his time in the job.

“I’ll be upfront with them. They might not like the answer, but I’ll be upfront with them in what I’m think-ing and where I think we need to go,” he said.

“I hope when I’m out at the units and bases, personnel take the chance to come and talk to me.”

ACM Binskin’s major focus will be to transform the ADF and its equipment into the next generation force.

He will rely on the hard work of ADF units and people to ensure

this is achieved on time and within budget.

“The biggest challenge we will face will be maintaining the current operational tempo and to continue to deliver what government is asking of us, wherever the operation may be located,” he said.

“We’ve got to do this while we transition to the new generation force.

“There are some big transitional elements coming along at the moment with the amphibious ships and the new technology being phased into each of the three forces.”

Of that technology, there is one piece of equipment CDF would relish getting his hands on.

“I’d like to pull rank and fly an

F-35A, but I’ll have to stick to flying the simulator,” he said.

“I’ve flown the simulator and it’s a very impressive aeroplane. It will be an exponential step for the ADF and it has a lot of capability.”

Outside of work, ACM Binskin likes to fly his own Vietnam War-era Cessna Bird Dog aircraft and ride his GS 1200 BMW motorcycle.

“I don’t fly or ride as much as I would like to and you cannot ever fully step away from being CDF,” he said.

“But I can have some time to relax a little bit and have some of my own time, which is important for everyone in the organisation.”

Although extremely busy, he still

wants to take part in the Long Ride to Uluru in late September, which raises awareness of prostate cancer, safe rid-ing and funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation.

“It’s important for me to partici-pate to get information about the dis-ease out there, because in the future it could affect a large percentage of the ADF’s workforce,” ACM Binskin said.

“The other part of it is there are a lot more motorbikes out there and safe riding is very important.

“In fact, motorbikes are like fly-ing; it’s great, but terribly unforgiving of mistakes and it’s important for people to have a think before they jump on the bike.”

AN RAAF C-17A Globemaster stands on the apron at Eindhoven Airport in the Netherlands, having arrived on July 22 to support Operation Bring Them Home.

The aircraft is working closely with the Netherlands defence force to transport officials and repatriate victims of the tragic loss of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over Ukraine on July 18.

CDF ACM Mark Binskin extend-ed his thanks to those involved.

“My personal thanks to ADF and Australian personnel involved in repatriating MH17 victims,” ACM Binskin said.

“It is a difficult task done with respect and dignity and our thoughts remain with those affected.”

MH17 had been travelling

from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur when it crashed in eastern Ukraine.

All 298 people on board were killed. It has been confirmed that the victims include 28 Austral-ian citizens and nine permanent Australian residents.

Full coverage next edition

dha.gov.au/online 139 342

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4 July 31, 2014RCEAIR Fperations

CPL Nick Wiseman

COMMUNICATIONS specialists across the Middle East Region aim to con-tinue delivering unparalleled services to ADF personnel as the first Force Communications Element settles in.

Although smaller than the previous rotations of the Force Communications Unit, the team of dedicated communica-tions specialists are already proving they are up to the task.

The communications personnel are spaced across six locations, four coun-tries and the three operations in the region. Half of the element is deploying for the first time.

OC Force Communications Element 1 MAJ Andrew Champion said it was good to see so much enthusiasm in the team.

“We have a great mix of those who have previously served here and have the experience but also those who are new to this area,” he said.

“The mix works really well and there are already many showing they are here to make a difference.”

The team’s 27 Air Force, 35 Army and three Navy personnel have com-pleted their handovers and are now tak-ing charge of one of the most complex communications networks in the history of the ADF.

Much of the equipment differs from what is traditionally used back in Australia and the small unit trained for four months before deploying to ensure they knew how everything worked.

CPL Nick Wiseman

DEPLOYED networks and computers at Camp Baker in Kandahar are in new hands with the handover from Force Communications Unit 10 to Force Communications Element 1.

Air Force CPL Ben Lepoidevin has taken over from LCPL Steven Green and is now the Information Systems detachment non-commissioned officer, responsible for all the Australian computers, networks and servers.

CPL Lepoidevin, who is on his first opera-tional deployment, said he was looking for-ward to the experience.

“I’ll be responsible for managing the help-desk, networks, servers and data here, along with my colleagues,” he said.

LCPL Green said day-to-day management of the existing systems would be the biggest challenge for the new team.

“Although overall numbers of forces have decreased there is still a lot of work to be done,” he said.

With the handover complete and previous rotation members moving out, it will be up to the new team to ensure everything runs smoothly.

“We’re going to be busy but it will be good,” CPL Lepoidevin said.

LEUT Peter Croce

THE Joint Task Force 633 (JTF 633) Air Component at Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates has a new commander.

WGCDR Steve Laredo took over from WGCDR David Howard at a cer-emony on July 16.

WGCDR Howard deployed as XO Air Component in January and assumed command in April.

“It has been a great job and rein-forced to me that if you look after your people they will look after the job for you,” WGCDR Howard said.

“This is a great bunch of hardwork-ing people who have done a superb job.

“I have no doubt Steve’s knowledge and experience will ensure the ongoing success of the Air Component and will

bring a different perspective to the way we perform our role and deal with any additional requirements.”

The Air Component provides coordination and tasking support to Headquarters JTF633 for all aircraft and air combat support elements assigned to Operation Accordion.

It uses two C-130J Hercules to pro-vide intra-theatre air movement for Australian forces throughout the Middle East Region, as well as strategic aero-medical evacuation.

WGCDR Howard was award-ed a Commander JTF 633 Silver Commendation as a result of his work as Air Component Commander, as well as his work in coordinating the aviation requirements for humanitarian tasks in South Sudan in January.

New team takes charge

Air Force CPL Ben Lepoidevin gets some tips from LCPL Steven Green during the handover.Photo: CPL Nick Wiseman

Rising to the challenge

Change at the top

WGCDR Steve Laredo, centre, receives authority of command of the Air Component from WGCDR David Howard, left, and Commander Joint Task Force 633 MAJGEN Craig Orme. Photo: CPL Janine Fabre

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5July 31, 2014RCEAIR F News

Eamon Hamilton

THE United States’ best combat airlift instructors have put a No. 36 Squadron C-17A crew to the test over the Arizona desert.

In June, the RAAF became the first non-American C-17A operator to attend the Advanced Airlift Tactics and Training Centre (AATTC).

Established in 1983, the AATTC has the mission of increasing warfight-ing effectiveness and survivability of mobility forces.

In simple terms, AATTC teaches American airlift crews – and crews from 16 allied nations – how to fly into a warzone and successfully deliv-er a payload.

FLTLT Ben Ness captained the 36SQN C-17A crew that participated in AATTC from June 9-20.

“AATTC is focused on mission success in a low-level combat environ-ment,” FLTLT Ness said.

“Before departing for AATTC, the

C-17A in US first

crew conducted regular low-level oper-ations and airdrop training sorties in the aircraft.

“Weapon System Trainer (the C-17A cockpit simulator) time was also allocated to practise operations to

the deployed airfields, and reflect the tactical airdrop scenarios that would be flown during the course.”

The first half of AATTC takes place in Missouri, with classroom les-sons and lectures that draw on the col-lective breadth of America’s combat airlift experience.

The course is largely built for C-130 Hercules crews, and in the past, RAAF C-130H and C-130J crews have attended AATTC.

But while the C-17A is considered a strategic airlifter, it also brings con-siderable value to the tactical airlift spectrum.

“Although we were able to imple-ment a lot of the C-130 tactics, tech-niques and procedures (TTPs), there were several techniques that are vastly different for the C-17A,” FLTLT Ness said.

“AATTC has a highly experi-enced C-17A instructor who was able to focus on adopting specific C-17A TTPs while achieving the same mis-

sion profiles as the C-130 partici-pants.”

American C-17A crews have built experience flying airdrop and airland missions to the former Yugoslavia, the Middle East and Africa, capitalising on the C-17A’s mix of range, speed and self-protection equipment.

Australia remains the only C-17A operator outside of the US to practise tactical airlift with the aircraft, but has few opportunities to train with foreign partners.

The second half of AATTC was a live-flying phase, with crews operat-ing to Fort Huachuca in Arizona, a US Army installation near the border with Mexico.

The tactical missions included low-level flying to evade simulated groundborne threats and fighter eva-sion.

The targets for 36SQN were a number of drop zones and small air-fields spread around Fort Huachuca.

“Employing the aircraft tactically

‘Although we were able to implement a lot of the C-130 tactics, techniques and procedures, there were several techniques that are vastly different for the C-17A.

– FLTLT Ben Ness , C-17A captain

A 36SQN Globemaster does a low pass of Hubbard Landing Zone at Fort Huachuca in Arizona; above right, loadmaster SGT Benjamin Russell watches out the back during a simulated airdrop; above bottom, 36SQN aircrew students are observed by USAF instructors. Photos: Senior Airmen Sheldon Thompson and Patrick P. Evenson, USAF

and managing workload on the flight deck was an enormous challenge,” FLTLT Ness said.

“The conditions in Arizona were hot and windy, which made combat manoeuvring and airdrop difficult through the high terrain.

“The US Air National Guard air-crew and USAF intelligence officers are very professional, focused teams. Working closely with them during the rapid planning and execution of these missions was certainly a rewarding aspect.”

The experiences gained by the Australian C-17A crew at AATTC will be shared with their fellow 36SQN members.

“With a continuing relationship with the AATTC, we are able to adopt, teach and practise these techniques to other 36SQN members,” FLTLT Ness said.

“This will further add to the skill-sets of our crews and capability of the C-17A.”

36SQN put to the test in Arizona desert

Science programA New partnership program between the Depart-ment of Defence and the innovation sector launched on July 23 will strengthen and enhance the impact of Defence science research in Australia. The Defence Science Partnerships program, led by DSTO, will en-able Australian universities to work in a coordinated way with Defence and national security agencies on collaborative research projects. The program comple-ments DSTO’s Industry Alliance program.

6 July 31, 2014RCEAIR FRed Flag Alaska

NORTHERN exposure in Alaska threw fresh challenges at No. 37 Squadron.

Taking place less than 1000km from the Arctic Circle, Red Flag Alaska 14-2 utilised the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex for its training space.

The 173,000 sq km range presented unique challenges to exercise partici-pants.

Daylight during the exercise was 19 hours long, which meant no night-time sorties.

The Deputy Detachment Commander for the Australian contingent, SQNLDR Tony Kay, said long days presented some interesting challenges for tactical airlift.

“Although we try to optimise our sur-vivability flying at low level, it is much easier for enemy fighters to acquire us visually in the day-time,” SQNLDR Kay said.

“Tactics-wise, you are losing the cover of night, but you are also losing the safety implications of flying low at night, too.”

Safety at low level is a primary con-sideration for aircrew when flying these types of missions, especially considering some of the terrain and weather implica-tions.

The Joint Alaska Pacific Range Complex features mountain peaks that reach as high as 4000m, along with deep valleys that can mask the Hercules from detection.

Additionally, inclement weather reduces visibility with little notice.

This environment both helps and hin-ders the C-130J crews trying to escape enemy detection and deliver their pay-load.

C-130J p i lo t FLTLT Stephen Rothenbuhler worked in 37SQN’s tac-tics and mission planning cell during the exercise.

He said poor weather prevented some missions from reaching landing zones.

“The terrain was certainly much more mountainous than Australia, but similar to where we operate in Afghanistan and also where we train in New Zealand,” FLTLT Rothenbuhler said.

“The exercise was heavily skewed toward airdrop for the Australian C-130s, and some of the drop zones were quite challenging.”

C-130J co-pilot FLTLT Andrew Clarke said the terrain was a highlight.

“Australia, for the most part, is a very flat environment compared to the beauti-

7July 31, 2014RCEAIR F Red Flag Alaska

A SIGNIFICANT upgrade to the C-130J fleet has helped No. 37 Squadron to face-off against the ‘enemy’ during Exercise Red Flag Alaska 14-2.

Throughout 2013, the C-130Js were fitted with the ALR-56 Radar Warning Receiver (RWR), which is critical for detecting the watchful eye of enemy radar.

It joins a suite of electronic warfare self-protection (EWSP) systems on the C-130J that provide greater surviv-ability for crews flying in a hostile air environment.

There are few better environments than Exercise Red Flag Alaska to test the effectiveness of RWR.

The exercise combines the threat of ‘enemy’ ground radars with Aggressor squadrons flying F-15 and F-16 fight-ers to simulate enemy jets.

There are also simulated surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft artil-lery to contend with.

C-130J pilot FLTLT Stephen Rothenbuhler worked in 37SQN’s tactics and mission planning cell dur-ing the exercise.

He said exercise organisers went to painstaking efforts to recreate the threat.

“The ground-based threat training range within the Red Flag Alaska air-space is the best that I have ever seen,” FLTLT Rothenbuhler said.

“To overcome the ground and air threats, coordination with multiple force elements was required.”

As the C-130J can not neutralise these threats, 37SQN crews rely on their EWSP to provide another layer of defence.

T h e D e p u t y D e t a c h m e n t Commander for the exerc i se , SQNLDR Tony Kay, said 37SQN had developed its C-130J RWR capability throughout 2014.

“Many of the aircrew and mainte-nance had only received training on the equipment in the last six months,

so there has been a steep learning curve for us to be able to participate at this level,” SQNLDR Kay said.

While a RWR was fitted to the now-retired C-130H, the new RWR system, and the way the crew interface with it, is considerably different.

As a consequence, the experience level of the C-130J workforce in using and maintaining the receiver is still growing.

“We spent a large amount of time debriefing flying sorties and analysing the performance of the personnel and the equipment,” SQNLDR Kay said.

“This is necessary as we continue to develop our working knowledge of the RWR, and the challenges present-ed in a high-end war-fighting exercise environment.

“Overall, the equipment and our personnel performed very well, and we have all significantly broadened our experience.”

One of the C-130J captains quali-fied to fly using the RWR is FLTLT Liesl Franklin.

She said the threats at Red Flag Alaska required a sound knowledge of weapons theory.

Even in an aircraft as large as the C-130J, manoeuvring is an essential part of evading attack.

“I found I was able to apply tac-tics learnt during RWR training and our Red Flag Alaska work-up flights to great effect against these threats,” FLTLT Franklin said.

“My newly obtained RWR qualifi-cation significantly improved my abil-ity to command airlift missions.

“It provided greater situational awareness and an effective method for successful threat evasion.”

The EWSP suite on the C-130Js will grow, with a Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) system to be installed across the fleet by 2018.

LAIRCM can jam the seeker of an incoming infrared-guided missile.

NO. 37 Squadron travelled more than 11,000km for one of the world’s toughest combat exer-cises, held in a training space

twice the size of Tasmania.It was participating in Exercise Red

Flag Alaska 14-2, in which air forces from three nations and more than 70 combat aircraft flew large-scale mis-sions out of two bases from June 12-27.

A pair of 37SQN C-130J Hercules and 68 RAAF personnel represented Australia.

The other participants were from the US and Japan.

T h e D e p u t y D e t a c h m e n t Commander for the Australian con-tingent, SQNLDR Tony Kay, said the exercise provided training opportuni-ties not available in Australia.

“This is the most complex exercise the RAAF C-130J has participated in to date,” SQNLDR Kay said.

“The detachment flew 110 hours during 29 exercise sorties, flying two waves a day, often as a formation.”

The exercise develops teamwork skills, provides realistic mission goals, and simulates realistic enemy threats for participants.

Held up to four times a year, Red Flag Alaska exercises hold consider-able value for participants.

SQNLDR Kay said interoperability with foreign air forces was a valuable aspect.

“We were able to observe different tactics, techniques and procedures, and we had to focus on unambiguous com-munication with foreign participants,” SQNLDR Kay said.

The exercise came at an important time for the RAAF C-130J fleet.

Air Force previously relied on the C-130H to fly into high-threat areas to deliver personnel and cargo.

The C-130H’s retirement in 2012 meant the baton for tactical airlift was handed over to the C-130J workforce.

So Red Flag Alaska 14-2 provided a welcome training ground.

A contingent of highly experienced and relatively junior 37SQN crew trav-elled to Alaska.

“I think that this has been an impor-tant and very positive step in this next phase of the C-130J’s development,” SQNLDR Kay said.

“37SQN and the C-130J have pro-gressed significantly as a result of good preparation and three weeks of com-mitted effort.

“Our personnel took every opportu-nity to gain from these training sorties and we have gone to lengths to capture all of the lessons learned.

“Having captured the lessons, we intend to implement them into our training back at 37SQN.

“Subsequently, the rest of 37SQN and the wider RAAF will benefit from the flow-on effects of this experience.”

The exercise was held in Alaska’s mild summer, and the high intensity of the flying operations put 37SQN’s maintenance workforce to the test.

Avionics technician LACW Jessica Johnson said three overlapping main-tenance shifts worked to ensure the C-130Js were available.

“We were able to work to a level that produced maximum results and produced mission-capable aircraft,” LACW Johnson said.

While working away from base is a common occurrence for 37SQN, it still brings challenges.

“From a maintenance perspective being away base is always a bit daunt-ing, as everything is foreign and you solely depend on the equipment and resources that were brought with you,” LACW Johnson said.

COOPERATION with foreign partners was just as important as defeating the enemy at Exercise Red Flag Alaska 14-2.

The exercise in recent years has attracted air forces from around the globe to America’s far north, emphasising teamwork across nationalities.

Red Flag Alaska 14-2 was little different, with RAAF Hercules crews working alongside their Japanese and American C-130 counterparts.

The Deputy Detachment Commander for the Australian con-tingent, SQNLDR Tony Kay, said team spirit between the participants was high.

“The training in terms of inter-operability at Red Flag Alaska is extremely valuable,” SQNLDR Kay said.

“We are often required to work closely with our coalition partners for humanitarian assistance, disas-ter relief and combat support opera-tions.”

The Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) contingent included a KC-767 tanker and E-767 Airborne Warning and Control System air-

craft, along with F-15J Eagle fight-ers.

The American contingent includ-ed locally based F-22 Raptor stealth fighters, along with Korean-based F-16 Falcon and A-10 Warthog units.

For all participants, long hours are spent planning together before anyone sets foot in an aircraft.

Learning how others plan is criti-cal to success, where more than 70 aircraft will work together for each mission.

It is here that some of the funda-mental training value of Red Flag Alaska comes to light.

“I think some of our junior opera-tors were expecting to be on the back foot in terms of their ability to contribute to the large package plan-ning process,” SQNLDR Kay said.

“After they had settled in, our operators were very encouraged to see that they were well prepared to step in to an exercise of this com-plexity.”

C-130J captain FLTLT Liesl Franklin found the experience of working with foreign nations reward-ing and challenging.

“We were often required to work

through mission planning chal-lenges and language barriers to cre-ate an effective airlift plan,” FLTLT Franklin said.

Without cooperation, 37SQN’s Hercules will be quickly targeted by an Aggressor F-16 or simulated mis-sile in the exercise area.

One of the benefactors of this cooperation was C-130J captain FLTLT Justin Della Bosca.

“Contributing to a plan, and then seeing that plan allow for a Hercules to safely ingress and egress from the battlespace, was hugely reward-ing,” FLTLT Della Bosca said.

“It was impressive to see the survivability of the C-130J in that high-threat environment.

“I cannot overstate how much I have learned from this exercise.”

The Australian contingent was favourably received by the Japanese and Americans.

“The other Hercules units at the exercise were extremely impressed by the skill of our tacticians in rapid planning, and the leadership shown by our higher level pilots on the bat-tlefield,” FLTLT Della Bosca said.

ExErcisE red Flag Alaska was born out of the experiences of the Us Air Force (UsAF) in the Vietnam War.

For close to a decade, the UsAF pitted combat pilots against the North Vietnamese air defence system, which combined ground-based radars linked to surface-to-air missiles, anti-aircraft artillery and MiG fighters.

The UsAF learned that if a new pilot survived his first 10 combat missions, he stood a better chance of ‘fighting on’.

With this, Exercise red Flag was created at Nellis Air Force Base in 1975, intended to recreate a combat pilot’s first 10 missions in a war zone.

it recreated all of the same threats of a battlespace, with targets, ground-based radars, simulated ground threats and aggressor fighter jets.

Foreign air forces soon found themselves invited to participate in Exercise red Flag, with the UsAF cre-ating a number of spin-off exercises.

in 1976, Exercise cope Thunder was established by the Pacific Air Forces (PAcAF) in the Philippines.

The proximity of Exercise cope Thunder to nations in the Asia-Pacific led Australia, New Zealand and

singapore to participate in the exer-cise. When PAcAF ended its operations in the Philippines in 1992, it relocated Exercise cope Thunder to Alaska, and in 2006 re-named it Exercise red Flag Alaska.

Much like Exercise red Flag at Nellis Air Force Base, its Alaskan cous-in focuses on large force employment with coordination across aircraft with very different missions.

These range from surveillance aircraft and refuelling tankers, to fight-ers and strike jets, and even combat search and rescue transport and heli-copters.

Experiences in iraq and Afghanistan have shown it is critical for c-130s to integrate themselves in large force employment.

Participants are organised into ‘blue forces’, and face off against PAcAF units who provide a dedicated ‘red force’ in the exercise area.

in recent years, the rAAF has returned to red Flag Alaska, sending the E-7A Wedgetail, F/A-18 Hornet and c-130 Hercules.

The E-7A Wedgetail will participate in the next Exercise red Flag Alaska in August.

Into the wild white yonder

Valuable lessons from friends

C-130J loadmaster SGT Tim Broughill, right, waits as American Army paratroops from the 501st Infantry Regiment board a Hercules.

An RAAF C-130J Hercules in transit to the Joint Pacific Range Complex.

Personnel tackle fresh challenges

Born from experiences in Vietnam

C-130J upgrade was timely

Above, CO 37SQN WGCDR Darren Goldie banks a Hercules at low level during a mission for Exercise Red Flag Alaska 14-2; left, loadmaster WOFF Stuart Wilson scans for ground-borne threats outside the paradoor window of a Hercules; and below, CPL Gavin Handa (centre, wearing high-visibility vest) with members of the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force in front of a 37SQN Hercules.

37SQN has participated in a tough combat exer-cise over 173,000 sq km of Alaskan wilderness, Eamon Hamilton reports.

LAC Ivan Ng cleans the cockpit windows of a RAAF C-130J Hercules following a mission for Exercise Red Flag Alaska 14-2.

Photos: LACW Jessica Johnson ‘In Australia most of our normal drop zones are fairly small so we tend to drop a few paratroops at a time. To drop 60 at once is massive.

– SGT Tim Broughill

ful mountainous terrain that is found in Alaska,” FLTLT Clarke said.

One of the exercise’s most complex airlift missions tasked a formation of six Hercules to conduct a mass airdrop of paratroops and cargo.

The Australian C-130J crews banded with their Japanese and American coun-terparts to sneak a formation of Hercules through the range and to the drop zone.

“The flight proved to be extremely difficult due to the poor weather and radio communications were often inter-rupted due to terrain shielding,” FLTLT Clarke said. “As a crew we had to work very hard to ensure the aircraft was never in a dangerous situation given the low- level cloud and the high terrain within the range.”

Loadmaster SGT Tim Broughill said the airdrop mission involved aircraft from all three participating nations.

“We had two Japanese Hercs, two American Hercs and our two Hercs were following behind,” SGT Broughill said.

“The two Japanese aircraft were car-rying container delivery stores to drop equipment, the two American Hercs had 50 paratroops each aircraft and we had 60 paratroops in each of ours.”

It’s rare for RAAF Hercules crews to participate in such large-scale airdrops alongside foreign counterparts.

“We were flying in formation at low level through a threat environment, we were looking out for ground threats and air threats,” SGT Broughill said.

“We did a mass airdrop to a drop zone where we delivered all the equipment and personnel, and we continued through the route and escaped out of that zone.

“In Australia most of our normal drop zones are fairly small so we tend to drop a few paratroops at a time. To drop 60 at once is massive.”

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9July 31, 2014RCEAIR F News

CPL Aaron Curran

BEING a mother of three children can be demanding enough, but if you add to those responsibilities a challenging 11-month course and then pass top of the class, you really have something of which to be proud.

ACW Josie Fitzsimmons, now at No. 114 Mobile Control and Reporting Unit (114 MCRU) at RAAF Base Darwin, was awarded dux of her Communications Electronics Fitter (CEFITT) course during a graduation ceremony at HMAS Cerberus on June 24.

The other Air Force graduates were AC Chris Nguyen, AC Dougal Ford and AC Dean Chapman.

In the past, the course has been renowned as challenging and, for ACW Fitzsimmons, it certainly was.

“It was a very hard and stressful course at times,” she said.

“It had been 10 years since I’d done any schooling, so getting back into the motions of learning was taxing in itself.”

T h e h a r d e s t p a r t f o r AC W Fitzsimmons was balancing study with the needs of her children Daniel, 11, Ametiel, 4, and Grace, 2.

“Balancing work hours, study and time with them was draining,” she said.

“In saying that, I don’t think I would have done as well as I did without hav-

ing my family there as I had already spent 10 months in recruit training due to injury.”

As with all courses, the best part was graduating, according to ACW Fitzsimmons.

She was presented with her gradu-ation certificate and dux award by CO Cerberus CAPT Stephen Bowater in front of her course mates, children, par-ents SQNLDR Thomas Fitzsimmons and CPL Catherine Fitzsimmons, and brother Michael.

ACW Fitzsimmons follows in the footsteps of her father, who was a com-munications electronics technician and is now an electrical engineer.

“During all that training I never thought it wasn’t worth it,” she said.

“This is the best thing for us.”On top of course and family respon-

sibilities, ACW Fitzsimmons also par-ticipated in a Navy program that encour-ages potential female recruits to take up technical trades within Defence.

“There were women who wanted to apply for different roles within the Navy,” she said.

“Defence Force Recruiting brought them to speak to us. One had three young children so she was put in contact with me and I showed her around and answered her questions about being a female in the ADF. I was the only tech-nician and Air Force member there.”

Mother dux of course

CO HMAS Cerberus CAPT Stephen Bowater presents ACW Josie Fitzsimmons with the dux award during the graduation ceremony, joined by her children Daniel, Grace and Ametiel. Photo: ABIS Cassie McBride

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10 July 31, 2014RCEAIR FNews

CPL Aaron Curran

FOUR Air Force members will travel up to 5000km over 10 days as part of this year’s Variety Club Bash.

Called the B to B Bash, it will start in Brisbane on August 8 and end at Busby’s Bore in Sydney 10 days later. Each town participants will stop in along the way starts with the letter B.

WOFF Kevin Leahy, CPL Fletcher Jackson, SGT Steve Ryder and LAC Dally Arrow, all from RAAF Base Williamtown, comprise the two Air Force teams taking part in the NSW section of the Bash.

WOFF Leahy, of No. 26 Squadron, said he and CPL Jackson, a medic from No. 2 Expeditionary Heath Squadron, would be carrying out duties as officials and assisting the Bash medical team if required.

“SGT Ryder and LAC Arrow, of 26SQN Mechanical Equipment Operations and Maintenance Sections, will man a mobile workshop out of a Mercedes G Wagon to help with any mechanical breakdowns,” WOFF Leahy said. He said Air Force was a great supporter of the Variety Bash.

“I have been fortunate to get all of the requested B to B Bash events approved as Defence Assistance to the Civilian Community (DACC 4), which has allowed Variety to save a large amount of funds and redirect those funds to the children that need assis-tance,” he said.

“Where I haven’t requested assistance from DACC 4, the Air Force had approved my personal leave applications. Variety and I are extremely grateful for the assistance over the years.”

WOFF Leahy has been involved in the Variety Bash since 1991.

“The main motivation for me is to help raise funds for the assistance of sick, underprivileged and handicapped children,” he said.

Bring on the Bash

LAC Dally Arrow, WOFF Kevin Leahy, SGT Steve Ryder (above) and CPL Fletcher Jackson (right) are ready for the B to B Bash next month.Photos: CPL Melina Young and CPL Craig Barrett

AIR Force members are invited to attend the Air Force Women 2014: Capability through Inclu-sion Forum in Canberra from September 17-18.

The forum presents personal and professional development and networking opportunities for men and women across all ranks and includes a Q&A session with an Air Force senior leadership panel.

Keynote addresses from Vir-ginia Haussegger (ABC journal-ist), Catherine Fox (Australian Financial Review) and Jane Caro (editor of Destroying the Joint – Why women need to change the world) will introduce participants to diverse views on the progress of women in organisations and society.

To register, complete the regis-tration form available at www.air-force.gov.au/AirForceWomen2014 and email it to AirForce.Gender-Programs@defence.gov.au

There are a limited number of places available so selection to attend will be by expression of interest.

Registrations close August 8.

For more information, contact FSGT Mandy Johns on (02) 6144 7296 or email AirForce.GenderPrograms@defence.gov.au

Expressions of interest sought for forum

How to get involved

To donaTe, visit www.vari-ety.org.au/nSW/events/Bash People can also contribute by entering a pre-1974 car and raising funds through-out the year. Variety aims to raise $2 million this year.

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11July 31, 2014RCEAIR F News

TWO members of No. 10 Squadron went back to where it all began when they travelled to Britain in June.

FLTLT Dallas Coleman and SGT Robert Burns visited original 10SQN operating bases in Devon in England and Pembroke Dock in Wales.

CO 10SQN WGCDR David Hombsch said they were well received.

“10SQN performed a pivotal role for Coastal Command in World War II,” he said.

“Much of the success that the unit enjoys today can be attributed to the firm foundations laid by the original men and women of the unit.”

10SQN, Australia’s oldest maritime squadron, recently paused to com-memorate its 75th birthday.

Formed on July 1, 1939, 10SQN was initially equipped with a mot-ley collection of seaplanes with the intention that these would shortly be replaced with six new Shorts Sunderland flying boats.

At the end of July 1939, a small group of squadron personnel went to Britain to train on the new aircraft which, it was planned, they would then fly back to Australia.

But while these personnel were in Britain, World War II was declared and the Australian Government ordered the squadron to remain there to assist the British war effort.

The squadron was initially based at Pembroke Dock and its primary role was to locate and destroy German submarines, but its flying boats also

proved vital for air-sea rescue and transport missions.

The squadron’s two main bases were Pembroke Dock and Mount Batten in Devon, but small detach-ments also operated from Gibraltar and Oban in western Scotland. During the conflict, 153 squadron members died.

In Wales, FLTLT Coleman and SGT Robert Burns were warm-ly welcomed by John Evans, of the Sunderland Trust, and invited to look over the Flying Boat Centre and work-shop at Pembroke Dock.

The workshop displays engine parts and other artefacts from a Mk I Sunderland, which sank off Pembroke Dock in a gale in November 1940.

The RAAF members gave the Sunderland Trust a framed print depicting 10SQN’s operations over the past 75 years.

Mr Evans spoke of the tangible links which Pembroke Dock still has with 10SQN and the RAAF.

“We are very proud of these connections, dating back to 1939 through both 10 and 461 Squadrons,” he said.

“These connections are also evident by the steady number of Australian visitors we get to our centres, many of whom have direct family links with the two Australian Sunderland Squadrons.”

A joint 75th anniversary celebration for 10 and 11 Squadrons will be held from October 3-4 at RAAF Base Edinburgh. For details, visit www.teneleven75th.com.au

WHILE in Europe, No. 10 Squadron’s representatives attended a ceremony in France to remember the first two RAAF airmen killed in action during opera-tions in World War II.

FLTLT Dallas Coleman and SGT Robert Burns, of 10SQN, were hon-oured to attend the ceremony remem-bering the sacrifice of FLTLT John Bell and SGT Charles Harris.

“It was a privilege to represent 10SQN and the RAAF in our 75th year of formation at these important cere-

monies,” FLTLT Coleman said. “Meeting and accompanying the families of the deceased through an emotional period of their lives was an absolute honour.”

FLTLT Bell and SGT Harris were members of 10SQN who participated in a mission on June 17-18, 1940, to rescue the family of GEN Charles De Gaulle.

Along with two British counterparts, the two Australians were killed when their aircraft crashed just outside Ploudaniel near the French coast.

10SQN’s ‘homecoming’

Honouring first two RAAF airmen killed

Solemn ceremony in France.

SGT Robert Burns, left, and FLTLT Dallas Coleman present John Evans with the framed print.

12 13RCEAIR F July 31, 2014Centrepiece

EXERCISE PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP 14

LAC Kieran Righetti aboard the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force ship JS Kunisaki. Photo: Michael Brooke

WGCDR Daryll Topp receives a gift during the opening of the new ablutions facility at Farol Primary School in Dili. Photo: CPL Bill Solomou Logistics officer FLTLT William Wright in Dili. Photo: CPL Bill Solomou

Medical assistant LAC Sean Boller conducts a health check on a Khmer girl during a medical clinic at the Hun Sen Primary School in Sihanoukville, Cambodia. Photo: Michael Brooke

FLTLT Ben Cosson and LAC Teagan Walker perform dental work on a local at Comoro Medical Centre in Dili. Photo: CPL Jake Sims

FLTLT David Liu performs a dental check on a child at Beto Tasi Primary School in Dili, Timor-Leste. Photo: CPL Jake Sims

Nursing officer FLTLT Ben James on board JS Kunisaki; inset, working with US colleagues to resuscitate the Filipino boy at Tacloban. Photos: Michael Brooke

CODE RED AT END OF DAYMore than 50 ADF personnel assisted thousands of people during Pacific Partnership as part of a multinational force that visited Timor-Leste, Cambodia, Vietnam and the Philippines – where FLTLT Ben James was credited with helping to save a boy’s life. Michael Brooke reports.

IT WAS the end of another busy day on Pacific Partnership when a nine-year-old boy was brought to the medical clinic at Tacloban in the Philippines on an Army truck.

Nursing officer FLTLT Ben James, from No. 1 Expeditionary Health Squadron, was the officer-in-charge of triage.

“We were finished for the day, after seeing more than 600 patients, when the boy was brought in by his family members,” FLTLT James said.

“He was having a very severe seizure. Initially his pulse was rapid – but then it faded to very slow, which made us worried he wasn’t going to make it.”

FLTLT James and a US Navy medical specialist joined forces to keep the boy alive as a Philippines Army truck was brought in to rush him from the clinic to a hospital where local doctors continued his treat-ment.

The boy was later given the all clear. US Navy doctor LEUT Scott Olsen said the boy

would have died had FLTLT James not resuscitated him.

“FLTLT James should be very proud of himself for his life-saving deed,” he said.

FLTLT James was one of 50 ADF personnel who

participated in this year’s Pacific Partnership from May 24 to July 15.

They worked alongside colleagues from the armed forces of the US, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia and Chile.

The personnel were embarked in Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force amphibious support ship JS Kunisaki.

They provided medical, dental, veterinary and engi-neering aid to Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines, Indonesia and Timor-Leste.

Chief of Joint Operations VADM David Johnston said Pacific Partnership was highly successful in deliv-ering assistance to local communities and building trust and relationships between the international partners and hosts.

“There have been many success stories for the ADF,” VADM Johnston said.

He said the effort of FLTLT James and the US doc-tor was an excellent example of international teamwork “achieving a truly amazing result”.

The visit to the Philippines was particularly poign-ant – with memories still raw after Typhoon Haiyan last November.

Tacloban Mayor Alfred Romualdez praised the medical team for their assistance in training more

than 200 hospital staff and treating 2600 people at two free medical clinics in the southern province of Leyte.

“We are very grateful to our Pacific Partnership friends, particularly the Australians and the Americans, who came back to help us, because it will take a very long time to recover from Typhoon Haiyan,” Mr Romualdez said.

One of those on Pacific Partnership was LAC Sean Boller, an advanced medical assistant, who was also part of the Australian Medical Assistance Team that responded to Typhoon Haiyan last year.

“It is great to be back in the same area only nine months later, because I can see how hard the Filipinos, various governments including our own, and NGOs have worked to rebuild the local infrastructure,” he said.

In Vietnam, FSGT Troy McKibbon and LAC Keiran Righetti drew great satisfaction helping refurbish the Tram Y Te Phuong Hoa Quy orphanage and clinic.

LAC Righetti said they painted the walls of the orphanage, laid concrete floors and removed tonnes of rubbish in sweltering, 40-degree heat.

“We volunteered to help out with manual labour, but the real reward was playing games and laughing with the orphans, despite the language barrier,” LAC Righetti said.

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14 July 31, 2014RCEAIR FHistory

WHEN three new RAAF DH-4 Caribou aircraft arrived at Vung Tau Air Base on August 8, 1964, it

began the RAAF’s seven-year deploy-ment to the Vietnam War.

Initially known as the RAAF Transport Flight Vietnam (RTFV) the unit was to be expanded to full squadron strength and renamed No. 35 Squadron by June 1966.

As Australia’s commitment to the war grew, so too did the RAAF pres-ence.

In June 1966, No. 9 Squadron, operating the RAAF’s Iroquois heli-copters, started flying out of Vung Tau and, in April 1967, No. 2 Squadron began operating Canberra bombers

out of the Phan Rang Air Base. Also in Vietnam were RAAF elements within both the Australian Force Vietnam and the Task Force Headquarters, a RAAF Headquarters at Vung Tau, a Base Support Flight at Vung Tau (later renamed No. 1 Operational Support Unit) and detachments of No. 5 Airfield Construction Squadron.

RAAF personnel were also deployed to the war as part of US units, mostly in the forward air control role and in F-4 Phantom units. At its peak, more than 750 Air Force personnel were serving in Vietnam.

The tasks for the Australians were numerous, demanding and at times extremely dangerous.

Aircraft were regularly damaged

by ground fire from small arms and on at least one, but probably two occa-sions, RAAF Canberra aircraft were destroyed by surface-to-air missiles while undertaking strike missions.

Fourteen RAAF members died while deployed to the war. Of these, five were killed in action.

Of the 62 aircraft based in country, three were lost to enemy action and a further nine to accidents. There were also numerous incidents of battle dam-age, some of which resulted in injuries to the crews.

Not all of the RAAF commitment to the war was permanently based within the country.

There had, in fact, been RAAF air-craft operating periodically before the

formation of the RTFV, however none of these operations were part of a long-term deployment.

The most significant of these short-term operations was conducted by a RAAF C-47B Dakota of the RAAF Base Butterworth Transport Flight in May 1963.

Captained by FLGOFF David Cooper, the Dakota conducted 28 humanitarian relief flights to transport food aid to isolated Montagnard refu-gees in remote parts of Vietnam.

RAAF medical personnel also conducted regular aeromedical evacu-ations, eventually bringing 3164 sick and injured Defence personnel back to Australia.

The RAAF’s C-130s also sustained

a strategic airlift program from RAAF Base Richmond.

By 1971, the RAAF mission to Vietnam was being scaled back by the Australian Government and by March the RAAF’s official presence in Vietnam was largely ended.

However, the RAAF was to return to Vietnam from March to April 1975 as part of an aeroevacuation of refugees, Australian staff and orphans in the face of a renewed communist offensive that was destined to capture all of South Vietnam and reunite the country.

The last RAAF flight as part of the conflict was a C-47B Dakota of the Butterworth Transport Flight on April 29, 1975.

August 8 marks the 50th anniversary of the RAAF’s deployment to Vietnam, as RAAF Historian Martin James recounts as we continue our series about landmark events since Australia’s first military flight a century ago.

50th anniversary of deployment

No. 2 Squadron crews return from the unit’s first strike mission in Vietnam. (L-R) SQNDLR J.M. Chesterfield, FLTLT T.D. Wright and WGCDR V.J. Hill. Photo: RAAF Museum

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15July 31, 2014RCEAIR F Personnel

CAPT Scott Ritchie, RAN Director Military Discipline Law

TIMELINESS in the maintenance and enforcement of service discipline is a cornerstone of an efficient and effective defence force.

The Defence Force Discipline Act (DFDA) requires that the trial of a Defence member before a summary authority must start as soon as practicable within three months from when the member was charged with a service offence, unless an extension is allowed by a superior authority.

If the trial has not started within these timeframes, the charge must be referred to the Director of Military Prosecutions for a decision on what will be done with the charge.

The DFDA requires that summary proceedings start with a dealing on the charge before moving, if appropriate, to the trial itself.

During the dealing, the summary authority formally learns of the charge and determines, among other things, whether he or she has jurisdiction to try the charge, and whether it is appropriate that he or she try the charge or refer it elsewhere.

While the DFDA distinguishes between the dealing and trial phases, the legislation is not entirely clear as to when a trial actually starts in summary proceedings.

Although the trial phase usually follows on immediately from a dealing phase, there are occasions where this is not possible or appropriate. For

New mess jacket for all seasonsTHE new all-seasons mess jacket, which replaces the current white mess jacket and the officers’ winter mess ensemble, will be available in cloth-ing stores from August 1.

An entitlement to a free issue of the jacket and related items will apply to personnel appointed to a commis-sion or promoted to sergeant on or after January 1 this year.

This group will be given first prior-ity for supply of the uniform (see list below right).

Once the requirements of this group have been met, those who have an entitlement to a mess uniform, but who have not been issued with some or all of it, may apply to be provided with the outstanding items.

The jacket will be available for general sale to entitled personnel by January 2015 at a price of $96.

Personnel in tropical locations such as Townsville, Darwin and Tindal may purchase the Red Sea Rig shirt using uniform allowance at a cost of $16.

Officers in possession of the cur-rent winter mess uniform may contin-ue to wear this in the future. Females may continue to wear slacks with mess dress, if they so choose. The cut-off date for wearing the white mess jacket by officers, warrant officers and SNCOs is August 1, 2016.

Fore more information, contact OIC Air Force Clothing Entitlements Clem De Witte on (03) 9256 3217 or Air Force Clothing Liaison SNCO CLOSPO FSGT Liz Espinosa on (03) 9282 7215.

Timely justice

Uniform listMEN: 1 x all-seasons mess jacket, 1 x pair lightweight blue SD trousers 1 x marcella shirt, 1 x set rank boards, 1 x bow tie, 1 x cummerbund, buttons etc.

WOMEN: 1 x all-seasons mess jacket, 1 x mess skirt, 1 x marcella shirt, 1 x set rank boards, 1 x bow tie, 1 x cum-merbund, 1 x pair court shoes, buttons etc.

example, if the summary authority is required to attend to other duties or the accused member has requested additional time to prepare their defence to the charge, then the trial phase may be deferred. So there is certainty and consistency, when the accused member is present, a trial is taken to start when the summary authority has asked the member to plead guilty or not guilty to the charge against him or her.

Where the summary authority has permitted the accused member to not be present because of exceptional

circumstances, the trial is taken to start when the summary authority begins his or her review of the charge sheet and evidence related to the charge.

However, it should rarely be necessary to know precisely when a trial has started as it should have started and been completed as soon as practicable in the circumstances.

Good order and service discipline is best maintained by a prompt response to alleged misconduct and, as the saying goes, ‘justice delayed is justice denied’.

JUNE TRIAL RESULTS

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

across the ADF.

NCODefence Force MagistrateOne charge of prejudicial conduct – DFDA s 60(1)The member was accused of an inappropriate comment and conduct towards another member while in the presence of others. The member pleaded guilty and was found guilty. The member forfeited seniority and was severely reprimanded.

The new all-seasons mess jacket.Photo: Graham Davey

16 July 31, 2014RCEAIR FPersonnel

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ADF members applying for home loan subsidy assistance through the Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme (DHOAS) will have access to an increased assistance amount during finan-cial year 2014-15.

From July 1, the primary index used by the scheme has been set at $579,486.

The primary index for DHOAS is the average house price, which covers house prices across Australia during a 12-month period.

This is used to calculate the subsi-dised loan amounts under the scheme and is derived from Australian Bureau of Statistics data.

It uses a method of calculation that has been verified by the Australian Government Actuary.

Director Military Conditions and Housing Policy Peter Redston said the change was an increase of $59,215 from 2013-14.

“Taking account of the movement in house prices each year is an important aspect of DHOAS,” he said.

The three home loan subsidy values under the scheme are based on a percent-age of the average house price as follows:

Tier 1 – 40 per cent Tier 2 – 60 per cent Tier 3 – 80 per cent

The qualifying service period to achieve Tier 1 assistance is four years’ consecutive eligible service for permanent members and eight years’ consecutive eli-gible service for reserves.

All members then require an additional four years’ eligible service for Tier 2 assistance and a further four years’ eligible service for Tier 3 assistance.

The increasing levels of assistance of DHOAS are designed to provide a reten-tion incentive for ADF members.

For further information contact the Department of Veterans’ Affairs on 1300 434 627 or visit www.dhoas.gov.au/calculatesubsidy.html

SENTINEL is the new Defence Work Health and Safety (WHS) Management Information System that will improve the availability, timeliness and quality of WHS information to support decision-making at all levels.

Project Sentinel’s genesis was in the F-111 Deseal/Reseal Board of Inquiry, which identified the need for reporting systems and databases to identify trends in occupational illness and disease.

Director General WHS Lindsay Kranz said with the implementation of Sentinel, Defence had an opportunity to learn from mistakes and share those lessons through-out the organisation, “ensuring that WHS information can be readily accessed from one source of truth”.

Sentinel’s benefits include:�The ability to proactively report and

manage hazards and risks across Defence environments.

�Standardised processes for management information reporting.�The capability to capture and analyse

holistic information about WHS events and corrective actions. This can then inform continuous improvement in poli-cies and practices.�An opportunity to identify trends in

occupational illness and disease.�A consolidated single source of WHS

data.Sentinel initial functionality (WHS

Event and hazard reports) will be avail-able in August. Release 2 will go live in December.

For more information, visit http://intranet.defence.gov.au/People/Sites/WHSProjects/ComWeb.asp?Page=113610&Title=Project%20Sentinel or email Sentinel.Project@defence.gov.au

Spreading the word on WHS

THE Maintenance Productivity Improvement Program (MPIP) is just one new initiative address-ing the challenge of reshaping Air Force’s technical workforce to sup-port emerging capabilities.

MPIP was established after a directive from CAF in April.

The program aims to improve processes, eliminate waste and iden-tify chokepoints so that the required maintenance output, safety and air-worthiness can be delivered with a slightly smaller technical workforce.

MPIP must identify about 400 maintenance positions that can be transformed into other categories, by June 30, 2018.

M P I P P r o g r a m M a n a g e r GPCAPT Ian Donaldson said while there was an initial esti-mate of where the savings may be made, the final number across Force Element Groups (FEGs) and technical categories had yet to be finalised between Headquarters Air Command and FEG commanders.

The program considers aircraft-man to wing commander techni-cal positions at Air Combat Group (ACG), Air Force Training Group, Air Mobility Group, Aerospace Operational Support Group and

Surveillance and Response Group (SRG). Combat Support Group (CSG) is also subject to the MPIP.

Savings will be accounted for under a separate program – the CSG CSIP.

DGPERS-AF AIRCDRE Bob Rodgers said MPIP would not result in forced re-muster or involuntary redundancy of personnel.

“The majority of reductions will be met through natural attrition and voluntary take-up of new opportuni-ties,” he said.

MPIP requires both a top-down and bottom-up approach to improve productivity.

The top-down or s trategic reforms affect all of Air Force and are managed by a dedicated Program Management Office (PMO).

MPIP PMO Head GPCAPT Jenny Fantini said the PMO used the 2013 Maintenance Productivity Review outcomes as a s tar t -ing point to develop projects to improve regulations, policies, train-ing and organisational structure.

These projects must be comple-mented by FEG-based continuous improvement initiatives that are designed to optimise local mainte-nance practices.

S R G C h i e f o f L o g i s t i c s Capability GPCAPT John Adams said MPIP was an exciting initia-tive “that is encouraging us to really think hard about all the factors that impact on productivity”.

OC No. 86 Wing GPCAPT Guy Wilson said MPIP was about clever innovations to improve maintenance productivity.

“No. 36 Squadron has author-ised C-17 aircrew to conduct some tasks like refuels on turnarounds traditionally done by maintainers,” he said.

AC G D i r e c t o r L o g i s t i c Capability GPCAPT David Langlois said the requirement for MPIP was widely accepted across ACG.

“Our intent is to introduce genuine maintenance reform in a controlled manner to deliver the required air combat capability with reduced levels of technical work-force, while maintaining acceptable levels of safety and airworthiness,” he said.

Further information, including the full implementation plan, is available at http://caas/Areas/RAAF/MPIP/SitePages/Home.aspx

Subsidy increases for home loans

Avionics technician LAC Trevor Allen conducts routine maintenance on an AP-3C Orion during Exercise Bersama Shield. Photo: CPL David Cotton

Program will maintain focus

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FeatureRCEAIR F July 31, 2014 17

AS WGCDR Keith Brent nears completing his 50th year in the Air Force, he looks back fondly on

some of the highlights of his career. Having turned 70 on July 15,

he will retire in October. He says it will be a bit of a culture shock not getting up and putting a blue shirt on to go to work every morning.

“I’ve never had a bad job in the Air Force. But the Air Force is more than just a job – it’s a way of life, a community and a family,” he says.

WGCDR Brent is the editor and special projects officer at the Air Power Development Centre (APDC) at Fairbairn.

Early in his career he was a navigator and logged more than 5000 flying hours, including almost 4000 hours on Neptunes. He has also flown on Canberras, Orions, Dakotas, HS748s, Winjeels, Vampires, Macchis and PC-9s.

“Neptunes were hot, cramped, smelly and uncomfortable but we enjoyed ourselves. No. 10 Squadron in Townsville in the ‘60s and ‘70s really was the ‘North Queensland Air Force’,” he says.

“The Orion was a totally dif-ferent aircraft – pressurised, air-conditioned and much faster.”

WGCDR Brent, who joined the Air Force in 1964 and graduated as a navigator in 1966, joined No. 2 Squadron at Phan Rang in Vietnam, in April 1971 as a flight lieutenant.

Just three weeks earlier one of 2SQN’s Canberra bombers was shot down by two surface-to-air missiles.

WGCDR Brent was posted to RAAF Base Fairbairn in 1994 as Staff Officer VIP Operations. His job was to coordinate VIP air transport for the governor-general, the prime minister, royal visits and visiting heads of state.

“I met Prince Charles in my second week in the job, and spent a week flying around Australia with him,” he says.

“He was a really interesting person and he’s got a great sense of humour, which a lot of people don’t give him credit for.

“I also met several heads of state, prime ministers and presi-dents, the King of Cambodia, the Crown Prince and Princess of Japan, the former US President George Bush, senior, and the Vice Premier of China.”

In 1996, WGCDR Brent posted in to the then Air Power Studies

Five decades of memories

Centre until he retired from the PAF in 1999 and transferred to the Reserve Staff Group.

WGCDR Brent now serves on a part-time basis, editing APDC pub-lications and assisting with running conferences.

WGCDR Brent has also found time to sing with the Australian Rugby Choir in Canberra, which performs at all Brumbies home games and the Australian War Memorial on a regular basis.

He joined the choir shortly after it formed in 1996.

“I went to a Brumbies rugby union game and saw this group of guys out in the middle singing, so I got in touch with ACT Rugby Union the next day and got a phone number,” he says.

“I joined the choir and I’ve been with it ever since, although I had never sung in my life before that.

“It’s hard to believe but I’ve now sung at the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Town Hall, Carnegie Hall in New York and London’s Royal Festival Hall.”

WGCDR Brent has covered a fair bit of ground during his Air Force career.

“Places I went to on maritime operations and exercises with 10SQN and 11SQN were Cocos Islands, Butterworth, Hawaii, Philippines, Guam, US, Canada and New Zealand,” he says.

“In the VIP Operations job I vis-ited many countries in South-East Asia and Europe, as well as Turkey and Israel with the governor-gener-al and prime minister.

“The highlight was probably going to Gallipoli with Governor-General Bill Hayden for Anzac Day in 1995.”

When WGCDR Brent retires in October, he says his wife is dreading the thought of him being around the house all day.

“But I’ve got a fair bit on my plate and I might get more involved with the Rugby Choir,” he says.

“We also want to do a bit of trav-elling, especially around Australia, and the choir’s been invited to sing in London in 2016.”

It’s a long way from navigating aircraft to singing bass at Carnegie Hall, but WGCDR Keith Brent is ready for his next challenge, SGT Dave Morley reports.

WGCDR Keith Brent, above, at his workplace at Fairbairn in Canberra and left, at his station in a Canberra bomber during the Vietnam War.

Main photo: CPL Aaron Curran

19July 31, 2014RCEAIR F Air Force Improvement

FLTLT Barrie Bardoe

WITH the acquisition of new capa-bil i t ies and an environment of reform, CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown has directed a strengthen-ing of aviation maintenance safety throughout Defence.

As a result, the Directorate General Technical Airworthiness – ADF initi-ated a project called Aviation Safety Management (AMSAFE).

AMSAFE is targeting avia-tion safety management system-awareness across all the ADF’s aviation Authorised Maintenance Organisations (primarily squadrons) followed with assisted self-assess-ments.

Results from these assessments will lead to regulatory and training reform, aimed at strengthening the existing system.

AMSAFE’s focus is on continu-ous improvement and emphasises a holistic approach whereby safety con-sciousness is embedded in all aspects of workplace culture.

CAPT Daniel Reilly was appointed Project Director AMSAFE at the start of the year.

“My career in aviation maintenance and sustainment has given me an acute awareness of how exposed our main-tainers are to hazards in the workplace, and the importance of ensuring the safety of our maintenance processes to ensure capability,” he said.

“My view is that our team is mak-

Chief Staff Officer – Aviation Engineering HQ Fleet Air Arm CAPT Raymond Saad, AMSAFE DGTA-ADF SQNLDR Gary Rains, Maintenance Safety Officer HQ Forces Command CAPT Phillip Sullivan, Human and Systems Performance DDAAFS LEUT William Miles, Senior Aviation Maintainer – HQ Fleet Air Arm WO Frankie Siska, and MRH ASM – 5 Aviation Regiment WO2 Bradley Grant during one of the awareness sessions.

Defence air safety focus

ing, and will continue to make, a dif-ference.

“Even if we can’t see the lives this program will save or the injuries that will be avoided, everyone in the AMSAFE team is conscious that a heightened safety awareness works.”

He said the team was also con-scious that safety awareness must be sustained.

“Our efforts will include engaging with maintenance units to assist them with self-assessment of their mainte-nance safety practices,” he said.

“We need to make hazard identifi-cation and timely rectification a cultur-al norm – that is, an active awareness of safety must be part and parcel of how we do business.”

SQNLDR Gary Rains has spear-

headed presentations across regional bases during the past few months.

“The AMSAFE project has now finished the awareness briefs and heading into self-assessment with great feedback,” he said.

SQNLDR Rains was pleased that a participant at one of the presentations said risk management had changed.

“They said: ‘We thought we were

conducting risk management effective-ly but we have realised that we need to work on our overall proactive/predic-tive approach rather than concentrating solely on investigation management’,” SQNLDR Rains said.

The members of the AMSAFE team are confident they are on the right track towards building an even stronger safe-ty culture across Defence aviation.

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20 July 31, 2014RCEAIR FNew Horizon

FLTLT Barrie Bardoe

THE Directorate General Technical Airworthiness – Australian Defence Force (DGTA-ADF) is using New Horizon to build on the positive value system already present in the organi-sation.

DGTA-ADF is reaching the end of a period of reform that has achieved strong returns in cost savings and greater efficiency.

Part of this journey has been an evaluation of the organisation’s cul-ture and ethics, driven by a process of surveying staff attitudes and percep-tions, while working through issues in small workshops and discussion groups.

Director Aviation Regulation Sonja Jenkinson has worked in some tough engineering environments and is positive about the culture at DGTA-ADF.

“The introduction of the New Horizon program has led us to think about how we behave towards each other,” Dr Jenkinson said.

“Can any of us honestly say that we have shown respect at all times?

“New Horizon is a great initiative – it gives us time to reflect on our behaviour and values and whether our behaviour reflects our values.”

With a diverse triservice and APS workforce, women in senior leader-ship roles, a wide range of ages, and a variety of cultural experience and professional backgrounds to draw on, DGTA-ADF is perfectly positioned to demonstrate the power of a just, inclu-sive and fair-minded environment.

The 2013 DGTA-ADF code of conduct, which was the result of agency-wide workshops, embodies agreed-on behaviours that define the DGTA-ADF workplace.

SQNLDR Michelle Oakden is the DGTA-ADF point of contact for New Horizon which, she said, had allowed

her to gain a broader picture of how the agency’s culture was developing.

“It’s important that our organi-sation be a place where people are happy to come to work and where they feel they can discuss issues if they arise,” she said.

“DGTA-ADF’s implementation this year of a rolling examination pro-gram for each of the Air Force values is providing a good basis to encourage ongoing discussion and embed those positive expectations and behaviours.”

This rolling six-week program encourages DGTA-ADF staff to examine each of the Air Force values.

So far, the discussion groups and activities have covered respect, excel-lence and agility.

A key part of the program has been smaller group discussions exploring various topics and issues relevant to those values. These small groups have fostered a greater open-ness among participants. Staff are also encouraged to propose improvements to the code of conduct, which will be updated later this year.

DGTA-ADF has provided vari-ous opportunities for staff to provide feedback and identify those who have embodied the kinds of behaviours

the agency aspires to. For example, the weekly Work Consolidation Brief encourages managers to commend staff practising these values, while screens across the organisation and internal newsletters are regularly used for New Horizon messaging.

A big part of the DGTA-ADF’s ethos of respect is the culture of valu-ing all inputs and ideas from staff at all levels and ranks.

New Horizon has provided an approach whereby the aspiration of constant improvement is being enthu-siastically applied to the agency’s workplace culture.

Building on values

DGTA-ADF staff discuss New Horizon.

It’s important that our organisation be a place where people are happy to come to work and where they feel they can discuss issues if they arise.

– SQNLDR Michelle Oakden‘

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21July 31, 2014RCEAIR F Finance

INVESTING in a managed fund allows you to diversify your invest-ment portfolio for a relatively small initial outlay, but there are a few

things to consider before you hand over your savings.

In a managed fund, your money is pooled with other investors. An invest-ment manager then buys and sells shares or other assets on your behalf.

You are usually paid income or ‘dis-tributions’ periodically. The value of your investment will rise or fall with the value of the underlying assets.

Managed funds can be bought directly from the fund manager, through a financial adviser or an online broker.

Exchange traded funds (another type of managed fund) can be bought or sold on a secondary market such as the Australian Securities Exchange list-ing market or the ASX Quoted Assets (AQUA) market.

Choosing a fundThere are thousands of funds availa-

ble, so choose one that reflects your risk tolerance and investment timeframe.

Comparison websites can be a good place to start your search but be aware of how they rank funds. As managed funds are usually a longer term investment, look for three- and five-year returns, rather than one-year returns often used as a comparison.

Check the feesFunds charge a range of fees for

managing your money. Small differences in fees can have a substantial effect on your returns so it’s important to under-stand how much you will be charged.

Here are some common fees.

  Entry fee: Also known as an initial

contribution or up-front fee. This is usually between 1-5 per cent and will reduce the amount of your ini-tial investment. If you deal directly through the fund or use a discount broker, you may not have to pay this fee or it may be rebated back to you. If you are using an adviser, you may be able to negotiate the amount.

Contribution fee: This could be charged every time you contribute to your investment.

Management Expense Ratio (MER): This is an ongoing fee to cover the cost of managing your investment. It is typically between .5-2.5 per cent a year and will be deducted from your account balance. Funds offering a nil entry fee option will usually charge higher MERs.

  Performance fee: This is an extra fee the fund manager may charge if the investment return is better than the target return. Basically, it’s a bonus for them for achieving a higher return.

 Adviser service fee: An ongoing fee paid to your adviser for providing advice and arranging your invest-ments. Your adviser may be prepared to negotiate on this fee.

Once you’ve found a couple of funds you like, use the managed funds fee cal-culator on MoneySmart to compare each fund. Remember that past performance is not a reliable indicator of future per-formance.

These are the first steps towards choosing a fund that suits your needs.

Visit Australian Securities and Investment Commission’s MoneySmart website at moneysmart.gov.au for more information.

You should do your homework before opting to invest in a managed fund, says ASIC chairman Greg Medcraft.

Getting the ball rolling

22 July 31, 2014RCEAIR FHealth

OSTEOPOROSIS is a con-dition in which the bones lose calcium, become frag-ile and fracture easily.

National Healthy Bones Week, from August 4-10, aims to raise awareness of the important role calcium-rich foods have in the devel-opment and maintenance of strong bones and healthy teeth, and for the prevention of osteoporosis later in life.

Adequate calcium in your diet plus regular physical activity can help maximise bone density and reduce osteoporosis risk.

The best source of calcium is dairy products – milk and foods made from milk – but there are other sourc-es available for people who do not eat dairy products (see list right).

Eating three serves of dairy prod-ucts every day as part of a healthy diet will provide most people with their calcium requirements.

Examples of one serve of dairy products include a 250ml glass of milk, a 200g tub of yoghurt, or two

With Healthy Bones Week approaching, dietician and nutritionist Kate Flinders gives some advice.

Healthy bones need calcium

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Photo: CPL Aaron Curran

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23July 31, 2014RCEAIR F Sp rt

John Martin

IT WAS cold, windy and wet and the track was treacherous – but thanks to CPL Sarah Booth you can see Australia’s first urban downhill mountain-bike race head-on from the warmth and safety of your office or home.

Riding with a high-definition video camera on her helmet, CPL Booth, pic-tured right, was one of 90 starters in the Albany urban downhill race in Western Australia on June 22.

The results, from three of her practice runs and the race itself were spliced together and put up on YouTube.

“The race was amazing – hard but fun,” CPL Booth said.

CPL Booth, of No. 81 Wing, is an acclaimed mountain-biker in ADF, Australian and international circles.

But this was her first racing experi-ence beyond the usual mountain/bush setting in a form of that sport that is catching on overseas, bringing the thrills and spills into the suburbs for more people to see.

Albany was the first to bring urban downhill to Australia and plans to stage the event again for the next two years.

CPL Booth grew up in Albany so it was something of a homecoming for her. “I rode around those streets as a kid,” she said.

The 2.2km urban downhill course started from the top of Mt Clarence and finished at the harbour fore-shore.

The top part of the course utilised existing bike trails but as the cyclists hurtled down into the town at speeds up to 70 km/h, they had to jump over or traverse a series of man-made obsta-cles, such as sea containers, a pedes-trian bridge, curved wooden walls and even a vintage car parked deliberately on the course.

Spectators lined the course and CPL Booth was struck by the little kids who tried to keep pace running with the cyclist. In another time, that could have been her.

CPL Booth came 47th overall and was the fastest female.

“It was tough going for me because I crashed in seeding but I had a clean run in the final,” she said.

CPL Booth caught the rider who started 30 seconds in front of her – overtaking him as he crashed.

“There was one uphill section which, into the wind, was tough going,” she said.

“That led into a four-metre gap jump, so you had to really give it your all.”

See the youtube video at https://www.you-tube.com/watch?v=8oR4xe5uRMo or scan the QR Code with your smartphone.

Best seat in house

Body building titlesTHE Defence Physique Australian titles will be held at the Sleeman Sports Centre in Brisbane on September 14. A wider range of categories are on offer this year allowing a wider range of physiques. Categories offered will be junior men, novice men, masters men 40+, open men, men’s fitness, men’s physique, Ms figure novice, Ms figure masters 40+, Ms

figure open, figure international and fit-ness model. The Defence Physique titles promote a healthy and active lifestyle. For more information, contact CPL Angela Wiseman on 0417 255 272 or defence-bodybuilding@hotmail.com

Call for soccerTHE Air Force Football Association is call-ing for nominations for players, coaches

and team managers for open men’s, over-35 men’s and women’s teams to play at the 2014 ADF national soccer carnival at Manly from October 31-November 8. The Air Force open men’s trials will be con-ducted at Hawkesbury City Football Club from October 25-27. All training camps will be based at RAAF Base Richmond from October 27- 30. For more informa-tion, contact FLTLT Ben Cowan at ben.cowan@defence.gov.au

Losing close one in memory of Sydney

LAC Daniel Potts and his cousin SMN Brendan Cameron. Photo: AB Chris Beerens

Cousins face off

CPL Aaron Curran

HMAS Sydney’s gallant battle with the German raider Kormoran was honoured for the third consecutive year with an Australian Rules game between Air Force and Navy on June 6.

Held at Subiaco Oval in Perth, home of the West Coast Eagles, the match was a curtain raiser to the Eagles versus Sydney Swans game.

In a tight but low-scoring game, Air Force went down 3.8 (26) to 2.5 (17) to their cross-town rivals from HMAS Stirling.

The airmen from RAAF Base Pearce were coached by SGT Brent Marshall, of No. 79 Squadron, who said they per-formed well.

“The side knew the importance of a very good start considering the previous score lines between the sides,” he said.

“Due to the weather it was a tight and low scoring match, and the players did not waiver from their intent and commit-ment at attacking the ball hard. A high portion of the Navy side competed in local leagues, where it’s the opposite for us. This was a telling factor as the match wore on.”

Added to the lack of experience, SGT Marshall said preparations did not go as planned with limited numbers avail-able for training due to work commit-ments. “However, due to the dedication of a small group of people, the behind-the scenes organisation went relatively smoothly,” he said.

CPL Aaron Curran

EYEING each other off on the field during the HMAS Sydney II Memorial match were two cousins.

LAC Daniel Potts, of No. 25 Squadron at RAAF Base Pearce, and SMN Brendan Cameron, of Submarine Training and Systems Centre at HMAS Stirling, played against each other.

LAC Potts was half-back and SMN Cameron was back flank and although they were not in direct contact, the competition between them was there.

“As soon as I knew I was going to be back from deployment in time for the game I knew I was go-ing up against Brendan,” LAC Potts said.

“I told him how I was going to run though him.”SMN Cameron said there was banter between

them before the game.LAC Potts said during the match he called his

cousin “old boy” on the field due to the 10 years difference in age.

“I gave him a mouthful a few times and let him know who was boss,” he said jokingly.

“I was the better player by far – taller, younger with better skills.”

CPL Garth Willcosz kicks for goal. Photos: AB Chris Beerens

SGT Marshall said FLTLT Lachlan Lawrence and LAC Daniel Potts were the stand-out performers for the Air Force side.

“CPLs Andrew Smit and Nathan Beck put in solid performances as well,” he said.

SGT Marshall said the game was played in great spirits with both sets of players attacking the ball hard.

FLTLT Lachlan Lawrence.

SP RTJuly 31, 2014

GALLANT GAME In a tight match, Air Force

came close to an upset against Navy in an Aus-tralian Rules curtain raiser

PAGE 23

Australia’s first urban downhill mountain-bike race

– PAGE 23

FLTLT Lachlan Lawrence is chased down after disposing of the ball during the HMAS Sydney II Memorial Australian Rules curtain raiser at Paterson’s Stadium in WA. Photo: AB Chris Beerens

CENTENARY AND BEYOND

SPECIAL LIFTOUT

Personnel celebrate indigenous involvement in the military during

NAIDOC Week

RCEAIR F July 31, 2014 NAIDOC WEEK 1

Aboriginal members of Australia’s Federation Guard raise the Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islands flags at a ceremony in Canberra.

3RCEAIR F July 31, 2014NAIDOC WEEK LIFTOUT2

WOFF Gary Thompson and WGCDR Jo Elkington are the first recipients of NAIDOC Air Force Gold

Commendations.CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown invited

WOFF Thompson, of No. 23 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley, and CO No. 31 Squadron (City of Wagga Wagga) WGCDR Jo Elkington to be the key guests in his boardroom for the inaugural Air Force NAIDOC Week afternoon tea on July 7.

“This is the start of a new Air Force tradition,” AIRMSHL Brown said.

“Each year during NAIDOC Week we will recognise outstanding contribu-tion to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy; Our Place, Our Skies.”

WOFF Thompson said he knew his invitation had something to do with NAIDOC Week, but he did not know that he was to be highly honoured for his contribution as an Aboriginal role model, mentor and career advocate during an Air Force career spanning 43 years.

“To receive one of the first Air Force NAIDOC Week Awards from the Chief was a very honouring experience,” he said.

“But for him to follow that up immediately with an Air Force Gold Commendation was extraordinarily hum-bling.

“I’ve always considered myself to be a quiet achiever, so this was a moment in my career that I will never forget.”

WOFF Thompson said an experi-ence in his early Air Force days shaped the way he engaged with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander serving members.

“I remember an Aboriginal Air Force carpenter by the name of SGT Vince Bunder who said to me ‘come here boy. Where do you come from?’ Vince was from the Jagera people of the Ipswich area and we connected immediately,” WOFF Thompson said.

“Although I fitted into the mainstream Air Force family, this link with Vince gave me an extra sense of community and it is a lesson that I’ve always tried to follow.

“If ever I see someone with dark-col-oured skin I always ask them where they are from.

“It is important for them to know that I’m here if they want to yarn or needed guidance and or assistance; just like the old carpenter who was available to me.”

WGCDR Elkington had already received her Air Force NAIDOC Award from CAF when he visited RAAF Base Wagga on June 27, but she was unaware she was also to be awarded an Air Force Gold Commendation at the afternoon tea.

After the presentation of the Gold Commendation, a visibly moved WGCDR Elkington said her awards were a reflection of what 31SQN and RAAF Base Wagga was doing to incorporate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cul-ture into its day-to-day business.

“In many ways we are on a journey to understand the relevance and importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture,” she said.

Both recipients received the Air Force Gold Commendation for their dedication to advancing cultural awareness within Air Force and their local community.

The Air Force NAIDOC Award has been mapped to the formal Air Force honours and awards system as a way of recognising the outstanding contributions of the award recipients.

WGCDR Michael Rowe

SPEAKING in front of an audience seems like a natu-ral place for University of NSW Professor and RAAF specialist reserve GPCAPT Lisa Jackson Pulver and it was no different when she spoke at the NAIDOC Week Defence Indigenous Wreathlaying Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial.

Serving as master of ceremonies on behalf of the CDF, GPCAPT Jackson Pulver, who is Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs – Air Force, delivered her address in Canberra on July 9.

GPCAPT Jackson Pulver said the memorial service was a significant event.

“Our esteemed elder Uncle Harry Allie expressed it very well when he said how greatly encouraged he is by the commitment he sees in Defence to provide mean-ingful employment for our people, and pathways to that employment,” she said.

“Like Uncle Harry, I am inspired by the commitment to showcase our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and our role models. This sends a clear mes-sage that Defence is an organisation that respects the contribution of our people, and this is deeply appreci-ated.”

In recent months, GPCAPT Jackson Pulver has received numerous invitations to speak at a wide vari-ety of Air Force and broader Defence events.

She was invited by CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown to deliver an Acknowledgement of Country at the 2014 Air Power Conference on March 12, as well as serving as master of ceremonies for CAF at the Air Force birthday celebrations on March 31.

She was also invited by former CDF GEN David Hurley to speak at his Women in Peace and Security Conference in Canberra from June 16-17 and was recognised earlier this year as one of 20 Defence Women of Influence.

“I am proud to speak about my connection to Aboriginal Australia because dialogue is so important to inclusiveness and the reconciliation process,” GPCAPT Jackson Pulver said.

Commenting on the Air Power Conference, DGPERS-AF AIRCDRE Bob Rodgers said GPCAPT Jackson Pulver’s address was well received.

“We were surprised and delighted by the sponta-neous applause from the 1200 delegates after Lisa delivered the Acknowledgement of Country,” AIRCDRE Rodgers said.

External organisations have also noted GPCAPT Jackson Pulver’s ability to connect with people at all levels about her Aboriginal heritage.

On July 7, the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet invited her to be the keynote speaker at its NAIDOC Week event in Canberra.

She was honoured with an invitation to deliver the 2014 University of Canberra Ngunnawal Oration on June 2, where she spoke powerfully about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Service and the 2014 NAIDOC theme, Serving Country: Centenary and Beyond.

“Country never forgets us and we must never forget country,” she said.

“We come from the land, we will return to the land. “When we acknowledge country, we do so recognis-

ing that this ritual is not negotiable.” GPCAPT Jackson Pulver used the Ngunnawal

Oration as an opportunity to present DCAF AVM Leo Davies with one of five engraved Air Force Maliyan Medallions (Maliyan is the Wiradjuri Aboriginal word for eagle).

Most recently, she was recognised at the University of Western Sydney Generations of Knowledge exhibi-tion where she shared her story and journey.

GPCAPT Jackson Pulver’s University of Canberra Ngunnawal Oration delivered on June 2 can be viewed on YouTube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6YZWNdQc38

Clare Cronan

CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown launched the Air Force Supplement to the Defence Indigenous Handbook during NAIDOC Week.

A companion document to the Defence Indigenous Handbook for Commanders, Managers and Supervisors, the Air Force Supplement provides information for Air Force personnel at all levels about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, strategy and initia-tives being conducted within Air Force to increase diversity and capability.

AIRMSHL launched the supplement on July 7 in front of Air Force family members committed to seeing outcomes from the Air Force Indigenous Strategy; Our Place, Our Skies.

The Air Force Supplement, created by the Directorate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs – Air Force (DATSIA-AF), will be updated on a regular basis to reflect the changing landscape of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs in Defence.

HEARTS OF GOLDAir Force honours two tireless champions with its new NAIDOC awards, WGCDR Michael Rowe and Clare Cronan report

CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown presents NAIDOC Air Force Gold Commendations to WOFF Gary Thompson and WGCDR Jo Elkington. Photos: LAC Michael Green

On the podium again spreading the word

‘

The supplement highlights key Air Force ini-tiatives to increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation, cultural information and sources of further information.

To obtain a copy of the Air Force Supplement visit http://raaf.gov.au/IndigenousHBSup or contact the DATSIA-AF Team on datsia.af@defence.gov.au

New supplement launched

GPCAPT Lisa Jackson Pulver. Photo: LAC Michael Green

I am proud to speak about my connection to Aboriginal Australia because dialogue is so important to inclusiveness and the reconciliation process.

– GPCAPT Lisa Jackson Pulver

RCEAIR FJuly 31, 20144 NAIDOC WEEK

AIR Force’s only Aboriginal World War II fighter pilot was proudly remembered by his nephew during

NAIDOC Week.WOFF Len Waters’ nephew,

CPL Glen Waters, is serving in the Army Reserve’s 25th/49th Battalion, the Royal Queensland Regiment, in Toowoomba.

He said he was proud of his uncle’s legacy.

“Knowing what he did really makes me walk tall,” he said.

“He was an inspiration to our people and an inspiration for me joining the Army Reserve.”

WOFF Waters was born in 1925 at Euraba Mission, near Boomi in northern NSW.

From an early age he had an interest in flying, inspired by aviation pioneers such as Charles Kingsford Smith, Amy Johnson and Bert Hinkler, and reading stories of Biggles and Flash Gordon.

WOFF Waters was an 18-year-old shearer when joined the Air Force as a flight mechanic in August 1942. He later applied for pilot training and undertook his initial training at No. 1 Elementary Flying Training School.

WOFF Waters graduated as a sergeant-pilot from No. 5 Service Flying Training School and contin-ued his training at No. 2 Operational Training Unit.

A posting to No. 78 Squadron (Kittyhawks) at bases at Noemfoor in Dutch New Guinea, and Morotai and Tarakan in Borneo, followed.

WGCDR Michael Rowe

AIR Force Senior Indigenous Recruitment Officer WOFF Don Taylor attended an employment workshop for young Aboriginal jobseekers in Queensland as part of NAIDOC Week celebrations.

The workshop, called Yarn up for Jobs, was held in Gympie on July 17.

Yarn up for Jobs was part of a fortnight-long celebration of NAIDOC festivities in the Gympie region coordinated by local Kabi Kabi elder Aunty Lillian Burke, and local Schools Partnership Broker from Community Solu-tions Sean Connelly.

WOFF Taylor said he was honoured to be asked to inspire young Aboriginal jobseekers while sharing the stage with former dual international rugby player Andrew Walker and 1992 Olympian and former Brisbane Bullets basketball team captain Leroy Loggins.

“These men are Australian sporting legends and it was very encouraging to hear them share about how they overcame major challenges in their own lives,” he said.

“It was special to be invited by the Gympie community to be the special guest speaker at the NAIDOC Family Fun Day the fol-lowing day.”

He said several thousand people passed through the com-munity centre during the event, including his own mum and dad who now live in Gympie.

“We met so many locals and we had encouraging discussions with elders about engaging with jobseekers at the nearby Cher-bourg Aboriginal community,” WOFF Taylor said.

“The Gympie region is identi-fied as a priority employment area by the Commonwealth Department of Employment, so it was great to be able to show-case Air Force careers as well as broader ADF and Public Service opportunities. I hope to be invited back.”

Clare Cronan

AIR Force personnel celebrat-ed NAIDOC Week alongside ACT community members and organisations as part of the inau-gural NAIDOC on the Green in Canberra on July 10.

The event was a collabora-tion between the ADF, led by Air Force, and Habitat Personnel, with support from other key local stakeholders.

It allowed community mem-bers to celebrate NAIDOC Week and explore a range of career options and services available to them.

Up to 350 people were pre-sent to witness three Aboriginal flag orderlies from Australia’s Federation Guard raise the Australian flag alongside the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island flags.

Air Force Senior Indigenous Recruitment Officer WOFF

Donald Taylor delivered an address detailing his connec-tions to this year’s NAIDOC Week theme, Serving Country: Centenary and Beyond.

Having served 34 years in Air Force, WOFF Taylor conveyed the importance of family, country and recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history to the crowd.

Alongside other Defence members from Defence Force Recruiting, WOFF Taylor high-lighted the benefits of ADF careers.

“NAIDOC on the Green 2014 was a fantastic opportunity for the Defence Force to promote the work it is doing to raise the profile of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and peo-ple,” he said.

“This year’s event was a great success and we are looking for-ward to supporting an even big-ger event in 2015.”

Inspired by some of Australia’s early pioneers of aviation, WOFF Len Waters grew up to be the only Aboriginal fighter pilot in World War II, SGT Dave Morley reports.

Flags raised in celebration on the Green

WOFF Donald Taylor delivers his address in front of Australia’s Federation Guard members.

Inspiring jobseekers in GympieFighter pilot’s

proud legacy

WOFF Len Waters ready to fly. Photo: Australian War Memorial

In late 1944 and early 1945, WOFF Waters took part in 95 ground attack and fighter sorties over Japanese held positions around Dutch New Guinea and Borneo.

He was promoted to flight ser-geant in January 1945.

WOFF Waters was promoted to warrant officer on January 1, 1945, and discharged a few weeks later on January 18. He also held the Air Force middleweight boxing title.

WOFF Waters died on 24 August, 1993, at the age of 69, in Cunnamulla in Queensland, and was buried in St George Cemetery.

An Air Force C-130 Hercules flew former 78SQN members and serving personnel to St George for the funeral, and nine F/A-18 Hornets flew over the cemetery in formation.

His passing was acknowledged Australia-wide with media coverage and obituaries on television and in newspapers.

A few months before his death the Air Force treated WOFF Waters to a flight in an F/A-18.

‘Knowing what he did really makes me walk tall... he was an inspiration to our people.

– CPL Glen Waters