FORCEAIRVol. 51, No. 9, May 28, 2009 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

By Brian Hartigan

AIR Force celebrated the excellence, dedi-cation and commitment of its workforce at a gala dinner and awards night on May 18 in Canberra.

CAF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin said the achievements of award recipients were reflective of the values of “the best small Air Force in the world, bar none”.

“I believe it is essential that Air Force recog-nises our people for their exceptional contribution to our mission.”

Eighteen awards were presented, publicly acknowledging a range of individuals and teams.

Fighter Pilot of the Year FLTLT Mark Biele was one of the individuals honoured at the Air Force Awards dinner.

Rather than rest on his laurels, FLTLT Biele exuded enthusiasm for a job he says that, no mat-ter what else was happening in his life, the view from the office could not be beaten.

“The thing that most attracts me to this job, though, is that I know I can never achieve 100 per cent,” he said.

“You can brief for five hours before a one-hour flight, and debrief for five hours and know there was always something you could do better.

“And that makes every single flight some-thing to anticipate.”

Another individual recognised on the night also sees anticipation as key to her work.

Airman of the Year CPL Teresa Hayne, a supplier with No. 1 Air Transportable Health Squadron, said it was about anticipation and ini-tiative – recognising that a part or an item might be required for a task and making sure it was in stock when someone asked for it.

But for CPL Hayne, who insists she was “just doing her job”, it was also about the uniform and the pride she had in wearing it every day.

“I love being in the Air Force – it means friends for life, it means education and travel, it means being proud of who you are, especially on Anzac Day and especially being a woman in uniform on Anzac Day,” she said.

CPL Hayne has plenty of life experience to compare her Air Force service to, enlisting in her late 20s, nine years ago.

She said her award was all the more hum-bling because, as she put it, “It’s a team effort in my section – I didn’t do it on my own”.

AIRMSHL Binskin said no one achieved suc-

■ 2009 Budget implications – P2 ■ Free family health – P3

AIRMAN OF THE YEAR: CPL Teresa Haynecelebrates with WOFF JJ Millar and AIRMSHLMark Binskin.

cess in isolation – “Our Air Force operates as a team, across the entire spectrum. Our suc-cess is due to one huge team effort of which we can all be justifiably proud.”

He said the Air Force Awards night was about recognising the innovation, drive and passion that the Air Force would require in the new era of the 2009 Defence White Paper and the Strategic Reform Program.

Opportunities to recognise the achieve-ments of Air Force people continue to grow with the introduction next year of the CAF Instructor of the Year Award and the WOFF of the Air Force Instructor of the Year Award.

“These new awards will highlight the unquestionable importance of training and

education to the Air Force, and will formally recognise officers and airmen who excel in this field,” he said.

“The award recipients acknowledged tonight reinforce the value of comprehensive education and training, engaging leadership, and living and working by our values.

“The Senior Leadership Team and I notice those qualities and I strongly encourage Air Force commanders to nominate our people, squadrons and units for the Air Force awards.”

AIRMSHL Binskin said that if command-ers thought their people were exceptional, they should say so, and make sure the rest of the Air Force knew about it too.

Full list of winners page 15

HIGH FLIEHIGH FLIERSRSAwards night recognises excellence,

commitment

FIGHTER PILOT OF THE YEAR:

FLTLT Mark Biele takes another flight.Photo: CPL David Gibbs

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Postal address:R8–LG–048, Russell OfficesCanberra, ACT 2600

DisclaimerAIR FORCE News is published fortnightly by the Directorate of Defence Newspapers. Printed by Capital Fine Print. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising if it is deemed inappropriate and to change the size of the ad, print type or other specifications if material is not compatible with our system. The fact an ad is accepted for publication does not mean that the product or service has the endorsement of Defence or AIR FORCE News.

FORCEAIRActing DirectorDavid Edlington: (02) 6265 4650david.edlington@defencenews.gov.auEditorBrian Hartigan: (02) 6265 2253brian. hartigan@defencenews.gov.auDeputy EditorJohn Martin: (02) 6265 7219john.martin@defencenews.gov.au

Senior ReporterAndrew Stackpool: (02) 6266 7611andrew.stackpool@defencenews.gov.au

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2 News AIR FORCE May 28, 2009

By WO2 Graham McBean

THE goal to save $20.6 billion over the next decade to fund White Paper ini-tiatives is achievable, according to De-fence’s senior leadership.

CDF ACM Angus Houston and Defence Secretary Nick Warner presented a united front at a round-table discussion with media on May 7 to explain how the Strategic Reform Program would work.

Mr Warner said it was an ambitious program but it would succeed.

“We have the right team, the right plan and the full support of the government, and this reform-and-savings program is

going to succeed because of it,” Mr Warner said.

He said there would be 15 reform‘streams’ and highlighted the primary areasfor savings over the next decade.

ACM Houston said the senior man-agement of Defence was fully behind the reform and said it would deliver what the ADF needed.

“There is no push back and we want to do these things,” ACM Houston said.

“Fundamentally, the government has given us this challenge and if we want to create the ADF of the future we have got to find the savings.”

Saving...

AIR FORCE facilities will bene-fit in the 2009-10 financial year from infrastructure spending earmarked in the recent Federal budget.

$60 million is scheduled for work on the $331.5 million Redevelopment Stage 3 project at RAAF Base Amberley. It will provide trainee facilities, more live-in accommoda-tion, medical and working accom-modation, maintenance facilities, a fuel farm and upgraded base security. Key facilities will be completed pro-gressively from 2010 to late 2011.

Also at Amberley and at RAAF Base Townsville, $18 million of the $268.2 million Heavy Airlift Capability Permanent Facilities project will be spent. This project includes new headquarter mainte-nance facilities, air movements and cargo facilities, a simulator, ware-housing and support facilities and airfield pavement works at Amberley, while Townsville will have its airfield pavements, movements and cargo facilities and supporting infrastruc-ture upgraded.

Construction is scheduled for completion by late 2010.

RAAF Bases Edinburgh, Darwin and Pearce will also receive funding.

Amberley will also receive the first $60 million of the $110 million Australian Super Hornet Facilities project that will provide facilities and infrastructure to support future air combat capabilities and the transi-tion into service of the Super Hornet. Construction will start during 2009 with completion planned for late 2010.

A further $7.9 million has also been allocated for various approved medium capital works at the base.

Also under the Heavy Airlift Capability Permanent Facilities project, $16 million will be spent at RAAF Base Pearce to continue upgrading airfield pavements, move-ments and cargo facilities and sup-porting infrastructure. Construction started in 2008 and is scheduled for completion in 2010.

Similar upgrades at RAAF Bases Edinburgh and Darwin will also continue.

Other major works at Pearce will receive $80 million for con-tinued work on the $142.2 million

SSpendingpending......

FLIGHTLINE: Aircraft-handling facilities across the country will benefit from budgeted spending. Photo: LAC Scott Woodward

BUDGET 2009

By FLGOFF Eamon Hamilton

CREWS from 37SQN flew through tough conditions to assist the rescue of two yachtsmen from the Tasman Sea on May 21.

Using night-vision goggles, the crew of the C-130H was instrumental in marking the position and providing on-scene command and control for the

Herc rescue mission

Redevelopment Stage 1 project. This project will construct new and refurbished works for engineer-ing services, a fuel farm, aircraft movements and maintenance facili-ties, a combined mess and living-in accommodation.

RAAF Base Tindal will also receive a major boost in several areas with $27 million for work to continue on the $58.7 million Redevelopment Stage 5 project. This project is improving base operational and support capabilities by upgrading existing facilities and infrastructure.

Another $38.5 million has been allocated to the $64.2 mil-lion Airborne Early Warning and

Control Aircraft Facilities project. This will provide new taxiways, aprons, shelters and hydrant refuel-ling as well as site infrastructure works.

RAAF Base Richmond will receive $9.3 million as part of the Enhanced Land Force Facilities Stage 1 project, while another $16 million of the $49.8 million RAAF Base Darwin Redevelopment Stage 2 project has been allocated.

This project will provide a new fuel farm, maintenance and admin-istrative buildings, workshop and a vehicle wash bay.

Construction is scheduled for completion in 2011.

crew members of the 53-foot sloop Sumatra.

This was despite six-metre swells and poor weather conditions, with bro-ken cloud down to 1000 feet.

The Sumatra had begun taking

water and sinking early that morning, 320 nautical miles east of Brisbane.

Initial assistance was rendered by an Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Dornier 328. But strong sea swells hampered attempts

by the Dornier to drop a water pump to the yacht.

Arriving on scene at 1630hrs, the Hercules crew had good communica-tion with the yacht.

With the 37SQN crew watching

diligently above, it was a long two hours as the Merchant Vessel Scarlett Lucy battled through sea swells to get to the Sumatra.

The yachtsmen – both aged in their 70s – boarded a dinghy for the rescue.

One member fell out of the dinghy, however, and spent 45 minutes in the swell before he too was rescued.

37SQN aids yachtsmen in Tasman Sea

Shared services: $1.4 billion will be saved by streamlining core business processes such as payroll, human resources and financial services.

Workforce reform: $1.9 billion will be saved through an integrated and balanced workforce of military and public service personnel. Defence contracts will be minimised and contractors recruited to the public serv-ice as a more cost-effective option. While the ADF will have 3000 more staff by the end of the decade, savings also will occur through the civilia-nisation of some ADF support staff positions.

Non-equipment procurement: $4.4 billion will be saved through smarter procurement across 23 different areas. Changes will be made in areas such as travel allowance and contract negotiations.

Smarter maintenance: $4.4 billion will be saved by smarter maintenance across more than 100 weapon and other Defence fleets of equipment.

Inventory: $700 million will be saved through smarter buying and by reducing equipment holdings.

Information communication technology: $1.9 billion will be saved from the information technology suite by reducing data centres from the present 200 to less than 10, as well as other initiatives such as the better management of software applications from 4000 to less than 2000.

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3 NewsAIR FORCE May 28, 2009

FLYPAST: Three F/A-18 Hornets from 81WG at RAAF Base Williamtown track along Anzac Parade during Anzac Day commemorations in Canberra. Photo: WGCDR (retd) Wal Nelowkin

Hornet-power caps dayFamily health benefit

SOME Defence families now have access to free basic health care thanks to the ADF Family Health Trial launched in Cairns on May 19.

Launched by Defence Science and Personnel Minister Warren Snowdon, the trial will benefit about 2700 Defence dependants in Cairns, Singleton, Katherine, Sale and the Pilbara region.

“Looking after Defence families is something the government takes serious-ly and this initiative will provide practi-cal support to the dependants of ADF personnel,” Mr Snowdon said.

“We are testing delivery models to ensure that ADF dependants will not only be able to access free basic medical care, but they have choice and flexibility about who they consult with.

“Medicare Australia will adminis-ter these services through bulk-billing arrangements.”

He said the trial also had provision for dependants to claim up to $300 each for non-cosmetic dental services,

which could be accessed at any dentist in Australia.

Dependants registered for the trial will be issued with an ADF Family Health card which will enable them to submit claims electronically at most dentists, up to the capped amount. Navy Health Ltd has been engaged by Defence to provide the ADF Family Health card, as well as customer service and claims processing.

“The ADF Family Health Trial is one way we can support Defence families as they support our Defence men and women,” Mr Snowdon said.

In October the trial will expand to include a further 13,300 ADF dependants in Townsville, Darwin and Puckapunyal.

Under the scheme, health care is accessed through civilian medical prac-tices, not ADF facilities.

The benefits associated with the trial will be considered a fringe benefit for taxation purposes.

For more information visit www.defence.gov.au/health/ and follow the links.

CLEAN BILL: Corinne Priddy visits Dr Ian Cole at the Draper Street Family Medical Centre, Cairns, while Defence, Science and Personnel Minister Warren Snowdon looks on.

Photo: Brian Cassey

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4 News AIR FORCE May 28, 2009

By FLGOFF Eamon Hamilton

FASTER, more reliable and more cost-effective transport will be ushered in at 38SQN when the unit takes delivery of eight King Air 350s over the coming year.

Bringing an end to the Caribou’s outstanding 45 years of RAAF serv-ice, the interim King Air project also represents the end of a small but important chapter in Army’s history with the cessation of all fixed-wing operations after more than 40 years of continuous service.

WGCDR Stewart Dowrie, lead-er of the Air Lift Group King Air Transition Team, said the three King Air 350s currently flying with Army would be transferred to 38SQN in November this year.

“We have a real advantage in this transition because Army’s 173 Surveillance Squadron has developed a mature and highly effective capa-bility that we can use as the nucle-us of the new 38SQN,” WGCDR

Dowrie said. “Another five brand new aircraft will then be brought in to 38SQN in the first half of 2010 to round out a fleet of eight aircraft.

“The first of these new aircraft, to be assigned the ADF serial number of A32-651, is currently on the Hawker Beechcraft production line in Wichita, Kansas.”

The King Air 350 will redefine how 38SQN does business, and increase the range of options for the delivery of Air Lift Group’s custom-ers to their destinations.

“While it won’t be able to land on the types of very short airfields the Caribou has become famous for, the King Air will offer a new range of opportunities to the ADF.

“The King Air is more than twice as fast and is capable of flying more than double the range of the Caribou.

“It also has a pressurised cabin, which allows it to cruise at altitudes of up to 35,000 feet.

“Moving people across vast dis-tances such as northern Australia and

throughout south-east Asia and the South Pacific is exactly what the air-craft is designed for,” he said.

Equipped with a glass cockpit and other modern avionics system, the King Air will also act as an ideal bridging step for pilots to progress to larger, more complex glass-cock-pit aircraft such as the C-130J, Wedgetail, C-17A and KC-30A.

The King Air is not a permanent replacement for the Caribou with the Air 8000 Phase Two project expected to provide the long-term solution.

WGCDR Dowrie said it was important to note that neither the Caribou nor the King Air were capa-ble of delivering the form of combat airlift needed for the more complex and wider-ranging requirements of operations today.

“The interim King Air project is all about how we best support the ADF and transform the Air Lift Group work force, between now and the arrival of the Air 8000 Phase 2 aircraft,” he said.

King sized delivery

COMING: King Air A32-651 on the Hawker Beechcraft production line in Wichita, Kansas, will be delivered to 38SQN early next year (above).

Hawker photo

HIGH FLIER: Inset, the King Air is considered a more-than-adequate transition aircraft to bridge the gap between Caribou and its eventual replacement. Photo: CPL Katrina Johnson

Old horse works on

By FLGOFF Eamon Hamilton

CARIBOU crews haven’t slackened their pace, despite the pending retire-ment of the aircraft.

In April, two 38SQN aircraft flew to New Zealand for cold-weather and mountainous-operations training to hone necessary airmanship skills for pilots as well as know-how for all personnel while flying away from home.

Departing Townsville on April 7, both aircraft flew via RAAF Base Amberley, Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island.

One of the aircraft spent the Easter weekend at the Classic Fighters Air Show on North Island, while also taking time to conduct low-level training.

Strong westerly winds dogged both aircraft as they made their way south-ward along New Zealand’s Alps to Queenstown.

FLTLT Aaron Dillon said the Caribou was very susceptible to wind gusts.

“Strong wind gusts make landings and takeoffs rather challenging, particu-larly when conducting short take-off and landing operations,” he said.

“The effect of wind is more apparent when flying at slow speeds.

“On the other hand, strong winds def-initely help get you places.

“It’s not very often that your ground speed exceeds 200 knots in a Caribou.”

At some airfields, crews could have been forgiven for thinking they’d flown on to a Lord of the Rings set.

“It’s a relatively tight squeeze to get in as the mountains rise up around you, but flying the Caribou up Milford Sound at low level is one of the most memorable things I have done so far in a Caribou,” FLTLT Dillon said.

On the way home one aircraft was forced to remain on Norfolk Island for

Anzac Day after encountering technical problems. While waiting for parts, the crew participated in RSL activities.

MEANWHILE, a 37SQN C130 crew found itself carrying an unusual load from Port Moresby to Goroka during a separate training deployment – approx-imately 10 tonnes of condoms.

The unusual lift was part of a mass effort by AusAid to combat the spread of HIV in Papua New Guinea.

Not to be outdone, 38SQN also chipped in with a Caribou delivering an ambulance to the remote town of Simbai.

The mission also qualified a new 38SQN PNG (unrestricted) Caribou cap-tain and a PNG check captain.

Both squadrons are required by 86WG to have a working knowledge of safe and effective flying in PNG.

OC 86WG GPCAPT Gary Martin said that time and again, Australian crews had been deployed to PNG in response to natural disasters and ADF operations.

“This training equips crews with the skills and resourcefulness demanded by the PNG environment,” he said.

Executive Officer 37SQN SQNLDR Nick Hogan said flying in PNG provided aircrews with a unique environment that combined high terrain, high temperatures and rapidly changing weather conditions.

“Constant changes in the weather require rapid flexibility to ensure that the aircraft remains safe, but still gets the job done,” SQNLDR Hogan said.

“The most rewarding part of this training is when you’ve been tasked to provide assistance, the weather is poor and civil operators are not flying because of poor conditions, and we can still fly in there safely and execute the mission.”

WORKHORSE: An Australian Caribou taxiing at RNZAF Base Ohakea during a training visit. Photo: AC Amanda McErlich, RNZAF

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5 NewsAIR FORCE May 28, 2009

By FLTLT Jaimie Abbott

IS THERE anything a C-17 can’t move? The mighty aircraft has again proved its logistical worth by transport-ing a Tactical Air Defence Radar Sys-tem (TADRS) from RAAF Base Dar-win to RAAF Base Williamtown.

It took two C-17 trips to transfer all the equipment from Australia’s Top End to the Hunter, but it was certainly faster than the usual journey by road.

The 41WG-operated radar system is one of the core sensors used for air-battle management.

Controllers use the equipment to help provide a three-dimensional air picture to in war environments and exercises.

41WG has four of the radar systems – two at Williamtown, one in Afghanistan and the other at Bathurst Island.

Maintenance officer FLGOFF Brendan O’Sullivan, 3 Control and Reporting Unit (3CRU), said the sys-tem was put to good use during its time in Darwin, featuring in Exercises Pitch Black and Aces North.

It’s no easy task transporting a sys-tem so large via an Australian military aircraft, and 3CRU’s SGT Jason Roberts

JIGSAW PIECES: CPL Warren Smith, 3CRU, unloads a tactical air-defence radar from a C-17 at RAAF Base Williamtown. Photo: CPL Dave Gibbs

BIGBIGMaking light work of aMaking light work of a

JOB

was part of the team that ensured the pieces of the jigsaw fitted together.

“It’s not a case of just throwing the radar on to the C-17,” SGT Roberts said. “We have to assess the size and weight to determine the best way to restrain it.”

A giant crane awaited the equip-ment when it returned to Williamtown and it took a team of 10 to move it to Duckhole Hill, 2km north of the base.

OC 41WG GPCAPT Daryl Hunter said this was the first time the radar had been transported using the Air Force’s own heavy-lift capability.

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6 Features AIR FORCE May 28, 2009

Learning to survive

AFTER more than three weeks learning how to survive after an air crash, FLGOFF Jarrin

Coombes weighed himself and found he was 5.5kg lighter.

That’s not uncommon, according to medic SGT Brett Murrell – and he would know.

For the past 20 months, SGT Murrell has been an instructor at the Air Force Combat Survival Training School (CSTS) in Townsville, where FLGOFF Coombes trained.

“What we put them through is very intensive,” SGT Murrell said. “They burn through a lot of fat.”

Up to 280 mostly aircrew men and women from the Royal Australian Air Force, Army and Navy, plus some per-sonnel from foreign services includ-ing Germany, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, New Zealand, Thailand, Sweden and Denmark, receive training at CSTS each year.

FLGOFF Coombes’ course intake in February/March included 33 stu-dents, 22 of them Air Force.

FLGOFF Coombes, of 76SQN, RAAF Base Williamtown, has been in the Air Force for five years and thought the course was challenging, providing him with an experience surviving in different environments.

He had to go without food for long stretches of time but he came to realise there was a bigger priority than eating.

“I know you can last quite a dis-tance without food, but you need water. You pretty much rely on water to do any kind of physical activity,” he said. “Food can take a back seat.”

The first course in the three-course package offered by CSTS, the Aircrew Environmental Survival Course, teach-es the best ways to survive in normal Australian peacetime environments such as sea, sea coast, arid and jungle environments.

Normally, this course lasts for 14 days but it was elongated for FLGOFF Coombes and his fellow students when they had to be extracted from the jungle on March 6 because of Cyclone Hamish.

They were returned to the jungle after three days but this delayed the start of their second course, the seven-day war-time-focused Aircrew Combat Survival Course – which is based on a scenario where their aircraft has been shot down or crashed in a hostile combat area.

In the scenario, surviving aircrew are on foot, potentially without all the high-tech gizmos and firepower they normally rely on, and have a bunch of bad guys looking for them, wanting to further complicate their day.

C S T S c o m m a n d i n g o ff i c e r SQNLDR Colin Evers said the course did not turn aircrew into professional foot soldiers overnight, but did give them the tools to use in a foreign, ground-based hostile environment.

The ultimate aim was to give downed aircrew the best chance possi-ble of evading capture and facilitating their own recovery by friendly forces for a speedy return to unit, family and friends with honour.

The course covers topics such as glo-bal positioning system, combat com-munications, combat search and rescue, evasion planning and movement, contact procedures with civilians and friendly recovery forces. It also includes aware-ness-level training in how to conduct oneself after capture, survival in a hostile urban environment, including escape and evasion theory followed by a practical urban activity, practical exercises in the application of tactical procedures such as hide construction, concealed fires, for-mations and tactical movement, obsta-cle crossings, observation lanes. A final, practical field escape, evasion and recov-ery activity where students are tested with a ‘hostile enemy force’, including military working dogs, in hot pursuit rounds out the training.

SQNLDR Colin Evers paid tribute to his staff.

“All of this is done with a dedi-

cated staff of 11, plus an incredibly motivated small band of reserve com-munication electronic technicians and communication information system controllers who provide the safety

In 1956, the then Chief of Staff identified the need for RAAF aircrew to undertake combat survival training as a result of incidents occurring in the Korean War. This resulted in the first combat surviv-al courses being conducted in the Numinbah Valley in the Gold Coast hinterland, Queensland.

In 1967, the Combat Survival Flight was estab-lished at RAAF Base Amberley, with training con-tinuing in the Numinbah Valley. Combat Survival Training Flight moved to RAAF Base Townsville in 1979, to avail of better training areas, and it became a unit in its own right in 1987. Combat Survival Training School moved into its present building – the old hospital – in 1989. Combat Survival Training School is an Air Command unit within Air Force Training Group’s Air Training Wing.

– from www.raaf.gov.au/units/csts.aspx

HOW IT ALL CAME ABOUT

radio network during escape, evasion and recovery field activities,” he said.

When courses are running, duty days were long and hard for staff, weekends and public holidays often

did not exist and field deployments kept them away from family and loved ones for extended periods.

The 2009 line instructors are all volunteers and drawn from a range of different musterings – there’s FLTLT Ben Kurylowicz (ground defence officer and chief instructor), FSGT Shane Grist (flight engineer), SGT Adam Poultney (airfield defence guard), SGT Darren Pay (physical training instructor), PO Jim Ritchie (Navy instructor), SGT Murrell (medical assistant) and CPL Paul Gallaway (aircraft life support fitter).

“CSTS can not operate without an equally dedicated support staff of three – the administrative officer WOFF Lyn Wood (clerk), CPL Andy March (sup-ply) and CPL Josh Rimmer (supply),” SQNLDR Evers said.

“This year we also have WO1 WayneHarper attached to CSTS from 5 AviationRegiment looking into the possibility ofestablishing an instructor position to help meet Army’s requirement for course positions. Army and Navy each fill 20 to 25 per cent of student throughputwith Air Force manning the remaining positions.”

EASY AS SITTING ON A LOG: ACW Kelli Schneider catches her breath in her solo survival site. Photos: CPL Paul Gallaway

From one extreme to another, students are put through a test of survival. John Martin reports.

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7 FeaturesAIR FORCE May 28, 2009

SEA/SEA COAST: Training is conducted on and near Herald Island, north-east of Townsville. Students are set adrift in single-man or 10-man life-rafts. “We could put them in the rafts for an hour or two and then take them out, but they just wouldn’t learn those vital things like how to handle the boredom, how crowded and uncomfortable it can be, how you’ve actually got to start working as a team straight away,” says instructor CPL Paul Gallaway. After the raft experiences are learned, students get their first taste of surviving on coastal land with nothing much more than their wits and group dynamics.

ARID: This training is done about 100 km west of Townsville. Though not quite a desert envi-ronment, the humidity drops as soon as they hit the range and students have to learn how to survive in a hot, dry area. Procurement of water in harsh, dry environments and managing work cycles around heat-of-the-day considerations come to the fore in this phase.

JUNGLE: Students learn to survive in the jungle, at a site

a bit over an hour’s drive from Townsville, both in smaller groups and alone, when they have to build individual shelters. Aside from gathering bush tucker such as fruit and figs to eat, they build on what they have been taught in other phases about how to make traps and snares to capture ani-mals. If they do catch an animal, they keep it alive and exchange it for fresh food with the instruc-tors who then release the animal unharmed.

COLD WEATHER: The Combat Survival Training School also con-ducts a Cold-Weather Survival Course in winter each year. This involves a series of two-day cours-es at Dinner Plains in the Victorian Alps during snow season. Surviving and, if necessary, escaping an enemy and facilitating recov-ery from the snow adds an extra dimension to all the skills learnt in the prerequisite environmental and combat courses.

F U R T H E R I N F O : F o r more information, visit the Air Force CSTS web address www.raaf.gov.au/units /csts.aspx or contact CO CSTS, SQNLDR Colin Evers by email at colin.evers@defence.gov.au

after a crash WHAT TO EXPECT: IN ALL KINDS OF CONDITIONS

INSTRUCTOR CPL Pau l Gallaway never can tell who’s going to excel at the Combat Survival Training School (CSTS).

“Some students you could have left out another couple of weeks and they wouldn’t have had any trouble – they tend to thrive in that sort of environment,” he says.

“But predicting the students who are going to do well is a hard call.”

He says a good attitude is paramount.

“We’ve had some really strong people from all three Services,” he said.

“And it’s often a surprise who they turn out to be.”

CPL Gallaway’s nickname is ‘Shorty’– “I keep telling everyone I’m not too sure if I’m five-foot-six or six-foot-five. Everyone’s pretty quick to let me know which one it is.”

But he’s not short on experience. CPL Gallaway is the longest-serving of the current instructors at CSTS, having extended after a three-year posting in Townsville, so he’s seen lots of students come and go and is well placed to gauge them.

Like all the instructors he has more than one role. Primarily he’s a life-support fitter, but also fills a

teaching role out in the field. He also usually carries two cameras so he can document each course in a DVD for the students.

“I got more into the instruction-al side because I enjoy that. I enjoy going out bush. I enjoy teaching too.”

When there was a medical emer-gency during a recent course, CPL Gallaway also expertly drove a 4WD vehicle across swollen rivers and creeks in the dark to get to an injured student.

Since he has been at the school, he’s seen people from Sweden, Holland, Germany, France, Malaysia, Singapore, England, the US and Switzerland complete the course.

“Mostly, they are instructors too, and they want to see how we do things like this in Australia,” he said.

CPL Gallaway said he saw this opportunity as a chance to exchange ideas with foreign counterparts.

KNOW-HOW: CPL Paul Gallaway supervises a student making a fire.

Keen eye from long-time instructor

WEIGHT LOSS: FLGOFF Jarrin Coombes and colleagues learn group-survival-in-the-water techniques from instructor SGT Adam Poultney. HELO EXTRACTION: A student is plucked from a life-raft.

HELP: OFFCDT Nathan Klotz, left, and OFFCDT Nicholas Reynolds, right, tend a signal fire in the jungle environment with two Army colleagues.

HOME AWAY FROM HOME: A jungle survival site created by students.

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9 NewsAIR FORCE May 28, 2009

IN BRIEF

By Chris Woods

TWO important stages in the production of Australia’s F/A-18F Super Hornets have been complet-ed with the project well on track for the first aircraft to roll off the assembly line in the US on July 8 – and the General Electric Company having dispatched the first of four F414-GE-400 jet engines to the Boe-ing assembly plant in St Louis.

The Super Hornet project has been endorsed by the Defence White Paper with Australia to buy 24 Block II F/A-18F Super Hornets together with 54 of the F414 engines that build on the excellent reliability, oper-ability and readiness of the F404 engine currently powering the ‘clas-sic’ Hornet fleet.

The F414 delivers 35 per cent more thrust than the original F404, significantly improving the Boeing F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet’s range, payload and survivability.

More recently, on April 2, Northrop Grumman celebrated the completion of the centre/aft fuselage section for the first RAAF Super Hornet.

The ‘shipset’, consisting of the aircraft’s fuselage section, twin ver-tical tails and all associated sub-systems, has also been shipped to

Super Hornetson on ttrackrack

Boeing for mating with the for-ward fuselage section during final assembly.

The director of F/A-18 programs at Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems, Michelle Scarpella, said the delivery continued the F/A-18 industry team’s outstanding record.

“Each of the more than 380 F/A-18E/F Super Hornet deliveries has been on time or head of schedule,” she said.

Boeing also reports that the for-ward fuselage for the RAAF’s first Super Hornet (A44-201) has com-pleted most final-assembly instal-

lations and is in the third of four workstations (operations).

Aircraft numbers A44-202 and A44-203 are also on the assembly line.

The Super Hornets will begin arriving in Australia from March or April next year.

HORNET TAIL: Northrop Grumman celebrates the completion of the first Australian ‘shipset’ on April 2 at its El Segundo plant in Los Angeles. Photo: courtesy Northrop Grumman

Defence medal criteriaTHE recommendations of the independent Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal report of the inquiry into the eligibility criteria for the Australian Defence Medal have been accepted by Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support Mike Kelly. In particular, the report recommends that applications for the ADM from ex-serving members who were medically discharged with-out a compensable injury or illness be considered on a case-by-case basis. The tribunal’s full report is available on the Internet at www.defence-honours-tribunal.gov.au

Gap Year landmarkA CEREMONIAL parade at RAAF Base Williams, Point Cook on April 8 marked the suc-cessful completion of the first phase of training for 100 Air Force Gap Year cadets. Reviewing officer Air Commander Australia AVM Mark Skidmore, complimented the cadets on the exceptionally high standard of the parade.

Air Power course callTHE Air Power Development Centre is call-ing for nominations for the Advanced Air Power Course – an education course designed to supplement participants’ understanding of air power. The course will be conducted via the Defence Intranet and the Internet between June 29 and October 16. More infor-mation can be obtained from SQNLDR Dan Chisholm, daniel.chisholm@defence.gov.au or (02) 6266 1161, or by visiting the Air Power Development Centre web site at http://airpow-er.airforce.gov.au/

Leather jacket availableAN AUSTRALIAN company called Kit Bag has been chosen as an additional preferred supplier of the Air Force leather jacket. The A2 Jacket 30-145 RAAF Model is available for $299.95. For more information, see

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10 International AIR FORCE May 28, 2009

NINE months after Operation Testament in support of World Youth Day 2008 in Sydney, the Vatican has officially thanked the ADF at a series of official func-tions conducted over Easter 2009.

Representing the ADF, CAPT Ivan Yau, a former member of JTF665, travelled to Rome where the Pontifical Council for the Laity – the Vatican department responsi-ble for overseeing World Youth Day – congratulated Australian organisa-tions involved in making the event a success.

CAPT Yau said the Pontifical Council had asked him to pass on the Holy Father’s utmost apprecia-tion and commendation for all ADF members involved in the success of his visit to Sydney last year.

“They commented on the profes-sionalism and friendliness of all the

OFFICIAL THANKS: CAPT Ivan Yau receives Holy Communion from Pope Benedict XVI.

Blessings from the top

By LEUT Anthony Lutz

FLTLT Terry Nash, who worked at the ROLE 3 Multi-National Hos-pital at Kandahar, has returned from Afghanistan with a great sense of achievement after caring for people with traumatic injuries.

“Time spent in emergency facili-ties back home in Australia can pre-pare you for dealing with war trauma to some degree – but it’s only a good start,” FLTLT Nash said.

“Time spent on the ground in Afghanistan really provides a true appreciation of, and experience in, war medicine.”

The ROLE 3 hospital is truly a place of learning and life in Afghanistan, where NATO and coali-tion troops, including Australian dig-gers, fight insurgents in dirt, dust and snow.

It provides third-line medical care to patients, military or civilian, sus-taining injuries that are combat or war related. The hospital has a support and primary-care facility, and capacity for emergency and trauma admissions.

The facilities include intensive care, X-ray, surgical, outpatients, and aero-medical evacuation (AME) com-munication and monitoring capabili-ties. Hospital staff monitor casualty situations and are ready when the injured are inbound.

ROLE 3 staff treat patients injured by bomb blasts, improvised explosive devices, gunshot wounds and vehicle accidents.

“Some of our patients experienced

severe trauma, including facial dam-age, orthopaedic injuries, and amputa-tions,” FLTLT Nash said.

“For these people to live, we had to work swiftly and cohesively to sta-bilise them and treat their injuries.

“It’s in those situations where you learn quickly about dealing with chal-lenging injuries and mass-casualty situations.”

FLTLT Nash, and his Australian colleague SGT Andrew Mayne worked with medics from Canada, the US, Great Britain, Holland, Denmark and New Zealand.

“We were all very careful to treat the wounded, while also remaining respectful of the Afghan people’s needs.”

FLTLT Nash said that where appro-priate and possible, Afghan patients were treated by their own system.

“It must always be remembered that we were trying to develop the local capacity there. We wanted the people of Afghanistan to use their skills, while we gave back what we could,” he said.

Another of FLTLT Nash’s key goals related to the treatment of Australian patients.

“Our efforts in co-operating and working with our coalition part-ners over there was to ensure that Australian patients were met by an Australian doctor,” he said.

FLTLT Nash and SGT Mayne have since been replaced in Kandahar by SQNLDR Andrew Pearson and Army medic CPL Megan Hoey.

OUTGOING: FLTLT Terry Nash (right) and SGT Andrew Mayne at the ROLE 3 Multi-National Hospital in Kandahar in southern Afghanistan. Photo: SGT Brent Tero

TRAUMA PATIENT: Medical officer SQNLDR Andrew Pearson treats an Afghan burns victim at the Role 3 Medical Facility, Kandahar. Photo: CPL Rachel Ingram

INCOMING: SQNLDR Andrew Pearson removes first-aid dressings from a burns victim. Photo: CPL Rachel Ingram

Lending hand to injured

ADF members who were in Sydney for Op Testament,” he said.

CAPT Yau said it was an honour to accept such international praise on behalf of all ADF servicemen and women.

“Vatican officials also assured

me that the Pope continues to pray for the safety and well-being of ADF members, espe-cially those deployed on overseas operations.”

The visit also saw the World Youth Cross and Icon of Mary, which had toured ADF chapel com-munities across Australia, officially handed over to Spain, hosts of World Youth Day 2011.

While in Rome, CAPT Yau and Australian Ambassador to the Holy See Tim Fischer, met with the Chaplain General of the Swiss Guard to provide the oldest regiment in the world with the historical background to Anzac Day.

Mr Fischer plans to conduct fur-ther meetings with the Commandant of the Swiss Guard about holding future Anzac Day commemorative ceremonies at the Vatican.

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11InternationalAIR FORCE May 28, 2009

AMAZING, physically and mentally challenging, surreal, something every Australian

should do and “definitely something I would do again”.

That was how CPL Zoe Doherty, nee Murphy, from No 3 Combat Support Hospital, summed up her trek along the Kokoda Track from March 17 to 27.

She was the Air Force representa-tive who joined nine other women, selected from thousands of applicants, to walk the Track for a television doc-umentary, Women on the March.

They were challenged by swollen streams, washed-out bridges, almost constant rain and wet feet, hunger, fatigue – and even a rodent that ran across the line of women as they slept one night.

CPL Doherty said they learned to rely on each other, got a sense of the conditions the soldiers of WWII faced and met helpful locals.

“Our Legends (or porters) really lived up to their name. Most of them were descendants of the original Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels. The weight they carried

A GOODWILL visit to Jakarta has further enhanced the close bilateral relationship between the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) and the Royal Australian Air Force.

A C-17A Globemaster, operated by 36SQN at RAAF Base Amberley, in May completed a two-day visit to Halim Air Force Base, home to the TNI-AU transport fleet.

The Globemaster was returning to Australia after having delivered equipment and personnel overseas.

Commander Air Lift Group AIRCDRE John Oddie accompanied the Globemaster and met airlift counter-parts from the TNI-AU.

“Australia’s fleet of four C-17As has proven an impor-tant strategic airlift asset for the ADF,” AIRCDRE Oddie said.

“The aircraft have been involved in a number of region-al assistance tasks.

“Australia’s C-17As have flown aid to Papua New Guinea following floods in November 2007, as well as helicopters for humanitarian relief from South Africa to Burma in May 2008.

“The C-17A can transport up to 70 tonnes of cargo over long distances and at high speeds, which is an important factor to consider when responding to human-itarian aid efforts.”

AIRCDRE Oddie was one of the senior ADF offic-ers deployed to Sumatra as part of Australia’s airlift response to the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami.

Capable of holding four times the volume of that carried by the C-130 Hercules, the C-17A can transport loads such as three Black Hawk helicopters or a mobile field hospital.

Exercise Rajawali Ausindo, a cooperative exercise scheduled to be held at Halim Air Force Base in July, between Hercules aircraft of 37SQN and TNI-AU will further strengthen bonds between the two air forces.

TOUGH CONDITIONS: Crossing swollen rivers, left; and, CPL Zoe Doherty on the Kokoda track, right.

Photos: Supplied by CPL Zoe Doherty

was unbelievable. They would run ahead of the group to build a bridge on one of the fast-rising rivers. You’d trip and sud-denly they’d be there with a hand out.

“They also taught us the history and language of the local villages where most of them came from.”

CPL Doherty came away with many memories of the trip and feelings about the war.

“I think Isurava Memorial is defi-nitely one that stands out. It is such a beautiful memorial. We held our own dawn service there. It was definitely one of the places that gave me goose-bumps.

“Our guide told us some of the his-tory in the places where the battles happened, and you imagine the men all there and everything going on around

them. [He] was very knowledgeable. I think he has done over 30 treks and is very passionate about the Kokoda story.

“There were still fox holes, both ours and Japanese, scattered along the track, along with shells and left-over

ammunition. I learnt the history of Kokoda all over again. Once you’re there, and actually standing in the places where it all happened and being in the conditions that we were in, you have a whole new respect for the his-tory – it really made the whole thing sink in.”

The women met at Brisbane and then flew to Popondetta via Port Moresby, after meeting a Kokoda vet-eran, Stan Bisset, at Noosa. Popondetta was the jumping-off point for the trek, which they completed in nine days.

“Once we had finished at Owens Corner, we went to the Bomana War Cemetery in Port Moresby. After spending a short time there, we headed back to a hotel for a well-deserved shower.”

CPL Doherty said the trek taught her some valuable things about herself.

“I learnt that I really can do any-thing I set my mind to,” she said.

“A couple of years ago this was something I could never have imagined successfully completing. It has given me more confidence in myself, person-ally, as well as a member of the ADF. I think the journey has also matured me mentally.

“I would like to thank my hus-band, family and unit for their support. Without it and giving me the time to train and getting prepared for the jour-ney, it wouldn’t have been possible.”

THE GANG’S ALL HERE: Women on the March documentary crew at the end of the iconic Kokoda Track.

In Kokoda footsteps

C-17 visitsC-17 visitsIndonesiaIndonesia

GLOBAL TOURER: SGT Adam Carter, a loadmaster with 36SQN, demonstrates to senior Indonesian Air Force officers the ease with which the C-17A’s cargo handling system can be configured, above. AIRCDRE John Oddie gives Indonesian AVM Imam Sufaat the inside and outside rundown, right and far right.

Photos: Australian Embassy, Jakarta

CPL Zoe Doherty joined nine other women to walk the Kokoda Track. Andrew Stackpool reports.

12 AIR FORCE May 28, 2009 13 Centrespread

STORES CHECK: AC Brett Barak checks spares inventory. Photo: LAC Casey Smith

GROUND MAINTENANCE: CPL Grant Dore plugs in to an aircraft undercarriage to check systems. Photo: LAC Casey Smith

GET READY: FLTLT Jordana Tudehope prepares a mission plan on crew objectives for a brief. Photo: LAC Casey Smith

STEADY AS SHE GOES: 75SQN armament crews load an F/A-18 with a GBU10 2000lb laser-guided bomb.Photo: SGT Pete Gammie

ARNHEM ARNHEM THUNDERTHUNDER

FIREPOWER: A 75SQN F/A-18 taxiing at RAAF Base Tindal with two GBU10 2000lb laser-guided bombs on board during an Exercise Arnhem Thunder sortie.

Photo: SGT Pete Gammie

HELPING HAND: CPL Jonathon Perrottet assists LACW Kelly Arnold with her admin duties. Photo: LAC Casey Smith

By FLTLT Jaimie Abbott

ACROSS Arnhem Land, the Air Force roared – and set the scene for an exercise to train not only those in the airspace,

but on the ground as well.For three weeks, from April 14 to

May 3 approximately 180 personnel from 77SQN were based at RAAF Base Tindal for Exercise Arnhem Thunder.

Held every two years, the exercise was fast-paced and dramatic – with high-explosive bombing at the Delamere Air Weapons Range near Katherine.

This year a newcomer burst on to the scene out of RAAF Base Darwin, with a Wedgetail making the aircraft’s first appearance in an Air Force exercise.

Fourteen Williamtown-based F/A-18 Hornets joined with 10 others at Tindal to rumble in the Top End sky, while the Wedgetail underwent an operational utility demonstration (OUD).

Commanding officer 2SQN WGCDR Luke Stoodley said it was very exciting to be a part of the exercise as part of a diverse Commonwealth and contractor team.

“The Wedgetai l part ic ipat ion in Arnhem Thunder enabled the Commonwealth to assess the operational capability of the Wedgetail weapon sys-tem in an Australian environment,” he said.

“The Wedgetail program OUD objec-tives were achieved and the operational potential of the capability was demon-strated.

“However, there is still some work to

be undertaken by Boeing before accep-tance – currently planned for November this year.”

The RAAF is the first customer of the Wedgetail, a new generation of airborne early warning platforms. Six aircraft along with ground-support segments are planned for an incremental delivery starting in November.

Across the Territory, the Hornet team was under the pump in a gruelling envi-ronment where it practised air combat training in support of precision strike missions.

Maintenance crews worked around the clock to manage the packed sched-ule, which included night-time flying.

CO 77SQN WGCDR Tim Churchill said that with so much flying and ord-nance to drop, the unit was pushed hard the whole exercise but consistently main-tained serviceable jets, allowing opti-mum training.

Air-traffic controllers were kept on their toes with up to four times the nor-mal number of aircraft movements each day out of Tindal.

44WG detachment commander SQNLDR Russell Smart said Arnhem Thunder was challenging for 44WG per-sonnel, with the high tempo of fast-jet flying providing excellent training and skills consolidation.

Support elements at Tindal were also key ingredients in the success of Arnhem Thunder. Tindal-based refuellers, cater-ing and accommodation staff together with visiting operations and intelligence staff glued the exercise together.

FIRST APPEARANCE: Personnel from 2SQN with a Wedgetail aircraft at RAAF Base Darwin during Exercise Arnhem Thunder. Photo: LSPH Helen Frank

DFWA has worked for you since 1959 to campaign for improved conditions of service for ADF members and their families; advocate fair and equitable treatment and retirement benefi ts for former ADF members; and provide help for serving and retired personnel make claims under Commonwealth legislation covering superannuation, compensation and veterans’ entitlements.

DFWA has a small trust fund able to make one-off grants to serving and former ADF members and their families who are “in urgent and necessitous circumstances involving real hardship”.

This does not mean you if you are just a bit short until pay day! It more probably relates to your mate who was invalided out and is now suffering immediate hardship, or to an elderly Defence widow now without family support who needs a washing machine in her rental accommodation.

If you know of someone who might require assistance, please contact your local DFWA Branch

(details on our website – www.dfwa.org.au).They will investigate and make recommendations

to the Trustees.

Want to learn more about this or about the DFWA ?

Visit us at www.dfwa.org.au

DEFENCE FORCE WELFARE ASSOCIATION 50 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE ADF

14 News AIR FORCE May 28, 2009

Air Force BandMay 28 Clarinet Quartet will provide music for visitors to the RAAF Museum.May 28 Jazz Combo will perform at the ADFA Dining-In Dance Night.May 29 Force 10 and the Low Brass Ensemble will provide musical support to the Laverton Officers’ Mess Autumn Ball.May 30 Force 10 will play at the Commodores’ Charity Ball, Royal Victorian Motor Yatch Club.May 31 Air Power Brass Quintet will support the Bomber Command Commemorative Service at the Australian War Memorial.June 3 Ceremonial Band will take part in the 1RTU Graduation Parade at RAAF Base Wagga.June 5 Ceremonial Band and an AFBAND chamber music ensemble will support the OTS Graduation at RAAF Base East Sale.

Apprentice reunionMembers of 26 Trade Apprentice Intake who trained at RAAF Bases Wagga and Laverton from 1972-74, please contact Steve Mitchell to register interest in attending a 40th-year reunion. Telephone 0418 238 758 or email mitch_flying_high@hotmail.com

2CRU’s 50th

No. 2 Control and Reporting Unit (2CRU) will celebrate its 50th anniversary on September 21, 2009. A reunion dinner will be held in Darwin on September 19, followed by a week of activities. Contact the 2CRU 50th Reunion Committee at 2caruaware@gmail.com or SGT Lesley Stowers at

for details.

NMBVA calling The National Malaya and Borneo Veterans Association of Australia invites eligible ex-servicemen to join them. Those who served during WWII, the Malayan Emergency and the Indonesian confron-tation should visit www.nmbvaa.com.au for committee members and their contact details.

Personal historyHistorian David Walker at Deakin University is seeking to contact former RAAF members who knew or served with

his uncle FLGOFF Alan David Walker, who enlisted on October 10, 1942, arrived Canada January 31, 1943 and UK on January 3, 1944. He served with 467SQN from February 26 to October 1, 1945. Anyone who remembers FLGOFF Walker or has any knowledge or memories of his experiences, please contact davidwa@deakin.edu.au

Police historyRAAF Service Police historian SGT Antony Buckingham asks former police members who served in WWII, BCOF Japan, Malaya 1956-75 or Vietnam, to contact him. E-mail antony.buckingham@defence.gov.au or write to ADFIS JIO Tvl, Lavarack Bks, Townsville, Qld 4814.

Photographic reunionAll photographic-related musterings will celebrate more than 50 years of service in the Air Force at a reunion planned for October 14 to 21 on the Sunshine Coast. To assist in planning, photographers, air photo plotters, cartographic tracers, photo interpreters, geospatial imagery analysts and their partners should con-tact Barry Ditchburn at phots@live.com.au or SQNLDR Bruce Graham at bruce.graham1@defence.gov.au

BULLETIN BOARD

Air Force Departure Lounge� Who’s leaving after 20 or more years’ service

Must/SpecACOGLISTFLTENGLOADMGSEMGRLEGALGHANDSIGSOPTECHATECHARMTECHCETECHAVTECH

Last day April 15May 1May 18May 1May 3April 21April 30May 10May 18April 28May 3May 5

Years343129282824242121202020

NameGPCAPT Peter LaytonAVM Clive RossiterWOFF Michael DennerleyWOFF Philip HellisFSGT Anthony BadartGPCAPT Enrico CasagrandeSGT Phillip BruceWOFF Shaun HealySGT Brendon KetchellWOFF Michael AvenellFSGT Steven BrightwellSGT Russell Crole

34SQN played a special role in pre-Anzac Day activities in Can-berra when it played host to nine Legacy children from around Aus-tralia on April 23.

The visit was a special outing for kids who are the sons and daughters of Service personnel who have died as a result of their service. It was arranged by the H and D Florance Foundation and hosted by Canberra Legacy and the Australian War Memorial.

The H and D Florance Foundation was inaugurated in 1980 to facilitate visits by under-privileged children between 12 to 18 to visit Canberra and the Australian War Memorial before participating in Anzac Day activities.

SGT Andrew Pyke said the chil-dren thoroughly enjoyed their time with 34SQN.

They toured the unit and were shown over a Challenger aircraft.

“As hosts, it is always a pleasure to help out with these sorts of visits,” SGT Pyke said.

He said that one of the visitors, Liam Moylen, had been in the Air Force Cadets for a few months and 34SQN was able to help him with an aircraft-recognition basic class assignment.

On Anzac Day, two of the chil-dren laid a wreath at the Australian War Memorial.

34SQN helps out with kids

VIP TOUR: From left, Natalie Evans, Aaron Campbell, Alex Gibson, Liam Moylam and Jacob Wiblen talk to PLTOFF Paul Rattigan about the Challenger CL-604 VIP aircraft.

Photo: LAC Christopher Dickson

AIR Force personnel and Defence civilians are invited to become mem-bers of Navy Ticketing, a service that provides often heavily discount-ed tickets to world-class shows and events.

Membership for Air Force and Army members cost $20, Defence civilians $30 and full-time con-tractors $50 until December 31 or the duration of their contract with Defence if less than 12 months.

See Navy Ticketing website on www.ranccf.com/navyticketing or contact Cheryl Sayers, cheryl.sayers@defence.gov.au or (02) 9377 3276 or Lorraine Wright, lorraine.wright@defence.gov.au or (02) 377 3227.

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15NewsAIR FORCE May 28, 2009

Top work awardedDuke of Gloucester’s CupMost proficient flying squadron.

Winner: 75SQN

The Stonehaven TrophyMost proficient training unit.Winner: 285SQN

Air Force Assn TrophyMost proficient Reserve Training Wing Squadron.Winner: No. 25 (City of Perth) SQN

RAAF Maintenance TrophyMost worthy unit in recognition of engineer-ing and technical excellence.Winner : Str ike Reconnaissance Systems Program Office

Hawker Siddeley TrophyMost proficient RAAF base.

Winner: RAAF Base Edinburgh.

Kittyhawk SQN TrophyMost proficient operational F/A-18 squadron.

Winner: 3SQN

British Aerospace TrophyBest Maritime Crew Award.

Winner: Crew 3 of 10SQN

Markowski CupMost proficient unit not eligible to compete for any other awards.

Winner: No. 1 Airfield Operations Support Squadron

AVM BA Eaton AwardThe AVM BA Eaton Award – ‘Airman of the Year’ – is awarded to a corporal or below to recognise contribution to enhancing the Air Force’s image in the Australian community, achieving goals and objectives of their unit and maintaining high standards of airman-ship, team spirit and personal qualities.

Winner: CPL Teresa Hayne, 75SQN.CPL Hayne also received a CAF Commendation.Citation highlights: CPL Hayne proved to be a consistently reliable, proactive and capable airman who suc-cessfully managed her responsibilities far beyond that expected of her rank. In particular, she was instrumental in establishing, maintaining and enhanc-ing No. 1 Air Transportable Health Squadron’s working and resourcing relationships.

Sir Richard Williams TrophyThe Sir Richard Williams Trophy – ‘Fighter Pilot of the Year’ – is presented to the most outstanding fighter pilot of the year.

Winner: FLTLT Mark Biele, 2OCU. Citation highlights: This award rec-ognises FLTLT Biele’s commitment and motivation that allowed him to achieve the highest standard of fighter flying. His skill and airborne leader-ship ability across all fighter dimen-sions was demonstrated on several major exercises.

FLTLT Biele’s thirst for knowledge and willingness to contribute to the enhancement of air combat capabil-ity was clearly demonstrated in his participation in AMRAAM hardware-in-the-loop testing and is considered ‘AMRAAM SME elect’.

Lipshut Family BursaryThe Lipshut Family Bursary provides funds to enable an outstanding corporal or below to undertake full-time tertiary studies with a view to commissioning.Recipient: CPL Peter Oslear, 37SQN.CPL Peter Oslear aims to commission as a legal officer.

Queen’s Gold Medal and Thales Australia Leadership SwordHer Majesty The Queen’s Gold Medal is awarded to the outstanding officer trainee in recognition of exemplary conduct, perform-ance of duty and good influence on fellow officers. The Thales Australia Leadership Sword is presented to the best overall grad-uate from Officer Training School.

Winner: FLGOFF Sarah Tout. Citation highlights: FLGOFF Tout was considered the most exemplary OTS graduate in 2008 and is thus the winner of both the Thales Australia Leadership Sword and Her Majesty The Queen’s Gold Medal.

FLGOFF Tout consistently dis-

played values and qualities expected of an ADF officer, establishing herself as a natural leader and achieving excep-tional results on course. These quali-ties were evident at all times.

RAAF Safety AwardsBest Individual Contribution to health and safety – recognises individual initiative in implementing safety improvements.

Winner: WOFF Gerard Smith, 92WG.Citation highlights: Through his pro-fessionalism and strong sense of com-mitment and dedication, WOFF Smith has made a substantial and long-last-ing impact on Air Force safety. In particular, his contribution to the Air Force Occupational Health and Safety System, RAAFSAFE, over the past two years has been exceptional.

WOFF Smith’s perseverance to find solutions to several long-standing OHS issues, including rectification of inade-quate hangar fall-restraint systems and tarmac lighting, highlighted his contri-bution to and enthusiasm for safety.

McCarthy Rowbottom Jones Memorial AwardThe McCarthy Rowbottom Jones Memorial Award recognises outstanding contribu-tions to ADF operational health support.

Winner: SGT Kerry Sears, 2EHS.Citation highlights: SGT Sears has

displayed exceptional dedication and outstanding devotion to duty as dental supervisor of 2 Expeditionary Health Squadron (2EHS) detachment Tindal.

SGT Sears’ achievement in coordi-nating visiting permanent and special-ist Reserve dental officers has led to Tindal achieving the highest level of dental fitness across the RAAF at a time when no permanent dental officer was posted to the unit.

AVM Dietz MedallionThe AVM Dietz Memorial Medallion is presented to recognise outstanding achievements in and contributions to the quality of logistic support.

Winner: SGT Victoria Thornton-M c C u l l o c h , C - 1 7 L o g i s t i c s Management Unit.Citation highlights: SGT Thornton-McCulloch’s comprehension and appli-cation of the ADF and foreign-military sales-supply systems has enabled her to provide excellent support during the introduction to service of the C-17 within an extremely aggressive sched-ule. She continually displayed a self-less dedication to duty, superior work ethic and supply management skills. She has earned the complete respect of supervisors and peers.

SGT Thornton-McCulloch also accepted and professionally performed additional responsibilities including presenting to the supply-trade restruc-

ture, which achieved a very positive outcome for Air Force and future log-isticians’ employment conditions.

JR Bartram and RA Kee Sword of HonourThe JR Bartram and RA Kee Sword of Honour is awarded to a graduate of the RAAF School of Technical Training (RAAFSTT) in recognition of meritorious performance while undergoing training.

Winner: AC Robert Pryce.Citation highlights: On commence-ment of his aircraft technician course, AC Pryce immediately displayed a high degree of confidence and matu-rity, reflected in his academic achieve-ments and significant contributions to the course, the unit, and the Wagga Wagga community. He graduated with an academic average of 93.5 per cent. Instructors consistently commented on his professionalism, motivation and positive attitude.

SQNLDR WT Riggs TrophyThe SQNLDR WT Riggs Perpetual Trophy is presented for the best official photograph of the year.

Winner: LAC Christopher Dickson, 1 Joint Public Affairs Unit. The best official photograph for 2008 depicts a 36SQN C-17 conducting an aerial display for Warbirds Over Wanaka 2008 in New Zealand.

Air Force’s best and brightest recognised

Individual excellence WINNERS: Chief of Air Force AIRMSHL Mark Binskin (centre) celebrates with Air Force Awards’ recipients at the 2009 presentation dinner in Canberra. Photo: FSGT John Carroll

A voice for Defence familiesDFA’s website provides you with a family focusedportal on ADF information. It also provides DFAwith the opportunity to inform and update youon our advocacy role in family related policyand entitlements.

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16 Obituary AIR FORCE May 28, 2009

By Andrew Stackpool

AUSTRALIA lost one of its great actors of stage and screen – and Air Force another of its WWII veterans on May 15 when Charles ‘Bud’ Tingwell died after a long struggle with cancer.

Charles William Tingwell was born on January 13, 1923, and was educated at Sydney Grammar School where he had his first experiences in drama. After failing to become an accountant, he joined radio station 2CH and became Australia’s young-est radio announcer.

He enlisted in the RAAF on September 13, 1941, and trained in Canada as a pilot under the Empire Air Training Scheme. After quali-fying as a PLTOFF, he joined No 74 Operational Conversion Unit and qualified on the Hurricane and then the Spitfire.

He also qualified on the Bristol Blenheim, Bristol Beaufighter, de Havilland Mosquito, Martin Baltimore and Airspeed Oxford.

Promoted to FLGOFF in June 1943, he served with 680SQN RAF, which conducted photo-reconnais-sance missions over North Africa and the Mediterranean. He flew 75 photo-reconnaissance missions in support of the North African campaign and the Allied inva-sion of Sicily in Spitfires and then Mosquitos.

In December 1944, Bud was promoted to FLTLT and in 1945 returned to Australia, initially going

Bud exits the stage

to No 5 Operational Training Unit as an instructor and then in December 1945, to 87SQN RAAF, another photo-reconnaissance unit. This time, he conducted photographic surveys of Australia and Borneo.

He discharged on July 2, 1946 but remained on the RAAF Reserve list until the mid-1950s.

After discharge, Bud began to pursue the career in the film indus-try that would be his passion for the rest of his life. In 1946, he won his first film role in Smithy, about the Australian iconic aviator, Charles Kingsford Smith.

From there, he increased in stat-ure as an actor until he was making films, under Hollywood patronage, with actors of the quality of James Mason, Chips Rafferty and Richard Burton.

In 1956, Bud moved to England and broadened his base to include t e lev i s ion , inc lud ing vo ice -overs for cartoon shows such as Thunderbirds.

He returned to Australia in 1973 and won the role of Inspector Reg Lawson in the TV series Homicide. He also appeared in dozens of major Australian films and television series, including Breaker Morant, The Dish and The Castle, Changi and Neighbours.

Until his death, Bud was still acting regularly, alternating between theatre, film and television.

After WWII, Bud maintained he had had enough flying, but in March 2002, to celebrate the 60th year of his enlistment, he was invited to fly in a Roulette PC-9 over Melbourne. He had not touched the controls of an aircraft since discharging but his ‘instructor’ on the day, the then FLTLT Michael Briggs, said his air-craft control was “… exceptional. He was as smooth and as in touch as anybody could be”.

For the flight, Bud turned up with his WWII leather flying helmet and goggles and said he was excited at the prospect of having another go. As they readied for take off, the actor said “I felt the instincts of tactical flying, the safety checks and the sheer thrill of high performance flight all kick in”.

Bud was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 1999. He was also awarded the 1939-45 Star, Italy Star, War Medal 1939-45, Australian Service Medal 1939-45 and Defence Medal.

He was also inducted into the TV Logies Hall of Fame.

Bud Tingwell is survived by son Christopher and daughter Virginia. His wife Audrey died of cancer in 1996.

EARLY DAYS: Bud Tingwell flew for the RAF and the RAAF.Photo: Tingwell collection

MAGNIFICENT MAN IN HIS FLYING MACHINE: Bud Tingwell turned up with his WWII leather flying helmet and goggles in 2002 to fly a Roulette PC-9 over Melbourne, to mark the 60th anniversary of his enlistment into the RAAF. His old flying skills shone through on the day. Photo: Troy Rodgers

Turning 30-something?Don’t let a birthday end in higher premiums.

If your 30-something partner is not in the permanent ADF and does not have private hospital insurance, then under Federal Government laws, they’ll be up for higher premiums for every year they delay taking it out.

But there’s no need for the birthday party to be spoiled. Just tell them to call Defence Health now to find out how to avoid or minimise the higher premiums.

The longer they leave it, the more it will cost.

Call Defence Health on 1800 335 425 or visit www.defencehealth.com.aubefore 30 June.

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17HistoryAIR FORCE May 28, 2009

COUNTLESS are the war-time stories of romance and reunion, sacrifice and separation, patience and perseverance, loss and loneliness, grief or hopes ful-filled and dashed.

That’s why the Australian War Memorial (AWM) is seeking contemporary love stories of all descrip-tions that will assist it in staging a new exhibition, Of Love and War.

The exhibition will open at the AWM on December 3 and run until May next year.

From November 2010 it will travel to the State libraries of NSW, Queensland and Victoria, with the expectation that it will also visit several major Australian provincial cities after that.

The exhibition’s curator, Rebecca Britt, said the exhibition would cover Australia’s involvement from the Boer War to today’s conflicts.

“Love in war is a universal theme but we would also like to learn how it affects our serving personnel today,” Ms Britt said.

“We are seeking stories on this theme. We are real-ly interested in how current or recently serving people in Iraq and Afghanistan dealt with, or are dealing with, separation in their relationships.

“That could include examples of how they keep in contact and maintain relationships. Service people who wish to submit their stories for our use might like to tell us about the role of emails in their relationships, the frequency of return visits home or multiple tours of duty.

“We want to hear about the romantic relationships in general during wartime and how war affected those relationships. We are also keen to see any objects that might illustrate those stories.

“In many cases it brought people together – it cre-ated many opportunities for different people to meet. They might not normally have had those opportunities but with mobilisation and movement of troops differ-ent people – such as Americans and their ‘war brides’ – got together. It will look at the really big movements women made in the post-war years.

“War tore couples apart as well, and not just through death – it was the sheer separation.”

Serving personnel who wish to make submissions to be considered for the coming exhibition, should email info@awm.gov.au or phone (02) 6243 4211.

Love is all they need

Pilot remembered in TasmaniaBy Andrew Stackpool

THE SERVICE of an Air Force pilot who was killed dur-ing the Vietnam War has been commemorated in Tasmania, along with 15 other Vietnam-era Servicemen who did not return.

More than 33 years since the end of the Vietnam War, the Lindisfarne RSL opened the Tasmanian Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial at Anzac Park on the banks of the Derwent River in Hobart to pay tribute to the 16 Tasmanian men who were killed during the conflict.

Tasmanian Premier David

Bartlett unveiled the memorial at a ceremony in front of 200 VIPs, Vietnam veterans and fam-ily members. The VIPs included six former Air Force Vietnam veterans.

The memorial comprises a central stone and plaque, sur-rounded by 16 individual plaques – one for each of the men.

FLGOFF Ronald Betts was born in Launceston on March 1, 1947 and began pilot training at the age of 19 in Papua New Guinea. After he qualified, he returned to Australia and enlisted in the Air Force.

He joined 9SQN in 1970 and

was sent to Vietnam. He spent about nine months flying Iroquois Bushranger gunship helicopters.

On March 20, 1971, he was hit and killed by Viet Cong ground fire while providing close sup-port to Australian troops. The Bushranger was engaged by sev-eral .50-calibre heavy machine guns and received 47 hits.

FLGOFF Bett’s sister, Judith Stanton, said the memorial unveil-ing was a dream come true. The memorial gave her somewhere to go to remember his life.

“It is beautiful – a real tribute to all the men who lost their lives in Vietnam,” she said.

Her brother, when he was younger, always dreamed of fly-ing for his country.

“It was his father’s dream as well but, because of bad health, he couldn’t continue – so Ronald lived it for him,” she said

“It is something that he wanted to do. It was his dream and he enlisted to serve his country.

“I feel very proud of him.“This new memorial will

now give the dignity that these16 young Tasmanians who gavetheir lives in the course of dutydeserve.

“We give thanks for a belated but fitting memorial.”

WIDE SEARCH: Curators Rebecca Britt and Nicholas Schmidt with some treasures already collected.

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18 Flightline AIR FORCE May 28, 2009

REMEMBERING: LAC James Roberts, who was part of the ADF contingent at Gallipoli for Anzac Day ceremonies, pays homage at a war grave.

Photo: LAC Luke Morris

PAYING TRIBUTE: CPL Jenna Webb, NCO in charge of procurement, RAAF Base Amberley, pickets weapons used during Brisbane’s Anzac Day parade.

Photo: CPL Melina Mancuso

FAMILY LINK: When Burgmann Anglican School at Gungahlin, ACT, held its Anzac Day ceremony, it invited ADF members to join them. Taking up that invitation were, from left, rear, MAJ Andrew Taylor (Chaplain), LCDR Iver Lange, and SGT Stephen Roberts and, front, WGCDR Warren Bishop (AIR8000 Phase 3 (C-17) Project Manager), AIRCDRE Margaret Staib (COMDT ADFA), and OFFCDTs Rebecca Sweeney and Brendan Bishop.

REVERENCE: ACW Amy Johnson, a dental assistant at RAAF BaseAmberley, marks the RAAF’s 88th anniversary as a member of a catafalqueparty in Brisbane. Photo: CPL Melina Mancuso

DOUBLE-CHECK: FLGOFF Hayley Bettanin checks oxygen ports on board a C-17 Globemaster before loading injured Ashmore Island boat people at RAAF Base Darwin. Photo: LAC Dan Pinhorn

WELL DONE: OC 92WG GPCAPT Warren McDonald presents SGT Luke Watts with an Officer Commanding Commendation.

Photo: SGT Errol Jones

HARD AT WORK: SQNLDR Jeff Newton gets down to business in his role as the information manager for the International Stabilisation Force in East Timor. Photo: LSPH Paul Berry

19Cadet CornerAIR FORCE May 28, 2009

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OUT NOW

By FLTLT(AAFC) Bev Hargreaves

THIRTY very excited Air Force cadets and three staff arrived at RAAF Base Richmond on February 6 to join the trip of a lifetime – onboard a C-17 Globemaster.

The group journeyed to Tasmania via Melbourne, picking up other units on the way, to assist No 5 Wing Australian Air Force Cadets (5WGAAFC) on a parade to celebrate the unit’s win in the Air Force Trophy 2008 and for the dedi-cation of the new AAFC Banner.

During the flight, cadets were allowed to explore, talk to staff and visit the flight deck – two at a time allowed to stay on the flight deck for each take-off and landing.

CCPL Nick Matter 306SQNAAFC said it was a unique experience. “How many people ever get a flight in a C-17, let alone before they are 20?” he asked.

Saturday broke early for the more than 150 Air Force cadets at Anglesea Barracks, Hobart, as they settled in to several hours of practice for the impor-tant parade. Three Army drummers helped the cadets get their timing right.

By 5pm, with the parade taking

BOSS TALK: CAF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin talks with cadets.

Photos by CPL(AAFC) Brendan Hooper

ALL AT SEA: Air Force cadets on the deck of HMAS Farncomb. Photo by CPL(AAFC) Kylie Wren

By FLTLT(AAFC) Maurie Rutherford

AFTER an overnight stay at RAAF Base Richmond in February, 66 cadets and staff from 3WGAAFC boarded a C-130J bound for Illawarra Airport.

The cadets were invited to attend ‘Wings over Illawarra’ and support 338SQNAAFC which was assisting the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS).

HARS is providing space in its newest hangar to accom-modate 338SQNAAFC and, in the future, an Australian Army Cadet unit.

Facilities to be made available to the cadet units include training rooms, mod-elling workshop, staff rooms, storage and accommodation for up to 36 cadets and staff.

A significant part of the day’s activities at Illawarra Airport was a parade of 130 cadets in the new hangar, reviewed by CAF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin, who also dedi-cated the new 338SQNAAFC facility.

In his address, AIRMSHL Binskin thanked HARS pres-ident Robert De La Hunty

for proposing such an excel-lent site for the cadet facility.

He also thanked Defence Support Group for its techni-cal assistance in developing the plans for the cadets’ new home and for purchasing new furniture to equip it.

After flying home on the C-130, the day concluded with cadets and staff com-menting on a great day, with thanks to 37SQN and all involved in arranging a mem-orable experience.

Cadet banner dedicated

By CPL(AAFC) Kylie Wren

TWELVE Air Force cadets and accompanying staff were all at sea in March when they went aboard Collins class submarine HMAS Farncomb docked at Fleet Base East.

Once on board the boat – the cadets quickly learning that subma-rines are called boats, not ships – they were broken into three groups, because of limits on the numbers allowed below.

Topside, they learnt a lot about the boat, including how women are now able to serve on submarines and hold a variety of crew positions;

about exotic locations the crew had travelled to; and, as much as could be told within the high security restric-tions surrounding the submarine and its capabilities.

Below was another world. The guided tour went from the weapons’ room to the engine room and every-thing in between – save for the cap-tain’s office and accommodation.

CDT Bouma from 323SQNAAFC said he had a fair idea of what it might be like to be on a submarine but, having had a first-hand experi-ence, he had a greater understanding and respect.

“This was an amazing experi-ence,” he said.

Sub visit

New Hunter home

shape, the cadets set to spit and polish and square away uniforms.

Sunday February 8 dawned fresh and crisp – perfect parade weather. The parade started right on time, at 10.10am, with CDTWO Millie Geikie calling markers into position.

On parade, the new Air Force C a d e t s ’ N a t i o n a l B a n n e r wa s dedicated by SQNLDR Keith Lanyon and presented to the banner-carrier, CDT Under Officer James Webster.

Adding to the cadets’ excitement – and the pressure – CAF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin reviewed the parade.

LCDT Pagulayan 412SQNAAFC said that after many practises everyone was tired but pulled it off really well.

“I was impressed. It was well worth all the effort,” he said.

“The parade was fantastic and was a very steep learning curve, especially for new cadets.”

20 Personnel AIR FORCE May 28, 2009

Directorate of Personnel

IT IS every member’s responsibil-ity to ensure that their pay is correct.

There have been a number of incidents in recent times when mem-bers have been both underpaid and overpaid.

There are multitude allowances and entitlements that can apply to a mem-ber, depending on their circumstances, at any given time.

It is important that each individual knows what they are receiving or pay-ing and why.

For instance, when travelling on duty, you should know what your enti-tlements are and if you are not sure, ask.

Don’t be afraid to ask for a detailed breakdown of what you are being paid.

Members living in Defence housing must ensure that they are paying their rental contribution and ensure that it is at the correct rate.

For those members in receipt of allowances such as Flying Allowance, make sure that you are entitled to it – if you are not in a designated flying

position make sure you are not incor-rectly receiving the allowance.

If you receive an allowance for which you are not entitled or are not making payments for things such as rental contributions as you should be, then you will eventually have to pay the money owed.

If it is discovered that you have knowingly taken such money you will not only be responsible to repay the debt, but disciplinary or administrative action may be taken against you.

It is important to regularly check your SVAs on PMKeyS Self Service. People Central should provide all details relating to your posting and associated allowances.

It is every member’s responsibil-ity to ensure that they receive what they are entitled to – just as it is every member’s responsibility to ensure that they are not in receipt of money to which they are not entitled.

If in doubt – ask.Point of contact for such questions

is your orderly room or customer serv-ice centre.

Sole searching brings resultsSOLE separation problems with pat-

ent leather shoes or boots should be a thing of the past following action by DMO to cease issue of footwear manu-factured between 2003 and 2007.

The action was taken after more than 750 defective items’ reports were

raised highlighting problems with shoes and boots manufactured over the peri-od, of which 92 per cent related to sole separation.

A DMO issued recall of unsold patent-leather shoes and boots held in clothing stores has been completed.

By FLGOFF Michael Cuthbert

11SQN unveiled a new A and B category honour board on May 1 to list the names of unit members who have achieved a high level of proficiency in their primary role and have been recognised with the award of a B, or the rarer A category.

The categorisation recognises the members’ knowledge and profes-sionalism and their contribution to both their crew and the squadron.

CO 11SQN WGCDR Phillip Champion said Category A and B operators had achieved the high-est levels of professional mastery

and were also expected to take on a mentoring role for more junior squadron members.

The board not only serves to recognise the achievement of these members, but also serves to moti-vate other squadron members to strive for excellence.

HONOUR ROLL: From left, FLTLT Jay Tuffley (B-Cat pilot),

SQNLDR Gregory Toft (A-Cat pilot),

CO 11SQN WGCGR Phillip Champion,

FSGT Georgia Cartwright (B-Cat

AEA), SQNLDR Colin Smith (A-Cat pilot)

and SQNLDR Phillip Sydney-Jones (A-Cat

TACCO). Photo: LACW Shannon Urie

11SQN’s finest recognised

DIRECT charging was introduced by all ATM owners in March.

The change, introduced for all financial institutions by the Reserve Bank of Australia, aims to make ATM fees more transparent by direct charg-ing the fees to a customer’s account.

The RediATM network, formally Rediteller, will not direct charge for ATM transactions.

Members of the Australian Defence Credit Union (ADCU) or Defcredit will not incur a direct charge when they use RediATMs.

For more information on direct charging for ADCU members call 1300 13 23 28 or visit www.adcu.com.au/uploads/000notification_to_members_final.pdf – Defcredit members can call 1800 033 139 or visit www.defcredit.com.au/rediatm

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21HealthAIR FORCE May 28, 2009

Stretching across the lower back, in a rough diamond shape, is a piece of connective tissue called the lumbodorsal fascia also called thoracolumbar fascia

Connected to the top portion of lumbodorsal fascia is the latissimus dorsi

Connected to the bottom portion of the lumbodorsal fascia is the gluteus maximus

The best method to prevent lower-back injury is to avoid exercises that target the lower back. LT Rob Orr explains why and describes the techniques for a strong lower back.

THERE are many arti-cles describing the causes and symptoms of lower back pain,

but very few address the exer-cises that may reduce injury and pain to this vital area.

A common mistake is the belief that training the back muscles will strengthen the lower back and therefore pre-vent problems.

The exercises to train the lower back in gymnasiums, like the back extension, are those that focus specifically on the global muscles of the lower back.

Unfortunately, these exer-cises are more likely to increase back problems. The reason has to do with muscle balance.

Often lower back problems are caused by over- t ight and strong lower back global muscles and weak abdominals.

Picture a radio mast secured on two sides by guide wires. If one set of guide wires is notably tighter than the other, the mast will bend in the direction of the tighter wires, placing pressure on the structure.

With this in mind, perform-ing more lower back exercises will in fact exacerbate rather than relieve the problem.

In this instance, strength-ening all four muscles in the abdominal system is required.

If you have suffered a lower-back injury, research has shown that the local muscle system may cease to function correctly following an incidence of back pain.

Research has shown that these muscles not only shrink following disuse but are infused with fatty deposits which impact on muscle quality.

These vital muscles control movement of the individual spi-nal vertebrae and if they fail to work, future back problems are virtually a certainty.

You can perform the typical weight training exercises with perfect posture for years follow-ing a back injury, but when you bend over the local muscles that contract to stop the vertebrae slipping off each other fail to contract and that can aggravate an injury.

Ensure that following any back injury, regardless of how minor, you see a physiotherapist.

So, which exercises are good for back health? Here are some simple exercises and their benefits:

Squats and lunges Great for not only strength-

ening the gluteal muscles but, when the exercises are per-formed correctly, the lower back muscles activate to maintain a dynamically neutral spinal position.

Rowing actionsThe seated row without

a chest support again trains dynamic spinal stabilisation against a strong external force.

The exercise also trains the latissimus muscles and, if cor-rectly positioned with the knees slightly bent, activate the glu-teals and lumbodorsal fascia – great for teaching the system to work together as a whole unit.

Abdominal exercise Basic sit-up and crunch exer-

cises are good for dynamic sta-bilisation for example, crunches while catching a ball over your head.

Just as importantly though, transverse or core muscles are needed to develop intra-abdom-inal pressure and stabilise the spine.

For the ultimate back training ses-sion see a physiotherapist or a PTI for exercises in sitting and standing positions.

Get muscle backBACK INTO EXERCISE: A strong lower back will help improve your posture.Photo: CPL Corinne Boer

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22 Feature AIR FORCE May 28, 2009

WHEN a group of women in Malaysia set out to raise awareness for a prime killer of women around the world, members of 324ECSS at

RMAF Butterworth, supported by other ADF members there, decided to give them a helping hand.

The women are the Pink Challengers, a group of from the Breast Cancer Welfare Association (BCWA) in Malaysia who have survived breast cancer.

Their mission was to paddle a dragonboat from Butterworth across the 4km Penang Channel to the island of Penang, in late March.

The 324CSS administration officer, FLTLT Melissa Neilson, decided that Air Force set about organising a dragonboat team to accompany them, as well as have extra personnel onshore to send them off and welcome them in again.

The Butterworth team consisted of personnel from 324CSS and the 92WG Detachment A, and also included a number of Air Force spouses. With only one experienced dragonboater on the RAAF team, an experienced local drummer and sweeper was provided.

Members of the Pink Challengers said they hoped the publicity from the event would help change the attitude that breast cancer was a death sentence. Not only could early detection and timely treatment of breast cancer save lives and suffering, but one could still live an active life after breast cancer.

“This event is significant to us as we take on the waves and push through resistance, symbolic of the

WE’VE DONE IT: SQNLDRs Tim Anderson and Greg Elliot, FLTLTs Dale Hooper and Melissa Neilson, WOFF Jason Bomm, FSGT Darren Van Weezep, SGTs Scott Brady and Nicole McKelvie, CPLs Justin Le Guen, Charlie Morgan and Brad Tarrant, LAC Dice Aufai, LACW Kylie Aufai, LAC Devon Hardiman, Janelle Austin, Angela Brient and Stacey Bambrick celebrate after paddling their dragonboat from Butterworth across the 4km Penang Channel to the island of Penang in the name of breast-cancer awareness.

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS: From left, FLTLT Melissa Neilson (ADMINO 324CSS), Pink Challengers team manager Babara Delany, Australian Counsellor/Consul-General Majell Hind and CO 324CSS WGCDR Ken Robinson at the Tanjong City Marina at Penang just minutes after 19 members from 324CSS and 92WG DET A and their spouses paddled a dragonboat 3.8km across Penang Channel to support the Pink Challengers’ breast-cancer awareness efforts. WGCDR Robinson holds a plaque presented by the Pink Challengers to 324CSS for their involvement in the challenge.

Enter the dragon

breast cancer battle that we and our friends have experi-enced through our diagnosis, treatment and recovery,” a spokesperson for the team said.

This activity was an historic event as it was the first time a group of breast-cancer survivors had attempted such a crossing.

The challenge was expected to take about 45 min-utes, but the teams arrived at the Tanjung City Marina in Penang in 32 minutes, with smooth tidal and current conditions helping their progress.

FLTLT Neilson said that the Pink Challengers, who were aged between 38 and 72 years, trained vigorously for about a year-and-a-half after coming up with the idea in 2006.

The Air Force team did not have any team training until the day before the crossing.

“Our team had a great sense of humour and often joked about the possibility of taking twice as long as the Pink Challengers, or ending up in Langkawi – an island three hours away,” FLTLT Neilson said.

“Thankfully, the experienced sweeper and drummer kept us heading in the right direction, and the team put in a great effort.”

Both teams were greeted in Penang by family, friends and supporters, including CO 324CSS WGCDR Ken Robinson and Counsellor/Consul-General at the Australian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, Majell Hind.

“It was a fantastic opportunity to support such a worthwhile cause, especially considering many of us have been affected in some way by family or friends who have had breast cancer,” FLTLT Neilson said.

The Air Force team also had a member who had been very closely affected by breast cancer. WOFF Jason Bomm’s spouse Trina was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006 and, after surgery, is on her way to a full recovery.

Trina has regular check-ups in Penang and Kuala Lumpur, and volunteers and fundraises for the Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital in Penang.

She has spoken publicly on breast cancer and has shared her experience with other women through the Penang International Women’s Association.

WOFF Bomm said Trina had been unable to partici-pated in the event as she was in London.

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23SportAIR FORCE May 28, 2009

By Michael Weaver

THE ADF All-Stars Australian Rules team suffered its first loss in the history of the Anzac Day Chal-lenge, after the Australian Com-bined Emergency Services (ACES) team halted the ADF’s unbeaten run, in wet, slippery conditions.

The ADF team had won the pre-vious five encounters, however the ACES side was this year meticu-lously hand-picked to notch up its first victory against the ADF.

The match was played on Anzac Day at Adelaide Oval as a cur-tain-raiser to the South Australian National Football League’s grand final replay between Central Districts and Glenelg.

The encounter provided a memo-

WITH snow already falling on the slopes, and the ski season nearly upon us, attention is turning to the Defence ski championships at Mount Hotham in Victoria.

First is the RAAF downhill and snowboarding championships from July 26 to August 2.

This will be followed by the ADF championships from August 2 to 7.

For more information, see http://intranet.defence.gov.au/raafweb/sites/RASA

Next up will be the RAAF Nordic skiing and biathlon at Mt Hotham from August 2 to 7, fol-lowed by an inter-service competi-tion from August 8 to 14.

For more information on Nordic skiing and biathlon see http://intranet.defence.gov.au/raafweb/sites/AFNBA or contact FLTLT Jane Keddie on (03) 5146 6602 or raaf.nordic@defence.gov.au

Grab your skis, snow season is nearly here

LAST YEAR: CPL Adrian Moore from RAAF Base Amberley shows strong Air Force form during the AMCE Biathlon race at Mount Hotham. Photo: FLTLT Glenda

Slip-sliding away in SAADF 3.4 (22)ACES 11.12 (78)

A GROUP of largely novice riders from RAAF Base Edinburgh has beat-en all comers in the cycling events at the 2009 South Australian Police and Emergency Services (SAPES) Games.

The games, involving the cream of South Australia’s uniformed members, were held in Adelaide from May 1 to 10.

The Ed inburgh con t ingen t , led by veteran cyclist CPL Roger Michalanney, displayed great team-work and determination to win gold medals in every age group they contested.

The medal plunder began with the 40km road race on an Outer Harbour street circuit.

LAC Mark Bataev placed second in the 20-29 age category, just in front of FLGOFF James Magnusson, with FLTLT Scott Hannah a close fourth.

FLTLT Hannah, who did most of the lead-up work to the sprint, snapped a pedal cleat in the race to the line and was lucky to stay upright let alone

finish. Matthew Brock a Transfield firefighter, took third in the 30-39 group while CPL Michalanney used all his experience to win gold in the 40-49 bunch.

The medal rush continued the fol-lowing week when a similar group of riders attacked the demanding 600m criterium circuit around Whitmore Square in the Adelaide CBD.

Most groups covered about 20km in the 25-minutes-plus-two-lap race, reaching speeds in excess of 50km/hr on the tight roads.

FLGOFF Magnusson turned the tables on LAC Bataev with a one-two finish in the under 30s. FLTLT Craig Keane took gold in the 30-39 age group and CPL Michalanney added bronze to his road racing gold in the over 40s.

The SAPES games, which covers a wide range of events open to members of the ADF, will be held again in 2010. More information can be found at http://www.sapes.com.au/

Edinburgh’s big wheels

RACE TO THE LINE: Veteran CPL Roger Michalanney sprints for gold.

DUAL MEDALS:LAC Mark Bataev.

Tapper strikes gold and silver at Arafura Games

See our next edition for the full coverage from Darwin

By Scotty Tobias

CPL Tony Tapper played a star-ring role and LAC Phil Brown was judged player of the games as Aus-tralian Defence Organisation (ADO) lawn bowlers dominated at this year’s Arafura Games.

They bagged four gold medals from five events at Nightcliff and Palmerston clubs to record their most successful games yet.

Two teams of five players arrived in Darwin hoping to continue a trend that has resulted in each Games pro-ducing more lawn bowls medals for the ADO than the previous.

This year the two teams also claimed a gold-silver finish in the best overall teams event and, in total, a staggering eight out of 10 possible medals.

The teams, ADO1 and ADO2, shared two gold medals apiece, win-ning best overall team, singles, pairs and triples. They missed out in the fours and had to settle for silver.

Air Force was represented by four bowlers who played major roles in three of the gold-medal winning performances.

CPL Tapper (3SQN, RAAF Base Williamtown) was the skipper for the ADO1’s pairs. With PO Murray Piggott, the duo proved the ADO’s strongest combination in any of the four disciplines and won gold. Their only loss was a marathon battle

GOLDEN TOUCH: CPL Tony Tapper on the way to triumph.

against New Zealand that required a ‘bomb’ from the opposition skipper with his last bowl of the tie-breaker to snatch the game.

The Kiwis tasted silver again, this time in the triples, at the hands of LAC Phil Brown (RAAF Base

Williamtown) and the Navy’s LS Justin Bell and LS Jason Smith. This was despite a hiccup in the penultimate round, which was the ADO2 trio’s only defeat in the tournament – against the strug-gling PNG. LS Bell played his best game, drawing consistently to the kitty, with LS Smith draw-ing and converting when required. This gave Player of the Games, LAC Brown, an armchair ride, and the trio waltzed away with gold.

For LAC Brown, it was his first time at the Arafura Games and it was a great experience.

“As skip, you are playing a tactical role in deciding how you want to build the head as the bowls are coming in, and placing cover-ing bowls,” he said.

“Three out of our fours side are also playing in the triples and the other member, who played singles here today, also is playing pairs.

“I am very happy with the way the whole team is going and to be undefeated to date. Two of our three games so far have been very close and, being sets games, they have gone to play-offs.

“Being my first games, I didn’t really know what to expect. I knew it was a fair standard of competition. I knew winning a medal would not be easy, so it has been well up to those expectations this year.”

rable opportunity for players to be part of a big Anzac Day occasion.

Adelaide football hero and Vietnam veteran Graham Cornes gave a pre-match pep talk to the ADF players that emphasised their actions on the field would be likened to those in battle. However, driving rain hampered the true spectacle of the action.

The Australian Services Australian Football Association will now gear itself to match the ACES’ effort at next year’s Anzac Day Challenge. For more informa-tion, see the update on the ASAFA web-site on the Defence Intranet.

SPORT Inside: CYCLING, BOWLS SUCCESS May 28, 2009

By John Martin

DON’T try to tempt CPL Dean Cook with Belgian waffles – well not yet anyway.

CPL Cook, a PTI in Canberra, has to keep his mind on training for the 100km ultra marathon World Cup in Torhout, Belgium in June – and that means lots and lots of running and the kind of cross-training that doesn’t include bakeries just yet.

CPL Cook has been chosen as Australian captain of a team of six – three men and three women.

He said it was a tremendous honour, and the third time he has been selected for international duty.

It will also take him back to the scene of a chocolately crime that worked well for him in 2007 when he made his debut.

That race was in Winschoten, Holland. A few days before the run, CPL Cook visited Brussels and found the perfect carbo-loading ingredient – Belgian waffles.

“Let’s say I had a few of them, and they really worked,” CPL Cook, 35, said.

In that race, he finished 14th in his age group, recording a personal-best 7hrs, 38mins. He was nine minutes slower in his next international outing, in Italy last year, but that was obviously sans Belgian waffles.

This year’s race is on June 18 but CPL Cook and his partner Shannon will arrive in Brussels on June 11.

His plan is that, while Shannon is shopping, he will plot a training run course that will take him past an appro-priate café!

First things first, though. Right now, only the road ahead is on his mind.

CPL Cook, who has been an Air Force PTI for nearly eight years, obviously gets lots of exercise as part of his job. But that doesn’t mean he can take the sports shoes off and relax when he finishes work.

At the moment he’s running about 150km a week but hopes to crank this up to 200km a week very soon, and then crank it up again to 250km a week closer to the actual race.

FOOTNOTE: If CPL Cook invites you on a short run, think before accepting. While a short run for many of us might be a 100m dash to the shop, CPL Cook’s idea of a ‘short run’ is 20km – just enough time, he says, to get his heart rate up! He also refers to the 100km race as a ‘sprint-pace event’.

Belgium Belgium here I here I comecome

Hold the chocolate waffles ...Hold the chocolate waffles ...

HUNGER-NESS OF THE LONG-DISTANCE RUNNER: CPL Dean Cook has a long way to run before getting stuck into Belgian waffles –his secret carbo-loading weapon.

Photo: Brian Hartigan