AIRF RCEVol. 60, No. 16, September 6, 2018 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

P-8A training system launched at Edinburgh

Page 3

NEXT LEVEL

FLTLT Christopher Godfrey instructs students in the operational flight trainer at the new Integrated Training Centre at RAAF Base Edinburgh. Photo: CPL Craig Barrett

First weapon drop for

our F-35A

Page 2 Pages 4-11

Wrap up of Pitch

Black 2018

CPL Bill Solomou

FROM a young age FLGOFF Cassandra Collins, of No. 30 Squadron at RAAF Base East Sale, understood the impor-tance of donating blood.

“My mother, who is a nurse, worked for the Australian Red Cross Blood Service and I knew the amazing things that donating could do for people,” FLGOFF Collins said.

“A single donation can save multiple lives, so when I had the opportunity to get involved I did, it’s a no-brainer.”

FLGOFF Collins said she planned to implement processes to make donat-ing blood easier for personnel at RAAF Base East Sale.

“I am going to run blood buses from the base to the nearest collection centre with the help of our local coordinator, and advertise this drive all over the base,” she said.

Not one for the spotlight, FLGOFF Collins encourages all personnel who can donate to roll up their sleeves.

She said she first donated blood at 18 and was also on the bone marrow donor register.

“As you can imagine I was a little scared at first, but the Red Cross nurses explain everything and take it slow,” FLGOFF Collins said.

“In the end it doesn’t hurt as much as you may think it will and, of course, it is for a great cause.”

FLGOFF Collins joined Air Force because it offered her a career path and the opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives at times.

“Initially I joined as a aircraft tech-nician, I worked on C17s at RAAF Base Amberley for a number of years, deployed with No. 36 Squadron to Vanuatu, South Sudan, the Middle East and many other missions,” she said.

“I commissioned in 2015 and I am now the Senior Operations Officer for RAAF Base East Sale.”

2 September 6, 2018RCEAIR FNews

Alisha Welch

AN AUSTRALIAN F-35A aircraft dropped two inert GBU-31v3 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) weapons for the first time on July 20, marking a ground-breaking step in the evolution of Air Force’s fifth-generation strike capability.

Aircraft A35-006, piloted by CO No. 3 Squadron WGCDR Darren Clare, released the weapons over the Barry M. Goldwater range in Arizona, US.

WGCDR Clare said the weapons impacted their targets precisely.

“You can feel the movement of the weapon-bay doors as they open and a reasonably significant thump when 4000 pounds of bombs fall from the aircraft,” WGCDR Clare said.

“I was able to clearly watch the bombs impact on the targeting pod from the screen in the cockpit as well.”

The first in-flight weapons release of a GBU-31 JDAM occurred in October 2012, when MAJ Matthew Phillips, of the US Air Force, released an instrumented GBU-31 over the China Lake test range in California, US, from the left internal weapons bay.

The F-35A is designed to carry a payload of up to 8200kg using 10 weapon stations, including four internal weapon stations located in two weapon bays to maximise

EDITORIALDirectorDavid Edlington

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stealth capability. The conven-tional take-off and landing variant Australia is acquiring has three external weapon stations for each wing if required.

Weapons Sub-Project Manager SQNLDR Richard Jarek, of the Joint Strike Fighter Division, said at initial operating capability in December 2020, the Australian F-35A weapons suite would include

the AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missile, the AIM-9X sidewinder air-to-air missile, GPS-guided JDAM bombs, small diameter bombs and the internal 25mm gun.

“A key feature of the aircraft’s low-observable design is its abil-ity to carry weapons internally,” SQNLDR Jarek said.

“This makes the F-35A more dif-

ficult to target, thereby enhancing its survivability.”

WGCDR Clare said the release of the GBU-31 bombs was another step towards reaching IOC.

“It is great to see that every week we are taking small and large steps towards our goal of getting our jets prepared to defend Australia as we transition to the new aircraft,” he said.

SGT Jarrod Seaton checks the serial numbers on an inert GBU-31 before loading on an Australian F-35A at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, USA.Photo: Larone Thomas

Stealth strike

SGT Max Bree

CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies is leading by example in this year’s Defence Blood Challenge with regular plasma donations.

“I sit in the chair and listen to the stories of people who need our blood products. It makes you feel good to donate,” he said.

CAF launched the event, now in its 10th year, in Canberra on August 29 and said Air Force per-sonnel were ideal candidates for blood donation.

“I regularly bump into people who say they know somebody who was in hospital, somebody who needed a transfusion, somebody was in an accident or just sick,” CAF said.

“I look at how healthy our Air Force is. We pride ourselves on being fit. We pride ourselves on being deployable. I think we just don’t ask ourselves often enough ‘could I donate?’

“To those RAAFies who would think about rolling up their sleeve to save a buddy, it is a genuinely commendable thing to do.”

Last year Air Force had the most donations per capita, with almost 12 per cent of personnel donating.

Army won the overall tally and RAAF finished second on about 1900 donations.

“I think it’s important for all our military colleagues to play their part. There’s nothing wrong with friendly competition between the services– it’s the outcome that is important,” CAF said.

For more information visit donateblood.com.au/red25/defence

Pumped for new role

Above, Blood Ambassador FLGOFF Cassandra Collins is ready to motive personnel to donate in this year’s challenge.

Below, APS Blood Ambassador Chris Devoil congratulates OFFCDTJames Galvin at the launch of the blood challenge. Photo: CPL Max Bree

Challenge accepted

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3September 6, 2018RCEAIR F News

The P-8A Training System is run by No. 292 Squadron, No. 92 Wing, and is maintained and supported through a collabora-tive contracting process with Boeing Defence Australia.

The system consists of more than 27 training devices, including two front-end 737 operational flight trainers that can be coupled to two back-end weapons tactics trainers for individual, crew, joint and collective training.

292SQN delivers at least 39 separate training courses to support the P-8A weapon sys-tem.

The P-8A training system sup-ports operational conversion training (292SQN), progression and proficiency training (No. 11 Squadron) and, eventually, broader collective training.

The first operational conversion training course is running from

CPL Bill Solomou

AIR FORCE is a step closer to real-ising CAF’s fifth-generation vision after the launch of the P-8A Training System at No. 292 Squadron, at RAAF Base Edinburgh, on August 18.

CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies and previous Defence Minister Senator Marise Payne toured the leading-edge facility where the next generation of aircrew, maintenance and support per-sonnel for the P-8A Poseidon and its Mobile Tactical Operations Centre will train.

No. 92 Wing started its first domestic training course on July 2 and OC 92 Wing GPCAPT Darren Goldie said it was a significant occasion.

“To see our aircrew and mainte-

nance personnel in the classroom and operating the training devices was a great moment for everyone at the wing,” GPCAPT Goldie said.

Before the Australian training began, more than 150 RAAF aircrew and maintenance personnel received transition training from the United States Navy in Jacksonville, Florida.

“The new facility enables Air Force to be fully self-sufficient in training all personnel for Australia’s P-8A Poseidons,” AIRMSHL Davies said.

“The young men and women who train with this system will be better equipped to fight than by any other training system we have.”

“It is a sign of how we intend to train in the future. We are going to be

a fifth-generation air force and this is just a part of it.”

Head Aerospace Systems Division AVM Catherine Roberts said the training would help get more young people interested in joining Air Force.

“They are going to learn in an environment they are used to and I believe it is going to be great for our P-8A capability,” she said.

Senator Payne said the advanced P-8A training system was a “steep change in the way we build the skills of our people”.

“This $470 million facility marks the beginning of a transformation of our training that will support Air Force’s ability to meet emerging threats and future challenges,” she said.

Maintenance training f l ight

instructor SGT Daniel Carson said the new simulator meant an aircraft did not have to be taken offline.

“This is an excellent facility. We can do all the training we need in here, at this facility, in a safely con-trolled environment,” he said.

“We can do tasks using virtual reality and still be hands-on.”

Armament technician CPL Tristan Hall, a student on the first in-house P-8A training course, said the facility was fantastic.

“The delivery of the course content is really effective, and we are taking on a lot more than we otherwise could have,” he said.

“We are still getting our hands dirty, with the advantages of using computer training systems.”

AEA EWO Instructor WOFF Andrew Wood said the facility allowed the instructor to present les-sons in a computer-based environ-ment.

“We have the ability to walk down a hallway to the static display and conduct hands-on training straight after a computer-based session,” he said.

Conducting conversion training, AEA SGT Hudson Pearse said the facility was a great leap forward.

“I’m enjoying the level of simula-tors and training aids we have avail-able to us,” he said.

“This is a big step forward from what we had on training for the AP-3C Orion.”

System with something for everyone

July to December and consists of initial trainees and students transitioning from the AP-3C.

The system trains more 10 dif-ferent categories including:Aircrew: pilots, maritime patrol response officers,

acoustic warfare operators, electronic warfare operators.Maintenance: aviation techni-cians, airframe technicians and armament technicians. Support personnel: opera-tions officers, technicians, and analysts.

Training taken to the next level

Students on the P-8A Armament Systems Course (including

LACW Kara Thompson, above) use the new training system at

RAAF Base Edinburgh.Photos: CPL Craig Barrett

FLTLT Christopher Godfrey instructs students in an operational flight trainer.

4 September 6, 2018RCEAIR FExercise Pitch Black

FLTLT Tom Maclean and SQNLDR Lindsay Paterson

FOR THE first time on a major exercise, Nos. 1 and 6 Squadrons teamed up to share their maintenance, logistics and administration capabilities.

Their combined effort was put to the test during Pitch Black, Air Force’s biennial exercise held in the Northern Territory from July 27 to August 17.

RAAF Base Darwin’s flightline had a mix of nine 1SQN F/A-18F Super Hornets and three 6SQN EA-18G Growlers lined up next to each other. The aircraft required around the clock support during day and night missions staged during the exercise.

1SQN Senior Engineering Officer SQNLDR Dominic Pace oversaw the integration and said the process turned out to be relatively straightforward.

“No. 82 Wing expects this form of integration will be a common feature of future operational commitments and will enable Air Force to extract the best capability outcomes from the F/A-18F and EA-18G platforms,” SQNLDR Pace said.

The similarities between Hornets and Growlers meant maintenance teams

could easily transfer their skills and work on both types of aircraft.

CPL Nicholas Jarrett, Aircraft Technician from 1SQN, said the aircraft were not very different from a mechani-cal point of view.

“So that’s been an easy transition for us and it’s great for the two squadrons to be working together,” CPL Jarrett said.

All maintenance personnel serviced both aircraft types and administration and logistics personnel conducted duties in support of both squadrons.

SGT Daniel Johnson, Flightline Desk Sergeant for 6SQN, said the squadrons shared work spaces and ideas during the fast-paced exercise.

“Everyone’s got different back-grounds and experiences and we’re able to rely on a more diverse workforce,” SGT Johnson said.

LACW Vanessa Noal, of 6SQN’s administration team, said she had worked with new people with different kinds of skillsets.

“You got to see how they would do things differently to what we would. We were definitely gaining ideas that we probably wouldn’t have got if we had just come on our own,” LACW Noal said.

People capability

Strength in unity

CPL Jeff Thompson monitors LAC Ryan Usher and LAC Joel Sawyers as they perform maintenance on an F/A-18F Super Hornet during Exercise Pitch Black at RAAF Base Darwin. Photo: CPL David Gibbs

WOFF Engineering 1SQN Stanley Davis and LACW Vanessa Noal from 6SQN, during Exercise Pitch Black at RAAF Base Darwin. Photo: CPL David Gibbs

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5September 6, 2018RCEAIR F Exercise Pitch Black

LEUT Harley Slatter

OUT OF view from personnel deeply engaged in scenarios at an austere air-base set up at Batchelor in the Northern Territory for Exercise Pitch Black was No. 295 Squadron performing exercise control.

The unit worked closely with No. 382 Contingency Response Squadron when it set up and ran the airbase for the C-27J Spartan as part of the wider exercise.

Exercise control is one of the many training and preparedness capabilities that 295SQN brings to Air Force.

CO 295SQN WGCDR Kylie Green said force generation was the focus of training at Batchelor airbase.

“Our forces had not exercised in this type of environment for some time,” WGCDR Green said.

“We built the scenario to test our

ability to conduct mission essential tasks in an uncertain and austere environment, including air-land integration.

“Air-land integration allows the sol-diers and the airmen to have situational awareness of the operating area through shared information and communica-tions.”

WGCDR Green said the wide experi-ence of squadron members was vital to the success of the training.

“Our observer trainers are all senior subject matter experts and they had a lot of experience in the field,” WGCDR Green said.

“295SQN could not succeed in isola-tion when providing training and assur-ance.

“We also worked with external sub-ject matter experts to enhance the expe-riences and training opportunities of all involved.

“For example we had the XO

from No. 381 Contingency Response Squadron provide insight into the com-mand and control element, a doctor with the medical component and other select-ed specialists who gave us assurance feedback on key areas.”

Ope ra t i ons Off i ce r 295SQN SQNLDR Daniel Cook said exercise control was only one of the elements they could offer.

“295SQN runs a range of courses for Combat Support Group,” SQNLDR Cook said.

“We target individual training for base aviation safety officers, air base executives and command posts as well as introductory online courses.

“Our aim is to guide the individual from the time they post into Combat Support Group with knowledge gaps of our dynamic environment through to the time they go into bigger field exercises and operations.”

Interoperability

Keeping it all under control

Air Force and United States Air Force personnel conduct a simulated mass casualty exercise at Batchelor during Exercise Pitch Black. Photo: CPL Steve Duncan

An EA-18G Growler from 6SQN prepares for another mission during Exercise Pitch Black.

Photo: CPL David Gibbs

Aircrew from 6SQN prepare for a mission on an EA-18G Growler.Photo: CPL David Gibbs

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7September 6, 2018RCEAIR F Exercise Pitch Black

IN A first for a combined joint exercise, Army refuelled our C-27J Spartan aircraft when the two services came together to train during Exercise Pitch Black.

St rengthening in tegra t ion between air and land, an element from Army’s 9th Force Support Battalion (9 FSB) provided refuel-ling to No. 35 Squadron’s C-27J Spartan aircraft.

They operated from an austere airbase built for the exercise at Batchelor in the Northern Territory.

Based in Amberley, Queensland, the logistics-focused 9 FSB is tasked with providing a range of support in areas of operation.

CAPT Christopher Bamber, petroleum platoon commander from 9 FSB, said the skills and equipment Army brought helped Air Force keep flying during the exercise.

“Army petroleum operators alongside Air Force maintainers conducted refuelling operations for the Spartans,” CAPT Bamber said.

“This activity provided sus-tainment to 35SQN to keep their Spartans flying.”

CAPT Bamber said Army had deployed the expeditionary fuel installation to the austere working environment to support Pitch Black.

“This was the first time Army

has worked in this type of joint coa-lition environment in more than 10 years,” he said.

“It was also the first time we’ve refuelled a RAAF aircraft in a decade.”

N o . 3 8 2 C o n t i n g e n c y Response Squadron operated the austere airbase at Batchelor dur-ing the exercise held from July 27 to August 17.

A number of different units came under 382CRS command in the exercise including the petro-leum operators of 9 FSB.

The aim of the base was to pro-vide support for air operations for 35SQN’s fleet.

Pumped by Army’s input

Interoperability

Soldiers from 9 FSB operate refuelling equipment at

Batchelor airfield during Exercise Pitch Black.Photos: CPL Steve Duncan

CPL Lachlan Blohberger, of 9 FSB, and CPL Matt Cornish, of 35SQN, refuel a C-27J Spartan.

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8 September 6, 2018RCEAIR FExercise Pitch Black

Busy behind the scenes

FLGOFF Bel Scott

ACW Jaimee Prasser brightened smiles at RAAF Base Tindal, in the Northern Territory, as part of a small and efficient dental team in support of Exercise Pitch Black.

Since leaving school, ACW Prasser wanted to work in a health services role for Defence and joined the Air Force in May 2017.

“The idea of being able to study, travel, exercise, make new friends – and just the overall experience – is the reason I decided to join up,” ACW Prasser said.

“I’ve never done any dental assisting outside Defence so when the job popped up I was willing to take it.

“I’m always up for trying new things. This was perfect for me.”

After completing the initial 16-week employment training at HMAS Cerberus, ACW Prasser went on to finish the 12-week Senior Dental Assistant Course.

She said the best part of her job was the patients.

“I enjoy every chance I get to interact with different personnel from the base,” ACW Prasser said.

“Living in a remote locality does have its positives and negatives.

“This is my first posting so it was challenging at first. That said, it has improved my skills in dental assisting and provided the oppor-tunity to work well within a small health centre.

“The people definitely make the place and it’s a really enjoyable base to be part of.

“My long-term ambition for the Air Force would be to go on as many humanitarian exercises as I can and a deployment later down the track.

“Even though I grew up in Ipswich and lived there all my life before moving away with Defence, I love exploring the Northern Territory. Everyday can be an adventure.”

Our largest and most complex exercise wouldn’t be possible without a force of skilled support workers

Dental assistant

Service with a smile

ACW Jaimee PrasserPhoto: CPL Glen McCarthy

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9September 6, 2018RCEAIR F Exercise Pitch Black

FLGOFF Bel Scott

WHILE delivering paediatric speech pathol-ogy services at the Indian Institute of Cerebral Palsy in Kolkata in 2008, FLTLT Maggy Wong met a doctor who inspired her to become an Air Force aviation medical officer.

FLTLT Wong, of No. 2 Expeditionary Health Services, was part of a small team providing medical support at Tindal during Exercise Pitch Black.

She said the humanitarian nature of the doctor’s stories in India made her reflect on how she could make a meaningful contribu-tion to the world.

“When I returned to Australia, I decided I wanted to study medicine so I enrolled in the entrance exam, applied and was accepted into Flinders University,” FLTLT Wong said.

“My aunt encouraged me to look at being sponsored through the ADF, as it could pro-vide training opportunities including humani-tarian missions and financial stability.

“I’d always enjoyed being on aircraft and thought the RAAF culture looked the most progressive. I commissioned in mid-2009.”

She said working at a remote health centre as the doctor for No. 75 Squadron provided many opportunities, including working with search and rescue, travel, international engagement and, most importantly, working with a great team.

LACW Sonia Gomez was part of a multinational deployed catering capabil-ity at Exercise Pitch Black.

The busy kitchen was set up inside a network of inflatable tents and deliv-ered 400 nutritious lunches with mul-tiple meal options every day at RAAF Base Darwin.

The exercise provided a new oppor-tunity for LACW Gomez, of Darwin’s No. 13 Squadron.

It was her first time deployed in a field kitchen.

“The participants (served by the kitchen) were impressed so we did well,” LACW Gomez said.

FLTLT Maggy WongPhoto: CPL Glen McCarthy

Lunches on the runCook

Medic

A meaningful contribution

LACW Sonia GomezPhoto: CPL David Gibbs

10 11Exercise Pitch Black September 6, 2018

OSPREY IN SIGHTS

RCEAIR F

NUMBER 4 Squadron hit the mark after it successfully escorted a United States Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey in a joint air land mission during Exercise Pitch

Black.As forward air controllers (airborne) flying

the PC-9/A(F), members of the squadron also controlled close air support missions supporting international aircraft including a USAF B-52H Stratofortress from Guam.

Flight Commander 4SQN CAPT Lucas Holt said Pitch Black presented numerous internation-al engagements, particularly with the joint termi-nal attack controller (JTAC) training evolutions

and the escort of coalition air mobility aircraft.“The flying component of 4SQN provided

close air support and forward air control capabil-ities and operated in the joint area of operations,” CAPT Holt said.

“One mission involved a simulated armed escort with an Osprey transporting Air Force combat controllers into a simulated contested airfield to execute a training mission in remote Northern Territory.”

CAPT Lucas said for the first time during Exercise Pitch Black they provided forward air control for multiple USAF B-52H bomb-ers which conducted 10-hour round trips from

Guam to perform the mission sets. “4SQN pilots had come from a number of aircraft backgrounds including attack helicopters, Hercules, Orions and Hornets, which provided a range of experi-ence,” he said.

In addition to the escort element, the PC-9 aircraft provided a training capability to perform live ordnance employment, essential to meet JTAC currency requirements for both Australian and international forces.

“Our training system is US accredited, and as such it is often in high demand for inter-national training both at home and overseas,” CAPT Holt said.

“Forces Command, Special Operations Command and Air Force JTACs took part in operations.

“Our Pitch Black team collaborated with Germany, Netherlands, Singapore, Canada and the US.”

CAPT Holt said personnel worked closely with the infantry and other ground elements from the Army and Special Operations area to help them achieve their training objectives.

4SQN includes Air Force combat controllers, pilots who operate the Pilatus PC-9A(F) forward air controllers (airborne) aircraft, and instructors for the ADF JTAC course.

Members of No. 4 Squadron played a vital role escorting coalition aircraft during Pitch Black, FLGOFF Bel Scott reports

LEUT Harley Slatter

HIDDEN in the bush away from Exercise Pitch Black’s austere airbase at Batchelor, members of No. 41 Wing demonstrated a new concept in agile and adaptable command and control (C2).

The mobile command post personnel operated from was the product of bottom up innovation with airmen-led design and construction spanning the past 12 months.

Under Plan Jericho, they were sup-ported by all four 41WG units and members.

FSGT Michael Ward, Tactical

Development 41WG, said it was a great example of what could be achieved by employing existing equipment in inno-vative ways.

“It is a G-Wagon that has been outfit-ted with computers, tablets, radios, rout-ers and network management devices for ‘on the go’ operations,” FSGT Ward said.

“We have created an agile platform with tactical data links, chat systems and re-broadcasting abilities.”

Its high mobility is a key factor to its success and supports as it allows soldiers and airmen to have situational awareness of the operating area through

shared information and communications.“The vehicle can easily be packed up

to go when needed,” FSGT Ward said.“It’s easy to transport and place in

location to provide a command and con-trol effect.

“Once on the ground it can move where and when we want.”

CPL Alex Weston, No. 3 Control and Reporting Unit, said an important part of his role was experimenting with dif-ferent capabilities to enhance decision making during Pitch Black.

“A big part of what we did at Pitch Black was demonstrating concepts to provide higher fidelity information with-

in the battle space,” CPL Weston said.CPL Weston said this capability was

the result of team innovation, profes-sional curiosity with high-level guidance and broad freedom to experiment.

“It is a great capability that a number of people have been working on behind the scenes,” he said.

CPL Weston said he was optimistic about the future of this concept building towards project AIR6500 (joint battle management system).

“The current configuration has exceeded all expectations and it is some-thing we hope Air Force and the ADF pick up for use in the future.”

One-stop G-WagonNo. 4 Squadron A Flight Forward Air Control PC-9A aircraft escort a United States Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey in support of Exercise Pitch Black.

Photos: CPL Glen McCarthy

No. 4 Squadron A flight for-ward air controllers in PC-9 aircraft launch from RAAF Base Tindal during Exercise Pitch Black 2018.

Forward air controllers conduct a pre-mission brief before launching their PC-9 aircraft from RAAF Base Tindal.

CPLs Leigh Gordon, left, and Alex Weston operate a mobile Command Post Module at a remote locality in the Northern Territory during Exercise Pitch Black 2018. Below, A RAAF G-Wagon fitted out with computers, radios, routers and network management devices. Photos: CPL Steve Duncan

PERSONNEL from various units formed the opposing force ground threat team which pro-vided inflatable targets for fast jets participating in Exercise Pitch Black.

SQNLDR Scott Youngs, of Air Warfare Centre Ranges, said simulated target systems were set up at identified locations to increase the training value to aircrew.

“The target systems in use, such as simulated missile systems, inflatable weapons systems or vehi-cle convoys, all represent-ed threat systems that the participating aircrew would seek to identify or avoid in relation to their mis-sion objectives,” SQNLDR Youngs said.

“Positioning the targets in dispersed locations added to the realism of the scenario during the course of the exercise.”

Blow-up targets CPL Allen McSaveney inflates a surface-to-air missile target. Photo: CPL Glen McCarthy

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LIFE IN THE RAAF

A fitting careerCPL Bill Solomou talks to a PTI who is pumped about her role

A PASSION for keeping fit and assisting others to reach their physical health goals are the key drivers for CPL Andrea Pearce, of

No. 24 Squadron.A Physical Training Instructor (PTI)

at RAAF Base Edinburgh, CPL Pearce started her career with Air Force in 2009 as an aircraft technician.

“My first posting was working on the C-130 Hercs at RAAF Base Richmond, where I completed my apprenticeship on both the H and J models,” CPL Pearce said.

CPL Pearce said she enjoyed her time as a “techo”.

“However, before joining the Air Force, I worked in the fitness industry, and this was my dream job for as long as I can remember,” CPL Pearce said.

“In primary school, I would wake up early to watch aerobics on TV.

“My passion for sharing health and fit-ness with as many people as possible never went away. I even taught group fitness classes at a local gym for fun outside of work hours while conducting my training in Wagga.”

When the C-130H was decommissioned in 2013, CPL Pearce posted to Australia’s Federation Guard (AFG).

“The experiences and opportunities my colleagues and I were exposed to at the AFG cannot be bought,” CPL Pearce said.

“They will always be a key highlight of not just my career in Air Force, but my life in general.”

She said her most memorable experi-ence was participating in the catafalque

party on the shore of Anzac Cove in Gallipoli, Turkey, at the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, in 2015.

Following her dream, CPL Pearce re-mustered to a PTI in 2016 and says Air Force gave her the opportunity to work in the fitness field once again.

“It’s no exaggeration to say I truly believe I now have the best job in the world,” CPL Pearce said.

“The most rewarding part of what I do comes from coaching and education. There is nothing more satisfying than taking a sedentary person with minimal understand-ing of how to move, through to someone who is incredibly in tune with their own abilities and is functionally strong and healthy.

“I think physical training is heading in the right direction to make a difference and to improve our organisation on multiple platforms, especially in the realm of injury prevention and sustainability of our work-force.”

On a lighter note, CPL Pearce said RAAF Base Pearce in WA was named after a member of her family.

“My great, great uncle Sir George Pearce, was the Defence minister behind the establishment of the Air Force,” CPL Pearce said.

“I wish I could say this was my inspira-tion to join, however I didn’t find out until my parents told me at my graduation from 1RTU.

“I later had the opportunity to discuss his achievements with my grandfather, who spoke very proudly of his uncle.”

CPL Andrea Pearce of 24SQN.

Photo: CPL Bill Solomou

FeatureRCEAIR F September 6, 2018 13

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SGT Max Bree

WHEN CPL Alex Bigg finishes strip-ping wires and soldering, the avionics technician loves swinging and grab-bing his way along physically-taxing ninja-style obstacle courses.

His strength and dedication paid off when he ranked third in the grand final of the Australian Ninja Warrior televi-sion series that aired in July.

CPL Bigg grew up with gymnastics and skateboarding. He started lifting weights as an adult and when Ninja Warrior came to Australia, signed up for an adrenaline rush.

Things didn’t go well when he came off at the second obstacle in the first season of the show last year. But he came back strong to finish seventh in his heat in the second season.

“I was holding on for dear life in the second season; there was more on the line, I didn’t want to fail again,” CPL Bigg said.

“Once I made it through that sec-ond obstacle, I was pretty happy. I got hung up on it and thought I was going to come off.”

As part of his training, CPL Bigg performs dead hangs for upwards of 10 minutes, watching TV to pass the time.

“I do obstacle course stuff three or four times a week for hours on end and I can hang on all day,” he said.

“When you’re in front of a crowd that’s screaming, you hold on a bit tighter, you burn out so much faster.”

14 September 6, 2018RCEAIR FPeople

Bigg on being a ninja

Keeping his arms relaxed while hanging from an obstacle is key to CPL Bigg getting through courses.

“If you can dead hang mid obsta-cle, you won’t burn out your biceps so much,” he said.

“I do a lot of deadlifts and weights to build up some general and grip strength.

“You see people like (high per-forming ninja warrior) Ashlin Herbert out there who are so casual, they just smash it.”

CPL Bigg fell off an obstacle in the semi-finals but performed well enough to progress.

“A lot of the nerves had disap-peared but when you’re on the start block, the last thing you want to do is stuff up that first obstacle. After that I just smashed through the rest of it.”

In the finals contestants have to get through the course under a set time.

“Normally I’m efficient and quick, but with no time limit I can sit back and take my time,” CPL Bigg said.

“When they put a time limit on, you forget about taking your time and do it how you train every day. It prob-ably made it easier, it didn’t give me the choice to go slow.”

On hitting the buzzer to finish a run, CPL Bigg said he wanted to go back and go through again.

“Before we go out, we get a dem-onstration, someone will show us how to do each obstacle,” he said.

“As soon as you go back to the green room, everyone’s talking about playing on the course, no one’s talking about competing.”

In the second grand final run, CPL Bigg came up against obstacles from the show’s American version. He had to wait until the show aired to find out he ranked third.

“I knew a couple of people made it to where I had, but I didn’t know how fast they were,” he said.

CPL Bigg is at Australian Command and Staff College, but was posted to No. 292 Squadron during the competition. His mates there covered for him so he could compete.

“They gave me heaps when I came off in the first season; they were leg-ends about it, I wouldn’t have it any other way,” CPL Bigg said.

“If they skirted around it, that would have made me feel worse.”

CPL Bigg has applied for the next season and already has an eye on his biggest competition. “Ashlin is unbe-lievable, I can match or beat every other person out there for speed, but I’ll just have to hope he falls off.”

CPL Alex Bigg trains on a ninja-style obstacle course in Canberra. He has applied for his third tilt at the title. Photo: CPL Max Bree

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Sample Status Defence Group Number of transactions

sampled

$ value of transactions

sampled

Average value of

transactions sampled

Completed transactions verified by supervisor

Navy 5 400 80

Army 35 14,826 424

Air Force 5 986 197

Defence People 5 1145 229

Defence Science and Technology 5 101 20

JOC 5 10,637 2127

Capability Acquisition & Sustainment 10 477 48

SP&IG 5 7528 1506

CFOG 5 4769 954

CIOG 5 1127 225

E&IG 15 24,183 1612

Pending response from supervisor

Army 10 1051 105

Navy 10 2296 230

DST 5 1087 217

CIOG 5 8964 1793

CASG 10 3314 331

Total 140 82,891 592

Credit cards tested July 1 to July 31, 2018

The sample testing of credit card transactions during July 2018 has resulted in nil transactions being referred to Audit and Fraud Control Division for further investigation. A review of the credit card testing program is under way to make it more targeted.

A NEW contract provider for the Defence Childcare Program was announced on August 14.

Defence Personnel Minister Darren Chester said a contract for One Tree Community Services would take effect on January 1.

The Defence Ch i ldca re Program offers day care and after school hours care at 17 locations to support ADF members and their families who relocate regu-larly because of postings.

“Defence will work close-

ly with One Tree Community Services and the outgoing ser-vice provider, Mission Australia Early Learning, over the next few months to ensure continuity of service for families at the centres,” Mr Chester said.

New childcare contract announced

Change to health checksDianna Woods

PERSONNEL deploying overseas may not need a medical appointment after changes to the Defence Health Manual came into effect on July 12.

A simplified pre-deployment health assessment process means personnel will only need to attend a health centre if a requirement is identified on the PM608 – Pre-Deployment Health Screen.

Personnel then sign a declaration stat-ing there have been no changes in their health status since their last appointment with a medical officer.

Members only need a medical review if their health status has changed.

The change aims to reduce the burden that unnecessary medical appointments place on personnel and the health system.

The changes will not affect the quality of care provided when a member is identi-fied for a deployment health assessment.

A trial of the policy change was con-ducted at Robertson Barracks in July and August 2017 to ensure process could be implemented smoothly once the policy was approved.

Acting Health Centre Manager at

Robertson Barracks Capt Jody Bellette was involved in the trial.

“The change to the Defence Health Manual is revolutionary to the way health care is provided at local health centres,” Capt Bellette said.

“We can now be more responsive to the patient’s individual case, delivering the necessary care if and when it is needed, not just as a box-ticking exercise.

“The new policy has reduced wait times for medical officer appointments, particularly during the readying phase, when health centres are inundated with pre-deployment health screen requests that do not value-add to health outcomes.”

For more information visit intranet.defence.gov.au/home/documents/data/ADFPUBS/DHM/vol-ume2/part7/10.pdf

15September 6, 2018RCEAIR F Personnel

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17September 6, 2018RCEAIR F Personnel

AIR FORCE is embracing the concept of workplace coaching to bring out the best in personnel.

There are 144 perma-nent and reserve coaches who empower personnel via coaching sessions, delivery of Coaching 101 workshops and by influencing a coaching cul-ture across the organisation.

Coaching methods have been introduced at 1RTU, OTS, Air Training Wing and RAAF SALT.

Temporary Chief Instructor at 1RTU FLTLT Joel Keulen said this coaching was used in recruit training.

“As recruits progress, the need to continually ‘tell’ a recruit what to do or how to do it diminishes and the frequency of coaching increases,” he said.

“Through coaching conver-sations, recruits are empowered to be more accountable for their conduct and performance.

“As a result, the unit is gen-erating more resilient, thought-ful airmen and airwomen for the wider workforce.”

So far 4000 Air Force per-sonnel have participated in coaching training and more than 1000 coaching sessions have been recorded.

For more information go to http://drnet.defence.gov.au/raaf/AFAC/Coaching or email: airforce.coach-ing@defence.gov.au

Coaching for best

SQNLDR Bruce Chalmers

RECOGNISED by psychologists and mental health workers worldwide, the benefits of Workplace Welfare Dogs (WWD) is now available to members through a trial at RAAF Bases East Sale, Williamtown and Pearce.

Under the sponsorship of DGCHAP-AF, the aim of the trial is to raise morale and general awareness of ‘talking with someone’ as one of the keys to the overall health and wellbeing of our organisation.

“These dogs will create a warmth and member-centred environment that will reach out to many of our members who may need an ‘icebreaker’ to begin the move to speaking to carers about their well-being,” said Principal Air Chaplain Mark Willis, Director General Chaplaincy-Air Force.

The WWD was introduced to CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies at Air Force Headquarters in August before a full inspection of the Russell Defence precinct.

“Our chaplain handlers are mindful that acceptance of a dog will be a commitment for the life of the dog irrespective of the outcome of the trial,” PAC Willis said.

Initiated by SQNLDR Cindy Chawner, the concept came from her previous membership of the charitable organisation, Young Diggers Dog Squad, (YDDS), which will provide the dogs for the program.

YDDS will also oversee the suitability of the dogs and provide initial and ongoing training of the WWDs.

The intent of the project is to prove the mateship value of the dogs working with chaplains to build morale and enhance the wellbeing of Air Force members and associated people.

Dogs take the leadCAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies and Director General Chaplaincy – Air Force, Principal Air Chaplain Mark Willis with assistance dog Sheba at the launch of a trial of Workplace Welfare Dogs.Photo: CPL Dan Pinhorn

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18 September 6, 2018RCEAIR FPersonnel

Safety tipsBUDDING motorcyclists sharp-ened their riding skills during a RideSAFE course held in Canberra on August 18.

About 30 Defence personnel attended the course run by motor-cycle training group Stay Upright at the Sutton Road Driver Training Centre.

RideSAFE manager LTCOL John Duff said RideSAFE provided training to more than 500 Defence personnel in the past year.

“Evaluation of the program to date has concluded that the courses have been well received,” LTCOL Duff said.

“It’s delivering on program intent that training courses improve motorcycle rider awareness, atti-tude, skills and competency to be better riders for their own safety.”

The majority of the riders on the most recent course were ADFA cadets. This follows an Academy policy requiring all cadets wishing

to own or ride a motorcycle on base attend the training.

RideSAFE started in August last year with the aim of enhancing and maintaining riding safety through approved motorcycle rider training.

The training is aimed at reduc-ing the number of motorcycle fatalities and related accidents and injuries to ADF members.

For more details on RideSAFE visit the DRN site at //drnet/People/RideSAFE/Pages/RideSAFE.aspx

Riders participating in the course head out to do some circuit work.

DEPARTURE LOUNGEWho’s leaving after 20+ years

Name Years

ACM Mark Binskin 40

SQNLDR Newton Armstrong 40

WOFF Terry Irish 40

WOFF Graeme Paroz 40

WOFF Russell Schneider 40

WOFF Garry O’Connor 40

WOFF Jeanette Whiteley 36

FSGT Maurizio Guido 36

FSGT Stephen Loveland 33

FLTLT Phillip Blakers 31

WOFF Glenn McCracken 31

SGT Desmond Rogers 31

WGCDR Darin Lovett 30

WGCDR Desiree Watson 30

WOFF Michael Norton 30

FSGT Rodney Potts 30

FSGT James Kennedy 30

SGT Robert Ball 30

WOFF Scott Mielcarek 29

GPCAPT Nina Harvey 28

FSGT Timothy Milne 28

WGCDR James Parton 27

SQNLDR Brendon Mulloy 27

WOFF Robert Gourley 27

SGT Anthony Erceg 27

SGT Mark Syme 27

SGT Kathryn Armstrong 27

SGT Andrew Boyle 24

WGCDR Damien Kroek 22

SQNLDR Jodie Rampton 22

WGCDR Ashley Joslin 20

Call for presentersHEAD Reserve and Youth Division RADM Bruce Kafer is calling for per-sonnel from across the ADF to support the ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Awards program by vol-unteering to present awards.

RADM Kafer said the program recognised school students in Years 10 and 12 who demonstrated outstanding qualities in areas such as leadership, teamwork, integrity, reliability, service to school and their community.

“These admirable qualities mir-ror those displayed by veterans from the Battle of Long Tan. The battle was fought during the Vietnam War, a con-flict in which all three services played

a role,” RADM Kafer said. The awards comprise a monetary component and a certificate, which is presented at a school ceremony – a key component of which is the attendance of an ADF member to present the awards.

“Having a military member present the awards enriches the sense of pride and prestige associated with being a recipient,” RADM Kafer said.

“I ask ADF members to visit www.adflongtanawards.gov.au and register to become a volunteer military presenter.”

More information also can be obtained from WO Sean Campbell at sean.campbell@defence.gov.au

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• Unit Plaques

• Desk Name Bars • Canes & Stands

• Challenge Coins

• Sculptures

• History Plaques & Boxes

Is your unit getting enough copies of Air Force News?

Contact subscriptions1@defencenews.gov.au

ADF fathers deployed in Afghanistan as part of Operation Highroad marked Father’s Day by creating portraits with images of their children.

These portraits will become family keepsakes to remember the time they spent away from their loved ones.

A pop survey of the “dads on ops” revealed some fun facts:

Five best things about deployment:

  Making a useful contribution.

  Working with 38 other nations as part of a NATO mission.

 Being with mates.

 Learning new languages.

 Having a story to tell the kids.

FSGT Sebastian Crombie, serving on Operation

Highroad as an adviser to the Afghan Air Force, with a

portrait of his children.Photo: PO Andrew Dakin

Never far from a dad joke

Medic CPL Pricilia Dimond consults with a young mother and child in Timor-Leste during

Exercise Pacific Angel 2018, a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief activity.

Photo: Pacific Air Force Public Affairs

PTI SGT Wes Rampling, of the Expeditionary Air Operations Unit, prepares for a training session at the ADF’s main air operations base in the Middle East. Photo: SGT Mark Doran

Above: ACW Ho Ng, of No. 3 Security Forces Squadron at RAAF Base Edinburgh, with Jamal, 10, and Jesse, 11, on a Norforce surveillance reconnaissance vehicle at the Garma Festival, a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, in Arnhem Land.Photo: PO James Whittle

Five things missed most:

 Family.

 Tap water.

 End of day cuddles with the kids.

 Mum’s cooking.

 Relaxing on the beach.

Best worst dad jokes heard:  The only difference between dad

jokes and bad jokes is one letter

 Paperboys are not made of paper

  How does Darth Vader like his toast? On the dark side.

  Want to hear a joke about construc-tion? I’m still working on it.

  Which month do ADF personnel hate most? March.

19September 6, 2018RCEAIR F Flightline

SP RTSeptember 6, 2018

OFFCDT Dominic Chamberlain in man-of-the-match form during ADFA’s last-second win in the ACT Rugby Union 1st Division 1st Grade grand final.Photo: Simon Joyce

BUZZER BEATER CPL Sebastian Beurich

AN AIR Force officer cadet starred for ADFA as his team scored a try on the final buzzer to win the grand final of the ACT Rugby Union 1st Division 1st Grade series on August 18.

The game against the Tuggeranong Vikings, who beat ADFA earlier in the competition, was played try-for-try, according to man-of-the-match OFFCDT Dominic Chamberlain, but finished in ADFA’s favour, 19-17.

“The game was a bit of a tug-of-war, but we got to the point where we had them on their line and we could feel them falling back onto it,” OFFCDT Chamberlain said.

“We felt if we were going to win the game it was going to be by scoring there, which we managed to do right after the buzzer.”

After losing to the Vikings in a semi-final, ADFA made some structural changes to their game play.

“Going into the grand final it was a matter of pulling everything together and playing like we’d been playing all year,” OFFCDT Chamberlain said.

“The confident build-up led into the game really well and, along with having the crowd behind us, we knew it was going to be a good one.

“I felt like I played a good game, but I was surprised to get

man-of-the-match. A lot of players were out-

standing as well.”