LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

Sea Power Conference a forum to chart course ahead

Pages 2-5

Serving Australia with pride

NEWSNAVYVolume 62, No. 19, October 17, 2019

AB Nick Reid watches on as SMN Mitchell McGowan tries out a helicopter pilot simulator at the Sea Power Conference at the International Convention Centre, Sydney.Photo: LCPL Brodie Cross

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P LANNING FOR THE FUTURE2

THE ADF brings together an extraordinary team of people dedicated to serving our nation.

Military service, as you know well, is rewarding but not without its challenges for you, our members, your partners and families.

I want to ensure that you are well support-ed by an effective and agile Defence organisa-tion that best uses its resources to attract and retain the brightest talent Australia has to offer.

The full package of ADF remuneration (i.e. pay and allowances), conditions of service, housing policy and other benefits must be clear, relevant, recognise the unique nature of military service and importantly, meet your contemporary needs in today’s society.

My view is that over time, allowances and conditions in the ADF have not kept pace with changes in Australian society and have become overly complex.

Chief urges all: help shape policies of futureCDF GEN Angus Campbell has written the following letter to our ADF team members encouraging them to provide feedback on pay and conditions.

LEUT Ryan Zerbe

THIS year’s Sea Power Conference in Sydney wrapped up with a ceremonial sun-set on the waters of Darling Harbour.

Now in its 11th iteration, the confer-ence brought together Defence personnel, government agencies, academics and indus-try to examine the future of Navy’s activi-ties in the Indo-Pacific, multilateral mari-time engagement across the region, and the future of shipbuilding and training.

CN VADM Mike Noonan said the three -day conference had exceeded his expecta-tions.

“Sea Power 2019 has been a tremendous opportunity to engage at all levels of the defence enterprise,” VADM Noonan said.

“We’ve had over 60 delegations from around the world, 21 visiting Chiefs of Navies and more than 4300 attendees.

“It has exceeded all of my expectations in terms of the relationship-building we

Conference exceeds CN’s expectations

– CN VADM Mike Noonan

Sea Power 2019 has been a tremendous opportunity to engage at all levels of the defence enterprise.

‘‘

Josh Williams

THE Pacific 2019 Exhibition Hall provided sailors visiting the Sea Power Conference with a great opportunity to learn about cur-rent and future maritime capabilities.

SMN Shea McLelland said the exhi-bition provided access to a range of sys-tems and equipment that he may use in the future.

“Seeing capabilities that are, or could be, coming to the Navy is great,” SMN McLelland said.

“I may one day be using a range of capabilities that are on display and it’s awe-some being able to see them and talk to the people who created them.”

AB Nick Read was impressed by the array of emerging technology on display.

“It’s fantastic to see all the innovation going on in defence,” AB Read said.

“The number of companies involved in achieving these new capabilities is incred-ible.”

The event also allowed sailors such as LS Nicholas Peters to liaise with industry to improve training capabilities.

“I drive landing craft and currently the only way to train new recruits is by having them drive the craft during exercises,” LS Peters said.

“I’m looking at simulation technology from our industry partners that will improve our training capabilities for new coxswains.

“The ability to practise driving the craft on a simulator before driving it in an exer-cise is extremely valuable as it allows new recruits to familiarise themselves with the controls in a safe environment.”

SMN Mitchell McGowan enjoyed the opportunity to see what future technologies could bring to the Navy.

“Autonomous technology is cool and the fact it uses such small launch mechanisms is amazing,” SMN McGowan said.

“I look forward to seeing how the tech-nology develops in the future and how it will be incorporated in to Navy.”

have been able to do at the navy-to-navy level, at industry level, government level and, ultimately, people-to-people.”

Highlights of the conference included a gathering of regional maritime leaders to discuss security, the launch of a new Navy Industry Engagement Strategy and a series of bilateral talks with partner nations.

“Our focus is very much on the Indo-Pacific region because that’s where we’ve long shared responsibility for a safe mar-

itime domain with our closest partners,” VADM Noonan said.

“Sea Power 2019 has given us the chance to sit face-to-face and talk about how we’re working together and reaffirm our shared commitment to security and prosperity.

“The past few days of Sea Power 2019 have also seen Navy renew its commitment to the defence industry and how we enable future shipbuilding.

“Without a healthy and ambitious rela-tionship with industry we can’t remain a cutting-edge Navy and Sea Power 2019 has been a perfect occasion to highlight our bol-stered relationship.

“It was also fantastic to see our own officers and sailors, including many mid-shipmen and able seamen, make the time to head to Sea Power 2019, because the topics discussed, the relationships with allies and the future of Navy we’ve seen here will belong to them.”

Looking at capabilities

AB Nick Reid watches on as SMN Mitchell McGowan tries out a helicopter pilot simulator. Photo: LCPL Brodie Cross

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Our housing policy needs to provide greater flexibility and choice in how and where you and your families wish to live.

The complexity of our ADF allowances and conditions means it is hard for you to be confident that you are receiving the correct benefit or payment despite Defence apply-ing significant resources to address errors in members’ pay annually – we need to fix this.

Compared to most in the Australian commu-

nity, a higher proportion of members’ take home pay is made up of allowances versus salary. This means that while you get the immediate benefit of these allowances, not enough of your take-home pay counts in the same way salary does towards your super-annuation and long-term financial security.This needs to be looked at. It makes plan-

ning for your transition from service more com-

plicated and less secure than it needs to be. I want your views on what modern ADF

pay and conditions arrangements would look like in order to support you and your families throughout your Service career and also your future transition to civilian life.

I encourage you all to get involved by shar-ing your experiences with the complex ADF pay and conditions policies that exist today.

Please email your concerns and your inno-vative ideas for improvements to adf.employmentoffer@defence.gov.au.

There will also be opportunities in coming months for you and your partners to provide feedback through face-to-face discussions on these issues at key Defence locations around Australia.

Please participate – this is your opportu-nity to help shape how we support, recognise and reward ADF service to secure Australia’s future Defence capability.

Chief urges all: help shape policies of future

Josh Williams

IN a first-ever initiative by a WO-N, enlist-ed personnel were engaged directly at the Sea Power Conference through a two-day program designed specifically for them.

WO-N Gary Wight opened the inaugu-ral Senior Enlisted Leadership Conference discussing how important sailors and their ideas are to the Navy.

“I believe we do a fantastic job with the skills we currently possess,” WO Wight said.

“The challenge, and the opportunity, is ‘will that be enough in the future?’ asked.

“Sailors of today are very different to sailors of the future as they will continue to evolve, and will need to be different and even more capable in the years to come.

“We, the senior leadership of the Navy, are beginning to understand how to empower our enlisted people to give them

a voice and actually bring them in to be part of that command decision-making process,” he said.

The first session included a speech from Dr Bec Strating, a Senior Politics Lecturer at LaTrobe University, which dis-cussed high-level maritime issues.

LS Sam Greenland said he found the conference beneficial.

“Gaining the broader view of global and regional issues from academics and our naval partners is refreshing,” LS Greenland said.

“These high-level discussions give us a greater understanding of why we do what we do at the tactical and operational level.

“Being able to engage with a wide vari-ety of people on these topics is important.”

The conference featured a range of Australian and international speakers, including WO-N’s foreign counterparts, who shared their experiences.

One of the attendees asks a question of Dr Bec Strating after she addressed the Senior Enlisted Leadership Conference. Photo: ABIS Benjamin Ricketts

Initiative gives junior leaders a voice

CN VADM Mike Noonan stands at attention as members of the HMAS Melbourne Guard present the Australian white ensign during a ceremonial sunset in the forecourt of the International Convention Centre Sydney at Darling Harbour to mark the end of the Sea Power conference. Photo: LSIS James McDougall

Eligibility for the Australian Defence Medal and Long Service Medals• Eligibility for the Australian Defence Medal and for Long Service

Medals (such as the Defence Long Service Medal/DLSM) is calculated on ENLISTMENT/APPOINTMENT YEAR (whichever is earlier). Not calendar or financial year.

• Enlistment/Appointment Year (whichever is earlier) is calculated from the date of your Enlistment or Appointment.

For more information, or to apply for a medal assessment, visit defence.gov.au/medals

P LANNING FOR THE FUTURE4

CMDR Fenn Kemp

LAUNCHING the Navy Indust ry Engagement Strategy at the Sea Power Conference in Sydney, CN VADM Mike Noonan said the Navy was undergoing an unprecedented and ambitious shipbuilding program and industry was a critical driver of success.

“Without industry we don’t go to sea, we don’t fly our aircraft and, ultimately, we are unable to defend Australia and our national interests,” VADM Noonan said.

“It was really obvious to me that we needed to transform Navy’s trans-actional relationships with industry to those of longer-term, mutually beneficial partnership.”

He said the strategy was based on four Ds: Direction – which must be consist-

ent and aligned. Dialogue – effective two-way com-

munication between industry and Navy.

Difference – through innovation. Delivery – focus on capability.VADM Noonan signalled a renewed

focus on engaging Defence businesses of all sizes to advance Navy’s capability.

“As Chief of Navy, I’m excited to continue meeting with large and medium enterprises,” he told the gathering.

“More and more, you’ll see me and my leadership team meeting with small busi-nesses across our country.”

VADM Noonan said as capability manager and as an end user, Navy was determined to have a voice in all phases of the capability life cycle.

“We have a world-class, capable, and lethal Navy,” VADM Noonan said.

“I need cutting-edge technology in all aspects of the Australian shipbuilding Industry.”

AUSTRALIA’S enduring ties with the Pacific was the focus of a meeting at Navy’s Sea Power Conference in Sydney.

CN VADM Mike Noonan discussed a number of shared regional issues relating to maritime security with delegates from almost a dozen Pacific nations.

VADM Noonan said the Pacific Maritime Security Program was a long-term commitment by Australia to the Pacific region.

“Navy has long enjoyed a deep and respectful relationship with our Pacific neighbours,” VADM Noonan said.

“Today’s meeting has focused us all on the importance of a strong, independ-ent and secure region.”

VADM Noonan and Defence Minister Linda Reynolds hosted the roundtable, which sought input from visiting dele-gates on how to further strengthen region-al maritime security.

Australia’s rollout of Guardian-class patrol boats is on schedule, with the ves-sels set to play an increasingly important role in maintaining security in the Pacific region.

The Pacific Marit ime Securi ty Program is just one of a number of initia-tives contributing to security.

“Australia’s engagement in the Pacific is one of our highest priorities because the Pacific is our home,” VADM Noonan said.

– CMDR Fenn Kemp

Young sailor proud to showcase ‘workhorses’ of WWII

Focus on Pacific at meeting

Industry strategy launched

Chance for a glimpse of the future

Midshipmen Jordan Fernance and William Hall check out the Kongsberg Digital naval systems simulator at the Seapower Conference. Photo: PTE Rodrigo Villablanca

CN VADM Mike Noonan meets John Gessler and Andrew James, of Sonartech Atlas, after the strategy launch. Photo: LSIS James McDougall

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LEUT Ryan Zerbe

THE Sea Power Conference provid-ed the perfect setting for the launch of a naval history book written by a young serving sailor.

CN VADM Mike Noonan launched The ABC of Royal Australian Navy Corvettes by ABCIS Libby Pearce in front of an audience that included her mother, Lisa, and stepfather, Neil.

VADM Noonan presented AB Pearce with an official CN commen-dation in recognition of her research and hard work to get the book published.

“Built between 1940 and 1944, these corvettes carried the names of great Australian towns and cit-ies, they were built largely by Australians who had never built ships before and largely crewed by reservists of our Navy,” VADM Noonan said.

“Libby, through her research and eye for detail, has put together this magnificent book and it is my abso-lute pleasure to launch it today.

“This is the sort of thinking that I want to see in the young people of our Navy, this is the sort of commit-ment I want to see from each and every single one.

“This is the challenge I set out to the future generations of our Navy: to capture those parts of our history from which we will learn as we go forward into the future.”

AB Pearce said the publication of The ABC of Royal Australian Navy Corvettes was the result of six months of hard work and was a standout moment in her eight years in the Navy.

“I never thought in my career that I’d be standing in front of my peers, the Chief of Navy and my family presenting a body of work I’m so proud of,” AB Pearce said.

She was inspired to document Navy’s World War II fleet of cor-vettes after learning about their rich

Young sailor proud to showcase ‘workhorses’ of WWII

– CN VADM Mike Noonan

This is the sort of thinking that I want to see in the young people of our Navy. This is the sort of commitment I want to see.

‘‘

history through her work as the Sea Power Centre’s website administra-tor, where she updated information about their history.

“They were the workhorse of the Second World War and it was the largest Australian ship build-ing effort at the time and so many Australian personnel served on them,” AB Pearce said.

“I just wanted people to see what I saw every day, which was their faces, their stories and them being larrikins.

“It was quite daunting as there were 56 ships in that class but I started looking at the images and reading their stories and I wanted to know more.

“I wanted to know where their camouflage paint scheme came from, why there were pictures of personnel wearing different uni-forms at sea and, more importantly, where I could find more information.

“I hope people enjoy their stories as much as I did.”

Details about how to purchase copies of the book will soon be available on the website of the publisher The Sea Power Centre - Australia: www.navy.gov.au/spc/

LEUT Sarah West

YOUNG naval officers leapt at the chance to try out some emerging technology at the Sea Power Conference.

The midshipmen and sub-lieutenants, all at different stages of their MWO training, got hands-on experience with simulators and equipment on the main floor of the International Convention Centre in Sydney, building their understanding of Navy’s future capabilities.

MIDN Will Hall, of HMAS Canberra, said the conference shaped his understand-ing of the commercial sector’s role in build-ing and maintaining the fleet.

“It’s all about learning and understand-ing why we’re doing what we’re doing, why we’re working with the systems we’re working with and also the future,” MIDN Hall said.

“Anzac-class frigates are in my near future, but the reality is if I take command of a ship one day it will likely be a Hunter-class frigate and the companies behind its different systems are all here.

“It’s great for building context and show-ing the interface between the commercial and Defence sides of the industry.”

SBLT Zali Smith-Colombini, of HMAS Watson, said she had been interested in the navigation and shore assault simulators on the main floor.

“I think it’s a great chance to learn about what upcoming technology is out there and see what could be in the field in the coming years,” SBLT Smith-Colombini said.

“If you’re looking for professional devel-opment, this is a fun way to go about it.”

Chance for a glimpse of the future

AB Libby Pearce, aided by her stepfather Neil, receives a commendation and presentation from CN VADM Mike Noonan. Photo: LSIS James McDougall

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LCDR Helen Ward

THE Deputy Secretary National Security Caroline Millar recently visited HMAS Sheean at Fleet Base West to see first-hand the capabilities submarines provide to help secure the nation.

After an initial briefing by Deputy Commander Submarine Force CMDR Chris Forward, Ms Millar was given a tour of Sheean, where the Deputy Secretary was welcomed aboard by CO Sheean CMDR Darren White.

Ms Millar was keen to know what activities the submarine had under-taken during the year and what was planned for the future.

CMDR White said Sheean had been away for 125 days so far in 2019, mainly deployed in South-East Asia.

“We will complete several more activities, including a fleet exercise, before heading into a deep main-tenance period next year,” CMDR White said.

“I have one of the best crews in the fleet, they are like family and we look out for each other. All I require from them is that they are the best subma-riners they can be.”

Joining Ms Millar for the tour were Tony Dalton, Deputy Secretary

National Naval Ship Building; Timothy Rutherford, Director of Strategy and Intelligence Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet; and, Tristram Boveington, Policy Adviser Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

LSET Casey Murphy began the group’s tour in the control room, explaining how the submarine is con-trolled, the navigation table and how the periscopes operate.

Ms Millar was surprised by the clarity of view through the attack periscope and was very keen to know more about the navigation maps and intelligence provided by other depart-ments.

The tour continued through the weapons stowage area, where there were many questions about the tor-pedo capability, followed by the galley, accommodation areas, and it concluded in the engine room.

Ms Millar and the group had some further questions about crew numbers, shift work, logistics of meals, as well as maintaining training standards.

“I am extremely impressed with the capabilities provided by our sub-marines, and have a deep respect for the submariners working in this envi-ronment,” Ms Millar said.

Abilities on show

LSET SM Casey Murphy talks with Tony Dalton, Timothy Rutherford and Caroline Millar in the control room on board HMAS Sheean and (below) the tour group looks through the air lock. Photos: LSIS Richard Cordell

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7NEWSOctober 17, 2019 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

Minister in DarwinDEFENCE Personnel Minister Darren Chester met patrol boat crews during a visit to Darwin on October 9. “Darwin is a vital port for the Navy and Australia’s bor-der protection operations, so it was a pleasure to meet sailors at HMAS Coonawarra,” Mr Chester said. “I was encouraged to see its important work in supporting Navy’s fleet of patrol boats and the on-the-job training it gives sailors. Mr Chester also met per-sonnel about to deploy with Task Group Taji 10.

Better access trialINCREASED access to enabling groups is a reality following the introduction of a new co-location trial across some Defence sites. Launched last month, the trial extends the ServiceConnect intranet website to a central – phys-ical – location where ADF members can interact with teams from CIOG, DPG and E&IG. The trial includes seven Defence sites: RAAF Base Williams, Victoria Barracks (Melbourne), Russell Precinct, Garden Island Defence Precinct, Defence Plaza (Sydney), RAAF Base Townsville, Lavarack Barracks and Gallipoli Barracks. More information can be found on the intranet page: http://drnet.defence.gov.au/AssociateSecretary/ServiceDelivery/Integrated-Service-Delivery-Project/Pages/Colocation.aspx

Quilters say thanksAUSSIE Hero Quilts will be holding their annual Thank You Dinner at Old Parliament House in Canberra on November 2. It is a chance for per-sonnel who have received a quilt to meet the volunteers and thank them for their quilting work. It is also open to anyone who wishes to support Aussie Hero Quilts. Tickets are avail-able from TryBooking: www.trybook-ing.com/book/event?eid=535797&

IN BRIEFBloody good cause

LSML-SC Hayden Eyles and Myles Morgan

OFFICERS and sailors at HMAS Moreton have answered CN’s call – joining hundreds of Navy person-nel donating blood for the Defence Blood Challenge.

Moreton’s first batch of volun-teers this year included three-first time donors.

The willing donors from the Brisbane base were first rallied last year by retired CPONPC Bernard Matson.

Chief Matson helped encourage personnel on the fence about giv-ing blood, telling them “to give it a shot”.

Since the end of the 2018 Blood Challenge till the start of the 2019 challenge, Moreton’s uniformed and APS members were responsible for giving about 150 donations of blood and plasma to the Brisbane CBD Blood Donation Centre.

Moreton’s Padre CHAP Stephen Briggs said given that they are one of the smaller bases in Australia, they definitely pulled their weight.

“It’s always good seeing new faces overcoming their fears of donating blood in order to help out our fellow humans,” CHAP Briggs said.

“The donation was a milestone for LEUT Rebecca Holmes, who celebrated her 10th donation.

“It was great being able to share this milestone with my Moreton family, and I look forward to reach-ing my next mile stone.”

With the Blood Challenge well under way, more personnel have volunteered to join Moreton on its

next monthly donation run.With 16 donations from the

base so far this challenge, Moreton is well on its way to surpass last year’s efforts and crack the 200 donation mark.

Navy is leading the way in the Defence Blood Challenge with the best year-on-year growth and the highest donations per person.

The more than 1000 donations made so far have the potential to save 3000 lives with whole blood, plasma and platelets.

Navy is narrowly trailing Army in terms of total donations made. But about seven per cent of Navy’s workforce has made a donation so far, an impressive result that leads Army and Air Force.

Navy’s year-on-year growth in donations is nearly 30 per cent, and it has the highest number of new donors.

Defence has supported the challenge for more than 10 years, contributing more than 100,000 donations.

There has been fantastic sup-port for the Challenge so far, with Navy, Army, Air Force and Defence APS almost at 40 per cent of its 9000-donation target.

The challenge will run until December 8.

More information at donateblood.com.au/red25/defenceLive tallies at https://my.donateblood.com.au/app/chal-lenge/details/challenge_id/6

Members of HMAS Moreton at the Brisbane City Blood Donation Centre.

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DEFENCE SEAWORTHINESS

SYMPOSIUM21 - 22 November 2019

P: (02) 6266 4444 | E: dswms@defence.gov.au

All members of the Defence maritime community are invited to attend the inaugural Defence Seaworthiness Symposium in Canberra 21-22 November 2019.

Hosted by the Office of the Defence Seaworthiness Regulator, the event will feature speakers including VADM Michael Noonan, RADM Wendy Malcolm, RADM Colin Lawrence, BRIG Todd Ashurst and Mr Peter Chesworth.

The theme of the symposium is ‘Reforming to Transform – Seaworthiness as a Defence-wide priority’.

View the full Symposium program via the link below.

Where: Adams Auditorium, ADFA CanberraWho: All members of the Defence maritime community including Defence Industry are invited to attend.

Interested parties may register at:www.defence.gov.au/seaworthiness/Contact_Symposium.aspRegistration closes: 8 November 2019

9NEWSOctober 17, 2019 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

CPL Julia Whitwell

EXPERTS in youth safety shared insights at the Defence Youth Safety Forum, themed ‘Transforming Defence Youth Safety’, held in Canberra in September.

The forum aimed to improve youth safety practices in Defence activities, including ADF Cadets and the initial recruitment of under 18s, to address the systemic issues identified by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Abuse in 2017.

Presenter Jane French, Executive Director of Child Wise, said the forum was important because Defence carried several risk factors as an organisation.

“The Royal Commission showed that risk factors may be increased for children and young people in institutions where there are power imbalances, and where adults have a strong aspect of authority and command,” Ms French said.

“Defence has these, so it’s working doubly hard to make sure everyone’s protected within their youth programs.”

The forum included presenta-tions from organisations such as Child Wise, the Australian Human Rights Commission and the National Office of

Child Safety, as well as youth engage-ment organisation Scouts NSW.

Head of Reserve and Youth Division, RADM Brett Wolski, said Defence had formalised its youth safety policies over the past two years, and the process was continuing.

“Work is constantly being done to improve the safety of the young peo-ple interacting with our organisation,” RADM Wolski said.

“We have the responsibility to pro-tect the youth we work with, and these forums shape how we go about it.”

Defence has implemented initiatives to ensure youth safety, such as extending the Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Office (SeMPRO) services to ADF Cadets and instructors, and launch-ing the Youth Safety Survey to seek feed-back from participants in ADF Cadets programs.

Additionally, all of Defence’s youth programs, including ADF Cadets, Defence Work Experience and the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme, are overseen by a single point of accountability, the Defence Reserves and Youth Division.

Find more information at: defenceyouth.gov.au/youth-safety

Commitment to Defence youth

RADM Brett Wolski addresses the Defence Youth Safety Forum at ADFA, Canberra. Photo: CPL Julia Whitwell

A pause to celebrate

LEUT Todd Fitzgerald

THE crew of HMAS Launceston cel-ebrated her 12th birthday in a manner that testified to the work ethic of the Navy’s patrol boats: at sea, on opera-tion, protecting Australia’s northern maritime borders.

CO Launceston CMDR Matthew Richardson said the crew and members of the Transit Security Element held a “small but important ceremony” to mark the occasion.

“This event is to honour the service and sacrifice of every crew member, and their families, who has

served in Launceston in the pursuit of Australia’s interests,” CMDR Richardson said.

Launceston has tirelessly served her country since commission-ing at Beauty Point in Tasmania on September 22, 2007.

Now based in Darwin along with

11 other patrol boats, Launceston has sailed more than 430,000nm.

While her primary role has been border protection on Operation Resolute, Launceston has also worked with neighbouring navies, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste, to improve

security and stability in the region.The event was not lost on ABML-

SC Michaelyn Waia, one of the newest crew members.

“It is great to be part of the hard work our patrol boats do at sea and it was very special to be on board for the ship’s birthday,” AB Waia said.

CO HMAS Launceston CMDR Matt Richardson and youngest member of the crew gunner Emily Robertson cut the patrol boat’s birthday cake.

Commander Joint Logistics is pleased to announce the annual Defence Fuel Symposium will be held at Adams Hall, ADFA, Canberra on Thursday 31 October 2019. The theme of the symposium is ‘Innovation and Capability’.

Well known corporate speaker and former Royal Australian Air Force and Qantas pilot, Richard de Crespigny AM, is this year’s keynote speaker. Mr Crespigny is credited with saving the lives of more than 460 passengers in November 2010, when one of four engines on the Qantas A380 he was flying exploded. Mr Crespigny’s presentation will focus on crisis management, leadership, problem solving and teamwork.

Fuel Industry representatives and international guests will also be attending the Symposium. The event is an ideal opportunity to hear thought-provoking presentations, share information and network with peers.

Where: Adams Auditorium, ADFA Canberra

Who: All members of the Defence Fuel Supply Chain community, including Defence industry, are invited to attend.

Interested parties may register at https://dfs2019.eventbrite.com.au

DEFENCE FUEL SYMPOSIUM31 October 2019

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10 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS October 17, 2019

LSML-SC Hayden Eyles

HMAS Moreton personnel took on a bushwalking challenge to test their mental and physical resilience.

The old Brisbane Rail Trail com-prises 161km of rugged Australian bushland, often crossing though small Queensland towns, providing a challenge even for experienced bushwalkers.

The trail is a familiar stomping ground for Moreton with personnel having covered the opposite end of the trail late in 2018. This year Moreton worked together to help carry their “wounded” team member AB Blue.

Coordinator for the resilience train-ing CPOPTI June Cunningham said 2019 marked the largest turn-out of Navy personnel posted to the south-east Queensland region, including members posted to outstations such as Airbus (MRH-90) and Fleet Battle Staff to come together as one Navy team.

ABBM Kevin Barnes, an avid mar-athon runner who laterally transferred

from the UK Navy, kept the partici-pants focused throughout the challenge with motivating comments.

“This trail has some beautiful coun-tryside,” AB Barnes said.

“You really appreciate how lucky we are in Australia having the opportu-nity to go for team exercises in beauti-ful landscapes like this.”

Fellow sailor LSCSO James Everton enjoyed the opportunity to participate in his first resilience train-ing with Moreton.

“My shoes trying to eat my feet alive just added to the whole resilience theme but I couldn’t wait to see that finish line,” LS Everton said.

Moreton personnel finally got to their bus at the finish line after walking a total of 42km over two days.

Moreton has a strong connection with south-east Queensland with fre-quent community engagement activi-ties and exercises, such as Talisman Sabre, underlining Navy’s commit-ment to the region and local govern-ment and emergency services.

Trail a trial for sailors

Members of Team Moreton carry their “wounded” team member AB Blue during the challenge. Photo: LSML-SC Hayden Eyles

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11NEWSOctober 17, 2019 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

LEUT Ryan Zerbe

CREW members from the largest warships in Navy’s fleet marked Mental Health Awareness Month with an event to build confidence in asking ‘R U OK?’, before deploying overseas later this month.

The 400-strong ship’s company of HMAS Adelaide was joined by personnel from HMAS Canberra to learn the signs that it might be time to have an R U OK? conversation.

Family and friends were also invited to celebrate the role they play in supporting their loved ones.

CO Adelaide CAPT Jonathan Ley said the ship’s upcoming deployment was a good cue to reit-erate the value of a strong social support network.

“When we’re deployed we rely on each other for emotional support and a big part of doing that well is knowing the signs that someone might need to talk,” CAPT Ley said.

“We wouldn’t be able to deploy without the support of our loved ones, but it can be challenging for them too.

“It’s just as important that they’re able to ask each other ‘R U OK?’

“HMAS Adelaide’s outstanding ship’s company are about to spend

Learning to look for cues

CDRE Stephen Hughes, CAPT Jonathan Ley and the ‘R U OK?’ team on board HMAS Adelaide during the Mental Health Awareness Month event. Photo: ABIS Thomas Sawtell

Navy personnel from HMA Ships Adelaide and Canberra spell out ‘R U OK?’ on Adelaide’s flight deck, at Garden Island. Photo: POIS Justin Brown

the remainder of the year at sea together. We’ll take the lessons from today and use them to share the load while we’re away from home.”

R U OK? CEO Katherine Newton welcomed the opportunity to speak with those gathered and reiterated the importance of mean-ingfully connecting with the people around you, for both those on home shores and those serving at sea.

“Serving personnel and their families know better than most the challenges that come with working away from home,” Ms Newton said.

“One thing they can all do through those periods is to talk about it. Reaching out to have regu-lar conversations can help someone work through those challenges and feel more supported and resilient.

“Signs can be subtle changes in verbal or non-verbal behaviour. A loved one might not be interacting

with others the way they usually would, or they may not be enjoy-ing the things they often do, like exercise or socialising. They may be demonstrating a lack of discipline or enthusiasm, or perhaps they seem distracted.

“We’re encouraging people to look out for those cues. We can also make a conscious effort when we know someone is going through a significant life change such as a relationship breakdown or becoming a parent.

“It’s not always obvious that someone is struggling – and we sometimes need to be reminded to trust our gut instinct and dig a bit deeper. You don’t have to be an expert, just a good friend and a great listener.”

Find conversation tips at ruok.org.au For 24-hour support call Lifeline on 13 11 14

– CAPT Jonathan Ley, CO HMAS Adelaide

We wouldn’t be able to deploy without the support of our loved ones, but it can be challenging for them too.

‘‘

www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS October 17, 2019 1312 CENTREON TRACK FOR COMBAT SYSTEM TRIALS

ON the eve of her combat system trials, the crew of HMAS Brisbane has used the passage and time alongside San Diego to fully prepare for the important

milestone.The trials are the culmination of a concentrat-

ed combat system preparation and training period which has been running for nearly 12 months.

Before deploying, Brisbane embarked a team from the United States, which has worked along-side the ship’s company to optimise the combat system and conduct operator training.

During the transit, Brisbane also had the opportunity to work with US Navy Destroyer Squadron 31, including USS Preble in Hawaii, and also alongside in San Diego to supplement and enhance the training.

For CO Brisbane CMDR Josh Wilson, inter-operability with the United States Navy has been a driving factor during the preparation phases of the weapons firings.

“Having the US Navy Project Team on board and working with Destroyer Squadron 31 in Hawaii provided an excellent opportunity for the crew to be exposed to complex training scenarios that have enhanced our knowledge of the Aegis Combat System,” CMDR Wilson said.

“We share a long and proud history with the US Navy and our officers and sailors work well together.

“With the introduction of Aegis we will be

able to work closer and better integrate into joint exercises and operations.”

The journey has been significant for Deputy Electrical Engineering Officer LEUT Michael Whanslaw, who has been a part of the Air War-fare Destroyer Program since 2013.

“I joined the program in Adelaide when Bris-bane was still blocks in the shipyard,” he said.

“Since forming the crew in early 2017, the test and trials of the combat system have been our ultimate goal to progress the destroyer capability.

“It is exciting that we have reached the culmi-nation of 12 months of planning and hard work.”

For Combat Systems Supervisor PO Neale Merrick, the training required in preparation for the upcoming missile firings included courses in Moorestown, New Jersey, covering theory and practical training in the management and opera-tion of the Aegis Combat System.

“The training provided by the US Navy has prepared me to operate the combat system to its full capability,” PO Merrick said.

“Since returning from the United States I have been able to put the skills into practise in an Australian warship and develop training scenarios for combat system operators and the electronics technicians.”

After completing her combat system trials, Brisbane is due to return to Australian in December.

BRISBANE READY TO FIRE

US VADM John Alexander with CO HMAS Brisbane CMDR Josh Wilson on the bridge while alongside San Diego Naval Base. US VADM John Alexander addresses the ship’s company during a visit on board HMAS Brisbane.

HMAS Brisbane’s crew members have been preparing for her combat system trials in the US for almost 12 months, LCDR Warren Lynch reports.

HMAS Brisbane sails with US Navy guided-missile destroyer USS Preble during a passing exercise off the coast of Hawaii. Destroyer Squadron 31 staff and sev-eral sailors embarked aboard Brisbane to learn about her shipboard operations. Photo : Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Devin M. Langer

HMAS Brisbane sails into San Diego in preparation for her combat system trials.

Deputy Electrical Engineering Officer LEUT Michael Whanslaw said it was exciting to reach the culmination of 12 months’ hard work.

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VOLUNTEERS from HMA Ships Anzac and Ballarat were queued out the door of a make-shift health facility recently at

Henderson shipyards in WA.They were queueing to take part in

a health initiative that grew from a win-ning entry in the Fleet Commander’s ‘Shark Tank’ competition.

Medical Officer LEUT Ashley Wallin, whose successful business case led to its implementation, is now lead-ing the Individual Readiness Health Promotion Program team, which is roll-ing it out.

The team includes CPOMED Dion Dredge, POMED Melissa McLean, ABMED Tahlia Cole and ABMED Rowan Austin.

“I proposed the health promotion program because I wanted to reduce Navy health risks, increase resilience and improve operational capability, while making long-term, cost-effective savings in medical care,” LEUT Wallin said.

“My initial trials have demonstrated that Navy personnel respond very posi-tively to focused dietary education and physical training regimes when they are presented with quality, science-based information.

“Australian obesity levels and their related preventable conditions are plac-ing a massive burden on the public health system and this trend is also reflected in Australian Navy personnel.”

The Health Promotion Program begins with a one-hour low-carbohydrate diet presentation to all personnel and then invites interested participants to undertake a body composition scan to determine their individual goals and high intensity interval training program.

The body composition scan is under-

taken in physical training clothing, fully automated and takes less than 30 seconds to complete, and is accurate to within 1 per cent of a DEXA (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) scan.

After the scan, all participants are debriefed by one of the medical staff, who goes over the results and then assist in setting achievable goals with an exercise program for the following six weeks.

LSML-S Jennifer Kent, of HMAS Ballarat, was keen to participate in the program.

“I have had a similar scan at my local gym in the past, but had to pay $70 last time,” LS Kent said.

“My results were better than expect-ed, but there are still some goals I want to achieve before the next scan in six weeks.

“It will be relatively easy to lose a couple of kilograms by following the low-carbohydrate menu options in the mess and structured exercise program.” Initial trails with members of HMAS Adelaide’s ship’s company earlier in the year clearly demonstrated significant decreases in body and visceral fat levels, increased muscle mass.

Most pleasingly for LEUT Wallin, the program received a 100 per cent endorsement by participants, who reported more confidence managing their health outcomes long term.

Interestingly, the positive changes to the health of members are driven by the individuals themselves, with only mini-mal contact with the medical team after beginning the program.

Keep an eye out for the program in your local area or ship, but get in early as places fill up fast.

15FEATURESOctober 17, 2019 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

A competition-winning idea is now a popular program improving the health of Navy personnel, writes LCDR Helen Ward.

Keeping an eye on your health

Medical Officer LEUT Ashley Wallin measures the height of LSML-S Jennifer Kent as part of the Navy Individual Readiness Health Promotion Program. Photos: POIS James Whittle

LEUT Ashley Wallin and LSML-S Jennifer Kent review the results of the In-Body 570 Body Composition Analyser.

16 FEATURES www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS October 17, 2019

FIVE members of Navy’s emerg-ing Defensive Cyber Operations workforce were given a rare opportunity to share their knowl-

edge and experience with allies from the United States, Canada, Great Britain and New Zealand at the US Navy’s annual Hack the Machine event.

RADM Steve Parode, Director of the US Navy’s Warfare Integration Directorate, invited members of the Five Eyes naval community to contrib-ute participants to a combined team for the event.

Hack the Machine is an open event that attracts members of the information security community to participate in a range of activities aimed at vulnerability discovery, exploitation and subsequent security hardening of maritime informa-tion and operational technologies.

The event was held in Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York, from September 6-8 and involved more than 500 participants.

The event provided the RAN par-ticipants with valuable insights into the capabilities of not only our Five Eye partners, but most importantly the potential vulnerabilities that maritime systems may present for exploitation.

WO Mark Baker, of the Directorate of Navy Cyber and Space, Navy Information Warfare Branch, coordi-nated the Five Eyes teams comprising 20 members.

“The event provided a fantastic opportunity to share knowledge and experience with our close allies, discov-ering inherent vulnerabilities in systems that we rely on daily for safe navigation and situational awareness in the mari-time environment,” WO Baker said.

The Five Eyes teams participated in both the educational and competitive tracks of the maritime ‘Hack the Ship’ component of the event.

Participants were given access to a

Hackers phish for weak spotsThe Navy’s best hackers represented Australia in an international military information security event that took them to cyber space and beyond.

suite of simulated networked maritime systems designed by Fathom5.

These included geographic informa-tion systems, radar, weather sensors and programmable logic controllers often seen in engineering systems.

The educational track provided participants with a limited guided experience, where points were awarded on successful completion of activities, whereas the competitive track saw par-ticipants provided no guidance and very little detail surrounding the systems in use.

“Both our educational and competi-tive teams performed very well, finish-ing third and fifth respectively overall,” WO Baker said.

During the awards ceremony, Zac Staples, CEO of Fathom5, advised participants that plans were already underway for Hack the Machine 2020, planned to be held in Texas or California.

– WO Mark Baker Directorate of Navy Cyber and Space

The event provided a fantastic opportunity to share knowledge and

experience with our close allies.‘‘

The Fathom5 ‘Trudi’ maritime systems hacking simulator used by the RAN cyber team at the Hack the Machine event in New York.

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If you have moved with Toll previously, you will be able to access your previous Inventory of household goods and personal effects at www.tollgroup.com/movemaestro/defence and can update and edit it as required for your new move.

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We look forward to helping you relocate this posting period.

18 PERSONNEL www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS October 17, 2019

CPL Dan Pinhorn

LEUT Katrina Burkett swapped the ocean for a view of mountains in Afghanistan dur-ing a recent deployment.

Hailing from Robinvale, Victoria, LEUT Burkett developed a taste for travel from a young age. Yearning for more adventure and a desire to serve, she joined the Navy after graduating from the Australian National University.

“As a Maritime Logistics Officer, life in the Navy includes lots of travel and living out of a suitcase for months on end, but I love the variety of work locations,” LEUT Burkett said.

She was one of about 300 Australians deployed in Afghanistan as part of Operation Highroad, Australia’s continu-ing contribution to the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission to train, advise and assist the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces.

“Being on deployment was great because I made new friends and learnt about cultures from many different countries,” LEUT Burkett said.

Balancing the books in Kabul

Task Group Afghanistan Finance Adviser LEUT Katrina Burkett and Finance Officer WO2 Brian Donnelly review incoming invoices during their morning brief (above) and outside their office at headquarters in Kabul (left).Photos: CPL Dan Pinhorn

Embedded in the Australian headquar-ters in Kabul as a financial adviser, her responsibilities were vastly different from tasks she normally does for Navy.

“It was a steep learning curve, but under-standing new financial systems, policies and procedures will help me during my new posting to HMAS Toowoomba,” LEUT Burkett said.

“Defence has given me plenty of oppor-tunities to do things and given me skills that I wouldn’t have found anywhere else. And I can’t wait for my next chance to experience something out of the ordinary.”

– LEUT Katrina Burkett

As a Maritime Logistics Officer, life in the Navy includes lots of travel and living out of a suitcase.

‘‘

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19TRAININGOctober 17, 2019 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

LEUT Andrew Herring

IT was a busy afternoon for midship-men Geraldine Gray and Maire Starkey.

They were helping to pilot the 16,000-tonne landing ship dock HMAS Choules through the treacherous Prince of Wales Channel off Australia’s north-ern coast at the end of September.

The apparent tranquillity of the shallow channel’s tropical turquoise waters belies its many navigation haz-ards, including sand bars, reefs, islands, strong tidal streams and shipping traffic.

While using the pelorus to manually obtain navigational fixes, confirming positions provided by the ship’s digital systems, the two trainees had to remain aware of the many other activities hap-pening simultaneously, such as the embarked MRH-90 Taipan maritime support helicopter operating from the flight deck, or the marine technical sail-ors practising their responses to engi-neering breakdowns.

MIDN Gray said it was a good expe-rience to see how much work goes into keeping people safe on the ship

“I could feel the stress, but it was good to be up there,” MIDN Gray said.

Fellow midshipmen Emma Hohnke and Jacqui Meacle looked on, eagerly awaiting their opportunity to practise bridge watch-keeping skills.

Of course they weren’t alone. The officer of the watch had control of the ship and the trainees were being supervised by SBLT Harrison Rees and Choules’ navigator LCDR Simon Murray.

“Learning to multi-task in the hec-tic environment of a ship’s bridge will become second-nature to these officers, once they eventually become quali-fied maritime warfare officers,” LCDR Murray said.

“They are among a class of 10 midshipmen undertaking the 20-week Phase 2 of the Maritime Warfare Officer Course currently aboard Choules.

“The course applies theory learned in classrooms during Phase 1 and gives trainees an understanding of all ship departments and their interaction with the MWO controlling the ship as officer of the watch.”

A key training focus is applying the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, commonly referred to by mariners as the ‘Col Regs’, or ‘rules of the road’, from the bridge of an ocean-going ship.

There is much to learn and it was initially daunting for MIDN Starkey.

“Being an MWO is not like anything else so you first look at it and think ‘I have no idea how I am going to be able

to do this’, but you do learn as you go,” MIDN Starkey said.

“You have to throw yourself into it and give it all you’ve got.”

The level of responsibility that awaits them as MWOs is also an appealing part of the job for both officers.

“I remember when I first came to sea, laying in my rack feeling the sway of the ship and thinking: ‘This is a real-ly important job because that person up there, the officer of the watch, has got the ship’, and I really enjoy that respon-sibility,” MIDN Starkey said.

Following their 20 weeks at sea, the midshipmen will sit for a Mariner Skills Board exam before the direct entry officers among them progress to Phase 3 at HMAS Watson, while the undergraduate entry officers go to the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra to begin their tertiary studies before returning to the fleet.

To find out more about a career as a maritime warfare officer in the Navy, visit navy.defencejobs.gov.au or call 13 19 01

A lot to look out for

MIDN Geraldine Gray and MIDN Maire Starkey, right, keep watch on the bridge of HMAS Choules under the supervision of SBLT Harrison Rees. Photo: LSIS Christopher Szumlanski

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20 PERSONNEL www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS October 17, 2019

CPL Dan Pinhorn

CAPT Anne Andrews knows improvements have been made to the lives of Afghan women and girls, which includes a tenfold increase in school enrolments since 2001.

The Navy officer is the senior gender adviser at the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission in Kabul.

Up until 19 years ago, women were not allowed a formal educa-tion or to be gainfully employed in Afghanistan – but progress is being made.

Success can also be seen in the security sector, where the number of women employed in the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces has increased by more than 40 per cent.

Increasing female integration in the Afghan National Army and Police Force is high on the agenda of the Afghan government and the NATO mission.

“Having women in the security

sector, particularly the police force, assists Afghanistan in moving for-ward,” CAPT Andrews said.

“But we are also focusing on building capacity in other areas, including women’s literacy and job opportunities.

“It’s not just finding jobs for women but making sure they have the right jobs in the right sectors.”

To boost female participation in the workforce, government minis-tries have developed an innovative employment program that will begin later this year.

Under the plan, several ministries will recruit up to 30 female graduates for a 12-month internship that will give the participants experience in a wide range of government operations.

“I am confident that on comple-tion of the internship the women will pursue a career in government, including the area of national secu-rity, thereby helping Afghanistan to protect its citizens for years to come,” CAPT Andrews said.

Women assist progress

CAPT Anne Andrews is the senior gender adviser to the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan. Photos: CPL Chris Beerens

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21FEATURESOctober 17, 2019 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

AFTER months of intensive testing and preparation, a Grumman Tracker (844) flew, for the first time

since 1998, from HMAS Albatross to her new home at the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society Aviation Museum at Illawarra Regional Airport.

With the Tracker now at home in the museum, visitors will have the opportunity to view a flying icon of Naval Aviation History.

Fleet Air Arm Museum Manager Stuart Harwood said it was a heart-warming sight.

“Previously, I was the volunteer manager of the Royal Australian Navy Historic Flight, so watching 844 roll down runway 03 in the very capable hands of ex-Navy Tracker pilots Owen Nicols and Steve McMahon, and then take flight, was an extremely gratifying moment,” Mr Harwood said.

“Many Historic Flight volun-teers have spent many, many hours tending to 844, so to see her finally take off was a tribute to them and the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) volunteers who have continued their legacy.”

Mr Harwood said the Tracker was going to a good home.

“Since 2007, the Royal Australian Navy has endeavoured to transfer the flying activities of the Navy’s Historic Flight to a suitable Australian heritage

organisation,” Mr Harwood said.HARS has significant experi-

ence in saving and operating historic aircraft and this allowed Tracker 844 to continue to dynami-cally present Navy heritage to the Australian public.

“I hope this helps the Australian public to better understand the Fleet Air Arm’s history,” he said.

The Grumman S-2 Tracker, whose primary role was as an anti-submarine warfare aircraft, was a familiar sight on the Albatross airfield from its introduction in 1967 until the end of the fixed-wing flight era and its retirement from service in 1984.

COMFAA CDRE Don Dezentje said the Tracker had provided out-standing service.

“The Trackers had an exception-al operational record of service to the Fleet Air Arm, the Navy and the Australian Defence Force,” CDRE Dezentje said.

“They participated in operations as varied as Operation Trochus, conducting aerial patrols over the north-west coastline of Western Australia, searching for illegal foreign fishing vessels, Bass Strait oil rig surveillance, anti-terrorist patrols and a plethora of multina-tional exercises.

“The flight of this impressive aircraft on the weekend was an out-standing achievement and provided an opportunity for a historic piece

of Naval Aviation to take to the skies once more.

“Getting a historic aircraft back into the air after a considerable period on the ground is a signifi-cant achievement and I would like to acknowledge HARS for all the work it has put into getting the Tracker airborne and dynamically showcasing the heritage of the FAA in such a magnificent manner.”

No doubt there will be many fond memories and stories shared on October 23-24, when HARS will host a Tracker reunion. Tracker 844 may even conduct a flypast at the event, and demonstrate her show-stopping folding wings.

Mr Harwood said the Tracker had a strong following in the ex-Navy community, and when asked what he thought those attending would feel about the presence of Tracker 844 at the event, he said “Nostalgic. Very, very nostalgic.”

To learn more about the story of Australian Naval Aviation, head to Nowra’s Fleet Air Arm Museum and check out its historical collec-tion of military planes (including a Tracker), helicopters and everything flight related.

The reunion is being organised by the ‘Friends of the RAN Grumman Tracker’ Facebook group at: facebook.com-groups/703844286295816/events/ and navy.gov.au/aircraft/grumman-s-2eg-tracker

Tracker flies to new home

Final preparation at Air Affairs Nowra are made before the Grumman Tracker flies to her new home at Illawarra Regional Airport.

A Grumman Tracker recently took to the skies for the first time since 1998, writes Dallas McMaugh.

Wanted

ADF Reservists with COMSARM qualifications

The Defence Single Disposal Organisation is currently concentrating on the disposal of Explosive Ordnance (EO) and is seeking members experienced in Computer System Armaments (COMSARM).

Members must hold a Negative Vetting 1 clearance and have extensive knowledge in COMSARM to assist with the transactions required during the disposal of EO.

Position commences from September 2019 at Canberra, ACT and/or Orchard Hills, NSW.

• You will assist with the planning and conduct associated with disposal of EO.

• You will assist with analysing data in COMSARM and finalising transactions after the disposal of EO.

• Position available for any service/rank for between 50 and 200 days per FY.

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MLDS.reserves@defence.gov.au

LEUT Sarah West

FORTY Navy footballers pulled up their socks for the annual South Coast Sevens football tournament at Gerringong on September 29, with the Navy women’s team taking the spoils.

The Navy women played six games over the two days of the seven-a-side tournament, which was contested by teams from across NSW and the ACT.

They won all six of their games, scored 28 goals and only conceded three.

They scored early in the grand final and were unlucky to not score again, executing disciplined defence and a few desperate saves to hold on to their 1-0 lead and claim a deserved victory.

AB Jessica Muir said the tourna-ment was perfect preparation for the ADF National Championships at the end of October.

“The quality and unity within the team was well above expected, con-sidering we only play together a few times a year,” AB Muir said.

“There’s always things to work on, but with the experience and quality of the girls in this team, nationals is going to be an exciting time.”

The men’s teams narrowly missed out on qualifying for the tournament finals, the vet’s team losing 2-1 in the final against a strong APS team.

However, the South Coast Sevens provided an excellent opportunity for players to get some playing time before Navy’s pre-nationals Training and Development Camp at HMAS Creswell later this month.

After missing the 2018 national championships, experienced mid-fielder AB Liam Hurst returned to the men’s team and instantly made an impact.

Men’s team defender LEUT Duane Sheppard said it was a good weekend of football for all the Navy men.

“The team had a few close games and unfortunately a 0-0 draw on day two of the tournament meant we got knocked out in the semi-finals after

SBLT Ryan Cavanagh

TAKING a break from his busy maintenance schedule, POMT Adam Crich, of HMAS Arunta, recently competed in the four-day, 250km-long competitive tarmac rally Targa West, in Perth.

After four gruelling days of competition, in front of thousands of spectators, he finished 16th in his class of 27 competitors.

“The team is normally my father, Peter, as the navigator and myself as the driver, but Peter was unavail-able for this event so Steven Proctor filled in as Navigator,” PO Crich said.

PO Crich has been involved in motorsport for more than 18 years, and it was his love of cars that helped contribute to his career as a marine technician in the Navy.

“We currently race a 1998 Mitsubishi Evolution 6, which was originally imported into the country as a rally/race car,” PO Crich said.

“I really like racing and with Navy training I have been able to learn and implement the skills required to maintain my car to the highest standard.

“It is great when your work and hobbies align.

“When the car developed a vibration issue on day two of the event, I was able to diagnose the problem and determine that it

Race to the finish line

22 SPORT www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS October 17, 2019

Prepping for nationals

countback to the first corner conced-ed,” LEUT Sheppard said

“Overall, the team played well and it was a good run out before nationals.”

CPO Peter Burnett, of the Navy over-35s team, said the Navy football community enjoyed returning to the South Coast Sevens each year.

“It’s a really well-organised tour-nament and we have to say a mas-sive congratulations to the Gerringong Breakers Football Club and Kiama Council for putting on the event,” CPO Burnett said.

“The atmosphere was friendly and

relaxed and the standard of football played was extremely high across all grades.

“What our vet’s team lacked in speed, we made up for in skill and knowledge of the game, with our standout payer undeniably being our goalkeeper, Christian ‘Speedy’ Gonzalez, who played with the zest of a 21-year-old and stifled the oppo-sition teams with some world-class saves.”

CPO Burnett said he had high hopes for the Navy over-35s men at the upcoming national championships.

“The two-day run-out at South Coast Sevens was a great measure of what can be expected from the Navy Vets during the imminent National Carnival.

“The calibre of players on show was a promising omen going into the biggest event in the Navy Football calendar, and we can’t wait to get started.”

Navy will face tough competi-tion at this year’s ADF National Championships.

The Navy women’s team will be looking to defend the championship

crown they won at last year’s triservice tournament.

The Navy Football Federation Australia player development camp will be conducted at HMAS Creswell from October 18-24.

The camp will be used to select players to represent Navy at the national championships, which will be held at Valentine Sports Park in Sydney from October 25-31.

Imagery is available at images.defence.gov.au/S20192408.

Navy midfielder AB Jessica Muir beats a defender to the ball.

PO Jason Lockard, right, of the men's over 35s team jockeys an opposition player. Photos: LEUT Sarah West

LEUT Chris Abbott shields the ball from the opposition.

POMT Adam Crich in action during the Targa West Rally.

wasn’t affecting the driveability of the car.

“The Targa West event was our third consecutive event and would not have been made possible with-out the support of SPAR Australia and HMAS Arunta, who enable me to continue competing in these events.

“We previously competed in Targa Tasmania in 2005, finishing 52nd out of 120 cars, winning our class and coming second in our category.”

The team is planning on com-peting in Targa Tasmania in April 2020.

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23SPORTOctober 17, 2019 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

CPL Sebastian Beurich

NAVY’S male snowboarders shred-ded the slopes and their competi-tion during the ADF Snowsports, finishing with top honours for the first time.

While the skiers competed in slalom, giant slalom and skier-cross, the snowboarders ran par-allel giant slalom, slopestyle and boarder-cross during the competi-tion held at Perisher, NSW, from September 1-6.

Snowboa rde r PO Dan ie l McLean said the team didn’t realise it was the first time Navy had won the cup until they held it.

“We were looking at the trophy and it was covered in Army and Air Force, which is when we realised Navy hadn’t won it,” PO McLean said.

“It was amazing – I’ve been doing this for around 15 years when work would allow me, so I was pret-ty surprised we’d never won before, because we always do pretty well.

“Boardercross and slopestyle are my two main events, boarder-cross because it’s like a motorcross track with berms, tabletops and lit-tle rollers, plus you’re competing against three other guys, so there’s a bit of argy-bargy in there.

“Slopesty le is a lways fun because of the jumps and rails, but it’s also the event I’m most afraid of. You can really hurt yourself, but if you push yourself and go for some-thing bigger you get a great sense of achievement.”

Although she didn’t place, snow-boarder SBLT Lynne Peachey said giant slalom was her event of choice because she could get the most speed.

“It was really good to meet all the other girls – I’d never been to an ADF Snowsports competition before, so getting to know everyone and hearing about some of the trips they’d done was pretty awesome,” SBLT Peachey said.

“This was my first time compet-ing, doing actual races and jumps

and everything else, but I wasn’t the only new person.

“One of the other girls, who had only snowboarded once before, got onto the ADF team and was tak-ing on some gigantic jumps in the slopestyle.

“It was really inspiring to see how everyone was backing every-one else no matter what level they were at.

“I’m definitely looking forward to next year – it’s two weeks of awe-some fun.”

First for snowboarders

One of the participants in action at the ADF Snowsports.

GIANT KILLERS

Page 22

Our women take spoils at South Coast

Sevens

LS Brittany Rollason, front, shields the ball from an opposition player during the grand final of the South Coast Sevens tournament at Gerringong, NSW. Photo: LEUT Sarah West

SPORTVolume 62, No. 19, October 17, 2019