AIRF RCEVol. 58, No. 2, February 25, 2016 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

CSU constructs shelter to protect munitions P4-5 Air Force fosters strong

Indigenous links LIFTOUT

SHINING EFFORTSExercise Red Flag’s highlights – CENTRE

LAC Isagani Barry, of No. 6 Squadron, conducts

maintenance on a No. 1 Squadron F/A-18F Super

Hornet during Exercise Red Flag in the US.Photo: CPL Nicci Freeman

2 February 25, 2016RCEAIR FNews

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RCEAIR F

Living the Air Force Values: RESPECT – EXCELLENCE – AGILITY – DEDICATION – INTEGRITY – TEAMWORK

World-class military spectaclePERFORMING at the 2016 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Melbourne was a d r eam come t rue fo r Air Force Band vocal is t CPL Roxanne Moxham.

CPL Moxham said she enjoyed the occasion, the colour and the fanfare associated with the performance.

“I sang several songs and the crowd favourite was I am Australian,” she said.

“They sang along, it was fantastic.”

She said the bands played to full houses during most perfor-mances.

“We would occasionally get glimpses of the crowd, there was a real sense of patriotism,” she said.

VCDF VADM Ray Griggs attended the tattoo and said he

was proud to see the ADF per-form alongside Commonwealth and international bands as part of the inspiring military spec-tacle.

“The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a unique cele-bration of military heritage and music,” VADM Griggs said.

“There is nothing quite like it. It brings together military bands, ceremonial and cultural elements from many nations in an event that is a colourful dis-play of music, dance and mili-tary precision.

“I am delighted the ADF was part of this world-class event, performing alongside armed forces from around the world.”

The Pipes and Drums of the ADF, comprising mem-bers from across the three ser-

vices, was formed especially for the event in a joint venture between the ADF and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

VADM Griggs said the 2016 tattoo provided a timely reminder of the magnitude of the First World War’s effect on Australia and the contribu-tions and sacrifices made by Australians as we commemo-rate the Centenary of Anzac.

“The massed bands, the military precision of the perfor-mances and the haunting strains of the lone piper provided a time for attendees to reflect on a century of military service by Australians who have served in peace and in conflict, and who continue to do so today,” he said.

Building onour future Adrian Xavier and FLTLT Bruce Chalmers

MORE than 8000 students are expected to graduate this year from Air Force Training Group (AFTG) courses conducted by 17 units which are as diverse geographically as they are organisationally.

Commander AFTG GPCPT Terence Deeth said the Air Force of the future must be potent, competent, effective and essen-tial.

“The AFTG plays a pivotal role in ensuring this intent will be achieved,” GPCAPT Deeth said.

“Our goal is to ensure our methods are consistent and aligned to CAF’s intent for learning to recruit, train and retain people with the technical mastery required to oper-ate and transform into a fifth-generation Air Force.”

OC Ground Training Wing GPCAPT Geoffrey Kimmins said Gap Year training would be a significant activity in AFTG this year.

“In 2016, AFTG will be bedding down an expanded Gap Year program with 120 new entrants across the airfield defence guard, supply, movements, personnel capa-bility specialist and crew attendants muster-ings,” GPCAPT Kimmins said.

“Work also continues at the RAAF School of Technical Training to ensure

technical training stays abreast of the tech-nological advances across Air Force.

“AFTG will work with BAE Systems on a significant initiative to potentially deliv-er the full Certificate IV qualification in Aeroskills training in Wagga by December.

“A modularised, flexible, reserve train-ing model is also being introduced at 1RTU and Officer Training School.”

GPCAPT Kimmins said estate works would begin in earnest this year to set up the new pilot training system based at RAAF Base East Sale.

Additionally, further development to the Aviation Academy concept will be a key initiative.

AFTG also plays a leading role in Air Force’s public relations activities and there will be important developments in this area.

“In addition to the tireless and well publicised efforts of the Roulettes, the Air Force Band and RAAF Museum, this year two new RAAF balloons will take to the sky and I am sure the exciting concepts will capture the public’s attention,” GPCAPT Deeth said.

“AFTG has also been working with the Plan Jericho team to potentially hold a Futures Training Conference with educa-tion and training SMEs from industry to showcase and learn new training methods and media.”

Air Force Band vocalist CPL Roxanne Moxham performs at the 2016 Royal Military Tattoo.

WGCDR Jo Elkington

AS AIR Force implements Plan Jericho and capital-ises on the next generation of aviation technology, it will require a program of change and opportunities to enable Air Force personnel to realise the full potential of a networked, integrated information-age air force.

This year there will be a range of key exercises (see list below) to contribute to that process. In addi-tion, the ADF will provided extended support to vis-iting overseas squadrons including the Republic of Singapore Air Force and the US forces including Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps.

More than 100 other activities will also augment the skills and build on the innovation and capabilities of Air Force personnel, with the priority on preparing personnel for joint operations, as well as the ability to contribute to joint outcomes with our partners against potential adversaries.

• Cope North: Large force employment exercise, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief exercise at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam – February.• Jericho Dawn: Practical application of Jericho air-land initiatives – March.• Vital Launch/Vital Prospect: Joint Command Post Exercise – May.• Pitch Black: CAF capstone/ premier International Engagement exercise in Darwin/ Tindal – July/Au-gust.• Hamel: Large-scale Army brigade certification exercises in Cultana, South Australia – July.• Red Flag: Air Combat and Air Lift exercise in Alaska – August.• Kakadu: Chief of Navy premier International En-gagement Exercise in Darwin – September.

MAJOR EXERCISES

CPL Roxanne Moxham hits the right note at the 2016 Royal Military Tattoo

The 2016 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Melbourne

Photos: LS Nina Fogliani

Capitalising on technology

The goal is to recruit, train and retain

AIRF RCEVol. 58, No. 2, February 25, 2016 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

CSU constructs shelter to protect munitions P4-5 Air Force fosters strong

Indigenous links LIFTOUT

SHINING EFFORTSExercise Red Flag’s highlights – CENTRE

LAC Isagani Barry, of No. 6 Squadron, conducts

maintenance on a No. 1 Squadron F/A-18F Super

Hornet during Exercise Red Flag in the US.Photo: CPL Nicci Freeman

3February 25, 2016RCEAIR F News

FLTLT Bruce Chalmers

THE School of Air Warfare at RAAF Base East Sale celebrated 70 years of training excellence on February 5, when CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies reviewed a ceremonial anniversary parade.

SAW CO WGCDR Craig Stallard said the school’s proud history was marked by the parading of the unit’s colour for the last time.

The school, which started on February 5, 1946, as the School of Air Navigation, will now be known as No. 1 Flying Training School.

The history and tradition of the SAW, including 70 years of training navigators and observers, and now air combat officers (ACOs) and aviation warfare officers, will continue under the new moniker.

FLTLT Eli Khrapko, of the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s No. 40 Squadron, said it was great to be part of the parade.

“The RNZAF has been part of the school since 1991, with crews from

the C-130H and P-3K2 Orion get-ting the benefits of training at SAW,” he said.

RAAF Base East Sale will continue to deliver the technical and profession-al mastery to operate fifth-generation Air Force technology using live, vir-tual and constructive training systems.

“The renaming to No. 1 Flying Training School will not change our core role of training ACOs, but will provide the foundation to commence concept development for officer aviation training under an Aviation Academy,” WGCDR Stallard said.

By 2025 the RAAF will be the only truly fifth generation-enabled air force in the world. All its major combat sys-tems will be less than 20 years old.

“It’s a very interesting experience to be part of an anniversary parade fol-lowed by a laying up ceremony of the unit’s colour,” PO Lindsay Bevan, of SAW 31 ACO course, said.

“I’ve been here since May last year and I’m really glad I got to be a part of it.”

THE first Australian pilots to under-take conversion training on the Pilatus PC-21 have arrived in Switzerland.

FLTLT Andrew Lynch, WGCDR Colin O’Neil and SQNLDRs Scott Van Ginkel, Steve Bekker and Jay Tuffley are forming the transition team respon-sible for development of the new train-ing curriculum and PC-21 simulators.

The PC-21 is the world’s most advanced pilot training aircraft. As part of the AIR 5428 project the PC-21 will replace the PC-9/A and CT-4B aircraft.

For the past year, SQNLDR Van

Ginkel has been working within Air Force Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group on the future pilot training system (PTS) in Laverton, Victoria. He will spend time between Switzerland and the US gaining valu-able knowledge of the PC-21.

“This posting has given me an opportunity to influence the way Air Force operates and it’s exciting to think what I’m doing now will ben-efit all pilots for the next 20 years,” SQNLDR Van Ginkel said.

“I’ve flown plenty of different air-craft before, including 14 years on

the C-130E, H and J model Hercules. However, to be one of the first in the new aircraft is really something.”

WGCDR O’Neil is looking for-ward to the flying phase of his training.

“The PC-21 is a nice looking air-craft and, from my experience in the flight simulator, it’s a great aircraft to fly,” he said.

“This first-hand knowledge will enable me, with the transition team, to work to optimise our future pilot train-ing using the PC-21 and simulators.”

SQNLDR Tuffley said his flying

instructing experience would serve him well in his new role with the PC-21.

“I’ve recently spent two weeks over there [in Switzerland] and enjoyed get-ting acquainted with the aircraft. I’m looking forward to influencing how we use it to achieve the best possible training for our future pilots,” he said.

The capabilities of the PC-21 make it suitable for a wide training envelope. It can be used from day one in the training system, eliminating the need for an elementary flying training fleet, but it also bridges the performance gap

between traditional turboprop trainers and lead-in fighters.

The aircraft will be based at RAAF Bases East Sale and Pearce.

Australia is acquiring 42 PC-21 air-craft and seven flight training simula-tors for the new PTS. A further three PC-21s are being acquired for the Aircraft Research and Development Unit and four Forward Air Control var-iants for No. 4 Squadron.

Project AIR 5428 is scheduled to deliver its first aircraft and simulators in mid-2017.

Pilots prepare for PC-21

70 years and end of an era for SAW

A transition team of pilots are leading the way with the world’s most advanced training aircraft

From left, FLTLT Andrew Lynch, SQNLDR Scott Van Ginkel, WGCDR Colin O’Neil, SQNLDR Steve Bekker and SQNLDR Jay Tuffley in Switzerland.Photo: Fabiola Felber

Above, colour bearer FLTLT Luciano Campos and colour guards, from left, PO Mitchell Rogers and SGT Michael Gould, along with WO Mike Krcevinac, parade the unit’s colour for the last time. Right, WGCDR Craig Stallard leads his unit on parade.Photos: POIS Rick Prideaux and SGT Pete Gammie

Your NEW Air Force News app is now available ontablet and smartphone

4 February 25, 2016RCEAIR FNews

Equipped for the desert sand and sky When it comes to the tools of their trade, the units supporting Operation Okra in the Middle East need to maintain the highest standards possible

SGT Guy Young

AUSTRALIA’S Combat Support Unit (CSU) Airfield Engineering Section and Base Armament Management per-sonnel have constructed an Australian-made fabric shelter to protect munitions from the harsh conditions of the Middle Eastern desert.

The shelter, designed and built in Lake Cargelligo, NSW, is the first of its kind to be used in the Middle East and is constructed on a foundation of four shipping containers.

Each container is filled with about 10 tonnes of concrete to ensure it can withstand heavy winds.

Airfield engineer FLTLT Jarrod Koch observed the completion of the project by the outgoing rotation of CSU personnel, led by FLTLT Thomas Weir.

FLTLT Koch said he believed it was the first time the Australian-made shel-ter had been used on a Defence deploy-ment.

“This shelter replaces the interim solution, which was shade cloth and net-ting over the top of the munitions while the more permanent shelter solution was on order,” he said.

“The shelter provides increased sta-bility and durability of the structure as well as additional usable space and height.

“The added height allows for all kinds of manual handling equipment – forklifts and the like – to be used under the shelter, which makes a huge differ-

ence in the conditions experienced by the armament technicians.”

After the need for a more robust structure was identified, CSU airfield engineer FLTLT Weir conducted a scop-ing study and market research to iden-tify possible solutions.

An Australian-made fabric shelter proved to be the best solution for the Air Task Group at its main air operating base in the Middle East.

The shelter was ordered and deliv-ered to RAAF Base Richmond’s No. 65 Squadron, where the components were checked and repacked for air-transport.

The CSU’s Airfield Engineering Section, with assistance from the unit’s Base Armament personnel, took only four days to assemble the shelter.

FLTLT Koch said the construction wasn’t all smooth sailing.

“The sheer distance between the Australian manufacturer and the loca-tion in the Middle East provided an assortment of logistical challenges.

“There were also limited cranes and work platforms available, so other solu-tions had to be found to allow the team to work at heights while maintaining a safe work environment,” he said.

“Finally, the extreme hot and humid conditions meant outdoor physical work like this was immensely draining on the installation team and required additional resources and careful management.

“In the end, it was a combination of excellent work by all manner of person-nel to get such a great outcome.”

Safe under shelter from back home

Left, CSU engineer LAC Owen Maxwell grinds a mounting pad flat during the construction of the munitions shelter at the Air Task Group’s Main Air Operating Base in the Middle East.Photo: SGT Guy Young

One of Australia’s Kingpin controllers at work with the US Air Force 727th Expeditionary Air Control Squadron in the Middle East.Photo: US Air Force

Armament technician SGT Matthew moves precision-guided munitions under cover of the new shelter at the Air Task Group’s main air operating base in the Middle East.Inset, technicians tension the fabric of the shelter.Photos: SGT Guy Young

5February 25, 2016RCEAIR F News

Equipped for the desert sand and sky When it comes to the tools of their trade, the units supporting Operation Okra in the Middle East need to maintain the highest standards possible

SQNLDR Nicola Frost and FLTLT Mick McGirr

CONTROL of air space, safety and survival are the name of the game for the Australian Air Task Group supporting Operation Okra in the Middle East. And a lot of work is going on behind the scenes to ensure the highest standards are maintained.

The unsung heroes of the Air Task Group are the hard-working, no-fuss air combat officers (ACOs) and air surveillance operators (ASOPs), who collectively are on their 18th rotation of forces to the region.

Specialising in air battle man-agement and embedded into the US Air Force 727th Expeditionary Air Control Squadron, they are col-loquially known as Kingpin.

Kingpin is made up of about 60 coalition controllers. Five of them are from the RAAF and are serving six-month deployments. Others controllers are from the Royal Air Force, US Air Force and US Ma-rine Corps.

FLGOFF Andrew is one of the ACOs embedded with Kingpin at the Air Task Group’s main air oper-ating base.

He said Kingpin provided com-mand and control of the air space, or “battlespace”, in which the coali-tion aircraft operate.

“Kingpin uses real-time radar surveillance to coordinate the movement of all coalition aircraft in their area of operation,” he said.

“The coordination can range from air-to-air refuelling, which enables aircraft to remain on task longer, to calling in the fast jets to conduct a strike on a target identified by a joint terminal attack controller on the ground.”

FLGOFF Andrew said Kingpin controlled a vast area of opera-tions, including coalition opera-tions in Iraq and Syria and the battlespace movement of aircraft involved in Afghanistan. They were also controlling aircraft involved in the US’s surveillance of the Gulf region.

Meanwhile, Air Task Group Strike’s Life Support Section is performing a vital role in the Middle East, preparing and maintaining aeronautical safety and survival equipment critical to safety of

F/A-18 Hornet pilots in Iraq and Syria.

Life support technician SGT Cameron said the equipment he provided included helmets, oxygen masks, low-profile combat survival vests (CSVs) and G-suits.

Each of these items had many components that required fre-quent maintenance inspections or replacement.

“The safety and survival equip-ment we prepare and maintain provides a small, but extremely important, role that supports the pi-lot throughout their mission,” SGT Cameron said.

“The equipment is vital should escape and evasion be required in the event of an ejection.

“Prior to each flying day we thoroughly inspect and prepare a range of equipment worn by fighter pilots to ensure its integrity and serviceability, while also ensuring it is in the correct configuration for the mission type.

“First, we check that their helmets and oxygen masks are serviceable, fully functional and operating correctly.

“Also, depending on the type and time of the mission, we are often required to configure the helmet for night flying by attaching night-vision equipment.”

The pilot’s joint-mounted helmet cueing system helmet is a com-plicated piece of equipment, fitted with an inbuilt computer system to display flight data on the inside of a custom-fitted visor.

SGT Cameron said it allowed the pilot to maintain situational awareness in any direction.

“It also allows fitment of a radio communication system, oxygen mask and mounting points for night-vision equipment,” he said.

The low-profile CSV contains a life vest designed to keep an un-conscious pilot afloat in the water, in the even of an ejection, with their head out of the water and their body at a 45-degree position.

“The CSV also contains a num-ber of survival and location aids that assist in the rapid rescue of the pilot,” SGT Cameron said.

“The final component we inspect is the G-suit, which is designed to help maintain blood pressure to the brain and upper body during high gravitational force manoeuvres.”

NOTHING IS LEFT TO CHANCE

IN THE BATTLESPACE

An aircraft life support fitter

conducts thorough checks of equipment

used and worn by F/A-18 fighter/attack aircraft pilots in the

Middle East Photo: CPL Ben Dempster

6 February 25, 2016RCEAIR FNews

CPL Ben Dempster

PERSONNEL from Combat Support Unit 14 (CSU 14) have been recog-nised and rewarded with a challenge coin for their hard work and profes-sionalism by their US Air Force coun-terparts.

Airfield Defence Guard LAC Gregory Chance was the first CSU 14 member to receive a ‘Warrior of the Week’ award.

LAC Chance was directly involved in multiple emergency scenarios where his quick thinking and decisiveness ensured the situations did not escalate.

Working at the vehicle search area tasked with inspecting more than 150 vehicles a day, LAC Chance discov-ered 16 items of contraband, ranging from weapons to drugs.

“Searching vehicles entering the base is an extremely important role,” LAC Chance said.

“We prevent the exposure of any unauthorised items onto the base, which is important in keeping in line with our host nation’s laws and direct-ly contributes to the safety of all per-sonnel.”

Showing extreme professionalism and calmness under pressure, LAC Chance responded to a medical emer-gency when a USAF member pressed the distress button on her personal radio.

LAC Chance arrived quickly on the scene and took charge to help adminis-ter first aid.

Recognition for hard work CSU 14 members presented with challenge coins by USAF on Operation Accordion

In typical Aussie fashion, LAC Chance is hesitant to take credit for his efforts, instead giving credit to others involved.

“I assisted with first aid until fur-ther help arrived,” he said.

“Senior Airman Jones and Senior Airman Quintana deserve most of the credit as they arrived before me and did most of the work.”

LAC Golden Gepp was recognised after meticulously screening more

than 3400 other-country nationals and 1700 vehicles entering the US and Australian operational areas, contribut-ing to the protection of thousands of multinational personnel.

LAC Jeremy Anderson was award-

ed ‘Warrior of the Week’ for his over-all performance and high standards for refuelling coalition aircraft with more than 1.29 million gallons of fuel in a single month.

LAC Christopher Smith was the most recent CSU 14 member to receive an award for his work in the USAF training cell in support of the USAF and Australian security forces integration.

LAC Smith demonstrated an excep-tional level of dedication towards his training responsibilities and was instrumental in the development of an Australian security integration training package, which further enhanced the USAF and Australian armed capabil-ity.

Detachment Commander CSU 14 SQNLDR Darren Prior said he was proud of his people and their achieve-ments.

“I’m extremely fortunate to have been given the opportunity to lead such a highly skilled and motivated team working in support of the Air Task Group in the Middle East,” he said.

“Although these members where personally recognised, there are many more individuals and teams in CSU who are doing exceptional work and continually rise above and beyond their expected duties.

“They all bring credit to the Air Force and continue to bolster our strong relationship with one of our coalition partners.”

LACs Gregory Chance (main) and Jeremy Anderson (inset) display their USAF challenge coins.Photos: SGT Guy Young and CPL Ben Dempster

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7February 25, 2016RCEAIR F News

A booming success

RAAF Tanker refuels USAF Globemaster for the first time

An RAAF KC-30A refuels a USAF C-17A Globemaster over Edwards Air Force Base in the US. Photos courtesy USAF

F-35 LIGHTNING II aircraft operat-ing at 12 different locations worldwide have passed the 50,000 flight-hour mark.

The first flight hour was achieved by an F-35B aircraft, BF-1, on June 1, 2008.

The 25,000 flight hour milestone was reached in December 2014, 6 ½ years later.

F-35 Joint Program Executive Officer LTGEN Christopher Bogdan said the second set of 25,000 flight hours was reached only one year and two months later and was a sign of program growth and maturity.

“The F-35 program continues to grow and accelerate as we complete additional flight testing and increase deliveries to our US and partner warfighters,” LTGEN Christopher Bogdan said.

“The next 50,000 hours will be achieved more quickly as we double

F-35 fleet exceeds 50,000 flying hours

Three US and one Australian F-35

Lightning IIs fly a training sortie near Luke Air Force Base, Arizona.

Photo: Darin Russell

the size of the F-35 fleet worldwide in the next three years alone.”

More than 250 F-35 pilots and 2400 aircraft maintainers from six nations have been trained and more than 110 jets are jointly under con-struction at both production facilities.

FLTLT Shaun Donnelly

THE first air-to-air refuelling from an RAAF KC-30A to a C-17A Globemaster III occurred on February 10 over Edwards Air Force Base in the United States.

The five-hour sortie was conduct-ed by members of the RAAF’s Air Warfare Centre Aircraft Research and Development Unit, No 86 Wing and the US Air Force’s 418th Flight Test Squadron.

About seven tonnes of fuel was successfully transferred from the KC-30A Advanced Refuelling Boom System (ARBS) to the C-17A.

A KC-30A from No 33 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley is conduct-ing the trials.

More trials between with a USAF C-17A aircraft are scheduled.

Commander Air Warfare Centre AIRCDRE Stephen Meredith said one of the core roles of the Air

Warfare Centre was to enable Air Force to maximise the effects of fifth-generation technology.

“The trials conducted are a clear example of the Air Warfare Centre developing a future force that is agile and adaptive, fully immersed in the information age and truly joint,” AIRCDRE Meredith said.

“The Air Warfare Centre’s Test and Evaluation Directorate has a vital role driving integration with our coalition partners to enhance warfighter effects. The tests with the C-17A are one part of the Air Warfare Centre’s Flight Test Program. The next steps are air-to-air refuelling trials with the USAF’s F-15 and F-16 aircraft,” he said.

Officer Commanding 86WG GPCAPT Adam Williams said this was a major achievement for the tanker.

“The KC-30A is an outstanding platform and we are seeing it work

towards full maturity as we expand the list of receiver aircraft types,” GPCAPT Williams said.

“The ARBS is a key enabler for the Air Force with most of the RAAF’s future fleet requiring boom-type refuelling rather than hose and drogue”

“The successful refuelling with a USAF C-17A paves the way for trials with our own C-17A’s from No 36 Squadron in the near future.”

RAAF C-17A crews will soon begin refuelling trials with the KC-30A, having trained in the role in late 2015 with a Republic of Singapore Air Force KC-135 tanker.

The RAAF ope ra t e s f ive KC-30As, with two more joining the fleet from 2018.

The aircraft has a fuel capacity of more than 100 tonnes, allowing it to fly up to 1800km from its home base and offload up to 50 tonnes of fuel for four hours.

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8 February 25, 2016RCEAIR FNews

Fourth Australian in role Change of command at the United Nations Command Rear in JapanGPCAPT Michael Jansen assumed command of the United Nations Command (UNC) Rear, from GPCAPT Barbara Courtney during a change of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base in Japan on January 26.

GPCAPT Jansen is the fourth Australian incumbent and said he was proud to be associ-ated with the UNC, especially with its history of action during the Korean War and its long guard on Armistice over the past 62 years.

“It’s a special privilege to be part of that and filling a vital link in ensuring that the lines of supply can remain open to Korea when needed,” GPCAPT Jansen said.

He said language barriers were a chal-lenge.

“While Google Translate helps a lot with Japanese, it’s not much help translating into American,” he said.

“We are learning to avoid terms like ‘fort-night’, ‘capsicum’, ‘mornos’ and ‘servo’.

“One big culture shock is the train system. The 2.37pm train to Tokyo always leaves on time, and even in rush hour people getting on the train will patiently wait for those on board to get off first. We could learn a lot from them.”

GPCAPT Jansen paid tribute to his prede-cessor GPCAPT Courtney.

“It’s quickly become apparent from con-versations with everyone here that she has done an outstanding job,” he said.

“Every person I’ve met has been enthusi-astic in their praise of her and the work she has done in making sure UNC(R) is ready to ‘fight tonight’ if required.

“She has set a high bar and will be missed by the people and organisations here.”

DURING the Korean War, the UN Security Council established the UNC, to which member nations contributed military forces to assist South Korea in restoring peace to the Korean Peninsula.

GEN Douglas MacArthur established the UNC HQ in Tokyo, where it was based throughout the Korean War. After the Armistice was signed, the main headquarters moved to Seoul in 1957, and HQ UNC(R) was stood up in Tokyo.

This was necessary to meet the requirements of the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) between the UN and the Government of Japan.

The primary functions of HQ UNC(R) is to keep the SOFA active and regularly exercised, and to stand ready to support any future UNC action on the Korean Penin-sula by acting as a reinforcement staging link through Japan.

The UNC(R) is composed of eight nations accredited to the UN Command: Australia, Canada, France, New Zealand, The Philip-pines, Thailand, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

Until 2010, the Commander of HQ UNC(R) was a US Army colonel, however since then an Australian Air Force group captain has filled the role.

UNC(R) HISTORY

From left, Deputy COS UNC USAF MAJGEN James Slife, GPCAPT Barbara Courtney and GPCAPT Michael Jansen during the UNC(R) change of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base in Japan. Photo: US Air Force, Osakabe Yasuo

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9February 25, 2016RCEAIR F News

AIR Warfare Squadron (AWESQN) capped off a “truly remarkable 2015” when it conducted simultaneous flight instrumentation testing for three sepa-rate aircraft across two continents in December.

The tests were held in response to short-notice requests.

Flight instrumentation is a means of getting performance data off aircraft to validate the testing requirements for operational use.

Squadron members developed the instrumentation systems based on a generic configurable instrumenta-tion system developed by AWESQN’s Jamie Presser.

“Each system was tailored to meet specific task requirements for data col-lection and display,” Mr Presser said.

“It also had to be designed within a short time frame, which posed its own set of challenges.”

Departing squadron CO WGCDR James Blagg said the flight instrumen-tation testing was conducted on a P3-C Orion flying in Edinburgh, a C-130J Hercules in Richmond and a KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) in California.

An AP-3C Orion at RAAF Base Edinburgh was used to gather data to help with an investigation into vibra-tion issues.

The data was displayed to test crews in real time and was avail-able for post-flight analysis. Such data could enable a comprehensive investi-gation into a potentially unsafe condi-tions during a flight manoeuvre.

The testing with the C130-J Hercules at RAAF Base Richmond gathered cockpit video and aircraft data-bus information for stall warn-ings during various approaches to an airfield.

This data will allow feedback to the operating systems for flight man-ual alterations to allow “safe” airfield approach expansion.

Data put to the test

A KC-30A MRTT at Edwards Air Force Base in California was used to gather refuelling boom axial loads during refuelling with a US Air Force F-16 aircraft.

The data gathered allows the crew make determinations that ensure safe refuelling operations in various condi-tions and aircraft configurations.

Incoming squadron CO WGCDR Andrew Leahy said the work on the flight instrumentation testing “caps off a truly remarkable 2015 for AWESQN”.

“This builds upon the work they did in certifying the KC-30A to refuel the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter. I look forward to continuing this fantastic work in 2016,” he said.

Commander Air Warfare Centre AIRCDRE Stephen Meredith said AWESQN “has once again proved itself as a premier capability enabler for the ADF”.

“The work AWESQN has done on the KC-30A with our allies has had a strategic benefit for Air Force and has moved us a long way forwards.

“The Air Warfare Centre has a criti-cal role to play in transforming Air Force into a fifth-generation fighting force that capitalises on the high tech-nology systems that are being intro-duced in the next few years,” he said.

“The role of test and evaluation in this evolution could not be more important.

“It is an exciting time in our his-tory and I look forward to seeing the good work AWESQN continues in the AWC.”

Squadron’s flight instrumentation systems meet short-notice challenges

From left, design engineers Jeremy Sequeira, SGT Alexander Laurence, Hugh Johnson, Daniel Koch and CAPT Michael Fairbanks-Smith work on the flight instrumentation system. Photo: CPL Colin Dadd

WOFF-AF Rob Swanwick has called on serving personnel and veterans to have their say on Air Force 2021.

CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies launched the first stage of planning for the centenary, the consultation phase, late last year.

WOFF Swanwick said this was a chance to “shape how we mark the centenary”.

“As a member of the Air Force 2021 Steering Group, I am keen to see great ideas and contributions from all levels of the organisation, especial-ly our airmen and airwomen,” he said.

“As we approach the centenary, Air Force is changing rapidly. We must use the 100th as an opportunity to engage the Australian nation, dem-onstrate the highly capable force we are and inspire the next generation of Air Force members. I envisage there will be a big focus on engaging and informing youth across the nation.

“Community engagement will also be an important part of the centenary. It will be an opportunity to further enhance our links with communi-ties around our bases and reach some places that may not see Air Force very often.”

WOFF Swanwick said the cente-nary would be a time to reflect on the sacrifices of the past 100 years.

“Since 1921, almost 10,000 Air

Search begins for centenary ideas

CPL Bill Solomou

A US Air Force (USAF) B-52 Stratofortress spent the early part of this month at RAAF Base Darwin to conduct training activities in Australia as part of a long-standing and mutually beneficial program of combined activities and exercises.

The B-52 Stratofortress departed Darwin on February 11, to return to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, after conducting activities with RAAF AP-3C Orions.

SADFO RAAF Base Darwin and CO No.13 Squadron WGCDR Wes Perrett said the ongoing training with the USAF was important in main-taining the relationship with a key coalition partners.

“It was great to welcome the B-52 and crew back to Darwin,” he said.

“These activities enhance the RAAF and USAF’s ability to train, exercise and operate together, and with other allies and partners across the Pacific and South- East Asia.

“This further improves our ability to respond more quickly to a wide range of challenges, as well as pro-moting security cooperation efforts across the region.”

US bomber buddies up in Darwin

CO No.13 Squadron WGCDR Wes Perrett and USAF pilot CAPT Brian Page at RAAF Base Darwin. Photo: LS James Whittle

WOFF-AF Rob Swanwick.

New ministersTWO new Defence port-folio ministers were sworn into office in Canberra on February 18. Federal Member for Wannon Dan Tehan is Minister for Defence Materiel and Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack is Assistant Minister for Defence.Both ministers were elected to the House of Representatives in 2010.

Moving campTHE air lift capacity of Air Force’s C-17A Globemaster III military aircraft came into play when Defence assisted in transporting a portable base camp from Victoria to house fire fighters battling blazes in remote areas of Tasmania in mid-February. The Globemasters carried six of the 18 shipping contain-ers in which the camp is stored. These aircraft give Air Force an unprecedent-ed capacity for strategic air lift. They allow Australia to rapidly deploy troops, supplies, combat vehicles, heavy equipment and helicopters anywhere in the world.

IN BRIEF

HAVE YOUR SAYThe consultation period runs until March 20 and contributions can be made at www.airforce.gov.au/RAAF2021

Force members have lost their lives while serving Australia – 9870 dur-ing WWII. We must recognise their legacy of commitment to service and remember that every one of them left behind a family and friends,” he said.

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10 February 25, 2016RCEAIR FNews

Distinguished passengersEamon Hamilton

IT’S RARE that No. 37 Squadron has an opportunity to carry passengers as well dressed as organisers on the Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride.

In December 2015, an RAAF C-130J Hercules from 37SQN car-ried 12 organisers from the ride for a training flight from RAAF Base Richmond and around Sydney.

Loadmaster SGT Xavier Sherriff said it was an opportunity for Defence to highlight a great cause and thank the organisers and Defence partici-pants for their work.

“The ride is held annually around the globe and generates donations for research into prostate cancer treat-ment,” SGT Sherriff said.

“It’s open to both men and women and requires them to dress in fine clothes and ride classic, vintage and antique motorcycles.

“It was our pleasure to bring ride organisers and Defence participants on a C-130J training flight, and help draw the public’s attention to the ride.”

During the flight, the C-130J conducted an airdrop over the Londonderry Drop Zone, conducted low-level flying and orbited Sydney Harbour.

Last year, 700 people took part in the Distinguished Gentlemen Ride through Sydney.

SGT Sherriff was asked to lead the group through Sydney.

“I was initially a little stressed when I was asked, as one wrong turn would cause mayhem,” he said.

“We conducted seven training rides before the event to get the route cemented in memory, as no GPS assistance was to be used.”

On the day of the ride, motor-

cyclists followed a course from the University of Sydney to NSW Government House, before finishing at The Grandstand function centre at the University of Sydney.

“Riding slow, being courteous to other road users and keeping the pack together were the main points of rid-

ing in a large group,” SGT Sherriff said.

SGT Sherriff swapped his bike with a friend’s, taking on a 2009 Triumph Thruxton with an appropri-ately vintage Air Force theme.

“The bike had a custom alumini-um tank and seat with a RAAF CAC

Mustang fighter theme, complete with blue and white roundels and tail flash,” SGT Sherriff said.

“I’m looking forward to this year’s ride and hope I can assist in the organisation again – it’s a great event and an excellent fund raising activity.”

THE Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride is held annually on the last Sunday in September. In 2015, 30,000 participants rode in 400 cities across the world and more than $3 million was raised worldwide with more than $700,000 raised in Australia. Formed in Sydney in 2012, the ride took its inspiration from a photo of actor Jon Hamm astride a 1957 Matchless G3LS motorcycle.

For more information, visit www.gentlemansride.com

C-130J Hercules takes well-dressed motorcyclists on a training flight THE RIDE

Members of the Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride visit No. 37 Squadron at RAAF Base Richmond. Photo: SGT Ricky Fuller

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11February 25, 2016RCEAIR F News

THREE retired Air Force her-itage aircraft have been gifted to Australian historical organisations.

For decades the aircraft have been displayed at RAAF bases across Australia.

Following a competitive evalu-ation, they will be restored by the successful organisations and placed on public display within their muse-ums.

CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies said the aircraft gifting strengthened the collaboration between Air Force and the historical aviation community across Australia.

“Air Force is delighted to be able to gift these aircraft to pub-lic organisations that can help to preserve our aviation history and to help make our proud heritage avail-able to all Australians,” AIRMSHL Davies said.

The Lockheed SP-2H Neptune A89-272 served with No. 10 Squadron in the 1960s in a mari-time patrol role and was displayed at RAAF Base Townsville. It has been gifted to the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society at the Illawarra Regional Airport for display at its facility at Parkes in western NSW.

The Canberra A84-203 was built in Australia in 1953 at the Government Aircraft Factory at Fishermans Bend in Melbourne.

It served with No. 2 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley, was convert-ed to a dual control Mk 21 trainer in 1958 and was displayed at the RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre. It has been gifted to the Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome and Heritage Aviation Association for display at the Evans Head aero-drome in NSW.

The Canberra A84-226 was built at the Government Aircraft Factory in 1955 and served with No. 2 Squadron. It participated in a good-will visit to the US in 1956, became a ‘training aid’ at RAAF Base Wagga and was a long-term resi-dent adjacent to the trainees’ mess inside the base. It has been gifted to the Australian National Aviation Museum at Moorabbin aerodrome in Victoria.

Air Force continues to preserve historical military aircraft and arte-facts at the RAAF Museum at Point Cook in Melbourne where the focus is on telling the story of Air Force people and the history of RAAF.

Most RAAF bases have one or more static display aircraft while regional Heritage Centres have been opened at RAAF Bases Wagga, Amberley, Williamtown, and soon at Townsville to celebrate the link between the RAAF and the local community.

Increasing aircapabilityEamon Hamilton

A LOW-COST airdrop system that was jointly developed by Air Force and Army will benefit future humani-tarian operations.

The system uses parachutes which are no longer safe for paratroop opera-tions and attaches them to an existing load delivery method.

Called the alternate container deliv-er system, the new method can deliver up to 500 kilograms of perishable sup-plies including rations and water.

Because its parachutes are expired, they do not need to be recovered, lowering the cost of the airdrop to Defence.

The idea was spawned from an Army air dispatcher at Air Movements Training and Development Unit at RAAF Base Richmond.

An operational evaluation was conducted on the alternate container deliver system in 2015 culminating in airdrop trials at Londonderry Drop Zone in Sydney’s North West.

C-130J pilot and test director with the Airborne Systems Development Flight at Air Movements Training and Development Unit FLTLT Justin Della Bosca said the load uses a C-1 para-chute, which is a re-purposed T-10B personnel parachute.

“In the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief scenario, it is rare that you’ll get your aerial delivery equip-ment and parachute back,” FLTLT Della Bosca said.

“Conventional container delivery systems are an expensive system to drop, about $5000 to $6000 per par-

achute. The T-10Bs to be used with alternate container deliver system parachutes were marked for disposal before this project.”

Aircraft like the C-130J can drop more than 20 container delivery sys-tems in a single pass, making it an expensive exercise if the parachute is not recoverable.

The ADF has only limited numbers of normal container delivery system parachutes.

During support to humanitar-ian operations in the Middle East by the C-130J in 2014, the ADF quickly depleted its supply of deployed con-tainer delivery systems.

RAAF Hercules had to then use ‘borrowed’ container delivery systems from other coalition partners.

In comparison, the alternate con-tainer deliver system can be rapidly built in large numbers which can then be used on the C-27J, C-130J or C-17A.

No. 176 Air Dispatch Squadron, which is the Australian Army unit responsible for providing aerial deliv-ery on operations, has quickly adopted the alternate container deliver system.

As well as being cheaper, the alter-nate container deliver system will also occupy a physically smaller space on the aircraft, bringing its own benefits to both Army and Air Force.

“In the case of a disaster scenario, Air Force is required to rapidly deploy Army’s No. 176 Air Drop Squadron as well as all their aerial delivery equip-ment,” FLTLT Della Bosca said.

“We can now fit more of their equipment on a C-130J or a C-17A,

Preserving andshowing history

A pallet of trial stores is dropped from an RAAF C-130J Hercules. Inset, WO Mark Brundell and CPL Rod Markham move a pallet of trial stores onto an C-130J Hercules. Photos: CPL Veronica O’Hara

The Canberra A84-203.

The Lockheed SP-2H Neptune A89-272.

The Canberra A84-226. Photos: WGCDR Bill Sanders

Air Force trials new low-cost airdrop method

which means we can provide a stan-dalone, rapidly deployable humani-tarian assistance and disaster relief capability using a single aircraft.

“Most impressive is the trans-formation of a good idea into a ser-vice released capability within three months, this agility demonstrates how far our innovation culture has come at Air Movements Training and Development Unit.”

12 13RCEAIR FCentrepiece February 25, 2016

FORCES TO BE RECKONED WITHAustralian personnel earned the respect of international colleagues as they tackled the complex and realistic threats posed by Exercise Red Flag, FLGOFF Nat Giles and SQNLDR Skye Smith report

Above, Aircraft technicians, from

1SQN, on an F/A-18 Super

Hornet at Nellis Air Force Base.

Centre left, administration clerk SGT Emma Fleming, from 278SQN, in the Task Group Headquarters during Exercise Red Flag 16-1.Left, 75SQN personnel on the Nellis Air Force Base flightline.

EXERCISE Red Flag 16-1 wrapped up with the conclu-sion of the last flight on Friday, February 12, at Nellis Air Force Base near Las Vegas in Nevada.

Exercise Red Flag is an air combat training exercise involving the large force employment of aircraft in a complex threat environment that allows coalition forces to practise high-end war-fighting skills.

More than 130 aircraft and 3000 aircrew, air battle manag-ers, and intelligence and support staff from the US, UK and Australia worked together to overcome a determined adver-sary in a challenging tactical scenario during the three-week exercise.

GPCAPT Phil Gordon led the Australian contingent and was the Vice-Commander of the Coalition Air Expeditionary Wing for Red Flag 16-1.

“Exercise Red Flag provides the most realistic replication of airborne and surface-to-air threats enabling highly effective training and validation of our tactics,” he said.

“Short of actual combat, this is the ultimate test of coalition interoperability.”

The Australian Task Group consisted of F/A-18F Super Hornets from No. 1 Squadron, F/A-18A Hornets from No. 75 Squadron, an E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and con-trol aircraft from No. 2 Squadron, and an AP-3C Orion from No. 10 Squadron.

There were also air battle managers from No. 41 Wing and a host of specialist personnel such as intelligence, space and cyber experts embedded in the Combined Air Operations Centre.

The exercise scenario covered a variety of missions, includ-ing defending against enemy air attacks, dynamic targeting against fleeting ground targets and traditional offensive strike roles.

“The ground players and systems on the range really exer-cised our intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and C2 assets to build a picture of the battlespace, communicate the threats and strike targets,” GPCAPT Gordon said.

“The exercise was a great success and we took away some excellent lessons.”

This was the first international exercise in which Classic Hornets and Super Hornets worked in integrated operations.

“We combined the strengths of both aircraft to deliver an optimum outcome,” GPCAPT Gordon said.

Red Flag directly complements Plan Jericho by allowing Air Force to understand how to better integrate advanced capabili-ties into force structure.

“There were assets playing in this exercise that we either don’t have in Australia, or that we are soon to introduce,” GPCAPT Gordon said.

“We were flying alongside the F-22A Raptor, which gives us

valuable fifth-generation integration experience as we prepare to introduce the F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter.”

The EA-18G Growler airborne electronic attack aircraft also participated in the exercise.

“It was pleasing to see one of the key package leads for the Growler was an Aussie electronic warfare officer on exchange with the US Navy,” GPCAPT Gordon said.

“This was an excellent opportunity to understand how to work with the Growlers effectively in what has been the largest and most successful Australian contribution to Exercise Red Flag to date.”

The RAAF deployed about 400 people, 14 aircraft and tonnes of equipment half way around the world using C-17A heavy airlift and KC-30A air-to-air refuelling aircraft.

“Not many Air Forces can project airpower over that dis-tance so successfully,” GPCAPT Gordon said.

“The maintenance staff and support personnel have been amazing during the exercise, as we only lost two sorties due to unserviceability from over 230 flights conducted.

“Our people performed admirably and earned the respect of the US and UK participants while operating in a highly inte-grated and networked battlespace that will set us in good stead for future operations.”

Above, 1SQN personnel are given a tour through the US Air Force Thunderbirds facility at Nellis Air Force Base.

1SQN F/A-18F aircrew depart

the Nellis Air Force Base

flightline during Exercise Red

Flag 16-1.

75SQN F/A-18A Hornets on the Nellis Air Force Base flightline during Exercise Red Flag 16-1.Photos: CPL Nicci Freeman

CPL Mark Schultz, from No. 1 Combat Communications Squadron, sets up the Hawkeye satellite equipment at Nellis Air Force Base.

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14 February 25, 2016RCEAIR FPersonnel

OTHER RANKDefence Force Magistrate1 x assault occasioning actual bod-ily harm – DFDA s 33AThe member was accused of assaulting another member, causing actual bodily harm to the member. The member plead-ed guilty to the charge and was found guilty. The member was sentenced to 30 days detention (with 15 days suspended).1 x obtaining a financial advantage – DFDA s 61(3) and Criminal Code (Cth) s 135.2The member was accused of obtain-ing a financial advantage from the Commonwealth in relation to a service benefit. The member pleaded guilty to the charge and was found guilty. The member was sentenced to 35 days detention (wholly suspended) and fined $2000 (to be paid in instalments).1 x prejudicial conduct – DFDA s 60(1)The member was accused of prejudicing discipline by performing an indecent act in the presence of another member. The member pleaded guilty to the charge and was found guilty and fined $3500.NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERDefence Force Magistrate4 x false statement – DFDA s 56(1)The member was accused of making false statements in relation to applications for service benefits. The member pleaded guilty to the charges and was found guilty. The member forfeited seniority in rank and was fined $600 (to be paid in instalments).1 x prejudicial conduct – DFDA s 60(1)The member was accused of prejudicing

discipline by engaging in intimate acts with another member in the presence of other members. The member pleaded not guilty to the charge but was found guilty. The member was severely reprimanded.1 x using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence – DFDA s 61(3) and Criminal Code (Cth) s 474.17(1)2 x failure to comply with a general order – DFDA s 29(1)The member was accused of using a car-riage service to harass another member. The member was also accused of using Defence communication equipment in a manner contrary to Defence policy. The member pleaded not guilty to the charges but was found guilty of the charges. The member forfeited seniority in rank, was fined $1000, and reprimanded.

OFFICERDefence Force Magistrate1 x prejudicial conduct – DFDA s 60(1)The member was accused of prejudicing discipline by engaging in intimate acts with another member in the presence of other members. The member pleaded not guilty to the charge but was found guilty and was severely reprimanded.1 x prejudicial conduct – DFDA s 60(1)The member was accused of prejudicing discipline by asking a civilian employee to falsely sign a document. The member pleaded not guilty to the charge but was found guilty and forfeited seniority in rank.

All court martial and Defence Force Magistrate trial results are subject to command review and appeal. The results are of trials across the ADF.

DECEMBER & JANUARY TRIAL RESULTSMefloquine facts

SGT Dave Morley

RISING levels of concern following inac-curate media reports on the ADF use of the anti-malarial drug mefloquine has resulted in Defence launching a new website to assist current and ex-serving members and their families wanting to learn more about malaria’s impact on the ADF and how we prevent the disease.

The online resource includes informa-tion on malaria, medications used to pre-vent malaria and research undertaken by the Army Malaria Institute (AMI).

Commander Joint Health AVM Tracy Smart said the resource was developed to reassure past and present ADF members and present the facts regarding the use of mefloquine.

“It took a lot of time to put this togeth-er, but we wanted to be as transparent as we could,” she said.

“It’s important to make sure the debate surrounding this issue is properly informed and doesn’t cause any unnecessary distress to our people. Despite recent claims made in the media, lasting side-effects of meflo-quine are rare.

“Regardless, if any ADF member, past or present, is concerned about their own use of mefloquine, it is important they raise their concerns with a medical practitioner so they may receive a proper diagnosis and treatment.”

AVM Smart said it was unfortunate that what had been lost in the debate was the devastating effect malaria could have on military operations and personnel.

“This is what drives our ongoing research into the disease and why we main-tain a number of options to protect deploy-ing personnel,” she said.

Malaria is a life-threatening disease and in 2015 there were an estimated 214 million malaria cases and some 438,000 malaria deaths world-wide.

In all of the ADF’s major conflicts since WWI, malaria has been a factor in, and at times the cause of, casualties.

The new web resource provides answers to frequently asked questions, copies of media responses from Defence

to journalists and a range of comprehen-sive information on the work done by the ADF to combat malaria.

It also provides contacts and links to other departments and agencies such as the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

The resource is called ‘Malaria, Mefloquine and the ADF’ and is available at www.defence.gov.au/Health/HealthPortal/Malaria/default.asp

The ADF has launched a website providing more information on the anti-malarial drug mefloquine. Photo: SGT Dave Morley

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WITH roadside signs and advertising becoming commonplace in the commu-nity, base management at RAAF Base Amberley put a values twist on local sig-nage.

The Air Force Values are individual-ly listed on each sign, serving as a daily reminder to all personnel as they drive onto base.

SADFO Amberley AIRCDRE Scott Winchester said the signs were located just inside the various access gates to Amberley and were now the first thing personnel see at the beginning of each working day.

“Seeing these values at each entrance are a reminder to personnel that while the Air Force is transitioning to a fifth gen-eration force the values of how we conduct our daily business at work and at home remain constant and at the core of all that we do,” he said.

ABXO Amberley and CO No. 23 Squadron WGCDR Tony Blair said the signs aligned with the New Horizon pro-gram.

“The New Horizon program is now well established within Air Force,” he said.

“The values that underpin New Horizon remain as important as ever and these new signs help keep us focused accordingly.

“The values displayed are a constant reminder of positive behaviour to any uni-formed or non-uniformed personnel.

“Former Base WOD WOFF Andrew Rowley should be applauded for his efforts in getting the signs constructed and installed in late 2015.”

15February 25, 2016RCEAIR F New Horizon

Valued roadside display New signage at RAAF Base Amberley is a daily reminder of the Air Force Values

From left, Base WOD WOFF Peter Miller and ABXO Amberley WGCDR Tony Blair with the new Air Force Values signs on display near the front gate at RAAF Base Amberley. Photo: CPL Jessica de Rouw

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Feature RCEAIR F February 25, 201616

FLGOFF Victoria Irvine couldn’t have imagined it would be creative writing which would help her manage acute anxiety

and depression following an over-seas deployment.

But that’s exactly what hap-pened for the RAAF Williamtown nursing officer who says her life has changed for the better, thanks to a four-week creative arts pro-gram she has completed through the ADF.

FLGOFF Irvine was one of 27 participants from Army, Navy and Air Force in the second Arts for Recovery, Resilience, Teamwork and Skills (ARRTS) program which provides participants with an uplifting experience to assist their movement, speech and atten-tion span and to build their self-confidence.

Held in November at the University of Canberra, partici-pants were able to select and focus on creative streams including drama, creative writing, visual arts or music as a way to complement and enhance their recovery. They were mentored by ADF profes-sional artists, actors as well as the university’s creative staff.

“The ARRTS course was an

opportunity to reflect, to put those events from my deployment into perspective, to focus on myself and look positively toward the future,” FLGOFF Irvine said.

“From completing the course I am stronger emotionally and I find it easier to cope with stress and difficult situations. Without a doubt it was challenging and dif-ficult at times, but I feel blessed to have experienced such a unique opportunity.

“I will always be grateful for the inspiration and support of mentors and for the lifelong friendships created there.”

Now there is a new opportunity for more lifelong friendships to be made as applications for the third round of the ARRTS program are now open.

The head of the ARRTS pro-gram, BRIG Wayne Goodman said the program also assisted in reducing the stigma associated with mental health conditions.

“Participants of the ARRTS program have various injuries ranging from post traumatic stress disorder to physical wounds and they will benefit from improve-ments in health, increased self-esteem and motivation,” BRIG Goodman said.

“Through the medium of the arts, participants gain a sense of purpose by learning new skills and achieve something different by being part of an activity that focuses on abilities rather than inabilities.”

Following a four-week ‘no-uniform, no-rank’ program, the participants were able to showcase their artwork, musical and drama performances and creative writing work as part of a VIP performance night.

For FLGOFF Irvine the pro-gram didn’t end on graduation night.

“The skills I learnt on the ARRTS program in the creative writing stream have carried with me and I continue to write every week,” she said.

The ARRTS program follows the success of the ADF Theatre Project/Sydney Theatre Company collaboration The Long Way Home which toured nationally in 2014.

To apply for the next ADF ARRTS program to be held in May, email ADF.ARRTS@defence.gov.au or phone Nina Craven on (02) 6265 5923 to find out more.

The Arts for Recovery, Resilience, Teamwork and Skills program is open for applications, Jaimie Abbott reports

Recovering through artFLGOFF Victoria Irvine engages in creative

writing as part of the Arts for Recovery, Resilience, Teamwork and Skills program at the

University of Canberra. Photo: AB Jake Badior

HistoryRCEAIR F February 25, 2016 17

FOUR Air Force units will join the Point Cook airfield and the Central Flying School in cel-ebrating the 100th year of their

formation this year.No. 1 Squadron joined the select

Air Force “Century Club” on January 6, and Nos 2, 3 and 4 squadrons will reach the milestone during the year.

1SQN came into being after a request from the British Government in September 1915 that Australia raise a flying squadron to contribute to the Royal Flying Corps’ efforts in WWI.

In response, the Australian Flying Corps formed 1SQN on January 6, 1916, manning it with 28 officers and 195 airmen under the command of LTCOL E. H. Reynolds.

Most aircrew had received no train-ing in gunnery, photography or bomb-ing. Most of the ground crews, while skilled in their respective trades, were novices when it came to aircraft.

When the unit left Australian shores on March 16, 1916, many had only just learnt how to “hand swing” a propeller to start the engine.

Among the pe r sonne l who embarked on the transport ship Orsova that March was CAPT Richard Williams, the first pilot to complete training at the Central Flying School. He became the commanding officer of 1SQN in 1917-18, then Australia’s first Chief of the Air Staff. He is con-sidered the “father of the Air Force”.

1SQN went on to become a highly effective multirole squadron, serv-ing with distinction throughout the Palestine campaign of 1916-18.

The first months, however, were a steep learning curve, especially since the squadron’s aircraft were inferior to those of the Germans.

Steadily the squadron built its capability and received improved air-craft, such as the Bristol Fighter and a Handley Page heavy bomber. Its missions during 1918 included ferry-ing Lawrence of Arabia to and from behind enemy lines and providing close air support to his irregular forces.

1SQN was to serve in the Middle East throughout WWI and was awarded two Battle Honours. One of its pilots, LT Frank McNamara, was awarded the Victoria Cross for his part in saving the life of a fellow pilot on March 20, 1917.

SEVERAL Air Force units were formed before the RAAF itself. This special aspect of Air Force heritage results from the Air Force inheriting the Battle Honours and history of the flying units of the Australian Flying Corps.

In 1943, King George VI deter-mined that RAF and RAAF units that shared the same unit designations as their forebears would also inherit the Battle Honours of their namesakes, thereby enabling the recognition of service of the many WWI veterans and units that would otherwise have disap-peared from memory.

This means Nos 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 squadrons all have formation dates preceding that of their parent service. Should Nos 5, 7 and 8 squadrons reform, they would also share this distinction.

No unit can yet claim 100 years of continuous operation, however. Only Point Cook airfield, established in 1913, has passed that milestone.

In 2021, Air Force Headquar-ters, under its various iterations, will become the only “element” to have reached an unbroken 100 years.

No. 1 Squadron is one of a number of units that will notch up 100 years before their parent service

Joining the century clubOLDER THAN THE

AIR FORCE

The squadron was disbanded after the war, in March 1919 but was re-formed on paper in 1922 after the RAAF was formed in 1921.

It became a fully manned and equipped squadron in 1925. It later moved to the RAAF base at Laverton.

1SQN, armed with Avro Ansons, carried out the first patrol of WWII – a search off Cape Otway.

As tensions in the Pacific escalated during 1940, 1SQN was re-equipped with Hudson bombers and deployed to conduct reconnaissance flights to the east of the Malay Peninsula.

On December 6, 1941, a Japanese convoy was spotted a couple of hun-dred miles from the squadron’s air-field.

From the early hours of December 8, 1SQN Hudsons began a continu-ous series of attacks on the Japanese fleet. This action preceded the attack

on Pearl Harbour by several hours, so the squadron can rightly claim to have been the first Allied flying unit into action in the Pacific War.

During the three months of the Malaya Campaign the squadron flew 1318 hours at the cost of 14 aircraft and several crews. An additional 60 personnel were taken prisoner,

The squadron was temporarily dis-banded until December 1943, when it was re-formed, armed with Beaufort and later Mosquito bombers.

After a slow start due to delays in aircraft arriving, the squadron flew 65 missions to Australia’s immediate north and later in Borneo, before the war ended in August 1945.

The squadron was again disbanded, but only until February 1948, when No. 12 Squadron was renumbered to No. 1 (Bomber) Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley and equipped with the

new Avro Lincoln bomber. By July 1950, the unit was trained on its new aircraft and deployed to Singapore.

For the following eight years, 1SQN operated against commu-nist terrorists in the Malayan jungle. It returned to Amberley in 1958 in time to take delivery of Canberra jet bomber aircraft, which it flew until it exchanged them for F-4 Phantoms as a transition to F-111s in 1973.

It flew F-111s until 2009, devel-oping in that time as the Air Force’s premier strike unit. This distinction

was to continue as the squadron tran-sitioned to its latest aircraft, the F/A-18F Super Hornet, and deployed to the Middle East, after 98 years, as part of Operation Okra in 2014.

It conducted strikes against Daesh terrorists in Iraq. The squadron’s crews flew more than 400 sorties and 2900 flight hours in seven months.

In 100 years 1SQN has operated more than 18 different aircraft types, and produced one Victoria Cross recip-ient, six air force chiefs and the found-ing father of the Air Force and Qantas.

Right, 1SQN ground crew service Mosquito aircraft in

Borneo in 1945; far right, 1SQN armourers load a Lincoln bomber in 1955.

Photos: Australian War Memorial

Members of 1SQN, including CAPT Richard

Williams (third from left in front), in Palestine in 1918.

Air and ground crew from 1SQN meet after a mission in the Middle East in 2014.

Photo: CPL Max Bree

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SHAPINGTHE DEFENCE EMPLOYMENT PACKAGEFORTHE ADF - 2016 SURVEY

Would you like to be a part of ensuring that the package of benefits available to all ADFmembers (the Defence Employment Package or DEP) is the best it can be?The permanent ADF DEP study is a great opportunity to have your say on the financialand non financial aspects of your employment package.This year, we will be inviting asample of each Service to take part, so if YOU receive an invitation by email, we wouldlove you to participate.The study will be open from 7-21 March 2016.

Around 7 March, selected members will receive an email from the Directorate of PeopleIntelligence and Research in Defence People Group on the Defence Restricted Network.The email will ask them to participate in the internet-based survey application, whichwill be facilitated by the Defence contractor,True Choice Solutions of NewYork. TheADF DEP survey will take about 15-20 minutes to complete.

While the survey is voluntary, the greater the response from those invited to participatethe better understanding the ADF will have of what is important to members in theirpackage. For example, all three Services are working to improve work-life balance fortheir members, and the survey will assess work-life balance measures. Responses will beanonymous and reported findings will be aggregated, so we encourage open and honestresponses.

Of course, any outcomes of the survey will have to be considered by the Services in thenormal manner.

So here isYOUR opportunity to make a real difference to help shape the DEPfor the ADF into the future.

If you have any enquiries, please direct them toEmploymentPackageResearch@drn.mil.au

FeatureRCEAIR F February 25, 2016 19

Eyes in the skyPersonnel make a difference to security in the Pacific on Operation Solania, FLGOFF Jonathon Wilson reports

CREW 1 of No. 11 Squadron and a small maintenance team deployed an AP-3C Orion to Pohnpei in Micronesia late last

year on Operation Solania.Operation Solania is the ADF’s

contribution to the Forum Fisheries Agency’s (FFA) Operation Kurukuru 15.

During the 10-day deployment, the crew patrolled more than 385,000 square nautical miles in support of the Quadrilateral Defence Cooperation, which supports Pacific nations’ efforts to monitor fishing activities inside their economic exclusion zones.

FLTLT Samuel Baldock, of HQJOC-AOC, highlighted the importance of the operation.

“The valuable work No. 92 Wing crews do during Solania deployments cannot be underestimated,” he said.

“What might appear to be mundane tasking at first glance, directly impacts on the income of Pacific Island nations.”

He said while the air element filled part of the aerial surveillance require-ments of FFA operations, the Air Liaison Officer (ALO) provided by HQJOC mentored FFA members and ensured all air assets were effectively employed.

“Mentoring to Pacific Island nations is a high priority for Operation Solania, and the ALO goes a long way in achiev-ing this,” he said.

ALO FLTLT Jack Chen, of 11SQN, was embedded within the Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre (RFSC) on this deployment to coordinate and task all air assets for the FFA.

“From the RFSC, the FFA is able to process and plan the operational tasking for a range of air assets,” FLTLT Chen said.

“We are able to determine a suitable air surveillance area before sending it to the flying crews.”

As a tactical coordinator at 11SQN, FLTLT Chen was able to provide insight to the RFSC about what planning con-siderations were needed to investigate any contacts of interest.

On their arrival in Pohnpei the crew was re-tasked with a search-and-rescue operation for 10 missing fisherman north of Papua New Guinea, according to Detachment Commander SQNLDR Michael Sleeman.

“The short-notice re-tasking high-lights the agile and flexible nature of the AP-3C Orion and crew,” he said.

“Two days of Operation Solania mis-sions were lost to the search and rescue, however, the detachment was able to extend by an additional three days to more than make up for the cancelled missions.”

FFA Senior Surveillance Officer CMDR Gavin Baker said the extension to the AP-3C deployment was welcomed by the FFA.

“It was a demonstration of the fan-tastic support provided by the ADF to the FFA and allowed us to make up for sorties lost due to maintenance related cancellations of other countries aircraft,” he said.

FLGOFF Andrew Gill said after being released from the search and res-cue, the crew was tasked by the RFSC to work with the FSM Navy Pacific Patrol Boats and National Police to identify any illegal, unlawful and unregistered fishing vessels operating in their area.

“The greatest difficulty with this operation was checking registrations and licences of more than 100 fishing vessels that operate between the FSM, Marshall Islands and Nauru economic exclusion zones,” FLGOFF Gill said.

“The crew quickly refined their meth-ods of investigation and were able to quickly identify several vessels that were in violation of their licences.”

Tactical coordinator FLTLT Lachlan Adam said these surveillance missions were important.

“These Long Liners and Purse Seiners are capable of fishing large amounts of tuna, which in turn affects millions of dollars in income for these islands – hence the importance of our work on Operation Solania,” he said.

In recognition for their efforts, Micronesian President Peter Christian, the Attorney General and Chief of National Police hosted a banquet for the crew.

SGT Wes Lock said it was an honour that the “President invited us to dinner, it was the first head-of-state function I have been to and was a great privi-lege – he was welcoming and generously donated one of his pigs for the feast.”

Other air assets involved in Operation Kurukuru included a French Armed Forces F200 Guardian, US Coast Guard HC-130, the US Navy P-3C and Maritime Border Command Dash-8.

The view from a No. 11 Squadron’s AP-3C Orion during Operation Solania. Inset, FLTLT

Jack Chen works in the Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre.

Feature RCEAIR F February 25, 201620

RAAF Base Williamtown’s personnel and base support staff and services made the most of minimal resources to fight off the bushfire and

flood emergencies that threatened the base in December and January.

In mid-December, during a typi-cally quiet time, Williamtown issued a fire alert to NSW Fire Service, noting that a fire was approaching the base.

Base operations rested with a small group of remaining personnel from No. 26 Squadron and a base sup-port team including a stand-up of the Emergency Operations Centre at the Base Command Post (BCP).

T/CO 26SQN and Deputy Air Base Executive Officer Williamtown WGCDR Jeffrey Leeke said reduced staff levels posed a challenge.

“It was about working with the resources we had, and what we had was a group of highly trained individu-als working as a collective who were committed and focused on the task at hand,” WGCDR Leeke said.

CPL Robert Smith supported operations at the BCP and said that although they were dealing with a major incident it was business as usual.

“What I recall most is there was no sense of panic, just a calm focus on our assigned tasks. We were just doing what we were trained to do,” CPL Smith said.

Security flight personnel provided

detection and close monitoring of the fire through base security capabilities, evacuation of all non-essential base personnel and support staff, as well as traffic control.

Firefighter Manager Williamtown FSGT Owen Johnson said the response from the firefighting crew was swift and immediate. It involved coordinated liaison with Rural Fire Service units, which ensured they were fully aware of the hazards on base that they may not come across in their nor-mal civilian operations.

He said it was a testament to the dedication and resolve of personnel that minimum crews and vehicles sup-ported the response despite the severe intensity and speed of the fire, .

“The crews did well to protect the area with no loss in the face of the fire and, later, in continuously chasing spot fires from embers drifting into the base. It was exhausting work but, to their credit, that rate of effort was maintained until the rain came,” FSGT Johnson said.

The rain that provide immedi-ate relief from the fire became the next significant threat in itself, as Williamtown was inundated by flood waters. Most of the base airfield flood-ed, disrupting air operations.

Roads and grassed areas were flooded, including most of the run-way strip, which suffered damage to its pavement.

Duelling disasters

With significant redevelopment works under way in preparation for the arrival of the new F-35A, the project’s airfield work safety personnel and Williamtown air traffic control notified airfield engineer FLTLT Rhys Belnap of the damage to the pavement, which required the runway to be closed.

FLTLT Belnap said due to the time-ly response and support of Defence contractors from the project team, supported by Capital Facilities and Infrastructure Branch, there was mini-mal impact to civilian and military fly-ing operations and aircraft operations were restored in record time.

“After that first detection of the loss of pavement integrity, we were try-ing to keep our heads above water, coordinating the necessary repairs while maintaining airfield operations.” FLTLT Belnap said.

“Working closely with experienced contractors, who have intimate work-ing knowledge of the challenges we faced, greatly supported the effort.”

The diversion of repair works to the runway in response to the flooding

also had an impact on scheduled run-way extension works.

The whole-of-base redevelopment works were also affected, but the rede-velopment program is now back in full swing.

With much anticipated change to the base establishment through plan-ning and development, the fire and flooding brought significant change and challenges requiring a different level of response.

Incoming CO 26SQN and Air Base Executive Officer WGCDR Amanda Cornell said the performance of per-sonnel and high level of teamwork enabled many challenges to be over-come.

“I am confident Williamtown per-sonnel and base support staff and ser-vices are well-equipped and are in a constant state of readiness to deal with any challenge or adversity.

“While you cannot plan for every incident or event, you can be ready – and we are,” WGCDR Cornell said.

Base Support Manager, Estate Services Northern NSW, Mary-Anne

Mellor also congratulated the base support team on its response during the threat period.

“I am proud to acknowledge the commitment of base support staff who were on site from the start of the threat until the threat period ended. Their support and contribution to the team effort was vital to the success of the operation,” Ms Mellor said.

Acting SADFO during the emer-gencies and incoming CO No. 44 Wing GPCAPT Patrick Cooper thanked personnel involved for their support in achieving successful out-comes through a complex yet coordi-nated inter-agency response.

“The base’s handling of the fires and floods is a great reflection on the dedication and professionalism of Williamtown’s personnel.

“I’m also sure that the positive rela-tionship between Williamtown’s mili-tary commanders and Defence Estate and Infrastructure Group local man-agement was key to overcoming the many challenges,” GPCAPT Cooper said.

Teamwork and professionalism were base’s best weapons against dual threats from Mother Nature

Firefighters LAC Eugenio Federici, LACW Amy Morschel, LAC Luke Stewart and CPL Chris Bennett helped protect RAAF Base Williamtown from the bushfires. Photo: CPL Mark Friend

Top, the bushfire outside Williamtown. Right, FLTLT Rhys Belnap and FLTLT Jamie Brown inspect the runway repairs. Below, a screen shot from Williamtown Expeditionary Tactical Area Surveillance System showing the heat signature of the fire across 2SQN.

Above, FSGT Owen Johnson and WGCDR Jeffrey Leeke discuss the bushfires. Below, CPL Robert Smith at the base command post.

Photos CPL Mark Friend

4 Squadron Combat Control

APPLICATIONS FOR 2016NOW OPEN

More information is available athttp://intranet.defence.gov.au/raafweb/Sites/4SQN

Suitability screening will be conducted at RAAF Base Williamtown overthe period 06-10 June 2016

Applications via EOI will close 02 May 20164sqn.combatcontrol@defence.gov.au

INTEGRATE, SYNCHRONISE AND CONTROL AIRPOWER AT THETACTICAL LEVEL TO ENABLE THE EXECUTION OF PRECISON STRIKE

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21February 25, 2016RCEAIR F Feature

VOLUNTEERING at the Spirit of Anzac Centenary Experience provided an op-portunity for an Air Force officer to look back at his

family’s extensive military history.SQNLDR Clinton Breeze, of the

Joint Warfare Doctrine and Training Centre, volunteered at the exhibition when it visited Ballarat in November.

He had two grandfathers and two great-uncles serve during WWI, and his father served in the Air Force in WWII.

“The trench section of the exhibition brought back some of my childhood memories of talking about the war with both grandfathers, although neither said much,” SQNLDR Breeze said.

“My father’s father would talk about the battle at Mont St Quentin, which he regarded as a turning point in the war and which he said was some of the toughest fighting the Australians took part in.”

His paternal grandfather, WO2 James Breeze, enlisted in September 1914 and served in the 8th Battalion Australian Imperial Force at Gallipoli and on the Western Front.

“He was gassed in France, but remained on duty, and in 1917 he received a Distinguished Conduct Medal for leading an attack after all his officers became casualties,” he said.

“During WWII, he served as a WO2 in the Army Instructional Corps.”

SQNLDR Breeze’s maternal grand-

Proud family connectionsThe Spirit of Anzac Centenary Experience inspired SQNLDR Clinton Breeze to look into his family’s military history, SGT Dave Morley reports

THE Spirit of Anzac Centenary Ex-perience provides an immersive and interactive way for Australians to commemorate WWI and the ensuing century of service. The exhibition will be in Melbourne from February 8 and you track its journey around the country on Facebook. Entry is free, but bookings are es-sential as places are limited.

For more information, visit www.spiritofanzac.gov.au

father, PTE John Sanger, served in the 7th Battalion, and later the Australian Mining Corps, at Gallipoli and on the Western Front, where he was badly gassed.

“In early 1918, he was detached to the British 184th Tunnelling Coy, Royal Engineers,” he said.

“He returned to Melbourne in February 1919 and was discharged

medically unfit with influenza in April.”SQNLDR Breeze’s great-uncle on

his father’s side also served in WWI in the 57th Battalion and was shot in the face in 1916.

“He spent years in hospital and then worked for the railways all his life, but his life was effectively ruined by his disfigurement,” he said.

According to SQNLDR Breeze,

another great-uncle also had an interest-ing war. “My mother’s uncle, Clinton Francis Daniel, served in the US Marine Corps in WWI, having previously migrated to the US,” he said.

“My mother named me after him.”In WWII, his father, Derek, joined

the Air Force as a trainee pilot in 1944, but the war ended before he finished his training.

“I deeply regret not asking more about their service when I had the opportunity,” SQNLDR Breeze said.

“Sadly that opportunity is now gone, as is the opportunity to talk with my father about such matters, as he died on December 5, 2015.”

SQNLDR Breeze joined the Army Reserve in 1980 and spent two years at Officer Cadet Training Unit before com-missioning into the Royal Australian Infantry. He transferred into the RAAF Active Reserve in 2001 and served with No. 21 Squadron, HQJOC and the Peace Operations Training Centre.

“The Air Force has been very good to me, providing opportunities for me to best use my professional skills and to work with some really great teams of people,” he said.

ABOUT SACE

Clockwise from left, WO2 James Breeze and his wife Barbara; SQNLDR Clinton Breeze, second from left, on deployment in Timor-Leste; PTE John Sanger, Derek Breeze and WO2 James Breeze.

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In the first of a two-part series, ADF Triathlon Club coach PO Michael Baruch talks about triathlons, starting with the swimming leg

LOOKING for a non-contact sport that will mentally and physically challenge you? A sport that will develop and maintain your body in its peak physical condition?

Then triathlon is for you. Triathlon is one of the world’s fastest

growing sports and involves a swim, bike and run all in the one race.

I am an ex-triathlete and now the ADF Triathlon Club (ADFTC) coach.

One of the great aspects of triathlons is there is no set distance. Newcomers to the sport can start with an enticer triathlon of a 300m swim,10km cycle, 3km run or other similar distances without exces-sive training or feeling intimidated around professionals.

O f f i c i a l r a c e d i s t a n c e s a r e spr int 750m/20km/5km, Olympic 1 .5km/40km/10km, l ong cou r se 3km/80km/20km, 70.3 half-ironman 1.9km/90km/21.1km and the ironman 3.8km/180km/42.2km.

Triathlon is suitable for all fitness lev-els, however, if it has been a long time since you have done regular exercise, con-sult your doctor before training.

It is always good to set a goal and train for that goal. You can design your training plan around your life, making sure you have a good balance of training for all disciplines without causing you too much stress.

To find triathlon groups near you, visit the Triathlon Australia website. Be sure the group has a Triathlon Australia certi-fied coach and a structured training pro-gram.

Swimming in triathlonsA consistent swim can set you up for

a more strategic race, rather than a race based on high-intensity catch-up. I recom-mend swimming makes up 10-20 per cent of your weekly program.

Squad training will allow you to be competitive, train with other people and work different areas of your cardiovas-cular system, which will improve fitness, VO2max, speed and endurance.

Swimming is the most technical of all

ADF Triathlon Club coach PO Michael Baruch. Photo: AB Kayla Hayes

Why not try a tri

three triathlon components. I encourage you to get one-on-one quality coaching.

If squad training is not for you, try interval training. By definition this is high-intensity repeated efforts with a recovery period in between.

Cool down in relation to the length and intensity of your swim. If your aim was endurance, an easy 300m swim should work. However, if you worked at full intensity, your cool-down should be a swim between 800-1000m to allow the lactic acid to be removed from your body and allow a speedy recovery.

Open-water swim sessions are vital and should be incorporated into your training plan at least once a week in the final eight weeks of your training.

It is recommended that you do these within a club environment or in a patrolled environment for safety. These sessions allow you to appreciate the ele-ments you will be faced with on the day.

The ADFTC is the official multisport club for Defence. The club offers free membership to all ADF members. By joining you will have access to funding assistance for sanctioned events.

For more information, email michael.baruch@defence.gov.au or visit: http://adftc.asn.au and www.triathlon.org.au

• 4 x 50m drill/swim – a drill for 25m and swim for 25m

• 4 x 50m breathing every third and fifth stroke

• 4 x 50m – 25m hard and fast and 25m easy

INTERVAL TRAINING

22 February 25, 2016RCEAIR FHealth & Fitness

Caters for ADF families in the ACTMERICI COLLEGE

Merici College ....• is a quality, affordable non-government secondaryschool, educating girls in a Catholic environment

• is renowned for its strong focus on pastoral care• has targeted support for ADF families with anADF mentor on site

• offers a wide and varied curriculum in atechnology rich environment

• has direct buses to the College from mostsuburbs and neighbouring NSW centres

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

Building FuturesFOR EXCEPTIONAL YOUNG WOMEN

23February 25, 2016RCEAIR F Sp rt

SGT Dave Morley

AN INSTRUCTOR at the Defence Force School of Signals, Watsonia, has been cycling up to 500km a week to prepare for a gruelling 1000km bike ride from Brisbane to Sydney in late April.

SGT Tim Green will spend 10 days on the road, travelling inland via Glenn Innes, to raise money for cancer research.

SGT Green has been selected to ride as part of a team in the 2016 Tour de Cure Signature Tour.

He said during the ride his team would share Tour de Cure’s ‘Be fit, be healthy, be happy’ cancer aware-ness message with more than 5000 Queensland and NSW school children.

“Each night, we will present a $10,000 cheque to a local cancer research, support or prevention project that directly helps that community and region,” he said.

“Seeing how this donation can posi-tively affect the local community and talking to people who will use or benefit directly from this money really makes all the training worth it.

“I have committed to raise a mini-mum of $12,000 to be part of the team.”

SGT Green is no stranger to the cause having participated in the 2015 Tour de Cure, riding 1200km from Melbourne to Adelaide to raise $12,982.

He said cancer was truly evil, as it did not discriminate and was relentless in its appetite.

“It’s hard to find someone who has not been affected by this disease,” he said.

“By raising funds and awareness through Tour de Cure, I can hopeful-ly contribute to finding a cure for this awful disease.”

SGT Green said although there were lots of charities deserving of members’ donations, Tour de Cure put money directly into the hands of researchers or people who were working on research to find a cure, or people supporting those battling cancer.

“Since 2007, Tour de Cure has financed research projects focused on finding cancer breakthroughs and have directly funded 18 of those break-throughs,” he said.

“Tour de Cure also supports projects for those suffering with cancer, as well as prevention projects focused on educa-tion and awareness in communities.”

SGT Green was looking forward to the experience of riding on the tour, but was equally looking forward to meeting and interacting with local communities each night during a community dinner.

For more information, or to make a donation, visit www.tourdecure.com.au and find his team’s donation tab.

SGT Tim Green prepares for a 1000km bike trek to raise life-saving funds for the Tour de Cure

In full flight to fight cancer

LCPL Sebastian Beurich

MEMBERS of the Australian D e f e n c e F o r c e B a s k e t b a l l Association (ADFBA) national team started their year off with a tour of Tasmania, where they par-ticipated in coaching, mentoring and playing against local basketball teams.

The annual tour, held in con-junction with DFR, travelled across Tasmania from Hobart to Smithton, in the far north west, from January 28 to February 8.

The male and female teams were welcomed to a clinic, run as part of a holiday camp by Basketball Tasmania, by the Member for Denison, Elise Archer, on January 29.

FLTLT Emma Brown said work-ing with the young teams was more of a highlight of the trip than any of the games they played.

“Some of the kids were young, so they were a bit timid to start off with, but once we started running them through the drills, they were really good,” she said.

“It was a great opportunity for all of us and I think everyone really enjoyed the experience.”

Between February 5 and 7, both the men’s and women’s teams played in the Ulverstone Classic. The men won four out of eight games to be placed seventh – the women also won four games but did not make the final.

LAC Kevin O’Sullivan said the men’s team gelled well.

“Coming together without any training, especially directly out of the Christmas period, we did great,” he said.

“We had a training session on the first afternoon and then again the next morning and then we were straight into the games.”

During all of the training clinics, the members of the management team wore their uniforms to pro-mote the ADF.

ADFBA executive member, SBLT Kate Alston, said the clinics were viewed as a great success for both the ADF and basketball.

“The support we gave each other during games and the team cohe-sion we presented we looked upon favourably by the other teams we played,” she said.

Tasmania tour a winner for ADF and basketball FIVE Air Force Rugby teams have

confirmed their attendance at the Kapooka K-Series competition on March 19, pitting their skills against eight Army and a Navy team.

K-Series organiser WO2 Mark Fisher said visitors to Kapooka would see an exceptional weekend.

“We’ve got 14 teams from across the ADF who have already confirmed their attendance and an additional four teams have indicated their intentions to attend,” he said.

“A team of NSW Police have also expressed an interest in attending.”

WO2 Fisher said the K-10s was based on a great model that contin-ues to attract the ADF’s top talent.

He said organisers were also looking for nominations from ADF women’s teams to express interest for their competition as well.

For more information, email mark.fisher2@defence.gov.au.

Kapooka 10s set for kick-off

SGT Tim Green is training up to 500km a week leading up to the Tour de Cure.

Air Force will again go on the attack in the K-10 competition.

The ADF men’s and women’s basketball teams made the most out of their tour of Tasmania.

SP RTFebruary 25, 2016

THEWHEELDEAL

SGT Tim Green saddles up for the

long haul in support of cancer research

SGT Tim Green with is preparing to take

on the Tour de Cure for the second year

running.

Basketballers on tour P23

RCEAIR F February 25, 2016 1INDIGENOUS ENGAGEMENT

PROUD WORK

SPECIAL LIFTOUT

Air Force bases are working hard to

foster relationships with Indigenous

communities

WOFF Gary Thompson lowers the Aboriginal flag at sunset to mark the end of National Reconciliation Week 2015 at RAAF Base Amberley.Photo: CPL Shannon McCarthy

3RCEAIR F February 25, 2016 INDIGENOUS ENGAGEMENT2

I’M PROUD of the great work that has been done by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program – Air Force (ATSIP-AF) team in 2015, but what has really struck me this year is the growing engage-

ment and involvement of key leaders across Air Force. This year our entire Senior Leadership Team partici-

pated in a cultural engagement activity in Katherine. We have also seen SADFOs and ABXOs across

many of our bases building inclusion through awareness, acknowledgement and understanding of Indigenous culture.

These leaders want to make a difference. They understand that New Horizon, diversity and inclusion are central to Air Force’s future as an agile and adaptive organisation that is able to attract the best people.

A great example of this local action is Commander Air Combat Group AIRCDRE Steven Roberton part-nering with the Worimi community in Williamtown to develop an advanced cultural learning day for staff at RAAF Base Williamtown.

Across many of our bases, our leaders are at the forefront of building Air Force’s relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and com-munities.

They are seeing the importance of these relationships and stepping up to deliver meaningful outcomes.

WGCDR Kate Fox

FLGOFF Sarah Conway-James is the newly appointed Indigenous Liaison Officer at Edinburgh Defence Precinct.

She said her mother only discovered her Indigenous identity when FLGOFF Conway-James was in her early teens.

“Up until that point, mum lived with a lot of memo-ries of her time as a victim of the Stolen Generation,” she said.

“Our family has been on a journey to discover who we are, where we’re from and how we can invest in our local community. I see this role as an extension to an already established interest.”

She is keen to make Air Force an attractive employ-ment prospect for Indigenous women.

“While I will work hard to continue to develop our relationship with the local Indigenous community, I particularly want other Indigenous women to see that it is possible to do something that hasn’t been done before in your family,” she said.

“I can’t say my entry into the Air Force was accom-panied by a roar of applause from my family, but I’ve gained confidence in my own abilities and am incred-ibly proud of my choice of career.

“I hope I can be a role model to younger Indigenous people and encourage an interest in Air Force as a pos-sible career choice.”

FLGOFF Conway-James will continue to develop a co-operative partnership with the Kaurna Nation and co-ordinate the precinct’s Indigenous affairs activities.

“We have had a number of initiatives in the past year and we will continue this throughout 2016,” she said.

“I would like to see more visits by young people to the base, to demonstrate the career opportunities available and to build friendships with our local com-munities.”

SADFO AIRCDRE Stephen Meredith said he was pleased to welcome FLGOFF Conway-James to the role.

“I am really excited about Sarah being part of our team to carry on the initial work we started last year in advancing our initiatives with the Kaurna Nation and our own Indigenous workforce,” he said.

“She is passionate about her role and her heritage and will be integral to developing a more collective approach to Indigenous engagement.”

New role, big opportunity

WGCDR Kate Fox

A NEW welcome sign was recently unveiled at RAAF Base East Sale to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land as well as the excellent contributions made by the men and women who work on the base.

The words ‘aviation excellence begins on GunaiKurnai country’, now greet all those entering the base.

Carefully planned over two years, the sign is evi-dence of the partnership between the GunaiKurnai people and the Air Force community.

Aboriginal artist and GurnaiKurnai man Justin Kennedy worked closely with outgoing ABXO WGCDR Jim Svede to design and deliver the new sign.

“This sign has three broad functions – it acknowl-edges the GunaiKurnai as the traditional owners of the land on which this base is established, it communicates that Air Force has a strong, respectful and growing relationship with the traditional owners, and it will ensure that people who enter this base know that we are committed to maintaining and generating respectful relationships,” WGCDR Svede said.

Set against a blue sky and featuring the hand-

prints of local Indigenous elders, the sign depicts the Roulettes and the five major clans which make up the GunaiKurnai nation.

Senior elder Aunty Betty Booth and Rachel Mullett delivered a Welcome to Country at the sign’s unveiling ceremony.

SADFO GPCAPT Gregory Frisina said the sign was one of many that are now around Defence estab-lishments.

“This sign is about honouring the past, as we go about delivering Air Power for Australia, both now and in the future,” he said.

Newly appointed ABXO WGCDR Marty Quirke said he was mindful of the excellent relationship estab-lished between the base and the GunaiKurnai com-munity.

“It has come about through Jim’s initiative and a genuine desire on the part of both the RAAF and Indigenous communities to achieve a meaningful and respectful connection and is beautifully represented in this sign,” WGCDR Quirke said.

“I intend to continue the partnership and look for tangible ways to engage meaningfully with our tradi-tional owners.”

Sign of strong partnership

WGCDR Kate Fox

PERSONNEL at RAAF Base Tindal understand the con-tribution they can make to the local community. With a significant Indigenous population, personnel ensure the relationship between local Indigenous communities and the base is fostered.

CHAP Mark Kleemann said it was a two-way partner-ship. “We support the community and the community supports us,” he said.

“Getting involved with the community is something we don’t just speak about, we act on it.

“We benefit too, when you become involved in your community, your entire posting experience is enhanced, especially in a remote locality like Tindal.”

RAAF Base Tindal has engaged the local community across a broad range of activities over the past year.

As part of last year’s NAIDOC celebrations, a plaque unveiling ceremony was held at the entry to the base to recognise the traditional custodians of the land.

CHAP Kleemann said the ceremony rekindled rela-tionships.

“Every time we drive through the base, or invite a welcome to country or undertake an acknowledgment of country, we are reminded of our relationship with the traditional custodians,” he said.

Personnel also undertook works at a specialist school, Kintore Street School, in Katherine.

Kintore Street has a number of Indigenous students and provides assistance and education to children with a range of physical and learning challenges.

Supported by the Tindal chaplains, a team of trades-men and engineers from Tindal created a new outdoor lawn area.

There are further plans to add a mini-road system, complete with traffic signs to assist students in under-standing basic road rules and safety as well as other fundraising activities.

In June 2015, former SADFO GPCAPT Mark Larter accompanied some of his staff to the remote Yakanarra Community School to deliver books and goods to the Yakanarra Aboriginal community.

“This activity has been immeasurably rewarding for RAAF Base Tindal personnel and the Yakanarra commu-nity,” GPCAPT Larter said.

Newly appointed SADFO WGCDR Andrew Tatnell plans to nurture the growing relationships.

“The personnel of RAAF Base Tindal value the rela-tionship and are keen maintain meaningful contribution to the local Indigenous community,” he said.

“I am committed to ensure we continue to support the Yakanarra Community School and am buoyed by the positive attitude and eagerness of personnel to return and contribute ongoing support to the community.”

Kintore Street School students visit RAAF Base Tindal. Photo supplied by Kintore Street School principal Marg Chamberlain.

FLGOFF Shane Ivimey

SADFO Edinburgh Defence Precinct AIRCDRE Stephen Meredith unveiled four Kaurna Nation acknowledgement signs late last year.

The signs read, first in Kaurna language and then in English, ‘we acknowledge the Kaurna people as the tradi-tional owners of this land’.

“The installation of the signs is important because it is Defence’s way of acknowledging the Kaurna traditional ownership and custodianship of the land on which we work,” AIRCDRE Meredith said.

“Furthermore, it is the next step toward the shared goal of building our strong relationship and friendship, built on mutual respect and understanding.”

Placing the Kaurna language first is a significant way to symbolise the Kaurna nation’s connection with the land.

“For those of us without a traditional understanding of that connection, it is sometimes difficult to understand,” AIRCDRE Meredith said.

“But that does not mean we should not try to gain a deeper understanding and develop a more lasting apprecia-tion built on mutual respect.

“For those who work at EDP, whether it is uniformed, public service or contractor personnel, I hope it encourages our entire team to recognise that it is diversity which allows us to better defend our nation and its national interests.”

BUILDING INCLUSION

Director Organisational Behaviour and Culture Tony Hewson says bases across the country are at the forefront of building Air Force’s relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Tradition and relationship acknowledged

Community contribution

Former SADFO RAAF Base Tindal then WGCDR Mark Larter at the plaque unveiling ceremony. Photo: CPL Terry Hartin

SADFO RAAF East Sale GPCAPT Greg Frisina and ABXO WGCDR Jim Svede with local elders of the GunaiKurnai clans, members and guests in front of the new welcome sign. Photo: PO Rick Prideaux

AIRCDRE Stephen Meredith and Kaurna elder Jeffrey Newchurch stand in front of the sign acknowledging the traditional owners at the Edinburgh Defence Precinct. Photo: CPL David Gibbs

RCEAIR FFebruary 25, 20164 INDIGENOUS ENGAGEMENT

Range of possibilitiesWGCDR Kate Fox

AN INTRODUCTORY meet-ing between Commander Air Warfare Centre AIRCDRE Stephen Meredith and Coober Pedy Youth Development Officer Sophie Reynolds resulted in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for local kids to experience a three-day adventure at the Woomera Test Range.

The 16 kids, four youth work-ers and an Indigenous mentor, PTE Earnest Warrior, of NORFORCE, were collected from the Youth Shed in Coober Pedy and travelled by bus to the Woomera Test Range.

Staying in local accommoda-tion, the guests toured Lake Hart, the rocket launchers and Woomera Observatory, took a walking tour of the Rocket Park and heritage cen-tre, saw a movie and swam in the Transfield-managed pool.

However, the highlight of the event was a flight in a C-17A Globemaster, which was the first time in a plane for eight of the chil-dren.

SQNLDR Daren Shorter and FSGT Trevor Seebohm helped plan the visit.

“Being involved with Indigenous youth is important to us, they are the future of their communities and if we can provide them an opportunity to experience new and diverse things that inspire them, then all efforts are worthwhile,” SQNLDR Shorter said.

“Through our work with the communities, we aim to make a dif-ference where we can.”

FSGT Seebohm agreed. “The opportunity to get involved

in mentoring these children has been a privilege and a highlight in my career,” he said.

“We have a pretty good life in

the ADF and if we can give back to the children in the community and show them other opportunities out-side their day-to-day lives, then I am happy to donate my time.”

Ms Reynolds said she looked forward to future activities with Air Force.

“The visit to Woomera allowed the young people the opportunity to see what it was like to be in the Air Force and what was available outside of our community,” Ms Reynolds said.

Ongoing activities are planned throughout 2016, including NAIDOC week celebrations, con-tinued engagement with Kokatha, Antakirinja Matu-Yankuntjatjara and Maralinga Tjarutja clans, and the establishment of Indigenous reserve positions within the Woomera Test Range workforce.

Coober Pedy Youth Development Officer Sophie Reynolds and local youth visit Woomera on a three-day excursion.

Participants of the RAAF Indigenous Youth Program Nakoda Clulow and Jaime-Lee Russell get into the spirit of the camouflage lesson provided by No. 335 Squadron at RAAF Base Williamtown. The four-day live-in program provided young Indigenous participants the opportunity to live on a working base and take part in activities hosted by No. 26 Squadron. Assisted by lodger units, the School of Postgraduate Studies and visiting presenters, participants, staff and base personnel enjoyed a cultural evening with the Murrook Culture Centre, strengthening ties between the local Indigenous community and the base.

Military Working Dog (MWD) handler CPL Samantha Luck, of the RAAF Security and Fire School, introduces students from Cunnamulla to MWD puppies at RAAF Base Amberley. Community members and students from Cunnamulla visited the base in October 2015 as part of Project Imba. Project Imba is an initiative with the Queensland University of Technology inspiring and building future pathways for Indigenous young people from Cunnamulla. The visit to RAAF Base Amberley promoted Defence as an attractive career prospect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander school leavers. Photo: CPL Glen McCarthy

Life on a base

Once-in-a-lifetime adventure at Woomera

Students inspired

The Worimi Dance Troupe performs in front of the Worimi Hornet at RAAF Base Williamtown.Photo: CPL Craig Barrett

Manuel Pamkal, of the Top Didj Aboriginal Arts and Craft Gallery, explains the finer points of spear throwing with AVM Tim Innes during a Senior Leadership Team activity in Katherine.Photo: CPL Terry Hartin