AIRF RCEVol. 61, No. 11, June 27, 2019 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

‘THANK YOU’

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LIFE IN THE RAAF

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Page 4Ready to respondEXERCISE SHAKEN FURY

AIRMSHL Leo Davies reflects on his time as Chief of Air Force as he prepares to hand over command. See our coverage on page 3 and a special lift-out.Photo: SGT Guy Young

2 June 27, 2019RCEAIR FNews

EDITORIALDirectorDavid Edlington

Acting EditorJessica Deotto: (02) 6266 7612

Deputy EditorMichelle Fretwell

ReportersSGT Max BreeSGT Dave MorleyCPL Sebastian BeurichCPL Veronica O’HaraLS Jake Badior

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

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FLTLT Kath Schnittger

AIR Force personnel were honoured to support the annual Bomber Command Commemoration Day Service at the Australian War Memorial.

On June 2, a sea of wreaths was laid, including one from the modern-day No. 460 Squadron – one of the original 17 RAAF squadrons created to operate under Bomber Command during WWII.

CO 460SQN WGCDR Andrew Hoffmann attended the event with about 60 members from the unit.

WGCDR Hoffmann said the commem-oration day was a relatively recent initiative that recognised the courage and sacrifice of those members who served in Bomber Command.

“It is a privilege for the modern 460SQN to provide an honour guard for this memorial service and a special way for us to remember and reflect upon the ser-vice of our forebears,” he said.

The honour guard also included mem-bers of 462SQN.

An integral part of Bomber Command, 460SQN maintained the highest service-ability rates and dropped more bombs than any other Australian bomber squadron. However, the unit sustained more than 1000 fatalities.

Disbanded at the end of WWII, it reformed in 2010 as Air Force’s target intelligence squadron.

Courage and sacrifice remembered

Paulina Neilsen, centre, Section Officer, Women’s Auxiliary Air Force and wife of the late FLTLT Ron Nielsen, prepares to lay a wreath on behalf of the Pathfinder Force Association Queensland, during the commemoration. Photo: CPL Nicci Freeman

Multi-role support

AN AUSTRALIAN KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft has recom-menced operations in the Middle East.

The KC-30A deployment is part of Operation Okra, supporting the US-led Operation Inherent Resolve mission to defeat Daesh.

The KC-30A will provide important air-to-air refuelling capability, which is essential to sustain effective coalition air operations in the region.

CDR Air Task Group GPCAPT Paul Long said the aircraft was one of the most

advanced air-refuelling platforms of its type in the world, generating greater reach for coalition air operations.

“The KC-30A can operate at long ranges, delivering significant payloads of fuel to a wide variety of coalition aircraft,” GPCAPT Long said.

The aircraft is equipped with two forms of air-to-air refuelling systems, which allow it to refuel almost all aircraft including the F-16 Falcon, F/A-18 Hornet variants and the F-35A.

‘The KC-30A can operate at long ranges, delivering

significant payloads of fuel to a wide variety of coalition

aircraft.– GPCAPT Paul Long,

CDR Air Task Group

A KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft lands at the main air operating

base in the Middle East Region. Photo: Tech SGT Jocelyn A Ford

Operation Okra

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3June 27, 2019RCEAIR F News

SQNLDR Peter Croce

THE United States and Australia have agreed to a cross-servicing arrangement for the repair and main-tenance of C-17A Globemasters.

The establishment of an Aircraft Repair and Maintenance Service – Implementing Arrangement (ARMS-IA) will further increase interoper-ability between both nation’s C-17A workforces.

This can range from contingency maintenance when C-17As are away from home base on a task, through to exercises or operations when C-17A workforces are deployed together.

USAF Air Mobility Command Director of Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection BRIG GEN Steve Bleymaier said partnerships such as this were vital for air mobil-ity.

“Mobility airmen are always ready to deliver strength and hope anywhere in the world at any time,” BRIG GEN Bleymaier said.

“We are most successful when we work with valued partners like our Australian counterparts.”

ACAUST AVM Steven Roberton said the arrangement would provide much-needed flexibility for the United States Air Force and RAAF.

“Our C-17A workforce regularly shares a tarmac with US C-17As, whether we are on exercise together at home, or deployed across the globe,” AVM Roberton said.

“Whilst a USAF C-17A is no dif-ferent from a RAAF C-17A, our air forces have different maintenance workforce structures, which is what makes an arrangement like this essential.”

‘Whilst a USAF C-17A is no different from a RAAF C-17A, our air forces

have different maintenance workforce structures, which is what makes an

arrangement like this essential.– AVM Steven Roberton,

ACAUST

Left: A C-17A Globemaster III from 36SQN takes off on another mission during Exercise Mobility Guardian 17, while a USAF C-17A Globemaster waits on the flightline at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. Photo: CPL David Gibbs

“By making it easier to help one another, this arrangement provides flexibility and mission assuredness for USAF and RAAF C-17A mis-sions.”

The signing of this arrange-ment follows C-17A maintenance integration activities conducted in 2017 under the Enhanced Air Cooperation (EAC) program.

This involved USAF C-17A technicians conducting mainte-nance activities with their RAAF counterparts.

In the Asia-Pacific, RAAF and USAF C-17A crews have supported relief operations in the Philippines and Japan, as well as worked together on exercises Mobility Guardian and Talisman Sabre.

Both nation’s C-17As are essen-tial to supporting deployed opera-tions, including those in the Middle East region.

“This arrangement focuses on

the C-17A workforce, but will ultimately benefit the organisations deployed across the globe who rely on a C-17A to sustain them,” AVM Roberton said.

“In the Asia-Pacific, it makes sense for us to capitalise on our existing close relationship, pool resources when possible and increase our C-17A capability even further.

“I look forward to similar EAC cooperation and ARMS arrange-ments being conducted for other aircraft common to Australia and the US.”

In 2018, C-130J aircraft main-tenance interoperability activities were conducted as part of EAC and an implementing arrangement for cross servicing for C-130J is underway.

Future maintenance integration activities are projected for the P-8A Poseidon aircraft and F-35A.

LADIES and gentlemen in blue. Rhonda and I are retiring in a few weeks time and after 40 years of service, I just want to say

“thank you”. We started out not knowing what our

career would turn out to be. But every step of the way, I’ve met

and worked with people just like you, who have helped me grow, helped me make decisions and helped to make the Air Force just a little bit better.

I know for many of you, you are begin-ning your careers, and I am very envious. But I’m finishing my career and I’m happy.

There have not been too many things I would change and one of them in par-ticular is to develop and grow the special relationships I’ve had across my training, maritime, fast jet and senior command appointments.

I’ve met so many of you and have been so excited about what our Air Force can do – that excites me.

But it’s time to move on now. And I move on knowing that I’ve done a good job.

Our Air Force is in a better place than it was 40 years ago and it’s got much more to go.

I encourage you to play your part in delivering that Air Force of the future and to support AIRMSHL Mel Hupfeld and his team as they deliver that next Air Force.

I just want to say “thank you”.

Value of teamwork

More on CAF’s farewell Special lift-out

Farewell from CAF

CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies with students from the RAAF School of Administration and Logistics

Training in front of the newly displayed F-111 (A8-142) at the front

gate of RAAF Base Wagga. Photo: FSGT Kev Berriman

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4 June 27, 2019RCEAIR FNews

Eamon Hamilton

A LIFT from an Air Force C-17A Globemaster has allowed an Australian urban search and res-cue (USAR) task force to exer-cise with international peers in the United States.

Departing from RAAF Base Amberley, the 60 personnel flew to Indiana for Exercise Shaken Fury from June 2-9.

Air movements personnel from 23SQN loaded 14 tonnes of spe-cialist equipment on the C-17A along with the Australian USAR task force.

The move highlighted the efforts throughout the past dec-ade by Defence and Australian USAR teams to ensure they can be deployed at short notice.

Air Force C-17A and C-130J crews have deployed USAR teams for disaster relief operations in Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand and Vanuatu.

Coordinated by the United Sta tes’ Federal Emergency

Management Agency (FEMA), the scenario for Shaken Fury centred on a 7.7-magnitude earth-quake hitting Tennessee.

Deputy Commissioner of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Mark Roche said sending USAR teams to overseas exercises ensured Australia could maintain best practice.

“This exercise was an oppor-tunity for all involved to foster interagency cooperation, share information on operational pro-cedures, research, equipment and training,” Mr Roche said.

“It was also an excellent opportunity for our personnel to showcase their knowledge, skills and abilities, and learn from established and respected USAR teams.”

The USAR task force includ-ed members of the Departments of Home Affairs, Defence, and Foreign Affairs and Trade, Fire and Rescue NSW and QFES.

“The exercise has helped strengthen our national and state

response during disasters and improved our ability to prepare for, respond to and recover from major incidents,” Mr Roche said.

SQNLDR Ben Barber said the deployment for Shaken Fury signified how far the relation-ship between Defence and USAR teams had developed.

Previously an air movements officer at RAAF Base Richmond, he i s now pos ted a s t he Movements Flight Commander at RAAF Base Amberley.

“Both sides have come a long way since our interactions in 2011, when Air Force deployed USAR teams following earth-quakes in New Zealand and Japan,” SQNLDR Barber said.

Australia maintains two inter-nationally accredited USAR capa-bilities in Queensland and NSW.

“We keep caches of USAR equipment at Richmond and Amberley so it can be loaded quickly,” SQNLDR Barber said.

One of the bigger education pieces for USAR teams has been

the management of payload and weight management, including equipment that requires fuel or batteries.

USAR teams had been accus-tomed to deploying via road transport, bringing fewer restric-tions on the carriage of dangerous goods or heavy cargo.

“If USAR teams have special-ist equipment, or were buying equipment, they needed to ensure it was either free from danger-ous goods or could be easily pre-pared for transport on a C-17A or C-130J,” SQNLDR Barber said.

The teams often need to be largely self-sufficient when deploying, which raises issues of weight management of their cargo, especially if they’re bring-ing water.

“When deploying on a truck, a pallet of water might not be an issue, but when you’re travelling on an aircraft that weight can impact the remaining payload and aircraft range,” SQNLDR Barber said.

Participants in Exercise Shaken Fury strap into a 36SQN C-17A at RAAF Base Amberley, bound for the US; and, right, 23SQN air movements personnel load a Globemaster for the trip. Photos: CPL Nicci Freeman

Ready to respond

CPL Sebastian Beurich

COMBINED Australian and US task groups, F-22 Raptor aircraft and an increased use of non-Defence training areas will all feature in the upcoming Exercise Talisman Sabre.

Exercise Director CDRE Allison Norris said the series – which this year includes supporting elements from the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand and Japan – changed after each iteration.

“While the exercise focuses on mid-intensity, high-end warfighting, each one grows based on previous iterations, increased interoperability requirements and new capabilities in both US and Australian forces,” CDRE Norris said.

“This year, now the eighth in the series, the ADF contribution will focus on all aspects of warfare with particular emphasis on amphibious

operations supported by enablers from all services.

“It will allow us to test how we work with the United States and other participants in complex warfighting scenarios, while intro-ducing new technolo-gies and capabilities.”

CDRE Norris said the planning team received “outstanding support” from federal, state and local govern-ment authorities.

“This exercise couldn’t be accom-plished without the cooperation of the local community, including landown-ers, local government and the tradi-tional owners of the land,” she said.

“Their support will allow us to

demonstrate we can effectively and safely conduct major activities outside of Defence training areas through sound environmental stewardship and community engagement.”

Talisman Sabre change-up

US F-22 Raptors will feature in this year’s Talisman Sabre.

Photo: CPL David Cotton

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5June 27, 2019RCEAIR F Queen’s Birthday honoursOfficer (AO) in the Military DivisionAVM Tracy SmartFor distinguished service in responsi-ble positions to the ADF in the fields of medical and health services.

Member (AM) in the Military DivisionAVM Robert Chipman For exceptional service to the ADF in coalition air operations, air com-bat capability preparedness and strategic capability development and sustainment.

GPCAPT Patrick CooperFor exceptional service to the ADF in battlefield airspace control train-ing, aviation coordination and opera-tions, and air traffic control capability regeneration.

GPCAPT Scott ParryFor exceptional service to the ADF in E-7A Wedgetail aircraft capabil-ity development, Aviation Safety Regulations implementation and

E/A-18G Growler and F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft sustainment.

WGCDR Brent TaylorFor exceptional service to the ADF in air mobility capability development.

Medal (OAM) in the Military DivisionWOFF Fiona GrasbyFor meritorious service in the devel-opment of leadership and workforce resilience for the ADF as WOFF in 82WG, XWOFF 95WG and as XWOFF Air Command.

WGCDR Jeffrey HowardFor meritorious service in airfield engineering and air base recovery for the ADF.

Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)Member JFor distinguished command and leadership in warlike operations as commander of a strike element on Operation Okra between April and December 2017.

Commendation for Distinguished Service SQNLDR Simon LongleyFor distinguished performance of duties in warlike operations as the senior offensive duty officer of the 609th Air Operations Centre on Operation Okra from October 2017 to April 2018.

Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC)WGCDR Carlos AlmenaraFor outstanding achievement in the development and implementation of the fighter aircrew muscular skele-tal injury prevention and treatment program for the ADF.

GPCAPT Timothy ChurchillFor outstanding achievement in elec-tronic warfare capability development and in the introduction of the EA-18G Growler airborne electronic attack aircraft for the ADF.

WGCDR Grant FifieldFor outstanding achievement in the development of the EA-18G Growler

airborne electronic attack capability for the ADF as CO 6SQN.

WGCDR Warren HaynesFor outstanding achievement in development of the E-7A Wedgetail integrated security framework and the establishment of the Directorate of Advanced Capabilities – Air Force for the ADF.

GPCAPT Nicholas HoganFor outstanding achievement in the delivery of operational and humanitarian support for the ADF as the Director of Current Military Commitments.

GPCAPT Kaarin KooijFor outstanding devotion to duty in military recruiting for the ADF.

Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM)LAC Paul AreleFor meritorious achievement in geo-spatial air intelligence analysis and product development for the ADF.

SQNLDR David BurnsFor meritorious achievement in

KC-30A multi-role tanker transport aircraft maintenance reform for the ADF as the Senior Engineering Officer at 33SQN.

CPL Ashley FischerFor meritorious achievement in infor-mation technology development and sustainment for the ADF.

Patrick McMahonFor meritorious achievement as the senior loadmaster on a Black Hawk helicopter during a rescue at sea on August 30, 1991.

SQNLDR Mathew MichellFor meritorious achievement in air weapons project management for the ADF.

CPL Anthony SuesFor meritorious achievement in fuel installation operation and devel-opment at RAAF Base Darwin for the ADF.

GPCAPT David TitheridgeFor meritorious achievement in the introduction of the P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft capabil-ity for the ADF as CO of 11SQN.

SGT Max Bree

YOU might think an intimate knowledge of fuel farm opera-tions would result in fume-induced headaches, but a clear-headed GSETECH has sparked major design changes in how Darwin’s aviation fuel is sampled, tested and stored.

CPL Anthony Sues, of No. 13 Squadron, used his knowledge as a fuel farm supervisor at RAAF Base Darwin to help guide redrafts of fuel infrastructure projects on the base.

“The head project engineers were saying they’ve never really had operator knowledge provided during a design planning phase; I was lucky enough to be invited to attend meetings and give advice,” he said.

“In the past, something could have been built and they’d have operators come in after and request changes, which are very specific to

the procedures and processes that occur at the individual sites.”

Although the projects included new on-base fuel facilities, upgrade works and upcoming American-built fuel storage tanks, the engi-neers frequently looked to the lowest-ranked person in the room, CPL Sues.

“The projects’ head engineers were asking how we run our sys-tems and day-to-day business,” he said.

“There were various changes made to the original designs by hav-ing our Australian processes incor-porated into the planning stage. This made the planning and development much more efficient for everyone involved.

“Our processes are different; a lot of times we’re on a much more stringent requirement for fuel sampling and testing. Ours might require different variations on the same tests.

“We’re looking to remove any

contaminants, particularly moisture, making sure it’s the best quality fuel we can provide to the aircraft.

“Advisory work was sometimes six days a week, 12 hours a day, so I took a lot of responsibility on myself to get it done.”

For his work advising on the various fuel infrastructure pro-jects, CPL Sues was awarded a Conspicuous Service Medal as part of the Queen’s Birthday honours list.

“I was quite surprised when I opened the envelope in the mail notifying me,” he said.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to work on these projects and devel-opments and for the experience and knowledge I have gained during the process.

“I am extremely humbled not only to receive such a prestigious award, but to even be included in the conversations and development of the new fuel storage tanks in the first place.”

CPL Anthony Sues, far right, with Kyle and SGT Lyn Farrier, Sarah Sues, Kaydi Farrier and Noah Sues at the annual Children’s Christmas Treat held at RAAF Base Darwin. Photo: AB Kayla Hayes

Fuelling new infrastructure

CPL Sebastian Beurich

IT’S not often a junior airman makes a big impact; especially not with something as simple as a map.

But, No. 87 Squadron Air Mobility Tactical Intelligence Flight’s (AMTIF) LAC Paul Arele’s geospa-tial intelligence skills landed him a Conspicuous Service Medal in the Queen’s Birthday honours list for his work developing new geospatial products and pioneering their innova-tive use.

“When you get the first letter, it’s not a sure thing you’ll get the award. At first I thought it was another piece of paperwork that I had to sign and submit,” LAC Arele said.

“When I first posted to my exist-ing workplace, the GEOINT capabil-ity had been nonexistent for the past 10 years.

“The AMTIF commander at the time’s ‘master plan’ was to re-estab-lish the full spectrum of intelligence support for our air mobility assets. So I think everyone was happy when they found out I was being posted there.”

The medal citation recognised LAC Arele’s “exceptional leadership

Pioneer in the geo space

and devotion to duty” and how his work had been “critical to the effective opera-tion of mission systems”.

The CSM follows him being recog-nised as 87SQN’s best airman in 2018.

“I was very honoured and proud to be nominated for the medal,” he said.

“Staying as humble as possible, I think I’m a good, hardworking individual and wasn’t expecting to receive this award. I’m honoured my colleagues and supervi-sors think highly of me.”

LAC Paul Arele receives the Max Cowan award for best airman in 2018 from OC 87WG WGCDR Hannah Jude-Smith. Photo: SGT Christopher Dickson

This year’s Queen’s Birthday honours list recognises members Australia-wide.

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7June 27, 2019RCEAIR F News

FLTLT Dion Isaacson

AFGHAN Air Force’s modernisa-tion program is maturing with help from the ADF.

Director of operations for Train Advise Assist Command – Air in Kabul GPCAPT Philip Arms said it was an exciting time.

“Up until now, our mission here has been about delivering plat-forms, training people and building institutional capability,” he said.

“In the past year, we have seen a significant shift forward in the capability and infrastructure of the AAF to be more operational.

“We are now seeing the AAF more integrated into operations, working closely with the Afghan

National Army and special forces, and delivering effects that include air mobility, strike missions and casualty evacuation.”

About 43 ADF members are embedded within the TAAC-Air mission, part of Australia’s contri-bution to the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission.

ADF advisers at TAAC-Air support key personnel in the AAF to develop professional airmen and airwomen who can plan, lead, employ and sustain decisive air power operations.

“The AAF is a priority for the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces,” GPCAPT Arms said.

“It is a capability that violent,

extremist organisations have no response for, so it is an advantage.

“I think all Australians can be very proud of the work our ADF members are doing at TAAC-Air and across the whole Afghanistan mission.”

Australian advisers are also helping the AAF develop its UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter capability.

Black Hawks will give the Afghan forces increased air mobil-ity and response capabilities for ground forces.

Australia is in a unique posi-tion to offer qualified personnel for training as it is one of the few nations in the international coali-tion currently flying Black Hawks.

Modernising for the future

Chief of Staff of AAF GEN Muhammad Aslam with GPCAPT Phillip Arms in Kabul, Afghanistan. Photo: CPL Chris Beerens

Whirlwind tourSGT Max Bree

DEFENCE Secretary Greg Moriarty vis-ited several Defence bases around South-East Queensland from June 12-14.

The Secretary’s tour began at Kokoda Barracks, Canungra, where he visited the Defence Force School of Intelligence to observe Army and Air Force intelligence training.

At Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera, the Secretary was briefed on Defence opera-tions in the South West Pacific at the 1st Division Headquarters.

He proceeded on a tour of the Headquarters Joint Operations Room before receiving briefs at the 1st Intelligence Battalion on psychological

operations, all-source analysis and geo-spatial intelligence.

The Secretary then visited the 20th Surveillance and Target Acquisition Regiment where he was shown the unit’s unmanned aerial systems.

Next was a People Forum World Café at Gallipoli Barracks, held as part of the Secretary’s People Forum’s engagement with Defence public servants.

During a visit to RAAF Base Amberley, the Secretary received a base tour before checking out No. 35 Squadron’s new C-27J Spartan transport aircraft.

The Secretary finished his tour with a visit to No. 1 Combat Communications Squadron.

SQNLDR Mark Seery, Defence Secretary Greg Moriarty, AIRCDRE Veronica Tyler and Deputy Secretary Estate and Infrastructure Steve Grzeskowiak in front of a C-27J Spartan at 35SQN. Photo: CPL Jesse Kane

DEFENCE will launch the fourth iter-ation of the Defence Reconciliation Action Plan (D-RAP) 2019-22 at the Australian War Memorial on July 2, ahead of NAIDOC Week.

The plan outlines Defence’s commitment to reconciliation and aligns with the whole-of-government Closing the Gap strategy.

Focus areas in D-RAP 2019-22 include enhancing Defence’s cultural awareness, improving the reten-tion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander personnel and providing career development opportunities to Defence Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander personnel.

CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies said the D-RAP will inform Air Force’s Indigenous strategy and build on already strong Indigenous programs and initiatives.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians have long played a significant role in our Air Force,” AIRMSHL Davies said.

“We aim to be an employer of choice for Indigenous Australians – not only because we know that increasing Air Force’s Indigenous participation rates assists in Closing

the Gap, but also because it increas-es Air Force’s diversity of thought and depth of capability.

“We are developing programs with and for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members and their communities, and we remain focused on improving relationships and partnering with them to improve Indigenous health and wellbeing.”

Deputy Director Air Force Diversity and Inclusion WGCDR Debbie Newman said Air Force was enhancing Indigenous employment pathways and building an inclusive and culturally safe workplace that supported the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members.

“We use specialist pre-entry pro-grams and recruitment and retention initiatives that are designed to attract, train and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians,” WGCDR Newman said.

The D-RAP 2019-22 was devel-oped by Defence People Group’s Directorate of Indigenous Affairs in partnership with Defence’s Cultural Adviser Norman Laing, Defence Groups and Services, and Reconciliation Australia.

Our strong commitment to reconciliation

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Feature RCEAIR F June 27, 20198

AN AUSTRALIAN War Memorial exhibition is telling the story of more than 3000 Australians involved with the D-Day land-

ings on June 6, 1944.Coinciding with the 75th anniversary

of the operation, the exhibition will run through until September in the Anzac Hall Mezzanine, opposite the Lancaster “G-for-George”.

More than 2500 RAAF personnel were involved with the D-Day landings to begin the liberation of Occupied Europe.

More than 156,000 Allied personnel landed on the first day and, by July 4, more than a million had arrived.

The exhibition at the Australian War Memorial, in Canberra, illustrates how the operation was conducted and the role Australians played.

Among the displays are the uniform worn by a RAAF Spitfire pilot, an artwork of 460SQN and the remains of a Typhoon strike fighter flown by a RAAF pilot brought down over Normandy.

Australian War Memorial Director Dr Brendan Nelson said the freedoms Australians enjoy were partly owed to the D-Day operation.

“Some 3300 Australian service-men and servicewomen contributed to Operation Overlord [the code name given to the Allied invasion],” Dr Nelson said.

While D-Day is commonly associated

AFTER two years of planning and preparation, the Allies landed in the Normandy region of northern France on June 6, 1944. The assault required months of train-ing and preliminary missions to support. RAAF personnel fulfilled some of the following roles:Combat supportAlthough the majority of RAAF personnel involved with D-Day flew missions over Normandy, FLTLT Glenorchy McBride was the only known RAAF member to step ashore on June 6. The 43-year-old administration officer from Adelaide was a member of No. 101 Royal Air Force (RAF) Beach Squadron when it landed at Sword Beach near Caen. His job was to facilitate the arrival of supplies and equipment that would allow Allied aircraft to operate in France, and to return downed aircrew and equipment back to England.

Arriving after the fighting on Sword Beach had finished, FLTLT McBride was met with traffic chaos as Allied vehicles attempted to get off the beach and onto local roads. In his first hour ashore, he assisted military police on traffic management duties and ordered German prisoners of war to col-lect stretchers for wounded Allied troops.

He remained in Normandy until August 1944, when his squad-ron redeployed to England, and returned to Australia the following year.AirliftRAAF aircrew flying with RAF transport squadrons helped deliver 8500 personnel with the British 6th Airborne Division to Normandy on the night of June 5-6. Flying Stirlings, Dakotas and Albermarles, they carried para-troops or towed gliders across the English Channel.

Few Australians know how involved we were in the D-Day landings, Eamon Hamilton writes.

Tale that needs to be told

‘Australia’s contribution and its sacrifice is a little-known story in one

of history’s most dramatic events.

– Dr Brendan Nelson, Director, Australian War

Memorial

with the United States, United Kingdom and Canada, he said few might be aware of the extent of Australia’s involvement.

“Australia’s contribution and its sacri-fice is a little-known story in one of his-tory’s most dramatic events,” Dr Nelson said.

“Few Australians would know that the first enemy aircraft – a Heinkel 177 – was shot down on the day of the Normandy landings by two Australians in a Mosquito of 456SQN.

“Thirteen Australians were killed on D-Day, including two members of the RAN and 11 members of the RAAF.”

In the thick of the action, in the air, on land and at sea

Diversion missionsAllied efforts to confuse the Germans about the true location of D-Day led to a number of RAAF personnel flying diversion mis-sions. These included dropping dummy paratroops into northern France. They also airdropped foil as a means of jamming enemy ground-based radars.FightersOn D-Day, Allied air forces fielded more than 10,000 aircraft over France, against the Germans’ 800 – the majority of which did not fly missions on D-Day.

Fighters flew patrol missions against enemy aircraft and, when able, attacked German road move-ments and ground positions.

Although it was a 200km flight

over the English Channel, long summer days allowed Spitfire pilots from 453SQN to fly multiple missions over Normandy in the weeks following D-Day.

It wasn’t until June 16 that they faced the enemy in the air, with the squadron successfully bringing down two Me-109s without loss.

From June 25, the squadron moved Spitfires to a forward base in Normandy.

Mosquito nightfighter crews from RAAF 456SQN used air-borne radar sets to find German bombers and other nightfighters.

On the night of June 6-7, 456SQN destroyed four Heinkel He-177 bombers, a number of which were equipped with first-generation guided missiles. In the following weeks, the squadron

ACW Stephanie Luscott, left, LAC Mitchell Lovell and SGT Shelby Powell study one of the displays in the D-Day exhibition at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.Photo: SGT Rodney Welch

RAAF aircrew with a Shorts Stirling bomber converted for paratroop and glider towing duty. Photos: Supplied by AWM

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FeatureRCEAIR F June 27, 2019 9

FLGOFF Thomas McCoy

MORE than 200 people gathered in the French village of La Chapelle-près-Sées to commemorate the sac-rifice of a RAAF pilot whose plane was shot down during the battle of Normandy.

FLGOFF Hector S. K. Ross, from Bilambil, NSW, was 23 when the left engine of his twin-engine de Havilland DH98 Mosquito was shot by German anti-aircraft fire and he crashed into a field during a night intruder patrol over northern France in 1944.

Both FLGOFF Ross and his navi-gator, RAF FLGOFF Jack Green, were killed in the crash.

The men were honoured in May, 75 years later, by the townsfolk of La Chapelle-près-Sées and more than a dozen regional mayors, six members of the French Parliament and 25 French military unit flag bearers.

Representing RAAF from the Australian High Commission in

London was FLTLT James Walduck, who gave a moving speech in which he acknowledged that “without the bravery of these two men we would not be here today”.

The commemoration was espe-cially poignant for FLGOFF Ross’ family, five of whom travelled from Australia for the ceremony.

For decades, Sally O’Toole wondered what had happened to her Uncle Hector. After extensive research by a family friend, Tony Young, the field near La Chapelle-près-Sées in which FLGOFF Ross’ plane crashed was identified and pieces of the wreckage uncovered.

Through local community sup-port, a memorial headstone was erected and unveiled by the mayor and FLGOFF Ross’ family.

“Seeing the emotional reaction of the family when they uncovered the monument was one of the most mov-ing parts of the ceremony,” FLTLT Walduck said.

A low-flying vintage Dassault

Flamant twin-engine aircraft traced the shape of a cross in the sky, with just one landing light switched on, symbolising the loss of the engine that caused the crash.

The family members expressed their gratitude to all those present and especially to the French volun-teer group ANSA (the Normandy Association for Air Remembrance, 1939-45), which facilitated the erec-tion of the memorial, helped organise the commemoration and, along with Mr Young, conducted the research that made it all possible.

ANSA is a volunteer organisation commit-ted to paying tribute to all air crews shot down in Normandy and Maine. As well as organising ceremonies and memorials, gathering survivor testimonies and liaising with veterans’ associations and officials, the group’s aim is to register all air losses in Normandy during WWII. ANSA would be happy to assist anyone in a similar situation to that of the Ross family. Visit the website: ansa.ornemaine.free.fr

Search for Uncle Hector unveils field of sacrifice

Caroline Bartlett and FLTLT James Walduck lay a wreath at FLGOFF Hector Ross’ memorial in France on behalf of the Australian Government. Inset: FLTLT Ross and the Mosquito in which he was shot down.Photos: Adrien David (ANSA) and Climo Photographic Studio, Halifax, Canada (portrait)

destroyed 17 German aircraft with-out loss of its own.MaritimeRAAF maritime squadrons flew missions to guard the Allied naval convoy as it crossed the England Channel.

Beaufighters with RAAF’s 455SQN were re-assigned from their base in Scotland to defend the convoy on D-Day, although poor weather prevented them from engaging the enemy.

Sunderland flying boat crews with 10SQN and 461SQN patrolled against U-boats.

On D-Day itself, a 10SQN Sunderland crew encountered no U-boats, but “scared” off a Junkers Ju-88, a medium bomber that could be used against Allied patrol aircraft. On July 8, a 10SQN crew sank the U-boat U243 about 170km off the coast of Brest. BombersA critical mission for Allied air forc-es in Normandy was to prevent or delay the arrival of German rein-forcements. This meant attacking road and rail infrastructure, and RAAF heavy bomber squadrons – 460, 463, 466 and 467 Squadrons – flew missions against the French rail network from April.

Missions were normally flown at night. However, on April 30,

466SQN Halifaxes joined 128 bombers for a low-level daylight raid against marshalling yards in Achères, north-west of Paris.

In smaller Mosquito fighter bombers, crews from RAAF 464SQN flew low-level missions at night to “tennis courts” (areas in which they were given free rein to attack enemy vehicle movements).CasualtiesThe RAAF lost 11 personnel on D-Day itself, but many hundreds more were killed in missions lead-ing up to and following that day.

FSGT Stanley Black, a bom-bardier on a RAF Lancaster, was the only known RAAF member ground casualty, killed alongside US paratroopers defending the French village of Graignes from a German SS division.

In the air, many RAAF aircrew lost their lives to enemy flak over Normandy. Those killed ranged from experienced aircrew through to FSGT George Howard, killed on his first sortie when his Typhoon was shot down on D-Day.

The fate of many RAAF per-sonnel is unknown and a handful are yet to be found. In 2010, the remains of FLTLT Henry “Lacy” Smith were discovered in France. His Spitfire had crashed into a canal. He received a full military funeral in April 2011.

453SQN Spitfires flew missions over Normandy.

Feature RCEAIR F June 27, 201910

LIFE IN THE RAAF

DEPLOYED in the middle of the outback with sunset vistas is one of the perks of FLGOFF Frances Bell’s

job as a logistics officer with No. 3 Control and Reporting Unit.

A country girl at heart, FLGOFF Bell grew up in the small town of Robertson in the Southern Highlands.

She recently enjoyed working out in the Northern Territory with her small team and tactical deployable radar system, providing the air picture for Exercise Diamond Storm.

As a child, FLGOFF Bell remembered playing dress-ups with her father’s Army Reserve field equipment and uniform.

After graduating high school, she worked in the fitness industry and joined Air Force through ADFA for career progression and more of a challenge.

Her first posting at 3CRU exceeded her expectations.

“At my home base of Williamtown I am responsible for the usual logistics functions of controlling the warehouse, overseeing procurement and managing personnel,” FLGOFF Bell said.

“When I am deployed on exercise

I am the OIC and take on more of a logistics operations officer role – where I am responsible for contingency planning.

“I was part of Exercise Talisman Saber in 2017 and this year worked on top of a hill in Timber Creek for Exercise Diamond Storm.

“It took about six months of planning and was a long 4000km drive but once we set up the equipment and saw the exercise in action, it was a great sense of accomplishment.”

FLGOFF Bell has always loved the outdoors and said the great thing about 3CRU was that its radar needed to be positioned up high during Diamond Storm, which meant amazing views.

“A C-130J Hercules was doing a tactical flying mission and flew right past our site as the sun was setting,” she said.

“I felt like I could reach out and touch it. Being able to go out field and play an integral role in missions is great.

“I love the variety of a career in Air Force and working with such interesting people.”

Career with a top viewFrom the Southern Highlands to the Northern Territory outback, a career with 3CRU has taken this flying officer around the country, writes FLGOFF Kat Trimble.

Reporting unit detachment commander FLGOFF Frances Bell with an Actros vehicle, at Yellow Drum Hill during Exercise Diamond Storm. Photo: CPL Colin Dadd

Four-page lift-out

THE year is 1979 and a young Gavin ‘Leo’ Davies joined the RAAF as a cadet navigator. He had always wanted to fly

as a pilot since learning about it when he was in primary school; he never let go of his dream. On graduation from his initial training, he flew with No. 11 Squadron on P-3 Orions.

“I joined the Air Force because of the professionalism and skill-set required to fly.

“I have always remembered the value of teamwork from my time in 11SQN and the effect of our small RAAF on the world stage,” he said.

By 1987, he finally got the oppor-

tunity to fly as a pilot, not the navi-gator. FLTLT Davies completed his pilot training and F-111 conversion course, and posted to No. 1 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley to fly the F-111, fondly known as the ‘Pig’.

“Flying the F-111 was a real role for the time; we flew faster than any-one else and it was a team cockpit – and no phone calls while we were airborne,” he said.

Throughout his career, he contin-ued to return to 1SQN with postings in between to headquarters and wing roles, as well as an exchange post-ing with the US Air Force. By 2002, WGCDR Davies returned to 1SQN as

the CO, achieving 2000 flying hours in the F-111, and then accepted the challenge as the Staff Officer to the Chief of Air Force in 2004.

“When I was SOCAF, the highlight for me was seeing a strategic head-quarters at work, which was different from my previous roles,” he said.

Following a number of headquar-ters, deployed and international post-ings, AVM Davies was appointed the Deputy Chief of Air Force in 2012 and promoted to AIRMSHL in July 2015, on appointment as CAF. AIRMSHL Davies has also continued to support a number of charity initiatives through-out his career including critical blood

donations for the Red Cross and the Long Ride, building awareness for men’s health issues.

“My mother suffered through mul-tiple myeloma and I think we should all try to give back in some way; giv-ing blood was a way for me to give back.

“My commitment to the Long Ride is enduring because prostate cancer is as significant as breast cancer, but blokes struggle to talk about it,” he said.

With his retirement ahead after a 40-year career in Air Force, AIRMSHL Davies intends to play more golf and spend time with his

family, including wife Rhonda, chil-dren Erin and Jacob, and grandchil-dren Phoebe and Felicity.

“I’m looking forward to playing more golf and giving Rhonda and Jake some well-earned attention and prior-ity – I owe them a lot,” he said.

“Through my career, I have learnt that anything is achievable in our Defence Force if you have a goal. I am proud of seeing us evolve cultural-ly and effectively as a combat force,” he said.

We thank you for your service to the nation AIRMSHL Davies.

As CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies heads into retirement, we say thank you and farewell, writes FLTLT Jessica Aldred.

CAF FAREWELL

THROUGH HIS EYES

CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies takes his last flight in a 1SQN F/A-18F Super Hornet. Photo: CPL Jesse Kane

12 13RCEAIR FCAF FAREWELL June 27, 2019

CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies with his wife Rhonda and

their foster puppy ‘Jericho’ at Russell Offices, Canberra.

Photo: LACW Katharine Pearson

1/88 F-111 conversion course, from left, SQNLDR P. Townshend, SQNLDR B. Bolster, SQNLDR B. Savill, FLTLT Dave Steele, FLTLT Dave Millar, FLTLT Gavin ‘Leo’ Davies and FLTLT Kev Paule in 1988. Photo: RAAF Museum

CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies meets with Commander of the Afghan Air Force, LTGEN Mohammad G Shoaib, foreground, to discuss future training efforts. Photo: CPL Carla Armenti

CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies during the official handover of the RF-111C Aircraft A8-134 to the Australian War Memorial in May; and right, then OC 82Wing GPCAPT Davies with an F-111 in 2005.

Photo: CPL Shannon McCarthy

Photo: AC Aaron Curran

Throughout his tenure as Chief, and across a career of great accomplishment, Leo has always been a trusted partner, consummate professional aviator and committed member of a joint team focused on the defence of our great nation. The fifth-generation RAAF he’s been instrumental in creating is a credit to his leadership and vision. Thanks for the friendship, straight shooting and odd glass of red wine. Rhonda’s incredible support has been a constant throughout and now it’s time to follow her lead. Thank you Leo – an airman’s airman – per ardua ad astra!

GEN Angus Campbell, Chief of Defence Force

‘‘

I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate AIRMSHL Leo Davies on a very successful time as Chief of Air Force. During his tenure he has overseen the continued the modernisation of RAAF with the very successful introduction of the Growler, F-35A, P-8A and PC-21 into operational service as well as obtaining the approval for the acquisition of the Triton and MQ-9 UAVs and the Peregrine EW aircraft. Over his tenure he has successfully defined the characteristics and challenges in creating a fifth-generation Air Force and put together a strategy to achieve that vision. With his contribution, RAAF is in better shape than at any time in its history and well positioned to continue its long and proud traditions.

‘‘

AIRMSHL Geoff Brown (Retd), Chief of Air Force 2011-15

Like the service he com-mands, AIRMSHL Davies is agile, adaptive, forward looking and determined. His contribution to Air Force and the ADF will form a lasting legacy and a foundation for our fighting force of the future. Onwards ‘to the stars’ Leo. Thank you.

VADM David Johnston RAN, Vice Chief of Defence Force

‘‘ It’s been an amazing experience working for the Chief; it has been an honour and we have loved every minute. We have been part of a small, privileged group that has witnessed firsthand the phenomenal effort he puts in every day. Supported by Rhonda and his family, his commitment to Air Force and our people over many years can’t be underestimated.We are so thankful to work for him, for what we’ve learnt from him and for how he has led the Air Force; it has been incredible to be part of. He has been so welcoming to all OCAF staff, bringing us in as part of his family. We will miss him.

‘‘

Office of the Chief of Air Force staff 2019

Thanks Sir for your confidence and support in our initia-tives like the WOFF Employment Continuum and Jericho, and advice to always ‘Have a go’. ‘‘

WOFF-AF Rob Swanwick, Warrant Officer of the Air Force

CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies signs the Employment Continuum with WOFF-AF Robert Swanwick. Photo: LACW Katharine Pearson

Minister Defence Personnel Darren Chester, second left,

and CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies, centre right, with SQNLDR Jay

Tuffley, Roulette Leader, left, and GPCAPT Dennis Tan, OC

Air Force Training Wing with a RAAF PC-21 aircraft at Fairbairn.

Photo: SGT Rodney Welch

Right: CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies, speaks with members

of 92WG during his visit to RAAF Base Edinburgh.

Photo: CPL David Cotton

CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies walks with ADF personnel and Defence civilians in the 2016 White Ribbon Day Defence walk/run. Photo: FSGT Kev Berriman

WGCDR Leo Davies receives a service medal from then

CAF AIRMSHL Angus Houston at the Officers’

Mess, RAAF Base Amberley. Photo: LAC Mark McConnell

I offer my congratulations to AIRMSHL Leo Davies for his great leadership of the Air Force over three years of achievement and capability enhancement.‘‘

ACM Sir Angus Houston (Retd), Chief of Defence Force 2005-11

CAF Farewell RCEAIR F June 27, 201914 The partnership between the Army and Air Force has never been stronger. AIRMSHL Davies’ leadership and vision for the ADF’s air capabilities are fundamen-tal to the success of the Joint Force and our capacity to fight and win in the future.‘‘

LTGEN Rick Burr, Chief of Army

Sir, congratulations on a wonderful career. Thanks for your support and for being a cham-pion for Air Force; and on behalf of the women and men of Air Command, we wish you and Rhonda all the best (fast rides and one-putts) in retirement.

‘‘AVM Steven Roberton, Air Commander Australia

Our Air Force is on a solid and strong vector for the future of our ADF. I am grateful for the enduring legacy of AIRMSHL Davies’ leadership as Chief of our Air Force.‘‘

AIRMSHL Mel Hupfeld, Chief of Joint Operations

A 5G CAF for a 5G Air Force. Congratulations on a great tenure as Chief and thank you for all your years of service. Well done!‘‘

ACM Mark Binskin (Retd), Chief of Defence Force 2014-18

CO 82WG GPCAPT Leo Davies with members of 1 Field Regiment during 82WG Support Operations for Exercise Premier Gunner 2006 at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area. Photo: LACW Alice Gardiner

CO 292SQN WGCDR Mick Durant, CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies, CN VADM Michael Noonan, CDF GEN Angus Campbell and 292SQN pilot FLTLT Daniel Scovell gather inside the P-8A Poseidon aircraft training facilities at Edinburgh Defence Precinct. Photo: CPL David Cotton

OCDT James Galvin speaks with CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies and ‘Billy the Blood Drop’ while donating plasma for the soft opening of the 2018 Defence Blood Challenge at the Civic Plasma Donor Centre in Canberra. Photo: SGT Max Bree

Today Show weatherman Stevie Jacobs with CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies. Photo: SGT Michael Formosa

CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies chats with Air Force cadets at their display at the Australian International Airshow in Avalon. Photo: CPL Craig Barrett

Above: CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies talks with

members of 2SQN.Photo: SGT Guy Young

Leo, you have been instrumental in leading Air Force’s transformation to a fifth-generation Air Force. Through your leadership and friendship, you have reinforced to me that success in this endeavour is truly dependent on our joint efforts. On behalf of our Navy, thanks for your service and we wish you all the best for a safe and prosperous future.

‘‘VADM Michael Noonan, RAN, Chief of Navy

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16 June 27, 2019RCEAIR FNews

Eamon Hamilton

THE Pilbara Regiment has wel-comed the opportunity to ‘catch a lift’ with No. 35 Squadron and a C-27J Spartan.

From April 2-6, 35SQN flew staff from the Pilbara Regiment’s Karratha-based headquarters along Western Australia’s coast to Port Hedland and Geraldton.

They also ranged inland, visit-ing the remote communities of Meekatharra, Paraburdoo, Newman and Jigalong Mission.

The Pilbara Regiment is an Army Reserve formation that is one of three regional force surveillance units. It is responsible for patrolling an area of 1.3 million square kilome-tres – about one-sixth of Australia’s land mass.

XO 35SQN SQNLDR Mark Seery said the task provided useful experience for Spartan crews.

“Of note for 35SQN was the fact that Jigalong Mission has an unsurfaced airstrip that’s only 4000ft long,” SQNLDR Seery said.

Jigalong Mission – about a 12-hour drive from Karratha – is currently being supported by an Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Program (AACAP) task to build new facilities.

“The Pilbara Regiment staff appreciated getting easy and quick access to visit their people and conduct regional engagement with

Hitching a ride on a Spartan

remote communities over a massive area,” SQNLDR Seery said.

“We were able to engage with the Pilbara Regiment and better understand how we each operate, which in turn allowed us to better understand each other’s jobs and concerns.”

Like NORFORCE and the 51st Far North Queensland Regiment, the role of the Pilbara Regiment is to conduct reconnaissance of remote areas, largely concentrated on Western Australia.

CO 35SQN WGCDR Ben Poxon said he was excited for RAAF Spartan crews to be working closely with the Pilbara Regiment.

“We’re ideally suited to sup-porting units in remote parts of Australia and want to engage further to provide our customers with the best capability possible,” WGCDR Poxon said.

“Some of the community air-strips are unsurfaced or have little support infrastructure, which are two niche elements suited to the Spartan. There is also scope for us to resupply them in the field by airdrop.

“We see 35SQN and the Spartan as being a force enabler for support-ing regional force surveillance units like Pilbara Regiment.”

Jaimie Abbott

HUNDREDS made their way to RAAF Base Williamtown for a parade to mark the change of command of the Surveillance and Response Group.

On May 8, AIRCDRE Craig Heap handed over command to incom-ing Commander AIRCDRE Barbara Courtney.

ACAUST AVM Steven Roberton joined VIPs from the Hunter region in attending the parade. Honoured guests also included community leaders and the local Indigenous community, the

Worimi Elders. The community rep-resentation was a clear reflection of AIRCDRE Heap’s close relationship with the local region.

AIRCDRE Heap reflected on his tenure and highlighted the efforts of personnel and staff in achieving mis-sion success.

“Every day, the people of SRG made a difference; you have protected our nation, our beliefs and our values,” AIRCDRE Heap said.

“Through your professionalism, innovation and dedication, we have overcome challenges to maximise

our capabilities and indeed maximise the ADF and government’s response options in some very diverse and stra-tegically significant situations.

“I am tremendously proud of our achievements during my tenure, a time of incredible and continuing change and challenge. You have ensured we have, as stated in our mission verb, ‘sustained and enhanced’ our capabilities.”

The youngest member of SRG, LACW Tia Davidson, had the honour of presenting a memento to the outgo-ing Commander.

AIRCDRE Barbara Courtney is the first air traffic controller to command the FEG and brings a wealth of experi-ence from three decades in Air Force.

Her career includes appointments outside of SRG in Combat Support Group, Air Force Training Group and Air Force Headquarters. AIRCDRE Courtney has also had postings to the UK and Japan in addition to multiple deployments to the Middle East and Solomon Islands.

AIRCDRE Courtney thanked the outgoing CDR SRG for his leader-ship and noted that “SRG is mid-way

through the most significant capability transformation in its history; delivering new aircraft, radars, systems and com-munications and, in some cases, a new workforce”.

“What I saw during my handover was an organisation that is doing all of this while maintaining a highly cred-ible capability,” AIRCDRE Courtney said.

“SRG is well aware of the chal-lenges it faces but is also well served by excellent leadership at every layer. I consider being appointed CDR of SRG the greatest privilege of my career.”

Passing the baton

Worimi Elders with the outgoing and incoming SRG commanders, from left, Uncle Neville, Aunty Lorraine, AIRCDRE Craig Heap, AIRCDRE Barbara Courtney, Aunty Sandra and Uncle John. Photo: SGT Brett Sherriff

A C-27J Spartan provided the Pilbara Regiment with useful experience.

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FeatureRCEAIR F June 27, 2019 17

ACG and the Institute of Aviation Medicine have joined forces to develop an initiative to manage neck and

back injuries in fast jet aircrew. The ACG Fighter Fit Program has

produced positive early results with a 64 per cent reduction in the average duration of time loss injuries and 53 per cent reduction in the occurrence of time-loss injuries in its first two years of operation.

On the back of these trends, Headquarters Air Command plans to roll out the program across other Force Element Groups.

ACG Fighter Fit Program Manager WGCDR Carlos Almenara has driv-en the initiative over the past few years and is justifiably proud of its achievements.

“For some aircrew, back and neck pain has been a perennial problem – and in recent years, the extra weight and displaced centre of gravity of the joint helmet mounted cueing system [JHMCS] and night vision goggles [NVGs] has exacerbated our prob-lems,” WGCDR Almenara said.

Aircrew get fighter fit

“ACG crews fly long-endurance missions – often up to 10-plus hours – with NVGs on Operation Okra further reinforcing our ongoing issues.”

Research partnerships were estab-lished with the Institute of Aviation

Medicine, the University of Canberra, Defence Science and Technology, NATO Aircrew Neck Pain Working Group and the Technical Cooperation Program.

These partnerships identified solu-

tions such as modifying the cockpit, helmets, life support equipment and lumbar supports for different pos-tures, and also focusing on developing strength and conditioning of aircrew.

The Fighter Fit Program has three

main elements – a conditioning phase, a maintenance phase and, if neces-sary, a rehabilitation phase – to enable aircrew to manage their individual situations.

“Aircrew are guided and sup-ported throughout each phase. Once they reach the high-G component of the Introductory Fighter Course, the program switches from a condition-ing to a maintenance phase,’’ WGCDR Almenara said.

Fighter Fit’s early success has interested other areas in Air Force, including No. 4 Squadron combat con-trollers, AMG loadmasters and CSG air movement personnel.

The ACG Fighter Fit Program helps aircrew prevent and recover from injury faster, writes Jacqui Payne.

PTI SGT Anthony Baker, centre, observes 76SQN pilots FLGOFF Tyler Friend, left, and PLTOFF Michael Gray as they do strengthening exercises at RAAF Base Williamtown. Photo: CPL Nicci Freeman

‘The extra weight and displaced

centre of gravity of the joint helmet mounted cueing system and night

vision goggles has exacerbated our

problems.– WGCDR Carlos Almenara,

ACG Fighter Fit Program Manager

WGCDR Carlos Almenara was awarded a Conspicuous Service Cross for his work on Fighter Fit, see page 5 for more detail.

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Complete your Application for Relocation (AFR) and your Inventory todayGo to www.tollgroup.com/movemaestro/defence to access and complete your AFR and Inventory. Contact your Toll Case Manager or Toll’s Customer Service Centre on 1800 819 167 if you have any queries or concerns about your relocation. We are ready to help you.

Toll aims to provide the best possible relocation experience for you and your family. We look forward to helping you relocate this posting period.

Healthy Headspace RCEAIR F June 27, 201918

IT IS well-known that working at a desk all day can be detrimental to the body and mind.

Air Force Headquarters PTI FSGT James Hood said he regularly sees members hunched over their keyboards when he walks through Air Force offices.

“This is really poor posture, plac-ing stress and pressure throughout the upper and lower back,” he said.

Negative effects on the body from two hours of sedentary desk life can be reversed by carrying out 10 minutes of stretching exercises at your desk.

Stretching routines are tools avail-able as part of the Healthy Headspace program, which aims to educate mem-bers in workplace health and wellness practices.

A video is available online illus-trating stretching techniques – search AFHQ PTI.

For more information on Healthy Headspace, contact the AFHQ PTI section on rusgym@drn.mil.au and look out for more information in upcoming editions of Air Force News

Stretching for healthRaise your arms above your head and stand up tall at the same time.

Bend at the hips and lean forward, roll your shoulders forward, extend your arms in front of your chest with hands clasped and scoop your hips into a posterior pelvic tilt.

Consistently poor posture can have a negative impact on your health,writes FLTLT Dion Isaacson.

2

Stand up in a split stance. 1

3

4

5

6

7Roll your shoulders forward, extending your arms in front of your chest with hands clasped and scoop your hips into a posterior pelvic tilt.

Push your chest up and reach for the roof. Feel for a stretch in the hip flexor as you push your hips forward into an anterior pelvic tilt.

Pull your buttocks backwards, reach forward and down towards your front foot – you should feel a stretch in your hamstring.

Stand up and repeat four-to-five times on each side.

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info@hamel.edu.au

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Total Workforce SystemRCEAIR F June 27, 2019 19

‘Being less than full-time is not something that

negatively impacts your career.– CPL Amanda Cameron

FLGOFF Jasmine Kelsey

CPL Amanda Cameron can do it all – service, study and family.

She joined Air Force as a permanent (SERCAT 7) supply member in 2008 and deployed on Operation Resolute. After marrying and having children, she deployed again on Operation Accordion and the Greater Middle East Area of Operation.

“I was honoured to receive a bronze commendation for assisting in the crea-tion of robust, streamlined logistics processes, which led to a far more effi-cient procurement system,” she said.

CPL Cameron transitioned to casual work (SERCAT 3) in No. 24 Squadron and worked within No. 92 Wing.

She is currently an ongoing part-time member (SERCAT 5) at 3SECFOR and casual member (SERCAT 3) at Defence Science and Technology, enabling her to continue to contribute to Defence capability while completing a Master’s degree in busi-ness administration and caring for her family.

“In 92WG Logistics Support Flight I was privileged to be acknowl-edged with an Officer Commanding Commendation and 92WG Orion Award for exceptional leadership and communication skills during a period of heightened activity and significant organisational change,” she said.

CPL Cameron has a passion for learning and was not able to stop with only one Master’s degree – she is cur-rently completing a Master’s in teaching.

“I like to continue my education and keep growing. My study requires me to undertake placements of up to

six weeks. Working in SERCAT 5 has made it possible for me to fulfil these requirements,” she said.

CPL Cameron is grateful for the education and professional develop-ment opportunities offered in the Air Force.

She also recognises the value that her exposure and experience outside the ADF contributes to her working well beyond her rank.

“Being less than full-time is not something that negatively impacts your career,” she said.

CPL Cameron’s supervisor Shane Dew said using the Total Workforce System allowed him to plan in advance how to best use Air Force members to provide the required capability.

“It can provide certainty for my members and enables them to make a commitment to a mutually beneficial plan,” Mr Dew said.

“For my team, using the TWS enables us to provide respite for team members and decrease stress and work overload.

“The TWS works for CPL Cameron because she can plan when she is working for me and when she needs to study.

“If I could pass on one key mes-sage to other supervisors it would be that integrating your workforce as one team, using all the SERCATs, provides different capabilities for you to lever-age as a supervisor.

“Creating a positive environment with happy and productive members is essential for achieving your core mis-sion and purpose as a leader.”

To explore your options speak to your super-visor, PCO/PCS, SO PERS or career manager

Balancing and winningCPL Amanda Cameron has found a balance between work, family and study with the Total Workforce System.

dha.gov.au/online 139 342

We care about the Defence community

That’s why we’ve supported over 80 Defence related organisations this year.

To apply for support for your Defence related organisation,

please email defencecommunication@dha.gov.au

20 June 27, 2019RCEAIR FPersonnel

50-year achievement

Sharing our air power excellence

FLTLT Stephanie Anderson

SQNLDR Steve Lampard celebrated 50 years of service in RAAF after joining as a teenager in January 1969.

On May 2, CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies presented SQNLDR Lampard with the seventh clasp to the Defence Force Long Service Medal, his third Federation Star.

Coming from a proud military background spanning WWI and WWII, SQNLDR Lampard migrated to Australia with his family when he was 14.

“I wanted to join Navy as a naval artificer, but after we moved to Melbourne, I applied for an appren-ticeship with RAAF along with some of my school friends,” he said.

“When I joined, my apprentice intake was mostly 15-16 years old and signed up for either nine or 15 years – that seemed like an awfully long time back then.”

SQNLDR Lampard graduated from his apprenticeship in 1971 as an electrical fitter, working on Mirage aircraft before moving onto F/A-18A Hornets.

His career highlights are var-ied, from postings in Malaysia and deployments on Operations Catalyst and Slipper, to projects installing Mirage airframe stress sensors, installing arrestor barri-ers at Republic of Singapore Air

Force Base Tengah and RAAF bases Learmonth and Townsville, and receiving a CSM in the 1992 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

SQNLDR Lampard commis-sioned to ELECTR in 1996, enjoying postings at 75SQN, 322CSS and HQ NORCOM, before moving into various HQCSG roles, where he cur-rently works.

Since 1969, the biggest changes SQNLDR Lampard has noticed are the advances in technology.

“The Vampire, Sabre and Mirage were often very difficult to work on and required a physical effort to diagnose and maintain, often leav-ing behind a lot of blood, sweat and tears,” he said

“The fleet of today’s aircraft can be diagnosed using a tablet or laptop – a far cry from dragging 5kg of pub-lications onto a wing or fuselage.”

SQNLDR Lampard said he has enjoyed his 50 years of service, describing it as extraordinary and fulfilling.

“This has not been one career, but an enjoyable military life made up of multiple careers,” he said.

“The one constant has been the people; teams of people who have been very professional, focused and innovative.

“My family are also very proud of my career achievements and love being part of my ‘other’ family.”

GPCAPT Phil Edwards

IT’S a little known fact in Air Force that our Air Power Strategist, PROF Sanu Kainikara, has also been named as an ‘Iconic Indian Warrior’ following his illustrious career in the Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot.

Working with Defence since 2002, PROF Kainikara is a firm advocate for the professional development of airmen and airwomen in the art of air power within a joint force, includ-ing developing the widely distributed Pathfinder newsletter series to increase knowledge of air power.

PROF Kainikara was recently invit-ed to deliver a series of air power lec-tures at a number of Indonesian mili-tary colleges. His time in Indonesia was topped-off by being honoured as a national Indian icon with his inclu-sion in the book 101 Iconic Indian Air Warriors released in May.

“It was a great honour to address the Indonesian Air Force Academy and share our mutual experiences of air power in our region and to continue our close association with this prestig-ious academy,” PROF Kainikara said.

“Then to hear my career and expe-riences were included in AIRMSHL Kumar’s book [101 Iconic Indian Air Warriors] was very humbling when considering the rich history of the Indian Air Force.”

PROF Kainikara has flown more than 4000 hours on fighter aircraft (MiG-21,-23,-25,-27 and -29; Jaguar and Hunter) and is an internationally recognised author with more than 14 books on air power.

His contributions to the air power education of RAAF’s officers and air-men and airwomen will have a legacy that lasts well into the RAAF’s second century.

Prof Sanu Kainikara as a fighter pilot standing next to his MiG-21.

SQNLDR Stephen Lampard, right, proudly displays his third Federation Star, seventh clasp to the Defence Long Service Medal, accompanied by his family and CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies. Photo: CPL Nicci Freeman

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21June 27, 2019RCEAIR F Personnel

SQNLDR Gavin Briggs

THE power is in the story and for CPL Craig Krause, it is a powerful one.

His chance to reflect and express himself through writing became possi-ble through the ADF Arts for Recovery, Resilience, Training and Skills (ARRTS) program in Canberra.

CPL Krause, of JMCO, said attending gave him a platform to develop his crea-tivity and rebuild confidence.

“It is amazing how much you can express when you put pen to paper and come up with ideas, as well as new crea-tive innovations to express your authentic self,” CPL Krause said.

“The skills I will take away from the past four weeks are how much I have improved in writing and the great inter-action I had with the people alongside me, with their mentoring, support and encouragement.

“Also, to be with a group of remark-able people in the program who have brought their unique stories of courage and dedication. It has been a healing pro-cess for myself to go forward with my career and life itself.

“I would strongly recommend this program. It’s a lot of work and confront-ing, but what you get out of it is what you put into it.”

At the conclusion of the program, a showcase was held on June 6 at the Inspire Centre in Canberra that included participant music performances and visu-al art and creative writing displays.

The showcase demonstrated how new-found skills and practising creative arts can help to rebuild confidence.

CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies attended the June event.

“We talk about a defence force that needs people who can do their job,” AIRMSHL Davies said.

“Some of those folks go through a rough time. It’s great we can find a way to make them resilient, reasonable, developing and contributing – and they feel that too.

“I felt it in the first session; it’s some-thing that’s quite powerful and some-thing we should contribute to.”

The all-expenses paid program is conducted in a non-rank, uniform-free setting.

Held twice a year as a standalone four-week residential program, its partic-ipants are housed at HMAS Harman and bused each week day to the University of Canberra’s Inspire Centre, where the program’s three creative streams are conducted.

Each creative stream is led by a men-tor, who is a highly skilled individual and

subject matter expert in their respec-tive field.

Head of ARRTS BRIG Wayne Goodman believed the program pro-vided ADF members with an innova-tive way of rebuilding confidence.

“The ARRTS program offers our service personnel, who may not be feeling on top of things, the opportu-nity to re-set through one of our three creative streams: music, visual arts or creative writing,” BRIG Goodman

said. “We want people to take part in a program that offers them new skills and rebuilds their resilience, all in a supportive, non-judgemental environment.”

The ADF ARRTS program’s artistic director LTCOL Geoff Grey has seen many participants benefit.

“We’ve now had 196 people come through the ARRTS program,” LTCOL Grey said.

“Many people reported one of the

main outcomes was that they had a renewed sense of purpose and self-worth.”

The program is supported by a team that includes nursing officers, psychologists and a physiotherapist.

The next program will be held in November.

Details and application forms can be obtained at defence.gov.au/jcg/arrts

Confident creativity

FLTLT Dion Isaacson

NAIDOC Week is a chance for Australians to acknowledge the histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

From July 7-14, personnel in the Middle East will pause to celebrate the unique skill-sets, knowledge and per-spectives that Indigenous personnel bring to the ADF.

LAC James Evans, a proud Wiradjuri man from Wagga Wagga, NSW, is cur-rently deployed to the Middle East region working with the aircraft security operations team.

Part of Operation Accordion, his job is to fly with the C-130J Hercules, pro-viding embarked security for the aircraft, aircrew and passengers at airfields across the region.

For him, there are many similarities

between his Defence and Indigenous cultures. “There is a closeness I have with my workmates here. It is separate from my Indigenous family, but in a way it is a similar kinship,” LAC Evans said.

“Defence is a different culture, but it intertwines with us like our connection to country; we want to defend our country.”

The ADF theme for NAIDOC Week this year is ‘Working for a shared future’.

“It is important for our mobs to speak up. It is important that our voice is heard. We need to start acknowledging the past,” LAC Evans said.

LAC Evans is the first member of his family to join the military and thinks it would be a great career choice for his kin.

“To be part of Defence you have to be driven and committed; this career drives you mentally and physically because you are dedicated to a greater cause,” he said.

Time to start working for a shared future

NAIDOC Week

LAC James Evans reflects on his people in the lead up to NAIDOC week in the Middle East Region. Photo: CPL Dan Pinhorn

Participants from the ADF Arts for Recovery, Resilience, Training and Skills (ARRTS) program at the June showcase. Photo: Jay Cronan

22 June 27, 2019RCEAIR FFlightline

FORMER RSM, Army, Don Spinks will become the Repatriation Com-missioner on July 1. It is the first time a non-commissioned officer has been appointed to the role. Mr Spinks said his top priority would be to interact with the veteran commu-nity. “My focus will be to support vet-erans and their families. For me to achieve this, the number one priority is to engage, to talk to the veterans, their families, and to the ex-service organisations and find out what is-sues are facing them,” he said.

IN BRIEFEmployer awards

New Commissioner

CO 35SQN WGCDR Benjamin Poxon enjoys his time with the children from Horn Island (Tagai) State School during Reconciliation Week. Photo: CPL Jesse Kane

Defence work experience program participants make their way across the hardstand to view a 36SQN C-17A Globemaster at RAAF Base Amberley. Photo: CPL Jesse Kane

Above: SQNLDR Wayne Taylor walks through cleansing smoke as Larrakeyah Elder, Bilawara ‘Auntie B’ Lee, right, hosts a smoking ceremony as part of a Reconciliation Week walk at Larrakeyah Defence Precinct, Darwin. Photo: PO Peter Thompson

Participants of the Indigenous Tribal Warrior tour of RAAF Base Richmond in the cargo area of a 37SQN C-130J Hercules. Photo: CPL David Said

FLTLT Lisa Swanwick

A NEW design and style of working dress is being introduced for female Air Force personnel, following a trial for Service Dress Four (SD4).

Based on the 34SQN VIP uniform, SD4 is both contemporary and functional, as well as presenting our Air Force mem-bers as a professional and modern force.

Deputy Director Uniforms WGCDR Rowley Tompsett said the new SD4 dress is made by Australian-company Farage and is made from a lighter, more breath-able and comfortable fabric.

“As we move to a fifth-generation Air Force, we considered a modernised uni-form to both meet the needs of current members and to be an attractor for poten-tial recruits,” WGCDR Tompsett said.

“The SD4 dress represents a signifi-

cant step in the contemporising of the Air Force uniform.”

To determine if the dress suited the demands of service life, a small-scale trial was conducted in Canberra, with mem-bers from LACW to GPCAPT.

AFHQ WOFF and Assistant Service Women’s Adviser WOFF Janet O’Dea said she was overwhelmed with positive feedback from the trial participants.

“I am impressed with the SD4 dress and believe this is a move in the right direction to modernise the uniform; a uniform that has remained virtually unchanged since I joined,” WOFF O’Dea said.

Further details on the uniform trial can be found on the Air Force Uniform website http://drnet.defence.gov.au/raaf/AirForce/AirForceUniform/Pages/Welcome.aspx

AUSTRALIA’S leading employers were recognised for their continued support of ADF reservists at the annual Defence Reserves Support Council National Employer Support Awards ceremony held in Canberra on June 18 at the Australian War Memorial. Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester said the awards showcased those employers that actively supported their Defence Force reservists in the workplace, al-lowing them to contribute meaning-fully to both their civilian and military roles. For the list of award winners, go to news.defence.gov.au/people/employers-recognised-reserves-support

Uniform gets an upgradeProfiling the new female service dress uniform for Air Force, FLTLT Lisa Swanwick, SGT Katie Mohapp, CPL Kathryn Whelan, GPCAPT Jules Adams and FLTLT Jessica Greenaway with WOFF-AF Robert Swanwick and CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies. Photo: CPL Shannon McCarthy

23June 27, 2019RCEAIR F Sp rt

ADF rowers have arrived in the UK in preparation for the prestigious King’s Cup event to be held from July 5-7 as part of the Henley Royal Regatta on the River Thames by the town of Henley-on-Thames.

The event marks 100 years since the 1919 Royal Henley Peace Regatta, held as part of repatriation activities after the WWI.

Keeping the team in time from the back of the boat will be cox-swain FLGOFF Ruby Brady-Welsh of CASG.

“I still love to hop on the oars and stretch my legs, however I’ve come to appreciate the different type of challenge that coxing presents in the sport,” FLGOFF Brady-Welsh said.

The ADF team are hoping to fol-low in the footsteps of the Australian Imperial Force Number 1 crew who won the first King’s Cup, defeating Oxford University over the Henley course by a boat length in seven min-utes and seven seconds.

This was the fastest time recorded for the full regatta course.

The original King’s Cup was taken back to Australia and is now a perennial trophy for the fastest state men’s eight at the Australian National Championships.

FLGOFF Brady-Welsh said she was excited and proud to take part in the event.

“The chance to compete as part of the King’s Cup centenary race at Henley Royal Regatta is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent Australia and the ADF, rowing on the international stage,” she said.

SGT Max Bree

DEFENCE bore the brunt of multiple hits as they struggled to contain some of rugby league’s best at the Women’s National Championships on the Gold Coast from May 30 – June 2.

A talented NSW Country side tore into the ADF line-up in the opening game, downing the military team 54-0. This was followed by an exhausting 40-0 loss to Queensland Country.

ADF vice-captain LACW Meg Ward said her side was knocked around by talented footballers run-ning full steam at her less-experi-enced players.

“A lot of our players weren’t used to that kind of contact,” LACW Ward said.

“If you haven’t played at that level before, having them run at you that hard is tough.

“You’re trying to tackle some of the best in the game; it’s pretty much like trying to hit a running train.

“We got a few injuries out of it, but that was really more of a credit to who we were playing against.”

The injury list included two knees, three shoulders and a snapped scapular.

Welcome to the Cup chase

“We had to change our gameplay up a bit to try and keep the ball and push it through,” LACW Ward said.

“We were up against a lot of inter-national players and state reps, so we got pretty good at defence by the end of the tournament. All the other teams said we had that spirit of not giving up.”

Defence put in a respectable

performance against the Combined Affiliated States, going down 4-10 in their final game.

“Due to injuries, we started to run players in the middle of the field that probably should’ve been on the wing or in the backs,” LACW Ward said.

“The score lines didn’t represent how hard our ADF team played. I was so proud of each and every player.”

Injuries hold us back

Vice-captain LACW Meg Ward being tackled during the rugby league Women’s National Championships. Photo: Jason O’Brien

The Air Force Balloon on an early morning flight over Lake Burley Griffin, as the ADF King’s Cup Team rows past during a training session. Photo: FSGT Kev Berriman

Godzilla roars at RegattaSGT Yalin Phung of the Defence Sailing Association, on board Godzilla, at the Keelboat Regatta.Photo: AB Bonny Gassner

CPL Sebastian Beurich

GODZILLA took a break from fight-ing Mothra to terrorise Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta’s com-petitors sailing on St Kilda harbour from June 8-10.

While there were no giant lizards rampaging through the city, the namesake of the first ADF Sailing Association team to enter the Regatta was painted on the side of their yacht, emphasising the rookie team’s fighting spirit.

Although the crew – mostly Air Force – met the day before the competition, they became fast friends according to PLTOFF Jacqueline Smith.

“Everyone had their own little role to play, and Kirsten – the skip-per – pretty much told everyone exactly what they needed to do. By the end of the regatta, we were an awesome team and everything was running really smoothly,” PLTOFF Smith said.

“It was a pretty new team – a lot of us hadn’t sailed on big boats before – but we did pretty well, com-ing eighth out of about 40 teams.

“Some of the races we felt like we’d done really well, some less so, but it did feel pretty good when we crossed a finish line and knew that for a new team, we’d done quite well.”

The Regatta included profes-sional teams like Ocean Respect Racing, who also compete in off-shore events.

PLTOFF Smith said it was a great opportunity to gain tips and tricks from the more experienced sailors.

“It was interesting to see how they do things and learn from them, especially how they work as a team,” she said.

“They’ve fine-tuned everything on their boat to make sure it goes as fast as it can, which was really impressive to watch.

“It would be pretty exciting to be selected for next year’s Regatta. It was really nice to be out on the water in Melbourne and have some fun.”

For more information on the Sailing Association or to join, email adfsa.committee@defence.gov.au

SP RTJune 27, 2019

Competition too strong in rugby league grand finals

FIGHTING SPIRIT

Page 23

Vice-captain LACW Meg Ward playing in the Women’s National Championships, Gold Coast.Photo: Jason O’Brien