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AIRF RCEVol. 57, No. 14, July 30, 2015 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

PRIDE AND HONOUR

SPECIAL LIFTOUT

Celebrating the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

RCEAIR F July 30, 2015

NAIDOC WEEK 1

Photo: ABIS Jake BadiorCELEBRATING NAIDOC WEEK 2015SPECIAL LIFTOUT

PUT TO THE TEST

People and capability shine on Exercise

Talisman Sabre

PP 2, 3 and CENTRE

Photo: MSGT Matthew McGovern, USAF

Photo: CPL Ben Dempster

Photo: CPL Ben Dempster

Phot

o: C

PL B

en D

emps

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DirectorDavid Edlington: (02) 6265 4650

Acting EditorLauren Norton: (02) 6266 7615 [email protected]

ReportersWO2 Andrew Hetherington: (02) 6266 7614SGT Dave Morley: (02) 6266 7613CPL Aaron Curran: (02) 6265 1355 CPL Max Bree: (02) 6266 7608 CPL Mark Doran: (02) 6265 1304LS Jayson Tufrey: (02) 6266 7606

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RCEAIR F

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

2 July 30, 2015RCEAIR FNews

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FLTLT Eamon Hamilton

WEDGETAIL crews returned to Exercise Talisman Sabre 2015 with the benefit of experience in real-world operations.

A contingent of 35 personnel from No. 2 Squadron supported a single E-7A Wedgetail from the unit’s deployed facilities at RAAF Base Tindal, led by SQNLDR Glenn Salmon.

“The Talisman Sabre series of exercises is designed to help us both develop our ability to plan and con-duct Combined Task Force (CTF) operations,” SQNLDR Salmon said.

“The change we do notice between exercises is the gradual improvement and refinement of how the exercise is planned and executed as we learn from each iteration.”

For 2SQN, the two years since Talisman Sabre 2013 has been domi-nated by a sustained deployment to the Middle East Region.

SQNLDR Salmon said Wedgetail crews had displayed more experi-ence in various roles after opera-tional tours.

“Being involved in a high-end operation like Okra means they know what to expect and what is required of them when they come to exercises such as Talisman Sabre,” SQNLDR Salmon said.

This year’s Talisman Sabre still presented a number of critical devel-opment opportunities for the 2SQN pilots and mission crews.

“We have been able to graduate a new mission commander during the exercise and qualify several pilots on air-to-air refuelling,” SQNLDR Salmon said.

“It has allowed us to foster and grow our relationships and reputa-tion with the US Navy and US Air Force.”

The Wedgetail was joined by a US Navy E-2C Hawkeye from the USS George Washington to provide command and control services dur-ing Talisman Sabre.

From the ground, RAAF No. 41 Wing likewise provided an airspace picture of the exercise environment.

While the Northern Territory may have become familiar skies to the Wedgetail, the assets and scenarios faced by 2SQN crews at Talisman Sabre were anything but routine.

Departing from RAAF Base Tindal, each mission involved 2SQN crews controlling huge swathes of airspace for land- and carrier-based aircraft.

Talisman Sabre yielded a unique opportunity for 2SQN pilots to prac-tise their air-to-air refuelling skills with a pair of US Air Force KC-10 tankers, which were also based at Tindal.

SQNLDR Salmon said 2SQN pilots conducted night-time and day-time refuelling.

“The KC-10 aircrew were extremely accommodating with us and the training works both ways – it’s not every day they get to refuel a RAAF E-7A Wedgetail,” SQNLDR Salmon said.

“We get very little opportunity to practise air-to-air refuelling with them outside of Operation Okra, so we are always looking for the chance to work with them.”

Each mission during Operation Okra typically includes at least one refuelling contact with an American tanker.

In Australia, Wedgetail crews are on the cusp of beginning refuel-ling training flights with RAAF KC-30As.


A VETERAN ship of the Vietnam War was home to a number of RAAF person-nel during Exercise Talisman Sabre.

USS Blue Ridge returned once again to Australia’s east coast for the exer-cise, serving as a floating headquarters for Combined Joint Task Force 660 (CTF660).

The role of CTF660 was to coordi-nate air, land and sea operations using Australian and American forces to defeat a belligerent enemy forces.

AIRCDRE Chris Westwood was embarked on USS Blue Ridge as Chief of Staff CTF660.

AIRCDRE Richard Owen led a Joint Air Component Command Element (JACCE) of six RAAF and three US Air Force personnel on board the ship. Uniquely, all Australians and Americans in the JACCE were reservists.

“A JACCE is employed as a liaison to those joint or combined forces that do not have an attached Air Force compo-nent,” AIRCDRE Owen said.

“This posed some unique challenges for Air Force folks more used to the land than the sea.”

JACCE members had the full USS Blue Ridge experience, working around the clock and berthed in three-high bunks stacked in a tennis-court sized area on the ship.

The 19,600 tonne vessel has a distin-guished history of service that includes coordinating US Forces during the fall of South Vietnam in April 1975.

Commissioned in November 1970, USS Blue Ridge is a critical link in the US Navy’s Seventh Fleet, providing command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence support to the commander and staff. Her role is so critical that her withdrawal date is not until 2039.

The ship’s utility in combining air, land and sea forces was demonstrated at Talisman Sabre, where key elements were spread across the globe.

AIRCDRE Owen said the JACCE formed the link between CTF660 on USS Blue Ridge and the Combined Forces Air Component Commander in Hawaii.

“The RAAF established the JACCE in 2011, when it adopted principles learned from the USAF experience,” he said. “The team has developed steadily since then such that it is now an integral element of any deployed force head-quarters.”

CTF660 also coordinated actions relating to domestic and foreign govern-ment and non-government organisations.

FLTLT Tritia Evans

AN ALREADY busy job got busier for members of No. 17 Squadron at RAAF Base Tindal during Exercise Talisman Sabre.

They spent long days in the kitchen preparing and serving meals and on the air field refuel-ling aircraft.

Usually the officers, sergeants and airmen’s messes prepare about 600 meals each week.

However, with increased num-bers of Australian and US person-nel passing through the base, that number increased to about 1500.

O I C 1 7 S Q N A i r - B a s e d Logistics Flight SQNLDR Michael Voysey said experience had shown US personnel enjoyed the food on offer in the Tindal messes.

“They like our food,” SQNLDR Voysey said. “They have a choice of at least three main courses, salads, vegetables and sweets, all prepared and served by our team of RAAF cooks.”

The team had spent months preparing for the exercise.

Soaring successFinding their sea legs with the US Navy

Practice pays off

‘Being involved in a high-end operation like Okra means they know what to expect and what is required of them when they come to exercises like Talisman Sabre.

– SQNLDR Glenn Salmon

THE strength of the Australian and US alliance in the Pacific region was demonstrated dur-ing Exercise Talisman Sabre

2015.The sixth biennial, bilateral exer-

cise involved about 30,000 Australian and US troops, along with participants from the New Zealand Defence Force and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force in a multifaceted and challeng-ing air, sea and land warfighting envi-ronment from July 4-19.

The combined joint task force for the exercise included close to 1000 air force personnel, 9500 soldiers, 12,000 sailors, 1300 Special Forces troops and 4600 marines from the four nations.

Talisman Sabre incorporated force preparation and Special Forces activi-ties, large-scale amphibious landings, parachuting, land force manoeuvre, urban operations, air-mobile and mari-time operations and the coordinated live-firing from small arms, artillery, naval vessels and aircraft.

Chief of Joint Operations VADM David Johnston said Australia had partnered many times with the US military.

“I was pleased to see Talisman Sabre 2015 continued to build on the partnership to ensure both countries are ready to go where we may need to when required,” VADM Johnston said.

“It has been an extraordinary exer-cise and I congratulate all of those who have been involved both in plan-ning and participating.

“It has been one of the safest we have performed and one of the most complex we have conducted.”

Commander 1 Div Maj-Gen Stuart Smith was the deputy commander of the task force and said a key charac-teristic of the exercise was the inte-gration of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 for Women, Peace and Security.

“Planning and execution during the exercise focused on measures to limit

E-7A Wedgetail KC-30A Multi Role

Tanker Transport AP-3C Orion Heron C-130J Hercules F/A-18 Hornets Hawk 127 KA350 King Air

OUR AIRCRAFT

Personnel, capability and friendship on display during Exercise Talisman Sabre, CPL Mark Doran reports.

SSGT Alexander Martinez

THE KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport had the appropriate call sign ‘Caltex’ for Talisman Sabre.

During a mission on July 13, the KC-30A was met by RAAF F/A-18 Hornets and US Navy Super Hornets and Growlers.

For this particular mission, it provided 61 tonnes of fuel for 11 aircraft.

Detachment Commander No. 33 Squadron SQNLDR Stephen Monypenny said it marked a busy mission for the crew.

“We usually refuel about half of the number of aircraft we did today,” SQNLDR Monypenny said.

The four crew members flew an average of two refuelling missions a day throughout the exercise.

“Our primary receiver was US Navy aircraft,” SQNLDR

Monypenny said. “It has been great for us because we’ve only been working with them the last year or so, so we’re still learning their refu-elling processes.”

The US Navy aircraft were from USS George Washington, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier with a fleet of 80 combat aircraft.

The majority of those aircraft were F/A-18 Super Hornets like the RAAF’s own, as well as the E/A-18 Growler, which the RAAF will soon operate.

SQNLDR Monypenny high-lighted the importance of the joint operations.

“The exercise was perfect train-ing for us,” he said.

“We’re getting familiarised with each other’s procedures, call signs, habits and nuances, and that makes it a lot easier for all of us when we have joint operations in the future.”

In addition to the KC-30A, the exercise refuelling mission included two US KC-10 Extenders, aircraft with similar refuelling capabilities.

On top of providing air-to-air refuelling, the KC-30A was instru-mental in deploying personnel for the exercise.

That included flying Australian personnel to Hawaii, transporting Australian diggers from Townsville to Darwin, and returning American soldiers back to Alaska.

Crew attendant CPL Benjamin Roberts, of 33SQN, said the joint refuelling training was valuable for his crew.

“I’ve enjoyed this exercise and the opportunity to get experience with other countries’ operations and airframes,” CPL Roberts said.

“I think it’s good that we can learn from each other because we have different processes.”

Tanker fills vital role

TINDAL’S TASTY TASK

“We looked at their support requirements,” SQNLDR Voysey said.

“That meant establishing how many people would be passing through Tindal to work out how many beds and meals they would need.”

17SQN has a mutual logistics agreement with the American mil-itary, covering catering, accom-modation, air movements, stores and refuelling.

SQNLDR Voysey said this included up to three million litres of fuel over the three weeks.

Watch all the action on You Tube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOp2hDbsWFc5nXps0fHIgEA/feed

Cook LACW Jen Bleasdale grills pork chops for the lunchtime menu at RAAF Base Tindal. Photo: CPL Ben Dempster

the impact of conflict on women and children and ensuring the involvement of women in post conflict reconstruc-tion,” he said.

The maritime areas of the Coral Sea, Timor Sea, Arafura Sea and the Indian Ocean featured 21 ships and three submarines, while more than 200 aircraft took part in the exercise designed to advance Australian and US troops’ skills, preparedness, inter-operability and their ability in high-end combat.

As part of the Expeditionary Strike Group, Australian and New Zealand ships including HMAS Choules and RNZNS Endeavour worked alongside US Navy Seventh Fleet’s USS George Washington carrier strike group and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, both of which are based in Japan.

Commander NORCOM CMDR Brenton Smyth said this was the first year a large portion of Talisman Sabre had been played out in the Northern Territory.

“It provided us with a major opportunity for our Defence personnel to operate in a combined environment that is unique,” CMDR Smyth said.

Planning has already begun for Talisman Sabre 2017.

For more on Exercise Talisman Sabre, turn to the centre.

Two US F/A-18F Super Hornets from the ‘Diamondbacks’ of Strike Fighter Squadron 102 complete a refuelling from an RAAF KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport during Talisman Sabre. Photo: LEUT David Robinson, US Navy

AIRF RCEVol. 57, No. 14, July 30, 2015 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

PRIDE AND HONOUR

SPECIAL LIFTOUT


RCEAIR F July 30, 2015

NAIDOC WEEK 1

Photo: ABIS Jake BadiorCELEBRATING NAIDOC WEEK 2015SPECIAL LIFTOUT

PUT TO THE TEST

People and capability shine on Exercise

Talisman Sabre

PP 2, 3 and CENTRE

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WOUNDED, injured and ill person-nel will have another opportunity to represent Australia in various sports when the 2016 Invictus Games are held in Orlando, Florida, from May 8-12.

HRH Prince Harry announced the host city on July 14.

The Invictus Games attracted more than 400 athletes from 14 coun-tries to London last year.

Assistant Defence Minister Stuart Robert welcomed Prince Harry’s announcement.

“Invictus means ‘unconquered’.

It represents the fighting spirit of our wounded, injured and ill personnel,” he said.

“Many of the Australian athletes returned from the 2014 Invictus Games with renewed confidence to face the challenges of their recovery programs.”

Last year Australia sent a team of 15 serving and 21 former serving wounded, injured and ill personnel to the inaugural games.

The team competed in a range of events including athletics, archery, indoor rowing, cycling, swimming,

sitting volleyball, wheelchair basket-ball and wheelchair rugby.

The Australians won 21 medals in London – six gold, nine silver and six bronze.

During the next three months, various bases will host a series of sports trials to determine who will represent Australia in Florida. Dates and locations will be published in a future edition of Air Force News and on the ADF Sports Council website.

For more information, email [email protected]

Athletes headed to Florida

LS Jayson Tufrey

IN A moving memorial service at Parliament House the nation paused to remember 38 Australians who were among the 298 killed when flight MH17 was shot down over Ukraine last year.

The service, broadcast live, was held on July 17 and marked a year since the disaster. It was attended by families and friends of those lost, as well as members of the AFP and ADF who participated in Operation Bring Them Home.

Defence played a significant role in enabling the Netherlands-led police mis-sion to establish itself in Ukraine and con-duct its task within a deteriorating security environment.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott said he was humbled by the strength and grace of the loved ones of those who died.

“Their passing leaves a void that can never be filled and a pain that still throbs. Nothing that is said or done will bring

them back,” he said. “Little will ease the grief that all who knew them still feel. Still this national acknowledgment of that grief may be of some comfort to all who mourn.”

VCDF VADM Ray Griggs said he was proud of the ADF involvement in Operation Bring Them Home.

“The speed at which the ADF and the AFP were able to react to something so absolutely unexpected was exceptional,” he said.

“To put nearly 300 people into the Netherlands and Ukraine so quickly in a very uncertain and dangerous environment is testament to the ADF’s professionalism.

“To operate where we don’t normally operate, where there is a significant lan-guage barrier, in the middle of a raging civil war was just extraordinary.

“The repatriation effort conducted by the C-17A Globemaster crews, along with the personnel on the ground, was an excep-tional team effort.”

We remember themSQNLDR Dean Bolton was deployed as Detachment Commander for No. 36 Squadron personnel sent to establish the Australian Government response to the unfolding MH17 crisis in Ukraine.

He was in charge of the RAAF-led component responsible for repatriating the deceased from Ukraine to the Netherlands. The follow-on tasking required deploy-ment of the international response teams to Ukraine.

“I was appointed as the Task Group Commander. The Task Group was assigned to Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) Tactical Control and supported via the AOC in Australia,” SQNLDR Bolton said.

The initial crews that deployed were responsible for transport-ing victims’ remains from Kharkiv in Ukraine to Eindhoven in the Netherlands.

SQNLDR Bolton said this duty was performed in harrowing circumstances with the highest degree of respect for the victims and their families.

“I cannot afford enough praise to those crews, many of them having not dealt with such tragedy before,” he said.

“Their maturity and ability to provide some solace to the families is something of which they should be proud.”

An air bridge was established using RAAF C-17A and RNLAF C-130 aircraft to enable the rapid deployment of the multinational response. The RAAF portion of the

air bridge transported 1099 pas-sengers and 1320 tonnes of cargo over 45 missions.

“We set a high-tempo flight schedule, which at times included around-the-clock operations,” SQNLDR Bolton said.

“At the peak of operations, the Task Group was conducting three 12-hour missions a day, with at least one aircraft, often two, air-borne at any time.

“No sorties were cancelled during the entire operation, which is proof to me that the team was extremely professional, high per-forming and determined to achieve the mission.

“I also feel a sense of achieve-ment that 36SQN deployed with no notice, to unknown circum-stances, scoped out the mission and executed our role without slip

to ensure the best outcome could be drawn from an international disaster.”

SQNLDR Bolton said the first four missions were the hardest.

“We were hands-on in Kharkiv during loading of the deceased, and the three-hour flight back to Eindhoven was sombre,” he said.

“Each ramp ceremony was fol-lowed by a visit to the aircraft by relatives of the victims – I’m sure each person involved will tell you that was the toughest part of the mission.

“Seeing the same grieving faces each day, not knowing if their loved one was being returned and somehow managing to express thanks to us for what we’d done, was hard. It was hard to know what to say but I hope our actions gave them some comfort.”

ONE YEAR ON...

SQNLDR Dean Bolton in front of a C-17A Globemaster. Photo: CPL Jake Sims

ACM Sir Angus Houston (retd) addresses guests during the national memorial service for flight MH17 at Parliament House in Canberra. Photo: Lauren Larking

A C-17A Globemaster, carrying the remains of victims from the MH17 tragedy, prepares to leave the Ukraine bound for the Netherlands during Operation Bring Them Home. Photo: CPL Jake Sims

5July 30, 2015RCEAIR F perations

SQNLDR Desmond Woods

OUR second Air Task Group (ATG) command rotation has completed its six month tour.

Outgoing Commander ATG AIRCDRE Glen Braz transferred command to AIRCDRE Stuart Bellingham in a change of command ceremony at the ATG’s main operat-ing base.

Commander Joint Task Force 633 and Australian National Commander RADM Trevor Jones oversaw the cer-emony in the presence of coalition delegates.

In acknowledgment of AIRCDRE Braz’s efforts over the last six months, RADM Jones emphasised the incred-ible work the ATG had achieved so far.

“I would like to personally thank you for your outstanding leadership of the ATG,” RADM Jones said.

“Your leadership ensured that our national interests are looked after; in context of the air power generated out of the ATG’s main operating base in a combined joint arena, and how it is administered over the battlespace.”

Between January and June 2015, ATG strike aircraft in support of the coalition air campaign have delivered 152,500lbs of high explosive ordnance in 277 precision weapons against Daesh targets.

AIRCDRE Braz highlighted the enormous task undertaken by the first rotation, integrating many new Air Force capabilities into the biggest Australian air contribution since the Vietnam War.

He said that taking the force half way around the world and making it operational was a daunting task.

AIRCDRE Braz recapped the remarkable operational achievements of the ATG since the start of the cam-paign.

“The ATG has made a difference across multiple theatre air operations,” AIRCDRE Braz said.

“In Mount Sinjar, ATG strike oper-ations helped free hundreds of Yazidi people from Daesh oppression and brutality, and gave them a chance to escape death or enslavement.

“The Bayji oil refinery key terrain north of Baghdad remains contested, but without ATG contributions as part of the coalition, the oil refinery would not be in the Iraqi Army’s hands today.”

The ATG played a valuable part in the liberation of Tikrit, which was a complex scenario involving several of the coalition nations.

“These challenges will continue as

OUTGOING Commander Air Task Group (ATG) AIRCDRE Glen Braz presented his team with Australian Operational Service Medals (AOSM) at the end of their rotation.

The deployment period allowed the AOSM with Greater Middle East Operation ribbon to arrive in theatre before rotation two personnel returned to Australia.

During the informal medal presenta-tion ceremony AIRCDRE Braz presented the medals to 28 personnnel.

“You are all part of the reason the ATG is held in such extremely high regard by the coalition,” he said. “The medal you receive today is recognition from the ADF and the Australian people for your service. Wear it proudly.”

AIRCDRE Braz reflected on the six month deployment and singled out the Centenary of Anzac commemorative ser-vices as a particularly historic occasion.

“Being deployed on operations dur-ing the centenary will remain with me always,” he said.

Thanks for a job well done

we move forward to Ramadi, solving the problems of the Euphrates River and Mosul, but I have absolute faith that the ATG will deliver the right effects and continue to make a differ-ence,” AIRCDRE Braz said.

“Thousands of square kilometres have been reclaimed by Iraqi Security Forces, Pershmerga and Kurdish forc-es that would not have been possible without ATG support.

“Thousands of people have been freed from the threat of terrorism and that would not have been possible without your work.

“Overall this mission is not easy, but what we do every day, consist-ently providing air power to the joint fight in the country of Iraq, is abso-lutely what we are here to do and keep doing.

“The people of Australia support

you and your families, they are proud of you and I am proud of you, so keep that energy moving in the fight.”

AIRCDRE Braz said as time passed it was easy to forget what the ATG had done.

“When we look at the huge amount of work that the ATG does every day, you mightn’t notice the difference, but when you stand back and compare where ATG was six or nine months

ago, the difference is profound,” he said. “Remember, you make a huge difference.”

Incoming ATG Commander AIRCDRE Bellingham outlined the three key tenets that he expects dur-ing his tenure – being one team, being brilliant at the basics and understand-ing the big picture.

The third ATG command rotation is now in place.

TO WEAR WITH PRIDE

Incoming Air Task Group Commander AIRCDRE Stuart Bellingham addresses invited guests at the ATG Transfer of Authority ceremony. Photo: SGT Pete

WGCDR Jack Coard

PLANNING is under way on Air Force’s future Air Warfare Centre.

The centre will bring together subject matter experts across all Air Force platforms and systems to devel-op integrated tactics and procedures for Air Force.

The centre will use a suite of live, virtual and constructive environments to test concepts of operation, conduct experimentation and explore solu-tions for problems identified during exercises and operations.

CDR AOSG AIRCDRE Stephen Meredith is developing options for the centre, which he will present to the CAF Advisory Committee in August. He expects to incrementally deliver this capability, with initial functions in place from January 2016 and completed by January 2020.

AIRCDRE Meredith said it was vital to get the fundamentals right.

“The temptation is to jump imme-diately to the solution,” he said.

“If we are going to deliver maximum benefit to the warfighter we need to get the basics right and ensure form follows function.”

He said the creation of an Air Warfare Centre was a rare oppor-tunity to influence the fundamental operation of Air Force.

“There is highly visible interest and commitment across Air Force and we are being approached by staff at all levels keen to be involved in shaping the future,” he said.

Key stakeholders across Air Force, the ADF and coalition partners are being consulted to ensure the cen-tre delivers operational outcomes and maximises the experience of other organisations.

AOSG is working closely with equivalent coalition centres to understand required functions and processes. It has already established

a commanders initiative with the RAF Air Warfare Centre to facilitate information sharing and collaboration between the two organisations.

As part of this, RAF SQNLDR Phil Stewart observed Aces North at RAAF Base Darwin in June.

“The invitation to observe the exercise was a great opportunity,” SQNLDR Stewart said.

“We share many warfighting problems and the opportunity to collaborate will help both air forces develop the tactics and methods essential to meet emerging threats.”

The implementation directive to establish the Air Warfare Centre was signed by former DCAF (now CAF) AIRMSHL Leo Davies and ACAUST AVM Gavin Turnbull in March and is part of Plan Jericho.

For more information, visit http://intranet.defence.gov.au/raafweb/sites/Jericho/

Transforming our capability


Kyri Peck

THE second RAAF student will soon start flying the new F-35A.

SQNLDR David Bell has started at the F-35 International Pilot Training Centre, at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, where pilots from F-35 partner nations come to train and instruct on the F-35A Lightning II aircraft.

SQNLDR Bell said he was excited to start flying the new jet.

“I know that a lot of people, both here and back home in Australia, have worked very hard to get RAAF jets fly-ing at Luke Air Force Base and to put in place arrangements for Australian air-crew to begin training here,” SQNLDR Bell said.

Over the next few years, RAAF members of various trades will spend time at Luke Air Force Base to learn about and directly participate in many aspects of the F-35A system.

Through day-to-day involvement in flying operations, aircrew training, maintenance, logistics and security, RAAF members will work with the US Air Force and partner nations to overcome challenges as they arise, and learn valuable lessons to prepare for Australian-based F-35A operations, starting in late-2018.

Program Manager JSF Division AVM Chris Deeble said our collective experience of operating at Luke Air Force Base would give us a great head start on our path to achieving an Initial

Our second to soarTHE Department of Environment pub-lished its approval of the final environ-mental impact statement (EIS) for the fly-ing operations of the F-35A on July 17.

OC No. 81 Wing GPCAPT Phil Gordon said Air Force welcomed the approval.

“The development of the EIS is an important process and supports Defence’s honest and open approach to addressing aircraft noise and other environmental considerations for communities living near Air Force bases,” he said.

GPCAPT Gordon said Air Force was committed to implementing the conditions of the report.

“In accordance with the EIS approval conditions and the existing RAAF Aircraft Noise Management Strategy, aircraft noise management plans for the F-35A will include regular monitoring, public reporting and community consultation.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the Department of Environment and the community to minimise the envi-ronmental impacts of the flying operations while balancing operational and training requirements so Defence can effectively provide air power for Australia’s national security.”

The final EIS, made up of the draft EIS and a supplementary report, which addresses issues raised by the community, was approved with four core conditions.

To view the EIS approval and conditions, visit www.environment.gov.au/epbc/public-notices The EIS, including the supplementary report, is available at: www.f35evolution.com

Final approval for impact statement

Operating Capability by the end of 2020.

“SQNLDR Bell will join SQNLDR Andrew Jackson, to become Australia’s first two F-35 qualified instructor pilots to work and train alongside international partner pilots and support teams at Luke Air Force Base,” AVM Deeble said.

SQNLDR Bell said he was privi-leged to have the opportunity to fly and instruct on the F-35A and to learn more about the broader JSF system.

“The people at Luke Air Force Base, and at the 61st Fighter Squadron in par-ticular, have made me feel overwhelm-ingly welcome,” he said.

(L-R) CAPT Matthew Strongin, MAJ Brian Healy, SQNLDR David Bell, and MAJ Eric Wright at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. Photo: 56FW/PA

Air Force’s A35-001 F-35A Lightning II returns from a sortie. Photo: William McElligott


A DRAFT of the third Defence Reconciliation Action Plan (DRAP) is now available for review and feedback.

The DRAP sets out practical actions that continue to progress and build on our indigenous initia-tives through employment pathways, procurement and participation in key events of significance to indigenous Australians.

Director Indigenous Affairs Glynn Greenaway said it was an opportunity for all Defence person-nel to be part of our reconciliation journey.

“The 2015-18 DRAP reflects our commitment to reconciliation, as fundamental to Defence capabil-ity and how Defence contributes to national interests in a domestic con-text,” Mr Greenaway said.

“It reflects our enduring recogni-tion and commitment to reconcilia-tion as a fundamental aspect of our cultural change efforts.”

The DRAP will set out where Defence is in its reconciliation jour-ney, where we’re heading and how we will get there.

Over the last few months, DRAP Working Group representatives have sought input from each group and service.

Defence and Reconciliation Australia representatives travelled across Australia meeting with Defence personnel to discuss rec-onciliation and give people the opportunity to put forward ideas and thoughts for the new plan.

“A key element to the success of the plan is the need to reflect the diverse nature of our business and allow for tailoring of programs and plans to suit the needs of each group and service and changing require-ments,” Mr Greenaway said.

The DRAP draft is available for review and feedback until August 7 at www.defence.gov.au/code/indigenous/strategic/drap/ Feedback can be emailed to [email protected]

Planning for the future

FLTLT Sacha Mondon

RAAF Base Amberley hosted the Air Force Gap Year graduation and students from the Indigenous Australian Science and Infrastructure Development Winter School on July 2.

Commander Combat Support Group AIRCDRE Scott Winchester said it was an exciting day for the base.

“We are proud as an organisation to welcome young indigenous stu-dents and graduates of the Gap Year program who are so enthusiastic about future opportunities in Air Force,” AIRCDRE Winchester said.

“Both of these programs are amazing opportunities for the youth of today, and Air Force is extremely proud to be an active stakeholder.”

CO RAAF Security and Fire School WGCDR Andrew McHugh said Air Force’s Gap Year program provided an opportunity for young Australian school-leavers, who have finished Year 12 or equivalent, to experience military life.

“During the 12-month program, participants are given training in a variety of career streams, all while being paid and receiving the benefits and entitlements received by full-time serving members,” he said.

“Students have now complet-ed their initial recruit training and will be posted to Air Force Security Squadrons across Australia for employment training.”

Gap Year participant AC Kyle Anderson said the training had been exciting and challenging.

“I am looking forward to my post-ing to No. 2 Security Forces Squadron in Townsville and putting my training to use,” AC Anderson said.

A total of 19 students from the Queensland Univers i ty of Technology’s (QUT) Indigenous Australian Science and Infrastructure Development Winter School visited the base.

The Year 10 and 11 students vis-

ited No. 1 Expeditionary Health Squadron, No. 2 Security Forces Squadron, Military Working Dog sec-tion, Air Traffic Control Tower, No. 36 Squadron and the Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre.

No. 23 Squadron Warrant Officer WOFF Gary Thompson said Air Force was a proud sponsor of the program and he hoped to see many of the par-ticipants consider a career in the ADF.

“The students were given a tour of a C-17A Globemaster and watched a display of Air Force security capabil-ity,” WOFF Thompson said.

“They also toured an air traffic control tower where they engaged with joint battlefield airspace control-

lers, observed them conducting opera-tions and spoke with indigenous Air Force personnel.”

WOFF Brett West, of ATSIA-AF, said the program enabled Air Force to contribute to the Government’s clos-ing the gap program.

“Educational opportunities such as this are essential to closing the gaps in equality that are present in modern-day Australia,” he said.

Director of the Oodgeroo Unit responsible for the program Anita Lee Hong said it was an important visit.

“It shows positive role model-ling and discipline from the RAAF members as well as from the student ambassadors who have attended in

previous years that are now studying at QUT,” she said.

“This event is aimed at spiking the interest of these students and encour-aging them to complete school and carry on their education in any way, be it to university, in to a trade or join-ing any element of the ADF.”

For more information on the Air Force Gap Year Program, visit www.defencejobs.gov.au/education/gapyear/ For more information on the Indigenous Australian Science and Infrastructure Development Winter School, visit www.qut.edu.au/about/oodgeroo/indigenous-australian-science-and-infrastructure-development-winter-school

Opportunity awaits

CDR CSG AIRCDRE Scott Winchester takes the salute from the Air Force Gap Year parade at RAAF Base Amberley. Left, FLTLT William Todd explains Joint Battlefield Airspace Controller procedures to students Corey and Emily. Photo: CPL Shannon McCarthy

A GROUP of RAAF Base Tindal personnel travelled to a remote town in Western Australia to deliver books on behalf of CAF to children of the Yakanarra Aboriginal commu-nity in June.

SADFO and CO No . 17 Squadron WGCDR Mark Larter, WOFF Jason Roberts, SGT Tony Green, CPL Emma Broadbent, LAC Aytac Fuad and LACW Alicia Thomas travelled for two days by road to reach Yakanarra.

This is the second year in a row that Air Force personnel from RAAF Base Tindal have supported the Books in Homes charity pro-gram.

WGCDR Larter said the experi-ence was humbling for him and the visiting team members.

“This is the second year that myself, WOFF Roberts and a team of hardworking and deserving staff have tackled the five-day return journey to the remote Yakanarra township,” WGCDR Larter said.

“WOFF Roberts and I had already established positive relation-ships with the Yakanarra children and staff, which made the connec-tion easier this time around.

“The Books in Homes program has been immeasurably rewarding for RAAF Base Tindal personnel and the Yakanarra community.”

The RAAF Base Tindal commu-nity also donated clothes, books and toys, which were presented during the visit.

Yakanarra Community School Principal Helen Unwin said the visit was an emotional experience.

“It was great to have Tindal visit again,” she said.

“The more donations that were being unloaded out of the cars the more tears I had.”

During the visit , a No. 3 Squadron pilot conducted a flypast in a F/A-18A, which put smiles on the children’s faces, with some chil-dren thinking they were fast enough to chase the jet across the oval.

The Yakanarra Community School provided cultural experienc-es for RAAF Base Tindal personnel, including a traditional corroboree and a visit to a sacred site.

Books for a worthy cause

WGCDR Mark Larter presents books on behalf of CAF to a Grade 1 student at Yakanarra Community School.

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Study findings releasedTHE re su l t s o f t he De fence Firefighters’ Health Study, which examined the incidences of death and cancer in serving and former ADF fire-fighters, were published by Monash University on July 8.

The study found the death rate among ADF firefighters, the major-ity of whom served in the Air Force, was significantly lower than the age-matched Australian population and the rates of cancer were about the same.

However, due to the relatively young age of the cohort and limita-tions on the number of former ADF firefighters who could be included in the study, researchers could not draw a definitive conclusion from the results and suggested an update in 10-15 years.

CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies said Defence was determined to look after its personnel.

“I want to assure all ADF person-nel, past and present, that your health and welfare are central to everything we do as a military,” he said.

“I strongly encourage any cur-rent or former ADF firefighters who have a diagnosed health condition, which they believe is service related, to contact the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

“The Defence F i re fighters ’ Health Study provides an addition to the growing body of research being conducted into human exposure to hazardous chemicals, including the Jet Fuel Exposure Syndrome Study and the fourth update of the F-111

Mortality and Cancer Incidence Study, which is due to be completed in early 2016.

“This study is not the final word but it will certainly help Defence and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to better understand the effects of mili-

tary service on personnel and enable both organisations to improve the care and welfare they provide to all ADF members.”

The Department of Defence com-missioned the Firefighters’ Health Study in 2012 in response to represen-

tations by an ex-ADF firefighter group led by Pat and Ted Mildren.

The study included current and former ADF firefighters who served between 1980 and 2011 and compared their statistical health data against the national cancer and death registers.

FORMER ADF firefighters with a diagnosed health condition, which they believe is related to their service, are encouraged to lodge claims with DVA. There are no time limits applying to claims. www.dva.gov.au 133 254 (national callers) 1800 555 254 (regional callers) [email protected]

Senior mustering adviser WOFF Greg Brown said serving firefighters should take note of the study findings and put them into the context of their own years of service.

“To anyone concerned about the results of the study, I would strongly encourage them to read the entire doc-ument in order to gain an appreciation of the facts,” he said.

WOFF Brown said O5 level staff officers from Air Force HQ and HQ Combat Support Group, as well as the previous senior mustering adviser, were included on the Study Advisory Committee to ensure the most accu-rate available information was pro-vided to researchers.

“The study was designed to gather information for a specific purpose – to determine if any relationship existed between employment as a military firefighter and increased mortality and/or cancer rates,” WOFF Brown said.

“I would also like to stress current personal protective equipment, train-ing and operational response proce-dures have all been designed to mini-mise the hazards associated with what is an inherently dangerous task.”

Defence and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs will continue to work closely with relevant ex-Service organisations on all matters relating to the health of former Defence mem-bers.

A copy of the report is available at: http://www.coeh.monash.org/ausfireftr.html

Photo: LAC Brenton Kwaterski

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MEMBERS of Air Force’s newest squad-ron have been engaging with Defence units to practise their air base recovery skills while undertaking estate works pro-jects.

No. 65 Squadron personnel, formal-ly of No. 95 Wing Airfield Engineering (AFENG), conducted a vehicle loading ramp construction at RAAF Base Pearce and a road and culvert remediation pro-ject for Combat Survival Training School (CSTS) at Paluma Range in June.

The AFENG workforce is required to provide and maintain air base facilities and conduct air base remediation works.

To develop and practise the skills required for these roles, opportunities across Defence Estate have been creat-ed to enable development of tradesmen against anticipated expeditionary tasks.

FLGOFF Kathleen Pearce was the OIC for the ramp construction at RAAF Base Pearce.

“The project was a RAAF-constructed minor works project funded by DSRG and it provided valuable training out-comes to improve the vertical construc-tion knowledge for the AFENG trades-men,” FLGOFF Pearce said.

CPL Shannon Mitchell was the work supervisor and said the team benefitted from the challenging task.

“It enabled us to use our trade skills,” CPL Mitchell said.

“The task was exceptional and one of the better jobs I have been involved in.”

The vehicle loading ramp has improved the air movements and ware-housing capability on the base.

LAC Ian Chapman was heavily involved in the planning and delivery of the remediation of an unsealed road and damaged culvert at Paluma Range, locat-ed one hour from RAAF Base Townsville in a National Park.

He said the task involved the use of heavy machinery in an environmentally delicate area.

“Multiple culverts were reconstructed and range roads repaired to ensure the continued and safe use by CSTS staff during key training activities,” LAC Chapman said.

“There were multiple challenges due to the difficulty of terrain and the signifi-cant environmental regulations.”

These challenges allowed AFENG to practise expeditionary skills that could be expected in austere environments.

65SQN was stood up on July 1 and is made up of AFENG and explosive ord-nance disposal personnel and capability, which provides Air Force with an air base recovery capability.

FLTLT Sacha Mondon

AS ONE door closes another opens for GPCAPT Simon Sauer who moved on from a distinguished 26-year Air Force career to become CEO of Mates4Mates on July 26.

At a ceremony at RAAF Base Amberley, Commander Combat Support Group (CSG) AIRCDRE Scott Winchester thanked GPCAPT Sauer for his service.

“In particular, I acknowledge your service and contribution to CSG and your time as Chief of Staff,” AIRCDRE Winchester said.

GPCAPT Sauer thanked all the people he worked with during his Air Force career, which began as a junior ground defence officer.

He said serving as the last CO of Multinational Base Tarin Kot during the drawdown of coalition forces was a standout.

“It was a high tempo yet deeply rewarding experience,” he said.

“It is an honour to say I have been able to serve the country in this way.”

GPCAPT Sauer’s postings have included Chief Instructor and later CO RAAF Security and Fire School; OPSO Chemical, Biological and Radiological Response Squadron during the Sydney 2000 Olympics; and, CO Nos. 2 and 3 Airfield Defence Squadrons (later renamed Security Forces Squadrons).

In 2011, he was posted to HQAC to conduct a review into Force Protection (Air Force): doctrine, policy and force structures, which has been crucial in shaping Security Forces in CSG to where they are today.

He served in operations Pollard, Tanager/Citadel and Slipper and deployed throughout the Middle East as well as Timor-Leste.

Incoming COS CSG GPCAPT Dave Turner said he had known GPCAPT Sauer for many years.

“He has always been an out-standing officer,” GPCAPT Turner said.

“With his operational back-ground and obvious concern for others, I can’t think of a better person to take over as CEO for Mates4Mates.”

For information on Mates4Mates, visit http://mates4mates.org/

Ready for the next role

Engineers get to work

FLGOFF Kathleen Pearce, CPL Shannon Mitchell, LAC Danny Penfold, LAC Luke Seaton, LAC Steven Gallagher, LAC Simon Rush, LAC John Buckley and AC Lalliard on the completed vehicle loading ramp at RAAF Base Pearce. Below, the team levels the concrete on the ramp.

A completed culvert at Paluma Range. Photo: LAC Ian Chapman

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RAAF Base Wagga is preparing to cel-ebrate its 75th anniversary.

In the lead up to the anniversary, the community has embraced Air Force, highlighting the strong and enduring bond between the base and the local Wagga Wagga and Riverina community – and they’re in the mood to party.

Excitement is building in the local community about coming events, which will include an Air Force Band Community Concert on July 31 and a Freedom of Entry parade on August 1.

Tickets to the Air Force Band’s com-munity concert were allocated over a single weekend and the Wagga Civic Theatre has started a waiting list for unclaimed tickets. Another concert is being organised for August 1.

SADFO and Commandant RAAF College GPCAPT Ross Jones said the community’s response to the concert, like all of the planned events, was over-whelming.

“The celebratory mood is really strong in this community, from the sec-ond concert being planned, to the palpa-ble excitement that a C-17A and PC-9s will be booming over the main street dur-ing the parade,” he said.

“The sense of pride Wagga Wagga has in this base and the support they’ve shown the ADF over 75 years is tremen-dous.

“It’s gratifying to be able to give

In the mood to party

‘The sense of pride Wagga Wagga has in this base and the support they’ve shown the ADF over 75 years is tremendous.

– GPCAPT Ross Jones

something back to the community, so our 75th anniversary celebrations are as much about that, as they are showcasing our own achievements and pride.”

Wagga Wagga Mayor Rod Kendall said the Freedom of Entry parade would demonstrate how valuable RAAF Base Wagga was to the community’s history, economy and social fabric.

“This honour displays respect and gratitude to RAAF Base Wagga in rec-ognising their contribution to the local community and the ongoing relationship between us – one which is steeped in pride, unity, support and cooperation,” Councillor Kendall said.

Aerobatic displays by the Roulettes and a static display by the Air Force Balloon are also planned during the two-day celebrations.

GPCAPT Ross Jones is looking forward to RAAF Base Wagga’s 75th anniversary. Photo: Kieren L Tilley

Denise Hughes

THE world’s largest travel si te, TripAdvisor, has awarded the RAAF Museum a 2015 Cer t i f ica te of Excellence.

The award can only be earned through consistently great reviews from members of the public who have visited the venue and then post a review on the TripAdvisor website.

More than 120,000 people visit the RAAF Museum, located at RAAF Base Point Cook, each year.

Many of those visitors, including some from overseas, have taken the time to write a review on TripAdvisor, result-ing in the travel site awarding the RAAF Museum an overall 4.5 Star rating.

RAAF Museum Director David Gardner said the staff and volunteers were proud of the recognition and visi-tors’ appreciation of what the Museum works hard to offer.

“We were quite chuffed with the award as this reinforces the team’s

Museum recognised as top destination

The RAAF Museum team in front of the RAAF Museum’s de Havilland Vampire display.

efforts in presenting a venue for people of all ages to visit and gain a greater understanding of the RAAF – that it’s not just about aeroplanes but also people and technology,” Mr Gardner said.

“The Museum is always changing its exhibitions to keep things fresh and the staff and volunteers are always friendly and helpful.”

12 13RCEAIR F July 30, 2015Centrepiece

FOR the first time, Australian C-17A Globemaster crews joined their American coun-terparts for the international airborne insertion at Exercise Talisman Sabre.

On July 8, five American and two Australian C-17As delivered 450 US Army paratroopers to Shoalwater Bay Field Training Area.

Acting as the nerve centre for the drop was the 613th Air Operations Center (AOC) at Joint Base Pearl Harbour – Hickam in Hawaii.

The 613th AOC provided a 22-hour command and control capability over the course of the mission, according to 613th AOC Air Mobility Division airlift control team chief MAJ Kaialii Kahele.

“There were many moving parts involved with launching these aircraft and getting them to Australia in a secure manner and more than 1000 people were involved in successfully completing this operation,” MAJ Kahele said.

“This was the kick off to Talisman Sabre, the larg-est Pacific Command exercise, and it was successfully completed as a joint, coalition effort that demonstrated our global reach and global power.”

Departing on their trans-Pacific trip from Joint Base Elmendorf – Richardson in Alaska, the RAAF C-17As landed in Hawaii to change crews and refuel.

The five American C-17As made the trip non-stop, receiving 364 tonnes of fuel from seven KC-10 Extenders in the skies above the Pacific.

“The refueling piece happened in 35 minutes with no issues,” MAJ Kahele said.

“This coordination displayed our unity of effort and it demonstrates how we can reach anywhere around the Pacific, 52 per cent of the world’s surface, at any time.”

After crossing the Pacific, the C-17As bore down on the Kapyong drop zone in Shoalwater Bay Field Training Area to disgorge 450 Soldiers with the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division from Fort Richardson in Alaska.

“The air drop commenced precisely in the five min-ute window,” MAJ Kahele said.

“This demonstrated the strategic air power of the US and Australian air forces with our coalition part-ners.”

“At the time of the jump I looked at my watch and knew that somewhere over Australia the 4th Brigade was jumping out of US and Australian C-17s. I had a part in that, and it almost felt like I was there.”

DROPPING IN TO VISITTeamwork at its best as Australian and American C-17A Globemaster crews deliver US Army paratroopers from Alaska to Shoalwater Bay for Exercise Talisman Sabre, the US Air Force’s MSGT Matthew McGovern reports.


CROSSING the Pacific to deliver US Army soldiers on July 8 marked a massive capability step for the RAAF’s No. 36 Squadron.

To support the drop for Exercise Talisman Sabre, 36SQN provided two C-17As with four crews, with each air-craft carrying 70 paratroopers.

The aircraft flew from Joint Base Elmendorf – Richardson in Alaska, landed to refuel and change crews in Hawaii, before making their airdrop to Shoalwater Bay.

Flying seven C-17As from two different air forces across an ocean required significant coordination, according to C-17A pilot FLTLT Nick Tickner, of 36SQN.

“There were several mass briefs and video conferences with all the major players in this mission,” FLTLT Tickner said.

“All aircrew were involved in the Joint Mission Brief in Alaska the day before the mission was executed.”

This year marked the first time Australian C-17As participated in the mass airdrop, with previous airdrops being conducted solely by American crews.

The mass airdrop was regarded as an overall success, demonstrating interoperability and delivering a mass assault force across the globe in less than 24 hours.

“From this mission we have been able to identify some short falls that did not impact the overall objective, however, we can rectify for poten-tial future coalition missions,” FLTLT Tickner said.

“Both the USAF and RAAF crews walked away with the feeling that if we had to operate with one another in any sort of flight environment in the near future we could achieve the mis-sion goals.”

For 36SQN, the goal is to com-plete the same mission in two year’s time – but with the benefit of air-to-air refueling.

This is in addition to further airdrop exercises in the US later this year.

“This mass airdrop has proven now that 36SQN has the building blocks to develop further into the formation air-drop realm,” FLTLT Tickner said.

“We will have the capability to deliver assets to a specific objec-tive within a confined time, which will again shorten when air-to-air refueling comes online.”

Huge achievement after long journey

(L-R) FLGOFF Chris Goode, FLTLT Shurumeet Gill and US Air Force CAPT Brenton baker plan for the next contingency in the 613th Air Operation Center at Joint Base Pearl Harbor – Hickam in Hawaii. Photo: MSGT Matthew McGovern, US Air Force

Australian and American aircrew debrief after the combined mass paratroop insertion mission. Photo: CPL Peter Borys

A No. 36 Squadron C-17A Globemaster taxis back to RAAF Base Amberley after completing the airborne insertion. Photo: CPL Shannon McCarthy

US Army paratroopers from 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, parachute onto the Kapyong drop zone in Shoalwater Bay Field Training Area during Talisman Sabre. Photo: SGT David Beckstrom, US Army

Watch the airborne insertion at: http://video.defence.gov.au/tags/V20150398

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15July 30, 2015RCEAIR F Flightline

No. 35 Squadron avionics technician CPL Luke Stirton selects a tool while preparing our new C-27J Spartan for a mission. Photo: CPL David Said

FLTLT Kahlia Rawlings, of No. 1 Expeditionary Health Squadron, shows students a Defence ambulance during their visit to RAAF Base Amberley. Photo: CPL Shannon McCarthy

Left, WOFF Mark Brundell is joined by C-130J pilot initial qualification course 02 graduates, FLTLT Melinda Russell, FLGOF Robert Maliphant and FLTLT Matt Dunn.Photo: CPL Veronica O’Hara

CDR CSG AIRCDRE Scott Winchester presents ACW Lauren Smith with the dux of course award at the Air Force Gap Year parade at RAAF Base Amberley.

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History RCEAIR F July 30, 201516

WHILE not flattering, the first review of the Air Force proved integral in shaping our development.

As early as 1925, the RAF had expected the Australian Government to invite a senior RAF officer to review and report on the RAAF, as had occurred with the RAN and Australian Army.

Feeling aggrieved that no invitation had been extended, the RAF Chief of Air Staff, Sir Hugh Trenchard, wrote to Australian Governor-General Lord Stonehaven proposing a visit.

However, the Government showed little interest.

It wasn’t until 1927, after RAAF Chief of Air Staff AIRCDRE Richard Williams pressed the issue that the invi-tation was formally offered.

AIRCDRE William’s motives in pressing for the review were simple.

Air Force was being starved of funding, it needed to expand to prop-erly meet Australia’s defence require-ments and was in desperate need of new and additional aircraft.

He felt the expert opinion of a senior RAF officer would carry more weight with the Government than an internal review.

In response to the request, the RAF sent AVM Sir John Salmond, who arrived by ship in Fremantle on June 26, 1928. He began his review with a tour of RAAF Base Pearce.

AVM Salmond was a highly expe-rienced officer. He had served in senior Royal Flying Corps positions in WWI and had extensive experience in coun-terinsurgency operations in the Middle East and Afghanistan in the post war years.

The Government gave Salmond wide ranging terms of reference; detail-ing the RAAF’s organisation, admin-istration, training, equipment, future development and the use of the Air Force in defence of Australia as areas of investigation.

AVM Salmond remained in Australia until September 20 when he submitted his findings and departed for New Zealand.

Even though AIRCDRE Williams was given opportunities to respond to questions and have informal discus-sions with AVM Salmond during his visit, the Government released the report to the public before AIRCDRE Williams and the Air Board had an opportunity review its findings.

AVM Salmond gave a grim assess-ment of the Air Force.

While noting that the Air Force was “established on a firm basis” he never-the-less concluded that the RAAF was “totally unfit for war”.

Low training standards, obsolete equipment and poor conditions of ser-vice were a small portion of the list of issues noted before making recommen-dations on improving the Air Force.

Paving the way to successAs Defence considers the recommendations of the First Principles Review, Steve Allan, of the Office of Air Force History, looks back at the first review to have influenced the development of the Air Force.

While not flattering for the RAAF, AIRCDRE Williams welcomed the report and sought every opportunity to encourage the Government to have its recommendations implemented.

However, the budget could not be increased to fund an expanding Air Force, a position aggravated by the onset of the depression, and few of the recommendations of the report were implanted.

New aircraft were acquired along

with the establishment of new units and facilities, but never in the quantity envi-sioned by AVM Salmond.

By the time a second review of the RAAF was conducted in 1938 by Sir Edward Ellington, the efforts to mod-ernise the Air Force in the previous years were too little, too late.

The findings of the Ellington Report were damning and led to the removal of then-AVM Williams from his position as Chief of Air Staff.

While the Ellington Report undoubtedly represented a low point in Air Force’s history, the following years of WWII were perhaps the period of the RAAF’s most magnificent achieve-ments.

From a small, heavily criticised air force in 1938, by 1945 the RAAF had proved its true mettle, serving with great distinction in every theatre of the war and becoming the fourth largest air force in the world.

A RAAF DH-9a circa 1928. Inset, AVM Sir John Salmond, who conducted the first review into the RAAF. Photos: Office of Air Force History

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FeatureRCEAIR F July 30, 2015 17

A STONE’S throw west of Brisbane Airport lies one of Brisbane’s older sub-urbs, Ascot, an unassum-

ing leafy neighbourhood with large houses and mansions perched on generously sized blocks.

If you were to walk past number 21 Henry Street, Ascot, also known as Nyrambla, you wouldn’t take a second glance at the well-estab-lished two-storey mansion.

However, from September 1942 to November 1945, this incon-spicuous house hosted a unit called Central Bureau, which was GEN Douglas MacArthur’s eyes, ears and intelligence for the Pacific region during WWII.

Nyrambla was the equivalent of Britain’s famed Bletchley Park, the home of the code-breakers who cracked Nazi ciphers.

On July 9, veterans of the Central Bureau unveiled a com-memorative plaque next to the front gates of Nyrambla to commemorate the outstanding achievements of men and women of the top secret signals intelligence organisation.

Serving airmen and women, soldiers, sailors and public serv-ants from units and organisations that carry the legacy of Central Bureau, as well as members of the

Australian-American Association, attended the unveiling.

Deputy Secretary Intelligence and Security Group Stephen Meekin said the plaque provided “fitting and long overdue public recognition”.

“All those who pass this place can understand that while success in battle with Imperial Japan was achieved not only on the land, at sea and in the air, but that the work of Central Bureau enabled many of the key decisions,” Mr Meekin said.

“This ensured Allied forces were in the best position, able to exploit enemy weakness, at the right time and in overwhelming force to achieve victory.”

The Ascot area was to become both home and work until the end of the war years for more than 4300 military personnel. The vast major-ity were Australians and Americans, with a handful of Dutch, New Zealanders and Canadians.

The Central Bureau was under the command of MAJGEN Spencer Akin, GEN MacArthur’s chief sig-nals officer. Supporting MAJGEN Akin was RAAF officer WGCDR Roy Booth, Australian Army officer LTCOL Mic Sandford and US Army officer COL Abraham Sinkov.

The Bureau’s main functions were intercepting Japanese commu-

nications, crypto analysis and advis-ing GEN MacArthur to aid him with his strategic decisions.

One of the major achievements was the cracking of the Water Transport Code, a super-enciphered Japanese Army code, also known as ‘2468’ after the numeric group that appeared at the start of each com-munication.

It would be a mistake to think that the majority of victories in the Pacific region were down to great planning and plain good luck. These accomplishments were more than likely due to the tireless work of the Central Bureau staff in Australia.

Some of these key achieve-ments include the shooting down of ADML Isoroku Yamamoto’s aircraft in 1943 after his itiner-ary was intercepted, the Battle of the Coral Sea, and a copy of GEN Hitoshi Imamura’s assessment of the disposition and condition of his XVIII Army, which enabled Allied forces to “pick and choose” where to engage enemy forces and or just bypass them altogether.

It is said that Gen MacArthur once stated that the effort by the men and women of the Central Bureau helped shorten the war by two years.

A plaque has been unveiled to commemorate the efforts of signals experts whose intelligence contributed significantly to victory in the Pacific during WWII, WO2 Wayne Ryan reports.

Wartime eyes and earsDeputy Secretary Intelligence and Security Stephen Meekin (left) and Central Bureau Intelligence Corps Association president Gordon Gibson unveil the Central Bureau commemorative plaque.

The Central Bureau at Ascot in Brisbane.

Joint Electronic Warfare Operational Support Unit members, LCDR Eloise Twine, FSGT Scott Brandon, LAC Todd Wormald and AC Mark Macpherson with US Navy LCDR William Winters at the plaque unveiling.

THE RAAF’s “UFO section”, employed to check reports of fly-ing saucers, was given a wrap in RAAF News’ July 1972 edition, thanks to story reproduced from the Melbourne Herald. If you wished to report a UFO, it was possible to go to a police station and fill out a 31-question form that was forwarded to the Air Department in Canberra. RAAF took the reports seriously and had no intention of shutting the section, though many reports were explained as weather bal-loons, reflected car lights or space junk.

AUSTRALIA would need to be more self-reliant in its defence, despite

the fact several nations had pledged to come to our aid, according to the then Air Minister Tom Drake-Brockman. Short of a global war or overwhelming security challenge, the Minister said Australia should be prepared to act independently and “carry the entire burden” of lesser problems alone. He said the RAAF must possess the “whole spectrum” of “aerial hardware”, including strike and recon aircraft along with fighters, transports and helicopters.

RECRUITS joining the WRAAF were given the option of enlist-ing for three or six years. Previously the minimum term was six years. There were no

plans to change the initial enlist-ment period of six or 12 years for men in the RAAF.

A PAIR of Iroquois from No. 5 Squadron rescued two lost bush-walkers from a heavily forested mountain near Corin Dam in the ACT. The rescued walkers returned to RAAF Fairbairn the next day to thank the flight crew and share cake.

July 1972Back in...

Central Bureau Intelligence Corps Association members Diana Parker and Helen Kenny with the plaque. Photos: CPL Glen McCarthy

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Artwork as large as life

WHEN the Australian War Memorial asked Ian Howard to produce some artwork, they had

no idea they were likely to end up with the largest work on canvas in the Australian National Collection.

Professor Howard, of the faculty of Art and Design at the University of NSW in Sydney, was commissioned to produce a series of artworks depicting ADF operations on Operation Resolute for the collection.

He decided to fulfil this commis-sion by using the ancient and unusual medium of rubbing.

Rubbing is a traditional Chinese printing technique, but in the West children are most familiar with this process, where an item such as a coin is placed under a sheet of paper and a pencil rubbed across the top to reveal an image of the coin’s surface.

While it’s one thing to do a rub-bing of a coin, a rubbing of some of the ADF assets employed on Resolute presented challenges.

Shannon Carbone, of the Maritime Patrol Systems Program Office at RAAF Base Edinburgh, arranged access for Professor Howard to do a rubbing of part of an AP-3C Orion to portray the Air Force contribution to this operation.

“It was essential to be able to work on an aircraft out of the wind in a hangar, with docking in place to access the high parts of the aircraft,” Professor Howard says.

He had to wrangle his 3.06m x 33m canvas across the front surfaces of the aircraft.

“I wanted to capture a combina-tion of the vastness of the surveillance tasks undertaken by these aircraft, and the endurance – the power of their engines and resilience of crew – to stay aloft, searching,” Professor Howard says.

“This rubbing will communicate a new realism, that is, the actual size and impact of the aircraft in a way no other artistic rendition can.”

The finished work will be unveiled next year.

Last year he did a rubbing of Navy’s Armidale-class patrol boat HMAS Albany for the Australian War Memorial.

Similar works by Professor Howard are included in the collections of the Australian National Gallery, which has an image of part of a US F-4 Phantom, and the Art Gallery of NSW, which has his rubbing of the nose section of the B-29 Superfortress Enola Gay.

Professor Ian Howard with his rubbing artwork and proof-of-concept design of an AP-3C Orion. Photo: CPL Nicci Freeman

Feature RCEAIR F July 30, 201518

Our contribution to Operation Resolute is providing inspiration for a unique artwork, WGCDR Peter Wythes reports.

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19July 30, 2015RCEAIR F Personnel

JUNE TRIAL RESULTS

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

OFFICERDefence Force Magistrate2 x Obtaining a Financial Advantage DFDA s 61(3) and Criminal Code s 135.2(1)The member was accused of occupying service accommodation that the member knew or believed the member was not eligible to occupy. The member was also accused of occupying non-service accommodation that the member knew or believed the member was not eligible to occupy. The member pleaded guilty to the charges and was found guilty of the charges. The member was dismissed from the ADF.

THE ACT Government Asbestos Response Taskforce released a reg-ister of residential addresses in the ACT affected by loose-fill asbestos insulation (also known as Mr Fluffy insulation) on July 1.

Serving and former Defence personnel who lived in Canberra in the 1970s and 1980s may be con-cerned the home they occupied was insulated with loose-fill asbestos.

Anyone who believes they may have lived in a Canberra home containing loose-fill asbestos is encouraged to read the information available on the Asbestos Response Taskforce website.

The taskforce has a process that enables former tenants and home owners to establish if a property they resided in contained loose-fill asbestos and was part of a removal program.

The ACT government recently passed legislation that provides

for a register of the addresses of affected residential premises to be made publicly available.

The register will enable legisla-tive and regulatory requirements, such as the mandating of asbestos management plans for these proper-ties, attachment of new planning permissions and the capacity to break residential tenancies, to take place.

People who suspect they may have been exposed to asbestos as a result of their employment with Defence can participate by call-ing 1800 DEFENCE (1800 333 362) and asking to be put through to the Defence Asbestos Exposure Evaluation Scheme, or visiting www.defence.gov.au/dpe/ohsc/pro-grams/Asbestos

For more information, visit www.asbestostaskforce.act.gov.au

Jessica Richardson

DEFENCE One will deliver a sin-gle human resource management and payroll system to manage pay, leave and other personnel functions for all ADF members and civilian employees.

The system, which has a planned implementation of early next year, will be rolled out in three releases – Release 1a, Release 1b and Release 2.

Release 1a involves the decom-missioning of ADFPAY.

Currently permanent mem-bers are paid through the ageing ADFPAY system, while reserve members and APS members are paid through PMKeyS.

Entering data in two systems leads to duplication of effort and increased errors.

Project director Brenton Searle said Defence One would enable a cost-effective and sustainable sys-tem with improved capability.

“The roll out of Defence One will lead to increased efficiencies and reduce the risk of incorrect payments,” he said.

“With Defence One, self ser-vice for members will be expand-ed and members will be able to submit, modify and delete a range of new absence types, as well as certain allowances and deductions.

“Members will simply log on to Defence One, submit their application and it will be sent to their chain of command for approval.

“This will make the processing of leave and allowances faster and reduce the need for paper forms.”

Defence One will coincide with the streamlining of absence approvals.

The minimum rank of approv-ers for ADF absence and allow-ance requests has been standard-ised across the services.

Defence response to asbestos concerns

Roll out on the way

‘The roll out of Defence One will lead to increased efficiencies and reduce the risk of incorrect payments.

– Brenton Searle, Defence One project director

Your achievementsA SERIES of posters has been designed to highlight some of the achievements throughout Air Force in the areas of People, Air Power and Community. While the posters don’t capture all the good work being done across the organisation, members are encouraged to review, share and display the poster. Download the poster at: http://intranet.defence.gov.au/raafweb/sites/RAAFhome/comweb.asp?Page=89084

IN BRIEF

Study at ADFATHE Airman Access to the Academy (AAAS) Scheme has expanded to include reservists. Appointments remain highly competitive and are confined to those specialisations in which Air Force has difficulty in meeting staffing requirements through traditional recruiting avenues and will vary from year to year, depending on circumstances. Although applications are open to reservists, places are limited and applicants will need to accept transfer to the PAF. Applications will be accepted at any time. For more information including the EOI, visit http://intranet.defence.gov.au/raafweb/sites/DPAF/ or email Selections at [email protected].

Defence One has been designed to allow the appropriate workflow for approvals to be auto-matically applied.

As a simple rule, this means flight sergeant-level supervisors are the minimum rank that will receive simple absence requests via self service

However, for periods greater than 90 days, applications will need to be redirected to the next squadron leader in the chain of command for approval.

For all allowance requests, the minimum rank for approval is squadron leader-level.

The planned implementation of early 2016 ensures a successful outcome to deliver a fit-for-pur-pose and enduring payroll systems for Defence.

For more information, check out the new fact sheets at http://ciogintranet/organisation/HRDD/PSMB/DefenceOne/ or email ‘CIOG HRDP Communications’ on the DRN.

Photo: LS Jayson Tufrey

Support LegacyLEGACY Week will run from August 30 to September 5. The week is the organisation’s major fundraising event, bringing attention to Legacy’s important work caring for the families of servicemen and women who have died or been incapacitated as a result of their service. Across Australia, Legacy clubs will approach Defence bases seeking support from ADF members. CDF ACM Mark Binskin said he encouraged ADF members to volunteer their time in uniform to sell Legacy badges during the week, particularly on Badge Day on September 4. Reservists volunteering to support Legacy will not be paid for their service. For more information, visit www.legacy.com.au/DonateNow or call 1800 534 229.

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20 July 30, 2015RCEAIR FNew Horizon

Michelle Maddren

IDENTIFYING and managing bul-lying and harassment in Australian industry workplaces was one of the focuses of the 2015 No 2 Bullying Conference in Queensland.

The conference was run by the Australian and New Zealand Mental Health Association from June 29-30.

WOFF Penelope Baker, of Air Force Adaptive Culture, said there were points raised that linked to workplace culture.

“An important example is the rec-ognition that there are two types of workplace bullying – covert and overt,” she said.

“Overt bullying can be easier to address as the explicit behaviours can be challenged. Covert bullying can be harder to address as it involves small, subtle behaviours that by themselves don’t seem to be a big deal, however, when looked at from a broader perspec-tive would raise questions and concern.”

She said covert bullying was often part of a pattern that became harmful over time.

“It can prove more destructive to workplaces as the behaviours can sometimes become part of the accepted workplace culture,” WOFF Baker said.

“It can become hard for people to

recognise the problem and the impact of workplace effectiveness.”

Bullying does not just impact the victim of the bullying behaviour.

Bystanders often suffer higher levels of stress, anxiety and substance abuse as a result of witnessing an incident of bul-lying or harassment.

Workplace bullying can also affect the target’s friends, siblings, partners, children and other work members.

“Yet it is encouraging to note that, on average, bullying will end within 10 seconds once someone intervenes to stop or question the behaviour,” WOFF Baker said.

Bullying and harassment can occur in three ways: downward (supervisors to members), sideways (peer to peer) and upwards (members to supervisors).

“Upward bullying often goes unre-ported due to the supervisor’s belief that they should be able to manage the behaviour, and that by reporting the behaviour they will be labelled as incompetent, weak and unable to do their job,” WOFF Baker said.

Bullying and harassment develops within environments that are permissive of inappropriate behaviours, and accept-ing of persistent high levels of stress and poor leadership.

Yet it is not just an authoritative

Say no to bullying

leadership style that can foster bullying behaviours.

Passive leadership styles, such as Laissez-faire leadership, can also create a workplace environment that encour-ages bullying and harassment.

Leadership approaches that are not grounded in values and a commitment to take action can result in a failure to properly supervise or guide members, a lack of action in addressing bad behav-iours or poor performance, and a culture of not providing adequate feedback.

A ‘leadership vacuum’ allows poor behaviours to develop and escalate, and

prevents people from speaking up or submitting a complaint.

Workplace bullying can be caused by escalating conflict, unresolved work-place issues or simply from workers having poor conflict management skills.

“The earlier an intervention takes place, the more likely it is that a posi-tive outcome will be achieved,” WOFF Baker said.

The Values Behaviours and Resolution Branch (VBR) in DPG can help with conflict management coach-ing, mediation and group facilitation to resolve conflict informally.

SQNLDR Anita Green, of VBR, said most of these processes were con-fidential.

“This means people are happy to work together to resolve the issues,” SQNLDR Green said.

“Individuals and managers approach us because the people involved come to their own agreements. This is usually far more satisfying compared to man-agement initiated outcomes.”

For more information, visit http://intranet.defence.gov.au/people/sites/are

AT THE 2015 No 2 Bullying Conference, Fair Work Australia Commissioner Anna Lee Cribb presented findings regarding the anti-bullying provisions introduced to the Fair Work Act on January 1, 2014.

Since the provisions were put in place, 701 cases have been received from Australian industry. Of these: 371 were from females; 326 were from males; 368 were from organisations

of 100 or more people; and, 520 were cases where the

complainant’s manager was the subject of the bullying complaint.

One in five Australian workers have been dismissed for cyber bullying behaviour through writing social media posts about their workplaces and/or bosses.

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21July 30, 2015RCEAIR F Health & Fitness

Tips for a healthy smileDental Health Week, from August 3-10, is a perfect time to brush up on your dental hygiene, SGT Dave Morley reports.

IMPROVING dental hygiene can be as easy as brushing and flossing regularly and watching what you eat and drink, according to the

Director of Defence Force Dentistry, COL Genevieve Constantine.

Most sports and fizzy drinks con-tain large amounts of sugar, which are broken down in your mouth into tooth-eroding acid.

COL Constantine says to reduce ero-sion of tooth enamel, members should cut down on the number of these types of drinks.

“They should also drink through a straw, swish water around in their mouth after they finish a sports or fizzy drink and don’t sip sports or fizzy drinks over a prolonged period,” she says.

“Many members experience long periods of low or limited hydration dur-ing training, which increases the risk of dental erosion due to a decrease in sali-vary flow resulting in inadequate rinsing of tooth surfaces.

“This, coupled with the acidic effect of sugary drinks, may lead to more sig-nificant erosion of the tooth surfaces.”

COL Constantine says diet and eat-ing habits can also affect dental health.

“When you eat or drink, the sugars get broken down by the bacteria in your mouth to form acid. This acid attacks the surfaces of your teeth,” she says.

“Teeth are actually at their weakest about 30 minutes after eating.

“Don’t brush your teeth for about one hour after eating or drinking as the acid temporarily softens tooth enamel and brushing at this point will cause damage.

“If you don’t snack again before your next meal, the saliva in your mouth neutralises the acid and helps to protect your teeth until your next meal.”

COL Constantine says snacking reg-ularly doesn’t give saliva an opportunity to neutralise acid, which leaves teeth under constant acid attack.

“Don’t eat or drink before you go to bed and make brushing and flossing the last thing you do before sleep,” she says.

Teeth should be brushed twice a day for at least two minutes and members should floss once a day.

“Two minutes of brushing is a long time and brushing should be timed until

you are used to the two-minute dura-tion,” COL Constantine says.

It is also best to use a toothbrush with soft bristles.

“Brushing your teeth and gums with a hard brush can cause damage,” COL Constantine says.

“Brushing your tongue is also impor-tant as bacteria can build up on the sur-face of your tongue.”

In accordance with Individual Readiness (IR) requirements, ADF members are required to have a dental examination annually.

Your dentist will provide education and advice if they are concerned about your oral hygiene or dietary habits.

Be aware of dental waiting times at your local health facility and book early to prevent IR noncompliance.

For more information, visit the Australian Dental Association’s website at www.ada.org.au or speak to your dentist.

Reduce the number of sugary drinks you consume

Drink sports and fizzy drinks through a straw and rinse with water afterwards

Brush teeth and gums twice a day for two minutes with a soft brush

Remember to also brush your tongue

Floss once a day

Don’t brush your teeth straight after eating

Don’t eat or drink before going to bed

Don’t snack between meals

DENTAL DOS

AND DON’TS

22 July 30, 2015RCEAIR FSp rt

FLGOFF Nat Giles

FOR the fifth year running, No. 4 Squadron held the Warrior Workout at RAAF Base Williamtown on July 3.

Warrior Workout is a charity event that raises money for the Commando Welfare Trust Fund (CWTF).

The CWTF provides enduring sup-port to Special Operations Command soldiers, including Air Force 4SQN combat controllers, and their families when other organisations cannot.

This year’s event was held in mem-ory of LCPL Todd Chidgey who died of a non-combat related incident while serving in Afghanistan.

The 39 participants completed a series of gruelling activities, which involved a 500m row in less than 6min with another 6min to complete 15 dumbell snatches, 20 burpees, 30 wall balls, 20 burpees and 15 dumbbell snatches.

SQNLDR Zalie Duffy, of No. 78 Wing, beat four other competitors to win the female competition with a combined time of 7 minutes and 27 seconds.

FLTLT James, of 4SQN, won the male competition in 5:16.

This year’s event raised $1061 for the CWTF.

CO 4SQN WGCDR Harvey Reynolds said it was important to the squadron to remember the sacrifices made by ADF members deployed on operations and to continue to support the families left behind.

“I would like to thank everyone who participated in the fundraiser and those who made the event possible,” he said.

“It was great to see so many people from the base outside of 4SQN come down to participate in the workout and support such a worthy charity.”

CALL FOR ARCHERS

PERSONNEL interested in archery becoming a recognised ADF sport and participating in future events against ADF and overseas personnel can contact PO Luke Ryan at [email protected]

Dedication pays off in gold

Participants compete during the 4SQN Warrior Workout at RAAF Base Williamtown. Photo: CPL Craig Barrett

Michael Brooke

LAC Nischal Prasad flexed his muscles for the first time on stage to win three gold medals at the Emergency Services Natural Bodybuilding Competition in Brisbane.

LAC Prasad, of No. 22 Squadron, won the novice, men’s open and overall titles and has his sights set on the Silent Heroes Bodybuilding Competition next year.

“I love fitness and since last December I trained hard for my first bodybuilding competition,” he said.

LAC Prasad attributed his success to the support of his unit, his diet and guidance from his coach and natu-ral bodybuilder, Graden Leong.

“I love pushing my body and mind to the limits,” LAC Prasad said.

“My success means I can aim for other competi-tions and assist Defence personnel to prepare for body-building competitions.”

He completes a daily weights program and uses high intensity interval training twice a day, although Sunday is a rest day.

“I train hard and hope my success can promotes bodybuilding in the ADF,” he said.

Workout warriors sweat it out

Our new ice ageWO2 Andrew Hetherington

AN AIR Combat Officer from No. 11 Squadron has taken the reins as the ADF Ice Hockey Association’s (ADFIHA) refer-ee-in-chief.

FLTLT Christopher Parks, who has played ice hockey since he was five, plans to help build the ADFIHA into a regional powerhouse.

Ice hockey became an officially recog-nised ADF sport on February 22 and the ADF IHA was formed two days later.

All sports have some form of umpire or referee and the ADF now has one of the best credentialed and experienced as its referee-in-chief.

“I grew up in Halifax, Nova Scotia in Canada, and like other children in my coun-try I took up ice hockey as a sport,” he said.

“I’d get home after school, run up to the frozen pond, put on my skates and play pick-up hockey with my friends.

“I’ve played hockey since I was five years old and have been officiating for about 18 years.”

FLTLT Parks started refereeing after a

friend encouraged him to stay involved in the sport while he was sidelined by injury.

“A friend of mine was the referee-in-chief in Comox, British Columbia. He needed some help from players with experi-ence to become officials,” he said.

“The following year I broke my wrist playing ice hockey and was unable to play for the entire season, but I was able to offi-ciate and that’s when the bug bit me.”

One of the biggest highlights so far in his ice hockey career was playing for a Canadian Forces team.

“In 2000, I played for the Canadian Forces Base Comox team,” FLTLT Parks said.

“As far as officiating goes, some high-lights were refereeing for the National Hockey League old-timers in 2001 in British Columbia and for the 2015 US ver-sus Canada International Ice Hockey tour of Australia just last month.

“I also received my International Ice Hockey Federation Level 3 certification last year, which can take at least five years of experience as an official to get.”

In his role with ADFIHA, FLTLT Parks

plans to help grow the sport and train offi-cials for the game he loves.

“Officiating is an opportunity to learn more about the game and a great way to become a better hockey player,” he said.

“The ADFIHA will hopefully expand its current membership and will hold an annual triservice tournament. It also aims to participate internationally in other military tournaments over the next two years.

“As referee-in-chief I plan to help ADF members gain experience as ice hockey officials and encourage them contribute to the sport as referees and linesmen.”

So, does he prefer playing or refereeing?“I’m not sure, as I really enjoy both and

it’s too tough to choose,” FLTLT Parks said.“I referee a higher level of hockey than

I could ever play, so it’s exceptionally rewarding.

“But just getting together with the guys and playing pick-up hockey is so much fun – it’s great.”

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/ADFIHA or email [email protected]

FLTLT Christopher Parks feels the heat refereeing an ice hockey match in Adelaide. Photo: Frank Kutsche

LAC Nischal Prasad competes in the Emergency Services Natural Bodybuilding Competition. Photo: David Burns

23July 30, 2015RCEAIR F Sp rt

Daniel Abrams, RAF News

THE UK Defence Force 31-man rugby league squad visited Australia from June 29 to July 12.

The team was based at RAAF Base Amberley and was determined to mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Gallipoli not just on the pitch, which they did, participating in a moving cer-emony at the local memorial.

The players also took part in com-munity events, such as visiting children at the Lady Cilento hospital in Brisbane, watching the Ipswich Jets rugby league team defeat Souths Logan in the Queensland Cup during NAIDOC week and a training session with the Brisbane Broncos and their coach Wayne Bennett.

Team member CPL Lee Queeley said the tour was a massive opportunity for him and his mates.

“The trip was something I will remember for the rest of my life, the facilities and the group of players made it such a wonderful experience,” CPL Queeley said.

“The mess at Amberley was amaz-ing, the liaison guys did everything they

could to make us feel well received and along with the large interest from the public made us feel like VIPs.

“Seeing the smiles on the kid’s faces during the hospital visit was also some-thing that I will remember for a long time.”

Head coach WO Damian Clayton, of RAF Coningsby, said the tour was more than just rugby league on the pitch.

“The opportunity we have had to bond through rugby league, to show our appreciation and to mark our respects for the community we are staying in, and for the people who have fought for this country has been well received by the lads,” he said.

“If nothing else come out of the this trip, these players will go home and be talking about this for the rest of their lives.”

While they didn’t get the result they wanted he said the team produced good runs during training.

“The onlookers were asking the lads if they were a professional outfit, which is a great compliment to them,” WO Clayton said.

Try for victory

Visitors make the most of defeat

WO2 Andrew Hetherington

WITH only three minutes to go, LAC Mitchell Simington scored a try to win the match for the Combined Australian Services men’s rugby league team against a visiting UK Defence Force side.

The CASRL team won 26-24, in a tough physical encounter during the curtain raiser for State of Origin 3 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on July 8.

Team captain and half-back Air Force CPL Mitchell Knowles said his team fought hard after a slow start.

“The UK team got off to a really good start and we struggled to get into the game,” CPL Knowles said.

“Full credit to our boys though, they didn’t drop their heads and all of the talk behind the try line remained positive.”

The highlight of the match for him was more than just defeating the UKDF side.

“It’s not every day you get to play on the best rugby league field in the world before a State of Origin decid-er,” CPL Knowles said

“Also when our centre, LAC Simington scored the match-winning try with only minutes to go was fan-tastic. It always feels great to win, but this one was a bit more special and I was confident we would come out on top.”

Team Coach WO2 Brian Jones said his players were under pressure from the start.

“Early in the first half the UKDF executed their plays perfectly, set up by their forwards and well-placed kicks from their halves, which put us under pressure,” WO2 Jones said.

“When we were finally able to get possession and the chance to complete a few sets, the team kicked into gear with our game plan.”

He said their main tactic was to get the ball out wide early, which resulted in a halftime score of 16 all.

Early in the second half scoring stalled, as forwards from both sides fought to hang on to what ground they could gain.

Both teams only scored a try each in the second half and were tied at 22 all with 10 minutes to go.

However, the UKDF was awarded a penalty right in front of goal and they chose to take the two points.

This gave the CASRL team some breathing space.

“I thought this was a mistake by the UK team, as we had no reserves,” WO2 Jones said. “I knew though if we got the ball we were still a chance of scoring more points.”

With three minutes to go, the UKDF made another mistake trying to return a kick and there was a scrum near their line. LAC Simington was then able to fend his way over the line to score the match-winning try.

LAC Sean Colville passes the ball during the ADF versus UKDF rugby league match. Photos: LAC Brenton Kwaterski

LAC Mitchell Simington makes a break down the wing before setting up a try. Below, LAC Robert Worsley brushes off a tackle.

For each serving Australian who risks everything,

a family does the same.

Show your support and buy a badge this Legacy Week.

SP RTJuly 30, 2015

CLOSE CALL

Our ADF rugby league team triumphs over the UK Defence Force

PAGE 23LAC Jay Brookfield

evades the UK defence at Suncorp Stadium.

Photo: LAC Brenton Kwaterski

PRIDE AND HONOUR

SPECIAL LIFTOUT


RCEAIR F July 30, 2015 NAIDOC WEEK 1

Photo: ABIS Jake Badior

3RCEAIR F July 30, 2015NAIDOC WEEK 20152

Around the country, Air Force celebrates NAIDOC Week

Darryl Johnston

LINKS between Edinburgh Defence precinct and the local indigenous community of the Adelaide Plains have been strengthened during NAIDOC Week.

RAAF Base Edinburgh host-ed more than 100 members of the Kaurna community on July 7 with a parade, flag raising ceremony, exchange of gifts, traditional danc-ing, a forum and demonstrations and inspections of aircraft and equip-ment.

The Kaurna community is recog-nised as the traditional owners of the land on which the precinct stands.

This was formalised in the hand-ing over of new signage, in English and Kaurna language, that will be displayed across the precinct.

Kaurna elders Garth Agius and Uncle Jeffery Newchurch presented the signs and a traditional Kaurna shield to Commander Aerospace O p e r a t i o n a l S u p p o r t G r o u p AIRCDRE Stephen Meredith and Len Sciacca, of the Defence Science and Technology Organisation.

AIRCDRE Meredith said he was proud to be involved in the acknowl-edgment and cultural exchange between the Kaurna people, other Aboriginal and Torres Stra i t Islanders and the Defence commu-nity at RAAF Base Edinburgh.

FLGOFF Nat Giles

LOCAL Worimi Elders and community members were invited to RAAF Base Williamtown on July 7 to participate in a NAIDOC Week celebration activity.

Uncle Neville Lilley, an Elder from the Worimi community, performed a Welcome to Country before comment-ing on the great relationship the Worimi people have with the members of RAAF Base Williamtown.

“We greatly appreciate the acknowl-edgement of the base being on our tradi-tional land and welcome the people of the base to our country,” Uncle Neville said.

SADFO and Commander Air Combat Group AIRCDRE Steve Roberton pre-sented a gift to Worimi Elders, Uncle Neville and Uncle John Ridgeway.

The gift was the Aboriginal flag, encased with a photograph of the Worimi jet flying over Worimi Conservation Lands (formerly known as Stockton Bight) located near the Murrook Centre, which is part of the traditional land of the Worimi people.

“It was an honour to present the Aboriginal flag that was used to unveil the Worimi jet at the Avalon Airshow ear-lier this year, to the Worimi community,” AIRCDRE Roberton said.

“We have formed an excellent rela-tionship with the traditional owners of this land and we hope to build on this in future years.”

During the day, local Aboriginal dancers performed for RAAF Base Williamtown members and their families, and Defence kids were invited to join in.

Jonathan Lilley, a member of the Worimi community, said invit-ing the children to join in was impor-tant.

“Having peo-ple join into the traditional dances of our people is similar to taking off your shoes when you walk into someone’s house,” Mr Lilley said.

“It’s a sign of respect and shows acceptance of our values”.

The visit also involved a static display of the newly painted Worimi Hornet that the indigenous and Defence families were able to climb into, with aircrew and maintenance staff on hand to explain how the jet worked.

RAAF Base Williamtown is built on land traditionally owned by the Worimi people

who speak the Gathang language. The area remains important to the

Worimi people. Traditional sites provide important information about their

relationship and special connection to the lands. The Port Stephens landscape

includes an extraordinary number of Aboriginal cultural sites that pre-date the arrival of non-Aboriginal people to the area. Traditional occupation sites recorded at Stockton Bight include burials, campsites and middens.

Williamtown’s Worimi welcome

Strengthening ties “NAIDOC Week is about celebrating the success and achievements of indigenous people all over Australia. I think it is great we have an entire week dedicated to celebrating and remembering our culture. It gives us something to look forward to each year.”

– ACW Rachael Ellem No. 453 Squadron Descendant of the

Kamilaroi people

“NAIDOC Week is a time for reconciliation, where we can move forward and bridge the gap as a nation. I strongly encourage all indigenous people to pursue their dreams and never lose sight of their goals, no matter how big or small.”

– LAC Coen Henry No. 26 Squadron

Descendant of the Wiradjuri and Barkandji people

‘The doors to Defence are open for our young people and the relationship between the Kaurna community and Defence will get stronger.

– Uncle Jeffery Newchurch

“It’s important to establish links with the Kaurna community and increase our awareness and acknowl-edge their position in the commu-nity,” AIRCDRE Meredith said.

“Af t e r t oday ’s succes s fu l NAIDOC Week events, we will con-tinue to build on our relationship with the Kaurna community in mean-ingful and respectful ways.”

Dancers from Marltu Rendi, which means ‘staying strong togeth-er’, performed for about 250 people at the Monash Centre.

This was followed by a discus-sion panel made up of indigenous ADF and APS members and facili-tated by CEO of the Australian Indigenous Leadership Centre Rachelle Towart.

Each panellist spoke about their lives before joining Defence, their

careers in the services and APS and support and services offered to new indigenous members.

Uncle Jeffery said the day was a milestone for relations between the Kaurna community and Defence.

“It is a great day. I take my hat off to Defence, my community and the people who have worked behind the scenes organising today,” he said.

“I was proud and excited when I saw my people, the elders, the young people and the mums and dads with their children waiting in the rain to board the buses to the RAAF Base and all the Defence people there to greet them.

“The doors to Defence are open for our young people and the rela-tionship between the Kaurna com-munity and Defence will get strong-er.”

The Worimi Hornet stands as a backdrop during a performance by the Worimi Dance Troupe at RAAF Base Williamtown. Inset, CDR ACG AIRCDRE Steve Roberton presents a framed Aboriginal flag and Worimi Hornet print to Worimi Elders Uncle Neville Lilley (right) and Uncle John Ridgeway. Photos: CPL Craig Barrett

Members of Australia’s Federation Guard raise the Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags at the start of the NAIDOC Week commemorative service at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.Photo: Lauren LarkingAC Jake Badoino with dancers from Marltu Rendi at RAAF Base Edinburgh. Photo: CPL David Gibbs

LEARN, RESPECT, CELEBRATENAIDOC week is held each year to

recognise and celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal

and Torres Strait Islander people. Indigenous Australians have a long

and rich history of contributing to the defence of Australia. This year, the

NAIDOC Week theme was ‘We All Stand On Sacred Ground – Learn, Respect

and Celebrate’. This year’s theme highlights Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ strong spiritual and

cultural connection to the land and sea.

For more information, visit www.naidoc.org.au

FLGOFF Rose Coysh leads the triservice guard at RAAF Base Edinburgh’s NAIDOC Week ceremony. Photo: CPL David Gibbs

RCEAIR FJuly 30, 20154 NAIDOC WEEK

Plaque unveiled in recognitionFLTLT Colin Lambkin

MILITARY personnel, indigenous elders and com-munity members gathered at RAAF Base Tindal on July 8 for a NAIDOC Week ceremony.

An acknowledgement of country ceremonial plaque was unveiled on Pride Rock, outside RAAF Base Tindal’s main entrance, which recognised Dagoman and Jawoyn traditional owners.

Representatives of the Wardaman people also attended in support of the ceremony.

Lisa Mumbin, of the Jawoyn Association Aboriginal Corporation, welcomed the guests.

“On behalf of the traditional custodians here today we invite you to this traditional land,” Ms Mumbin said.

SADFO and CO No. 17 Squadron WGCDR Mark Larter said that the day had unique signifi-cance to himself and the greater Tindal community.

“The unveiling of this plaque signifies a special day for RAAF Tindal,” WGCDR Larter said.

“Recognising the traditional owners of this land by promoting their culture, history, heritage and great achievements is extremely important to me and our RAAF Base Tindal personnel.”

The guests were then taken on a windscreen tour of RAAF Base Tindal as well as a static display from an F/18A Hornet, followed by a morning tea.

(L-R) Jawoyn representatives Lisa and Noelene Andrews, Chair of the Jawoyn Association Lisa Mumbin, CO 17SQN WGCDR Mark Larter, Wardaman representative Bill Harney, Dagoman representatives Neville Brown and Doug Kelly, Katherine Town Council Mayor Faye Miller and Katherine NAIDOC Committee Chairman Rodney Hoffman at the plaque unveiling at RAAF Base Tindal. Photo: CPL Terry Hartin

CAPT Anna-Lise Rosendahl

THE Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags will fly over the ADFA parade ground in Canberra throughout the year to help strengthen the relationship with the indigenous community.

The announcement was made during a NAIDOC Week ceremony at ADFA on July 10, where Ngunnawal elder Aunty Agnes Shea and Head of Modernisation and Strategic Planning MAJGEN Fergus MacLachlan unveiled an acknowledgement of country plaque.

Australia’s Federation Guard’s Precision Drill Team also provided a display in front of the parade ground.

ADFA Commandant AIRCDRE Alan Clements said the flags will be raised permanently instead of just dur-ing NAIDOC Week.

“I believe that it is recognising the contribution Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have made not only to the ADF, but the community of Australia,” he said.

The flags now join the colours of 12 nations represented on the hal-lowed parade ground.

“We believe that standing on sacred ground is something that is as dear to our heart as it is to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community,” AIRCDRE Clements said.

LAC Michael Cumbers, of the Kamilaroi Tribe, said it was an honour to have the flags fly.

“It’s a great thing that ADFA and the ADF are doing to recognise the indigenous people of the Ngunnawal country and all the tribes of Australia,” he said.

“It’s important to have the flags up as it shows we recognise that indigenous people are coming here and there is still a cultural flavour coming through.”

AIRCDRE Clements hopes the move will help attract more indigenous people to the Academy.

“I hope they see this as a place they can come and feel wel-come the same way the Ngunnawal people welcome us to the country,” he said.

LAC Cumbers also raised the Aboriginal flag at a NAIDOC Week cermony at Russell Offices in Canberra.

“It was a humbling experience to be selected to participate in this event,” he said.

“It made my family very proud that I raised the Aboriginal flag as an indigenous member of the ADF.”

CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies presented the 2015 Air

Force NAIDOC Award to AIRMSHL Geoff Brown at

Russell Offices in Canberra. AIRMSHL Brown was

presented the award for his exemplary leadership towards the advancement

of Air Force Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs. Photo: SGT Murray Staff

Flying the flags with pride

‘It’s a great thing that ADFA and

the ADF are doing to

recognise the indigenous

people of the Ngunnawal country and all the tribes of Australia.

– LAC Michael Cumbers

LAC Michael Cumbers raises the Aboriginal flag at ADFA. Photo: AB Jake Badior

Air Force Indigenous Adviser WOFF Brett West delivers the welcome address at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Photo: Lauren Larking

LEUT Ben Robinson

DEFENCE members came together at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra on July 8 to commemorate the service and sacrifice of indigenous veterans.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a long and rich history of contributing to the defence of Australia and many continue to proudly serve their country today as members of the ADF and as Defence civil-ians.

Air Force’s Indigenous Adviser WOFF Brett West deliv-ered the welcome address.

“This year’s theme for NAIDOC is ‘we all stand on sacred ground: learn, respect and celebrate,’ why is this important?” WOFF West said.

“In the Defence context, it is timely for us to recognise that our bases and other places of work are all on indigenous land, cared for and protected for thousands of years by the indig-enous traditional owners.

“It is up to Defence to not only recognise this ownership, but also to be sensitive to the cultural significance of these lands and provide the appropri-ate, considered care needed.”

He said it should not be for-gotten that we have a presence on the sea as well.

“The cultural significance of the connection to the sea by many indigenous Australians should also be acknowledged, and the appropriate respect and care be given to these maritime areas,” WOFF West said.

Reflecting on proud service

Watch the ceremony at: http://video.defence.gov.au/tags/V20150392

photo: cpl ben dempster photo: msgt matthew mcgovern, …€¦ · k 1 celebrating naidoc week 2015...

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