AIRF RCEVol. 61, No. 6, April 18, 2019 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

SGT Christopher Dickson was awarded Air Force’s

best official photograph of 2018 for this striking image

of WGCDR Darren Clare, CO 3SQN, in an F-35A on the

flightline at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona.

Air Force awards bring out the best Pages 2-4

TOP SHOTSPECIAL LIFT-OUT INSIDE: Revealing the crucial role of our Air and

Space Operations Centre

EDITORIALDirectorDavid EdlingtonManaging EditorMyles Morgan

EditorLawrence Dutrieux: (02) 6266 7612Deputy EditorJessica Deotto

ReportersSGT Max BreeSGT Mark DoranCPL Sebastian BeurichCPL Veronica O’HaraLS Jake Badior

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2 April 18, 2019RCEAIR FAir Force Awards

DUKE OF GLOUCESTER CUP

FLTLT Bettina Mears

NO. 2 Squadron was awarded the Duke of Gloucester Cup for 2018 for outstanding achievement as the RAAF’s most proficient flying unit.

Throughout the year, 2SQN oper-ated the E-7A Wedgetail to meet a diverse range of taskings dispersed throughout much of the world.

2SQN supported both exercises and operations, which culminated in concurrent international and domestic operations with all aircraft deployed simultaneously.

CO 2SQN WGCDR Jason said that the award was a significant achievement.

“The squadron’s ability to per-form with excellence, consistently

achieving a high rate of serviceability under diverse, demanding and com-plex conditions is a direct result of our personnel’s professionalism and dedication to duty,” WGCDR Jason said.

“The women and men of 2SQN are proven operators in a cohesive and agile team environment.

“I congratulate 2SQN members

on this outstanding achievement, as their important contributions have provided Air Force with an advanced, highly capable airborne early warn-ing and control platform that is the envy of armed forces worldwide.”

Notably, 2SQN’s contributions to Operations Spate, Atlas and APEC Assist concurrent with Operation Okra was key to a successful 2018.

Dedication to duty

Striking shot hits the mark

FOR the third time in his career, SGT Chris Dickson, Senior Imagery Specialist of No. 28 Squadron, has won the SQNLDR W. T. Riggs Trophy for the best photograph.

SGT Dickson was selected to capture imagery of Air Force’s new F-35A at Luke Air Force Base (LAFB) in Arizona, US, ahead of its Australian arrival in December 2018.

That imagery has now been used all over the world and one strik-ing image was his award-winning photo for the SQNLDR W. T. Riggs Trophy.

The image features WGCDR Darren Clare, CO of No. 3 Squadron, sitting in an F-35A on the flightline at LAFB.

“With the F-35A being a fifth-generation fighter, it was my aim to convey that in my imagery,” SGT Dickson said.

“To me, this image gives that futuristic, space-like feel.

“It shows Air Force today is focused on tomorrow.

“I’m very proud to have been part of this piece of history.”

SGT Chris Dickson has been a photographer for more than 12 years and is posted to 28SQN Air Force Imagery Detachment – Richmond.

SQNLDR W.T. RIGGS TROPHY

Winner of the 2018 SQNLDR W.T. Riggs Trophy, SGT Christopher Dickson, of RAAF Base Richmond, with his winning photograph. Photo: CPL David Said

Aircrew from Air Force’s most proficient flying unit, 2SQN, prepare to board an E-7A Wedgetail aircraft in support of APEC 2018. Photo: SGT Ben Dempster

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3April 18, 2019RCEAIR F Air Force Awards

More award winners – Page 4 Air Force’s 98th birthday

Pages 16-17

AIR FORCE PROFICIENCY AND LEADERSHIP AWARDS

Air Force APS Team Member of the Year Award: Ms Melinda Hinton, PERSBR-AF. Awarded to an APS employee who exemplifies both APS and Air Force values and makes an outstanding contribution to Air Force.

AVM B. A. Eaton Airman of the Year Award: LACW Tayla Buhagiar, 13SQN. Awarded to an airman of the rank of corporal or below to recognise the calibre of the individual and their sig-nificant contribution to both the service and community.

CAF Instructor of the Year Award: FLTLT Nicholas Packer, OTS. This award highlights the unquestionable importance of training and education to the Air Force and formally recognises the commissioned officer who has excelled in this field.

WOFF-AF Instructor of the Year Award: FSGT Adrian Sullivan, RAAFSALT. This award highlights the unquestionable importance of training and education to the Air Force and formally rec-ognises the airman who has excelled in this field.

Her Majesty The Queen’s Gold Medal: PLTOFF Erwin Lyon, AITU. Awarded by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to the most outstanding officer trainee from OTS or ADFA to rec-ognise exemplary conduct, outstanding performance of duty, and influence on fellow officers.

SQNLDR W. T. Riggs Trophy: SGT Christopher Dickson, 28SQN. Awarded for the best official photograph of the year. The trophy is a competition open to all Air Force members.

Air Force Association Trophy: HQACG. Awarded for proficiency and contribution by Force Element Groups and Wing Headquarters.

Duke of Gloucester Cup: 2SQN. Awarded to the most proficient flying squadron.

Hawker Siddeley Trophy: 26SQN. Awarded to the most proficient unit with primarily whole-of-base functions.

Markowski Cup: 65SQN. Awarded to the most proficient specialist support unit.

RAAF Maintenance Trophy: 33SQN. Awarded to the most proficient Air Force maintenance unit in recognition of their engineering and technical excellence.

Stonehaven Trophy: RAAF School of Technical Training. Awarded to the most proficient training unit.

J. R. Bartram and R. A. Kee Sword of Honour: AC Dean Parker, 36SQN. Awarded by CDRAFTG to recognise meritorious per-formance while undergoing training on an AVTECH, ATECH, ASTFITT, ARMTECH or ALSFITT course at RAAFSTT.

McCarthy Rowbottom Jones Memorial Award: FSGT (now WOFF) Vicki Lousick, 3AMES. Awarded by CDR CSG to recognise outstanding con-tributions to ADF operational health support by Air Force health personnel whose actions exemplify the Health Services Wing motto of ‘Compassion, Skill and Courage’.

Thales Australia Leadership Sword: PLTOFF Erwin Lyon, AITU. Awarded by CDR AFTG to the OTS graduate who has demonstrated the most outstanding leadership attrib-utes and associated officer qualities, while undergoing the initial officer training course.

AIRMAN OF THE YEARFLTLT Stephanie Anderson

FOR her commitment to innova-tion and improvement within the Inflight Catering Section at No. 13 Squadron, LACW Tayla Buhagiar was named AVM B. A. Eaton Airman of the Year.

LACW Buhagiar displayed outstanding performance and team spirit during Exercise Pitch Black 18 and is dedicated to her trade – she regularly represents Air Force in cooking competi-tions in the Darwin region, nationally and internationally.

FLTLT Bayleigh Potter, A/OIC Airbase Logistics Flight, said LACW Buhagiar was always looking to challenge the norm and present the highest-quality product to customers.

“She’s an enthusiastic mem-ber of the team and her positive attitude reflects well onto every-one around her,” FLTLT Potter said.

“She’s reinvigorated the team’s approach and encouraged them to challenge themselves.”

Positive attitude

FLGOFF Clarice Hurren

FOR the second year in a row, No. 33 Squadron, of RAAF Base Amberley, received the 2018 Maintenance Trophy, recognising the most proficient Air Force main-tenance unit and its demonstrated engineering and technical excel-lence.

WOFF Ricki Kiely, WOFF Engineering 33SQN, said the award was a well-earned credit to past and present members of the squadron’s maintenance team.

“This award belongs to all those who came into the squadron with the right attitude and dedication to innovation, and they should all be incredibly proud,” WOFF Kiely said.

“It has been a busy 18 months. The squadron introduced a sixth KC-30A, which supported opera-tions and exercises for APEC, Bersama Shield and Cope North.

“The team also facilitated the delivery of the first F-35As to Australia and completed a perfect

serviceability record for their four-month deployment to the Middle East.”

A testament to achieving the short-term requirements of the unit flying program, 33SQN had an enduring presence in overseas operations and coalition air-to-air refuelling clearance activities.

The squadron also developed measures to increase aircraft uti-lisation and adjusted processes to harness benefits of Defence Aviation Safety Regulations.

SQNLDR David Burns, Senior Engineering Officer 33SQN, said the team delivered a squadron-spe-cific induction program for new maintainers to accelerate their development and understanding of local standing instructions and pro-cedures, following their KC-30A type course.

“These measures were pivotal to achieving a 30 per cent reduc-tion in authorisation timeframes,” SQNLDR Burns said.

“This in turn led to 25 per

cent more capacity to conduct air-craft maintenance using the same resources.

“The squadron has also har-nessed a ‘refresh-retune’ program over the past few years as part of our commitment to bottom-up innovation and an empowerment culture.

“Under this program, the team progressed over 90 separate ideas from concept to reality for an effi-ciency or effectiveness gain.

“We have refreshed ourselves, our environment and our work practices, and retuned our think-ing and approach to constraints or problems.”

One such idea that came to frui-tion is LAC Michael Osgood’s air-craft technician’s flange guard that saves 300 labour hours in a year.

“The flange guard prevents damage to the KC-30A boom flight controls during maintenance and repairs resulting in increased avail-ability of the refuelling systems,” SQNLDR Burns said.

MAINTENANCE TROPHY Proficient and

proud

Above: Acting CAF AVM Gavin Turnbull, right, and WOFF-AF Robert Swanwick present LACW Tayla Buhagiar with the AVM B. A. Eaton Airman of the Year award at Duntroon House, Canberra. Photo: SGT Rodney Welch

A United States Air Force F-22 Raptor aircraft flies in formation with a RAAF KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport during trials at Edwards Air Force Base, California. Photo: Lockheed Martin Chad Bellay

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4 April 18, 2019RCEAIR FAir Force Awards

FLTLT Stephanie Anderson

NO. 26 Squadron was awarded the Hawker Siddeley Trophy for exceptional delivery of air base operational support at RAAF Base Williamtown during 2018.

The squadron provided exceptional opera-tional support for a range of base operations, supporting two FEG headquarters, five Wing headquarters, six flying squadrons, six non-fly-ing squadrons, three Systems Program Offices and various squadron detachments.

CO 26SQN WGCDR John Stark said he was extremely proud of the 26SQN team.

He congratulated the previous CO, WGCDR Amanda Cornell, and those posted to the unit in 2018.

“Being recognised as the most proficient Air Force unit with primarily a whole-of-base func-tion is a fantastic achievement and I would like to congratulate all the members of the Air Force team that contributed to this achievement,” WGCDR Stark said.

“I have no doubt from what I have seen so far in 2019 that the same standards and operational excellence is being maintained across the unit.”

FLTLT Stephanie Anderson

THE Markowski Cup was awarded to No. 65 Squadron for its support and contribu-tion to Air Force capability.

Air Force’s air base recovery squadron provided exceptional expeditionary infrastructure and explosive hazard reduction effects to domestic and international operations and exercises throughout 2018.

XO 65SQN SQNLDR Ryan Kell said the award of the Markowski Cup was a reflection on the squadron’s hard work and dedication.

“Each member of the squadron plays an important part in our success as a specialist unit,” he said.

“They’re some of the hardest-working people I’ve ever worked with and I’m proud to have been part of this team.”

FLTLT Stephanie Anderson

WOFF Vicki Lousick was awarded the McCarthy Rowbottom Jones Memorial Award for her achievements in advanc-ing the ADF aeromedical evacuation capability.

In her previous posting to 3AMES, WOFF Lousick was a lead contributor in the development of the C-27J Spartan aeromedical evacuation capability.

There was a personal note to being awarded the McCarthy Rowbottom Jones Memorial Award for WOFF Lousick.

“I didn’t know SQNLDR McCarthy, but I did know FLTLT Rowbottom and SGT Jones, and it’s a privilege to receive this award in their honour, having worked with them,” WOFF Lousick said.

“You don’t do your job expecting accolades, so it’s nice that it’s been acknowledged.”

The McCarthy Rowbottom Jones Memorial Award is named in honour of SQNLDR Paul McCarthy, FLTLT Lynne Rowbottom and SGT Wendy Jones, who were killed in the Sea King helicopter accident in Indonesia on April 2, 2005.

FLTLT Jessica Aldred

BEHAVIOURAL Scientist Melinda Hinton established and implemented an integrated and cohesive Officer Aviation candidate progression management sys-tem, and introduced a cognitive skills assessment suite that will enable the Air Force to better identify and distribute tal-ent.

“I was very honoured to be announced APS Team Member of the Year. It has been a privilege to work within Air Force for the last nine years and contribute to the Officer Aviation reform,” Ms Hinton said.

She said that this has been a career highlight.

“It is a highly technical workforce operating in unique human factors envi-ronments; understanding and developing the right attributes for that is a dream job for a behavioural scientist,” she said.

“I also gained a broader understand-ing and passion for workforce design, and how we can employ human resource management tools to deliver the capability more effectively.”

FLTLT Tracey Li

FSGT Adrian Sullivan, RAAF School of Administration and Logistics Training (RAAFSALT), was awarded the Warrant Officer of the Air Force Instructor of the Year.

FSGT Adrian Sullivan also received a CAF Commendation for his contribution towards RAAFSALT’s Air Movement Training Flight.

Part of his commendation reads: “Your inspiring leadership and outstanding profes-sionalism has significantly enhanced force generation outcomes for the Movements Mustering.”

FSGT Sullivan joined the Air Force as a Movements Operator in 2008. His first post-ing was to Amberley Air Movements Section which gave him the opportunity to deploy on Operation Slipper in 2010.

In 2017, FSGT Sullivan was posted to RAAFSALT Air Movements Training Detachment in Richmond as a C-130J-30 Movements Instructor.

CAF Instructor of the YearFLTLT Nicholas Packer, of the Officers’ Training School, was named as Chief of Air Force Instructor of the Year.

FLTLT Packer has been a Directing Staff member at Officers’ Training School since January 2018. In that time he has shown will-ing commitment and the highest levels of instructional technique and professional knowl-edge across all aspects of his role.

He has positively influenced the next gen-eration of Air Force leaders.

Stonehaven TrophyThe RAAF School of Technical Training was awarded the Stonehaven Trophy for 2018.

CO RAAFSTT WGCDR Dean Collins said the unit worked closely with its contract-ed training provider, the Defence Aeroskills Training Academy, to deliver the highest stand-ard of initial employment and post-graduate aviation technical training for the ADF.

“RAAFSTT provided effective management of academic, medical, disciplinary and welfare concerns for trainees and students, strengthen-ing trainee attitudes and standards of behaviour to reflect single service and Defence values,” WGCDR Collins said.

Setting standards

FSGT Adrian Sullivan receives the Warrant Officer of the Air Force Instructor of the Year Award from WOFF-AF Robert Swanwick. Photo: CPL Casey Forster

WOFF-AF INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR

MARKOWSKI CUP

APS TEAM MEMBER OF THE YEAR

MCCARTHY ROWBOTTOM JONES MEMORIAL

HAWKER SIDDELEY TROPHY

SADFO RAAF Base Williamtown GPCAPT Peter Cluff presents CO 26SQN WGCDR John Stark with the Hawker Siddeley Trophy 2018. Photo: CPL Craig Barrett

More snap-shots of the Air Force Proficiency and Leadership Awards 2018

Acting CAF AVM Gavin Turnbull presents Melinda Hinton with the Air Force Australian Public Service Team Member of the Year Award. Photo: SGT Rodney Welch

WOFF Vicki Lousick displays the McCarthy Rowbottom Jones Memorial Award at RAAF Base Amberley.Photo: CPL Colin Dadd

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5April 18, 2019RCEAIR F Exercise Regimen White

FLTLT Stephanie Anderson

FORCE generation activity Exercise Regimen White 19 took place at RAAF Base Amberley from March 11-26 and was the biggest iteration of the exercise yet.

For Regimen White, Health Services Wing (HSW) brought together the entire Wing for a bigger and better training experi-ence to practise Air Force’s niche health capability: the Aeromedical Evacuation (AME) System.

Officer Commanding HSW GPCAPT Kathleen Pyne said Regimen White was important train-ing so the entire Wing could develop a common skill-base.

“Air Force owns the AME system, it’s our speciality, so it’s essential for all our health personnel to be familiar with it, including the specialised health support required at an airhead,” GPCAPT Pyne said.

“There are things we need to be aware of for patient care while fly-ing, for the safety of the patient and for our own personnel, and this is an excellent opportunity for us.

“It’s also good for our special-ist reservists to be part of Regimen White, so they can integrate with our full-time personnel, get familiar with the expeditionary equipment and the entire AME system.”

No. 1 Expeditionary Health

Squadron, No. 2 Expeditionary Health Squadron, No. 3 Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and Health Operational Conversion Unit set up Role 1 and Role 2 health facilities with AME staging.

These health facilities were posi-tioned at opposite ends of Amberley to give personnel the opportunity to practise evacuations by road and air.

Paramedic science students from Queensland University of Technology (QUT) role-played patients, adding realism to the multi-casualty scenarios personnel were presented with.

GPCAPT Pyne said QUT stu-dents were aware of a wide range of medical conditions, so they were able to simulate the symptoms accu-rately, from coughing and pain to fractures.

“They gave our personnel real-istic symptoms to work on, so they could react appropriately to the situ-ation,” she said.

LTCOL Nerida McManus, of Joint Health Command, was instrumental in bringing the exer-cise together and coordinating the patient scenarios.

Queensland Health also assisted with the training exercise by run-ning further scenarios for HSW.

The casualty scenarios were based around a humanitarian assis-tance and disaster relief effort, and

HSW personnel treated simulated patients just like they might in a dis-aster situation.

“Realistically, this is the kind of situation we’d be going into, such as the evacuation of Bundaberg Base Hospital during the Queensland floods in 2011,” GPCAPT Pyne said.

“It’s something we need to be able to conduct seamlessly, in a real-time situation, so it’s valuable training for our personnel.”

No. 1 Combat Communication Squadron and No. 65 Squadron also provided assistance for communica-tions and electricity, including air-conditioning.

“Regimen White has given us the chance to work with some of the other Combat Support Group capa-bilities, and in this case, we couldn’t have done our jobs without them,” GPCAPT Pyne said.

“They integrated with the health staff seamlessly, and we’re apprecia-tive of their efforts.

“It was also great to have air-craft, a C-17A Globemaster and C-27J Spartan, available to conduct necessary training on live airframes.

“This provided training for air-crew, regarding our AME require-ments, as well as much-needed patient ‘care in the air’ opportuni-ties.”

Evacuation ready

‘It’s something we need to be able to conduct seamlessly, in a real-time situation.– GPCAPT Kathleen Pyne,

Officer Commanding Health Services Wing

Exercise Regimen White tests response time and skills of our aeromedical evacuation system

Medical personnel from 1EHS and 3AMESQN transfer a patient to a C-17A Globemaster during an AME scenario.

Air Force ambulances prepare to transfer simulated casualties into a C-17A Globemaster at RAAF Base Amberley.

Medical personnel from 1EHS and Headquarters Health Services Wing conduct simulated causality drills during Exercise Regimen White 19, RAAF Base Amberley. Photos: CPL Nicci Freeman

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6 April 18, 2019RCEAIR FNews

CAPT Roger Brennan

AT THE helm of Indo-Pacif ic Endeavour 2019 is Commander Joint Task Force 661 AIRCDRE Rick Owen, who recently took part in Australia’s largest ever Defence engagement activity with Sri Lanka.

“The biggest signature people will see is Navy and its four ships (HMA Ships Canberra, Success, Newcastle and Parramatta), which will enter the ports of our regional neighbours,” AIRCDRE Owen said.

“But IPE 19 is more than that; it’s a task force that has been given the national treasure, Australia’s reputation and the relationship we have with our regional neighbours.”

The JTF visited Colombo and Trincomalee as part of the govern-ment’s commitment to the region, as laid out in the 2016 Defence White Paper.

IPE 19 builds on lasts year’s engagement, which included the integration of Sri Lankan force ele-ments on Australian military exer-cises and senior delegations that attended air, land and maritime events.

Trade between the two coun-tries is worth about $500 million, and open sea lines of communica-tion in the Indian Ocean is crucial for the region’s growth.

The Australia-Sri Lanka defence relationship focuses on education and training, counter-people smug-gling and maintaining the rules-based order in the Indian Ocean.

AIRCDRE Owen said the maritime lanes, which connect the Indian and Pacific Oceans, were strategic trading routes and Australia’s connection to the rest of the world.

“Australia recognises the impor-tance of Sri Lanka in a stable Indo-Pacific region, so for IPE 19 it should come as no surprise that it was our first port of call,” AIRCDRE Owen said.

“It is important for the task force to re-establish our relationships politically, militarily and personally.”

As the mar i t ime p i c tu re becomes more congested and contested, many of our neighbours are increasing their naval and civil capability and, as put forward in the 2017 Foreign Policy White Paper, Australia is doing the same.

Australia is also increasing its focus on maritime issues at region-al forums such as the East Asia Summit and the Indian Ocean Rim Association.

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Pacific strength AIRCDRE Richard Owen stands on the upper deck of

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SGT Dave Morley

AN OFFICER, whose main reason for joining Air Force was due to the expo-sure he gained as an Indigenous trainee at RAAF Base Amberley, features in the Thank you for your service photograph-ic exhibition.

Indigenous Liaison Officer at No. 22 Squadron FLTLT Tjapukai Shaw said as an APS trainee he wasn’t treated any differently by his unit and was able to instantly feel a sense of family.

FLTLT Shaw is one of nine serving personnel who appear in the exhibition of current and former members.

Thank you for your service, which showcases the diversity of the ADF, opened at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park, Sydney, on April 5.

“I had seen that they created the Indigenous liaison officer position and this would present me with an opportu-nity to help my people,” FLTLT Shaw said.

“Helping my people is a passion passed down through my family and the thought of serving our country has deeper meaning for me.

“This comes from being a Wiradjuri and Murrawarri man as this is something I wear proudly on my sleeve every day.”

FLTLT Shaw said he felt he was in a lucky position as he was able to create opportunities for his mob.

“In the four months I’ve been in this position I’ve already had the chance to tag along with 37SQN and a C-130J Herc on a flight to Bathurst NSW,” he said.

“With that I was able to invite a group of Aboriginal people to have a tour of the Herc.

“One of the things that stuck out for me was one of the aunties sitting in the cockpit saying, ‘we’ve never had a chance to see anything like this’.”

FLTLT Shaw believes having diver-sity at all levels is important.

“Everyone has a different journey in life and it’s that journey that allows us to have a different perspective,” he said.

“Allowing all of those different per-spectives to be heard and considered makes us a much more capable Defence force.”

FLTLT Shaw said the Thank you for your service photographic exhibition tackled two key areas.

“The first being that it highlights the simple gesture of thanking our members for their service – I didn’t think about it before, but since joining I realise how much people have had to sacrifice while serving in the ADF,” he said.

“It also showcases the direction the ADF is heading in, in that diversity is key. It shows all the different people we have in a range of different jobs, all with such diverse backgrounds.

“And despite all the differences from each other, we all have a commonality, which is that we are employed for the purpose of defending Australia.”

FLTLT Shaw joined Air Force in August 2018 and said his career high-light was his graduation from OTS.

“I was lucky enough to gain a flight commander position for the parade. Having my family there was something I will never forget,” he said.

The Thank you for your service exhibition is a collaboration between the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Defence, the NSW Government, and The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. It features portraits of more than 40 service members and veterans.

The other Air Force personnel represented are: SGT Lyn Farrier, FLTLT Anna Lovatt, FLTLT Daniel Myers, LACW Kylie Ahern, CPL Hollie Cartwright, CPL Yuhang Ding, SQNLDR Ajitha Sugnanam and LACW Kimberley de Haan.

The exhibition is free and runs until early July. Visit www.dva.gov.au and search for Thank you for your service.

SGT Dave Morley

A MEMORIAL honouring the service and sacrifice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders was dedicated in the Sculpture Garden of the Australian War Memorial in Canberra on March 28.

CDF GEN Angus Campbell said Indigenous Australians served with dis-tinction in every war Australia fought.

“For many, service was their first experience of equality – they wore the same uniform, they did the same training and they had the same opportunities,” he said.

“They supported, and were supported by, their comrades – they were as good as anyone.

“But for a long time, there was a great silence, a shameful silence.

“They were our unknown soldiers. That is no more.”

For our Country, a sculptural pavilion set behind a ceremonial fire pit within a circle of stones, was created by artist Daniel Boyd. It aims to commemorate the service and sacrifice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“Fitting for its location here at the Australian War Memorial, where we remember and embrace all service and fitting because it is a powerful remind-er of people and their stories,” GEN Campbell said.

“We have more than 1500 Indigenous men and women serving in the Navy, Army and Air Force.

“We welcome their service.”

Thank you for your service exhibition For our Country memorial

7April 18, 2019RCEAIR F News

Proud display of diversity

Tribute to the unknown mob

Senior Indigenous Liaison Officer WGCDR Jonathan Lilley at the dedication of For our Country memorial at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra. Photos: LS James McDougall

Sarpeye dancers of the Australian Army’s Charlie Company, 51st Battalion, Far North Queensland Regiment, and Navy Bungaree Indigenous Performance Group at the memorial dedication.

Indigenous Liaison Officer at 22SQN FLTLT Tjapukai Shaw. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen

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You can get ready for the review now by updating your personal circumstances in Online Services and PMKeyS Self Service (including next of kin details), and obtaining a current rent receipt or tenant ledger from your real estate agent.

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• you then need to log in to Online Services, upload your tenant ledger and answer eight simple questions.

Visit our dedicated RA review web page for further details.

9April 18, 2019RCEAIR F Exercise Diamond Shield

FLTLT Alyssa Vickridge

CANDIDATES on the Air Warfare Instructor Course (AWIC) breathed a collective sigh of relief with the conclu-sion of Exercise Diamond Shield near Newcastle.

The second tactical phase of the Diamond series, Diamond Shield was an intensive three weeks for both the candidates and the instructors as part of the defensive counter air phase of the course.

Eighty aircraft from Australia and the United States participated in Diamond Shield in the air space off the coast of Newcastle.

United States Air Force F-16s from the 18th Aggressor Squadron (18 AGRS), supported by two KC-135 refu-elling aircraft deployed to RAAF Base Amberley, completed the complex sce-nario facing the AWIC candidates.

CO No. 88 Squadron WGCDR Tim Main said the exercise focused on bringing candidates together from a variety of specialisations and weapons systems in order to practise operating in a challenging joint force environment.

“The Air Warfare Centre has devel-oped a series of activities that exposes candidates to a high-end war fighting

environment through a combination of education, training and live exercises,” WGCDR Main said.

“The Diamond series activities give the candidates an opportunity to be exposed to and gain familiarity with foreign terminology, methods, and plat-forms, while at the same time allowing the ADF to adapt and validate its own practices.

“Diamond Shield saw a large num-ber of aircraft in the skies at one time which was done purposefully, in order to test how the candidates cope with the complexities of operating in a large force employment environment.”

WGCDR Main said Diamond Shield was developed as a defensive counter air mission, where AWIC candidates were required to coordinate and con-duct protection of vital areas and assets against a peer adversary.

“The final integrated event for AWIC candidates will be the tactical execution of offensive counter air dur-ing Exercise Diamond Storm, where the candidates will lead a coalition effort to strike at the heart of the notional peer adversary.”

Exercise Diamond Storm will be held in the Northern Territory from April 29 to May 29.

FOR three weeks there was a battle to dominate the airspace off the coast of Newcastle involving Australian and United States fighter jets.

As part of Exercise Diamond Shield candidates from the Air Warfare Instructor Course were fighting it out as the “blue” force against the United States Air Force’s 18th Aggressor Squadron (18 AGRS) who have been playing one of the “red” air ele-ments.

F-16 pilot CAPT Chris Prochnow said the objective of the 18 AGRS was to strike notional targets while the blue force defended the area using defensive counter air strategies.

“The beauty of the 18 AGRS is that we can replicate and fly any type of scenario you’d expect from an adversary nation,” CAPT Prochnow said.

“The F-16 provides realism to the scenarios, as the aircraft is smaller which gives it a smaller radar signature than what candidates would be used to seeing with a Hornet.

“It’s the simple things, like fighting in a visual arena and seeing a different aircraft out there that provides the value to their training.”

An AWIC candidate and F/A-18 Hornet pilot said that working alongside the 18 AGRS was an amazing opportunity that was extremely important for the over-all achievement of the mission.

“The challenges they have brought to our training evolutions has been incredibly beneficial to our overall development,” said the pilot.

Staying sharp

An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the United States Air Force’s 18th Aggressor Squadron on the flightline at RAAF Base Williamtown.

USAF and Air Force engage in intense tactical phase of the Air Warfare Instructor Course’s Diamond series

F-16s inject vital realism

An E-7A Wedgetail takes off from RAAF Base Williamtown during Exercise Diamond Shield.

Photos: SGT Shane Gidall

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LIFE IN THE RAAF

Like father, like son

FLTLT Tracey Li meets a member who is following in his father’s footsteps

FOR CPL Nathan Wilmann, enlisting in the ADF was a decision inspired by his father’s 22-year career as a Navy elec-

tronics technician.“I spent my childhood in Emu

Heights, near Penrith, NSW, and I went to Emu Heights Primary School and Nepean High School,” CPL Wilmann said.

“Some of my fondest memories of my childhood include riding bikes, playing sports in my street and riding the Billy cart that my dad made down a steep hill at my primary school.

“Dad did a lot of travelling with his Navy job and I was genuinely fasci-nated by all the interesting stories he told me.”

CPL Wilmann enlisted in January 2006, motivated by job security, great professional development options and opportunities to travel.

“I started my RAAF career as an

avionics technician, responsible for the maintenance, sustainment and certi-fication of aircraft avionics systems,” CPL Wilmann said.

“I later remustered to armament Technician, specialising in maintaining aircraft weapon systems and associ-ated support equipment.

“The armament technician career has been very rewarding as it has taken me to different parts of the world to participate in training, military exer-cises and a deployment.

“The highlights of my 13-year career include completing an explosive ordnance disposal course in the United States, and contributing to ADF mis-sions in the Middle East through my six-and-a-half-month deployment.

“I am lucky to have had many good mentors and supervisors who guided and helped me to get to where I am today.

“Thanks to their support, I have

grown professionally and personally over the years.”

In addition to the great mateship, lifestyle and travel opportunities, CPL Wilmann’s career has also brought him many transferrable skillsets.

“I am an instructor at the Defence

Explosive Ordnance Training School teaching the ADF explosive ordnance operational courses,” he said.

“This role has allowed me to fur-ther develop my confidence, leader-ship, public speaking and commu-nication skills. It is a rewarding and

challenging posting, and I would rec-ommend it to anyone seeking such a challenge.”

When CPL Wilmann is not work-ing, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, as well as building furniture, running and playing soccer.

Explosive Ordnance Reconnaissance Instructor CPL Nathan Wilmann operates a remote piloted vehicle at Defence Establishment Orchard Hills, NSW. Photo: CPL Casey Forster

10 April 18, 2019RCEAIR FNews

April 18, 2019 Air and Space Operations Centre 1

POWER PLAY

AIR power effects cover a broad geographic area, influencing multiple ADF areas of operation, from

domestic through to global. The dual-hatted role of Director

General Air (in the joint space) and Director General Air Command Operations (Headquarters Air Command), held by AIRCDRE Robert Denney, is responsible for ensuring these effects are realised.

Doctrinally, the Air and Space Operations Centre (AOC) is

charged with the planning, execu-tion and assessment of air power effects via an air campaign.

AIRCDRE Denney said the AOC planned for these air cam-paigns through a centralised control point to then allow tactical units the ability to execute the plan and employ their aircraft in support of the force.

“The AOC ensures air power effects are apportioned throughout the joint environment as required. This is particularly important for

our low-density, high-demand assets such as P-8A Poseidon and E-7A Wedgetail,” AIRCDRE Denney said.

The AOC plays a key role in deciding who and what can be sup-ported, and with which asset, all while ensuring the broader aims of the air campaign are progressed.

With our RAAF assets involved in Middle East operations, short-notice humanitarian relief opera-tions, search-and-rescue, and joint exercises, maintaining oversight

of all tasks is critical to ensuring Air Force can deliver air power to where it is needed.

AOC Director GPCAPT David Smith said the AOC was permanently force-assigned to Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQJOC), which meant the AOC planning was aligned with and informed HQJOC planning.

“Air power is the highest priority – there is never enough air power. We are persistently agile to the demands of the joint environment

and feel we are able to maximise the employment of our RAAF capa-bilities across the board,” GPCAPT Smith said.

“The AOC brings together our Air Force subject-matter experts to deliver efficient and effective air power for Australia, our allies and the region.

“This will continue to improve as we stand-up the Combat Plans Division this year, and the Combat Support Division continues to evolve.”

FLTLT Jessica Aldred reveals what the Air and Space Operations Centre is today

An F/A-18F Super Hornet flies over Mosul, Iraq, during Operation Okra in 2017.

SPECIAL LIFT-OUT

RCEAIR F

‘ There is never enough air power.

– GPCAPT David Smith, Air and Operations Centre

Director

2 Air and Space Operations Centre RCEAIR F April 18, 2019 3

AIR OF AUTHORITYPlan, execute and assess are key components of the Air and Space Operations Centre Air Tasking Cycle, FLTLT Jessica Aldred writes

FOR air power to effectively con-tribute to the joint environment, the AOC utilises the Air Tasking Cycle to plan, execute and assess the employment of air power effects. This also gives Air Force units the information they need to tactically implement their part of the air campaign.

Beginning with the Strategy Division, a number of inputs are considered before campaign objectives are developed. From this, the Air Operations Directive (AOD), is issued, underpinning the entire Air Tasking Cycle.

Combat Plans Division uses the AOD to identify specific targets, weapons allocation and asset or aircraft allocations, identifying the overall weight-of-effort for particular effects. This is captured in the Air Tasking Order (ATO).

The Combat Operations Divi-sion is then responsible for the execution of the ATO, providing updated direction to the units and assets involved as the situation evolves and priorities change.

Specialist teams within the AOC provide subject-matter ex-pertise into planning and execu-tion stages such as targeters, air mobility, joint personnel recovery and aeromedical evacuation.

Once the execution of the current ATO has been completed, the Strategy Division conducts an operational assessment of key objectives, which informs future planning efforts.

Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Division provides intelligence assessments of adversary action, informing the entire AOC through all stages of the Air Tasking Cycle.

AUSTRALIAN Space Op-erations Centre (AUSSpOC) provides space operational advice to DGAIR, CJOPS and the joint warfighter.

It works closely with coalition partners and external Australian agencies such as the Bureau of Meteorology and Emergency Management Australia.

NCO Space CPL Dane Reyn-olds said AUSSpOC supported all parts of the Air Tasking Cycle with specialist space advice.

“We provide guidance on sat-

ellite vulnerability for the whole ADF, advising tactical units of any space-based risks to their mission,” CPL Reynolds said.

CPL Reynolds has completed a number of space operations courses and enjoyed working in the interesting AUSSpOC environment.

“I have really enjoyed work-ing in AUSSpOC, particularly the confidence from my superiors in my expertise and experience on different tasks, despite my rank,” CPL Reynolds said.

THE Joint Personnel Recovery team covers the spectrum of recovery operations from search-and-rescue (SAR) in non-threatening environ-ments through to combat SAR and special recovery operations in hostile environments.

Staff Officer Joint Personnel Re-covery SQNDLR Peter Fishpool said

SAR is a 24-hour-a-day job, with one of the team always on shift to coordi-nate requests for assistance.

“We coordinate SAR responses as they happen, including requests for assistance from civilian authorities and monitoring any ADF SAR beacon activations,” SQNLDR Fishpool said.

“As part of the Air Tasking Cycle,

we produce personnel recovery and SAR plans for ADF exercises and op-erations, and pass them on to relevant units.

“Recently, we coordinated a SAR plan for an injured civilian yachtsman off WA and our plans were used by the P-8A Poseidon crew to conduct their tactical search and rescue mission.”

ISR DIVISION

Capabilities and courses-of-action

ISR Division’s core role is to ana-lyse current and emerging adversary capabilities and courses-of-action in order to inform the Air Tasking Cycle.

In addition, the ISR Operations team plans all ISR effects across the air campaign.

ISR Operations Collection Manager FLTLT Samuel Baldock said the AOC was focused on an effects-based approach.

“We aim to task subordinate elements with the effect we want to achieve, not how to achieve it,” FLTLT Baldock said.

“They can make the tactical de-cision on how to achieve it, enabling effective air power.

“As the sensor tasking author-ity for DGAIR, ISR Ops works with Air Force units and HQJOC to ensure our RAAF ISR sensors are effectively tasked. The analysis, correlation and fusion team then determines the intelligence ‘so what’ for the air campaign.

“This informs the current fight and subsequent tasking and overall distribution of ISR sensors across the air campaign.”

FLTLT Baldock said the AOC was critical to ensuring air power could have the right effect in the joint environment.

“We ensure air power effects are effectively planned and executed in the joint environment – particularly important for our high-demand, low-quantity ISR assets,” he said.

COMMAND, Control, Communications and Computers (C4) is responsible for producing the Air Tasking Order for Combat Plans Di-vision.

Tactical Systems Operator LAC Troy Cannon said the Air Tasking Order outlined to all Air Force units what effects needed to be achieved for operations and exercises.

“With the Air Tasking Order, we can co-

ordinate all flying for Air Force aircraft con-ducting domestic and regional operations or exercises,” LAC Cannon said.

“The AOC is a good posting to gain an understanding of Air Force operations from a higher headquarters.

“It helped me gain an understanding of the big picture and why commanders make the decisions they do.”

COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATIONS AND COMPUTERS

JOINT PERSONNEL RECOVERY

COMBAT Operations Division is the ‘plan execution’ phase of the Air Tasking Cycle.

Former Deputy Chief Combat Operations SQNDLR Patrick Greentree said executing RAAF operations gave him a great insight into what our Air Force achieved every day.

“Combat Operations is a very dynamic environment – no day is the same. We execute operations which have been meticulously planned from the strategic through to tactical levels, providing over-sight and direction from DGAIR,” SQNLDR Greentree said.

“We also provide the Diplo-

matic Clearance function for our aircraft landing in other coun-tries, and the search-and-rescue response for the entire ADF.”

SQNLDR Greentree said Com-bat Operations Division played a critical role linking the wider Air Force to operations.

“We are the key linkage be-tween all Air Force elements con-ducting operations, and HQJOC,” he said.

“As our Air Force units carry out their assigned tasks, we provide over-arching guidance to ensure they are clear with what we’re directing them to do, which is often at short notice.”

COMBAT OPERATIONS DIVISION

High achievers

Executing operationsAUSTRALIAN SPACE

OPERATIONS CENTRE

Specialist advice

Response ready

Aircrew from 10SQN prepare to deploy a helibox from an AP-3C Orion during Operation Resolute. Photo: SGT Ben Dempster

Loadmasters, SGTs Paul Graham, left, and Jay Goggin prepare to deploy a mock air sea rescue kit for the first time from a C-27J Spartan during Operation Resolute, Townsville. Photo: CPL Steve Duncan

A C-17A Globemaster III landing at Williamson air-field in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area during Exer-cise Talisman Saber 17.Photo: CPL Oliver Carter

AIRMSHL McCormack (ret’d), right, talks to then LAC Dane

Reynolds, Space Systems Opera-tor at No. 1 Radar Surveillance

Unit. Photo: SGT Rodney Welch

An 11SQN P-8A Poseidon pilot conducts a rigging run to visually identify a vessel during Operation Resolute.Photo: CPL Craig Barrett

FLTLT Adam Edwards and FLGOFF Kelly Lee-

son monitor screens during Exercise Red Flag 19 at Nellis Air

Force Base, Nevada. Photo: CPL David Cotton

April 18, 2019 Air and Space Operations Centre4

Develop and assess

A central control point

Clinical care in the air

AEROMEDICAL EVACUATION

CONTROL CELL

THE Aeromedical Evacuation Control Cell (AECC) is responsible for the conduct of strategic aeromedi-cal evacuation (AME) for ADF per-sonnel, approved Australian civilians and foreign nationals from an area of operations.

SNCO AME Coordinator FSGT Robyn McEnearney said the AECC provided specialist AME advice to the Air Tasking Cycle and Headquarters Joint Operations Command.

“When we receive AME requests from our deployed medical staff, we plan the best way to move the member to their home location or the nearest appropriate health-care facil-ity,” FSGT McEnearney said.

“We task No. 3 Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron to provide clinical care in the air for members who need to be medically returned to Australia, both internationally and domestically.

“With our oversight of strategic, forward and tactical AME, we can make sure DGAIR and ultimately ACAUST have the right advice to plan and conduct AME support for any ADF operation or exercise.”

STRATEGY Division (SRD) is respon-sible for the Air Operations Directive and Force Generation planning, which outlines the Director General Air intent and priorities for Air Force activities – how the aircraft and assets are to be used.

Staff Officer Strategy Guidance SQNLDR Simon Longley said the SRD was uniquely placed at both the beginning and end of the Air Tasking Cycle.

“SRD is responsible for develop-ing the objectives for new tasks and assessing previously executed ones,” SQNLDR Longley said.

“To communicate this, we develop the Air Operations Directive, which describes the Commander’s intent and priorities, and which assets can achieve the campaign objectives.

“Any commander, aircrew or com-bat support staff member in Air Force can read this document to understand what the senior air commander’s intent is for that task and how the plan fits with other campaign assets, including Army and Navy.”

SQNLDR Longley said working in the Air and Space Operations Centre was as close as you can get to conduct-ing operations without physically being deployed.

“We play a critical role in ensuring the right platform delivers the right effect at the right time,” SQNLDR Longley said.

THE Joint Airspace Control Cell (JACC) is the central point of air-space management for the ADF.

Staff Officer Airspace Operations SQNLDR Ben Chaffey said the JACC was responsible for developing airspace control plans for the safe and efficient conduct of exercises and operations.

“Developing airspace control plans requires months of coordina-tion and planning with civilian air-lines and air traffic control, Army and Navy, as well as other govern-ment agencies and international partners,” SQNLDR Chaffey said.

“For Operation APEC 18 Assist, we developed procedures to inte-

grate unmanned aerial systems into civil controlled airspace in Papua New Guinea.

“For Operation Atlas (ADF sup-port to Commonwealth Games), the JACC planned the airspace procedures in conjunction with the Queensland and federal govern-ments for more than a year, and were involved during execution.”

SQNLDR Chaffey said the JACC required lateral thinking and good negotiating skills.

“It is such a busy but rewarding place to work. I’ve learnt so much in such a short timeframe, and being able to contribute to opera-tions has been invaluable,” he said.

FSGT Robyn McEnearney’s operational experience allows her to provide specialist AME advice for the Aeromedical Evacuation Control Cell. Photo: PO Phil Cullinan

SQNLDR, then FLTLT, Ben Chaffey, left, and FLTLT Ben Neilson, at the Perth Terminal Control Unit Joint Facility during the air traffic control open day at 453SQN, RAAF Base Pearce. Photo: CPO Damian Pawlenko

Air operations planners from Singapore, Malaysia and Australia discuss future mission profiles during Exercise Bersama Lima 2018. Photo: CPL Matthew Bickerton

STRATEGY DIVISION

JOINT AIRSPACE CONTROL CELL

RCEAIR F

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16 April 18, 2019RCEAIR FAir Force Birthday

FLGOFF Benjamin Shuhyta

AIR Force marked its 98th anniversary of inception with a series of reflective and celebratory events across Australia and overseas.

At RAAF Memorial Grove in Canberra, Acting CAF AVM Gavin Turnbull recounted how Australia’s airmen and women have proved their worth time and time again over 98 years.

“Each contribution in the air and on the ground has enabled Air Force to project Australian air power, whatever the circumstances we have faced as a nation,” AVM Turnbull said.

“This has always been the case, wherever in the world we have been – or will be – required to serve.”

Reacting to the story of the Australian Flying Corps’ LT George Merz, the first Australian airman to become a casualty of war, Tactical Systems Supervisor CPL Anthony Robb said he was proud to be an air-man and drew inspiration from the first Air Force personnel.

“I cannot fully fathom the depth of pioneering spirit and bravery that drove our first airmen to take to the skies to challenge a new frontier of warfare – armed with little more than a sense of adventure – especially con-

sidering the magnitude of WWI,” CPL Robb said.

AVM Turnbull acknowledged the contribution of every member, past and present, and their key role in building a strong and effective Air Force that’s capable of meeting the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Air Force Chief of Cyber Ops WGCDR Duncan Scott emphasised this message, acknowledging that even in cyber warfare, people are core to the collective aspiration of becoming a fifth-generation Air Force.

“To achieve that aspiration, RAAF needs to be a fully networked force that is capable of operating in the

98 and thriving

Personnel from Australia’s Federation Guard raise the RAAF Ensign during

a flag raising ceremony at Regatta Point, Canberra, to celebrate the 98th

anniversary of Air Force. Photos: SGT Rodney Welch

BELOW: SQNLDR Bruce Chalmers, right, and Officer Cadet Caleb Sexton cut the RAAF celebration cake during the reception at Duntroon House, Canberra.

Senior officers celebrate RAAF’s birthday at the RAAF Base Point Cook Mess: LTCOL Pinghan Chua, Acting CMDR Brian Scown, CMDR Pete Carter, Acting Inspector Chris Allen, AIRCDRE Glen Braz, Councillor Jonathon Marsden and WGCDR James Rogers. Photo: WOFF Don Kenny

air, space and cyberspace domains,” WGCDR Scott said.

“Knowing where RAAF has been, and where I have been, I aspire to take Air Force forward to where the CAF can say, with confidence, that RAAF dominates in air, space and cyberspace because his networks are secure, resil-ient and actively defended.”

Following the commemorative event at the Grove, AVM Turnbull ded-icated a plaque recognising 700 gradu-

ates from the Diploma Cadet Squadron and Engineer Cadet Squadron between 1964 and 1988, and honouring those who served with operational squadrons both in Australia and overseas.

Planning is now gaining pace for Air Force 2021 – the celebration of the Air Force’s centenary – with the 2021 Australian International Airshow at Avalon to be the spectacular cen-trepiece of a nationwide program of celebrations.

17April 18, 2019RCEAIR F Air Force Birthday

FLTLT Samyukta More, centre,

takes part in the commemorative

service at the Martin Place Cenotaph,

Sydney, for the anniversary of the

formation of RAAF. Photo: CPL Casey Forster

FLGOFF Kat Trimble

AIRWOMEN and men of Headquarters Air Command cel-ebrated RAAF’s 98th birthday in style with a reception at the historic RAAF Base Glenbrook Officers’ Mess, hosted by ACAUST AVM Steven Roberton.

“The Officers’ Mess makes the ideal location for a celebration of shared history, with origins in the community dating back to the 1930s, when it was originally built to serve as the old Lapstone Hotel,” AVM Roberton said.

“Celebrating this occasion each

year with the local community and the traditional owners of the land on which we meet today, the Dharug and Gundungurra peoples, is so special to us.

“It’s one of the few opportuni-ties we get to invite the community in and share with them our history and our proud traditions as an Air Force.

“The RAAF birthday reception is a special time to celebrate the teamwork that led us to where we are today.”

The event was marked by a C-130J Hercules flypast from nearby RAAF Base Richmond.

Proud to serve

A cake made by RAAF Base Glenbrook chef CPL Sue-Ellen Harris was cut by the youngest Headquarters Air Command member, LACW Ashley Horsburgh, and the most senior, AVM Steven Roberton. Photo: FLGOFF Katrina Trimble

AIRCDRE William Kourelakos and ACW Jade Cannon cut the cake at the RAAF 98th anniversary celebrations held at RAAF Base Richmond Officers’ Mess.Photo: CPL David Said

AIRCDRE Philip Gordon, above left, greets the Governor of South Australia Hieu Van Le, at the anniversary Commemoration Ceremony, Air Force Memorial, Torrens Parade Ground, SA; and (below) WWII fighter pilot Murray ‘Lyne’ Skinner attends the ceremony. Photos: CPL Bill Solomou

AIRCDRE Veronica Tyler, right, and youngest RAAF Base Amberley member,

ACW Trainee Tekaisha Davies, from the RAAF Security and Fire School, cut the

anniversary cake during the celebration. Photo: CPL Colin Dadd

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Marching forward18 April 18, 2019RCEAIR FPersonnel

SGT Mark Doran

THE Air Force Association (AFA) is looking to expand the hands-on support it provides our veterans and their families, according to AFA President GPCAPT Carl Schiller (Retd).

He tied this in to his recent explana-tion that the National Board of Directors was examining how the association could deliver a range of veteran and family sup-port services, including a national advo-cacy service.

“The AFA has proven to be influential at government level,” Mr Schiller said.

“And with ex-service organisations, it has developed a reputation for providing well-balanced arguments on the recent veteran and family support initiatives or programs.

“We provided submissions on the recent Productivity Commission into com-pensation and rehabilitation for veterans, and the Australian Veterans’ Recognition (Putting Veterans and their Families First) Bill.

“The association also played a sig-nificant role in the development of the Advocacy Training Development Program (ATDP) and provided extensive input to the Veterans’ Advocacy and Support Services Scoping Study by Robert Cornell.”

The scoping study received useful information from organisations in the legal, community, health and disability services sectors.

This input placed veterans’ advocacy in a broader context and emphasised the need for combined action to achieve a collec-tive impact on the problems confronting veterans.

The vision of the ATDP is to train and develop practitioners to provide high-qual-ity advocacy services to serving and for-mer ADF members and their dependents, covering rehabilitation, compensation, appeals and welfare.

Mr Schiller said this was an opportunity for the AFA to become a national provider of wellbeing and compensation advocacy among ex-service organisations.

“The NSW Division, on behalf of the National Board, will develop poli-cy for this service in consultation with the DVA and explore the proposal for an AFA national veteran and family crisis response capability,” he said.

“The scoping study found many advocacy volunteers are aging veter-ans and many accredited advocates will retire within the next five years.

“There’s a growing void of capa-bility across ex-service organisations,

which means we’ll be looking for younger veterans to become compen-sation or wellbeing advocates.”

The AFA intends to have its national advocacy service operational by the end of the year and will employ paid advocates – the association will pay for their training and accredita-tion.

“Our association has been rather silent about our assistance to veterans and we haven’t been out there pro-moting ourselves, but we’ve helped quite a few get back on their feet,” Mr Schiller said.

“We believe many younger vet-erans will need assistance, and along

with other ex-service organisations the association has been actively fighting to retain the entitlements available for future veterans.

“I’m also in the process of making the association ‘rankless’ – there’s no need to carry rank into this environ-ment as we are all ex-airmen and air-women in the generic sense.

“The younger veterans have dif-ferent professional advocacy support needs to other veteran cohorts, but we need to let them know we are here to support them.”

For more information visit: www.raafa.org.au

Air Force Association takes a stronger stand on wellbeing and compensation advocacy

LONG HISTORY

THE Air Force Association (AFA) was originally the Australian Flying Corps Association, established in Victoria in 1921.

As a relatively new organisation, its numbers were small; however, with WWII, the Australian Flying Corps Association opened its doors to thousands of young Australians.

The association changed to Air Force Association in 1943.

AFA fosters friendships based on shared Air Force and aviation experience, sup-ports commemorations, herit-age and history, and provides welfare for members through advice, liaison and represen-tation.

You can join the AFA through divisions and branch-es in each state and territory. Membership is open to serv-ing and former members of the ADF and anyone with an interest in aviation who sup-ports the AFA’s mission.

Air Force Association is developing practitioners to provide high-quality advocacy services to serving and former ADF members. Photo: CPL David Gibbs

FLGOFF Jasmine Kelsey

MEMBERS from the Directorate of Personnel-Air Force met with Qantas management in December 2018 to discuss a Service Option D (SERVOP D) trial.

Qantas remains supportive of working together with the ADF towards the possible trial of an arrangement to share pilot talent, and are hoping to commence the trial this year.

Di rec to r Personne l - Ai r Force GPCAPT Greg Frisina said SERVOP D, or dual employment, is a working arrangement between the individual, Defence and an indus-try partner, where the individual is employed by a civilian employer but also renders service to Defence.

“SERVOP D provides greater flexibility for members of the ADF, while enabling the transfer of skills and experience between organisa-tions,” GPCAPT Frisina said.

Director General Personnel - Air Force AIRCDRE Geoffrey Harland said that SERVOP D will allow the ADF and Defence industry to share the available talent pool, which is extremely important when consider-

Continued support of dual employment

ing needs of the future workforce.“A SERVOP D trial arrange-

ment is being organised in order to assess the mutual benefits that dual employment can provide in the pilot specialisation. To date, SERVOP D has not been used across the services,” he said.

An initial trial with one individ-ual has been proposed, with admin-istrative details currently being con-sidered.

A review at the conclusion of the initial trial will allow stakehold-ers to assess the benefits to their organisation, with a view to contin-uing, expanding or ceasing further SERVOP D arrangements.

Regardless of the outcome of the trial, Qantas management has expressed a desire to continue to support their many reservists and Defence industry with existing Defence leave mechanisms.

Photo: Brent Winstone

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20 April 18, 2019RCEAIR FPersonnel

FLTLT Jessica Aldred

FOLLOWING the release of the Air Force Implementation Plan for the Defence Family and Domestic Violence Strategy 2017 - 2022 in late 2018, as per CAF Directive 09/18, Air Force remains committed to ending domestic violence.

Family and domestic violence is a major issue in Australian society, affecting both men and women.

Air Force has a zero tolerance to family and domestic violence – it is not acceptable in any form.

CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies said he was committed to ending domes-tic violence involving Air Force personnel.

“Any sort of family or domes-tic violence is fundamentally against our values and the behav-iours I expect from our members,” AIRMSHL Davies said.

“We are actively engaged in the national response to addressing and reducing family and domestic vio-lence through initiatives like White Ribbon Day and with the Defence Family and Domestic Violence Strategy.

“I need each of you to be a lead-er; to provide all reasonable support to our staff that may be affected by family and domestic violence and continue the education process.”

Family and domestic violence

Prevent, respond, supportAir Force strategy supports national response to end domestic violence

destroys lives and relationships, it erodes team cohesion and undermines the values of the ADF and APS.

This year, we are focused on Air Force’s implementation plan for the Defence Family and Domestic Violence Strategy, with the goal of protecting all

personnel from any form of domestic violence.

This implementation plan has three objectives: to prevent family and domestic violence against or by Air Force personnel, to respond and to pro-vide support. ‘Any sort of family or domestic violence

is fundamentally against our values.– AIRMSHL Leo Davies, CAF

Air Force Chaplain FLTLT Mark Reid chats with a 26SQN member in front of the RAAF Base Williamtown flightline.Photo: CPL Nicci Freeman

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22 April 18, 2019RCEAIR FPersonnel

FLTLT Tracey Li

SIX new air traffic controllers proudly received their Mission Controller qual-ification badges from CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies at RAAF Base East Sale on March 7.

These School of Air Traffic Control (SATC) graduates are the first for a unit under the new Air Academy struc-ture, which was formally stood up in January.

AIRMSHL Davies congratulated the graduates for completing one of Defence’s most demanding courses and shared his excitement for the opportunities these members are about to experience in their careers.

“You join a category that plays a key role in both Australia’s national air traffic management system and the delivery of battlespace integration for the Defence force,” AIRMSHL Davies said.

“In addition to the 11 air bases at which we provide air traffic services, we also have controllers serving with Navy and Army providing joint effects domestically and overseas.

“You are graduating at a very excit-ing time in our Defence force history.

“Over the coming years, many new and exciting programs including the Civil Military Air Traffic Management System – one of the world’s most advanced air traffic management sys-tem technology, being delivered under OneSKY – will be introduced into RAAF.

“I am truly envious of the oppor-tunity you will have to work with world-class people and leading-edge

equipment, and a chance to lead the change.”

Each graduate has undergone about nine months of training, consisting of 250 hours of theory instruction, 10 theory assessments, 170 hours of practical classroom instruction and 70 hours of simulator instruction and assessment.

Graduate PLTOFF Jaime Steele

received both the SATC RAAF Values Award and the Gary Haynes Trophy. This was in recognition for her out-standing academic achievements, air power knowledge, leadership skills and Air Force values.

“I absolutely enjoyed learning and growing with my fellow graduates throughout this experience,” PLTOFF Steele said.

“We literally went from having lit-tle aviation exposure to having enough skills and confidence to take on the challenge of on-the-job training with live traffic at our first postings.

“The course was very challenging and we faced steep learning curves that required us to stay motivated.

“Luckily, the instructors were approachable, competent, patient and

professional, and I can’t thank them enough for their support.”

RAAF Base Darwin is PLTOFF Steele’s first posting and she “is very excited about the new skills I’m about to learn”.

PLTOFF Steele said the SATC instructors really inspired her and she would like to become a SATC instruc-tor in the future.

Sky’s the limit for grads

The graduation parade of No. 182 Air Traffic Control Course at RAAF Base East Sale on March 7.

ADF Rugby League partnered with the NRL to mentor league-loving nation, Fiji, during a week-long tour in Suva, from March 11-15.

The program delivered junior and senior programs focused on the fundamentals of sport and healthy lifestyles.

ADF Rugby League President AIRCDRE Ken Quinn said sports diplomacy was an increasingly important aspect of diplomacy and a growing part of global sports.

“Sport is a universal language and plays a unique role in showcasing Australia’s identity, values and cul-ture,” he said.

“The values of sport – competi-tion, teamwork and fair play – help build trust between countries and bring people together.”

ADF RL Program Manager GPCAPT Jay Clarke organised the tour together with the Australian Rugby League, Fiji Rugby League and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces.

“The programs aim to create clos-er sporting ties, build more people-to-people links between the ADF and our Defence and rugby league coun-terparts,” GPCAPT Clarke said.

“We enjoy working in Fiji and look forward to putting the skills to the test in a tournament environment later this year.”

Air Force and NRL player LACW Meg Ward highlighted the benefits of the tour.

“The programs provide strong engagement through the clinics, as well as school and community activi-ties,” she said.

“It is a really rewarding oppor-tunity to be able to share knowledge and skills from my Defence and rugby league experience, as well as get tips to improve my own game.”

Australia and Fiji have a relation-ship built on long-standing senior level engagement, training, maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and peacekeeping.

FOR the fi rs t t ime, the ADF Indigenous Rugby League team played a curtain-raiser for the Intrust Super Cup in Ipswich.

The match was played before the Ipswich Jets and Townsville Blackhawks took to the field on March 10.

Designed to help build relation-ships between the ADF and local Indigenous communities, Defence took the field against the Ipswich com-munity’s Indigenous team, the Kambu Warriors, assembled from local family groups.

In a tightly contested match, the Kambu Warriors, after leading 14-0 at half-time, came away victors 26-12.

FLTLT Tjapukai Shaw, centre for the ADF team and first-time repre-sentative, said both sides had a lot of pride on the line.

“It was obvious on the field that we both wanted to win this game as we were all representing a very particular part of our lives,” FLTLT Shaw said.

“Coming from different parts of this country, representing our commu-nities; and when you have that deeper understanding of where you’re from, it drives you to push that little bit harder, at the end of the day we just want to make our mobs proud of us.”

ADF team coach SGT Shannon

INTER-SERVICE rivalry was on display at the Sydney Harbour Regatta from March 1-3, where Navy placed second in Division 1 and won first place in Division 2 in the ADF Sailing Association’s yachting cham-pionships.

The ADF entered seven yachts in the regatta, including two service yachts, Navy’s Scarborough and Army’s Gunrunner.

Navy, Army and Air Force each entered a yacht in Division 1 with another crewed by a mixed-service team.

Air Force crew sailed to victory in the triservice competition of the division. Accounting for corrected times and handicaps, the ADF teams also performed well against the private yachts, with the mixed-service team placing first and Air

Force placing third overall. Navy maintained its sailing

pedigree with Scarborough’s win in Division 2.

Scarborough skipper LCDR Nathan Lockhart said he hoped the winning form continued as Navy planned to expand its racing to the off-shore categories.

“With the winning momentum from this weekend, combined with the experience we can draw from experienced Navy off-shore sailors, we are in a good position to chal-lenge Army in the next Sydney-to-Hobart,” he said.

The ADF Sailing Association holds representative and novice events across the country and encour-ages members of all ranks and abili-ties to be involved.

Mateship wins in ADF sailing regatta

Left: Coaches and clinic participants of the ADF rugby league tour of Fiji, LACW Meg Ward, Ilaitia Volavola, GPCAPT Jay Clarke and Orisi Tobula during a senior clinic held in Suva. Photo: CPL Jessica de Rouw

Keeping in touch with Fiji

Members of the Air Force crew on board Symbiosis during the inter-service yachting championships at Sydney Harbour. Photo: CPO Cameron Martin

Mitchell said the biggest challenge was having only six days to build a team bond.

“I thought we did extremely well against a team such as Kambu as they have been playing together as a team for years in the Queensland Murri Cup,” SGT Mitchell said.

“I was extremely proud of the effort and mateship of the playing group throughout the week and on game day.”

The game was part of ‘Defence

Force Appreciation Day’, created to celebrate the Defence community.

To coincide with the theme, the ADF team met with the local Indigenous community, visiting the Kambu medical centre and com-munity hall, and participating in a games day with the local Elders.

To show their support for Defence, the Ipswich Jets played in a blue camouflage jersey while Townsville wore green camouflage.

Community spirit shines

The ADF Indigenous Rugby League team prepares to take on the Kambu Indigenous team. Photos: CPL Colin Dadd

ADF player FLTLT Matthew Roberts, centre, kicks during an Indigenous Rugby League match against the Kambu Warriors.

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23April 18, 2019RCEAIR F Sp rt

SP RTApril 18, 2019

ADF sailing and rugby

leaguePage 23

OARSOME BID

The ADF men’s eight rowing team competing in the Club Men’s Coxed Eight final at the Sydney International Rowing Regatta. From right to left: (bow) CAPT Carl Bleimschein, LT Casey Piket, PTE Owen Hingston, CAPT Mitch Lindsay, LT Simon Gillespie, CAPT Nick Waugh, MAJ Tom Cregan, (stroke) CPL Damien Richardson and (cox) FLGOFF Ruby Brady-Welsh. Photo: CPO Cameron Martin

FLGOFF Jessica Winnall

THE ADF King’s Cup Rowing Squad, together with the Australian Defence Force Academy Rowing Club, participated in the Sydney International Rowing Regatta (SIRR) from March 25-31 at the Sydney International Rowing Centre, Penrith, NSW.

The rega t ta cu lmina ted in Australian Rowing’s premier race for the fastest interstate men’s eight – the King’s Cup.

The King’s Cup was won by the Australian Imperial Forces’ (AIF) Number One crew in the 1919 Royal Henley Peace Regatta in London. After numerous events to bring the trophy home, King George V gifted the trophy to Australia two years later.

Since 1922, the coveted King’s Cup has been awarded annually to the Interstate Men’s Eight Champions.

Members of the ADF King’s Cup squad raced in the men’s eight, wom-en’s double and men’s double, and combined King’s Cup/ADFA teams had four crews compete in the men’s fours and one in the women’s fours.

The crews rowed well in difficult conditions, but missed the podium.

As many of these rowers had only been training together for a few weeks, this was a strong performance against crews who had been racing together all season.

FLGOFF Ruby Brady-Welsh was the coxswain for the ADF King’s Cup Rowing Squad.

“My job as coxswain is to moti-vate the crew and ensure they are working as a team throughout the race,” she said.

“It was inspiring to see the crew competing with the best in Australia, knowing they will take the passion showed at SIRR to Henley.”

Reminiscent of the peace regat-ta where the AIF Number One and Number Two crews were drawn against each other in the same heat, the first heat of the men’s coxless fours saw two ADF King’s Cup crews and two ADFA crews compete against each other – half of the lanes were filled with ADF boats.

The crews performed well, with three racing each other again in the repechage, where windy conditions unfortunately saw all four ADF crews miss out on a place in the final.

During the SIRR, ADF represen-tatives participated in a ceremony to commemorate the centenary of the presentation of the King’s Cup at the 1919 Royal Henley Peace Regatta, which was conducted as part of repa-triation activities at the end of WWI.

“It was a delight to hear how engaged the entire rowing community was about the history of the King’s

Cup and how supportive they are of the ADF King’s Cup team,” FLGOFF Ruby Brady-Welsh said.

Governor of NSW GEN David Hurley (Retd) commemorated the 1919 AIF Number One crew and presented McVilly-Pearce pins to descendants of that crew.

After the commemoration, the ADF King’s Cup team conducted a row-past in the new mixed eight. Other squad members were on shore in traditional uniform and were avail-able to discuss what it felt like to row a wooden boat, similar to that used in 1919.

In March, the King’s Cup squad assisted in making a documentary and re-enactment of the 1919 race and rowing training on Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra, in anticipation of the upcoming King’s Cup race in London.

Participation in the 2019 centenary

event from July 5-7 will be an import-ant part of Australia’s military and rowing history.

Crews from the original six nations of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, UK, France and USA will be joined by Germany and the Netherlands to compete in the final three days of the Henley Royal Regatta.

The ADF King’s Cup team is yet to be announced, with 16 rowers to be selected from more than 40 applica-tions across the ADF.

This team of 16 personnel will travel to London to crew a mixed eight, which will include a mini-mum of two women, to re-contest the King’s Cup in a Military VIIIs event.

Rowing Association will be holding the next Learn to Row camp in October, for further information contact MAJ Nicholas Williams.

ADF squad prepares for the 2019 King’s Cup

Video of the ADF King’s Cup re-enactment can be seen at

video.defence.gov.au/play/6103