SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE

NEWSNAVYThe official newspaper of the Royal Australian Navy

Volume 58, No. 15, August 13, 2015

Centre

Workhorse of the Fleet pays off after 34 years of proud service

The ship’s company of HMAS Tobruk leaves the ship during the decommissioning ceremony at Fleet Base East. Photo: ABIS Chantell Brown

FAITHFUL AND STRONG

HMAS Anzac in Seychelles – Pages 5-6CDF talks about PTSD – Page 2

2 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS August 13, 2015

Director David Edlington: (02) 6265 4650

Editor Sharon Palmer: (02) 6266 7612

Deputy Editor Michael Brooke: (02) 6265 3119

Reporters

WO2 Andrew Hetherington: (02) 6266 7614 SGT Dave Morley: (02) 6266 7613 LSIS Jayson Tufrey: (02) 6266 7606 CPL Mark Doran: (02) 6265 1304 CPL Aaron Curran: (02) 6265 1355

CONTACT USEmail: navynews@defencenews.gov.auFax: (02) 6265 6690Mail: The Editor, R8-LG-038,

PO Box 7909, Department of Defence, ACT 2600

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SGT Dave Morley

WHILE there has been improvement in understanding, treatment and sup-port of personnel with mental health disorders as a result of their service in recent decades, CDF ACM Mark Binskin says there is still a long way to go.

ACM Binskin delivered the fifth Order of Australia Association ADF Oration at Russell Offices in Canberra on July 20.

In his speech, entitled ‘Military men-tal health: from shellshock to PTSD and beyond’, he spoke about the incidence of PTSD among personnel and the ADF’s determination to tackle the issue.

For much of the past century, mental health professionals have struggled to understand the complex consequences of military service on the human psyche.

“Everyone who goes to war is changed by the experience,” ACM Binskin said.

“Extreme fatigue and stress, com-bined with sustained attack or threat, can have a dramatic effect on a person’s mental health and overall wellbeing.

“These stressors are not just confined to land battles or even combat.

“They apply equally to air and mari-time operations, as well as non-warlike operations, where exposure to the dev-astating effects of natural disaster or human suffering can be equally onerous for military personnel.”

ACM Binskin said historically com-manders had faced a dilemma – preserve manpower or preserve the man.

“That is the tension between the need to maintain a fighting force and the desire to look after an individual’s wel-fare,” he said.

“In the immediate thrust of battle and under attack, the unit’s collective ability to fight off the enemy and defend itself will likely override any one indi-vidual’s needs.

“But in a long game, the individual soldier, sailor, airman or airwoman’s welfare must come first.

“This hasn’t always been the case, particularly during WWI when shell-shocked soldiers who succumbed to their psychological distress were brand-ed as weak and cowardly.”

By the time Australian troops entered Vietnam alongside the US, our previous

‘From shellshock to PTSD’

war-time experiences had informed a more strategic approach to counter the stress and trauma of war.

“From the beginning, the US deployed trained psych officers with each battalion and, based on their WWII experience, soldiers were restricted to a 12-month tour with periods of rest and recreation scheduled into the deploy-ment,” ACM Binskin said.

“Australia did the same and these preventative measures resulted in fewer reported incidences of combat stress during the conflict.”

However, the post-war experience told a different story.

“By the early ’70s, opposition to the war had grown with the rising number of conscripts being deployed and killed,” ACM Binskin said.

“The anti-war sentiment in Australia at the time meant our Vietnam veterans were predominantly reviled, rather than celebrated as their forebears had been.

“They returned to an often hostile reception from anti-Vietnam activists who spat at and abused the veterans, branding them baby-killers and murder-ers for simply doing what their country, and their government, had asked of them.

“As a nation, we should be ashamed at how our Vietnam veterans were treated and the stigma they were forced to endure.

“We took too long to recognise the enduring effect the conflict had on those who were sent to fight.”

ACM Binskin said it was of critical importance to ensure the ADF provided first-class mental health care for every person who served under his command.

“I, the VCDF and the three service chiefs, have a duty to provide the best possible mental health treatment and support programs available,” he said.

“We also have a responsibility to continue our research while implement-ing the lessons learned from previous conflicts and operations.

“Our operations in Cambodia, Somalia and Bougainville during the ’90s were the catalyst in 1998 to intro-duce standardised mental health screen-ing for every person after every deploy-ment, including humanitarian and disas-ter relief missions or training incidents and later border protection operations.

“Our experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan are the driver behind our determination to more fully understand

all factors that impact on the mental health of our people.”

In the past six years, Defence has invested an additional $146 million to enhance mental health care services.

“We have almost doubled the num-ber of mental health positions in our workforce,” he said.

“Additionally, we have taken steps to strengthen our resilience training to help people cope better with the unique risks of military service and we are lead-ing the way with world-class research to help us understand the nature and rate of mental health conditions among our military population.

“We also know that a mental health condition may result from a single incident or develop with cumulative exposure to multiple events over time and, regardless of its nature, the effects of such exposure may be immediate or may take years to manifest.”

He is acutely aware one of the major barriers preventing people from seeking treatment is the misbelief a diagnosis of a mental health disorder such as PTSD will mean the end of their ADF career.

“Unfortunately, the problem is the longer someone hides their symptoms

and avoids treatment, the greater the risk for this to occur,” he said.

“We are gradually seeing examples where people who have undertaken rehabilitation are returning to work in the ADF.

“From July 2013 to June 2014, 813 people undertook the ADF Rehabilitation Program after being diag-nosed with a mental health condition such as depression or anxiety disorders, including PTSD.

“Yet the perception of weakness and shame associated with asking for help remains the greatest barrier preventing access to care and treatment for mental health issues, not just in the ADF, but in the Australian community at large – there is no shame in seeking help.”

ACM Binskin said there had never been a time in the ADF’s history when so much energy and so many resources had been invested into understanding and improving the mental health and welfare of its people.

“All of this is not to say the job is done, far from it, there will always be more we can do and we should continue to strive for improvement,” he said.

IF YOU or someone you know needs help, the following mental health support is available.

Defence members can access their on-base health facility or after hours call 1800 IM SICK (1800 467 425)

Defence members and their families can contact the all-hour support line on 1800 628 036 (available 24 hours a day)

Defence family members can call the national 24-hour Defence Family Helpline (1800 624 608) for advice about the range of supports and programs available for families and children of Defence members.

ON AUGUST 4 Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced the government’s long-term plan for a strong and sustainable naval shipbuilding industry.

Over the next 20 years the government will invest more than $89 billion in ships and subma-rines for the Navy and implement a continuous build of surface war-ships with Australia’s shipbuild-ing workforce to build Navy’s future frigates and patrol vessels.

This strategy will transform Australia’s naval shipbuilding industry and put it onto a sus-tainable long-term path, giving

the workforce certainty into the future.

The government announced it would:

• bring forward the future frig-ate program to replace the Anzac-class frigates. The future frigates will be built in South Australia based on a competitive evaluation pro-cess (CEP) which will begin in October.

• bring forward construction of offshore patrol vessels to replace the Armidale-class patrol boats by two years, with a continuous onshore build

starting in 2018 after a CEP.

Overseen by an independ-ent panel of experts, the CEP will ensure that capability, cost, schedule, and key strategic considerations – along with Australian industry involvement – are carefully and methodically considered by the Department of Defence.

There will be more subma-rines and more submarine-relat-ed jobs in Australia.

By the end of October the government said substantial additional shipbuilding manage-ment expertise would be inserted

into the AWD program and an additional $1.2 billion would be invested in the program budget.

The Government will also undertake further reform of ASC to ensure Australian shipbuild-ing is best structured to support a continuous build program and future naval projects are deliv-ered on time and on budget.

To this end, the Government has commissioned a review of ASC’s shipbuilding capacity.

The Government’s invest-ment in Navy capability will be a centrepiece of the Defence White Paper to be released later this year.

Government announces shipbuilding plan

NUSHIP Hobart in the ASC shipyard in Adelaide. The government has announced a review of the AWD program. Photo: CPL Nicci Freeman

WHERE TO GO FOR HELP‘‘The perception of

weakness and shame associated with asking

for help remains the greatest barrier preventing access to

care and treatment for mental health issues, not just in the ADF,

but in the Australian community at large – there is no shame in

seeking help.– CDF ACM Mark Binskin

To find out more about Merici Collegesee our website at www.merici.act.edu.auor contact the Enrolment Officer Ms Trish Ryan on (02) 6243 4102 or by email: patricia.ryan@merici.act.edu.au

3NEWSAugust 13, 2015 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

LEUT Daryl Wagstaff, LEUT Todd Austin and Natalie Staples

NAVY personnel took a stand against domestic violence by marking White Ribbon’s Night In on July 31.

The replenishment at sea control room on board HMAS Sirius was set up as a temporary movie theatre com-plete with white ribbons hanging from the ceiling.

An admission fee was charged to watch the screening of the movie Hot Rod with proceeds going to the foundation.

Before screening the movie, LSPT Jessica Clarke read a prepared state-ment to those gathered about the his-tory of the White Ribbon Organisation and also some confronting statistics highlighting the seriousness of the issue within Australia. This was repeated the following morning to the entire ship’s company.

“It blew me away – how serious the issue is, and the fact most cases are unreported is even more concerning,” she said.

CO Sirius CMDR Darren Grogan said he was proud of the fundraising efforts of the crew.

“The RAN is proud to be one of the largest organisations in Australia to support White Ribbon,” he said.

“The foundation aligns closely with our values and signature behaviours and it was our pleasure to do our lit-tle bit to support such a worthwhile cause.”

In Sydney, the partners of men serving at Fleet Headquarters were invited as guests of honour to a White Ribbon morning tea, held at HMAS Kuttabul on July 30.

CMDR Robert Wilson, whose wife Tara attended the event, said the morn-ing tea was a tangible sign of Navy’s commitment to the issue.

“I am among a number of men here today saying I will not tolerate and I

will speak up against violence against women.

“This morning tea illustrates that men working at Fleet Headquarters feel strongly about this.

“Violence is a sad reality for many women; it impacts far too many peo-ple, from all walks of life.

“By gathering here, we dem-onstrate our commitment to White Ribbon and what it represents – together we say violence against women is never alright.”

As one of the partners invited to the event, Tara says she was proud to see Navy placing such importance on the issue.

“Sadly, too many families and rela-tionships suffer from what is a largely hidden issue,” she said.

“It was terrific to be invited to this morning tea and to see how committed Rob and other men working in Navy are about this issue.”

HMAS Stirling personnel partici-pated in sporting and social activities

to support fundraising for the White Ribbon Organisation on July 31.

Navy personnel participated in a uniform-free day with a gold coin donation and a soccer match was held on the main Stirling Sports Oval which was followed by a lunch by donation also.

CO HMAS Stirling CAPT Angela Bond said the Navy community was committed to raising awareness about domestic violence.

“The activities conducted today not only allow us to raise funds for White Ribbon and promote the awareness of what the initiative is all about, but it’s also an opportunity for Navy person-nel to come together as a community and enjoy a great social event,” CAPT Bond said.

The soccer game was battled out between a combined Fleet and a com-bined Stirling team, with the eventual winners being the combined Stirling team, 2-0.

White Ribbon Ambassador LEUT

Pat Crosbie said that the support received during the day had been fan-tastic.

“It’s been an amazing team effort. Not only through sporting activities, but also through conducting Divisional meetings and selling White Ribbon merchandise in their individual units; we are creating awareness that vio-lence in any relationship is unaccep-table.”

The RAN was one of the first accredited White Ribbon workplaces and maintains a constant commitment to the intent of the White Ribbon.

White Ribbon Australia observes the International Day of the Elimination of Violence against Women, also known as White Ribbon Day, annually on November 25.

For further information visit the White Ribbon Organisation website www.whiteribbon.org.au

Saying no to violence

Perth welcomed homeLCDR Rob Roscoe

FAMILY and friends gathered at Fleet Base West to welcome home HMAS Perth after a busy three-month deployment to South-east Asia.

The deployment covered a wide range of regional engagement and defence diplomacy duties, including visits to Singapore, Thailand and Cambodia, as well as participating in a number of maritime exercises with international partners.

Despite the cold of an early win-ter morning in Western Australia, CO HMAS Perth CAPT Ivan Ingham said the reception was warm and cheerful as Perth’s ship’s company disembarked to greet their loved ones.

“After a busy and varied three months, which have been both pro-

fessionally and personally rewarding for the ship’s company, it was great to be back with many of those who have provided us with tremendous support while we were away,” CAPT Ingham said.

“We received universal praise from the countries we visited, and the navies we operated with, for the professional way Perth conducted its business. While in turn, we learned much from working closely with our regional neighbours and enjoyed the opportunities of experiencing their rich and diverse cultures.”

Perth’s return home provides the Navy with another first in the anti-ship missile defence (ASMD) upgrade program.

All four ASMD upgraded Anzac-class frigates were alongside FBW this week; the three WA-based ASMD frigates, HMA Ships Perth, Arunta and Warramunga, was joined

by Anzac, which is en route to Sydney after a busy Northern Trident deployment.

“To see four upgraded Anzacs together for the first time and marks a real milestone with half the class now completed,” CAPT Ingham said.

“Having been involved in the ASMD program from the start, I am acutely aware of the huge amount of work and challenges the Anzac com-munity have overcome to upgrade these ships and ensure they will be capable of meeting future emerging threats.”

Thoughts of the future though were put to the side and the focus was solely on the moment when the ship’s company left the wharf with their loved ones to enjoy some quality time following a successful deployment.

Perth will soon enter an extended maintenance period before returning to the sea in early 2016.

HMAS Melville supported White Ribbon’s Night In.

Below, personnel from HMAS Toowoomba set

tables for a mess dinner to raise funds and awareness

for the White Ribbon campaign at HMAS

Stirling. Below photo: LSIS Lee-Anne Mack

LEUT Timothy Gill and AB Keelan Michelsons support White Ribbon during a morning tea

at HMAS Kuttabul.Photo: ABIS Kayla Hayes

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4 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS August 13, 2015

LSIS Jayson Tufrey

WITH Legacy Week starting at the end of this month, it’s time to dig deep and support a charity that helps so many Australians in need.

As one of Australia’s most iconic charities, Legacy grew out of the ashes of the Great War and still supports around 90,000 families of Defence personnel who have given their lives or their health for their country.

Legacy provides services to Australian families suffering finan-cially and socially after the incapaci-tation or death of a spouse or parent, during or after their defence force service.

They care for about 90,000 wid-ows and 1900 children and disabled dependants throughout Australia.

Nowra-based legatee and badge coordinator John Creasey said he was eagerly anticipating breaking the amount in donations Legacy received last year, with some assistance from HMAS Albatross.

“In 2014 we made more than $25,000, which is a record for the 10 years I have been with Legacy,” he said.

“We are selling badges, pens and bears at all the supermarkets in Nowra over the week and we are expecting the Navy and Parachute Training School to provide about 30 personnel to assist in selling these items – the military uniforms defi-nitely sell the badges.

“As a former RAN officer I believe Legacy is a worthwhile cause in that it raises funds for the people who really need it and I get a lot of personal satisfaction from being able to help.”

Mr Creasey visits up to 27 widows every month, as well as volunteering his time at St John’s Ambulance and the University of Wollongong Graduate School of Medicine, where he teaches the stu-dents communication skills.

Albatross SWO Sharon Campbell said she was looking forward to sup-porting Legacy again this year.

“We will be supplying sailors and officers to fill about 70 timeslots, either out in the community selling badges or on board here escorting torch-bearers,” she said.

“The guys from Legacy always say their sales are greatly enhanced by the presence of a uniformed member, in fact they say they

Sailors leave a legacy

feel invisible when working with Defence members as the public gravitate to the uniform.

“We have little trouble filling our commitment here as the troops are always keen to get out into the com-munity for engagements such as this.

If I need to call for more volunteers I will invariably get a sailor who wants to ‘go around the buoy’.”

WO Campbell said a lot of the younger sailors didn’t know much about Legacy until they participated in an event like this.

“They have a greater appreciation and understanding for what the char-ity does, so this time of year is mutu-ally beneficial for all,” she said.

“Legacy is relevant in the 21st century, too, it is not just for WWI and WWII widows – Legacy is for

all the families who are left behind and unfortunately in this day and age we are still losing people.

“At a torch-bearers lunch recently I was told of the attendance of the first same-sex partner who lost his partner overseas – he fitted in with the other widows and, only being in his 30s, was proof that this sort of thing can unfortunately happen at any age.”

CPO Ken O’Connor said HMAS Watson was looking forward to doing their bit for Legacy

“We will have a sales pavilion set up at Bondi Junction Plaza dur-ing Legacy week, which is a first for Watson,” he said.

“XO CMDR Jan Noonan will attend during the week, as will the mayor of Waverly, Sally Betts.”

CPO Toni Ralph said HMAS Stirling had raised more than $150,000 for Legacy over the last three years.

“We had 60 personnel collect $30,000 on the Anzac Day street appeal alone,” she said.

“During the Sydney II memorial AFL match our collectors raised more than $11,000.

“It was incredibly moving to have legatees actually come up to the guys and thank them for what they were doing and expressing how important Legacy was for them.”

HMAS Harman will be assisting in the sales of Legacy merchandise in the Queanbeyan area again this year.

LS Ryan Eatt said the base would also host a golf day at Fairbairn Golf Course on September 11.

“It will be a four-ball Ambrose competition with 18 teams of four members, and funds raised will go directly to support Legacy,” he said.

“Look out for an admin instruc-tion closer to the date.”

Australia has lost more than 100,000 servicemen and women in all conflicts with many more badly wounded, both mentally and physi-cally. In WWI alone about 60,000 servicemen and women were killed with another 60,000 losing their lives in the following 10 years as a result of their service.

Australians will have the chance to show their support for these special families by buying a badge during Legacy Week from August 30 to September 5.

West Coast Eagles supporters Stephanie Taskunas and her daughter Hannah with ABET Jack Clifton and LS Mitchell Ashley as they collect for Legacy outside Domain Stadium before HMAS Sydney II AFL match. Photo: ABIS Chris Beerens

Keeping things movingLEUT Lana Emery

LOGISTICIANS such as ABML-SC Hayden Eyles are an integral part of a ship’s company.

Not only do they ensure ships have adequate medical supplies and clothing, they are responsible for managing emergency engine parts.

AB Eyles joined the Navy full-time after loving the gap year pro-gram and is now part of the logistics department aboard HMAS Choules.

“Knowing that each day I play an important role in keeping the ship running is rewarding,” he said.

Among his most memorable experiences in the Navy was partici-pating in Operation Render Safe in Bougainville, where the ship sup-ported explosive ordinance disposal teams removing remnants left from WWII.

During the operation, more than 100 sites containing 160,000kg of explosives were cleared.

For AB Eyles, helping the locals was the highlight of the operation.

“Going ashore and meeting the

locals in Bougainville was a great experience, especially witnessing their gratitude and listening to their stories,” he said.

Based in Sydney, AB Eyles has renewed a passion for hockey, which has led him to represent the ADF on several occasions.

“Playing against the New Zealand Navy team was great, including being lead goal scorer with a total of 14 goals during the tournament,” he said.

“During my career I’ve also had the opportunity to represent the Navy in cricket, touch football and rugby during competitions and international friendlies.”

AB Eyles recently returned from Exercise Talisman Sabre and, after a busy period at sea, is looking forward to spending time with his family.

ABML-SC Hayden Eyles aboard HMAS Choules. Photo: ABIS Kayla Hayes

5NEWSAugust 13, 2015 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

Wheelie good rugby match

Sailor lives on in Canberra shield

LCDR Darren Mallett

IT WAS a big bash of a different kind as the sound of custom-made wheelchairs colliding at speed ech-oed in HMAS Canberra’s hangar deck on July 22.

The evening was in support of Disability Sports Australia and Wheelchair Rugby, with Canberra providing a unique venue for a cel-ebration of the first quarter century of national wheelchair rugby com-petition in Australia.

On a specially installed wooden playing surface, wheelchair rugby players, including several Paralympians, demonstrated their skills by playing a no-holds-barred game in front of a raucous crowd.

It was a spectacle to remember for the almost 300 invited guests who represented the elite in sport, business and the community.

Parliamentarians, industry heavyweights, sponsors and the disabled athletic community were treated to a taste of Navy with

guided tours of the ship before witnessing a sunset ceremony, and then it was down to the other reason people were excited to visit Navy’s largest ship.

For those who had never wit-nessed wheelchair rugby, it was an exciting introduction to a sport played by competitors who literally throw themselves into the game.

The main demonstration game was staged between the GIO NSW Gladiators and a Legends team comprised of players from around Australia.

Several Paralympians took part, including Ryley Batt, Chris Bond, Nazim Erdem and Jason Lees.

Three-time Paralympian Ryley Batt echoed the sentiments of the other elite players when he said it had been a night to remember for the entire wheelchair rugby com-munity.

“I’d really like the Australian public to check out a game of wheelchair rugby, I’m sure they’d love it,” he said.

“We do, we love the physicality

and the hits and the camaraderie.“It’s not very often you get to

play on a Navy ship, let alone the largest ship in the Fleet.

“It’s been an amazing experience and something I will remember for the rest of my life.”

Former Wallaby, Nathan Sharpe, Welsh rugby league player, Ben Evans and Navy personnel, includ-ing CAPT Smith and Director General Navy Health CDRE Liz Rushbrook, took to the wheelchairs for the celebrity game and promptly discovered wheelchair rugby was not for the faint-hearted.

Matt Kayrooz, of GIO, said wheelchair rugby was much harder than it looked.

“The guys are fantastic, they’re role models. People who have pretty bad accidents or disabilities can see that it’s still possible to play for their state, even their country,” he said.

“It’s fitting to see rugby, whether it’s played on a field or from a wheelchair. It is one of Australia’s premier sports.”

LSIS Helen Frank

WHILE Athol Ewington’s service in HMAS Canberra (I) ended nearly 73 years ago when Canberra was lost in the Battle of Savo Island, his name will now live on in Canberra (III).

Mr Ewington joined the Navy in August 1941 and was seriously wounded on August 9, 1942 while manning the for-ward four-inch gun on Canberra (I). He continued his naval service until February 1946.

The Naval Association of Australia (NAA), Launceston South sub-section recently presented a shield bearing Mr Ewington’s name to the CO HMAS Canberra (III).

Mr Ewington was one of the last sur-vivors of the sinking and was invited to the commissioning of Canberra (III), but died just days before. His funeral was on the same day and time as the commis-sioning, November 28, 2014.

LCDR Stephen Hurd and fellow mem-bers of the NAA sub-section travelled to Sydney with some friends and family of Mr Ewington’s to deliver the shield.

“I only had the pleasure of knowing Athol in the last few years of his life, however he was held in very high regard by all those who knew him,” LCDR Hurd said.

“It was a great honour to present the shield; Athol was an esteemed life mem-ber of our sub section and I am sure he would have been humbled to have his name connected with Canberra in this way.”

The shield was created when the NAA sub-section wanted to com-memorate Mr Ewington’s service in a manner associated with his ship. It is made out of Tasmanian Huon pine by a sub-section member, putting to use the skills he acquired when he served as a shipwright.

The concept of the commemora-tive shield was proposed to CN VADM Tim Barrett and it was agreed the Athol Ewington Shield would become the tro-phy for Canberra’s annual interdepart-mental sports competition.

Canberra’s’s POPT Nathan Adamson said he was looking forward to the day the shield would be presented for the first time.

“Athol Ewington dedicated his life to the Navy, to have his name kept alive on board for interdepartmental sporting excellence is an immense honour for myself as the PTI on board,” he said.

“Keeping Canberra’s traditions alive from previous ships of her name is fan-tastic for the ship’s company as there are opportunities to meet some and hear of the influential people who contributed to this great name in the past.”

Mr Ewington’s long-term companion Marie Brearley, his daughter and grand-daughter Wendy and Emma Lacey, also attended the presentation of the shield on June 23 which followed a service at the Garden Island Naval Chapel days before. At this service, memorial plaques were dedicated to Mr Ewington and several others in the Chapel of Remembrance.

LCDR Stephen Hurd, of the Naval Association of Australia’s Launceston South sub-section, presents CO HMAS Canberra CAPT Chris Smith with the Athol Ewington Shield. Photo: LSIS Helen Frank

LEUT Gemma Casserly, of HMAS Canberra, passes the ball.

WO Geoffrey Stokes, of Navy Health Services,

races CO HMAS Canberra CAPT Chris Smith to the

goal square on board HMAS Canberra during

Disability Sports Australia’s 25th Anniversary of Wheelchair Rugby.Photo: LSIS Helen Frank

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6 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS August 13, 2015

LEUT Dylan Pearse

THE crew of HMAS Newcastle donned their whites in a spectacular setting for Seychelles National Day celebrations on June 29.

Thirty officers and sailors from Newcastle marched alongside rep-resentatives from the Indian Navy and Seychelles People’s Defence Force in a parade to mark 39 years of independence.

LEUT Ethan Wiseman, a Maritime Warfare Officer on board Newcastle, said the RAN had forged a strong friendship through

the shared interest of maritime security in the region.

“It was a real honour being the first Australian representatives supporting these celebrations,” LEUT Wiseman said.

“The parade was held at Unity Stadium with a brief address from the Republic of Seychelles President James Michelle.”

While in the Seychelles a contingent of Newcastle’s ship’s company took time out to repaint a school house at a children’s home.

CO Newcastle CMDR Dominic MacNamara said it was a reward-

ing experience after a busy period of maritime operations.

“We were pleased to be able to contribute to the community of this beautiful island and strengthen the ties between our two countries,” CMDR MacNamara said.

Paint brushes were provided by Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the 25-member working party from Newcastle, under the expert over-sight of CPOMT Graeme Louk, restored the school house.

“It was really pleasing to see how many of the crew volunteered

to work at the orphanage,” CPO Louk said.

“We actually had more workers than we needed. Everyone put in a great effort and the result was terrific.”

The President’s Village is dedicated to providing a special family environment to orphans and children whose parents are faced with socio-economic difficulties. It’s home to 52 children ranging in age from six months to 16 years.

During the port visit, members of the ship’s company was also challenged to a friendly soc-

cer match against the People’s Defence Force.

Newcastle’s leading all rounder ABET Scott Hatfield said despite the team’s superb efforts, his hopes for victory were unfortunate-ly dashed in the second half as the Seychelles stepped up a gear and finished with a 7-1 victory.

“Things were looking pretty close at half time with the Seychelles team only ahead by one goal,” ABET Hatfield said.

“But in the second half they just blitzed us.”

Seychelles by sea shore

Personnel from HMAS Newcastle march past the VIP stand for the festivities of Seychelles National Day and (inset) help paint a schoolhouse. Photos: LSIS Brenton Freind

WHILE HMAS Newcastle’s board-ing party moves through a dhow checking for threats, ABMT Bryce Raymond clambers below deck checking the vessel’s engine.

“We’re there to assess the seawor-thiness of the vessel and make sure it’s safe for the boarding team,” AB Raymond said.

“We’re also there if the engine malfunctions or springs a leak, we can do those repairs.

“If we board and find a problem with the engines we can also fix them.”

Marine technicians like AB Raymond are part of each boarding

party, assessing the condition of each dhow they board.

“The engines are surprisingly pretty good,” he said.

“They might have a few small leaks here and there but they’re not too bad overall.

“They generally have to be in good condition because the dhows have got a long way to travel.”

Once AB Raymond is happy with a dhow’s engine he’ll move on and help check other areas of the vessel.

“It would be a bit of a kick and provide some good job satisfaction if I was on a boarding party that found something.”

DURING May and June as part of her Combined Maritime Forces patrol in the Middle East region the ship’s com-

pany of HMAS Newcastle discovered more than 1305kg of narcotics during two boardings.

Nearing the end of her deployment, Newcastle has now completed five suc-cessful seizures since starting patrols, keeping boarding parties busy digging around in the hulls of shipping craft where dirty water wasn’t the only thing they discovered.

On May 12 a boarding party from Newcastle seized about 200kg of heroin stashed below decks after the suspect vessel was spotted from the bridge ear-lier in the day.

LEUT Gideon Watson was the boarding officer in charge of the team who went aboard the vessel and con-ducted a full search.

It was during a check of the dhow’s bilge, the boarding party found some-thing unusual.

“The first thing we found was a bag that was not meant to be in the bilges at all,” LEUT Watson said.

“We pulled that bag out and behind it we found 16 others.

“With the first one out we found smaller bags inside it that contained a white substance that was found to be heroin.”

The crew took all 17 bags of hero-in out of the bilge and started making plans to move it back to the ship.

BEFORE the boarding officer takes charge on a dhow, sailors on ‘bridge sweep and security’ make sure the boat is secure for the rest of the team.

ABML-SC Peter Craig said initial checks of key areas were made for safety such as the bridge or wheel-house.

“We make sure there are no sharps or weapons and once it’s secure, we’ll hand it over to the boarding officer,” AB Craig said.

“We’ll also check the crew is secured into one area.”

ABCSO Miranda Walker, also on ‘bridge sweep and security’ duties said the boarding party would then move on to checking credentials of the crew and vessel.

“Also if they need food or they’re unwell we’ll definitely help where we can,” AB Walker said.

“We haven’t had any requests for medical support at the moment but if we need to deal with that we can.”

Simply getting onto a dhow could be the trickiest part of a boarding, according to AB Craig.

“Trying to get on and off dhows in rough weather is extremely challeng-ing especially when it’s getting dark and it’s hard to see the boarding lad-der,” he said.

7NEWSAugust 13, 2015 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

CPL Max Bree takes a look at the work of boarding parties on board HMAS Newcastle during her Operation Manitou deployment.

Action stations

“We informed the master we were seizing the illicit cargo we found and we then transferred it back to Newcastle,” LEUT Watson said.

ABCSO Miranda Walker was part of the bridge sweep security that made sure the wheelhouse of the dhow was secure for the boarding officer.

“Once all the sweeps were done we got clearance to conduct a search, checking the boat from top to bottom,” she said.

“When I heard we found some-

thing it made me feel pretty good – we came over here to do a job and we succeeded.”

At the time, Newcastle was operating as part of Operation Webb Ellis under command of Combined Task Force 150.

“Having never done boardings before this deployment and on my sec-ond boarding, getting a haul of more than 200kg was an incredible feel-ing for myself and the team,” LEUT Watson said.

In the engine room

Sweeping the bridge

“Apart from that crews are pretty friendly, they’ll do what you ask them to and they’re pretty willing to answer questions.”

AB Walker said she was getting to do what she’d always dreamed of.

“I joined the Navy to get out and do boardings – now I’m doing it so I’m really happy,” she said.

“Being away from family is chal-lenging but when you go on a board-ing and the team finds something, that makes it worthwhile.”

HMAS Newcastle launches her sea boat.

Photo: LSIS Brenton Freind

ABCSO Miranda Walker, puts on equipment she uses during her duties as part of HMAS Newcastle’s boarding party. Photo: CPL Max Bree

ABMT Bryce Raymond checks machinery aboard HMAS Newcastle. Photo: CPL Max Bree

ABML-SC Peter Craig is a member of the boarding team.

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9NEWSAugust 13, 2015 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

Experience of a lifetime for doctor

World first for West HeadSBLT Katherine Mulheron

LOCATED in Flinders, Victoria, West Head Gunnery Range (WHGR) was the scene of a world-first on June 26 when the 76mm medium-calibre gun integrated with a SAAB Mk3e Combat Management System and CEA CEAFAR phased array radar, was fired.

In other words, a really big gun was fired which made an impressive sound and looked spectacular.

What’s just as impressive, however, is what it took to make it happen when you consider the people, the training and the equipment involved.

As part of replacing the obsolescent M22 Gunnery Fire Control System, SAAB, BAE, CEA, Anzac System Program Office and West Head staff collaborated on the design and installa-tion of a new medium-calibre training system for the RAN.

OIC WHGR LCDR Peter Arnold said Navy continued to advance its capabilities on many levels and was ensuring the equipment and training it provided its people were the best avail-able to meet their mission.

“As our ships become more sophis-ticated and capable, such as the new AWDs and LHDs, we need to adjust our training to ensure we maximise the capability of both crew and ship,” LCDR Arnold said.

“The Combat Management System created to support the training and firing of the 76mm gun enables us to provide realistic firing practices

in a safe and controlled environment.” The training system comprises four

commercial off-the-shelf consoles, lat-est combat management software, and single-face phased-array radar that all integrate to operate the 76mm gun.

This combination is a world first and after a successful Maritime Armament Review Board, chaired by

CAPT William Martin, the system was authorised for live-firing certification trials.

Trials involved a series of firings against a computer-generated target to prove system integration and culmi-nated in a shoot against a real target towed by a Defence Maritime Service support vessel.

Firing at a range of 12km, the new system proved accurate and reliable.

Head Maritime Warfare-South CMDR David Goble said the success-ful trials would lead to the next phase, where the new system and training would, from September this year, sup-port Principal Warfare Officer and Fire Control Officer training.

“Introduction of this new train-ing system marks a big stride into the future for WHGR and brings a closer link with Fleet units utilising common equipment suites,” CMDR Goble said.

WHGR has been used by the RAN since 1959 as Navy’s live-fire gunnery training facility for close range and medium-calibre gunnery.

Weapons Electrical Engineering Officer

LCDR Jacqueline Dew, also pictured right, and CPOET

Dean Blanchard in the operations room of

West Head Gunnery Range during a test

firing of the 76mm gun. Photos: LSIS Dove Smithett

LEUT Tenille Chapman has been a Navy doctor for little more than a year but she has already had the experience of a lifetime as part of the staff crew in Australia’s national sail training ship Young Endeavour.

LEUT Chapman completed her time in the ship during its world voyage ear-lier this year after spending four months on board.

The 44m brigantine-rigged tall ship sailed to New Zealand, across the Pacific and Southern Oceans, around Cape Horn and up the coast of South America, across the Atlantic and through the Mediterranean.

The RAN crew, along with three voyage crews of 24 youth from Australia and New Zealand, visited ports in Argentina, Brazil, Cape Verde Islands and Spain and sailed passages through the Messina Strait in Italy and the Corinth Canal in Greece.

The highlight for LEUT Chapman was the ship’s participation in the Centenary of Anzac commemorations at the Gallipoli Peninsula.

“Many of the voyagers have per-sonal connections to Anzac and having the opportunity to experience where it all began, I think, for many remains intangible. As an RAN officer this is particularly poignant for me,” she said.

The posting to Young Endeavour was an opportunity for LEUT Chapman to step out of her comfort zone.

Although embarked as the Medical Officer, she assumed the role of Watch Leader for Youth Crew watches throughout the voyage.

“I spent 8-12 hours plus per day with my watch explaining the ins and outs of sail handling, rope work, navigation and seamanship, hourly rounds and keep-ing lookouts, climbing the mast to cast loose gaskets or sea furl or just watch the sunset together,” she said.

“One thing my experience on Young Endeavour taught me is that life is all about challenges. I went from never

having set foot on a tall ship before, to becoming proficient in teaching others how to sail her.”

LEUT Chapman is now preparing for her next role as HMAS Melbourne’s Medical Officer for the upcoming sev-en-month Operation Manitou deploy-ment.

“Life is never dull as a Navy doctor. I encourage anybody thinking of join-ing to consider the experiences I’ve had so far. I have the best job in the world,” she said.

After departing Southampton in the UK on July 21, Young Endeavour is scheduled to arrive in Amsterdam on August 21.

More information on the voyage can be found at www.youngendeavour.gov.au

LEUT Tenille Chapman on board STS Young Endeavour on the 2015 World Voyage.

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11NEWSAugust 13, 2015 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

LEUT Eleanor Snelling

HMAS Arunta and Ocean Reef Primary School in Western Australia have a lot in common.

They are both home ported in WA, they both run like a well-oiled ship and the students and crew like a challenge.

Arunta developed a relationship with the school last year after stu-dents of the school visited the ship and were given a tour.

The students wrote a letter of thanks back to the ship, which included a small booklet explaining how Ocean Reef Primary School operated like a ship, running rou-tines and classes like a school but with a naval theme.

To further this association and do something positive for the stu-dents, Principal Christopher Smith approached the crew of Arunta to see if they would like to participate in their Book Week from August 25-28.

As a part of Book Week, the school is conducting an extreme reading challenge which includes taking pictures of students reading in extreme places.

While deployed during Talisman Sabre, Arunta took the opportunity to take some photos while crew members conducted some ‘extreme reading’ of their own.

These photos will be provided to the school for the enjoyment of the children.

Additionally a small contingent

of the ship’s company will attend an afternoon at the school reading with the students.

XO Arunta LCDR Daniel Morris said it was a great way to assist the school’s initiative.

“To be able to help promote the extreme reading challenge is a great way for Arunta to support Ocean Reef Primary School,” he said

“It’s a fantastic scheme, being able to encourage the young stu-dents to pick up a book and read.”

The relationship between Arunta and Ocean Reef Primary School has continued to develop over the last 18 months with visits by members of the ship’s company to official school ceremonies such as gradua-tions and Anzac Day services.

Nominate for ARRTs program

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HMAS Arunta’s swimmer of the watch ABCIS Adam Lynch takes part in the extreme reading challenge.

Right. Aircrew of HMAS Arunta’s embarked Seahawk helicopter, LEUT Leigh George, left, and LEUT Gregory Payne get into the extreme reading challenge.

ABML–S Rowan Campbell and ABML–S Suphawadee Phondongnok serve dinner to LCDR Phillip Houen and Royal Navy LCDR Daniel Morris, while taking part in the extreme reading challenge to support the students of Ocean Reef Primary School. Photos: LSIS Bradley Darvill

PREPARATIONS are under way for the Arts for Recovery, Resilience, Teamwork and Skills (ARRTS) Program coming up in Canberra.

Head of the ARRTS Program BRIG Wayne Goodman said the trial pro-gram held in May at the University of Canberra proved to have significant rehabilitation benefits for the 18 ADF participants.

“Importantly, the program is designed with the flexibility to respond to abilities of participants, allowing them to work both as part of a team and indi-vidually,” BRIG Goodman said.

The program will again offer four streams – creative writing, music, drama and visual arts, and no previous experi-ence or training is required.

Knowing you’re not alone with your struggles is just one positive benefit identified early on.

POB Glen Hudson, of HMAS Waterhen, said there were many benefits.

“It was a leap of faith to do the pro-gram, but we were richly rewarded,” PO Hudson said.

“I mixed more socially than I nor-mally do.

“It really is the ideal setting, away from the military.”

Participants from the May pilot program remain in contact providing ongoing support to each other and giv-ing encouragement as they continue to explore external avenues for their new found skills and passions.

The program runs from October 31 to November 28 in Canberra with all costs covered by the ARRTS Program.

Find out more by emailing ADF.ARRTS@defence.gov.au or call 0419 549 383 or (02) 6265 5923. Applications close September 30.

LCPL Nixie Groth and SMNET John Gallagher work on their visual arts projects while participating in the Arts for Recovery, Resilience, Teamwork and Skills program. Photo: CPL Oliver Carter

12 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS August 13, 2015

Dallas McMaugh

PERSONNEL from 723SQN made a special delivery on July 18 when they flew four Victoria Cross recipients to a ‘Digger Day’ event in Nowra, NSW.

Now in it’s fourth year, Digger Day is run by Nowra RSL and pays tribute to all serving and ex-serving Defence personnel while raising funds for char-ity, Soldier On, which supports ser-vice people who have been wounded while serving overseas, and the RSL-sponsored charity, Defence Care.

CN VADM Tim Barrett attended the traditional rugby match between Shoals and Kiama, which was sup-ported by static and flying displays by Navy helicopters, and featured the largest gathering of Victoria Cross recipients in the southern hemisphere in more than 40 years.

Australian recipients Keith Payne VC and CPL Daniel Keighran VC were joined by New Zealand’s CPL Willie Apiata VC and Lance Sergeant Johnson Beharry VC from the UK. Doug Baird, father of CPL Cameron Baird VC, the last Australian soldier killed in Afghanistan, also attended.

Pilot LEUT Michael Skea said it was a tasking he would never forget.

“It was a true privilege to be able to spend the morning with such a dis-tinguished group of veterans and hear their amazing stories,” he said.

“I think they enjoyed it too, as they said it was a nice change to be in the back of a helicopter not covered in gear and without rounds whizzing past.”

Grey skies didn’t deter the crowd

VVIP delivery for squadron

of 3000 at Rugby Park to cheer their arrival.

AB Jody Levy, of HMAS Albatross, said it would have taken a lot more than the threat of rain to keep her away.

“As soon as I heard that there was going to be Victoria Cross recipients visiting the Shoalhaven, I knew I needed to be there with my family,” she said.

“Even though it was a cold and rainy day, the atmosphere was big.

“There were a lot of current and

ex-servicemen and women along with their families and there was a real sense that we were sharing something special.

“It really meant a lot to me to meet these men who are my heroes and to shake their hands.

“It’s an experience I’ll be remind-ing my daughter Summer about for many years to come.”

LS Jo Bullock, one of the volun-teers assisting the Navy Community Engagement Team, said it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience

“It was all a bit overwhelming really and the landing and departure of the MRH-90 and Iroquois heli-copters were a huge hit with the kids and adults alike – it was a spectacular sight,” she said.

“I also had the opportunity to meet and talk to several of the recipi-ents who were so down-to-earth and friendly.

“They went out of their way to get out into the crowd and chat with the public.

“When the Last Post was played

the whole area went absolutely silent and it was one of those moments that made me incredibly proud to be wear-ing the Navy uniform.

“It was such an honour to be there.”Digger Day coordinator and Nowra

RSL Secretary Rick Meehan said the turnout surpassed his most optimistic expectations.

“It was the largest event of my life and the fact that it all came together was the result of a lot of goodwill and hard work from a lot of people in this community,” he said.

“I certainly couldn’t have achieved this without the support of HMAS Albatross and the Parachute Training School.

“Soldier On and Defence Care are two charities which are close to my heart and we raised in excess of $35,000 which will help them continue their excellent work.

“It also meant a lot to me to have Chief of Navy attend and to hear his praise for the event.

“For me personally it was amazing and overwhelming to bring these men to the Shoalhaven.

“Their acts of valour are something that cannot even be written in a script.

“I wanted the public to witness and hear them speak and see them for who they really are – they are true ambas-sadors in their own right.

“An opportunity like this does not come around often, so I’m elated that I was able to share this experience with the Shoalhaven,” Mr Meehan said.

Victoria Cross recipients from Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom join with RAN officers and sailors of 723SQN at HMAS Albatross, Nowra, NSW. Photo: ABIS Sarah Williams

13NEWSAugust 13, 2015 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

Partners in the PacificLEUT Des Paroz

MAURITIUS turned on a warm wel-come for HMAS Anzac when she stopped in the island nation’s capital for a port visit last month. It was the last international port visit for Anzac on her Northern Trident deployment.

Approaching Port Louis Harbour, Anzac was escorted by the Mauritian Coast Guard ship CGV Barracuda, and as Anzac came alongside, further signs of Mauritian hospitality could be seen and heard, with the Police Band of Mauritius performing Waltzing Matilda to mark the first visit by an Australian warship in 14 years.

Waiting on the wharf was Australia’s High Commissioner in Mauritius Susan Coles.

“Anzac’s visit to Mauritius was an exciting opportunity to reinforce the strong partnerships being continually built between these two Indian Ocean nations,” Ms Coles said.

“The Indian Ocean is a vast global commons, playing a critical role in the environmental, economic and geopoliti-cal prosperity of the region.

“Mauritius is a leader in recognis-ing and promoting the role of the blue economy, and the roles Australia and Mauritius play in the region are vital.”

The visit was marked by a series of engagements at the senior governmental and grassroots levels, including official calls by CO CAPT Mal Wise on the President, Dr Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, and the Prime Minister Sir Anerood Jugnauth.

“It is clear that Mauritius values the partnership with Australia, with a num-ber of cooperative maritime safety and marine environment initiatives being held in high regard by both the presi-dent and the prime minister,” CAPT Wise said.

“We were honoured when Dr Gurib-Fakim attended our reception and spoke to the assembled Mauritian, Australian and international guests about the rela-tionship, and the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean. The Australian Navy

looks forward to continuing to build this relationship through fora like the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium.”

Another key area of cooperation involves raising the profile, and career prospects, of women serving in uniform, with the Australian High Commission and Australian Federal Agent Tina Westra having initiated the Women in Uniform Network in Mauritius, a group which brings together women serving in policing, the National Coast Guard, fire brigade, corrections and nursing.

Together with the Australian High Commission, Anzac hosted a Women in Uniform mentoring session, led by LCDR Amanda Frape and SWO Samantha Morgan.

LCDR Frape said, “some 18.9 per cent of the officers and sailors of the

RAN are women, with Anzac being a lit-tle higher at 21.7 per cent, with women in key roles at all levels of the ship”.

“The numbers are progressively increasing in Navy and the ADF as a whole.

“To share our experiences with female colleagues has been a great opportunity and it was amazing to hear that senior promotion opportunities have opened up to Mauritian women since the Women in Uniform Network was founded – it is certainly a testament to those that had the foresight to set the group up.”

Anzac’s Northern Trident deploy-ment has been marked by a series of commemorative services as part of the Centenary of Anzac.

In Mauritius the final such service

was held at the Phoenix Cemetery where Bandsman Arnold Pearce Partington of HMAS Canberra is buried after having died during WWII.

In addition to commemorating Bandsman Partington, the service also paid tribute to a number of Mauritian-Australians who served in the Australian armed forces during the two world wars, including at Gallipoli and on the Western Front.

Ship’s tours were held for a variety of groups, including one for children from the ‘SOS Children’s Village’ initiative, a leading child care non-governmental organisation which provides long-term care to needy children. Anzac’s ship’s welfare fund made a donation of $1000 to support the initiative.

CO HMAS Anzac CAPT Mal Wise lays a wreath at the grave of Bandsman Arnold Partington who died in the Royal Military Hospital, Mauritius, in WWII. He is the only Australian serviceman buried there. Photos: LSIS Paul McCallum

RADM du Toit clocks up 40 years of naval serviceLEUT Des Paroz

A SPECIAL milestone was recog-nised in Cape Town, South Africa, when RADM Allan du Toit clocked up a combined 40 years of naval service, firstly in the South African Navy and, for the past 28 years, in the RAN.

RADM du Toit, Australia’s Military Representative to NATO and the European Union based in Brussels, was able to celebrate this milestone during HMAS Anzac’s reception in Cape Town, which was coincidentally held on the eve of his 40th anniversary of combined service to the two Commonwealth navies.

RADM du Toit joined the South African Navy on July 7, 1975, where he served for almost 12 years before joining the RAN in February 1987.

“I am proud to have served in the South African Navy – the Navy of my birth country – and the RAN – that of my adopted home,” RADM du Toit said.

“I joined the South African Navy here in Cape Town so I could not imagine a more appropriate way to celebrate 40 years of service by being in uniform on board an Australian warship in Cape Town

LEUT Des Paroz

DURING their visit to Port Louis, the crew of HMAS Anzac had the opportunity to participate in a beach sports day with members of the National Coast Guard of Mauritius.

A keen beach vol-leyball play-er, ABET Andrew Sharp was impressed by the Mauritian team’s enthusiasm and competitive spirit.

“We arrived at the beach to find part of the beach cordoned off by the police, with the Mauritian Coast Guard members formed up in squads, looking sharp and like they were taking things very seriously,” he said.

“It was a great afternoon, and even though the Mauritians clearly bested us in the volleyball, eve-ryone came away with a smile on their face.”

Playing soccer on the sandy beach also proved an enjoyable challenge, with ABMT Kelly Chilton getting into the competitive spirit.

“Both teams had some good players, but having been at sea for the past few months, soccer skills have not been regularly practised by any of our crew,” she said.

“It was probably lucky for us that the goals used for the game were very small – I suspect the Mauritian team’s victory would have been much greater otherwise.”

The only female to participate in the paddle boarding was ABML-SC Gabi Bryan.

“The event kicked off with a beach sprint to collect our boards, then a paddle out and around a ‘buoy’ which was actually two of Anzac’s officers, and back to the beach,” she said.

“It was a pretty hard race out, with some keen paddlers, but Anzac’s team performed well, with AB Chilton winning the event.”

BEACH SPORTS

Australian Military Representative to NATO and the European Union, RADM Allan du Toit, is congratulated on his service by Chief of Naval Staff South African Navy RADM Robert Higgs on board HMAS Anzac, in Cape Town, South Africa.Photo: LSIS Paul McCallum

Harbour surrounded by current and former members of both navies, including friends who started their naval careers with me four decades ago,” RADM du Toit said.

Among those friends was RADM Robert Higgs, the Chief of Naval Staff of the South African Navy.

“RADM du Toit made his mark on the South African Navy during his years of service, literally writing the definitive book about the South African Fleet,” RADM Higgs said.

“While it was a huge loss to lose a man of his calibre, it was a pleasure to be able to celebrate

this milestone with him on board HMAS Anzac.”

CN VADM Tim Barrett sent a message congratulating RADM du Toit on his milestone.

“During his time in the RAN he has brought a calm and considered manner, coupled with an extraor-dinary breadth of experience, to all of his appointments,” VADM Barrett said.

“He has been a seagoing com-mander in many of our contemporary operations and has commanded ashore with the same skill and a care-ful eye for seagoing requirements.”

www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS August 13, 2015 1514 CENTRE

BETTER THAN A ‘MITSI’

The workhorse of the RAN has been remembered as one of the most reliable ships in the Fleet at her decommissioning, SGT Dave Morley reports.

WITH 26 operations under her belt in 34 years, the modified

Sir Bedivere-class landing ship heavy, HMAS Tobruk, was one of the most deployed units in the ADF.

Tobruk’s versatility saw her serve effectively in humanitarian aid and dis-aster relief tasks, non-combat evacuation operations, border control, exercises and active service.

The ship’s first operational task, which was also one of her furthest from home, took place in February 1982, when she left Brisbane with eight Air Force Iroquois helicopters on board for

the Multinational Force and Observers in the Sinai Peninsula.

When Tobruk arrived in the Israeli port of Ashdod in March 1982, she became the first Australian warship to visit that country.

In May 1987, Tobruk formed part of the Australian military force that deployed to Fiji following the first coup in 1987.

This deployment, designated Operation Morris Dance, was to evacuate Australian citizens should the need arise. In the event, the evacuations were not required.

Tobruk’s multirole capabilities were

a major factor in the success of peace-keeping operations in Bougainville, East Timor and Solomon Islands during the 1990s-early 2000s, with the ship being used as a neutral venue for peace talks in Bougainville.

In April 2005, Tobruk left Sydney to transport 20 ASLAVs from Darwin to Kuwait, for the Army’s Al Muthanna Task Group in Iraq, arriving at Kuwait in May.

Tobruk undertook a second voyage to the Middle East in late 2006 to transport equipment for the Army’s Reconstruction Task Force in Afghanistan, arriving back in Australia in April 2007.

Operations Samoa Assist in 2009, Yasi Assist in 2011, Philippines Assist in 2013 and Pacific Assist in 2015 were among Tobruk’s more recent HADR tasks.

The ship took part in providing assis-tance to Tonga in 1982, after that country was devastated by Cyclone Isaac.

Border protection operations include Operation Relex in late 2001-early 2002 and Operation Resolute in 2009 and 2014.

Pacific Partnership 2013, involving the supply of medical and engineering aid, and civic assistance, once again showed off Tobruk’s adaptability.

ABML-SC Mitchell Jaklic joined the Navy six years ago from Shellharbour on the NSW South Coast because he wanted a secure career and a chance to serve his country.

He posted to HMAS Tobruk in April 2013 as part of the flight deck team and said while he enjoyed being the go-to person for parts, what he enjoyed most was being part of the crew.

“I’m posting to HMAS Albatross from Tobruk and am going to really miss the crew,” he said.

“I’ve done Operations Pacific Partnership 2013, Philippines Assist 2013, Resolute 2014 and Pacific Assist 2015 in Tobruk.”

AB Jaklic’s cousin LSCSOMW Shane Beetles followed him into the Navy and is at HMAS Waterhen.

Crew to be missed

WHILE most members of HMAS Tobruk’s ship’s company have many happy memories of their service in the ship, for one sailor, one memory stands out above the rest.

ABMT Ashley Davidson dropped to one knee and pro-posed to his girlfriend Hannah Louis on the wharf at Garden Island after returning from a six-month deployment in Tobruk in December 2014.

AB Davidson followed sever-al family members, going back to his great-grandfathers, into the ADF when he joined the Navy five-and-a-half years ago.

While AB Davidson is look-ing forward to joining NUSHIP Adelaide, he said he was going to miss Tobruk’s crew.

“I’ve really enjoyed the excellent training and sup-port from the Engineering Department,” he said.

“At sea I was the marine systems manager and was in charge of the engineering watches and alongside I was one of the supervisors for the engine room,” he said.

During his two-and-a-half years in Tobruk, AB Davidson has taken part in Operation Resolute in 2012 and 2014 and Operation Pacific Assist 2015.

AB Davidson’s fiancée Hannah was on the wharf beside Tobruk for the decom-missioning on July 31.

CPOMED Melissa Ellson has been in the Navy for 21 years and took on the role of clini-cal manager in HMAS Tobruk in August 2013, taking part in Operations Philippines Assist 2013 and Pacific Assist 2015.

She was previously in the ship for Operation Bel Isi off Bougainville, PNG, in 1998.

She said she enjoyed working with a wonderful team on board Tobruk.

“It’s always good to interact with different people and I’m going to miss them,” she said.

CPO Ellson is now look-ing forward to taking on the role as practice manager at HMAS Watson.

In a Navy family, her brother Michael Ellson served in the Navy for more than 10 years in the 1980s aboard the survey ships HMA Ships Moresby and Benalla.

Next stop, Watson Wide range of dutiesOFFICER of the watch LEUT Aapril Deutscher has spent three of her 10 years in the Navy in HMAS Tobruk and has taken part in Operations Philippines Assist, Resolute and Pacific Assist.

She said what she enjoyed most about her service in Tobruk was the crew and the range of operations and exer-cises the ship had done.

“I’ve enjoyed going into

situations we weren’t familiar with and being able to help people in need,” she said.

“I’ve also enjoyed training junior officers that have come on board.

LEUT Deutscher said she was going to miss the friend-ship of the crew.

“From here I’m going to the School of Signals at Watsonia in Melbourne for a communi-cations course,” she said.

LSBM Avril Persson, who joined the Navy five-and-a-half years ago because she wanted to specialise in weapons, has spent the last 18 months in HMAS Tobruk.

Her duties include SLSE maintainer, quarter master on the bridge and RHIB driver for the boarding party.

She has taken part in Operations Resolute 2014 and Pacific Assist 2015.

“What I enjoyed most

about Pacific Assist was giv-ing aid to those in need and seeing how grateful they were for our help,” she said.

“I’ve also enjoyed the people I’ve had the oppor-tunity to work with and I’ll really miss them.”

LS Persson’s next post-ing is to HMAS Cerberus as a small arms instructor.

“My favourite weapon is the .50 cal – it’s loud and it’s awesome,” she said.

On target for change

Happy times for one sailor

ABMT Ashley Davidson proposes to his fiancee Hannah Louis after returning from deployment. Photo: ABIS Tom Gibson

Tobruk’s illustrious history

The crew of HMAS Tobruk walk down the gangway for the last time as part of the

decommissioning ceremony held at Fleet Base East, Sydney.

Inset. COMAUSFLT RADM Stuart Mayer, left, receives Tobruk’s Australian White Ensign

from CO Tobruk CMDR Leif Maxfield.Photos: ABIS Chantell Brown

AFTER 34 years of dedi-cated service across the Pacific, Asia and East Africa, Navy’s oldest

ship has been paid off.HMAS Tobruk, often referred

to as the workhorse of the Navy, decommissioned at Fleet Base East on July 31.

Governor-General GEN Sir Peter Cosgrove (retd) said there could be no doubt Tobruk had served Australia well.

“Those who have served in her have done so with obvious pride and purpose,” he said.

“I have seen this firsthand – when I was in Vanuatu earlier this month, and time after time the locals praised you for the work you did — distributing supplies and helping to rebuild after the devastation of Cyclone Pam.

“Be in no doubt, what you did, and the enthusiasm you

showed, has left its mark, changed lives and at the same time enhanced your reputation.

“You can be very proud of the very real difference you made.”

COMAUSFLT RADM Stuart Mayer said if there was one particular aspect that marked Tobruk’s service, as distinct from other ships in the Navy, it would be the volume of opera-tions that were made possible by Tobruk and the men and women of all services, and indeed other government and non-government organisations.

“In the tank deck aft, in the tunnel on the starboard side, the bulkhead has painted on it the list of operations supported by Tobruk,” he said.

“On this bulkhead there are 26 operations listed – 26 opera-tions in 34 years of service.

“I know of no other element within the ADF to have been

deployed as often as Tobruk. “From Mogadishu to Suva,

from Kuwait to the Philippines, Tobruk has supported ADF operations around the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.”

According to RADM Mayer, Tobruk has steamed 947,000 nautical miles in the service of her nation.

“In terms that might provide a clearer picture for you, Tobruk has steamed about two million kilometres, or approximately 40 times around the circumference of the globe – try getting that out of the ‘Mitsi’.

“If Tobruk was the ‘ute’ of the fleet, at a purchase price of $58 million she was the most effec-tive value for money ute going around.”

CO Tobruk CMDR Lief Maxfield said, at the time of her commissioning, he doubted anyone expected the ship would

go on to such an outstanding career of significant operational achievements.

“With over 26 operation-al deployments, Tobruk has become known by the catch phrase created by her first CO, RADM Ken Doolan (retd), as a ‘warship for every crisis’,” he said.

“As Tobruk’s CO for the last two years, it has been an honour to work alongside such a pro-fessional and dedicated ship’s company who have conducted themselves in such an outstand-ing fashion.

“Our recent period of service is one which has been marked by an extremely high tempo of operations, short notice deploy-ments and trying humanitarian circumstances.”

CMDR Maxfield said the men and women of Tobruk had never faltered and had embodied the

culture and values of the Navy and the Army.

“No matter how difficult or demanding the task they have invariably displayed exceptional qualities and have been fine examples of what it is to be a service person in the modern ADF,” he said.

“They are a credit to our ship, our service and our nation.

“As the final CO of Tobruk, it would normally be my privilege to have the last word, however I feel it is most appropriate that the final comment should rest with the ship herself, in her motto: ‘faithful and strong’.”

Lady Anna Cowen, wife of the then Governor-General, Sir Zelman Cowen, launched Tobruk on March 1, 1980, and was pres-ent again at the ship’s decom-missioning.

The fate of the ship is yet to be decided.

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17HISTORYAugust 13, 2015 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

Restoring hope in AfricaAMONG HMAS Tobruk’s

more distant and signifi-cant operations during her illustrious 34-year

career was supporting the ADF’s Operation Solace deployment to Somalia in 1992-93.

According to the Sea Power Centre’s Senior Naval Historical Officer, and former CPO Signals Yeoman in Tobruk during the operation, John Perryman, the ship’s participation proved invaluable.

“Along with HMAS Jervis Bay, she provided the heavy-lift capability necessary to convey elements of 3/4 Cavalry Regiment and all of its associated heavy equipment to and from Somalia,” he said.

“At that time it was the largest ADF military sealift operation since Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.

“Tobruk remained in Somalia, under the auspices of Operation Restore Hope, providing logisti-cal and communications sup-port to the Commander of the Australian Forces, as well as conducting surveillance off the Somali coast.

“In a little-known role, she was used as a platform to rehearse visit, board, search and seize operations by US Navy Seals, fol-

lowing a tip-off a merchant vessel was on passage to Somalia carry-ing an illegal cargo of weapons.”

Mr Perryman said Tobruk also proved popular with Australian soldiers who spent time in her during periods of respite from operations in both Baidoa and Mogadishu.

“Tobruk’s embarked Sea King helicopter, Shark 05, was also used in ship-to-shore transport of personnel,” he said.

Tobruk sailed from Mogadishu on May 20, 1993, on her voyage home to Australia following the successful five-month deploy-ment, with personnel from 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, aboard and 844 tonnes of vehicles and stores embarked.

Mr Perryman said, from Navy’s perspective, the effec-tive sealift of a battalion’s heavy vehicles and necessary supplies at short notice and the support to that group through the ongoing presence of an amphibious heavy-lift ship was an unbridled success.

“For Jervis Bay it was to prove a highlight in her career and for Tobruk it was to be one of many successful amphibious operations to follow in a career that spanned more than three decades,” he said.

One of HMAS Tobruk’s more significant operations was supporting the ADF in Somalia, SGT Dave Morley reports.

HMAS Tobruk in port at Mogadishu during her

deployment to Somalia. Photo: CPL Gary Ramage

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A SYSTEM aimed at strengthening the Navy’s Divisional System has been trialled ahead of a fleet-wide rollout later this month.

Compass is a user-friendly IT sys-tem focused on improving the flow of information between a divisional member and their divisional staff and, ultimately, their commanding officer.

Initiated and designed by the NGN team, Compass designer and project manager LCDR Leigh Jackson said the program aimed to improve the way divisional records were maintained.

“We need to accurately capture information so we can ensure profes-sional and personal wellbeing for our people,” LCDR Jackson said.

Accessible both ashore and at sea, Compass will allow the Divisional Officer (DO) and the member to com-municate better by setting clear, regular goals and keeping both abreast of issues which may be impacting on the member in some way.

“Most importantly, it will securely store and update a member’s divisional information throughout their career,” LCDR Jackson said.

“Another benefit is Compass will improve communication on a one-to-one basis in every division in Navy.

“It can also set a time and date for a divisional meeting, distribute the agenda and provide minutes of that meeting to those involved.

“It will also allow contributions from Navy senior leaders like CN or Fleet Commander – allowing them to

Compass shows the way

provide timely information and intent to all Navy people.”

The ship’s company of NUSHIP Adelaide has been trialling Compass to ensure any issues are ironed out before it is rolled out to the rest of the Fleet.

“The LHD was selected specifi-cally because of the large number of

personnel requiring divisional care,” LCDR Jackson said.

LEUT Blake Herron, of Adelaide, is DO for four other officers, eight senior NCOs and 51 junior sailors and soldiers and said he was impressed by what the system had to offer.

“It will provide DOs and command

with a structured approach to coor-dinating divisional activities,” LEUT Herron said.

“The meeting function in particular is light years ahead of anything else we have access to.

“Ultimately the drawbacks to this system are difficult to see given what it

brings to the table over the traditional paper-based divisional work; increased accountability, visibility, governance and control.”

CPO Anthony Chalk is also taking part in the trial. The senior Maritime Logistics Support Operations sailor is divisionally responsible for 10 sailors which he said was a constant challenge.

“I have a regulator on the divisional side of things and a DO but getting time to write and keep track of eve-rything can be very time consuming,” CPO Chalk said.

“I suggested a ‘unit calendar’ would be a useful addition to the new tool.”

LCDR Jackson said his team was taking note of all feedback.

‘With a project as large and ambi-tious as this one is, we are always going to have concerns or weaknesses which need to be addressed,’ LCDR Jackson said.

“Ultimately Compass will help us take better care of each other at every level.”

18 PERSONNEL www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS August 13, 2015

Compass’ designer and project manager LCDR Leigh Jackson, centre, and his NGN team AB Matthew Murphy, standing, and WO Philip Wilde, brief members of NUSHIP Adelaide on how the new system will help divisional officers. Photo: ABIS Chantell Brown

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19PERSONNELAugust 13, 2015 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

PERSONNEL are reminded to use the Defence Travel Card (DTC) for cab fares rather than Cabcharge eTickets to help Defence avoid unnecessary administrative fees.

The DTC was introduced in 2005 and is used for all business travel, including cab fares.

Director of Customer Access Management Sharon Harnett said Cabcharge eTickets could be obtained from customer service centres, but these were meant to be the exception and their issue was strictly monitored.

“We are trying to limit the issue of eTickets to recruits, trainees, students, and other members under 18 years of age,” Ms Harnett said.

“For most types of travel, Defence personnel are expected to use their DTC.”

She said there were still some exceptions, such as course travel, however, these exceptions would reduce over time.

“Members who have a genu-ine reason for not using a DTC will still be able to use Cabcharge eTickets,” she said.

The DTC is a simple and easy way to pay for cab fares and Defence policy requires person-nel to use the card for business travel, and encourages its use for conditions of service travel.

Ms Harnett said many DTC holders were still choosing to use the eTickets.

“This is a decision that comes with quite a large cost burden to Defence,” she said. “The eTickets carry a 10 to 15 per cent admin-istration surcharge fee, and there is a significant overhead cost for Defence to issue, track, reconcile and pay the invoices.

“So while the person travel-ling might not notice any differ-ence, the amount Defence ends up paying is higher – and these costs quickly add up.

“The eTickets can also be more susceptible to misuse and fraud. My team works in partner-ship with the Directorate of Fraud Control in the Inspector General’s Division to monitor usage, and we have stringent controls to make sure all eTickets issued through customer service cen-tres are appropriately authorised and justified, but this brings an administrative burden with it.

“It’s very easy to apply for the DTC and it’s much better for Defence if we all use it.”

For more information, visit http://drnet.defence.gov.au/dsrg/DefenceTravel/Pages/Home.aspx

Correction in D1 story

One form to rule allSTAFF from Integrated Travel Solutions (ITS) are showcasing a new Travel Request SmartForm that promises to make travel bookings easier.

The AE505 Travel Request Form will replace a number of existing travel webforms used for conditions of service travel, such as reunion travel, remote locality leave travel and domes-tic course travel.

The AE505 was released on Webforms on August 3 and all forms being replaced by the AE505 were decommissioned the same day.

The AE505 will have additional capabilities beyond the traditional paper-based form, including built-in logic to only display sections relevant to the type of travel being requested, improved data validation and digital signature capability.

This enables electronic workflow to move the form through the approval steps and onto business centres for processing.

The combination of electronic workflow and digital signatures will

remove the need for users to print, sign, fax, or scan and email their forms to business centres.

The AE505 has passed rigorous user acceptance testing within the ADF, including a targeted pilot program with Navy.

To assist users with the transition, help is available through a number of channels, including the ITS intranet page, which will house a comprehen-sive user guide, and embedded help within the form.

A national roadshow is under way at key Defence establishments to dem-onstrate the AE505, during which ITS will also demonstrate the new QBT Online Booking Tool and provide an update on Defence travel. Defence per-sonal involved in travel administration or who undertake regular travel are encouraged to attend.

The roadshow schedule is avail-able at http://drnet.defence.gov.au/dsrg/DefenceTravel/Pages/Travel%20Request%20AE505%20SmartForm%20Transition.aspx Questions can be directed to Travel.ITS@defence.gov.au or 1800 333 362.

Travel card key to fares

The AE505 streamlines travel bookings.

Photo: CPL Aaron Curran

AN INCORRECT rank was published in the personnel article ‘Defence One on the way’ on page 17 of the July 30 edi-tion of Navy News. The paragraph explaining the streamlining of the minimum rank for approvers for ADF absence and allowance requests should have read:“As a simple rule, this means CPO level supervisors are the minimum rank that will receive simple absence requests via self service”, not WO level. This was a sub-editing error.

Peacekeeping jobs

AS PART of its commitment to the United Nations, the ADF encourages officers to apply for staff positions in the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations at UNHQ in New York. Suitably qualified officers at the 0-4 (LCDR) and 0-6 (CAPT) ranks should submit their applications to service career managers by August 28 for positions due to start around March next year. Most openings require officers to have had relevant operational experience in peace keeping, peace enforcement or peace support missions. Contact your career manager for full details of the jobs on offer.

Paradians dinnerAS PART of Centenary of Anzac commemo-rations, the Old Paradians’ Association is holding a dinner to honour former students of Parade College in Bundoora, Melbourne, who have served or currently serve in the ADF. Old Paradians who have had military service and the families of deceased vet-

erans are welcome to attend the black tie event. The dinner is being held on October 23 at the Hyatt on the Park in Melbourne from 7pm-11:30pm. For further information call (03) 9468 3301 or email tony.debolfo@carltonfc.com.au

Reserve awardsNOMINATIONS are sought from WA reserv-ists for the Defence Reserves Support Council’s 2015 WA Employer Awards and Reserve Service Excellence Awards. The WA Defence Reserves Support Council’s annual awards night will be held on November 18 on board STS Leeuwin in Fremantle. The council hosts annual awards ceremonies in each state and ter-ritory to publicly recognise the support of employers and their reserve employees, and reward the service of outstanding reservists. Nominations close October 9. To obtain a copy of the nomination form, email simon.gourlay@defence.gov.au or visit www.defencereservessupport.gov.au/media/173017/employer-support-awards-nomination-form.pd

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20 FEATURES www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS August 13, 2015

A sailor on a US posting has graduated as an equal opportunity leader, LSIS Jayson Tufrey reports.

Equal to the task of leading

ADAPTING to cultural and organisational differences when posted overseas can be one of the most inter-

esting challenges for a sailor on exchange.

By answering such a challenge and volunteering for additional responsibilities, LSCIS Christine Cervenec has achieved the mile-stone of becoming the first ADF person to graduate as a US Army equal opportunity leader (EOL).

LS Cervenec, who is on a three-year posting to D-Company, 53rd Signal Battalion, in Hawaii, said she was proud of her role as an EOL because she helps combat harassment and discrimination.

“This is an ancillary role which I perform alongside my normal duty as a satellite network controller,” she said.

LS Cervenec said she enjoyed the challenge and responsibility of assisting the battalion commander carry out the US Army’s EO pro-gram.

“This US Army-specific

program is similar to the ADF’s which aims to create a fair and equitable workplace,” she said.

“I maintain a healthy work-place environment by resolving informal complaints through counselling and on-the-spot cor-rections, or referring formal com-plaints up the chain.

“In this role I also conduct cli-mate surveys and implement les-son plans for training sessions.”

LS Cervenec said one out-come of her EOL role was an increase in D-Company’s integra-tion rather than assimilation of Australian soldiers, sailors and airmen into the unit.

She said she has conducted two separate company training sessions, which included topics such as complaint procedures, social stereotyping and command climate survey.

“I also brought D-Company from a pre-existing level of excel-lent [92 per cent] to exemplary [100 per cent] levels of docu-mentation, policy and education

within the first nine days of appointment.

In recognition of her achieve-ments LS Cervenec was pre-sented with the Space Brigade Commander’s coin of excellence as well as the Command Sergeant-Major – Space Missile Defence Command’s coin of excellence.

RAN CMDR Martin Pugh, a satcom operations officer based at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, praised LS Cervenec for what she had achieved in a short period.

“Within the first two weeks of LS Cervenec’s ancillary employ-ment, she reviewed and imple-mented relevant changes to local policies, updated and published information and made this available to all company members,” CMDR Pugh said.

“She also conducted three class-es on EO topics, prepared material for upcoming cultural awareness events and completed an audit of command inspection-related activi-ties with glowing reports.”

LSCIS Christine

Cervenec with 1st Lieutenant

Courtney Richards

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the coins of excellence

LS Cervenec received in recognition

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21FEATURESAugust 13, 2015 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

AFTER seven months in Kabul witness-ing some of the worst of humanity, XO Undergraduates at ADFA, CMDR Doug Griffiths, returned to Australia mentally tired,

somewhat jaded and a bit disenchanted.Before his 2009 deployment on Operation Slipper,

CMDR Griffiths competed in five ironman-distance tri-athlons (3.8km swim, 180km ride, 42.2km run), in addi-tion to twice representing Australia at the International Triathlon Union World Long Course Triathlon Championships in Sweden and Denmark.

In the years following his deployment, CMDR Griffiths set goals he never achieved and chose to back away from challenges rather than embrace them.

“I tried to get back on the proverbial horse only to continue in a downward spiral,” CMDR Griffiths says.

“I knew I had the capacity and ability to do it, but I was scared to the point of being terrified to even start something I once loved.”

After a five-year break from long course racing, CMDR Griffiths returned to triathlons to bring himself “back to life” and in the process raise money for charity.

He says his tipping point for change was after hear-ing the news of another Australian death in Afghanistan.

“I had to do something to support my returned war-rior brothers and sisters, many of whom were no longer able to participate in sport because of either physical injuries or the hidden scars of conflict,” he says.

“In 2013 I elected to raise money and awareness for the charity Soldier On as I trained for, and competed in, Ironman Melbourne.

“I was determined to finish, I knew that would be challenging enough.

“I knew I wouldn’t be able to perform as I had in the past.”

It wasn’t easy going for CMDR Griffiths though, who feared failure from the start of the race, but man-aged to raise $5200 in the process.

“I shed tears on the start line. I doubted my own ability from the gun to the finish line, but I prevailed, mainly because the mission was bigger than my ego,” he says.

“The thought of failing the 40 Australian warriors who paid the ultimate sacrifice got me to the start – and then got me to the finish.”

CMDR Griffiths’ motivation isn’t only to raise money – he says he is also competing to tackle the demons that once prevented him from competing and to set an example for those he has the privilege to lead.

He competed in the 2014 Ironman Cairns and raised a further $3200 and notched up his 10th ironman at the Cairns event in June this year.

“I love the sport, I love the people, but the event scares me every time I do it,” he says.

“I think physically and mentally competing in triath-lons makes me a better person.

“I may not be as fast as I once was, but I hope that every day I am becoming a better version of me.”

CMDR Griffiths says he was one of the lucky ones who had support when he returned from his deployment to help get him through the tough times.

“I am fortunate to have the love and support of a wonderful family and a group of friends who have never given up on me, even when I wanted to give up on myself,” he says.

“My full-time job as a father to an amazing young man lets me demonstrate to him that society doesn’t need us to always take. It needs us to give back when we can.”

In his current role CMDR Griffiths has command responsibility for about 1050 trainee officers from three services and a staff of around 65.

“My role at ADFA is all about people.“I am responsible for maintaining the health, wel-

fare, morale and discipline of the trainee officer cadets and midshipmen.

“This is a dream job for me and every day I look forward to work and the challenges it brings.”

Looking to his future CMDR Griffiths is deploying to Afghanistan again in early 2016 and he said he would welcome the opportunity and privilege to be selected in command again.

“Whatever is ahead I look forward to more chal-lenges and a long career in this organisation.

“Having the chance to command Australian men and women is the greatest highlight and privilege any leader can have,” he said.

CMDR Griffiths will be competing in Ironman Malaysia in November. This time he will be focusing on raising money and support for the Navy Clearance Diving Trust.

“I may never make it, but as long as I keep enjoying it I will continue competing with my focus on trying to race in Kona at the Ironman World Championships,” he said.

A Navy commander completed his 10th ironman event in June after a stressful deployment took its toll on his mental health and put a temporary halt to the sport he loves, LCPLs Sebastian Beurich and Evan Moore report.

Ironman faces his demons

On the comeback trail to long-distance triathlons, CMDR Doug Griffiths crosses the finish line in the Cairns Ironman event last year in a time of 12hr 10min 27sec (above) and (left) inspects midshipmen during a morning parade at the Australian Defence Force Academy, Canberra, in his role as XO Undergraduates. Main photo: LSIS Jayson Tufrey

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22 TRAINING www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS August 13, 2015

CPL Max Bree

IN A simulated training scenario, a rocket lands on the gym at Kabul Airport tearing apart tread-mills and sending shrapnel flying in all directions.

Medical staff are recalled to the Role 2 hospital as ambu-lances arrive on the scene.

Walking wounded with minor injuries filter into the emergency room and are led to the Role 1 for treatment.

Screams of two soldiers with tourniquets on their arms reso-nate through the arrival area as they cry out in pain.

More serious ‘casualties’ soon arrive by ambulance and are wheeled into the emergency room.

Nursing officer LEUT Megan Hoare treats a major head injury that needed surgery early in the exercise before moving onto a patient with breathing difficulties who was prepped for evacuation.

“Once our first patient is handed over to a surgical team, the plan is to get back, restock, restow our trauma bay and take the next casualty that’s coming in,” she said.

“The next one we meet at the ambulance and we start that process again.”

A distressed soldier staggers through the doors clutching a

‘head wound’ babbling loudly about not understanding why the MPs took his pistol before he’s led away by a USAF air-woman.

With everything going on around her, LEUT Hoare said it was important to stay focused.

“As an emergency nurse your primary concern is stabi-lising the patient,” she said.

“Sometimes things can hap-pen that you hear about after-wards in the debrief and you think ‘I didn’t even notice that happened’.

“We have a floor coordina-tor who oversees patient flow and makes sure each patient has enough medical care.”

LEUT Hoare said there were other factors to keep in mind during a real-time casualty.

“There’s the emotional side of things,” she said.

“There’s a lot more people around, a lot of family and friends you have to take into account.”

“Clinically today went quite well, we were mainly testing patient flow but to get in and treat the patient as though it’s a real casualty is invaluable.

“The more you drill, the more familiar you are, the more calm you will be if it ever hap-pens.”

Training sessions like this are held regularly and help build the skills of the team.

Emergency response tested

Nursing Officer LEUT Megan Hoare and medic LSMED Troy Bolton help treat a ‘casualty’ during an exercise at Nato’s Role 2 hospital at Kabul Airport and (inset) LEUT Hoare helps move a ‘casualty’. Photos: CPL Max Bree

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23TRAININGAugust 13, 2015 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

Flying high in TamworthNAVY pilots at the ADF’s Basic Flying Training School (ADFBFTS) in Tamworth have been likened to ‘fish out of water’ because they are so far from the sea.

Despite being hundreds of kilometres from the ocean, Navy has sent its pilot trainees and candidates to Tamworth for the past 20 years.

Typically, anywhere between 10-20 Navy students pass through the school each year out of a potential 150 ADF pilot trainees.

Senior Naval Officer ADFBFTS LCDR Nicholas Hattersley said when student pilots arrived at the school they took a two-week course to assess their potential to learn in the air-borne environment.

“This program is commonly referred to as flight screening,” LCDR Hattersley said.

The program culminates with the candidate undertaking a fly-ing test conducted by a senior flying instructor and then sitting a two-day officer selection board.

LCDR Hattersley said com-petition was fierce because of the limited number of places on course.

“Candidates are generally highly motivated and come from all walks of life,” he said.

“Once successful, a trainee naval pilot will then undertake six weeks of ground school, cov-ering topics such as aerodynam-ics, meteorology, aircraft systems and navigation.”

LCDR Hattersley said the flying training component was about 60 hours of airborne instruction covering general, instrument, night and navigation flying disciplines.

“A major milestone for all students is the awarding of their pin, which signifies they have flown solo in day and night,” LCDR Hattersley said.

Once the students finish the course they start the advanced phase of their training at No 2 Flying Training School at RAAF Base Pearce in Perth.

LCDR Hattersley said main-taining a naval identity could be challenging in a triservice estab-lishment.

“Fortunately there are a few opportunities to share with and educate others, particularly those in the junior services, on some of the finer customs and traditions of the senior service,” he said.

One such opportunity was when the BFTS naval contingent hosted a Navy mess dinner which was attended by CN VADM Barrett as well as COMFAA CDRE Vincenzo Di Pietro and crews from 723, 725 and 816 Squadrons.

“This level of support not only provides motivation for the students but also emphasises the importance Navy places on the men and women undertaking training,” LCDR Hattersley said.

There are three Navy quali-fied flying instructors supple-menting a mix of Air Force, Army and BAE instructors.

Navy’s most recent addition to BFTS, LEUT Dave Lacey, joined from 808SQN after com-pleting the Flying Instructor Course with the Central Flying School at RAAF Base East Sale.

“I am enjoying the challenge of instructing trainees and flying two or three times a day,” he said.

“As far as instructing goes, it doesn’t get much better than tak-ing a student who knows very lit-tle about flying and then sending them solo after 10 flights. You can really feel and share their excitement after achieving such a milestone.”

AS AN aviator himself, CN VADM Tim Bar-rett told the BFTS naval contingent about the responsibilities ahead of them.

“I do have some thoughts on the legacy you inherit and the environment in which you will be operating. Legacy and environment are in fact two sides of the same coin for it is the maritime environ-ment which has always demanded excep-tional skill and courage from aviators. It is that skill and courage from which we who fly in the ADF draw our legacy.

“You have chosen to enter the most challenging profession that exists – the profession of arms. Within that profession you have volunteered and been selected for the most demanding and the most satisfying occupation the ADF has to offer – operational flying.

“When you graduate you will be members of the next generation of men and women who will fly for Australia and defend our home, this island continent, her people and her interests around the world.

CN’s advice to trainee pilots

Qualified Flying Instructor LEUT Dave Lacey, left, with pilot trainee SBLT John McClelland.

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24 TRAINING www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS August 13, 2015

FLTLT Andrew Fisher

AN IMPORTANT step forward in the development of ADF interoperability was made on July 17 with the gradua-tion of the ADF’s first qualified Joint Interface Control Officers (JICO).

A class of 11 students made up of Navy, Air Force, APS and contractors underwent two weeks of theory-based training followed by two weeks of inten-sive practical assessment coinciding with Exercise Talisman Sabre 15.

A team of six instructors from the US Joint Interoperability Division (JID) travelled to the ADF Tactical Data Link Authority’s (ADFTA) training facility in Fyshwick, ACT, to deliver the first US AT-301 JICO course in Australia.

The US JID provides similar training to other regional partners such as South Korea, Taiwan and Japan, however, this was the first time such high level train-ing had been provided to the ADF.

The course trained members in all facets of managing the Multi Tactical Data Link Network (MTN) in a complex operational environment across multiple areas of operation involving aircraft, ships and ground-based personnel.

The course included components on network design, management and net-work troubleshooting to ensure tactical information exchange was assured dur-ing Talisman Sabre.

The highly sought after JICO qualifi-cation enables graduates to be deployed in joint and combined interface control cells on exercises and operations as well as contribute to the development of tactical data link expertise throughout the ADF.

The initiation of an ADF joint inter-face capability came with the establish-ment of the HQJOC Joint Interface Control Cell (JICC) in 2009.

Director RAN Tactical Data Link CMDR Michael Stone said the JICO course was a vital development in ADF interoperability.

“It enables our people and platforms to communicate the right information at the right time,” CMDR Stone said

“By receiving US accredited JICO training, the ADF now has the capabil-ity to embed our people right into the heart of joint and combined exercises and operations to ensure interoperability with our closest ally.”

ADFTA Training Manager James Meredith said the project to stand up US-accredited JICO training was due to the willingness and commitment of all parties involved.

“ADFTA, US JID and HQJOC (JICC) applied considerable effort to the same vision,” Mr Meredith said.

“The ADF is the only Defence Force to have been given US accreditation to deliver the precursor course, AT-201, and with the successful delivery of the AT-301 course, it is our hope to have our entire training continuum accredited to US JID standards.”

Graduate of the course, Operations Officer RAN Tactical Data Link, LEUT Damon Young, said the course was rewarding.

“It was a tough four weeks of train-ing but I’m confident I can now provide Navy the requisite proficiency to operate effectively in the joint/coalition MTN domain in support of the joint battles-pace networked environment.”

LEUT Wesley North

AN INNOVATIVE industry out-placement program is reaping ben-efits for the technical sailors of the submarine force.

Navy is working with the Capability, Acquisition and Sustainment Group and industry partners to provide opportunities for sailors to develop deeper technical knowledge and skills.

Up to six personnel can partici-pate in the upskilling program at any one time with each outplace-ment lasting for three months.

Manager of the marine tech-nician component, WOMT-S Christopher Garner said the benefits for Navy were many.

“Outplacement provides expo-sure to intrusive maintenance routines carried out by industry specialists with the dual benefit of enhancing individual trade capabil-ity while improving Navy’s ability

to repair systems at sea where con-tractor assistance is limited,” WO Garner said.

Personnel gain the skills to become more proficient in an area of interest particularly where this relates to current or future postings.

It is also useful for consolidat-ing the wide cross-section of skills where deep level maintenance would be useful in task book pro-gression.

ABMT-S Zach Wells recently completed an outplacement with a mechanical fitting department.

“It provided a level of insight into mechanical systems that simply can’t be gained through the Navy workplace alone,” AB Wells said.

“The tradesmen were great and I was able to improve both my technical skills as well as increase my understanding of submarine construction and systems”.

ABET-S Prabhu Chandrappa is currently undertaking outplacement with an industry partner but work-

ing within the Submarine Training and Systems Centre at HMAS Stirling.

“I have been involved in the installation, maintenance and operation of both the hardware and software components of the combat system,” AB Chandrappa said.

“This experience will really help me get the most out of the combat system when I post back to sea.”

Placements with a range of com-panies including Raytheon, Thales and ASC have been coordinated.

Raytheon and Thales provide positions for electronics technicians to work on combat systems, sonar and communication while marine technicians join ASC refrigeration, electrical, diesel, hydraulic and mechanical fitting departments.

An outplacement opportunity at ASC Adelaide to assist with HMAS Farncomb’s combat system upgrade program is also likely for electron-ics technicians in the future.

Our first qualified JICOs graduate

ADFTA was established in 2001 as an ADF Centre of Excellence in tactical data links. Part of the organisation’s mission is to pro-vide joint training in order to build the level of tactical data links expertise within the ADF work-force. ADFTA offers a full range of training courses in tactical data links which are open to all ADF members.

For more information, visit http://drnet.defence.gov.au/DMO/TIETO/ADFTA/

Skills swap

CAPT Anna-Lise Rosendahl

MORE than 80 third year ADFA midshipmen and cadets tackled the gruelling RMC obstacle course on July 27 to help cement their leader-ship and teamwork skills.

ADFA Physical Training Instructor CPL Adam Horder said the course tested their fitness, technique and courage.

“There are about 21 obsta-cles so they’ve got to surmount them correctly and safely and get through them as quick as pos-sible in a team environment,” CPL Horder said.

“What makes it challenging is the length of the obstacle course, the height and scaling them when you’re wet.”

The trainees were put through their paces with a 1km uphill run first to help mirror field situations.

“It’s good to fatigue them to sim-ulate the battlefield, so from there these guys can also make deci-sions and be safe while fatigued,” CPL Horder said.

Trainees complete the obstacle course several times during their training at ADFA with increasing levels of difficulty.

Clearing obstacles to leadership

ABET-S Prabhu Chandrappa and Craig Dawson, of Raytheon, work on the Combat System Support Facility’s Server Infrastructure at HMAS Stirling. Photo: LSIS Lee-Anne Mack

Midshipmen and officer cadets tackle the obstacle course at RMC. Photo: CPL Bill Solomou

*Comparison rate is based on a $30,000 secured loan over a 5 year term. WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for the example given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. Fees and Charges are payable. Terms and Conditions available on request. # Full competition terms and conditions are available at defencebank.com.au. Competition permit numbers: NSW LTPS/1503556, VIC 15/1054, SA T15/792, ACT TP15/05830.In arranging this insurance, Defence Bank acts under its own AFSL and under an agreement with the insurer CGU Insurance Limited (ABN 27 004 478 371, AFSL 238291). Information detailed above is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances. Terms and conditions apply. Please also refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before making any decision to acquire an insurance product. Defence Bank also receives a commission from CGU for insurance product sales, details of which can be found in our Financial Services Guide (FSG). Both the PDS and the FSG are available from defencebank.com.au or any branch. Defence Bank Limited ABN 57 087 651 385, AFSL/Australian Credit Licence 234582

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Sailors should hedge their bets when it comes to investment. Photo: LCPL Evan Moore

Managing investment riskDiversification allows investors to offset loss in one area with profits in another, ASIC chairman Greg Medcraft explains.

VOLATILITY in global markets can affect investor and consumer confi-dence.

In times of market uncertainty and increased volatility it is important to remember the key principles of risk management for your investments.

DiversificationWhen investing, consider holding a diver-

sified portfolio that is in line with your risk profile.

A diversified portfolio will mean you are less exposed to a single economic event or geographic region.

Diversification within and across asset classes and industry sectors is important, as is geographic diversification.

A well-diversified portfolio allows a fall in the value of some investments, such as interna-tional holdings, to be offset by an increase in the value of other assets.

Focus on goalsShort-term volatility in financial markets

may be unsettling, but over the long-term you should be able to ride out these ups and downs.

Short-term volatility isn’t a reason to panic and sell your investments.

Some investors try to time the market and fail. It is important to focus on your long-term investment goals, especially for retirement planning.

If your strategy is sound, and the invest-ment is long term, stay with it.

Monitor investmentsMake sure you keep track of where your

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This can help you understand and manage the risks of your investments and keep on top of your investment goals.

From time to time, you may need to rebal-ance your portfolio so it remains in line with your risk profile.

Seek adviceIt is important to be comfortable with

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volatility in your investments or are unsure how recent events could impact you, seek pro-fessional financial advice.

ASIC’s MoneySmart website has guid-ance on choosing a financial adviser to help you find one with the right experience and qualifications to give you the level of service you need.

Beware of scamsWhen global markets are volatile,

scammers can try to take advantage of con-sumers. If you are sending money overseas, be careful who you send your money to.

If you send money to someone and they turn out to be a scammer, it will be almost impossible to get it back.

ASIC’s MoneySmart has information about avoiding scams and what to look out for when sending money overseas.

Defence members should use the ADF Financial Advice Referral Program to locate a financial advis-er with no remuneration-based conflicts of interest at: www.adfconsumer.gov.au

25FINANCEAugust 13, 2015 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

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26 HEALTH & FITNESS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS August 13, 2015

Exercise is excellent for stress management and mental health, LSIS Jayson Tufrey reports.

Fuel for the mind and bodyREGULAR exercise doesn’t

only increase physical fitness; it also has a dramatic effect on your mental health.

Exercising to improve mental wellbe-ing is not new– its benefits have been well documented over the years.

If you’re not an athlete or even if you’re out of shape, you can still make a little exercise go a long way toward stress management. Virtually any form of exercise, from aerobics to yoga, can act as a stress reliever.

Physical activity increases the pro-duction of your brain’s feel-good neu-rotransmitters called endorphins.

Endorphins are chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers and also improve the ability to sleep, which in turn reduces stress.

Senior mental health professional Karl Haas, of Joint Health Unit-SA, said regular aerobic exercise could be especially beneficial in relieving the effects of stress, including tension, reduced concentration and low energy levels.

“Studies have shown it’s effective at reducing fatigue, improving alert-ness and concentration, improving sleep and at enhancing overall cogni-tive function,” Mr Haas said.

“Exercise can also work to augment the effectiveness of treatments includ-ing therapy and medical support for people experiencing depression, anxi-ety or other mental health challenges, by elevating your overall mood.

“Additionally, there are the other benefits associated with improved physical health and the sense of achievement that can have positive implications for self-esteem and just gaining a greater sense of control in your life.”

As you begin to regularly shed your daily tensions through movement and physical activity, you may find that this focus on a single task, and the resulting energy and optimism, can help you remain calm and clear in everything you do, almost like a sub-conscious form of meditation.

After a fast-paced game of squash or several laps in the pool, you’ll often find that you’ve forgotten the day’s irritations and concentrated only on your body’s movements.

Mr Haas said people experiencing a depressed mood might lack motivation to exercise, therefore it was important they seek support to help them get started.

“In these instances, it can be useful to set small goals to start with, such as a 5-10 minute walk,” he said.

“Eventually they can aim for great-er frequency and longer stretches of time and physical effort.

“Support can be in the form of exercising with a group of friends or work colleagues.”

For more information on mental health in the ADF, visit http://drnet.defence.gov.au/vcdf/ADFHealthWellbeing/

Regular aerobic exercise could be especially beneficial in relieving the effects of stress, including tension, reduced concentration and low energy levels. Photo: LSIS Brenton Freind

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STORY

LCPL Sebastian Beurich

THE NSW contingent of the ADF Ice Hockey team took to the rink against the Sydney Bears on July 17 at the Penrith Ice Palace.

Battling against the more experienced and established Bears team, in their first com-petitive game, the ADF team fought valiantly, only be to be beaten 10-0.

The Bears scored the first goal in the opening minutes of the match prompting the ADF team to go on the defensive to try and shut down their oppo-nents attack.

Centre player LSATA Scott Tunnard, of 725SQN, said his team rallied in the third period to get on the offensive and cre-ated some great scoring oppor-tunities late in the game.

“The team didn’t let up for three periods of play and did themselves proud,” LS Tunnard said.

“It was an extremely valu-able training game for possible matches later this year..

“It was clear to see this was the first time the team had played together.

“The outcome was inevi-table given the Bears were a well-drilled team.”

Assistant ADF team captain FSGT Darren Lampard said the team was developing well.

“We’re trying to play at least one game a month to keep all of the players on the ice,” FSGT Lampard said.

“Our training opportunities are limited due to where eve-ryone in the team is located, so we’re using these games as a part of our training.”

FSGT Lampard is look-ing forward to being a part of the ADF team going to Las Vegas from November 12-15 to compete in the 2015 Armed Services Hockey Tournament against 30 other teams from the United States, Canada and Germany.

“We’ve put together a strong side to compete in the tournament,” he said.

“We selected the team for the tournament from the ADF Ice Hockey Association training camp held in April this year.”

Navy members going to Las Vegas to compete at the Armed Services Hockey Tournament are: LEUT Mark Williams, team manager, of HQJOC; ABML-S Nathan Jones, goalkeeper, of HMAS Stirling and LS Tunnard, for-ward, of 275SQN.

LCPL Sebastian Beurich

THE Navy Alpine Snowsports team has been training hard at the Navy Alpine Snowsports Championships in prepa-ration for the Australian Interservice and International Defence Snowsports Championships

Between August 7-15 at Mt Perisher, NSW, a variety of events including traditional alpine and freestyle events are being contested for selection for the following week’s interservice champion-ships.

Senior Navy team representative CMDR Daniel Crocker said he was expecting a strong performance from the women’s team this year.

“This year we’ve focused on increas-ing participation of women in the alpine sports events,” CMDR Crocker said.

“As a result, we had 48 women from across the Navy attend a two-day devel-opment camp at Mt Perisher in July.”

With participants coming from as far away as the Northern Territory, CMDR Crocker is expecting the Navy team to put up a good fight to top the overall championship standings this year.

“In the skiing team, both ABMT Julien Jais and CPOPT Kerry Dickie are returning to defend their 2014 title as Men’s and Women’s Alpine Ski Champions,” he said.

“We’re also expecting a close bat-tle between PO Danielle Humphries and AB Emma Hook for the Women’s Snowboard Champion title, both of whom are previous champions.”

CMDR Crocker said the alpine sports would help improve physical and mental resilience in the competitors.

“The people participating in the com-petitions will be faced with adverse con-ditions and challenging events,” he said.

“Competitors know their individual efforts and results will ultimately con-tribute to the team’s overall success.

“At times, this can be challenging for them, but in the end it will build their resilience.”

The skiers will compete in events such as traditional slalom, giant slalom, and also the skier cross, a BMX-style course on snow where four skiers are put head-to-head across obstacles in a knockout event.

The snowboarders will also be put through the traditional giant slalom, snowboard cross and the slopestyle events which push the participants to show their park skills while maintaining the most style to gain points.

Alongside the Interservice Snowsports Championships is Exercise Coolshot 15, the annual ADF Nordic Skiing and Biathlon Championships which is close to fin-ishing at Mt Hotham, Victoria, being held August 2-14.

Incorporating cross country skiing and marksman shooting into a physically demanding exercise, the Nordic Skiing and Biathlon championships culminate in the Military Patrol event, which chal-lenges competitors through a number of military skills including orienteering, shooting and fieldcraft.

The Navy team has a number of new competitors in the events, with 2014 champions LCDR Wendy Hughes and AB Tom Hale unable to return this year due to work commitments.

SGT Dave Morley

A SAILOR from HMAS Cairns took out the ADF Singles Championship at the Australian Defence Tenpin Bowling Association’s (ADTBA) annual national competition held at Kedron Bowl in Brisbane from June 1-4.

LSMT Derek Adams, who has been bowling since he was 12, said he was behind Army SGT Mal Fawcett in the singles with just two games to go.

“I bowled a couple of nice games and won the singles by about 10 pins or so,” he said.

“I was ahead for most of the comp for overall average, but lost the Masters after being in front all day and finished fourth.”

LS Adams said his biggest challenge was the lane condition.

“It was a tough pattern, but fair. You had to hit the target every shot to score well,” he said.

Anyone interesting in joining ADTBA should contact FSGT Brett Byers at: brett.byers@defence.gov.au

Ready for snowsports

Bears too cool for ADF

LEUT Benjamin Hanson-Murphy backchecks the Bears attack during a friendly match against the Sydney Bears. Photo: SGT Ricky Fuller

Champion bowls ’em over at nationals

ADF singles champion LSMT Derek Adams, of HMAS Cairns, bowls during the Defence Tenpin Bowling Association’s national championships held in Brisbane in June.

Volume 58, No. 15, August 13, 2015

SPORT

FOUR IN A ROWNavy cruises to easy win in memorial match

INSIDEIce hockey

Page 27

Snowsports preview

Page 27ABCD Lachlan Flannery takes a mark in the goal square during the HMAS Sydney II memorial curtain raiser match held at Domain Stadium, Subiaco. Photo: ABIS Chris Beerens

LEUT Todd Austin

FOR the fourth time in as many years, the Navy and Air Force Australian Rules teams battled it out at Domain Stadium in Western Australia to commemorate the tragic loss of the 645 young men who died when HMAS Sydney II was sunk in 1941.

Navy thrashed Air Force to the tune of 16.17 (113) to 2.1 (13).

LSML-C Jarrad Walter, of HMAS

Cairns, top scored with six goals, while LSCD Tim Harrison, of FSU-West, kicked three.

The game was the curtain raiser to the West Coast Eagles and Sydney Swans match played on July 27 with sailors collecting $11,395 from the crowd for Legacy.

It was the first time West Coast has taken out the HMAS Sydney II memo-rial shield, beating the Sydney Swans by 52 points, 15.13 (103) to 7.9 (51).

POPT Alex Leahy, of HMAS

Stirling, said it was tight at the start of the match before Navy got the upper hand.

“We missed a lot of chances early and could have been in trouble,” he said.

“Then the radar locked on and we were able to kick clear and that is how it remained for most of the day.”

Good pressure inside the Navy for-ward 50 gave Navy second and third shots on goal and once they started putting the shots through the middle,

they never looked like being caught. “Credit must be given to the RAAF

team, they played as hard as they could from start to finish without being influenced by the scoreboard,” PO Leahy said.

Navy’s best player and team captain, ABCD Mathew Kennewell, of AUSCDT-4, provided great leadership for his team while applying maximum pressure on the opposition. He also kicked two goals.

SBLT Ryan Aberle, of HMAS

Toowoomba, was solid across the back-line with exceptional vision in being able to rebound the ball out of defence.

The West Coast Eagles have already extended their invite for next year and Navy will be looking to take the title again.

Top goal-kickers: LSML-C Jarrad Walters – 6, LSCD Tim Harrison – 3, SMNMT Tyler Dews – 2, ABCD Matthew Kennewell – 2, ABMT Al Kristensen – 2.