Serving Australia with pride

NEWSNAVYVolume 62, No. 11, June 27, 2019

COMPLETE SUCCESS

The fleet’s ‘old girl’ bows outCentre

ABMT Jackson Setter is reunited with his nephew, Logan Setter, 4, in Sydney after a four-month deployment to South-East Asia and the Pacific in HMAS Success.Photo: LSIS Steven Thomson

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EDITORIALDirectorDavid Edlington

EditorRichard Mihaich: (02) 6265 7219

Deputy EditorJessica Deotto

ReportersSGT Mark DoranSGT Max Bree LS Jake BadiorCPL Sebastian BeurichCPL Veronica O’HaraSGT Dave Morley

navynews@defencenews.gov.auThe Editor, Navy News, R1-G-C036, PO Box 7909, Department of Defence, ACT 2600

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DISCLAIMERNavy News is published fortnightly by the Directorate of Defence News. It is printed under contract by Spotpress Pty Ltd. The views expressed in published articles are not necessarily those of Defence or Navy News. Every advertisement is subject to Directorate of Defence News approval and the Directorate of Defence News may, at its discretion, refuse to accept an advertisement. The Directorate accepts no responsibility or liability in relation to any loss due to the failure of an advertise-ment to appear or if it appears in a form not in accordance with the instructions received by the Directorate of Defence News. Defence does not endorse the products or services published in advertisements.

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2 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS June 27, 2019

Newcastle bids

Novocastrians watch HMAS Newcastle enter her namesake city’s harbour for the last time. Photo: SGT Guy Young

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3NEWSJune 27, 2019 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

LEUT Anthony Martin

HMAS Newcastle sailed into her namesake city for the final time after 25 years of faithful service, steaming more than 900,000nm and gaining battle honours in East Timor, the Solomon Islands and the Persian Gulf.

Newcastle’s arrival on June 12 also marked the completion of the final overseas deployment – Indo-Pacific Endeavour – by an Adelaide-class guided missile frigate.

The frigates have formed the backbone of Navy operations for almost 40 years.

Newcastle was the last of the Adelaide-class frigates commis-sioned into the Navy and was the last of her type to be built in Australia.

For Newcastle CO CMDR Anita Sellick, sailing into Newcastle was both a proud and a reflective moment.

“As a Novocastrian myself, it was a great experience but also a little sad knowing it was the last time the ship would visit,” CMDR Sellick said.

“For me it was a once-in-a-life-time opportunity and it is hard to put into words just how special that was.

‘‘This was similar for the entire crew and, in particular, the 21 other Novocastrians in the ship’s company.”

Newcastle hosted an official reception during her visit, the highlight being a charity auction to raise the final funds for the ship’s charity, the Newcastle Senior School. The crew’s recent fundrais-ing efforts, including The Great Race and the charity auction, raised $27,500.

City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Cr Nuatali Nelmes said she was honoured to represent the city at the reception and be involved in Newcastle’s final visit.

She was impressed with the crew’s fundraising and the ship’s support for local charities over the years.

“I am so proud of the long and enduring friendship HMAS Newcastle has had with Newcastle and the Hunter region,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The ship has had a positive

impact on the city and will always be remembered.”

The ship’s 180 officers and sail-ors also exercised their Freedom of Entry into Newcastle for the last time, marching proudly through the city’s centre.

Cr Nelmes said the parade was “a great opportunity for the com-munity to show its support for a final time to HMAS Newcastle, the crew and those men and women who have served on the ship over the last 25 years”.

Newcastle also hosted visits and tours for local groups, and crew members attended a farewell community engagement with the Newcastle Senior School.

After departing the city, Newcastle returned to Fleet Base East in Sydney to prepare for decommissioning in late June.

Since commissioning in 1993, Newcastle has deployed in support of peacekeeping operations in East Timor and the Solomon Islands and Operation Catalyst in the Persian Gulf.

Information about HMAS Newcastle is available at navy.gov.au/hmas-newcastle

farewell

CO HMAS Newcastle CMDR Anita Sellick waves to the people of

Newcastle as the ship makes her final visit to the city.

Photos: POIS Nina Fogliani

CMDR Anita Sellick leads her ship’s crew on a Freedom of Entry parade through Newcastle.

Members of HMAS Newcastle line the upper decks as she comes alongside.

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LEUT Todd Fitzgerald

TWO Navy members in the Northern Territory were among those recognised in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

LCDR Laurie Choate received a Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM) and WO Arthur Mitcherson was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).

WO Mitcherson, of the Minor War Vessel Sea Training Unit, said he was humbled but extremely appreciative that the people he worked alongside consid-ered him for the medal.

“I have had exceptional support from everyone I have worked alongside over the years, so I feel a little embarrassed but also very honoured to be singled out,” he said.

WO Mitcherson received the OAM for meritorious performance of duty in the fields of marine engineering and techni-cian training.

Part of his citation reads: “Warrant Officer Mitcherson’s leadership, deep technical knowledge and experience left an enduring legacy by improving Navy’s technical workforce mastery and opera-tional outcomes of the minor warship force over an extended period. His abil-ity to coach, train and mentor provided results that will greatly enhance the cul-ture and reputation of the Navy”.

WO Mitcherson received a CSM in 2011 for services to engineering while at the Mine Warfare and Clearance Diving

System’s Program Office. Marine Engineering Officer LCDR

Choate said he had to share the medal with his family for their support over 33 years in the Navy.

“I never thought I would receive an honour like this and I’m humbled to be recognised for what felt like simply doing my job,” LCDR Choate said.

“It was a challenging role but it was with a part of Navy I have been involved in and believed in for a long time.

“My wife is really pleased that I have been recognised but I also see the medal as recognition of her support during my career, not just for this position but many postings at sea and ashore that came with their own challenges and tough times.”

LCDR Choate received the medal for meritorious devotion to duty as the Regional Manager Fleet Support Unit - North East.

His citation reads: “LCDR Choate’s dedication to duty enabled Fleet Support Unit - North-East to upskill its workforce, rebuild local engineering capability, and foster the talent of junior sailors”.

LCDR Choate is the lead engineer at patrol boat headquarters in Darwin.

The annual awards seek to define, encourage and reinforce Australian goals and values.

Honourees are nominated by members of the community for their work in sup-porting others and their acts of selfless-ness.

OFFICER IN THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA

RADM Gregory SammutFor distinguished service as the Head Future Submarine Program, and the General Manager Submarines.

MEMBER IN THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA

CDRE Darron KavanaghFor exceptional performance of duty in the field of Navy Capability Management.RADM Justice Michael SlatteryFor exceptional ser-vice in the field of mil-itary law, particularly as Judge Advocate General of the ADF.

WO Gary WightFor exceptional ser-vice to the Navy in the field of Navy People leadership and man-agement. CDRE Malcolm WiseFor exceptional service as the Commander Combined Task Force 150 while deployed on Operation Manitou from November 2017 to May 2018.

MEDAL OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA IN THE MILITARY DIVISION

WO Dennis BentleyFor meritorious performance of duty in the field of personnel management in the Navy. WO James DewFor meritorious service to the Navy during the development and introduction into service of the Canberra-class amphibious ship capability.CMDR Robert EamesFor meritorious service in the fields of international engage-

ment and capability manage-ment. WO Arthur MitchersonFor meritorious performance of duty in the fields of marine engi-neering and technician training.

CONSPICUOUS SERVICE CROSS

CMDR Dugald ClellandFor outstanding achievement, leadership and tactical employ-ment while in Command of HMAS Warramunga supporting Operation Manitou, during the period November 2017 to June 2018.CMDR Jason CupplesFor outstanding devotion to duty in the submarine force.CAPT James LybrandFor outstanding achievement as Director Submarine Operations and Commander Task Group 627.0 in the planning and execution of submarine operations from December 2014 to August 2018.CMDR Viktor PilicicFor outstanding achievement as CO HMAS Coonawarra and senior ADF officer Larrakeyah Defence Precinct. CAPT John StavridisFor outstanding achievement as CO HMAS Hobart.

CONSPICUOUS SERVICE MEDAL

WO Johansel AveryFor meritorious devotion to duty as the catering manager and logistics departmental regulator in HMAS Adelaide.LEUT Lachlan BlairFor meritorious devotion to duty as the operational intelligence analyst while deployed in the Middle East for Combined Task

Force 150 as part of Operation Manitou from November 2017 to May 2018.PO Lauren CarruthersFor meritorious achievement in the field of aviation technician training. LCDR Laurence ChoateFor meritorious devotion to duty as the Regional Manager Fleet Support Unit - North East.CMDR Nicholas FieldFor meritorious achievement in the field of cyber.LCDR Belinda FinlayFor meritorious devotion to duty as First Lieutenant, HMAS Albatross.CMDR Steven McCrackenFor meritorious achievement as Deputy Director Maritime Commitments in Maritime Operations Branch.

CPO Lyndon QuirkeFor meritorious achievement as a senior technician and his efforts to prevent further significant damage to Australian Border Force cut-ter Roebuck Bay in 2017.LCDR Sarah Rhys-JonesFor meritorious achievement as a Principal Warfare Officer in HMAS Warramunga during Operation Manitou from October 2017 to July 2018.CAPT Damien Scully-O’SheaFor meritorious devotion to duty as XO HMAS Canberra. CPO Anthony John SherburdFor meritorious devotion to duty in the field of Navy Information Warfare.CMDR Samuel WoolrychFor meritorious achievement as Deputy Director Maritime Plans in Maritime Operations Branch.

4 QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS 2019 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS June 27, 2019

Some of our best

– WO Arthur Mitcherson, of the

Minor War Vessel Sea Training Unit

I have had exceptional support from everyone I have worked alongside over the years.

‘‘

WO Arthur Mitcherson

Marine Engineering Officer LCDR Laurie Choate

5NEWSJune 27, 2019 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

NAVY frigate HMAS Ballarat seized another four illicit drug shipments in three days while deployed to the Middle East region.

The boardings of four dhows took place from June 2-5 as Ballarat conducted a routine patrol in the Arabian Sea in support of Combined Maritime Forces.

The drug seizures included a large quantity of hashish and illegal narcotics weighing a combined total of 5.8 tonnes.

CO HMAS Ballarat CMDR Paul Johnson said the routine boardings were essen-tial to achieving maritime security in the region.

“Our goal is to disrupt the sources of funding for terror-ism and deny the narcotics trade in the Middle East,” CMDR Johnson said.

“In support of the Combined Maritime Forces we aggressively pursued a number of vessels, which had shown signs of smuggling illegal narcotics.

“The team have been working hard to track, inter-cept and board these vessels in some difficult conditions.”

The recent hauls bring the number of seizures by Ballarat to 14 during her nine-month deployment, which began in October 2018.

Operation Manitou is the Australian government’s contribution to support inter-national efforts to promote maritime security, stability and prosperity in the Middle East.

An enhanced security envi-ronment ensures Australia’s safe and open access to the region, while fostering trade and commerce and a rules-based global order.

LSET Kacey Neindorf numbers bags containing narcotics during a search of a suspicious dhow by HMAS Ballarat's boarding party. Photo: LSIS Bradley Darvill

NAVY members in need have been given a boost with a donation of $15,000 to the Keeping Watch Navy benevolent fund.

The donation by Navy Health was gratefully received by CN and WO-N, who said the money would be put to good use.

“Keeping Watch is increasingly being used by our people who run into unexpected difficultly,” WO-N Gary Wight said.

“It’s very encouraging to see organisations such as Navy Health step up to help our people in this way.”

Keeping Watch was established by the trustees of the RAN Relief Trust Fund in 2013 to provide for the comfort, recreation or welfare of current members.

Deputy Chair of Keeping Watch CMDR Christina Ween said the money distributed was a gift to suc-cessful recipients.

“The RANRTF, which runs Keeping Watch, is regularly called upon to help our people,” CMDR Ween said.

“We have funded everything from medical expenses for life threatening illnesses to emergency

welfare for members and their fami-lies escaping domestic abuse.”

While sailors and their families make up the bulk of Keeping Watch recipients, the fund is available to members of every rank, including reservists.

“Keeping Watch provides such an important service, donations shouldn’t be limited to the business community,” WO Wight said.

“There are many worthy organi-sations out there but I would like to see more ships consider making Keeping Watch their official charity – I can think of no better cause.”

Four shipments seized

Stepping up to helpFrom left: WO-N Gary Wight; CN VADM Michael Noonan; CEO Navy Health Ron Wilson; Chairman Navy Health CDRE Syd Lemon (retd); RADM Lee Goddard; and CMDR Christina Ween; with the cheque presented to Keeping Watch during a ceremony at Russell Offices. Photo: LSIS James McDougall

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LEUT Anthony Martin

HMAS Ships Hobart and Stuart participated in a real-time, simulat-ed exercise with American forces, with Hobart showcasing her AEGIS Combat System.

Fleet Synthetic Training – Joint, under the banner of Exercise Pacific Thunder, is an annual certification exercise for the US Navy’s Japan-based Task Force 76.

During the five-day exercise, Hobart protected amphibious assault ships USS Essex and USS Wasp from airborne attack.

Hobart and Stuart’s operations teams used RAN bridge simula-tors at HMAS Watson and HMAS Stirling, joined by networked ele-

ments from the RAAF and US Navy and Air Force, geographical-ly spread from Newcastle to San Diego and Sasebo in Japan.

CO Hobart CMDR Ryan Gaskin said the synthetic exercise was vital to preparing his crew ahead of the ship’s task group deployment later this year, work-ing through scenarios and achieving training outcomes that may not be achievable in a real-world training environment.

“This synthetic exercise high-lights Hobart’s capability and facil-itates high-level campaign planning and operations, proving our inter-operability with the United States Navy,” CMDR Gaskin said.

“The combat team was out-

standing in matching the tempo of the exercise, and for the first time Hobart held air defence command-er duties.

“This was an exciting opportuni-ty for us, as the AEGIS combat sys-tem and the ship’s combat informa-tion centre are specifically designed for these battle functions.

“I am very proud of the team and their outstanding performance in contributing to the certifica-tion of US Navy Commander Task Force 76.”

Hobart, the first of three air warfare destroyers built for the RAN, is based in Sydney, while Stuart is based at Fleet Base West near Rockingham.

Distance no bar to shield

7NEWSJune 27, 2019 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

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8 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS June 27, 2019

AUSTRALIA’S leading employers were recognised for their continued support of ADF reservists at the annual Defence Reserves Support Council National Employer Support Awards ceremony held in Canberra on June 18 at the Australian War Memorial. Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester said the awards showcased those employers that actively supported their Defence Force reservists in the workplace, allowing them to contribute mean-ingfully to both their civilian and military roles. For the list of award winners, go to news.defence.gov.au/people/employers-recognised-reserves-support

Former Regimental Sergeant Major-Army Don Spinks will become the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Repatriation Commissioner on July 1. It is the first time a non-commissioned officer has been appointed to the role. Mr Spinks said his number one priority would be to engage with the veteran community. “My focus will be to support veterans and their families. For me to achieve this, the number one priority is to engage, to talk to the veterans, their families, and to the ex-service or-ganisations and find out what issues are facing them,” he said.

IN BRIEF

Employer awards

Supporting veterans

The port of Brisbane will host more than 25 warships during Talisman Sabre, the largest number to visit the city in more than three decades. CO HMAS Moreton CMDR Gerry Sav-vakis said Brisbane had never been asked to accommodate such a large number of warships in such a short period of time. Navy has engaged with all key stakeholders to confirm berthing arrangements for Australian and international ships during the exercise, which will be run off the east coast of Australia from July 6 to August 19.

Plans for TS19

LEUT James McPherson

IN her 27th year of faithful service, HMAS Melbourne returned to her home port of Sydney on June 8 after completing her final overseas deployment.

As the ship approaches the end of her career, a number of young sailors are at the start of theirs.

ABML-P Bethany East, SMNET Jason Sneath, SMNMT Jack Everett and SMNEW Brady Miller were on their first overseas deployment and relished the opportunity.

“We are lucky to have had such an extensive trip early in our careers,” SMN Everett said.

“We had lots of experiences that you can only get when you’re on a large warship.”

Melbourne’s duties across the north-west Pacific and east Asia ranged from diplomatic engagements, attending China’s International Fleet Review, to high-end multinational exercises and operations.

Melbourne continued her strong tradition of representing Australia and its interests on the global stage, visiting China, Japan and Guam over the past two months.

AB East said it was an eye-opening experience.

“Seeing other parts of the world really makes you appreciate where you’re from,” AB East said.

“We’re all proud to have played our part in taking our ship so far from home and demonstrating what Australia can do.”

For SMN Sneath, the highlight of the deployment was showing off Melbourne’s sporting prowess. The sports competition held as part of the Chinese International Fleet Review was an opportunity for informal international relations.

“It was exciting to play against Russians, Chinese, Malaysians and get some good wins,” SMN Sneath said.

“It’s exciting when so many sailors from around the world come together and we get to show what we’re made of.”

On the final stretch of Melbourne’s journey home, a number of family members had the unique chance to experience life at sea.

With some members of the ship’s company on leave or on courses, space opened up to be able to take select next-of-kin on a trip

down the east coast of Australia.ABMT Ben Macaulay had his

father join the ship in Gladstone, Queensland.

“This was dad’s first time on board the ship. It’s great to be able to show him what I do,” AB Macaulay said.

AB Macaulay works in the marine engineering department looking after all of the refrigeration on board. Learning about it was all new to his father, Ian.

“It’s a little bit different from a cruise ship,” Mr Macaulay said.

“I’ve really enjoyed hearing all about the job and getting context and understanding for what Ben does on daily basis.

“It’s full-on. Between his technical roles, watchkeeping, looking after yourself and trying to get a little bit of sleep, there isn’t much time left in a day.”

When asked what his favourite part of the trip was, AB Macaulay said “coming home”.

Melbourne now has a busy domestic program before being decommissioned later in the year to make way for Navy’s future capabilities.

Showing what she’s made of

LSET Timothy Sangster is reunited with his wife, Ellie, and daughter Hannah.ABMT Jack Everett is reunited with his girlfriend, Georgia Burnett.

HMAS Melbourne returns home to Fleet Base East

after her three-month deployment.

Photos: CPOIS Cameron Martin

9NEWSJune 27, 2019 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

SQNLDR Gavin Briggs

PAINTING for “arts sake” was not something AB Kiera Walsh had ever entertained before she attended the ADF Arts for Recovery, Resilience, Training and Skills (ARRTS) Program.

Based at HMAS Stirling, AB Walsh said the experience of picking up the paint brush-es allowed her to get back in touch with her creative side.

“It allowed me to try something different and not be afraid, because creativity doesn’t have to be perfect,” AB Walsh said.

“I played sport throughout my time in the military and have always been part of com-petitive sport, such as being a gymnast before I joined the Navy.

“Doing this program has been so different for me and this is why I encourage other people to give it a go. The more alien it is to them, I think the better it will be for them.”

She was speaking at the conclusion of the program on June 6 at a showcase featur-

ing visual art, creative writing displays and musical perfor-mances, to show family and friends how the new skills had helped rebuild their resilience.

Head of ARRTS BRIG Wayne Goodman believes the program gives ADF members an innovative way to rebuild confidence.

“The ARRTS Program offers our service personnel, who may not be feeling on top of things, the opportunity to re-set through one of our three creative streams, which include music, visual arts and creative writing,” BRIG Goodman said.

“We want people to take part in a program that offers them new skills and rebuild their resilience, all in a sup-portive, non-judgmental envi-ronment.”

The all-expenses paid pro-gram is conducted in a non-rank, uniform-free setting.

Held twice a year as a standalone four-week residen-tial program, its participants are housed at HMAS Harman and bused each week day to the University of Canberra’s Inspire Centre, where the pro-

gram’s three creative streams are conducted.

Each creative stream is led by a mentor, who is a highly skilled individual and subject matter expert in their respec-tive field.

The program’s artistic director, LTCOL Geoff Grey, said many participants had benefited from being involved.

“We have now had 196 people come through the ARRTS program,”LTCOL Grey said.

“Many people report that one of the main outcomes they get from being on this program is that they have a renewed sense of purpose and self-worth.”

The program is supported by a team that includes nurs-ing officers, psychologists and a physiotherapist.

The next program will be held in November.

Details and application forms can be obtained at www.defence.gov.au/jcg/arrt

Using art to re-set lives: news.defence.gov.au/people/using-art-re-set-lives

Art path to resilience

ADF ARRTS Program participant AB Kiera Walsh in front of her artwork and (top) fellow participants at the June 6 showcase at the University of Canberra’s Inspire Centre. Photos: Jay Cronan

www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS June 27, 2019 1110 CENTRELAST STOP FOR SUCCESS

AFTER four months away as part of the Indo Pacific Endeavour task group, pro-viding fuel and stores to the other ships and submarines, looking out the bridge

window at Centrepoint tower as HMAS Success crossed line Zulu one last time was a wondrous sight.

As she prepared for her final entry into a rain-soaked Sydney Harbour where she was warmly welcomed on June 16, CO Success CAPT Darren Grogan reflected on the achievements of the retiring first lady of the fleet.

“There are always the statistics – 33 years of service to the fleet, 3424 replenishments con-ducted, 997,000 nautical miles steamed – but in my thoughts are other reflective moments this great ship has given,” CAPT Grogan said.

“I think one of the most amazing facts is that we have nearly passed 500 million litres of fuel to our many customers over the years.

“Amazingly the ship is still performing very well, which is a credit to the investment made by many – to the point that during this deployment of four and a half months we did not miss a single day or have to delay a RAS based on a major defect or personnel deficiency.

“Perhaps the old girl is resisting retirement.“Arriving home is a bit of an emotional roller

coaster. Being away for four and half months, it’s a very happy occasion to be reunited with our fami-lies, friends, and loved ones, but when the fanfare is over a touch of sadness creeps in as we realise it’s the end of the road for this ole girl.

“But they say all good things must come to an end, and we always look to the future.

“I am in the fortunate position of not only decommissioning Success, but I also get to be the commissioning Commanding Officer of her replacement, Nuship Supply, which is finalising her fit-out in Spain and will shortly start sea trials.”

COMAUSFLT RADM Jonathan Mead said the ‘Battle Tanker’ had replenished Australian and coalition ships with fuel, food and other critical supplies over many years.

“Success has been an indispensable part of Navy operations since she was launched in 1984 and she has worked tirelessly to support our maritime operations,” RADM Mead said.

Commissioned in 1986, Success has participated in a record 11 Rim of the Pacific exercises, earned battle honours for service during the 1991 Gulf War and East Timor in 1999, and helped search for missing Malaysian Airlines Flight 370.

“Success has quietly operated behind the scenes to help our frontline assets achieve mission suc-cess,” RADM Mead said.

“Simply put, Success kept other ships at sea longer, thereby increasing maritime security for Australia and our allies.”

CAPT Grogan said he was not surprised by the level of admiration the ship still attracted from cur-rent and former officers and sailors.

“For other ships, Success has always been a welcome symbol of help and support, not just for the supplies she carries but, equally importantly, for the mail and other packages she delivers from loved ones back home,” CAPT Grogan said.

HMAS Success will decommission on June 29 at Fleet Base East.

After more than three decades, a quiet achiever has dropped anchor on her service – and she’ll be missed,

writes LEUT DAVE DEVLIN.

THE ‘OLD GIRL’ BOWS OUT

HMAS Success steams towards Garden Island, Sydney, for the final time as a commissioned ship in the Navy.Photo: CPO Kelvin Hockey

Members of the ship’s company, left, line the upper decks on approach to Fleet Base East, while family and friends, right, welcome the ship home.Photos: LSIS Steven Thomson

HMAS Success crew member ABET Hayden

Lestrange hugs his grandmother, Penny Tilling, after disembarking the ship

for the last time.

Video of HMAS Success entering Sydney Harbour for the

last time can be seen at video.defence.gov.au/play/6232

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13FEATURESJune 27, 2019 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

AS LSA Leeann Mumby flew around HMAS Melbourne before fast-roping practice in the Middle East, she knew her future

was in the sky.“It was amazing being out in the mid-

dle of the ocean and the only thing on the horizon is your ship,” she said.

“That was the moment that really spiked my interest in the aircrew job.

“There was a great feeling of space and we were on a long deployment, so it was a good escape from the ship for a little bit.”

The former combat systems operator was then flying as part of the ship’s board-ing party, but a few years on, she became the one flying full-time in a Seahawk.

LSA Mumby’s first application for aircrew was knocked back because of her eyesight, but she successfully reapplied after getting laser vision correction.

In 2017 she embarked on 10 months of aircrew training that included learning to leave the aircraft as a rescue swimmer and wireman.

“You jump out of the helicopter into Jervis Bay from about 15 feet,” she said.

“You get some practice before by jumping off a tower in Nowra. Everything you learn is slow-paced to make sure you’re all over it; they won’t make you do anything you’re not ready for.

“It’s actually easier to do it from a helicopter, because the rotor wash softens the water.”

LSA Mumby first posted to 723SQN, before going to Jacksonville, USA, to qualify on the new MH-60R Seahawks.

Her main role is as an aircraft sensor operator looking after radar, sonar and

electronic warfare, with secondary duties covering utility and search and rescue.

“One day we’ll be going out to do anti-submarine or anti-surface warfare exer-cises, practising hellfire shoots with our captive air training missile,” she said.

“The next day could be anything from winching and hi-line transfers, load-lift-ing, landing in confined areas or in-flight refuelling.

“It doesn’t get boring, you’re always rotating to something you may not have done in a while, but you have to be all over the knowledge needed for it.”

It isn’t heavy weapons LSA Mumby likes most about her job; her biggest thrill is guiding a helicopter onto pinnacles.

“We could be landing on a small pin-nacle with only cliffs, mountains and dense bush surrounded by a 500-foot drop – it’s pretty amazing,” she said.

“You find a suitable place, make sure you’ve got enough clearance to land in that spot, then you guide the pilot down.

“As long as the wheels are on the pin and stable, you’re good.”

LSA Mumby recommends the job to any sailor wanting a challenge.

“One of my first few flights attached to a ship was an anti-submarine warfare exercise, as part of Ocean Explorer 19,” she said.

“We tracked a live American nuclear submarine. To do something like that so early on in a career is pretty awesome.

“A lot of people think what we do is hard, but they only see the end result; they don’t see the training that’s gone into it.

“I wouldn’t have been able to believe that I would have a job this good.”

Career choice takes off

LSA Leeann Mumby at HMAS Albatross. Photos: LSIS Kayla Jackson

Years of training and commitment has taken this LSA to places she once only dreamed about,writes SGT Max Bree.

– LSA Leeann Mumby

It doesn’t get boring, you’re always rotating to something you may not have done in a while.‘‘

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14 FEATURES www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS June 27, 2019

ONE hundred and ninety years of Navy presence on the shores of Garden Island, Western Australia, was cel-

ebrated at HMAS Stirling on June 7.The event, attended by dignitar-

ies, including Governor of Western Australia Kim Beazley, previous COs, serving members and families, took place at Sir James Stirling Mess, named after the Royal Navy officer who landed on the island on June 7, 1829.

CO St i r l ing CAPT Ains ley Morthorpe said he was still amazed with the history and biodiversity of Garden Island, after recently taking command of the base.

“Having resisted a posting to Western Australia for various reasons over the past 27 years, it is only now that I have come to realise what I’ve been missing,” CAPT Morthorpe said.

“This island has everything that I love – an amazing history, staggeringly beautiful natural wonders, supportive neighbours in the City of Rockingham, and a dedicated workforce.”

CAPT Morthorpe said since the island broke away from the mainland about 6000 years ago, it remained

Milestone celebration

uninhabited until CAPT Stirling estab-lished a settlement at Cliff Head.

“As such, it’s an amazing ark sit-ting off the coast of Western Australia with many unique species of flora and fauna,” he said.

CAPT Morthorpe also referred to the island’s significance to the local

Indigenous people of the area, the Nyungar People.

“Garden Island features strongly in Aboriginal mythology, with the most significant Dreaming stories being associated with the crocodile and Waugul Dreaming,” he said.

“What we now call Garden Island

was known as Meandip Yondock, meaning ‘crocodile with tail miss-ing’ – the crocodile is the island, and the missing tail is the northern part of the island with the exposed cliffs representing the wounds suffered by the crocodile in its battle with the Rainbow Serpent.”

Following CAPT Morthorpe’s address, CPONPC Bill Prince – who was a member of Stirling’s commis-sioning guard in 1978 – spoke about his association with the base.

“Before Stirling was commis-sioned, I was posted to HMAS Leeuwin as a young AB Quarter Master Gunner, but spent 14 months at the Western Australian naval support facility, which later became Stirling,” CPO Prince said.

“In those days only a small number of the buildings we have now were constructed, and there was still an old general shop from the days the island was used as a holiday destination.

“On the day of the commissioning, Stirling had a ship’s company of 15 officers, two warrant officers, 13 chief petty officers, 18 petty officers, 32 leading seamen and 73 able seamen.”

A few days after Stirling was com-missioned, PO Prince joined the for-mer survey vessel HMAS Moresby, one of the first Navy ships to be post-ed to what was to become Fleet Base West.

The formal event and lunch was followed with the cutting of the birth-day cake.

Guests were then treated to a Navy-style horse-race organised by Stirling’s PTIs, representing the first horse-race in WA on the beaches of Garden Island 190 years ago.

More imagery can be seen at images.defence.gov.au/S20191476.

WA Governor Kim Beazley, CPONPC Bill Prince and SMN Gap Year Isaac Crook use a ceremonial sword to cut the birthday cake. Photo: LSIS Richard Cordell

HMAS Stirling celebrated her 190th birthday in style,writes LEUT Gary McHugh

dha.gov.au/online 139 342

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15PERSONNELJune 27, 2019 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

WOATV Ian Daley

AFTER an impressive Naval career spanning 26 years, CO HMAS Penguin CMDR Mat Bradley has retired from full-time service.

CMDR Bradley officially retired on May 10 after a clear lower deck at Penguin.

The farewell ceremony – which was also an opportunity for the ship’s company to welcome new CO CMDR Bernadette Alexander – featured the tra-ditional ‘passing of the weight’, signify-ing the change of command.

On handing over the weight to CMDR Alexander, CMDR Bradley said it had given him enormous pride to be CO Penguin. He said the base had wit-nessed many changes, such as the intro-duction of new units like the Leadership School.

He said the increase of trainees through all of the schools at Penguin

this year had placed enormous pres-sure on those schools, but all of them had met the challenge head on and with great success.

CMDR Bradley wished CMDR Alexander and all of the ship’s company every success in the future.

CMDR Alexander made special thanks to CMDR Bradley’s family for their service to the Navy, saying the Navy’s people did not operate without the support of family and friends.

On assuming command, CMDR Alexander challenged all personnel to be curious and inspirational and to work together to ensure everybody in Penguin was ‘Proud to Serve’ every day.

After the formal activities, the ship’s company lined the wharf at Penguin to give CMDR Bradley and his wife, Trish, a traditional cheer ship ‘three cheers’ as they departed the establish-ment on board the beautifully restored 1920s Navy Cutter.

LEUT Claire Baldwin

PARTICIPANTS embraced the opportunity to speak candidly with the Senior Leadership Team at the inaugural Navy Emerging Leaders Forum at the Australian National Maritime Museum on May 22.

LS, POs, SBLTs and LEUTs were among the 150 participants who took part in the table-top discussions and panel sessions in Sydney.

Guest speakers facilitated con-versation focused on the leadership challenges facing Navy’s emerging leaders.

DCN RADM Mark Hammond shared his leadership journey, from his enlistment as a junior sailor, through commissioning, to his path to senior officer.

“Achieve results with and through our people, not at their expense,” RADM Hammond said.

“This is not always easy when conducting operations that place our people in harm’s way, but it should always be the priority goal.”

Victoria Cross recipient CPL Mark Donaldson shared his experi-ences on various ADF operations, highlighting the importance of the

team and leadership that puts others first.

“Fear is normal, but you can’t let it overtake you, or govern you to make a bad decision,” CPL Donaldson said.

“Regardless of whether you are a leader or a follower, your job is to be an enabler.”

Participants spoke with the Senior Leadership Team about leadership and teamwork issues that they face daily.

They also heard from others of their own rank level who are navigat-ing the same challenges.

LEUT Matthew Norris, of the Australian Maritime Warfare Centre, said he appreciated the contribu-tion of RADM Hammond and CPL Donaldson.

“RADM Hammond’s presentation put a real ‘human touch’ on the sen-ior role he provides to us all, while his humility and humour displayed a level of leadership that I can aspire to,” LEUT Norris said.

“I can see it is an exciting future ahead for the RAN. The investment in forums such as this one highlights that the support is there for everyone to ‘own’ the continued building and

development of the Navy, regardless of rank.”

LS Zac Davis, of HMAS Hobart, said his experience at the forum had piqued his interest in joining the Navy Leadership Coaching Program.

“The forum was a great success and it has inspired me to seek further career development,” LS Davis said.

The forums are organised and coordinated by the Directorate of Navy Culture and represent CN’s commitment to the investment in, and empowerment of, the next gen-eration of Navy leaders.

Ranks at LS, PO, SBLT and LEUT are encouraged to participate in one of the remaining forums.

Applications can be made via the ‘Emerging Leaders’ link on the Directorate of Navy Culture home-page on the DRN.

There are places available at the remaining forums:

Darwin July 23Cairns August 6Nowra August 20Melbourne September 26Canberra October 17Sydney November 6Perth November 27

Inspiring our new leaders

Guest speaker CPL Mark Donaldson, VC, addresses participants at the Navy Emerging Leaders Forum at the Australian National Maritime Museum. ABIS Leo Baumgartner

Weight handed over at Penguin

CMDR Mat Bradley hands over the weight to CMDR Bernadette Alexander at the HMAS Penguin change-of-command ceremony. Photo: WOATV Ian Daley

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16 TRAINING www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS June 27, 2019

Committed to security

RAN sea trainers and Philippine Navy and Marine participants at the maritime interoperability training in May. Photo: LSBM Leigh Newlan

IN July 2017, Sea Training Unit – Defence Cooperation Program (STG-DCP) was established as one of only a few Navy units fully manned by Naval Reserves serving on SERCAT 3/5 con-ditions of service.

Its primary role is to deliver col-lective training to regional maritime security forces receiving the Guardian-class patrol boats as part of the Pacific Maritime and Security Program.

Other roles include delivering bespoke training to regional nations upon request in any maritime related activity, such as damage control, mari-time law enforcement, seamanship or navigation.

The specialised unit is nominally home-ported in HMAS Cairns and draws from the North Queensland and the Australia-wide Naval Reserve community for reservists suitably qualified with Sea Training Group and/or international engagement experi-ence.

Since being established, STG-DCH has visited or worked with the mar-itime security forces of 16 regional nations and conducted international engagement activities ranging from relationship-building to contributing to operational outcomes in an armed conflict.

Members of STG-DCP recently completed their sixth rotation conduct-ing maritime interoperability training at Naval Forces Western Mindanao in Zamboanga, Philippines.

PO Peter Coates

Led by CMDR Mitchell Edwards, a small team of Australian sea train-ers have been deployed to various locations throughout the Operation Augury-Philippines area under Joint Task Force 629.

With air, land and maritime activi-ties simultaneously taking place, the sea trainers worked alongside the Philippine Navy training team to

enhance cooperation, interoperability and strengthen relationships between the Philippines and Australia.

The training focused on command and control, tactical communications and manoeuvring, picture compilation, seamanship and boarding operations.

The training, attended by numerous Philippine Navy and Marine units, was conducted before starting joint secu-

rity and training patrols by Armidale-class patrol boats in company with Philippine Navy patrol boats and patrol craft.

LS Leigh Newlan, STG-DCP, has undertaken all six rotations.

“It’s great to impart my knowledge to my counterparts from the Philippine Navy and also to learn from them,” LS Newlan said.

“Working alongside the great guys from the Philippine Navy Sea Training Team was a real buzz and a rewarding experience.”

Australian Navy ships and person-nel are assisting the Philippine Navy to develop their capacity to secure their maritime boundaries in the southern Philippines.

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17FEATURESJune 27, 2019 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

A COLD, wet day didn’t spoil the feeling of optimism that surrounded the Welcome to Country and smoking

ceremony that marked the return of HMAS Arunta to Fleet Base West after a 20-month Anzac Midlife Capability Assurance Program (AMCAP) upgrade.

Arunta is the first ship to go through the program, which improves the ship’s key sensor and communica-tions systems.

Elders from the Arrernte Tribe, from which the ship takes its name, travelled from the Northern Territory to Western Australia in early June to perform the traditional smoking cer-emony for the occasion, while local Noongar elders provided a Welcome to Country.

Arunta CO CMDR Troy Duggan said re-establishing the ship’s connec-tion with the Arrernte people gave the crew a sense of the rich cultural herit-age they were a part of.

“The presence of tribal repre-sentatives from both the Arrernte and Noongar people at the ceremony was greatly appreciated by the entire ship’s company,” he said.

“Our long connection with our Indigenous namesake tribe remains an internationally unique and precious link. No matter what challenges and difficulties we face, I am sure we will face them with the same strength and resilience that our namesake people have done for the past 30,000 years.

“Rejoining the fleet marks an incredible achievement by the ship’s company, our support organisations, and our Australian defence indus-try partners in the Warship Asset Management Agreement Alliance.

“We have worked hard together to deliver one of the world’s most advanced warships and are looking forward to getting underway for sea trials very soon.”

The AMCAP upgrade includes a platform systems remediation pro-gram. A key component of the upgrade improves the Anzac-class air search capability by replacing the legacy long-range air search radar with a new digital phased array radar devel-oped by Australian company CEA Technologies. This radar complements the existing anti-ship missile defence system.

AMCAP also includes an upgrade to the ship’s communications systems.

Work was carried out to improve the ship’s habitability while ensuring through-life supportability and reduced total cost of ownership.

Arunta will soon proceed to sea to complete extensive testing and sea tri-als as part of the upgrade.

Arunta is the second Australian warship to carry the name. The first was a Tribal-class destroyer commis-sioned in 1942, serving with distinc-tion in New Guinea and the Pacific from 1942-44, and at the Battle of Leyte Gulf in 1944 and Lingayen Gulf in 1945.

The first ship to undergo the Anzac upgrade is tapping into technology and heritage, LEUT Gary McHugh writes.

Improved Arunta rejoins her tribe

Arrernte elder William Craig

performs a Smoking

Ceremony in HMAS Arunta’s

hangar at HMAS Stirling.

Photo: POIS James Whittle

HMAS Arunta returns to Fleet Base West after completing her Anzac Mid-life Capability Assurance Program upgrade at Henderson Shipyards in Western Australia. Photo: LSIS Richard Cordell

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18 GANGWAY www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS June 27, 2019

ABAT Joseff Williams conducts annual maintenance on the tail rotor of an MH-60R helicopter on board HMAS Toowoomba. Photo: LSIS Tara Byrne

ABML-P Joel Arnold, ABBM Holly Stone and ABET Katie Thorburn stand at attention at HMAS Kuttabul during a memorial service to mark the 77th anniversary of the sinking of the ferry Kuttabul. Photo: ABIS Ryan McKenzie

Medical officer LEUT Aaron Macdonald practises a check-up on a patient during a damage control exercise on board HMAS Toowoomba. Photo: LSIS Tara Byrne

ABMED Matthew Denisenko and CO HMAS Huon LCDR Geoffrey Crane cut a cake to celebrate the ship’s 20th birthday alongside HMAS Waterhen, Sydney. Photo: ABIS Leo Baumgartner

Clearance diver trainee SMN* Abbey Hegyi

tends to a steadying line at Pittwater

Training Facility, NSW.Photo: ABIS Leo Baumgartner

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Camaraderie, meet and socialise with like-minded Navy and ex-Navy men and women.

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Don’t underestimate the sense of belonging, of family. Just as you belong to a Ship’s Company now, or did so in the past, so we are like-minded and have the same sense of belonging.Is this important? Believe us, it’s super important and particularly when you transition out of Navy.

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Naval Association of Australia

19SPORTJune 27, 2019 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

LSIS Jake Badior

Defence competed in the Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta for the first time on June 6.

The triservice crew battled it out against 40 teams from across Australia in the annual event at the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron in St Kilda.

Skipper of the ADF Sailing Association team LCDR Kirstin Norris said it was a fantastic opportunity to bring women together in a competitive environment.

“The most impressive thing was that everyone was doing a role they were unfamiliar with and were able to come together to race against some of the best sailors in Australia,” she said.

“We shared a lot during the event;

not just about sailing, but also our respective roles in the military, giving us a greater understanding of our organ-isation. It was also a great opportunity to foster some of our core military skills like resilience, teamwork and commu-nication.”

The team finished eighth overall in its division and received a sportsman-ship award for helping a team in need by lending them a crew member.

“Sailing against a professional Australian racing team was tough, but overall a great experience,” LCDR Norris said.

The regatta is aimed at encouraging women to get involved in sailing.

For information on the Sailing Association, email adfsa.committee@defence.gov.au

SGT Max Bree

RATHER than striking out about the lack of West Australian players at last year’s ADF Softball national tourna-ment, LEUT Shaun Taylor pitched a solution.

Unhappy with the curve ball of being one of only four West Australians at the competition, LEUT Taylor and wife, PONPC Kate Taylor, put out the word to anyone interest-ed in softball at HMAS Stirling and caught about 50 responses.

They ended up with enough for a

men’s side and almost enough for a women’s team.

Soon, about 20 people were train-ing each week. They formed the Garden Island Krakens to enter local tournaments and gain experience for this year’s ADF championships.

“Any tournaments or games that we can enter, we try to get ourselves involved,” LEUT Taylor said.

The first was the Fremantle Rebels Annual Tournament from May 25-26.

Here the side learned a valuable lesson about the speed of a softball.

“They were taken aback, having to face really fast pitchers. During train-ing, I could only pitch so fast,” LEUT Taylor said.

“It was a rude awakening but they got the hang of it after the first game. It was good to get a bit of confidence up, with one of our pitchers striking out one of the Singaporean interna-tional players.”

The Krakens struggled against a talented field in their first tournament but took a lot of out it.

“There was only one team that beat

us convincingly. The other defeats weren’t that bad. We did pretty well considering the experience level,” LEUT Taylor said.

“It was more about getting experi-ence.”

LEUT Taylor was confident the West Australian side would be in a strong position for the national cham-pionships, but wasn’t overconfident.

“We’re playing with each other pretty well at the moment. That might give us an edge over sides who only play together when they get there. That

said, there’s some pretty good play-ers who will be there from the other states,” he said.

LEUT Taylor was still on the look-out for extra players from his state.

“Defence softball is competitive, but it’s also a social thing. It’s also a bit more forgiving – it’s not just a younger person’s game. I’m over 40 and I’m still out there.”

Anyone based in Western Australia and interested in playing softball can email shaun.taylor3@defence.gov.au

Like the cut of this jib?

Pitching for more players

The ADF Sailing Association yacht Godzilla at the regatta.Photo: ABIS Bonny Gassner

CPOB Lachlan Parsons, the catcher for HMAS Stirling’s Garden Island Krakans, takes a catch during the Fremantle Rebels annual tournament.Photo: POIS James Whittle

Volume 62, No. 11, June 27, 2019

SPORT

PLAIN SAILING

Women make waves at regattaPage 19

Members of the ADF Sailing Association on board Godzilla during the Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta in Melbourne.