volume 63, no. 9, may 28, 2020 avy · cpl veronica o’hara cpl julia whitwell...

Serving Australia with prideServing Australia with pride

NEWSNAVYVolume 63, No. 9, May 28, 2020

AND DDG MAKES THREE

Commissioning of destroyer marks new

chapter in Sydney legendPages 2-5

CN VADM Mike Noonan salutes parade commander XO HMAS

Sydney LCDR Bernard Dobson, during the commissioning of Sydney V, the last of the three

new destroyers to join the fleet.Photo: ABIS Benjamin Ricketts

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2 HMAS Sydney commissions May 28, 2020

The crew of HMAS Sydney 'cheer ship' after the ship's commissioning ceremony at sea off the Jervis Bay coast.Photo: POIS Tom Gibson

LEUT Ryan Zerbe

Navy welcomed its newest Air War-fare Destroyer into the fleet yesterday.

The commissioning ceremony, off the coast of New South Wales, marked the moment the 147-metre-long HMAS Sydney V became one of Her Majesty’s Australian Ships.

It is the first time since World War II that a RAN warship has been com-missioned at sea.

CN VADM Mike Noonan and Commander of the Australian Fleet RADM Jonathan Mead were aboard the guided missile destroyer to offi-

cially welcome her into service.VADM Noonan told the commis-

sioning crew that Sydney’s history had a legendary pedigree.

“You will all form part of the HMAS Sydney fabric. You are sailors and officers who will all continue the proud Sydney legacy,” VADM Noonan said.

“It is a great responsibility – one I know each and every one of you is capable of honouring and carrying forward in to the future.

“HMAS Sydney, welcome home, welcome back to our fleet. Your name once again takes pride and its

rightful place in Her Majesty’s fleet.”During the ceremony the ship

received a blessing and CO Sydney CMDR Edward Seymour read the ship’s commissioning order before the Australian white ensign was hoisted, signifying completion of the commissioning.

She brings an outstanding, Australian-built air warfare capabil-ity over an exceptional range and gives Navy a surface combat capa-bility like never before.

The crew also watched video messages of congratulations from Governor-General David Hurley,

Watch video at: youtu.be/VFHYR-Kj38Q

NewsMay 28, 2020 defence.gov.au/news/navynews 3

Welcome to the fleet

Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Defence Minister Linda Reynolds and the ship’s sponsor, Judy Shalders.

CMDR Seymour said he was proud to lead the ship’s company and carry forward the legacy of previous Australian warships that carried the name.

“It isn’t often in a naval career that you are part of commissioning a brand new warship, but to do so at sea and carrying the significant legacy behind the name Sydney, is a special feeling for the entire ship’s company,” CMDR Seymour said.

“A lot of hard teamwork has led us

to this moment of bringing a world-class warship into the fleet and we’re eager to now prove what Sydney can do.

“She brings an outstanding, Australian-built air warfare capability over an exceptional range and gives Navy a surface combat capability like never before.”

Sydney is the last of three Hobart-class vessels built for Navy at Osborne in South Australia and is based on the Navantia F100 frigate design.

She is equipped with advanced combat systems, providing the ship with layered offensive and defensive

capabilities to counter conventional and asymmetric threats.Sydney will now undergo her test and evaluation period where she will integrate into the fleet, and Navy personnel will develop their proficiencies with her cutting-edge Aegis combat system.

Sydney’s sister ships, Hobart and Brisbane, commissioned in 2017 and 2018 respectively and all three vessels are home-ported at Fleet Base East in Sydney.

The first RAN vessel to be commis-sioned at sea was HMAS Matafele. The World War II stores carrier was com-missioned on January 1, 1943.

4 May 28, 2020

WITNESSING HISTORY

LSMT Bianca Stobie“I was originally on Sydney IV and I loved it from the get-go. There are a few of us from that ship and we couldn’t’ be more honoured to be posted here. I feel proud to be part of the Sydney legacy.”

LSMT Jordan Smith “I’ve come from Adelaide-class frigates before this posting and even though the basics are the same, the technical systems are much more integrated in comparison. The controls are compressed into one computer system but they’re faster, more efficient and we can react quicker.”

LEUT Matthew Thomson brings HMAS Sydney’s parade guard guard to attention for inspection during the ship’s commissioning ceremony.Photo: ABIS Benjamin Ricketts

HMAS Sydney commissions


Command Warrant Officer Ben Macqueen“I was part of Sydney IV in the first Gulf War and to be the commissioning Command Warrant Officer of Sydney V is truly a great honour. The crew are a great bunch of men and women. The old destroyers early in my career were like an old FJ Holden out the back; this is like a Lamborghini. Coming into the twilight of my career, this is a great opportunity.”

Maritime Logistics Officer LCDR Kristen Russo“I feel very lucky to be Sydney V’s MLO. I’ve done everything from frigates to tankers to hydrographic ships, and this Sydney is amazing in terms of capability, size and technology.”

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LEUT Ryan Zerbe

THE commissioning of Australia’s th i rd and f ina l Air Warfare Destroyer HMAS Sydney V sets a new benchmark for Navy’s surface combat capability.

The world-class Aegis combat system on the three Australian-built DDGs gives Navy a new ability to conduct air-surface and submarine warfare while networked with allied forces, maximising kinetic effect over new distances and sanitising airspace in protection of task groups and forces ashore.

VADM Noonan said the commis-sioning of the final DDG represent-sed years of work by Navy, Defence and the Air Warfare Destroyer Alliance.

“Sydney represents what the future force will look like and I’m excited we now have the opportunity to restore an air warfare capability in our Navy,” VADM Noonan said.

“Sydney, Hobart and Brisbane are the most technologically advanced and lethal warships Australia has ever had.

“The commissioning of Sydney culminates a 16-year journey for an outstanding partnership between

Navy, the Department of Defence and, of course, Australian industry.

“Everyone can see and attest to the quality of this ship and the way it has come together; her effective-ness as a sea-keeping and warfight-ing platform is second to none.

“I think the men and women across Australia who contributed to this ship should be very proud of their achievements.

“It gives me a lot of confi-dence that as we continue with the Naval Shipbuilding Program into the future, that this country and

the people of Defence industry can produce – and will continue to pro-duce – world-class capability.”

First laid down in 2015 and launched in 2018, Sydney was built at Osborne in South Australia.

Sydney’s crew has recently passed Mariner Skills Evaluations and will now focus on her readi-ness for combat while Hobart prepares for her second overseas deployment in less than a year, and Brisbane returns to sea following post-deployment upgrades.

– CN VADM Mike Noonan

Sydney, Hobart and Brisbane are the most technologically advanced and lethal warships Australia has ever had.

“

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LEUT Geoff Long

THE Royal Australian Naval College at HMAS Creswell has graduated the larg-est officer cohort in its 107-year his-tory, with 168 members of New Entry Officer’s Course (NEOC) 62 complet-ing their initial training.

CN VADM Mike Noonan reviewed the graduation parade on May 14, the first for 2020, and welcomed the latest group of officers to the fleet.

Graduation was preceded by the sunset ceremony at Creswell, with both events modified to ensure graduates and staff complied with physical distanc-ing restrictions. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, families and friends were not able to attend the milestone.

The college’s CO, CMDR David Shirvington, commended the NEOC 62 graduates for facing the challenges pre-sented by the COVID-19 environment with determination and fortitude.

“For the graduating officers, cir-cumstances resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic have replicated many of the same challenges they will face at sea, such as isolation from family and friends, personal privileges being removed because of an operational need and restrictions on leave and movements,” CMDR Shirvington said.

“Most importantly, these officers have been taught the need to value and respect their people first and foremost, and as long as they continue to achieve success with and through their people during their career, our Navy’s culture

will continue to evolve in a positive direction.”

Graduating MIDN Darcy Steinbacher said it had been an honour to be chosen as part of the colour party for the ceremonial sunset and to gradu-ate with her cohort.

“I believe we have been given a solid foundation to move into the fleet as naval officers, and we have built professional relationships with each other that will last well throughout our careers,” MIDN Steinbacher said.

Fellow graduate MIDN Harrison MacNeill said the course was challeng-ing and engaging.

“Learning the principles of leader-ship and working with so many other talented trainees has allowed us all to grow professionally and personally and to take our next Navy steps with confi-dence,” he said.

The course introduces students to a range of skills and attitudes needed to become a junior officer, including leadership principles, communications, seamanship and small boat handling, sailing, logistics and naval systems, as well as the history, traditions and ethos of the Navy.

The course also includes weapons instruction, firefighting and ship dam-age repair and all graduates are quali-fied in first aid.

Graduates will now progress to spe-cialised training in aviation, engineer-ing, maritime warfare, maritime logis-tics, intelligence, law, training systems, medical and nursing.

CO Royal Australian Naval College CMDR David Shirvington addresses the graduates of NEOC 62 assembled on the parade ground at HMAS Creswell. Photos: CPOIS Kelvin Hockey

Leading into the future

– CMDR David Shirvington CO Royal Australian Naval College

Most importantly, these officers have been taught the need to value and respect their people first and foremost.

“

MIDN Charlotte Lee is awarded the Rear Admiral Hammond Sword by CN VADM Michael Noonan.

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8 National Reconciliation Week May 28, 2020

Do your part to stop the spread

Taking action to achieve plan

LSIS Kylie Jagiello

IT IS everyone’s responsibil-ity to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and using the COVIDSafe app is a simple way we can all contribute to the national effort.

That’s why Defence is encour-aging its personnel to download the COVIDSafe app.

It helps find close contacts of COVID-19 cases, which enables state and territory health officials to contact people who may have been exposed to the virus.

M o r e t h a n 5 m i l l i o n Australians have downloaded the app, designed to be more effec-tive with a higher number of users.

While voluntary, head of the

COVID-19 taskforce LTGEN John Frewen encouraged all Defence personnel to download and activate the app.

“I’ve downloaded it, the Chief of the Defence Force has down-loaded it, as has the Secretary,” he said.

“I strongly encourage you to download and register for COVIDSafe.

“It’s easy and will go a long way to helping stay on top of COVID-19.”

Uptake of the app is aimed to meet one of three criteria identi-fied by the government so restric-tions can continue to be eased.

Find information at: health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/covidsafe-app

IN BRIEFOn the look-out for fraud during COVID-19AUDIT and Fraud Control Divi-sion has published a special edi-tion of Integrity Matters, which fo-cuses on fraud during COVID-19. The edition includes information about the types of fraud emerg-ing during the pandemic, how people can protect themselves from fraudsters and how to report suspected fraud. It also contains an employee’s first-hand account of committing fraud in Defence through the Into the Mind of a Fraudster podcast series.

The edition can be accessed at: drnet/AssociateSecretary/AFCD/FCIB/DFC/Awareness/IntegrityMatters/pages/Home.aspx

New way to commemoratecultural event

LEUT Gary McHugh

NAVY has appointed a fulltime Navy Indigenous Adviser (NIA) as part of its commitment to the gov-ernment’s Defence Reconciliation Action Plan (D-RAP) 2019-2022.

In appointing LCDR Samuel Sheppard to the role of fulltime NIA in a virtual promotion ceremony on May 21, CN VADM Mike Noonan said LCDR Sheppard would play a key role in the continuing develop-ment and implementation of the D-RAP.

“The appointment of a fulltime adviser recognises the importance of this role as Navy continues to work towards the long-term desired outcomes of this ‘stretch’ Reconciliation Action Plan,” VADM Noonan said.

“The NIA, in leading the devel-opment and implementation of the plan, will provide the cultural advice required to Navy’s senior leader-ship team, Diversity and Inclusion Council and all commands at sea and ashore.

“This will ensure Navy achieves our D-RAP commitment and con-tributes positively to the shared future of our nation.

“It will also enhance Navy’s engagement with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities wherever we interact with those communities.”

Originally from Far North Queensland, CMDR Sheppard is a member of the Muluridji People and is proud of his cultural heritage.

Based at HMAS Stirling, he said being named the NIA was an honour and a highlight of his 21-year career.

“This appointment provides me with the opportunity to guide Navy in the formulation and implementa-tion of policy and to complete our D-RAP aims,” he said.

“It also allows me to provide cultural advice and to be a point of contact for Indigenous members and divisional staff for feedback and suggestions on Indigenous programs and reference material.

“My priority is to establish a ‘roadmap’ that will plan Navy’s approach to meeting the delivera-bles of the action plan – through these there are great opportunities for Navy to contribute to Closing the Gap initiatives.”

LCDR Sheppard said his appointment to the role of NIA

would not have been possible with-out the hard work and dedication of his predecessor CMDR Bert Slape who held the postion in an ancillary role.

“I would like to thank CMDR Slape for his dedicated commitment to raising awareness and supporting Navy’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members, and for enhanc-ing cultural inclusion,” he said.

“I have worked closely with CMDR Slape during the past few months and look forward to continu-ing that relationship as I take up my new role.”

At the same ceremony, VADM Noonan appointed CDRE Mal Wise as Navy Indigenous Champion, a role which will see him act as an advocate for Indigenous participa-tion within Defence.

Through his role as Navy Indigenous Champion, CDRE Wise will also drive cultural awareness through Navy-specific and whole-of-Defence initiatives.

One such initiative is to work with Navy’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members to capture our Australian Navy heritage and reinforce links to our First Nations People.

CPL Julia Whitwell

CELEBRATING National Reconciliation Week (NRW) will look a little different this year, as the theme “In this together” plays out in unforeseen ways due to the COVID19 pandemic.

Held annually between May 27 and June 3, NRW celebrates building respect-ful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and non-Indigenous Australians.

With social distancing measures in place, Defence Indigenous Affairs (DIA) is offering virtual activities to get involved, in support of the Defence Reconciliation Action Plan.

DIA’s virtual NRW activities include trivia, book and film clubs, videos and an art competition.

Compiling the trivia was Kamilaroi and Dhungatti man Zac Wright-Duke, from the DIA project support team.

“It’s hard to say whether people will find the questions difficult or easy,” Mr Wright-Duke said.

“There’s a lot of stuff I would con-sider common knowledge, but I realise some of that is what I’ve learned through my Indigenous culture – and not eve-

ryone would come across some of that knowledge in their everyday lives.

“Some questions are generally about NRW, but there are other questions about history, sport, entertainment and geogra-phy – all with Indigenous relevance.”

The trivia, just like the other activi-ties, aims to increase learning and par-ticipation in Indigenous culture.

“They’re fun activities. It’ll give people an idea of what their Indigenous cultural understanding is like and the opportunity to expand it,” he said.

“If people don’t know the answers, they’ll get to learn them during the game.”

DIA Indigenous Affairs project offic-er Kate Weber said the film club offered a list of movies and documentaries.

“It supports the community as a whole,” Ms Weber said.

“People watching these films can understand the culture, historical events and past policies, all while supporting Indigenous people in their craft within the entertainment industry.”

For a list of activities, visit: drnet.defence.gov.au/People/Diversity/Indigenous-Affairs/Pages/Indigenous-Affairs.aspx

Instructors of the Navy Indigenous Development Program participate in a tour of HMAS Penguin in March. Image taken before social distancing restrictions were in place. Photo: LSIS Steven Thomson

Recently promoted Navy Indigenous Adviser PO Samuel Sheppard during a workshop by the Koomurri Aboriginal Dance Troupe at Middle Head, Sydney, in 2019.Photo: ABIS Thomas Sawtell

ADELAIDE AT THE READY

Four-pagelift-out

Training serials keep crew primed

for action

SMNA Susannah Bigg, right, and SMNA Caitlin Manning,

conduct aviation rescue training with an MRH-90 while on one of HMAS Adelaide's landing craft off the coast of Queensland.

Photo: ABIS Jarrod Mulvihill

10 HMAS Adelaide feature May 28, 2020

Navy and Army work together to ensure readiness to respond now and in future operations, writes LEUT Geoff Long.

HMAS Adelaide recently provided a platform for Army CH-47 Chinooks from the 5th Aviation Regiment

in Townsville to conduct training at sea.

The CH-47s have been conduct-ing deck landing operations to quali-fy them to support future operations that would require heavy lift capa-bility, both day and night, from the landing helicopter docks (LHDs).

Adelaide Commander Air CMDR Leon Volz said the essential training off the Queensland coast involved the Army’s 5th Aviation Regiment and the ship’s aviation support crew.

“Adelaide is providing the embarked CH-47 element the oppor-tunity for Army aircrew to gain deck landing qualifications as well as pro-viding training and journal progres-sion for new members of the ship’s aviation team,” CMDR Volz said.

“Once the CH-47 aircrew have completed their qualification, it will allow 5 Aviation’s CH-47 force to be ready to provide heavy lift capability from the LHDs in support of humani-tarian aid and disaster relief and amphibious operations.”

The embarked Navy MRH and MH-60R aircrew are also using this period of training to hone their skills to ensure they are ready to support

current and future operations.Adelaide recommenced essential

aviation and amphibious training activities following a scheduled port visit to Townsville to undertake logistical resupply and refuelling.

As well as the deck landing operations, Adelaide will support a variety of exercises to maintain capability, including landing craft training, damage control routines, assault guide training and wet and dry rehearsals.

Adelaide is currently the Navy’s high-readiness vessel and is avail-able to support humanitarian and disaster relief operations domesti-cally and in the region.

XO Adelaide CMDR Jace Hutchison said the ship had strict protocols for the resupply visit and subsequent training and was follow-ing whole-of-government COVID-19 guidance.

“It is important we maintain humanitarian assistance and disas-ter relief capability and readiness, but the health and wellbeing of our people and mitigating the spread of COVID-19 is our highest priority,” CMDR Hutchison said.

The LHD left Sydney on March 31 and has completed three weeks of successful first-of-class flight trials with MH-60 Romeo helicopters.

SERVICES FLY TOGETHER

11CentreMay 28, 2020 defence.gov.au/news/navynews

Navy and Army work together to ensure readiness to respond now and in future operations, writes LEUT Geoff Long.

SERVICES FLY TOGETHERSMNA Susannah Bigg, left, and

SMNA Caitlin Manning secure a line during aviation rescue training with an MRH-90 while on one of HMAS

Adelaide's landing craft off the coast of Queensland.

Photo: LSIS Shane Cameron

12 May 28, 2020

LEUT Geoff Long

THE Queensland coast provided a picture-perfect training ground for HMAS Adelaide’s dive team to keep their qualifications current.

The team of 10 participated in exercises off Townsville, training in emergency drills, buddy diver techniques and work diver signalling.

Sailors and officers on Adelaide’s dive team come from a cross-section of the ship’s company, including marine technicians, boatswain’s mates, maritime warfare officers and combat systems operators.

Maritime warfare officer and dive team member MIDN Alastair Wyatt said having a broad selection of skill sets brought useful capabilities.

“The dive team can be called upon at any time to rectify defects or support the ship from the underwater environment,” MIDN Wyatt said.

“Dives to inspect the ship’s hull and propulsion system are conducted

several times a month. This coupled with training dives means the ship’s dive team remains very active.”

Urgent tasking such as the removal of fishing nets from the propellers or stabilisers may also be required.

Training to become a ship’s diver includes underwater safety, emergency medical procedures and Navy-specific techniques focused on what a diver will encounter.

MIDN Wyatt said the training was one of the most rewarding exercises of his career.

“I have not been disappointed with my choice and would recommend it to anyone looking for a similarly positive experience,” he said.

Adelaide is the fleet’s high-readiness vessel and has been conducting helicopter flight trials and amphibious training off the coast of Queensland to ensure the ship remains ready to respond to emergencies and disasters.

Going under to keep skills up

ABBM Malik El-Leissy on the aft door of the loading well dock of HMAS Adelaide during diving operations.Photos: ABIS Jarrod Mulvihill

MIDN Alastair Wyatt on a rigid hull inflatable boat during ship’s diver training.Photo: LSIS Shane Cameron

Divers from HMAS Adelaide work on their essential skills off Palm Island, Queensland.

Divers practised a variety of tasks, including emergency

drills, buddy techniques and signalling, during the

training exercise.

HMAS Adelaide feature

13FeatureMay 28, 2020 defence.gov.au/news/navynews

FOLLOWING the decommis-sioning of HMAS Success last year, there is much anticipation for the entry into service of the

next generation Supply-class Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment aor ship NUSHIP Supply.

SEA 1654 Phase 3 replenishment ships will replace both HMAS Success and HMAS Sirius with a single class to sustain deployed maritime forces.

The ships are based on the BAS Cantabria, built by Navantia in Spain, with modifications to suit Australian conditions and RAN requirements.

NUSHIP Supply was launched November 2018 and is completing her harbour trials program.

NUSHIP Stalwart was launched August 2019 with harbour acceptance

trials planned to start later this year. Both vessels are currently along-

side in Ferrol, Spain.At nearly 174m long, Supply will

provide an additional 17m of length over Success and has an extra 1500 tonnes displacement capacity.

While HMA Ships Success and Sirius were combat logistics vessels, Supply and Stalwart will be used as

fleet oilers and for ammunition supply, logistical support and humanitarian and disaster relief.

CN VADM Mike Noonan said the Supply-class vessels would enable Navy to maintain a long-term presence at sea and provide combat support to frigates, destroyers and combatants wherever they operate.

“NUSHIPs Supply and Stalwart will extend our warships’ endurance

and operational range by providing bulk fuels, potable water, stores and explosive ordnance to naval vessels operating at sea,” VADM Noonan said.

The new Supply-class ships will have the capacity of 1450 cubic metres of JP5 jet fuel, 8200 cubic metres of marine diesel fuel, 1400 cubic metres of fresh water, 270 tonnes of ammuni-tion and 470 tonnes of provisions.

Oiler a class aboveThe Supply-class vessels will enable Navy to maintain a long-term presence at sea.

Photos of NUSHIP Stalwart launching in Ferrol, Spain, in 2019.

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Changes benefit former military membersVETERANS and their families will benefit from changes to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Super and the Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme (DHOAS) eligibility criteria, following amendments passed through Parliament today.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester said changes in the Defence Legislation Amendment

(Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2020 would allow ADF members transition-ing to civilian life to access DHOAS for five years after they leave Defence service, as well as the option to remain members of ADF Super.

“Transitioning from ADF to civil-ian life is a significant life event and these changes will allow more time for families to make important financial decisions,” Mr Chester said.

“DHOAS provides eligible members with a monthly subsidy on mortgage interest payments and is an important housing benefit provided to assist current and former ADF mem-bers purchase their own home.

“This legislation increases the timeframe for when DHOAS can be accessed once leaving the ADF from two years to five years, allow-ing additional time to support future

housing needs. The change to ADF Super will align the fund with broader industry superannuation arrangements as well as other public superannuation schemes, and allows ADF Super mem-bers to choose to remain contributing members after they transition to civil-ian life.

“I encourage veterans and their families to take advantage of these changes.”

Changes to DHOAS will come into effect before the end of June 2020, while the change to ADF Super will commence on July 6, 2020.

These changes are the latest in a series of measures supporting veterans, following recent boosts to the Coordinated Client Support Program and the Personalised Career Employment Program.

15FeatureMay 28, 2020 defence.gov.au/news/navynews

JOINT Military Police Station at Randwick Bar-racks, Sydney, staffed by Navy, Army and Air Force

members, is an example of a triservice approach achieving the best outcome as part of the Joint Military Police Force (JMPF).

The JMPF is the primary contact for all Defence policing matters, providing general duties policing and investigative capabil-ity to the ADF.

Officer Commanding Joint Military Police Station Sydney LCDR Sean West Money said integrating the three services into one unit came at a challenging time, but his team had embraced opportunities to perform joint military policing work.

“The biggest challenge has been taking responsibility for one of the largest and busiest ‘patches’ to police, with a force only established in January and, from the outset, supporting Operation Bushfire Assist,” LCDR West Money said.

“This has also meant the JMPF has been provided real opportuni-ties to do the job that we signed up to do and, in return, our people have shown commitment, which has enabled us to succeed and demonstrate immense value to Defence.”

As an officer commanding a triservice unit, LCDR West Money values the differences

between and cultures of Navy, Army and Air Force.

“My second in command is an Army captain who is getting an education in Navy-speak and she is teaching me about bat-talions, brigades and divisions, while our Air Force team leaders at RAAF Richmond and RAAF Williamtown are teaching me air-side awareness,” he said.

“We are all learning from each other to get the best bits of how to carry out policing in the ADF.”

PONPC Jean Metcalf, one of the team at JMPS Sydney, has embraced the new triservice work environment.

“At the start of the year, I was called out to assist with the Batemans Bay area bushfire assis-tance recovery and I worked with three exceptional Army MPs,” PO Metcalf said.

“We were tasked with running the command bus for NSW Police to allow them to better serve the public and during this period I was able to learn how Army military police work on domestic activities.”

“Being part of the JMPU means I am able to further enhance my policing skills within Defence as we collectively move closer to align with state police forces.”

LSNPC Kellie Nash has enjoyed the atmosphere of mutual learning that comes with policing alongside other services.

“I believe exposure to differ-ent services is instrumental to our development,” LS Nash said.

“It is always good to have an understanding of how Army and Air Force operate, so Navy can improve and streamline our pro-cedures.

“Integrating Army and Air Force practices and attitudes can prompt us to re-think how we do things.

“For example, Army have per-fected a style of leadership which sees officers putting the team first in all things. Their officers eat, sleep and go home last; I really respect that.”

While they are no longer part of the Command Naval Police Coxswain team at HMAS Kuttabul and have their own remit, the Navy members at JMPS Sydney share a good relationship with their Fleet-focused counterparts.

“One of the larger changes for Navy has been adjusting to the differences between how the JMPF and Command Naval Police Coxswains operate, but ultimately it’s about being problem-solvers and ensuring the safety of Defence members rather than arrests,” LCDR West Money said.

“Whether they are posted to a Navy ship or establishment in a Naval Police role, or in a Military Police role in the JMPF, our peo-ple are all sailors wanting to pro-tect and serve their peers.”

When powers combine

Naval Police coxwains LCDR Sean West Money, left, LS James Downey, LS Kellie Nash and POJean Metcalf, outside the Military Police Station at Randwick Baracks, Sydney.Photos: LSIS Steven Thomson

PONPC Jean Metcalf, left, and LCDR Sean West-Money outside the Military Police Station at Randwick Baracks, Sydney.

The recently established triservice approach to miliary policing is working well, LEUT Ryan Zerbe reports.

The review starts Thursday 28 May 2020 and checks your personal circumstances to confirm your ongoing RA eligibility.

If you have been selected for the review you would have received an email and notification in Online Services. You will need to login to dha.gov.au/online answer a few questions and upload your tenant ledger.

Don’t miss the review deadline of Thursday 11 June 2020.

The annual Rent Allowance review starts now

For more information visit dha.gov.au/RAreview

LSIS Craig Walton

A rewarding career that provides job security and an opportunity to travel the world caught the eye of 20-year-old Adelaide local ABML-SC Brodie Blaik.

Far from home serving on his first opera-tional deployment, AB Blaik is in the Middle East region on Operation Manitou.

“My role in HMAS Toowoomba is to provide the ship with direct logistics support to ensure it can fulfil all operational needs,” AB Blaik said.

“This is done through the organisation and tracking of the parts we acquire from around the globe, so that the ship’s company can continue their jobs at sea.”

AB Blaik said being a part of a ship that is providing maritime security in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea has been a rewarding experience that he is proud of.

“This is what the crew and I have trained for during the many hours of workups,” he said.

“I’m grateful for the experiences that I have had with the Royal Australian Navy.

“I always recommend the Navy to all my friends and family as a career.”

Toowoomba will return home later in the year.AB Blaik said he was looking forward to some

quality time with his family back in Adelaide.“It’s tough not being home to support my

loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic, but I know they’re proud of the job I’m doing here in the Middle East region,” he said.

“I know when I get back to Australia that I won’t take the small things like a ‘parmy and pint’ with mates for granted.

“I’ve really learnt to appreciate what matters since being deployed on operations.”

Trained and prepared

ABML Brodie Blaik keeps the store room in order on board HMAS Toowoomba while the ship is on Operation Manitou in the Middle East region. Photo: LSIS Richard Cordell

LCDR Ben Robinson

SBLT Jess Mysko is a nursing officer at Adelaide’s Lyell McEwin Hospital, undertaking a two-year placement.

She never expected to be responding to a global pandemic.

SBLT Mysko moved to the area at the age of two, when her dad was in the RAAF and posted to Edinburgh Air Force Base.

“I come from a military family and all of the women on my mother’s side are nurses,” she siad.

“I was inclined to join the Australian Defence Force from a young age, ini-tially serving for 12-and-a-half years as a Navy medic,” SBLT Mysko said.

“Last year I considered discharging as I needed to undertake my clinical placement to finalise my training as a

registered nurse. Thankfully, I contacted the Navy Retention Team and they came to a solution that worked for the Navy and me.”

SBLT Mysko’s placement at Lyell McEwin Hospital has meant she is now working with other ADF members as part of Emergency Management Australia’s national response to COVID-19.

“It’s been great to see our planners working alongside the medical and sup-port staff to ensure the hospital is effec-tively dealing with COVID-19,” SBLT Mysko said.

In SA, Defence personnel are sup-porting the Department of Premier and Cabinet, the state Control Centre for Health, and the Northern, Central, and Southern Adelaide Local Health Network.

Nursing during the pandemic

SBLT Jess Mysko is completing her graduate placement in the intensive care unit at the Lyell McEwin Hospital, Adelaide. Photo: SGT Murray Staff

17PersonnelMay 28, 2020 defence.gov.au/news/navynews

18 Sport May 28, 2020

Committed to coachingSGT Sebastian Beurich

LEUT Sarah West couldn’t remember seeing a female football coach when she was growing up.

After tearing her ACL at 17 in a high-performance training program, she fell out of the game for years before missing the community spirit and returning as a coach.

“I coached two teams in Canberra’s National Premier League Women’s competition last year and a majority of the players told me they had never had a female coach before,” she said.

“I can understand why there aren’t many female coaches in or above NPL ranks – if you can’t see women in these roles, it’s less likely you will feel there’s a place for you on the field.

“It took me many years to realise I could become a coach because I’d just never seen a woman in a coaching role in football.”

She’s now head coach of the Canberra United Academy under-17s team, working with a four-wom-an coaching and management team including a physio, goalkeeping coach and manager.

“I hope we’re changing things for this generation of young female footballers, helping them to see that women do have a place as coaches and staff in high performance football environments,” she said.

“These young girls are so focused on being the best players they can be, that they don’t care what gender you are, as long as you clearly know the game and show a genuine commitment to helping them reach their potential.

“Our coaching situation at CUA tells me things are changing, but it also shows our girls they have many ave-nues available to them to remain in the game after they’ve finished playing.”

LEUT West is also a board member of Football Coaches Australia, work-ing on initiatives to standardise profes-sional contracts for coaches, provide more education and encourage more women into advanced roles.

The organisation and her member-ship is something she is proud of.

“Coaches are incredibly influen-tial over their communities, but for a long time they haven’t really been consulted in decisions about Australian football,” she said.

“FCA is working with Football Federation Australia and other stake-holders to ensure coaches have a voice at that decision-making table.

“Through this role, I’m so fortu-nate to be working with outstanding women in football – legends of our game such as Heather Garriock and Belinda Wilson, who inspire me to

In a league of her ownLSIS Kylie Jagiello

ABMT Alison Dennis grew up watch-ing rugby league with her family, but as a smaller child, her mother didn’t want her subjected to the game’s big hits.

With size no longer an issue and opportunities to play with Navy, the sport has now become her passion.

“I knew the rules from watching on television and my brother playing,” AB Dennis said.

“But I never understood what was happening during the match when you’re on the field.

“I now have learnt so much attend-ing development camps from our coach CPOCSM Neil Stanley.”

During Alison’s first game with the Navy in 2017 on the Gold Coast, her parents travelled from their home-town near Toowoomba to support their daughter.

“After seeing me during that match, my mum was 100 per cent supportive of me playing,” AB Dennis said.

Even though having her parents there supporting was special, the match was memorable for Alison for other rea-sons.

“My first ever match was a surreal experience. My adrenaline was pump-ing for the opportunity to be out on the field,” she said.

“I wasn’t thinking about the techni-cal side of the game, I just wanted to get the ball and get to the other end.”

Through encouragement, she par-ticipated in a talent identification day in 2019.

“I didn’t feel like I performed my best but after videos from the day were sent round to all the clubs, I was con-tacted by two teams,” AB Dennis said.

“I had the opt ion of e i ther Cabramatta or Canterbury-Bankstown.

“Both are great teams but I chose Canterbury as I knew someone on the team.”

Due to work commitments, AB Dennis was only able to play two matches for Canterbury last seasion but remembers the match against the Mounties the most.

“I was tackled by Simaima Taufa and her head is hard,” AB Dennis said.

“We clashed heads for a bit there and it would have to be the hardest hit I have taken.”

Simaima was voted NSW’s best player for 2019 in the NSW Women’s origin side.

AB Dennis’s advice to females in Defence looking to get into rugby league was to give it a go.

“Come to one of the development camps and try it out,” AB Dennis said.

“You won’t know if you like the sport unless you give it try.”

keep striving for my goals.”Just as her Navy experience lends

itself to her coaching and board roles, LEUT West says these roles have allowed her to develop in areas that enhance her role in the Navy.

“Stakeholder engagement, leader-ship, problem-solving, collaboration, teamwork and organisation are all skills I’ve learned over more than a decade in Navy and really lend them-selves to my roles in football, which are also leadership roles,” she said.

It was a chance meeting with a sailor during an advanced coaching course that made LEUT West realise she could apply her coaching skills within Navy as well.

“Sport adds something to your ser-vice life and I didn’t know what I was missing until I got involved in Navy football,” she said.

“The camaraderie is unlike any-thing I’ve experienced in other parts of Navy and coaching the teams is an absolute privilege.

“The other coaches are exceptional and a really collaborative group.

“We work together at the ADF Championships once a year, but learn from each other all year round, under the mentorship of Navy’s Director of Football, LCDR Jim Ford.

“It’s a community within a com-munity; everyone is encouraging and, most importantly, everyone is looking to better themselves at their craft.”

LEUT West encourages sailors and officers with an interest in football to

get involved – not just as a player, but in coaching and support roles too.

“When we come out of this current situation, we’re going to hit the ground running,” she said.

“Service sport gives so much to your life both in, and outside of work, so I encourage people to get involved.”

To get involved with Navy football email: [email protected]

– LEUT Sarah West

I can understand why there aren’t many female coaches in or above NPL ranks – if you can’t see women in these roles, it’s less likely you will feel there’s a place for you on the field.

“

ABMT Alison Dennis is tackled during a league game. This photo was taken before physical distancing restrictions were in place.

Photos of LEUT Sarah West coaching one of her teams. Photos taken before physical distancing restrictions were in place.

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19SportMay 28, 2020 defence.gov.au/news/navynews

LSIS Kylie Jagiello

ABMED Cayla Barlow was an athletic child and would give almost any sport a go, but rugby league wasn’t one of them.

Fast forward to August last year when she took to the field with Navy in a rugby league game against Fire and Rescue NSW, when her natural athleticism shone through.

Her outstanding performance in that game led to her selection for the ADF team tour to the south-west Pacific later in 2019, in what she described as an amazing experi-ence.

“The opportunity to play in different countries, meet new people during commu-nity engagements – I never thought I’d be at that point, to be a part of it and to see what Defence actually does with rugby league,” she said.

“I had never been overseas before. I couldn’t have asked for a better first interna-tional trip.”

After discussions with ADF coach Shane Bullock and former NRL player Talesha Quinn, AB Barlow was given connec-tions for entry into the Harvey Norman Premiership League.

“I was meant to go to North Sydney Bears but they filled up quickly just before pre-season began last year,” AB Barlow said.

“Talesha contacted the South Sydney Women’s on my behalf. Their coach, Dean Widders, called and asked me to participate in a training session.

“I completed my three trial games with the team at the beginning of the year and was offered a contract with the South Sydney Rabbitohs.”

During her third trial game, AB Barlow took her first major hit after tangling with a teammate in a tackle on a St Mary’s player.

“As we were rolling out of the tackle, our opponent was kicking and she booted me fair and square in the middle of my forehead and split it open,” she said.

“I passed the concussion test for the head knocks but I now have a scar on my fore-head as a reminder.”

AB Barlow has played many positions since taking up the sport but second row is her favourite, letting her take a wider field position and be more versatile.

“I get my hands on the ball more. I’m involved in the game a lot with tackling and attack, which I enjoy,” she said.

AB Barlow hopes to see more exposure for women’s rugby league in the ADF.

“It’s a good game and it gives females not just more opportunities but also confi-dence to be able to partake in a male-domi-nated sport to challenge stereotypes.”

Tackling a new sport head-on

AB Cayla Barlow runs the ball for the Navy Tridents against Fire and

Rescue NSW during last year’s Community Cup rugby league match

against Fire and Rescue NSW.Photo: ABIS Benjamin Ricketts

volume 63, no. 9, may 28, 2020 avy · cpl veronica o’hara cpl julia whitwell...

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