The official newspaper of the Royal Australian NavyVolume 55, No. 4, March 15, 2012

SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE

Navy

DRIVERS SEATSTOKERS OFF AND RACING Page 2

INLAND TIDE

In the air and on the ground, Navy personnel pitch in to help flood-affected regions Page 3

ON THE JOB: PO Jarrod Niewawdaal gives a safety brief to Army personnel before they board a Squirrel at RAAF Base Wagga. The Squirrel conducted surveillance sorties over the city of Wagga to assess flood damage. INSET: The view from a Navy Squirrel of the flood-affected Wagga region. Photos: LACW Jessica Smith

FROM TRASH TO TREASURE

STEELY RESOLVE

Page 19

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ReportersMichael Brooke: (02) 9359 2494LSIS Paul Berry: (02) 6266 7606SGT Andrew Hetherington: (02) 6266 7614CPL Max Bree: (02) 6266 7608CPL Melanie Schinkel: (02) 6265 2427CPL Nick Wiseman: (02) 6265 4140

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02 NEWSMarch 15, 2012

IN BRIEF

Anzac tenderA $300 MILLION maintenance and repair contract for the Anzac Class Frigates has been awarded to Naval Ship Management Australia. The five-year contract will provide better outcomes for industry and a more effective, value-for-money outcomes for Navy. The announcement follows extensive consultation with industry on a new approach to contracts for repair and maintenance. In contrast to the previous arrangements which required every new maintenance activity to be individually contracted out, the grouping of ship repair and maintenance tasks offers the potential for significant cost savings. Contract negotiations are expected to be finalised by June.

Ride for museumTO MARK the 50th anniversary of Australia’s first involvement in the Vietnam war, the inaugural Tour of Duty bicycle event is being run by Vetride. Participants are riding from Echuca to Melbourne over four consecutive days and include a field of nearly 50 riders, including an ex-RAN Vietnam veteran. More information can be accessed at http://vetride@vvaavic.org.au/ or through organiser Maurie Benson by phoning 0417 588 886.

Reserves’ subsidyRESERVISTS receiving subsidies under the Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme (DHOAS) must provide effective service to ensure their entitlements don’t change, according to Relocations and Housing Director Alan McClelland. “If a reservist fails to perform 20 or more reserve days in a service year, the member’s continued eligibility or entitlement to the DHOAS subsidy could be adversely affected,” Mr McClelland said. Reservists should notify the Department of Veterans’ Affairs if they are unable to meet the effective service requirement. A DVA representative will be able to discuss the options available to individual members. For more information go to www.dhoas.gov.au or call 1300 434 627.

Reviews herald changeCpl Max Bree

CHANGE is on the way after the release of a series of reviews delving into Defence culture in Canberra on March 7.

Defence Minis ter Stephen Smith, CDF GEN David Hurley and Defence Secretary Duncan Lewis released six reviews covering the personal conduct of ADF personnel, use of alcohol in the ADF, use of social media in Defence, Defence public service women’s leadership pathways, management of incidents and complaints, and allegations of sexual and other abuse in Defence.

A report into the ADFA ‘Skype incident’ which prompted the cul-ture reviews will not be made public because of privacy concerns and an ongoing police investigation.

GEN Hurley said the reviews reflected the culture within Defence.

“The ADF has had a mirror in the form of six reviews held up to it over the past 11 months. As any of us normally do when we look into a mirror, we see strengths and we see flaws,” he said.

In response to the culture reviews, Defence has produced a strategy, The Pathway to Change: Evolving Defence Culture. The strat-egy outlines steps toward culture change, including re-examining the organisation’s values, reviewing the handling of misconduct and diversi-fying the senior leadership group.

“The type of deep and far-reach-ing reform we are seeking will take time and a sustained effort from all Defence staff over many years,” GEN Hurley said.

“But make no mistake – we are committed to tackling our cultural challenges at their source.”

He sa id recommendat ions from the review into the treatment of women at ADFA were already being implemented, including a new residential support officer scheme, which puts junior officers in their final years at ADFA in place to pro-vide live-in supervision and peer support for cadets.

“As Defence members we under-stand that we are quite rightly held to higher standards and greater scrutiny than the majority of the

Australian society,” GEN Hurley said.

“And while we strive for a clean record, if things do go wrong, we must be able to demonstrate that we have the moral courage to act and the ability to respond in an appropri-ate and timely manner.”

The reviews made 109 recom-mendations. Of these, 85 have been fully accepted by Defence. The remaining 24 have been accepted in principle.

The reviews were initiated last year after an incident in which a male ADFA officer cadet streamed internet video of consensual sex with a female cadet to cadets in another room without the woman’s knowl-edge.

ADFA Commandant CDRE Bruce Kafer has resumed his duties after the Kirkham Inquiry into the incident found no wrongdoing with his handling of the matter.

The reports can be viewed online at: www.defence.gov.au/culturereviews

Reports released in full were:

Personal conduct of ADF personnel – Found members were aware of the expectations on them and a relatively small number failed to live up to those standards. Its recommendations included simplifying policy and the complaints process.

Use of alcohol in the ADF – Recommendations included a review of alcohol prices at ADF bases and preparation of an evidence-based alcohol management strategy for Defence.

Use of social media in Defence – Recommended a review of all ADF policies in relation to social media and a review of social media training within Defence.

Defence APS women’s leadership pathways – As a result of the report Defence will begin a rotation program for senior women at Senior Executive Service Band 2/3 with the broader APS and establish a central maternity leave pool to manage the full-time equivalent liability associated with maternity leave.

Management of incidents and complaints – Recommended Defence reduce the cur-rent backlog of grievances, simplify training and information on complaint and develop an improved process to manage grievances.

The report of the review into allegations of sexu-al and other abuse in Defence, was redacted for privacy reasons.

Committment on cultural challenges

Stokers off and racing with FPRLSIS Paul Berry

TWO MT sailors with unique internships have had a dream start in the 2012 Ford Performance Racing (FPR) V8 Supercar Industry outplacement program.

PO Clint MacGregor and LS Ash Schmidt met with FPR team leaders on February 20 and were put straight to work at the FPR Victorian workshop.

As a result of their hard work, Team Navy driver Chaz Mostert dominated round one of the Dunlop V8 Supercars Series in Adelaide on the weekend of March 3-4.

The Ford Performance Racing young gun drove his V8 to victory in both races, placing the Team Navy Falcon FG on top of the championship table.

POMT MacGregor said their first week on the job had been momentous.

“What struck us was the level of pro-fessionalism,” PO MacGregor said.

“Ash and I were blown away with their work ethic and skill and knew that we would love working here.”

LS Schmidt was put to task in the composite workshop, producing glass reinforced plastic and carbon fibre com-ponents for the V8 Supercar.

PO MacGregor started work on

a $500,000 Computer Numerated Controlled machine, machining intricate components for the race car sub-frame assembly and internal cabin.

The pair will rotate through FPR workshops during the next 12 months and will provide pit crew support at almost every race meeting for the season.

“We have seen the similarities involved in getting the cars ready for the Clipsal 500 (Adelaide, March 1-4) and getting our own ships ready for sea after maintenance periods.”

THEY’RE RACING: POMT Clint MacGregor and LSMT Ash Schmidt (pictured left) in the FPR workshop; and (main) Chas Mostert takes the chequered flag in Adelaide.

SOUTHERN REGION HEALTH SERVICES CONFERENCE 2012

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Many interesting presentations about experiences and lessons learnt relating to current

The Southern Region Health Services Conference 2012 is proudly sponsored by Defence Reserves Support.

For further information: Call 1800 803 485 or visit

03NEWS March 15, 2012

SBLT Sarah West

NAVY flexed its muscles in February…. Wait! Correction: the Royal Australian Navy flexed its mus-sels in February at the City of Rockingham’s Annual Musselfest Cook-off.

ABCK Jason Hunter put his culinary talents (refined daily at the HMAS Stirling wardroom) to the test against some of Western Australia’s top chefs in a battle to crown the best mussel dish of 2012.

There was no questioning the freshness of the seafood fare, delivered by Navy divers (from AUSCDT4) who emerged from the sea offering a bounty of tasty treasures from the deep.

The pressure was on with the festival drawing a massive crowd to the Rockingham foreshore – which soared to 45,000 visitors during the two days.

For the judges, the 20-year-old Navy cook from Sydney masterfully created a multi-cultural mussel masterpiece.

“First, I took it to Japan, with a mussel and seaweed salad with pickled ginger and salmon roe.

“Then, I took it to France by adding a mussel veloute with blood orange and mint, served with a char-grilled baguette.

“And finally, I completed the dish with a Spanish favourite (with a twist): a paella infused mussel panna-cotta, with saffron and coriander,” said AB Hunter.

“I find the art and science involved in cooking fascinating. I love the physicality involved. It’s compelling.

“I am unwaveringly passionate and determined to succeed, hence why I put my hand up for this competition,” said ABCK Hunter who joined the Navy in 2010.

After much deliberation by the judges, however, victory wasn’t to be for ABCK Hunter who narrowly missed out on the 2012 crown. He certainly gave his all, though, and his skills are sure to be appreciated at Stirling.

MUSSEL-OFF: ABCK Jason Hunter competes in the 2012 Rockingham Musselfest cook-off against three of the leading restaurant chefs from the local area. Photo: ABIS Alan Lancaster

Mussel magic at Rockingham

Navy’s view of inland tide

HAPPY TO HELP: SMN Darren Galea (left) and AB Colin Cameron stand in front of a Squirrel helicopter at RAAF Base Wagga.

Raveena Carroll-Kenney

NAVIGATION charts were not quite as helpful as they’d normally be for the crew of the Navy’s Squirrel detachment who were sent in to assist with the Wagga Wagga flood emergency.

The two aircraft from No. 723 Squadron were tasked with flying reconnaissance missions over the water-logged Riverina region, a mission which provided some particular challenges due to the dramatically changed landscape.

Lieutenant Commander Cliff Gaudie said the view from the air was both spectacular and devastating.

“There is certainly a great deal of water around. We’ve seen the bursting of banks east of Wagga Wagga by five miles, all the way to Griffith,” LCDR Gaudie said.

“It’s really significant for us from a visual navigation point of view. There are swathes of water and the landscape is largely undetectable other than the trees that follow the riverbank.”

No. 723 Squadron provided two aircraft and five aircrew to the flood operation. They spent almost eight hours airborne, surveying the region from Wagga Wagga to Griffith.

LCDR Gaudie said the mission received outstanding support from the team of nine maintainers who ensured the serviceability of the aircraft.

“This was a difficult task at short notice and our maintenance team was integral in making sure Navy played an important role in the overall ADF effort,” LCDR Gaudie said.

Trainees lend heavy handsRaveena Carroll-Kenney

WHILE it may not be known as a Navy town, the RAN provided a third of the heavy lifting during the ADF’s initial response to the flood crisis in Wagga Wagga.

The entire group of 163 Navy aviation technical trade trainees from the RAAF School of Technical Training had been ready to go as soon as the first call for volunteers went out around 4pm on March 3.

An hour later, a group of around 15 who had been chosen for the first shift were on the ground sandbagging at the State Emergency Service and council yards.

S c h o o l Wa r r a n t O f f i c e r Discipl inary, WOFF Richard Salcole, said the men and women from the Navy made a significant contribution towards filling 35,000 sandbags on that first night.

“The sailors made up around a third of the initial push as the ADF worked to limit the damage of this overwhelming event,” WOFF Salcole said.

“As part of the school they’ve

continued to contribute to the flood relief work, both sandbagging and doorknocking.

“It’s been a tremendous effort by all students and staff from the school, who have continued lessons throughout the crisis via a roster system which has enabled some training to continue, while still assisting with flood relief.

“Now the teams are on standby to resume the hard work when we

get the green light for the clean up phase of the operation.”

The RAAF School of Technical Training is responsible for training Navy a i r c r a f t and av ion ic s technicians. The trainees are posted to HMAS Albatross and bourne at RAAF Base Wagga, where they spend around 18 months on their training courses. Including staff, the Navy has on average, 172 personnel located at RAAF Base Wagga.

HEAVY HANDS: Navy trainees who helped fill and prepare more than 35,000 sandbags at Wagga Wagga.

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04 NEWSMarch 15, 2012

LEUT Kelli Lunt

INTERNATIONAL Women’s Day was celebrated around Australia by the ADF, and in Canberra, a group of leaders from the local community were inspired by the story of one of Navy’s young leaders.

LS Trish Dollisson set her sights high when she joined the Navy. Her goal was to speak seven languages plus English by the time she turned 30. She was happy to say that as a linguist she had achieved this during her military career.

This was one of the stories she told as guest speaker at the Accenture Canberra Women: “Connected and Inspired” con-ference at the National Portrait Gallery on March 8.

She spoke on leadership and the impor-tance of mentoring and reinforced the 2012 International Women’s Day theme ‘Connecting girls, inspiring futures’.

Her moving speech had a key message of the gift of resilience – resilience in the face of adversity and how one can turn

challenges into more positive experiences for moving forward.

LS Dollisson recounted several stories from her Defence career and her personal experiences.

“The ADF strives to better represent the community in which it lives and serves,” LS Dollison said.

“It now offers more than 300 excit-ing career opportunities to women. More than 10,000 of us are serving in the Navy, Army and Air Force as full-time or part-time members.

“The Navy has provided me with many opportunities. As a leading seaman, I am the first level of management for the sailor ranks.

“What I enjoy most at this rank is the opportunity to mentor young people, pro-vide leadership and guidance as they fur-ther their own careers. The Navy is very strong on career management and I have had a number of really brilliant people as my mentors.”

LS Dollisson also spoke of the different styles of leadership that men and women bring to the Defence Force.

“Navy and the ADF all sup-port good leadership. Navy has put into place the Navy Women’s Leadership Program which specifically trains women in skills such as networking, building your communication skills and building leadership.

“Men and women have dif-ferent styles of leadership and the Navy is really embracing that.”

A fifth-generation mili-tary member in her family, LS Dollisson has spent most of the past decade serving as a lin-guist in the Navy, and has had the opportunity to work on exchange in Royal New Zealand Navy and with the United States Marine Corps in Hawaii.

Speaking language of women

SPEAKING UP: LS Trish Dollisson talks about life in the RAN.

Michael Brooke

HMAS Success literally met her nemesis in Sydney Harbour to con-tribute to two important milestones including the Navy’s 111th birth-day celebration.

Success conducted an official salute for a NSW Water Police flo-tilla led by Nemesis at Fleet Base East on March 1 to also mark the 150th anniversary of the NSW Police Force.

Success’ Officer of the Day,

LEUT Ben Grossi said they dipped the White Ensign in response to Nemesis dipping her flag as she and seven NSW Police patrol boats cruised around Woolloomoolo Bay.

“The salute is one of the tra-ditions of the RAN which today marks its 111th anniversary,” he said.

The success of the ceremony was miraculously aided by the sud-den retreat of thunder clouds and the arrival of brilliant sunshine.

Success’ ship’s company is get-

ting ready for a busy and challeng-ing 2012.

Commanding Officer CMDR Ainsley Morthorpe said the oppor-tunity to conduct a century-old tra-dition on a day that was special to the NSW Police and the Royal Australian Navy, on our respective birthdays, was wonderful.

“It was great to demonstrate the special relationship between mari-ners as the Water Police went from Woolloomooloo Bay to join in the march through the city,” he said.

AHOY THERE: HMAS Success dips her White Ensign as the NSW Police flotilla marks its 150th anniversary on the same day as the Navy’s 111th birthday. Photo: Michael Brooke

A salute to a nemesis

ASLT Katherine Mulheron

NAVY’S mascot Pepper Penguin has joined forces with the Defence Community Organisation (DCO) to help families with young children cope with the pressures of absences and life in the services.

Pepper stars in a series of four books: A Visit to the Australian War Memorial, Life in the Navy, AB Pepper Penguin Sails the High Seas, and An Icy Adventure. Each depicts his adventures and travels as a member of the RAN.

CDF GEN David Hur ley stressed the importance of support for families and how AB Pepper Penguin and his DCO friends Sapper Pat and Tyler Turtle are a great resource for families, children and schools.

Head Navy Capability RADM Allan du Toit added his support to the DCO initiative.

“Families are important to us. We need to help our young families to deal with the demands placed on them,” RADM du Toit said.

In a style easily understood, children can follow the adventures of AB Penguin and share his experi-ences which have included serving on HMA Ships Tobruk and Success

and aboard the Aurora Australis. Pepper is also a modern and well connected penguin with his own Facebook and blog sites.

Order the books by calling 1800 624 608 or emailing DefenceFamilyHelpline@defence.gov.au.

Pepper the penguin pens his tales

READING TIME: Pepper launches his new books with LS Tamasin Fengler and AB Dale Krause. Photo: Kevin Piggott

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05NEWS March 15, 2012

Army on deckLEUT Darren Mallett

HMAS Choules is currently conducting Exercise Squadex 2012 with Army elements from the 3rd Bri-gade, 10th Force Support Battalion and 5th Aviation Regiment in Townsville.

Exercise Squadex 2012 aims to develop the enhanced amphibious capacity of the Australian De-fence Force as the transition into the Canberra Class Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) vessel occurs.

The focus has been training drivers of water and land vehicles to board and disembark, along with aviation assets trialling the vessel as a landing pad.

The exercise also includes simulated beach land-ings and activities in nearby training areas.

“Manoeuvring an Army Landing Craft Medium 8 (LCM8) onto the ‘beach’ in HMAS Choules is a completely different task to the amphibious landing we are used to,” said Pte Jarrod Gafa of 35 Water Transport Squadron.

“It’s reasonably daunting first time, the ship is very stable and the entry is wide enough, but condi-tions like the sea swell and the current can make it a challenge to execute.”

While qualifying LCM8 drivers has been the early focus of the exercise (which will transition into Exercise Sea Lion 2012), personnel from 35 Water Transport Squadron have also demonstrated their capability with successful embarking and deploy-ment evolutions using the Lighter Amphibious Resupply Cargo (LARCs).

While amphibious operations are ongoing, on the flight deck, Blackhawk pilots from 5th Aviation

Regiment have been busy confirming their deck land-ing qualifications.

HMAS Choules’ Commanding Officer CMDR John Cowan said these activities will soon become the norm.

“HMAS Choules is a fantastic asset to the Navy and the Australian Defence Force in general, particu-larly as we move into the transition of the LHDs,” said CMDR Cowan.

“The vessel provides the capacity to conduct simultaneous seaborne and airborne operations, day and night utilising various types of landing craft and helicopters with a significant increase in the speed of transfer.

“This provides a huge amount of flexibility to com-mand.”

Navy News will feature further from HMAS Choules’ capa-bility in the next edition.

ON DECK: The flight deck of HMAS Choules during Exercise Squadex (main); with a Unimog Truck and a Land Rover 110 being loaded onto a Landing Craft Medium (LCM8) in the well dock of HMAS Choules (inset).Photos: ABIS Sarah Williams and

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06 NEWSMarch 15, 2012

Workshop essential for promotionJustine O’Brien

SENIOR sailors and officers have until the end of this year to complete a Navy Leadership Development Workshop or risk being overlooked for promotion.

While the majority of officers and senior sailors have completed one of these workshops, there remains a number who are yet to register for, and complete, one of the many workshops on offer.

In 2009 CN mandated that completion of a Navy Leadership Development Workshop was a condition of promotion for officers from 2013 onwards.

The Navy Leadership Development Workshops were developed to provide Navy people with the opportunity to improve their leadership skills and understand the impact leadership has on people. They were designed to include a 360-degree feedback process, which has been welcomed by officers and senior sailors.

Responses to the workshops from those who have participated have been overwhelmingly positive.

Permanent Navy (including continuous full-time service), CAPT, CMDR, LCDR, WO, or CPOs who have yet to complete a workshop, need to take action and register for a place soon.

Navy Reservists are encouraged to complete a leadership workshop, particularly if they are engaged in frequent reserve service. Navy APS at the EL1 and EL2 level may elect to participate for a workshop as part of their performance agreement.

A schedule of this year’s Navy Leadership Development Workshops and registration forms can be accessed from the Navy Intranet site.

Governor of Victoria and Reviewing Officer, The Honourable Alex Chernov is escorted by Guard Commander LCDR Damon Craig during an inspection of the Royal Guard during the HMAS Cerberus Governor’s Ceremonial Divisions.

Photo: ABIS Lincoln Commane

Governor’s Cup for CerberusPERSONNEL at HMAS Cerberus have turned out in force to accept one of the RAN’s most prestigious honours.

The Governor’s Cup was introduced in 2007. It is an annual award presented to the establishment that has been the most proficient in areas such as its operations, management of safety, train-ing and support to the Fleet, security awareness and rela-tionships across and beyond Navy.

It is presented by the Governor of the state in which the establishment or Navy HQ is located.

T h e C o m m a n d i n g Officer of HMAS Cerberus, CAPT Katherine Richards, said it was a very special day.

“This award is a credit to everyone here,” CAPT Richards said.

“All of those here have worked incredibly hard to reach this milestone.

“As I settle into my new role as CO, my predecessor CAPT Mark Hill, his XO CMDR Shane Gassock and WO Fred Campbell should also relish this recognition of the work they have put in over recent times.

“I could not be more proud of our people and the work they have put in to make HMAS Cerberus what it is today.”

M o r e t h a n 1 0 0 0 C e r b e r u s p e r s o n n e l

formed up with 100 sailors forming a Royal Guard at the Ceremonial Divisions, conducted on the main parade ground on the morning of March 2.

The award was handed out by the Governor of Victoria, The Honourable Alex Chernov AC QC.

The parade also coin-cided with Navy’s 111th birthday.

Bonding with BundabergCpl Nick Wiseman

HMAS Bundaberg sailors based in Cairns and currently in Darwin on an extended maintenance period, took the time to meet with and engage the community of Katherine.

The idea was to give the sailors some shore time while also getting involved with the local community.

XO LEUT Ashleigh Payne said it was a great oppor-tunity for the sailors to join in with the local and extend-ed outback community and experience the Katherine Gorge first hand.

“We had planned to visit the Cairns Children’s Ward but being here in Darwin chose to visit the Katherine Ward instead,” LEUT Payne said.

“We structured the group so there was a range of ranks and skills to share with the community.”

The group visited the Katherine School of the Air, one of three distance education schools catering to iso-lated primary and middle school students located in the top half of the Northern Territory.

One of the group members LS Nic Gleeson said the reaction from the children was amazing.

“We spoke about ourselves and our careers in the Navy,” LS Gleeson said.

“Their reaction was really good and they asked a lot of questions.”

The group also spent time at the Katherine High School speaking with the students and spent time at the local hospital children’s ward.

The sailors handed out pencil cases and other navy memorabilia and talked with the children about their stay in hospital.

Taking advantage of being in Katherine, the group gathered for a team-building exercise, tackling the iconic Katherine Gorge with a 10-kilometre hike.

The group completed the hike in about four hours, taking time to cool off in the local waterhole before completing their journey.

AIR TIME: WO Scott Brown, AB Rothanna Abednego, AB Sean McCarthy, LS Andrew Rose, LS Shaun Lowry and AB Trent Bailey with two members of the Katherine School of the Air.

Divers harbour junk in clean up Australia effortMichael Brooke

NAVY clearance divers found almost everything but Davy Jones’ locker in Sydney’s Darling Harbour when they participated in Clean Up Australia Day on March 4.

Diving in the shadows of the Australian Maritime Museum exhibit, HMAS Vampire, 18 Navy divers recovered six bicycles, four wheelie bins, six tyres,

six barricades, one filing cabinet, and scaffolding as well as scooters, skateboards, furniture and other assorted junk.

The majority of volunteers came from AUSCDT-ONE, and included members from HMA Ships Gascoyne, Diamantina and Reserve Dive Team 5.

CO AUSCDT-ONE LCDR Brett Dawe said divers were surprised by the volume of debris retrieved from a beautiful part of Sydney Harbour.

LCDR Dawe told Navy News the activities were completed with a high level of professionalism by junior sailors who raised the public profile of the capability of RAN divers.

“As divers we always enjoy the opportunity to get in the water for even mundane dirty tasks that bring great service and reward to the community with so little effort,” he said.

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07NEWS March 15, 2012

LCDR Tuan Vo

THE ship’s company of HMAS Parramatta enjoyed a unique experi-ence when the ship joined the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier battle group on February 25 in the North Arabian Sea.

Parramatta closed in on the carrier group at speed and assumed plane guard station for the USS Abraham Lincoln where she was perfectly positioned to observe the might of the carrier force in full display.

HMAS Parramatta recently partici-pated in the Combined Maritime Forces focused operation Scimitar Anzac during Operation Slipper.

The focused operation, named after the popular Middle Eastern curved sword and reflecting the Australian representation, was designed to bolster the safety and security for mariners transiting the strategically important Bab Al Mandeb Strait.

Parramatta participated in consort with Pakistani Navy Ship PNS Babur, Royal Navy ships HMS Daring and RFA Wave Knight, and a host of maritime patrol aircraft. Embarking four Yemeni Navy and Coastguard officers as observers provided valuable insights into the area and fostered a sense of cama-raderie for the crew of Parramatta.

The Bab Al Mandeb (BAM) is an important strategic corridor linking the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean. Almost all of the trade between the European Union and China, Japan, India and the rest of Asia passes through the passage every day.

Up to 30 per cent of the world’s oil, including all of the oil and natural gas from the Persian Gulf heading west passes through this area daily and more than 20,000 ships per year transit the area.

On station for more than two hours, Parramatta’s ship’s company witnessed the continuous stream of F/A-18 Hornets circling the battle group.

Chaplain Andrew Watters said it was mind boggling.

“I’d never thought I be so close to a US carrier to witness the full might of a carrier group,” he said. “It’s not something that I’ll forget.”

The USS Abraham Lincoln is the fifth Nimitz-class super carrier in the US Navy.

At 333 metres long, 77 metres wide and weighing in at 100,000 tonnes, the ship is more than 25 times larger than HMAS Parramatta.

The Abraham Lincoln is powered by two nuclear reactors, four steam turbines and can reach speeds of more than 30 knots with unlimited range.

Parramatta departed company with the carrier group after the brief encounter to continue with her patrol in the Arabian Sea.

P a r r a m a t t a ’s p r e s e n c e i s contributing to the interoperability of 25 Combined Maritime Force (CMF) nations and demonstrates Australia’s and the CMF’s resolve to maintain safe access to vital international straits and the maintenance of good order at sea.

The Anzac Class Frigate is due to be relieved on station by HMAS Melbourne and is due to return to Sydney at the end of the month.

In the giant’s shadow BIG AND BIGGER: HMAS

Parramatta with USS Abraham Lincoln in the North Arabian Sea. Photo: LSA Blake Woolard

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09NEWS March 15, 2012

Michael Brooke

NAVY cooks are helping young apprentices fol-low the scent of success into the RAN.

A dozen apprentice cooks got a taste of pre-paring gourmet food from the galley at HMAS Kuttabul, where they learnt about being cooks in the Navy.

The apprentices then helped service 300 rav-enous sailors drawn to the galley by the smell of delicious food.

POCK Scott Oram and LSCK Jude Gregory briefed the trainee chefs on the challenges and rewards of being Navy cooks, including the vari-ety of meals they cook at sea.

The curious apprentices asked if the job allowed for a degree of gourmet chef finesse.

The apprentices were delighted to learn they can enhance their culinary skills with the Navy which operates work experience programs with popular commercial venues such as Matt Moran’s ARIA restaurant and others.

PO Oram said the work experience programs also allowed Navy cooks to learn from highly regarded chefs and to return to shore postings or ships with new skills and experience.

“The morale of a ship’s company is directly linked to the quality of the food they receive and we cooks are therefore totally committed to win-ning the hearts, minds and stomachs of hungry sailors,” he said.

Contract Performance Manager CPOCK Simon Allanson said the apprentice open-day pro-gram allowed Navy to recruit people with prior learning, which resulted in sailors getting the best quality meals and snacks.

Navy’s cooks have earned a wide reputation for preparing feasts fit for a king in all manner of sea states and trying circumstances.

GRUB’S UP: POCK Scott Oram welcomes hungry diners to the galley at HMAS Kuttabul. Photo: Michael Brooke

Taste of the RANCpl Melanie Schinkel

DEFENCE’S commitment to the annual blood challenge was acknowledged on February 29 as VCDF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin was presented with a perpetual trophy by the Australian Red Cross Blood Service in Canberra.

Awarded by the CEO of the Australian Red Cross Blood Service, Jennifer Williams, the trophy will be used to mark the achievements of the highest donating service each year.

“In what is truly a win for Australian patients, Australian Defence Organisation personnel made a record 2156 dona-tions across three months last year, saving as many as 6400 lives in the process,” Ms Williams said.

“This result represents a huge 30 per cent increase in donations from Defence compared to previous years.”

Last year Army topped the donation count with 767 fol-lowed by Air Force with 577, Navy with 424 and the Defence public service with 388.

AIRMSHL Binskin said it was good to see Defence men and women extending their spirit of service by participating in the ADO Blood Challenge.

“This is such an important cause. Not only do these dona-tions save lives in the Australian community but Australian Red Cross Blood Service products are also used on operations in East Timor and Solomon Islands,” AIRMSHL Binskin said.

“The ADO Blood Challenge is now in its fourth year and every year the number of donations has increased markedly. For 2012, the challenge for the other services will be to break last year’s record and beat Army.”

CA LTGEN David Morrison also accepted a trophy on behalf of Army for winning the 2011 blood challenge.

“In terms of Army, 767 donations only account for about one battalion group and we have at least 10 battalion groups. Navy, Air Force and the Defence public service better watch out because Army is out to win again this year,” LTGEN Morrison said.

The 2012 ADO Blood Challenge will be launched in August and dona-tions will be collected from September to November.

Drawing blood over new trophy

10 NEWSMarch 15, 2012

Ballarat fires up a stormMichael Brooke

THE war-cry of HMAS Ballarat’s 127mm Mk 45 automatic gun echoed throughout Jervis Bay when she fired 13 rounds as part of a challenging air warfare serial during Exercise Triton Storm.

Ballarat was part of a combined task group of RAN and Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) warships, maritime heli-copters and clearance divers participat-ing in Exercise Triton Storm 12 from February 13-24.

Operating off the east coast of Jervis Bay, Ballarat conducted live firings of her 127mm gun, seamanship evolutions, mine-hunting and air warfare serials that also involved F/A-18 Hornets, Hawk jet-fighters and Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control aircraft.

Ballarat fired her main gun and crew-served 50-calibre machineguns in response to an attack by three ‘enemy’ Hawk fighters that flew attack profiles over the ship to simulate anti-ship mis-siles.

The attack marked a baptism of fire for Ballarat’s Bridge Officer of the Watch trainee, SBLT Miquela Riley, 24.

The JWAC Phase Four officer said Triton Storm marked her first real intro-duction to naval warfare.

“I haven’t had much exposure to warfare which is why I’ve found Triton Storm so challenging and stimulating,” she said.

SBLT Riley said she was excited by the prospect of Triton Storm Phase Two in the West, where she was scheduled to qualify for her Bridge Watchkeeping Certificate.

While SBLT Riley juggled a multitude of tasks in the Bridge during the simu-lated air attack, ABBM Matthew Bennett had his hands full with the task of firing a 50-calibre machine-gun.

ABBM Bennett said during Triton Storm he had honed his anti-air and anti-submarine warfare skills.

“It’s been really good to do this indi-vidual and collective training because it has improved our high-end war-fighting skills,” he said.

ABBM Bennett said he loved firing the 50-calibre machine-gun which was one reason why he had “the best job in the world”.

Ballarat’s Ops Room was also a hive of activ-ity during Triton S t o r m , w i t h the Principle W a r f a r e O f f i c e r s fighting the ship against a range of simultaneous threats.

H o w e v e r , B a l l a r a t ’ s unsung heroes were the cooks who maintained the morale of the ship’s company with their food.

ABCK Jasmine Thompson, 21, is one of five ABCKs who prepared some 600 main meals and snacks per day, while also shouldering the burden as medics or members of the boarding party.

CO Ballarat CMDR Jonathan Earley said Triton Storm served as an important shake-down period after the annual break.

“Triton Storm provides valuable opportunities to hone mariner and war-fighting skills in a multi-unit, multi-threat environment, but in a measured way,” he said.

“Ultimately, the exercise will provide the necessary exposure for ship’s com-pany to achieve individual and collec-tive training outcomes while ensuring we maintain our operational preparedness.”

At the conclusion of Triton Storm Phase Two Ballarat commenced a three-month deployment to Asia to under-take major bi-lateral exercises including Exercise Bersama Shield.

FROM CERBERUS TO SEATWO members of HMAS Ballarat’s ship’s company share their journey from a trainee to a valued part of the frigate.”

 SMNET Edward SteersI joined the Navy from Brisbane in November 2009. After initial training at HMAS Cerberus and a short spell at FSU Sydney, I joined HMAS Ballarat in July 2011.

My first thoughts were `how am I ever going to find my way around’ because the ship felt like a giant maze.

The ship’s routine is very different from anything I had experienced, however these initial anxious feelings were outweighed by the excitement of being on board a warship.

The ship’s first tasking was Exercise Talisman Sabre – a perfect opportunity to experience life at sea.

Within the first week I became proficient in whole ship evolutions such as replenish-ment at sea, man overboard, special sea duties, launching boats and damage control.

I’m proud to say I am now a confident and proficient member of the ship’s company. I am close to finishing my competency task journal and I can then go ashore and finish my training and become a fully qualified elec-tronics technician.

 SMNMT Louise McDermottAfter nine months of trade training at HMAS Cerberus, it’s time to move into the fleet.

Instructors and staff do their best to prepare you, but until you arrive, it is still unknown and it can take a couple of weeks to find your feet.

I began consolidation training at the Fleet Support Unit (FSU). There are ships alongside that required maintenance, and with any luck, FSU will be tasked. This means a wide variety of jobs on several different platforms. This is a good experience for those who are unsure of where they would prefer to be posted.

After a month at FSU, I completed weld-ing tasks, mechanical cutting tasks and learnt how to operate several different types of machinery.

From day one you are told your career is in your hands and in my experience it is defi-nitely the case. If you have a positive attitude, the staff at FSU are more than willing to sup-port your progression.

I posted to HMAS Ballarat in August and have learnt more than expected. My supervi-sors are experienced and happy to pass on the knowledge they have.

I love shipboard life and being at sea. It is hard and very rewarding work. I also take comfort in trusting my life to the hands of my shipmates and hope they do the same.

FULL STEAM AHEAD: HMAS Ballarat fires her 127mm gun during an air warfare serial (above) with Bridge Officer of the Watch trainee SBLT Miquela Riley at action stations during an air warfare serial.

Cpl Melanie Schinkel

POSITIVE changes are unfolding to increase the protection of Defence personnel and establishments in the event of a threatening security inci-dent such as a terrorist attack.

Defence personnel may notice an increase in deterrent infrastructure and Australian Federal Police (AFP) presence on their bases and establish-ments as a result of initiatives being implemented by the Base Security Improvement Program (BSIP).

Coordinating the program’s sched-ule and reporting on its progress is Matthew Couch from the BSIP Program Management Office in Canberra.

Mr Couch said the program was established in 2010 after a review made 33 recommendat ions to enhance the protection of personnel and workplaces in August 2009.

“The AFP and a number of intel-

ligence agencies foiled a terrorist plot targeted at Holsworthy Barracks in 2009. This led to a review of secu-rity across the Defence estate with the intention of improving protection for personnel serving on bases,” Mr Couch said.

“The threat is real and the best security enhancement is for all base personnel to be alert and proactive.

“Under an intelligence-led and risk-based approach, the BSIP con-tinues to deliver security measures aimed at mitigating identified risks.

“By tailoring improvements to the profile of each base, identified risks will be reduced and the safety of per-sonnel against terrorist-based attacks will be increased.

“The program is largely delivered with the remainder of deliverables on schedule and on budget. Base per-sonnel will note over the coming 12 months the introduction of search as a condition of base entry, and infra-

structure changes to enhance access control.”

A component of the BSIP is the Enhanced Self-Defence Capability (ESDC), which builds upon strength-ened self-defence legislation pro-viding a more robust framework by which base personnel can defend themselves and others in the event of a serious incident.

The ESDC capability focuses on protecting Defence people through a deter, protect and respond model.

ESDC project team leader Lt-Col Wayne Higgins said the capability included an armed AFP presence on some bases to provide surveillance and an immediate response. On bases at most risk of an attack, ADF war-dens with access to weapons would also be present.

“If the need arises, uniformed ADF personnel who will be trained and authorised, will draw weapons, ammunition, and other equipment and

take up positions to protect approach-es to designated safe zones where the base population will take cover dur-ing an incident,” Lt-Col Higgins said.

He said onsite AFP would be the first to respond to an incident by cordoning and containing the threat and, if it was within their capability, resolving the situation.

“The AFP will do what they can but the state or territory police may come onto the base to resolve the sit-uation as they have jurisdiction.”

Security program and self-defence capability developments will continue as systems are brought online and supporting infrastructure works are completed.

For more information on security initiatives being implemented on spe-cific bases or establishments, con-tact the relevant site liaison officer or search for the BSIP website on the DRN.

11NEWS March 15, 2012

Cpl Mark Doran

NAVY Guided Weapons Systems Programs Office – West has been nom-inated as a finalist in the first annual Defence Excellence in Security Awards for the outstanding contribution to security by a team.

The awards will honour and cel-ebrate achievements in security by personnel working in the Defence envi-ronment.

Julian Ross is a quality manager at the torpedo maintenance facility at HMAS Stirling on Garden Island and has shared the commitment and dedication to the security role with the Security Officer Susan Ramshaw .

Mr Ross said they achieved this by having a detailed plan and a schedule which advised them what security activities needed to be undertaken and when.

“We also formulated a communica-tion strategy to raise the awareness among the staff,” Mr Ross said.

“Miss Ramshaw and I would like to acknowledge the other finalists as well as those who were nominated for their contribution towards security in Defence.

“As Security Officers we take our roles seriously and are humbled to be recognised by our Directors and management to be worthy of such an award.”

The Defence Excellence in Security Awards for will be presented to the winners at the Australian War Memorial on March 27.

Navy a finalistin Defencesecurityawards

LS Paul Berry

CONSTRUCTION of the Navy’s first Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD), HMAS Hobart, has taken a significant step forward following the delivery of another two keel blocks.

The blocks were shipped from the BAE Systems Williamstown shipyard to the Government of SA’s Common User Facility (CUF) on February 27.

BAE Systems Director of Maritime Bill Saltzer said the delivery brought the total number of blocks delivered to CUF to five (the first three hav-ing been delivered during 2011) and marked another significant milestone on the project.

“Construction of another six blocks is already underway in Williamstown, with two more to be delivered in a couple of months and the other four scheduled for completion later this year,” Mr Saltzer said.

Consolidation of the 100 tonne blocks into HMAS Hobart’s hull is expected to start later in the year.

Block production for the second AWD, HMAS Brisbane, is underway at four separate shipyards, while construc-tion on the third and final AWD, HMAS Sydney, will begin this year.

The state-of-the-art Hobart Class Combat System continues to take shape following delivery of Vertical Launch

System modules for HMAS Hobart, six Mk 25 Typhoon guns and three ship-sets of Mk 45 gun mounts.

Two ship-sets of Aegis Combat System equipment have passed factory acceptance testing by the US Navy and the Systems Centre in Adelaide has taken delivery of its first piece of Aegis equip-ment.

Once launched, the AWDs will be among the world’s most capable war-ships and are expected to be in service for more than 30 years.

AWDs a step closerwith keel blocks

OFF THE BLOCK: The first block to arrive by sea on the barge before being rolled off at Osborne, South Australia.

HMAS Choules dwarfs onlookers at Fleet Base East, as the ship arrives at its new home port.

Photo: LSIS Brenton Freind

Security measures:• Base Security Improvement Program

• Enhanced access control

• Enhanced command and control

• Improved infrastructure for personnel and vehicle control

• A wider scope of guarding activities

• A robust base-wide alert functionality

• An inspection, search and seizure regime that aims to deter and reduce the likelihood of weapons and explo-sives being brought onto Defence establishments

• Improved security planning including up to date plans and procedures

• Enhanced Self-Defence Capability

• Onsite armed AFP

• Armed and unarmed security wardens

• Improved communications capabilities to assist with command and control

• SMS alerts in addition to a base-wide alert system.

Better base security

CENTRESPREAD12 13March 15, 2012

Michael Brooke

THE courage and the sacrifice of Australian and Allied sailors killed in the Battle of the Java Sea in WWII were remembered by past and present Navy personnel at a commemoration service in Sydney on February 24.

More than 350 former and serving RAN personnel paused to reflect on the sacrifices of more than 2000 fallen heroes at a ceremony to mark the 70th anniversary of the Battle of the Java Sea.

The service commemorated events that took place with the Japanese inva-sion of Malaysia, the fall of Singapore on February 15, the loss of many Australian planes in Malaya, the sink-ing of the battleships Prince of Wales and Repulse to the last naval engage-ment on March 4, 1942.

NSW Governor Professor Marie Bashir and Commander Joint Health RADM Robyn Walker laid wreaths in the memory of the fallen sailors at Sydney’s Martin Place.

RADM Walker said more than 78 ships and submarines from five Allied navies took part in this major conflict with enormous loss of ships and crew.

“Many more were captured or sunk shortly before or during this period including HMA Ships Perth, Armidale and Yarra,” she said.

“This service specially honoured the Allied sailors killed in the epic sea battle fought during 27-28 February, as well as the crews of HMAS Perth (Capt Hector Waller) and the American cruiser, USS Houston, which initially escaped from the combined Anglo-Australian-Dutch-American fleet of 14 ships.”

But Perth’s survival was short-lived. The next day, on March 1, Perth and

Houston encountered a Japanese inva-sion force in the Sunda Strait and were sunk after inflicting heavy damage.

CAPT Waller was killed along with half his ship’s complement; the remain-der spent the rest of the war in prisoner of war camps.

Michael Brooke

HMAS Yarra’s ship’s company joined CN VADM Ray Griggs in Canberra for a solemn ceremony to mark the 70th anni-versary of the sinking of Yarra (II) in WWII.

Yarra’s gallant but hopeless defence of her convoy in the Indian Ocean, south of Java, on March 4,1942 is regarded as one of the bravest acts in Australian naval history.

The sacrifice made by Yarra’s ship’s company was remembered at the cer-emony at the Australian War Memorial.

Of Yarra’s crew of 151 Australian sailors, only 13 survived while making a final stand as the ship was sunk by a Japanese cruiser squadron.

The CO of the current HMAS Yarra, LCDR Brad Vizard, said the ceremony provided his young sailors with an oppor-tunity to reflect on the courage and sac-rifice of their name-sake which wrote a glorious new chapter in the legend of Anzac.

“This commemoration also reminds all of us in this uniform what can be asked of us as part of a combat force,” he said.

VADM Griggs said the anniversary of Yarra’s loss underlined the importance of the protection of shipping and the impor-tance of our sea laws.

“On this important day, we acknowl-edge the lives lost, the sacrifices made and the selfless service given by tens of thousands of fellow Australians,” he said.

“The story of Yarra is a special one.”The RAN sloop was escorting a small

convoy from Java to Australia when a superior force of Japanese warships came into view.

Immediately, LCDR Rankin made an enemy report, ordered the ships of the convoy to scatter and, placing his ship between them and the enemy, laid smoke while preparing to engage ships, mount-ing each 10 eight-inch guns with his three four-inch guns. Against such fire power, superior range and speed, the task was hopeless, yet Yarra (II) fought gallantly in a vain effort to save the convoy.

Yarra was also remembered in Newport, Melbourne in a ceremony attended by the sole surviving witness to that tragic day, Bernard Higgins, 88.

Remembering WWII heroes

SBLT Sarah West

MORE than 200 people packed St John’s Anglican Church in Fremantle, Western Australia, on February 26 to mark the 70th anniversary of the loss of HMAS Perth I and the USS Houston – sunk in the Battle of Sunda Strait during WWII.

Among those paying their respects were Arthur Bancroft, Norm Fuller, and Fred Skeels, who survived the sinking of Perth I, after their Modified Leander Class Light Cruiser was torpedoed by a Japanese Invasion Fleet on March 1, 1942.

The survivors were joined by families of crew members who lost their lives when the vessels were sunk off the coast of Java, or later as prisoners of war.

Serving members of HMAS Perth III and personnel from HMAS Stirling took part in the service, which was also attended by US Ambassador to Australia Jeffrey L. Bleich.

Perth III Commanding Officer CAPT Mal Wise delivered a moving speech at the service

“The sacrifice of the men of Perth I must not be forgotten,” he said

“Not simply because it is a remarkable piece of Naval history, but because we enjoy the freedom of this lucky country because of the sacrifice of these men, and so many others of their generation,” said CAPT Wise.

Both the Australian anthem and the US anthem were played during the service to honour the brave sailors from two great nations who fought side by side 70 years ago, and whose sacrifice will long be remembered.

350 of Perth 1’s crew perished during the Battle of Sunda Strait, and a further 106 lost their lives as prisoners of war. The USS Houston lost 638 men during the battle and a further 104 in POW camps.

After the war, 218 of Perth’s crew and 266 of Houston’s men were returned home.

During his address, CAPT Wise made a tribute to their legacy.

“The bravery and heroism of the men of Perth and the Houston has endured to this day, and stands as inspiration to all who would aspire to greatness and sacrifice in the Naval Service of Australia,” CAPT Wise said.

Sacrifice notforgotten inWA ceremony

Yarra’s sombre anniversary

HONOURING THEIR COMRADES: Above, the last surviving members of HMAS Perth I pause for a moment after laying a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra at the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Sunda Strait; left, two of the survivors, Gavin Campbell, left, and Fred Skeels. Photo: Lauren Black

TRIBUTE TO THE FALLEN: Preparing to lay a wreath during the ceremony at the Cenotaph in Martin Place in Sydney. Photo: ABBM Jesse Rhynard

REFLECTING: ABSS Lauren Wilkinson, of HMAS Watson Catafalque Party, at Rest at Arms during the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of the Java Sea in Sydney.

Photo: ABIS Dove Smithett

POIGNANT MOMENT: Left, the bugle player of the RAN Band, Sydney Detachment, plays the last post during the 70th anniver-sary of the Battle of the Java Sea, at the Cenotaph in Martin Place.

Photo: ABBM Jesse Rhynard

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14 GANGWAYMarch 15, 2012

Navy Reservist afish out of water

FOR a man who has served in three Defence Forces and had numerous overseas trips, CMDR Anthony Holley is pretty excited about his latest journey.

The Navy medical specialist, from Brookfield in Brisbane, has served in the South African Army, Royal New Zealand Navy and the Navy Reserves, and now finds himself in Tarin Kowt to augment the medical personnel at the Special Operations Task Group.

It might be a short trip, but already CMDR Holley is impressed with what he’s seen.

“It’s pretty exciting to be in an environment like this,” CMDR Holley said.

“To see the substantial medical organisation, how good it is and the quality of the medical system, especially the medics, has been impressive. Their knowledge base is outstanding.”

CMDR Holley is a senior staff specialist at Royal Brisbane Hospital and has also served in Angola with the South African Army, and in Bougainville and East Timor with the Royal New Zealand Navy. He has been in the Navy Reserves since 2005.

CHARITABLE: SMN Des Depledge-Smith (left) and volunteer Tina Eleanor show their support for Oscar’s Law during a fundraiser at HMAS Cerberus, where more than $2500 was raised by 227 sailors. Oscar’s Law is a charity committed to abolishing factory farming of companion animals.

HOME PORT VISIT: Officer of the watch and

Townsville local SBLT Ben Stewart looks over his hometown from the

bridge wing of HMAS Choules

Photo: Cpl Darren Hilder

MEDICAL SPECIALIST: CMDR Anthony Holley is in Tarin Kot, Afghanistan, to support medical personnel in the Middle East Area of Operations.

Photo: Cpl Ray Vance

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15GANGWAY March 15, 2012

RIGHT: XO HMAS Newcastle LCDR Stewart Muller is farewelled by his three daughters (L-R) Sienna, Isabelle and Laura.

BELOW: POMT Marc Parsell is farewelled on board HMAS Ballarat by his partner Patricia and her daughter Brittany.

HMA Ships Ballarat and Newcastle were farewelled at Fleet Base East on February 27, departing for extended deployments. Both ships will participate in the Triton series of exercises around Australia. Ballarat will be deployed for five months conducting international engagement activities in north-east Asia following the Triton exercises, while Newcastle will deploy for three months to New Zealand for major navigation training activities.

Photos: LSIS Brenton Freind and ABIS Richard Cordell

LSDEN Rachelle Johnson sticks a Navy tattoo on to one of the many children who passed through the Navy display at the Musselfest in Rockingham, WA.

Photo: ABIS Alan Lancaster

As part of HMAS Stirling’s contribution to the 2012 Rockingham Musselfest, Clearance Diving Team 4 participated in bringing the mussels from the depths of the ocean to the local culinary chefs, all competing with individual recipes in the annual cook off.

Photo: ABIS Alan Lancaster

VCDF, AIRMSHL Mark Binskin speaks with sailors from HMAS Coonawarra at the crew facility during a visit to Darwin. Photo: ABIS James Whittle

Navy personnel attached to the Heron Remotely Piloted Aircraft Detachment, LEUT Andrew Colebourn (left) and ABIS Peter Thompson, at Kandahar Airfield. The Heron detachment marked 2012 as its third year of operations in Afghanistan and also expect to reach 10,000 flying hours in April.

Photo: ABIS Peter Thompson

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17PERSONNEL March 15, 2012

Warfare officers graduateMichael Brooke

NAVY’S next batch of officers took a vital step towards commanding a Hobart-class Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) or a Canberra-class Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) when they graduated from the Junior Warfare Application Course (JWAC) 53.

The 44 graduates received their Navigation Watchkeeping Certificates from Governor of NSW, Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir, at a ceremony at HMAS Watson on March 2.

“The Navigation Watchkeeping Certificates you have received today put you on the path to obtaining your Bridge Warfare Certificate, which is the qualification you need to command a warship in the RAN,” said Professor Bashir, herself an Honorary Commodore in the RAN.

JWAC consists of four phases, conducted both ashore and at sea. Upon completion of warfare theory training, JWAC officers commenced Phase IV Sea, which saw them posted to a major Fleet Unit.

The Commander Australian Fleet, RADM Tim Barrett, said the JWAC graduates have exciting challenges and great responsibilities ahead of them as the Navy makes the transition to a new and exciting expeditionary capability.

Such is the exciting tempo in the Navy that several officers were unable to attend their graduation, as they had already posted to various warships who are currently conducting work-ups or deployed on operations.

The graduation was especially memorable for those awarded prizes in recognition of their achievements during JWAC 53.

ASLT Collin Longmore was crowned the Dux of JWAC 53, in recognition as the officer who achieved the highest academic standard throughout all phases of training.

ASLT Longmore, who plans to pursue a career in RAN hydrography, was also awarded the Department of Defence Prize for the best performance overall in Phase Four Bridge Simulator.

SBLT David Hodge was awarded the ANI CO’s Pen Prize, for the best results in JWAC warfare, while SBLT Jake Hughes was

presented with the Otto Albert Memorial Prize for the best results in the Fleet Board.

SBLT James Knight was awarded the Ian McDonald Memorial Prize for the most improved JWAC trainee from Phase I to Phase IV shore, while LEUT Andrew Collingwood was presented the Warfare Community Medallion as the officer who displayed the highest Navy values.

High achieversemerge fromBCSO courseMichael Brooke

SMNCSO Susan Leggatt topped a high list of achievers when nine sailors graduated as combat system operators from the Basic CSO (Underwater) Course at HMAS Watson.

The graduation was especially memorable for SMNCSO Susan Leggatt, who was crowned Dux with an average of 96.93 per cent.

She was also awarded the Naval Warfare Community Medallion in acknowledgement of her dedication to RAN values and ethos.

“Navy values are very important to me – particularly honesty and integrity which are building blocks to good leadership,” SMNCSO Leggatt said.

The nine sailors graduated from the 24-week Basic CSO(U) Course (No.293) at a ceremony in the Captain Darling Building on March 2.

The proud graduates received their CSO rate badge and framed qualification certificates from Commodore Training (COMTRAIN), CDRE Daryl Bates.

The students achieved consistently high results from all modules with an overall course average of 90.12 per cent.

CDRE Bates told the graduates it is an exciting time to be commencing a career as a CSO in the RAN.

“Sitting here in this class, there are most likely future leading seamen that will commission our new AWDs and LHDs, that will add significant new capability to our Navy and the ADF,” he said.

“This class is ready to do the job as combat system operators and make a significant contribution to Navy’s ability to meet operational commitments and fight and win at sea.”

DUX: Governor of NSW Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir presents the Department of Defence Prize to ASBLT Colin Longmore for the best performance overall. He was also named Dux of the course. Photo: LSIS Brenton Freind

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Cpl Mark Doran

DEFENCE families were among the guests at the official opening for the Defence Community Organisation (DCO) Headquarters in Deakin, Canberra, on February 29.

Defence Science and Personnel Minister Warren Snowdon officially opened the building, collocating DCO Canberra and the Canberra ADF Transition Centre.

DCO Director General Michael Callan said the opening was an important day in the organisation’s 16-year history.

“It is the culmination of four years of hard work to strengthen DCO’s capabil-ity and focus our services where they are most needed,” Mr Callan said.

“In December 2007, my vision was to develop a high-performing organisation, well respected and able to respond to the emerging issues of Defence families.

“Since then DCO has been develop-ing an integrated service delivery model, where Defence families receive services based on best practice, good governance and measured performance consistently delivered across the nation regardless of posting locality.

“This approach is underpinned by a self-reliance strategy designed to build the capacity of the Defence community.

“DCO’s mantra is ‘Strong Families, Strong Community, Strong Defence’.”

The services provided by DCO include support for partners’ education and employment, help with childcare, financial support for Defence community groups, support to families during crisis and emergency, and education support for children.

During the ceremony CDF Gen David Hurley re-signed the ADF Family Covenant on behalf of Defence and said members of the ADF could not do their jobs without the help and support of their families and loved ones.

“The ADF Family Covenant articu-lates how highly Defence values the significant and irreplaceable contribu-tion families make to the operational effectiveness of our Defence force,” Gen Hurley said.

“However, it’s not just a statement of acknowledgement and thanks to our fam-ilies. The covenant is a commitment from Defence to work with Defence families, and to consult with them, to listen to their concerns, and to do whatever we can to help them balance the demands of ser-vice life with the needs of the family.”

The final part of the official ceremony was the formal introduction of the CDF’s wife, Linda Hurley, as the Patron of the Defence Community.

Cpl Mark Doran

ASSISTANCE for families is now available 24 hours a day with the launch of the Defence Family Helpline.

The helpline, which is staffed by human services professionals including social workers and psychologists, was officially opened by Defence Science and Personnel Minister Warren Snowdon on February 29.

It offers referrals, information and advice on deployments and postings, childcare, community support programs, employment and education assistance, crisis and emergency support and help for members leaving the ADF.

Mr Snowdon said the Defence Family Helpline was part of Defence’s commitment to improving the strength and resilience of families.

“The Helpline will also offer assis-tance at the most critical times of all – in emergencies,” Mr Snowdon said.

“It’s good to know that when your partner’s deployed and the worst hap-pens at home, help is just a phone call away.”

DCO Director of Operations Cathy Davis said although the helpline had just started it was already receiving a range of calls both domestically and from members deployed overseas.

“An advantage of the helpline is it is also centralises the intake system for DCO, which gives us a good oversight of the range of issues members and their families are facing, Ms Davis said.

“On our first official day of operation we had 56 phone calls and received seven official requests for DCO support. And I received four phone calls overnight.”

The helpline can be called on 1800 624 608 or emailed at DefenceFamilyHelpline@defence.gov.au or visit www.defence.gov.au/dco for information on the range of support services provided to families of ADF members.

Boost to family support

New headquarters combines services

COMMUNITY SPIRIT: Samantha Murray and her daughters Lauren and Zara meet CDF Gen David Hurley and his wife, Linda, at the opening of the Defence Family Helpline and the Defence Community Organisation Headquarters. Photo by Cpl Mark Doran

18 PERSONNELMarch 15, 2012

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19 PERSONNEL March 15, 2012

Scraps to sculptor

RARELY BORED: LSMT Chris Bailey (pictured right and

bottom) with some of the works of art made from scraps at HMAS

Coonawarra in Darwin.Photos: Cpl Nick Wiseman

Cpl Nick Wiseman

WORKSHOP scraps may not ordinarily make the best farewell gifts for people but one young sailor from HMAS Coonawarra in Darwin is making gifts that do just that.

A marine technician of eight years, LS Chris Bailey found he wanted to keep busy during lunch times and breaks and started tinkering around the workshop with left over scraps.

“I don’t like having breaks, I get bored to easy,” LS Bailey said.

“After I finished my lunch one day I picked some scraps up and started playing.”

Made from scraps such as offcuts, broken bolts and washers his works of art are so carefully crafted that his skills have been called upon to create memorable gifts for leaving COs.

LS Bailey said he had been asked to make a coffee table as a presentation and farewell gift for the former HMAS Coonawarra CO.

“I initially made one for a mate who was leaving and it just went from there,” LS Bailey said.

“It’s great to get recognition for my work.”His works have even started catching the eye of

the community with people offering him money for his work which has made him think about turning this hobby into a business later on.

After a year of creating these works he has now put together a portfolio featuring photos of little insects, furniture, animals, birds and even a large wedge-tailed eagle.

Unable to focus in one area in particular, LS Bailey enjoys learning new skills to expand his repertoire fur-thering the type of creations he builds.

Once he decides on a particular idea he researches a little to ensure he can create the idea in his head, often with only a single photograph to go from.

The time spent on these projects varies from only a couple of hours through to more than a day worth of accumulated hours.

A by-product of doing these projects is that he keeps his skills up and often encourages the more junior sailors to try similar projects to expand on their own skillsets.

Always keen to expand his ideas and talk about his creations, LS Bailey is keen to hear from other like-minded sailors and can be contacted on chris.bailey@defence.gov.au.

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20 HEALTHMarch 15, 2012

USING a fit ball to perform simple exercises such as push-ups can provide a more intense workout, target different muscle groups and

add variety to your fitness regime. PTI SGT Emma Adamson explains while CPL Melanie Schinkel demonstrates.

Left:Exercise: Fit ball incline push-upsMethod: Start in the kneeling position with both hands on the fit ball, your fingers fac-ing forward and head neutral.While contracting your abdominals, slowly lower your chest towards the fit ball. Return back to the starting position and repeat. Once comfortable in the kneeling position and able to perform at least 10 repetitions move up on to your toes, but be sure to keep your body in a straight line from your shoulders to your knees.If you are unstable on your toes, regress back to the kneeling position until stability on the fit ball is achieved. Below: Exercise: Fit ball decline push upsMethod: If the incline push-ups are hardly a challenge for you then roll your body over the fit ball and walk your hands out until stable. For this exercise you can choose one of three leg level positions. Rest your thighs, shins or toes on top of the fit ball, whichever is most stable and comfortable for you. Align your hands under your shoulders, hold your head in a neutral position and contract your abdominals while lowering your chest towards the ground. Once again, try to complete at least 10 repetitions. Once complete, walk your hands back until your body is back in the starting position with your hands on the fit ball and toes firmly on the ground. If performed correctly, both of these push-up variation exercises will strengthen your chest, shoulders, triceps and core.

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21SPORT March 15, 2012

Michael Brooke

AFTER a bull shark severed his right leg and hand in a savage attack in Sydney Harbour in February 2009, Navy clear-ance diver Paul de Gelder feared he would never live a normal life again.

But fighting off the three-metre shark marked a small but important victory in his battle for rehabilitation and recovery that recently culminated in a gold medal haul at the US Marine Corps’ Paralympic Trials.

The seemingly impossible for ABCD de Gelder became possible through the Joint Health Command’s ADF Paralympic Sports Program (ADFPSP) which has proven instrumental in the rehabilitation and recovery of wounded and injured ADF personnel.

ABCD de Gelder won gold in the 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle, 50m backstroke and silver in the 4 x 50m open freestyle relay at the trials held at Camp Pendleton.

“It was an awesome competition, where we showed our courage, commit-ment and determination against some 300 other competitors,” he said.

ABCD de Gelder was one of seven injured or wounded ADF personnel to compete at the trials as part of the ADF Paralympic Sports Association’s (ADFPSA) adaptive sports program.

Overall, the seven competitors won 14 gold, three silver and two bronze medals.

The Australian team included ampu-tees, a double amputee, members who have experienced traumatic brain injury and other service-related injuries.

The competition was organised by the US Marine Corps’ Wounded Warrior Regiment and included military person-nel from eight countries.

It was ABCD de Gelder’s second appearance at the trials after compet-ing last year when he won gold in the 50m and 100m freestyle events, the 50m backstroke and the team relay.

Diver adds to gold tallyWhat is ADFPSAThe ADF Paralympic Sports Association is a registered sport-ing association sponsored by the Australian Defence Sports Council. The Council also coordinates ADF participation in the biennial Arafura Games in Darwin. The ADFPSA is open to wounded, injured or ill Defence personnel who are unable to participate in normal sporting activities. To become a member of the ADFPSA you must be serving with the ADF or be a member of the reserve. Affiliated membership is available to any Defence employee. More information is available from ADFPSA Vice President WO1 Scott Mengel at scott.mengel@defence.gov.au.

ABCD de Gelder, who is posted to the RAN Diving School at HMAS Penguin said sport had played a critical role in his rehabilitation and recovery

“Sport keeps us fit, healthy and moti-vated, which is an important part of our recovery,” he said

He said the camaraderie among the other wounded warriors who competed was unique.

“The lesson we all shared was don’t give up on what you enjoy doing just because of an injury or a wound, because there are people and organisations out there that will support you,” he said.

Minister for Veterans Affairs Warren Snowdon welcomed home the athletes at Sydney Airport, saying “the ADF participants have brought great pride to Australia and their respective services with their sporting achievements”.

“This competition is about overcom-ing adversity, and the ADF team has worked hard, shown determination and in many events, has come out on top,” he said.

Sharon Palmer

TOUCH footballers will be hoping to cook up a storm on and off the field as they compete in the 2012 National Touch League in Port Macquarie from March 8-11.

One hundred and sixteen ADF personnel will be involved in the Australian Defence Touch Association’s (ADTA) national titles campaign of which three are cooks.

Tour organiser Sgt Jeremy Armstrong said this was nothing new. “We have been taking cooks for about five years now,” he said.

“It makes perfect sense and I have suggested to a few of the other sports associations that they should include them on their tours also.

“Before taking cooks it used to be the team manager’s job to cook and we have some young managers who don’t even know how to cook for themselves, let alone 16 other people.

“This way we can ensure the players get the right sustenance at the right time.”

Six ADTA teams will be among the 123 teams competing in 14 divi-sions in one of the biggest touch carnivals ever held in NSW.

ADTA will field teams in the

Funding a recipe for success at nationals

Women’s Open, Men’s Open, Men’s 30s, Men’s 40s, Men’s 45s and sen-ior mixed divisions.

Seven referees, four referee coaches, three medical/physio rep-resentatives and three officials make up the contingent.

“It’s difficult to say how we’ll go,” Sgt Armstrong said.

“In the past it’s been a case of

whoever could afford to pay for themselves went rather than the best players going.

With the change in funding arrangements through the Australian Defence Sports Council, ADTA has this year been able to identify and take the players it wanted to take.

“I think we’ll do really well in the men’s 30s and men’s 40s and hope we can make some serious inroads into the other divisions.

“Hopefully some of our players will impress selectors enough to be named in Australian squads in a couple of month’s time.”

Sgt Armstrong said next year the ADTA would also look to take a couple of teams to New Zealand to play.

“The ADSC encouraged the association to look beyond our shores and the Kiwis come here every second year and compete in the nationals so it would be good to go over there.

A full wrap of the carnival will appear in the next edition of Navy news.

For more information on touch football, contact jeremy.armstrong@defence.gov.au

TRY TIME: Touch footballers are competing in the National Touch League in Port Macquarie.

ON TARGET: ABCD Paul de Gelder tries out seated shooting at the US Marine Corps Paralympic Trials where he won three gold medals in the swimming pool.

22 SPORTMarch 15, 2012

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Navy represeNtatives: LCDR Daniel Crocker (HMAS Waterhen); LCDR Danielle Radnidge (HMAS Melbourne); LCDR Jo Haynes (HMAS Kuttabul); LEUT Emma Houlihan (HMAS Harman); LEUT Karina Cvejic (HMAS Kuttabul); POATV Andrew Taylor (723 SQN); AB Julien Jais (HMAS Kuttabul); ABET Jess Tunbridge (HMAS Stirling);ABMED Naomi Andriessen (HMAS Stirling)

alpine Championships results:Boarder female parallel giant slalom First – FLTLT Amanda Goslingskier male giant slalomSecond – LCDR Daniel Crockerskier female giant slalomSecond – LCPL Zoey PepperThird place – CPL Kris RaynerBoarder cross femaleFirst – FLTLT Amanda GoslingSecond – SGT Bianca Kadenskier male super-GFirst – LCDR Daniel Crockerskier female super-GFirst – MAJ Claire BakerThird – LCPL Zoey Pepper Boarder female slopestyle First – SGT Bianca KadenSecond – FLTLT Amanda Goslingskier male slalomFirst – LCDR Daniel Crockerskier female slalomSecond – LCPL Zoey PepperThird – MAJ Claire Baker

interservices results:Boarder female parallel giant slalom Second – FLTLT Amanda GoslingBoarder cross femaleThird – SGT Bianca KadenBoarder female slopestyle Second – FLTLT Amanda Goslingskier male slalom Third – LCDR Daniel Crocker

Croker conquers French alps

CPL Melanie Schinkel

A TEAM of nine Navy skiers and snowboarders took on the towering slopes of France at two snowsports competitions against the British Military throughout January this year.

The Australian Defence Alpine Snowsports Association sent a triservice team of 21 to participate in the biennial Exercise Alpine Challenge, an international tour that involved a training period in Italy’s Aosta Valley and representing the ADF in both the Royal Navy Alpine Championships in Tignes, France and the British Interservices Snowsports Championships in Meribel, France.

The RAN was represented in force at both competitions with seven ski-ers and two snowboarders, but Navy’s star competitor was thirty-one-year-old LCDR Daniel Crocker, HMAS Waterhen, who achieved five podium finishes.

Holding the title of male com-bined alpine ski champion for the Navy National Alpine Snowsports Competition for the past three years, LCDR Crocker won first place in the Super-G and slalom events and sec-ond place in the giant slalom during the championships in Tignes.

Winning these three podium posi-tions placed him as the overall male ski champion at the Royal Navy

Alpine Championships. However, as an international combined services representative he was unable to accept the title.

“International participants are not eligible for that title as it’s reserved for Royal Navy personnel but I was acknowledged as champion – the Royal Navy skiers provided fantastic competition,” LCDR Crocker said.

“I was overjoyed the Royal Navy acknowledged my win. We were participating as guests so we couldn’t take its overall service champion tro-phies – that wouldn’t have been fair.”

In the Meribel championships he competed in two downhill speed events and the Super-G, but was

awarded third for the slalom event. “I would’ve been satisfied just to

achieve a spot in the top 10 so I was completely overwhelmed when I placed third,” he said.

“Actually, I don’t think an Australian skier has achieved a podi-um spot at the British Interservices Snowsports Championships before.

“It was a very pleasing result.”He said his most significant races

were the Super-G and downhill speed events.

“We don’t run those events in Australia because our mountains aren’t big enough.

“I had to really channel my nerves and focus my mind for those races

because we don’t get the opportunity to train for them.”

Ski season is unfortunately over for LCDR Crocker this year as he will be deployed during the Navy Alpine Snowsports Championships set to be held at Perisher, NSW in August.

The best performers at the Navy championships will be selected to compete in the National Interservice Competition also at Perisher from August 6-10.

To find out how you can get involved in these upcoming snowsports events visit the Navy Alpine Snowsports website at www.navysnowsports.com

RESULTS

WHITEWASH: LCDR Daniel Crocker, HMAS Waterhen, tames Tignes and takes out the Super G event in the process. Photo: Alex Board

23SPORT March 15, 2012

LSCIS Glen Gante

The NAVY Rugby Union men’s and women’s teams competed in the Queanbeyan 7s Competition held on February 18.

The women’s team, fresh from its Jabiru Plate win at the Darwin 7s earlier in the month met some tough compe-tition against teams from Penrith to Narooma, testing the skills and abilities of the players.

The team finished second in its divi-sion with a loss to Penrith and wins against Uni Norths and Narooma high-lighting the skills and talent coach Leut Trish Williams of HMAS Watson, hopes will give the team the edge to successful-ly defend its Australian Services Rugby Union Championship title in May.

“It was a good result with the team improving with each match,” Leut Williams said.

“We had some solid performances from long serving players and an impressive start by several new players”

The men’s team embarked on their its first 7s competition against some strong opposition from West Harbour (Sydney), West’s Wolfpack (eventual winners) and Easts (Canberra) who all fielded premier grade Sydney and Canberra players.

Although comprising a mixture

of seasoned players and those new to RANRU, the men’s team generated momentum and confidence with each game played.

Men’s coach WO Anthony Doherty, NPCMA, said it was a great opportunity for his players.

“The opportunity for Navy players to participate against this class of oppo-sition goes a long way in their rugby development,” WO Doherty said.

“We were pleased with the com-mitment of all players and none took a backward step in any of the games.”

Despite neither team reaching the finals, the coaches extended their encouragement and congratulations to the players.

“Their commitment in representing Navy rugby was in the finest traditions of sportsmanship and was to be com-mended.

“The groundwork for a successful centenary season for RANRU has been laid.

“All players are encouraged to remain committed to representing Navy as it is shaping to be a cracker of a sea-son.”

To keep up to date with all things Navy Rugby, visit navyrugby.asn.au

Michael Brooke

THEY call themselves the ‘dynam-ic duo’ after winning the 2012 Burrell Cup doubles tennis compe-tition at HMAS Kuttabul.

SMN Keelan Michelsons and ABET Nick Desilas combined like the famous ‘Woodys’ to win the Cup which was contested by 12 teams on February 22.

The duo cruised through seven matches undefeated, including the final which they won 4-2 against CMDR Marc Pavillard and CMDR John Metzel.

ABET Desilas, who is posted to the Defence Communications Station, said the final was a thrilling encounter.

“It was a tough final that could have gone either way, but in the end we deserved it being undefeated all

day,” he said. “We look forward to defending the trophy next year”.

The turning point in the ‘decid-er’ was SMN Michelson’s powerful service game which featured sev-eral aces.

ABET Desilas said their semi-final was against Sam Burrell, the grandson of RADM Burrell, whom the trophy is named after.

“After the game we looked at each other and thought, ‘were we meant to win that one?’

The Burrell Cup triumph inspired both players to test themselves in the Navy ‘Carr Cup’ Singles Tennis Championship held at Sydney Olympic Park on March 7.

It was a case of “so near and yet so far” for SMN Michelson in the Carrs’ Cup singles tennis competi-tion at Sydney’s Olympic Stadium on March 7

SMN Michelson marched into the final as the favourite, only to be beaten 1-4 in an upset by ABMT Trent Russell.

The turning point in the match was when ABMT Russell broke SMN Michelson’s booming serve in the first game.

“I faded a bit in the final from fatigue but that’s no excuse,” he said.

SMN Michelson qualified for the decider by pipping AB Kane Ryan 3-2 in the semi-final, which was deadlocked at 2-2 when the Burrell’s Cup winner broke AB Ryan’s service game.

“I probably didn’t deserve to win that one,” SMN Michelson said.

A full wrap-up of the Carrs’ Cup will appear in the next edition of Navy.

Dynamic play by ace duo

STROKE OF GENIUS: SMN Keelan Michelsons, of Fleet Support Unit, serves it up at the Burrell Cup Doubles tennis competition at HMAS Kuttabul (below) and afterwards, holds the winning trophy with ABET Nick Desilas (inset). Photos: ABBM Jesse Rhynard

Sevens sets scene for centenary year

STORMING UPFIELD: SMN Alex Wilson fends of a player at the Queanbeyan 7s competition held on February 17.

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AND MEDAL MOUNTING SportVolume 55, No. 4, March 15, 2012

LCDR Daniel Croker conquered the French alps in January achieving five podium finishes, including the Super G in Tignes.

Page 22

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: Alex B

oard