AIR F RCERCEVol. 54, No. 21, November 8, 2012 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force012 Th

ARRIVAL of Australia’s sixth C-17A is imminent.

CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown accepted the sixth aircraft, A41-211, at a ceremony at Longbeach in the US on November 1.

The purchase follows a govern-ment announcement on May 19 this year to acquire a sixth Globemaster through the United States Foreign Military Sales program at a total acquisition cost of about $280 mil-lion.

In accepting the aircraft, CAF said that the acquisition was the result of the efforts of many indi-viduals, which resulted in the C-17

fleet being introduced in rapid time since the decision to acquire the capability was made in 2006.

“I think it is appropriate to acknowledge the cooperation of the US Government and to thank the team that worked toward this mile-stone,” AIRMSHL Brown said.

“Without this assistance it would have been a much longer wait to acquire this valuable capability to complete our fleet.”

He thanked a number of indi-viduals who had worked hard to manage the acquisition process but also acknowledged the hard work of the people on the line who actually

build the aircraft. “You are all part of our team and you should take a great deal of pride in what you pro-duce,” he said.

“The C-17 is a capability which has improved Australia’s reach locally, regionally and globally. Individually the aircraft is impressive but as a fleet it has fundamentally enhanced our strategic airlift agility to meet the ADF and Government of Australia requirements.

“It is an integral part of ADF air mobility and the fleet of six will ensure continued and sustained operational capability.”

Continued Page 3

LANDING SOON

Heavy duty dozer drop the last for H-modelThe last heavy airdrop by an Australian C-130H has been done in style, with a H-model offloading a 10-tonne John Deere 450 bulldozer near RAAF Base Richmond on October 31. The Air Movements Training and Development Unit worked with 37SQN to make it happen, with the dozer landing safely in the Londonderry Drop Zone after being dropped from about 350 metres. – Read the full story on Page 4

ONE LAST TIME: AMTDU members prepare to load a 10-tonne bulldozer onto a 37SQN C-130H for airdropping over the Londonderry Drop Zone, pictured above inset. Photos: LAC David Said (main) and Phil Brown

viduals, which resulted in the C 17 p

AIR LIFT GROUP SPECIAL FEATURE INSIDE P14-1818

BIG DAY: CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown with members of 36SQN at the acceptance ceremony for A41-211, pictured in the background, at Longbeach in California. Photo courtesy Boeing

2 November 8, 2012RCEAIR FNews

Air Force online

AirForce.gov.au

youtube.com/AirForceHQ

facebook.com/RoyalAustralianAirForce

twitter.com/AirForceHQ

A

RCEAIRAIR F

feeds.feedburner.com/ RoyalAustralianAirForce

DirectorDavid Edlington: (02) 6265 4650

EDITORIAL TEAMEditor/Deputy DirectorSimone Liebelt: (02) 6265 2253Deputy Editor John Martin: (02) 6265 7219ReportersSGT Andrew Hetherington: (02) 6266 7614CPL Mark Doran: (02) 6265 1304CPL Nick Wiseman: (02) 6265 4140CPL Max Bree: (02) 6266 7608 LAC Bill Solomou: (02) 6265 1355Andrew Stackpool: (02) 6266 7611LS Paul Berry: (02) 6266 7606Michael Brooke: (02) 9359 2494

CONTACT USEmail: raafnews@defencenews.gov.auFax: (02) 6266 7701Mail: The Editor, Air Force News, R8-LG-048, PO Box 7909, Department of Defence, ACT 2600Website: www.defence.gov.au/news/raafnews

ADVERTISING and SUBSCRIPTIONSAdvertising ManagerTim Asher: (07) 3332 7651 or 0459 842 551Email: advertising@defencenews.gov.au

Assistant Manager Advertising/SubscriptionsTrish Dillon: (02) 6266 7607Email: tdillon@defencenews.gov.au

DISCLAIMERAir Force News is published fortnightly by the Directorate of Defence News. It is printed under contract by Capital Fine Print. The material published is selected for its interest. The views expressed in published articles are not necessarily those of Defence or Air Force News. Every adver-tisement is subject to Directorate of Defence News approval and the Directorate of Defence News may, at its discretion, refuse to accept an advertise-ment. The Directorate accepts no responsibility or liability in relation to any loss due to the failure of an advertisement to appear or if it appears in a form not in accordance with the instructions received by the Directorate of Defence News. The fact that an advertisement is accepted for publication does not mean that the product or service is endorsed by the Department of Defence or Air Force News.

SGT Dave Morley

A FORMER 6RAR soldier became the third Australian from the Afghanistan conflict to receive the Victoria Cross for Australia at an investiture ceremo-ny at Government House on November 1.

CPL Dan Keighran was awarded the Commonwealth’s highest honour for his actions at Derapet in Uruzgan province on August 24, 2010.

Governor-General Quentin Bryce told those present at the ceremony that “when we look at CPL Keighran we see a man of profound physical and moral strength”.

“When we listen to your citation the image is confronting and power-ful,” she said.

CPL Keighran said he was extremely honoured and proud to receive the award, but said it was as much for his mates as for himself.

“I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for the boys with me,” he said.

He now works in a gold mine at Kalgoorlie and has joined the Army Reserve with 11/28RWAR.

“I haven’t seen the 6RAR soldiers for a couple of years, so it will be good after all of this to have a chat,” he said.

The medal presented to CPL Keighran only arrived from London at 9.15am on the day of his investiture.

CDF GEN David Hurley said the battle at Derapet showed there was nothing simple in war.

“His clarity and composure spread to those around him,” he said.

“The fighting at Derapet was among the most intense experienced in Afghanistan.”

CPL Scott James Smith, who was killed in Afghanistan on October 21, returned home to his family and comrades in a solemn ceremony at RAAF Base Richmond on October 28.

Members of CPL Smith’s unit met the RAAF C-17A aircraft and formed an honour guard and bearer party to escort his casket to his family.

CPL Smith was received by his fam-ily, members of the Special Operations Engineering Regiment (SOER), CDF GEN David Hurley, CA LTGEN David Morrison and Special Operations Commander Australia MAJGEN Gus Gilmore.

His family released a statement after his death describing him as “the

loveable character that held the family together”.

“We knew the Army was Scott’s second family – his home away from home.

“Scott truly believed his actions made a difference; he was a truly dedi-cated soldier who also knew how to relax in his time away from work.”

CPL Smith, 24, from SOER, based at Holsworthy Barracks in Sydney, was killed by an IED during a mission in northern Helmand province.

The Chief of Joint Operations, LTGEN Ash Power, said CPL Smith was part of a small team tasked with clear-ing a suspected insurgent compound when the incident occurred.

“The compound was quickly assessed to be an IED factory and the commander on the ground made the decision to extract his personnel due to the high risk the area posed,” LTGEN Power said.

“During the withdrawal from the compound an improvised explosive device detonated, killing CPL Smith instantly.”

LTGEN Power said the buildings within the compound were subsequent-ly destroyed by precision ground fire from supporting ISAF units.

“CPL Smith was a highly trained, experienced, Special Forces engineer – his work had made the way safe for his comrades,” he said.

CPL Keighran deployed to Afghanistan in February 2010 with 6RAR. On 24 August 2010 he was a member of a partnered fighting patrol with soldiers of the Afghan National Army’s 1st Kandak, 4th Brigade, 205th (Hero) Corps which was engaged by a numerically superior and coordinated enemy attack from multiple firing points in three separate locations. The attack was initiated by a high volume of sustained and accurate machine gun and small-arms fire which pinned down the patrol and caused a loss of momentum.

In the early stages of the attack, and upon realising that the forward elements of the patrol needed effective fire support, Cpl Keighran and another patrol member moved under sustained and accurate enemy fire to an exposed ridgeline to identify enemy locations and direct the return fire of both Australian and Afghan machine guns.

On reaching this position and with complete disregard for his own wellbe-ing, Cpl Keighran deliberately drew enemy fire by leaving the limited cover he had and moved over the ridgeline in order to positively identify targets for the machine gunners of the combined patrol. After identifying some of the enemy firing positions, Cpl Keighran, under persistent enemy fire, continued to lead and mentor his team and move around the ridge to both direct the fire of the Afghan and Australian machine gunners and to move them to more effective firing positions.

As the intensity of enemy fire grew, Cpl Keighran returned to the crest of the ridgeline to identify targets and adjust

the fire of ASLAVs. His actions resulted in the effective suppression of enemy firing points, which assisted in turning the fight in the favour of the combined patrol. Moving to a new position, Cpl Keighran deliberately and repeatedly again exposed himself to heavy enemy fire to assist in target identification and the marking of the forward line of troops for fire support elements while simultaneously engaging the enemy.

Realising that the new position pro-vided a better location for the patrol’s joint fire controller, Cpl Keighran moved over 100m across exposed parts of the ridgeline, attracting a high volume of accurate enemy fire, to locate and move the fire controller to the new posi-tion. He then rose from cover again to expose his position on four successive occasions, each movement drawing more intense fire, in order to assist in the identification of a further three enemy firing points that were engaged by fire support elements.

During one of these occasions, when his patrol sustained an Australian casualty, Cpl Keighran, with complete disregard for his own safety, left his position of cover on the ridgeline to deliberately draw fire away from the team treating the casualty. Cpl Keighran remained exposed and under heavy fire while traversing the ridgeline, in order to direct suppressing fire and then assist in the clearance of the land-ing zone to enable evacuation of the casualty.

For the full citation, go to www.defence.gov.au/special_events/keighran/

Derapet deeds yield third VC

EXCERPT FROM THE CITATION

FULL OF ADMIRATION: Governor-General Quentin Bryce presents CPL Daniel Keighran with the Victoria Cross. Photos: Lauren Black

CDF SALUTES YOU: CDF GEN David Hurley salutes CPL Daniel Keighran ... “The fighting at Derapet was among the most intense experienced in Afghanistan.”

Sad homecoming for another hero

BOLD START: Caption here..Photo: XXXX

SOLEMN CEREMONY: The bearer party carries CPL Scott Smith’s casket off an Air Force C-17 at RAAF Base Richmond; inset, a portrait of CPL Scott.

Main photo: LCPL Matthew Bickerton

3November 8, 2012RCEAIR FF News

FLTLT Cath Friend

NUMBER 4 Squadron marked the formal remuster of the first Air Force Combat Control Team (CCT) members and promoted six of those members to the rank of sergeant at RAAF Base Williamtown on October 19.

Combat controllers are Air Force’s cutting edge for air-to-sur-face integration, operating across the spectrum of conflict, includ-ing unconventional operations and high-end warfighting.

CCT members have been deployed alongside Special Forces since early 2008.

CO 4SQN WGCDR Stuart Bellingham said it was a significant milestone in the establishment of the CCT capability.

“It is a true testimony to the Air Force and the Army on the impor-tance they hold the CCT capability in and the worth that this capability brings to the ADF,” he said.

“Today CCTs, made up of spe-cialist officers and combat control-ler airmen, are the sharp end of the spear when it comes to the tacti-cal integration of airpower for the ADF. They are the only Air Force personnel that currently are in close combat with hostile forces and are successfully integrating complex airpower into the fight on opera-tions.”

Commander Air Combat Group AIRCDRE Tony Grady, who has just returned from a visit to the MEAO, said while in Afghanistan he was fortunate enough to meet two CCT members on deployment.

“They are truly an inspiration in the way they focus on their mission and deployment as a whole. They were so passionate and profession-al and I know it is shared by their fellow CCT members back here in Australia,” AIRCDRE Grady said.

“These are some of Australia’s finest and we all should be proud of their achievements. They are doing a fantastic job overseas.”

The recruiting and training of combat controllers started back in 2007 under the then Special Tactics Project.

New combat controllers

The then CAF, AIRMSHL Geoff Shepherd, directed the Commander of Air Combat Group to raise a capability within the RAAF to coordinate the delivery of combat airpower to support ADF opera-tions.

Australian and coalition opera-tional experience had demonstrated that personnel with advanced air-manship understanding were best suited to coordinate the delivery of combat air power during special operations.

WGCDR Bellingham said it had been a long road from when the Air Force stood up the capability to where it was today.

“Since 2007 the mould of the CCT has evolved into what it is today and it will continue to evolve to the future as we face new chal-lenges and new trends,” he said.

“I am extremely proud of the CCT members and the entire 4SQN team because it has been an entire team effort to push this capability

into where it is today. Saying that, it is not just 4SQN that has done that; there have been many people that have invested many hours to push this capability.”

AIRCDRE Grady also recog-nised the hard work achieved over the past five years to get the CCT mustering established.

“I would like to publicly acknowl-edge the executives for their hard work, for maintaining their focus and remaining committed to their cause over a long period of time to ensure that the CCT mustering was recog-nised in its own right as an Air Force profession, and for keeping the faith in the controllers,” he said.

4 SQN runs an intake to remuster to Combat Controller every year. Calls for expression of interest to remuster to the category are advertised on Air Force People Central around May each year. For further information on dates, check the 4SQN website, or email 4SQN.Combatcontrol@defence.gov.au

CUTTING EDGE: Members of 4SQN’s Combat Control Team have been deployed alongside Special Forces since 2008, operating across the spectrum of conflict – including unconventional operations and high-end warfighting. Photos: LAC Terry Hartin and LACW Shannon McCarthy

WELL DONE: From left, Commander Air Combat Group AIRCDRE Anthony Grady, 82WG OC GPCAPT Geoffrey Harland and 4SQN CO WGCDR Stuart Bellingham chat with newly promoted combat controllers during the remuster ceremony.

Photo: CPL Mark McConnell

Sixth C-17A signed overFrom Page 1

Defence Materiel Minister Jason Clare said the addi-tional aircraft would significantly enhance Australia’s strategic heavy airlift capability, enabling the ADF to rapidly deploy its current and future operational vehicles, helicopters and heavy equipment.

“With its proven ability to lift very large and heavy cargoes over long distances, Australia’s C-17 fleet will continue to pro-vide a significant contribution to the ADF’s ability to reach and respond to events within Australia or overseas,” Mr Clare said.

He said there would be no special ferry flight for the sixth C-17A as it would be put to work immediately.

“The RAAF will put the air-craft straight to work with the crew from 36SQN, completing a programmed task to deliver a standard load as part of the flight home to Australia,” he said.

CO 36SQN WGCDR Paul

SIGNIFICANT OCCASION: CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown addresses guests at the acceptance ceremony for A41-211 at Longbeach in California. Photo courtesy Boeing

Long said the introduction of the sixth aircraft will have a huge impact on ADF operations.

“Just like its sister C-17As, this aircraft is being put to work on its delivery flight,” WGCDR

Long said. “We’re exceptionally grateful to receive this aircraft in such a short time, which has taken a lot of hard work from many people.”

– More on 36SQN on Page 14

Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service

A service founded by Vietnam veterans

Supporting Australia’s veterans, peacekeepers and their familiesVVCS provides counselling and support services to Australian veterans, peacekeepers, eligible members

of the Defence Force community and their families, and F-111 Fuel Tank Maintenance workers and their

partners and immediate family members. VVCS is a specialised, free and confi dential Australia-wide

service.

VVCS can provide you with:

• Individual, couple and family counselling including case management services

• After-hours crisis telephone counselling via Veterans Line

• Group programs including Anger Management, Depression, Anxiety, Lifestyle Management and Heart

Health

• Support on transition from military to civilian life, including The Stepping Out Program

• Information, self-help resources and referrals to other services.

We can help you work through issues such as stress, relationship, family problems and other lifestyle

issues as well as emotional or psychological issues associated with your military service.

If you need support or would like more information

about us please give us a call or visit our website.

1800 011 046* www.dva.gov.au/vvcs

* Free local call. Calls from mobile

and pay phones may incur charges.

AG45761

4 November 8, 2012RCEAIR FNews

MilitaryMilitary Plaques

Ph: 07 5495 8259Ph: 07 5495 8259Fax: 07 5499 1231Fax: 07 5499 1231

Noel &Sheralyn Vellnagel P.O. Box 1258 , Morayfi eld Qld 4506sales@spitpolished.com.au www.spitpolished.com.auwww.spitpolished.com.au

• History Plaques & Boxes•Sculptures Now stocking •Hat Badges •Desk Name Plates •Canes & Stands

SPIT POLISHED PRESENTATIONSSPIT POLISHED PRESENTATIONS

FLTLT Dee Cherry

WHEN CAPT Emma Tucker began the Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) course on September 3 at RAAF Base Williamtown, the main aim was to pre-pare her for a deployment role she would fulfil for 44WG.

By the time she had graduated on October 15, it had also equipped her with new skills she would take back to the US.

Plus it made a little bit of history as she was the first female student on the JTAC course.

Australia is one of a number of nations to hold US JTAC training accreditation, with the only ADF JTAC training school located at 4SQN, Williamtown.

Two six-week courses are run a year, consisting of about 16 students from both Army and Air Force.

CAPT Tucker, from the United States Marines Corps (USMC), is on exchange at 44WG at Williamtown.

“Everyone has been really friendly and I knew some of the people [on the JTAC course] from work-ing at 44WG,” she said.

“Completing the course will allow me to provide JTAC subject matter expertise in-theatre in my role as a Battlefield Airspace Control Liaison Officer and when I return to the USMC.”

Chief instructor SQNLDR Michael Duyvene De Wit said the course had an operational focus and train-ing was costly so selection was competitive.

“There must be an operational need for students to complete the course,” he said.

“A JTAC is not a mustering in itself but a specific skill set that enhances a member’s primary role and is very sought after in operations.”

SQNLDR Duyvene De Wit said the instructors came from a variety of backgrounds, experience and services, which provides a good depth of balance.

“We have Air Force and Army instructors, includ-ing two dedicated Army positions within 4SQN,” he said.

The JTAC course is run in three phases, compris-ing theory and practical instruction in the classroom, followed by simulated and live-fire exercises.

Once fully qualified, JTACs will work either in isolation or embedded with a company or patrol. They usually work in arduous conditions for extended peri-ods of time.

“Within a few months of students graduating the JTAC course, they can expect to be deployed overseas supporting ADF operations” SQNLDR Duyvene De Wit said.

On track with JTAC

TRAILBLAZER: CAPT Emma Tucker takes a rest during a live control training activity... she was the first female to be accepted onto the JTAC course. Photos: LAC Craig Barrett

Eamon Hamilton

AIR Movements Training and Development Unit (AMTDU) is sending the C-130H out in style.

As part of an AMTDU pro-gram, a 10-tonne John Deere 450 bulldozer was airdropped by a 37SQN C-130H on October 31 at the Londonderry Drop Zone.

The drop will help clear the bull-dozer for aerial delivery by RAAF transport aircraft, and marked the final heavy airdrop by an Australian C-130H.

Army’s Combat Engineer Regiments can use the bulldozer to clear and repair runways or other clearing tasks.

CO AMTDU WGCDR Carl Newman said airdrops could place massive stresses on the load and aircraft alike.

“The objective is to ensure that airdrop of the load does not adversely impact the aircraft and that the bulldozer is in working order after the airdrop,” WGCDR Newman said.

“Defence has worked with the industry to design and deliver a bulldozer that is fit to handle the stresses involved in airdrop deliv-ery.

“The cooperation between Defence and industry in this case has been a great success and ena-bled us to bring this load to trial in a much shorter timeframe than many other complex loads.”

Any load which needs to be carried or delivered by a Defence transport aircraft must be cleared through AMTDU.

A big part of the unit’s work in recent years has been assess-

ing loads for the C-17A. Since December 2006, it has completed 102 C-17 clearances for ADF-specific non-standard loads and has a further 52 tasks on the books.

These include the Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter, the Australian Light Armoured Vehicle, and even a Skyhawk fight-er from New Zealand. Another 52 loads are being progressed.

The forthcoming C-27J Spartan is also creating business for AMTDU.

“We’re still awaiting the data and our user requirements before we commence load planning,” WGCDR Newman said.

“We expect at least 40 exist-ing loads which are cleared for the C-130 have potential for car-riage by C-27J.

“The C-27J can also accom-modate loads as diverse as aircraft GSE, industrial generators, port-able water tanks, or some artillery pieces.

“From RAAF Base Richmond, the C-27J can carry any of these loads and arrive at small airfield within Australia, Papua New Guinea or New Zealand.”

H marks the spot

ON TARGET: Above, the bulldozer gently touches down at the Londonderry Drop Zone; inset, AMTDU members prepare to drive the bulldozer off its pallet. Photos: LAC David Said

Guinea or New Zealand.

Otib

ADCU DHOASValue Home Loan5.795.84

%p.a.

%p.a.Interest Rate

Comparison Rate*

Go to dhoas.adcu.com.au, call 1300 2 DHOAS or visit your local branch.

and for a limited time we’ll cover up to $600 of your switching costs.#Switch to the lowest standard variable DHOAS rate^

Terms and Conditions, Fees and Charges and lending criteria apply. ^As at 24 October 2012, the ADCU DHOAS Value Home Loan has the lowest standard variable DHOAS Home Loan rate. *Comparison rate based on a loan of $150,000 over 25 years with monthly repayments. This comparison rate is true only for the examples given and does not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. Rates are current at the time of publication and are subject to change. Visit dhoas.adcu.com.au for more details. #Switching costs up to $600 incurred by the applicant and charged by the outgoing institution will be reimbursed by ADCU upon receipt of evidence of these charges on the closing statement following settlement. Switching costs include fees charged by the outgoing institution that are directly associated with the discharge of the mortgage facility such as early repayment fees and break fees. Offer applies to loans applied for by 21 December 2012 and funded by 22 February 2013. Australian Defence Credit Union Limited ABN 48 087 649 741 AFSL No. 237 988. Australian credit licence number 237 988.

5November 8, 2012RCEAIR FF News

FOND FAREWELLS: Above, 1AFDS personnel, wearing their new Australian-made Multicam uniforms, wait to check in to their flight to the MEAO; left inset, LAC Dylan Roberts with his son Cohen; right inset, LAC Henry Mooney with his girlfriend Krystal Ryan and their six-day-old son Jessee. Photos: LAC Dan Pinhorn

SIXTY-FIVE personnel from 1 Airfield Defence Squadron (AFDS) were farewelled by friends, family and colleagues at Brisbane International Airport on October 30.

They were headed to Multinational Base Tarin Kot where they will be responsible for security.

The Security Force Element will also be drawn from 2AFDS.

Among those at the airport were the Commander of Combat Support Group and Senior ADF Officer of RAAF Base Amberley, AIRCDRE Tim Innes, and CO 1AFDS WGCDR Jeff Peterson.

The airmen and other troops in Afghanistan will soon be wearing Australian-made Multicam uniforms, providing a stronger, more capable gar-ment.

The uniforms, announced by Defence Materiel Minister Jason Clare, feature a number of modifications and stronger fabric based on feedback from Australian troops.

Based on feedback from Australian troops, the new uniforms feature a num-ber of modifications and stronger fabric compared to the US design that has been in use for the past two rotations.

Last year Defence purchased a licence from the US manufacturer to make the uniform locally and to cre-ate a unique Australian version of the Multicam camouflage pattern.

“They [ADF troops] have told me this is the uniform they want and the Australian industry has delivered,” Mr Clare said.

Security Force departs

-

6 November 8, 2012RCEAIR FNews

NCORestricted Court MartialOne charge prejudicial conduct – DFDA s.60(1)One charge prejudicial conduct by omission – DFDA s.60(1A)

The member was accused of speaking and behaving inappropriately to subordinates and failing to uphold values and complete tasks required.

The member pleaded guilty to both charges and was found guilty of both.

The member was reduced in rank on both charges.

Other ranksRestricted Court MartialTwo charges inflicting actual bodily harm – DFDA s.61(3) and Crimes Act 1900 (ACT) s.23(1)

The member was accused of igniting a fire which caused burn injuries to two others.

The member pleaded guilty to both charges and was found guilty of both.

In relation to the first charge, the member received a suspended fine of $3123.

In relation to the second charge, the member forfeited seniority and received a suspended fine of $1041.

NCORestricted Court MartialOne charge assaulting a subordinate – DFDA s.34Three charges prejudicial conduct – DFDA s.60(1)Two charges prejudicial conduct by omission – DFDA s.60(1A)

The member was accused of inappropriately touching a subordinate, making inappropriate comments to subordinates, telling a subordinate not to speak to the chain of command about the member’s unacceptable conduct and failing to uphold values and complete tasks required.The member pleaded not guilty to all charges. The member was found guilty on two charges of prejudicial conduct and one charge of prejudicial conduct by omission. The member was found not guilty of the remaining charges.In relation to the guilty charges, the member:Was reduced in rank and forfeited seniority.Was reprimanded and fined $2000, of which $1500 was suspended.Was fined $2000, of which $1000 was suspended and the remainder required to be repaid in fortnightly instalments.

Other ranksRestricted Court MartialOne charge assault occasioning actual bodily harm – DFDA s.61(3) and Crimes Act 1900 (ACT) s.24(1)

The member was accused of punching another individual in the face, causing injury.

The member pleaded guilty and was found guilty.

The member was sentenced to detention for 28 days, which was suspended.

Other ranks Defence Force MagistrateOne charge obtaining a financial advantage – DFDA s.61(3) and Criminal Code Act 1995 s.135.2One charge falsifying a service document – DFDA s.55(1)(a)

The member was accused of knowingly receiving a rate of rental allowance to which he was not entitled and signing an associated service document with the intent to deceive others.

The member pleaded not guilty to both charges and was found guilty of both.

The member was sentenced to detention for 60 days for each offence, with the periods to be served concurrently.

NOTE: All courts martial and Defence Force Magistrate trial results are subject to com-mand-review and appeal. DFDA convictions may result in adverse administrative action.

GPCAPT Christopher Ward

IN SEPTEMBER, seven charges heard by courts martial involved either a member committing an act that prejudiced the discipline of, or brought discredit on, the ADF contrary to sub-section 60(1) of the Defence Force Discipline Act (DFDA), or a member omitting to perform an act that, in turn, prejudiced the discipline of, or brought discredit on, the ADF contrary to sub-section 60(1A) of the DFDA.

Members should be aware that not only can poor behaviour or bad conduct be charged as prejudicial conduct under the DFDA, but so too can the failure to perform in a manner expected of them. For example, a charge of prejudicial conduct under subsection 60(1) may be laid when a member, after a function

and while in uniform, is intoxicated and performs an anti-social or offensive act in a public place. Alternatively, a mem-ber may be charged under subsection 60(1A) if, during a training course, he or she fails to discharge duties associ-ated with a particular appointment which he or she may hold.

A member should only be charged with prejudicial conduct when another more specific offence in the DFDA is not appropriate.

For example, a member could be charged with prejudicial conduct if, dur-ing a lunch break and while in uniform, he or she insults another person while at the shops outside the base. However, a more appropriate charge against the member would be under subsection 33(d) of the DFDA (using insulting or provocative words to another person).

PREJUDICIAL BEHAVIOUR EXPLAINED

SEPTEMBER TRIAL RESULTS

AS PART of Air Force’s com-mitment to a the New Horizon initiative, Air Force News will begin printing the outcomes of courts martial and Defence Force Magistrate trials for all three services.

CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown said that publishing the outcomes of court martials and trials was in accordance with the Air Force value of integrity, to hold ourselves and others to account.

“I am absolutely commit-ted to shaping an Air Force as an organisation of people that have the courage to always do the right thing,” CAF said.

“We need to be honest, ethical and demonstrate sound judgement. We must hold our-selves and others to account.”

Published results will have personal information removed, in accordance with privacy provisions.

Show of justice and integrityConvictions to be published under new policy of transparency

NEW BEGINNING: Starting this edition, the monthly results of trials by Defence Force Magistrate and courts martial will be published regularly in Air Force News. Image has been digitally altered

MOUNTVIEW WINESMt Sterling Road

Glen AplinStanthorpe Queensland

Toyota Star Maker Winners Austen & Dickens& many more...

Great music local wines and foodAc� ve Australian Defence Force personnel

- Free VIP entry!We are off ering all ac� ve Australian Defence Force

personnel, their spouse and their children - Free VIP entryto the 2012 Mountview Music Muster

Go online to register at:www.mountviewmusicmuster.com.au

To gain free entry please show yourADF iden� fi ca� on

Part of the proceeds of the event will be given to the localRural Fire Brigade Glen Aplin

Annual variable rate5.85p.a.

%

Comparison rate5.91p.a.

%*

defencebank.com.au

Def

ence

Ban

k Lim

ited

ABN

57

087

651

385

AFSL

/Aus

tral

ian

Cred

it Li

cenc

e 23

4582

(10/

12)Great rate, great features

>

>

>

Call 1800 033 139 or visit your local Defence Bank branch

DHOAS Saver Home Loan

100% mortgage o fsetf

Unlimited free redraw

No monthly fees

* Comparison rate is based upon $150,000 loan secured loan over 25 years. WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for the examples given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees and other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. Terms, conditions, fees and charges apply and are available on request. Approval subject to the satisfaction of Defence Bank’s lending criteria. DHOAS eligibility criteria also apply. 100% mortgage offset available on variable rate loans. Unlimited free redraw minimum amount $100, available on variable rate loans. Interest rates current as at 24 October 2012, and are subject to change. Please refer to defencebank.com.au for current rates.

7November 8, 2012RCEAIR FF News

Jaimie Abbott

The RAAF and the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) have conducted the 11th Exercise Albatross Ausindo.

Based out of RAAF Base Darwin, the exercise was held from October 15-19 and featured an AP-3C Orion from 10SQN and a B737 from the TNI-AU’s 5 Squadron.

The aircraft flew a series of mari-time surveillance and search and res-cue sorties to practise locating sur-vivors at sea and simulate dropping life rafts and survival equipment.

The activity was designed to

strengthen the RAAF’s and TNI-AU’s ability to conduct maritime aerial surveillance in our region and to contribute to whole-of-govern-ment maritime search and rescue efforts.

The AP-3C, while not its pri-mary role, is on permanent standby for search and rescue tasks and has been involved in many success-ful rescues, including the rescue of survivors from the ferry MV Rabaul Queen, which was lost off Papua New Guinea in February this year.

10SQN Deputy Detachment Commander SQNLDR Matthew

Stuckless said the exercise was a fantastic opportunity to exchange procedures and enhance cooperation with the TNI-AU on conducting sur-veillance north of Australia.

“This was different to our Operation Resolute missions as the emphasis was on working with the Indonesians through information sharing, interoperability and search and rescue exercises,” SQNLDR Stuckless said.

OC 92WG GPCAPT Craig Heap said Australia remained committed to working with Indonesia through exercises such as Albatross Ausindo.

“Our people had the opportunity

to jointly plan, conduct and report maritime patrol missions,” GPCAPT Heap said.

“The exercise gave us the oppor-tunity to share techniques and prac-tices with the TNI-AU and that will ultimately contribute to more effec-tive maritime surveillance in the region.”

Albatross Ausindo is just one of three regular exercises conducted by the RAAF and TNI-AU.

The air combat exercise Elang Ausindo was last conducted in September 2011, followed by the airlift exercise Rajawali Ausindo in September this year.

JOINING FORCES: Personnel from the Indonesian Armed Forces and Royal Australian Air Force in front of their aircraft at RAAF Base Darwin. Photos: AB James Whittle

WELCOME: OC 92 WG GPCAPT Craig Heap welcomes the visitors at the opening ceremony of Exercise Albatross Ausindo.

Eyes in sky work together

GREETINGS: CO 10SQN WGCDR Michael Jansen welcomes LTCOL Benny Arfan, commander of TNI-AU’s 5SQN.

Master of Systems Engineering

Never Stand Still School of Engineering and Information Technology

Compulsory courses (all four):

– Systems Engineering Practice

– Requirements Engineering

– Test & Evaluation

– Capability Option Analysis

Plus four elective courses.

Specialisations within the program are:

– Test and Evaluation

– Space Systems

– Electronic Warfare

– Networking

– Marine Engineering

– Weapons Ordanance

Entry to the program is available to

applicants:

– with a relevant first degree

– without a first degree providing they

have acceptable experience and/or

qualifications

– via distance or intensive delivery mode

Applications

Applications for session 1 close

20th January 2013

Apply online at:

www.unsw.adfa.edu.au/pg_apply/

Further Information

If you require more information about this

programs please contact:

Ms Pam Giannakakis

Telephone: +61 2 6268 9566

Email: seit.studentmailbox@adfa.edu.au

http://seit.unsw.adfa.edu.au/MSysEng

CRICOS Provider Number: 00100G

CANBERRA

The Master of Systems Engineering (MSysEng) at the University of New

South Wales in Canberra provides you with the opportunity to acquire

high-level understanding and advanced analytical skills in the key areas of

systems engineering, requirements engineering, test and evaluation, and

capability option analysis.

www.unsw.adfa.edu.au

8 November 8, 2012RCEAIR FNews

UNCLE Harry was able to tell 12 indigenous students about his experi-ences when they visited RAAF Base Williamtown from September 24-28 as part of the RAAF Indigenous Youth Program (RAAFIYP).

The Youth Program school camp is a hands-on, week-long program for young indigenous Australians.

The RAAFIYP has been developed as part of a partnering arrangement with Boorowa Aviation through the Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.

The program aims to provide an overview of aviation-related careers in the Air Force, encourage a focus on Air Force careers, provide insight into Air Force life, promote indigenous engage-ment, and contribute to the Air Force commitment to Closing the Gap.

Uncle Harry said it had been a pleas-ure to speak to young people interested in pursuing a career in the Air Force or the broader aviation industry.

“I spoke to them about my experi-ences prior to joining the Air Force and the experiences that I had during my career,” he said.

“I believe it is important to seek out those young people, not only in our rural and remote areas but also those young people in the regional and metropolitan areas who wish to pursue careers in the Air Force and aviation industries.

“I believe that from the experi-ences I gained during my service in the Air Force and my understanding of the many issues which confront the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – particularly our youth of today – that by working together we can ensure that these students have a full understanding of the Air Force and what the service and the aviation industry has to offer.”

For more information regarding the RAAFIYP program, contact SQNLDR Anne Taylor at anne.taylor@defence.gov.au

Passing on his experience

NICE TO MEET YOU: Above, Uncle Harry chats with Air Force personnel during his visit to RAAF Base Williamtown for the RAAF Indigenous Youth Program; inset, Matthew Wilkes feels the weight of pilot safety equipment, with the help of ACW Tammy Clark. Photos: CPL David Gibbs

FLTLT Melody Earl

AIR Force’s inaugural Representative Elder “Uncle Harry” Allie had his first official function in late September when he visited RAAF Base Williamtown and addressed 12 Aboriginal students participating in the RAAF’s Indigenous Youth Program.

A retired warrant officer, Uncle Harry had a distinguished career in the Air Force, enlisting in 1966 and retir-ing in 1989.

He was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for dedicated and con-spicuous service in 1980, as well as the Australian Service, and Australian Defence medals.

A descendant of the Kudjula peo-ples, Uncle Harry was appointed as Air Force’s first Representative Elder in September.

Announcing the appointment, CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown said it signified Air Force’s commitment to forging genuine connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

“It also acknowledges the impor-tant leadership role that elders have within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures,” CAF said.

Uncle Harry said he was greatly honoured to be invited to be the inau-gural Air Force Representative Elder.

“My service in the Air Force has played an important role in the person I am today,” Uncle Harry said.

“There have been a number of highlights, including being awarded a Certificate of Outstanding Service while on posting at RAAF Base East Sale and certainly my being awarded the BEM.

“Postings to Amberley and

Butterworth and the time I spent there were highlights also.”

Air Force indigenous adviser WGCDR Lisa Jackson-Pulver said Aboriginal people had a deep and abiding respect for elders.

“People like Uncle Harry, in his many roles over the years, offer an insight into his strength, his leadership and his love for our people,” she said.

“Air Force, recognising the power and the appropriateness of an appoint-ment of an elder, is setting the standard of how Australia will step into the future respecting the place, and the roles of her first peoples.”

GPCAPT Dee Gibbon, formerly from Air Force’s Workforce Diversity program, paid tribute to Uncle Harry for his active involvement in progressing Air Force's Indigenous Engagement program.

“He is an engaging and inspi-rational mentor to the many young indigenous people who have partici-pated in Air Force's Indigenous Youth Program,” GPCAPT Gibbon said.

“We view his appointment as a significant and important step towards formally recognising his important

role and contribution, progressing our diversity programs and building closer ties to indigenous communities all around Australia.”

Uncle Harry is a prominent Aboriginal elder and a committee member of the Coloured Diggers Program.

He has been an influential voice in shaping the national government poli-cies on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment, education and community engagement.

He has held many community posi-tions at the local and state level, and has been awarded one of five prestig-ious Elders Awards by the Indigenous Higher Education Advisory Council for his lifelong contribution to indig-enous higher education in Australia.

Among his duties, Uncle Harry will represent Air Force at ceremonies such as Anzac Day and NAIDOC Week, providing guidance and support at indigenous community and other engagement activities and assisting the Air Force’s mission to enhance greater inclusivity for its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members.

NUpBInMoh

TOGETHER: Uncle Harry and Air Force indigenous adviser WGCDR Lisa Jackson-Pulver with students of the RAAF Indigenous Youth Program at RAAF Base Williamtown. Photo: LACW Katharine Pearson

Uncle Harry’s Uncle Harry’s first duty first duty

dan_an_11oct

The Defence Alumni Network is a secure network available to current and former Defence membersThe Defence Alumni Network is a secure network available to current and former Defence members

9November 8, 2012RCEAIR FF News

CPL Max Bree

THE first ADF member killed while deployed as part of the air component in Afghanistan has been honoured with a training facility named after him at RAAF Base Amberley on October 16.

The LT Marcus Case Facility is now training personnel working on all aspects of the Heron Remotely Piloted Aircraft.

LT Case was an Army pilot working with the Heron detachment in Afghanistan when he was killed in a Chinook helicopter crash on May 30 last year.

CO 5 Flight (5FLT) WGCDR Jonathan McMullan was commander of the Heron rotation in Afghanistan when the tragedy occurred.

“I’d just finished flying for the day and I got a call saying the Australian Chinook that Marcus was on had crashed,” WGCDR McMullan said.

After meeting LT Case’s parents at the board of inquiry into the accident, WGCDR McMullan invited Bernie and Lee Case to see the Heron facilities at RAAF Base Amberley.

“They were doing a trip of Australia going around military establishments where Marcus had been,” WGCDR McMullan said.

“We wanted to give them a day in the life of Marcus here at the training facility.

“But I didn’t tell them we were going to name the facility after Marcus. They were overwhelmed.

“Marcus was killed working for me … I’m honoured to honour his memory.”

The LT Marcus Case Facility is used for train-ing Heron pilots, payload operators and intelli-gence personnel.

“Before going on a Heron deployment, mem-bers do at least two weeks training here at 5FLT, with aviators spending up to six weeks,” WGCDR McMullan said.

Crash victim honoured

OPENING DAY: OC 82WG GPCAPT Geoff Harland unveils a plaque before family and friends of LT Marcus Case to officially open the facility named in his honour; left, a close-up of the plaque; above inset, a Heron RPA in Afghanistan in October last year. Photos: LACW Shannon McCarthy and LS Paul Berry ‘‘‘‘‘‘

I didn’t tell them we were going to name the facility after Marcus. They were overwhelmed.

– WGCDR Jonathan McMullan

IN MEMORY: LT Marcus Case.

There’s been a change in the rules for salary

packaging a car – which means you can now

access the savings available from taking up a

novated lease even if you don’t drive very much,

or aren’t a high income earner.

In fact, you could save over $3,000 each year from driving as little as 10,000 kms per annum!* The savings don’t stop there.

Enjoy our buying power - on average our customers save $3,700 on the purchase price of a new vehicle.^

Check out our online novated lease calculator to see the savings you could make at www.airforceleasing.com.au

Now anyone can save by salary packaging a car.

No matter how much you drive...

*Annual savings of $3,000 are indicative only and are based on an annual salary of $45,000 and 10,000 km travelled per annum. ̂given to our customers last month. Actual savings will depend on your tax bracket, vehicle model, lease term, and individual circumstances. Administration fee applies.

Call 1300 116 846 for an obligation free quote.

Watch the video here. Scan this QR code with your

www.airforceleasing.com.au

Apply today and receive a $100 Gift Card

Official and Exclusive

salary packaging

provider for the

Department of Defence

Are you relocating this year? Have you completed your Application for Relocation (AFR)?

Toll Transitions Case Managers are standing by to help. It is important to complete your relocation documentation as soon as possible, especially if you are relocating during the peak posting period and your preferred moving dates are to be met.

You must include your preferred dates on your AFR, as until we have actual dates we cannot start your relocation.

Complete your AFR online now at www.tolltransitions.com/defence and your Case Manager will contact you to get things moving.

If you have any immediate questions or concerns,

please contact us on 1800 819 167.

Toll Transitions: Freecall 1800 819 167 www.tolltransitions.com.au/defence

The posting season is here! Don’t stress out We are here to help you all the way.

COMPLETE YOUR AFR ONLINE!Help us raise vital funds for Legacy.

8,342

*Terms and Conditions apply.

** Valet Unpack Service includes: Furniture arranged in each room,

beds made, goods unpacked and

put away in cupboards, bench tops

wiped down, cartons fully emptied

and collapsed ready for collection

by removalist.

Legacy will receive $1 for each Application For Relocation (AFR) entered online via Toll Transitions’ website from 1st July to 31st December 2012. Our aim is to raise more than $10,000 in the coming peak posting period.

In addition to helping Legacy, you will also go into a monthly draw* for a Valet Unpack Service.**

11November 8, 2012RCEAIR FF News

DEFENCE TRANSITIONS 100% ADF TRANSITION SPECIALIST

Leading Provider – NATIONAL Coverage

CVs – MED DISCH – CTAS – PEEP – SELCRIT

• Medical Discharges 100% FREE• Level 2 & 3 CTAS 100% FREE• Leading CV writer for ADF members• CTAS…free resume updates for life• No CTAS…from $248 for best ADF CVs• APS selec� on criteria statements• CTAS - face to face Interview coaching• Spouse support under PEEP scheme• We translate mil skills to civvy speak

Visit our website for FREE job tools

www.nextjobnow.com.auCall 1300 112 114

RoulettesNovember 17: Whyalla ADFC triservice parade and 615SQN 40th anniversary.Air Force BandNovember 9: Metropolitan Fire Brigade graduation, Melbourne.

Air Force events November 11: Remembrance Day, Melbourne.November 16: Defence International Training Centre dining-in night, RAAF Base Williams.RAAF MuseumNovember 9: Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital.

November 11: Remembrance Day, The Shrine, Melbourne.November 11: Remembrance Day, State RSL.November 11: Historic cars, Sandown.Air Force BalloonNovember 10: Holy Spirit School fete, ACT.

CPL Max Bree

SHE was on top of her game at the London Olympics, now Sally Pearson hassoared on top of the world with the Air Force Roulettes – in the lead-up to the Moto GP at Phillip Island on October 23.

The gold medallist jumped into a PC-9 for a ride as the six-aircraft team trailed smoke and pulled aerobatics over the race track.

“When you are running in the Olympics you are in control … you’re definitely not in control in these planes

but I did really well I think,” Pearson said.

Roulette leader SQNLDR Steve Baker was in control and the cham-pion hurdler could not contain her excitement.

“She had her mask off for the photos … I could still hear squeal-ing [over the intercom] and when I was transmitting the other pilots could hear her squealing over the radio,” he said.

However, SQNLDR Baker and his pilots knew who was in control back on the ground.

“She showed us her Olympic gold medal and we said that we would run away with it but we didn’t think we were fast enough,” he said.

Pearson won gold at the recent London Olympics in the 100m hurdles and silver in the same event at the BeijingGames.

The Roulettes went on to perform shows during the Moto GP from October 27-29.

For more information and to see the video go to the Roulette’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/RAAF.Roulettes

Sally’s stillSally’s stillflying high

FROM GOLD TO BOLD: Sally Pearson flying over the Moto GP track at Phillip Island inside a Roulette; inset, Pearson with SQNLDR Steve Baker before the flight.

Photos: Chris Scott sa

Bpe

pinIcr

Project Management

Never Stand Still School of Business & School of Engineering and Information Technology

Master of Project Management

The Master of Project Management at the

University of New South Wales in Canberra

provides students with the opportunity to

acquire an understanding and advanced

analytical skills in the key areas required to

manage a project including:

– integration management

– scope management

– communications management

– risk management

– quality management

– schedule management

– cost management

– human resource management

– procurement management

Doctor of Project Management

On completion of a Master of Project

Management degree, a further period of

research (2 years full-time equivalent) may be

undertaken to lead to the award of a Doctor of

Project Management.

Modes of Study

Courses are available via distance or intensive

delivery mode.

Program participants can tailor their program

in a flexible learning education environment

to suit their experience and background and

focus their studies in areas best suited to

their workplace and career aspirations.

Applications

Applications for session 1 close 20th January 2013

Apply online www.unsw.adfa.edu.au/pg_apply/

If you require more information about these

programs please contact:

Mrs Vera McLuckie

Telephone: +61 2 6268 8255

Email: seit.studentmailbox@adfa.edu.au Web: seit.unsw.adfa.edu.au/pm

CRICOS Provider Number: 00100G

CANBERRA

Organisations are dynamic entities that need to respond to changes in their industry, the

regulatory environment, the technologies they either deliver or utilise, and their relationships

with suppliers and customers in achieving their strategic objectives. Regardless of whether

changes are proactive or reactive, projects play a key role in successful change occurring

through transformation and innovation.

www.unsw.adfa.edu.au

12 November 8, 2012RCEAIR FNews

CAPT Sean Childs

AUSTRALIA’S Federation Guard and 21 veterans travelled to Egypt for the period October 16-22 to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Allied victory in the battle of El Alamein in WWII.

The commemoration included a memorial service at Australia’s 9th Division Memorial as well as New Zealand and international services at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery.

The battle holds a significant place in Australian and Allied WWII history.

Allied defeat of Germany’s General Erwin Rommel and his Afrika Korps led to their total withdrawal from North Africa, giving up German hopes of gaining control of the strategic

Suez Canal and Middle Eastern oil fields.

Early fighting in the Mediterranean theatre involved a small number of Australian airmen within Britain’s Royal Air Force. After 1940, their numbers rose appreciably, to 3000 in mid 1942.

Veteran Keith Hansen, one such Australian, enlisted in the RAAF as aircrew in April 1941, training under the Empire Training Scheme as a wireless operator and air gunner.

He later trained as an air traffic controller in Egypt, serving at El Alamein.

“My role for the most part involved coordinating search and rescue,” Keith said. “Interestingly though, I followed the troops as they moved forward as far as Tripoli, manning various landing strips as they did so.”

ACW Breeanna Williams, of the Federation Guard, chaperoned Keith during their mission to Egypt.

“I had so many special moments with Keith during our trip,” ACW Williams said.

“To be a part of his trip down memory lane has left me with memories I’ll never forget.

“Just as amazing, too, was the honour given to us to represent Australia as AFG members and mount the catafalque parties for the El Alamein 70th anniversary commemorations.”

3SQN served in the Middle East from August 1940.

It was sent to support the Australian Imperial Force’s 6th Division.

After the AIF’s return to Australia, 3SQN went on to fight in Tunisia, Sicily and Italy.

El Alamein pilgrimage

POIGNANT: ACW Breeanna Williams Rests on Arms. Photos: CPL Christopher Dickson

PAYING HOMAGE: Immediate right, veterans Jack Bullen and Jack Caple prepare to lay a wreath during the international memorial service at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery in El Alamein; middle, the cemetery; far right, looking at the battle model at the El Alamein War Museum.

CAPT Jay Ellul

ON THEIR way home from Egypt, Battle of El Alamein veterans visited Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates on October 22.

Commander JTF 633 MAJGEN Michael Crane said today’s ADF owed a great deal to these veterans for their honour, courage and sacrifice in helping to defend Australian principles.

“It is a privilege for all ADF person-

nel serving at Al Minhad Air Base to meet some of Australia’s finest soldiers and we thank you for spending some time with us,” MAJGEN Crane said.

The El Alamein veterans were shown around the different areas of the base before being taken to a demonstration of modern equipment.

The veterans were then hosted at a lunch where they were able to share and swap stories with their modern day counterparts.

NOW AND THEN: SGTs Colin Renton and Ross Tindale talk with retired Air Force El Alamein veteran Keith Hansen at Al Minhad Air Base.

Photos: SGT William Guthrie

WWII veterans drop into Al Minhad on way home

COMPARING ERAS: El Alamein veteran Ron Myers tries on a modern combat helmet assisted by SGT Peter White during his visit to Al Minhad Air Base.

www.ssds.com.au

At SSDS we see the Air Force as an extension of our family.

Many of our people are former Defence members, Defence reservists or Defence spouses.

With operations at more than 50 locations across Australia, SSDS is the only dedicated expert service provider to Defence that truly understands RAAF operations.

always there for the air force

13November 8, 2012RCEAIR FF News

Frozen blood is the futureCPL Nick Wiseman

BLOOD supplies to Australian forces may be frozen in what is set to be a new era in Australian medical technology – spearheaded by the ADF.

Partnered with the Red Cross Blood Service, the new technology will provide deep-freeze capability allowing for greater shelf life for future surgical deployments.

Research for the project began three years ago after Australian forces observed Dutch medical procedures at a military hospital in Afghanistan.

Discovering a large reduction in the turnaround of blood sup-plies, the ADF partnered with the Red Cross – the only organisation licensed to handle blood within Australia.

Future Health Capabil i ty Medical Officer LCDR Scott Finlayson said a large number of different blood products were available.

“The most important ones to the ADF are red cells, plasma and platelets,” he said.

“Frozen blood products are not new but using the deep-freeze technology will see shelf lives

DEFENCE ORGANISATION BLOOD CHALLENGE

ROLL UP, ROLL UP: VCDF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin added a few extra drops towards Air Force’s tally in the Defence Organisation Blood Challenge when he visited the Red Cross Blood Service donation centre in Garran, Canberra, on October 23. Follow Air Force’s progress at www.airforce.gov.au/Blood_Challenge Photo: Lauren Black

‘‘... deep-freeze technology will see shelf lives

increase. – LCDR Scott Finlayson,

medical officer

increase significantly. Plasma cur-rently has a frozen shelf life of two years but we’re looking to deep freeze them [-80 degrees] for seven years. Red cells could store for up to 10 years.

“Once red cells have thawed you have around five days [to use them]. When using this new tech-nology, we get 14 days, resulting in much less of a turnover.”

Modern logistics would allow the deep frozen blood products to remain frozen for the journey around the world, if needed in an operational theatre, using a combi-nation of dry ice and cold storage.

Once delivered, the products could be transferred back into deep freeze, as the cold chain would remain unbroken, or thawed out if needed.

LCDR Finlayson said if all went well the first frozen products could be seen mid-next year.

“With most of the research complete we now need to get Therapeutic Goods Administration approval,” he said. “We’ll then move to the processing phase, along with training and equipment procurement.”

After the donated blood is sta-bilised for deep freezing, a par-ticular agent would then need to be introduced to reduce damaged cells in the thawing process.

Taking up to 100 minutes to thaw out and use, the products would be used in conjunction with fresh supplies and would not replace them altogether.

“It will reduce wastage and can be used in situations where logis-tics will not be able to deliver fresh supplies from Australia,” LCDR Finlayson said.

“These products could be potentially used in resuscitative and battlefield surgery.”

With the technology still in its early days, future use could see it incorporated into platforms such as amphibious ships to provide a mobile surgical hospital in times of humanitarian disaster relief.

14 RCEAIR FF November 8, 2012

Looking for a house & land package?

www.defproperty.com.au � Owned and operated by an ADF spouse

� See the best of our builders nationwide

� Fixed price contracts, so no hidden fees

Free consultancy service available for assistance with finding your perfect home

Contact Prue@defproperty.com.au

Eamon Hamilton

PEOPLE coming to Air Lift Group (ALG) have good cause to be excited, according to its com-mander, AIRCDRE Gary Martin.

“We have always been a group which goes places, and we’re now experiencing a capabil-ity increase which will push us even further,” AIRCDRE Martin said.

“Between 2006 and 2016, the average age of the ALG fleet will drop from 24 years old to just nine years old.

“When I first joined ALG in 1993, I could not have dreamed of the capacity that we’re introduc-ing now.”

In January 2006, ALG operated a fleet of 47 aircraft with a total capacity for 3775 passengers and 656 tonnes of cargo.

From January 2016, ALG will operate a fleet of 46 aircraft with a total capacity of 4321 passen-gers, and 950 tonnes of cargo.

That increase means re-educating customers of ALG, as well as its own members.

“We’ve been so accustomed to flying by Hercules in the past that many units perceive the C-17A as just a faster, bigger Hercules,” AIRCDRE Martin said.

“We need instead for units to ask us for an effect – for example, ‘Get our 100 personnel and 20 tonnes of cargo to this location by this date’.

“By doing this, we task the most appropriate available aircraft and combine missions from dif-ferent customers, and maximise the capacity of these aircraft.”

That capacity will be further increased later this year, as a sixth C-17A is delivered and the KC-30A declares initial operational capability.

“Australia’s strategic airlift is relatively new but it’s made its presence felt within Australia and with regional partners in the Asia-Pacific,” AIRCDRE Martin said.

“It’s also released our Hercules from moving units piecemeal over long distances, and allowed them to focus on intra-theatre airlift.”

In the MEAO, the C-130J is fulfilling the intra-theatre airlift role to great effect, carrying a legacy established by the C-130H.

“It’s taken a lot of work to get the C-130J to where it is today, but we still have more role expansion plans for its future use,” AIRCDRE Martin said.

“The operational experience with the C-130J will feed in to the forthcoming C-27J, which pro-vides us much greater airfield access.

“Combine this fleet with the King Air and the Special Purpose Aircraft, and you have few places in the Asia-Pacific that Defence can’t go.”

We’re ready for our new arrival

And we have good reason to be excited

Eamon Hamilton

WITH Air Force’s sixth C-17A due in December, Air Lift Group is gearing up for the new arrival – and all the work that comes with it.

Delivery of the latest Globemaster will effectively dou-ble the number of C-17As avail-able for operational tasking, tak-ing into account the need for fleet maintenance and unit training.

The cargo capacity of 36SQN now stands at 420 tonnes – effec-tively the same as two squadrons of Hercules.

This frees the smaller Hercules of the need to conduct strategic

airlift, and concentrates its focus on tactical airlift missions.

Despite this latest addition to the fleet, C-17A work still remains for the New Airlift Project Office, according to its director, GPCAPT Warren Bishop.

A key part of this is the C-17 Cargo Compartment Trainer (CCT), which will be ready at RAAF Base Amberley from December 2013.

GPCAPT Bishop said the CCT was the only one of its kind out-side of the US.

“36SQN will be the only for-eign C-17A operator to train its loadmasters in-country,” he said.

“The CCT will also be used to

conduct training for aeromedical evacuation and air movements, along with load certification and other activities.”

The CCT will therefore con-tribute to real C-17As being used for more operational tasking.

“The fifth and sixth C-17A will also increase the 36SQN workload, along with the amount of engineering support required,” GPCAPT Bishop said.

“The latest two aircraft have increased the logistics support required to sustain our C-17A fleet from what was originally envisaged in 2006, when the first four aircraft were ordered.

“Our project office is working

closely with the Heavy Air Lift Systems Program Office on timely delivery of the necessary aircraft spares, ground support equipment and material handling equipment in support of future C-17A opera-tional commitments.”

CRICOS# 00120C | 051012NSC

N A T I O N A L S E C U R I T Y C O L L E G ELearn about national and international security

Our programs provide a policy relevant understanding of the security challenges that confront states in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. Whether you intend to work in government or the private sector, the media or international organisations, then enrol in the NSC today and become part of the new generation of leading security analysts.

Graduate Certificate, Masters and PhD programs in national security policy.

G R A D U A T E S T U D Y

Information

T 02 6125 6131 W nsc.anu.edu.au E national.security.college@anu.edu.au

The National Security College is a joint initiative of the Commonwealth Government & ANU

> Australia’s Security Challenges > National Security Policy Making > Civil-Military Relations > Ethics & Technologies of War > Asian Regionalism & Security

> Disease, Security & Biological Weapons

> Governance, State Weakness & Human Security in Asia

> Extensive range of ANU electives

Air Lift Group special

WE’RE STILL GOING PLACES: CDR ALG AIRCDRE Gary Martin in his office at RAAF Base Richmond. Photo: LAC David Said

TWICE THE VALUE: Delivery of the sixth C-17A will effectively double the number of C-17As available for operational taskings. Photo: LAC Scott Woodward

‘‘36SQN will be the only foreign C-17A operator to train its loadmasters

in-country. – GPCAPT Warren Bishop

NEW ERA AHEAD: 36SQN loadmasters will be trained in-country when a C-17 CCT comes into service late next year. Photo: CPL Melina Mancuso

15RCEAIR FF November 8, 2012 Air Lift Group special

Eamon Hamilton

A QUICK fix delivered by 33SQN has allowed it to continue air-to-air refuelling missions with the KC-30A after squadron personnel saw a problem and acted on it swiftly.

Beneath the wings of each KC-30A is pod housing for a 27-metre hose-and-drogue, which is unreeled in flight to refuel aircraft like the F/A-18.

After refuelling missions, each hose-and-drogue must be inspected by techni-cians for damage or wear.

33SSQN senior engineering officer SQNLDR Andrew Brandham said past prac-tice for inspecting the hose-and-drogue was found to be unsafe for technicians.

“When conducting rewind of the hose-and-drogue it was necessary to place ten-sion on the hose and to guide the drogue into the rear of the pod fairing to ensure correct hose wrap,” SQNLDR Brandham said.

“This practice placed technicians in a position between the drogue and the fairing opening.

“It created potential for the technician to become snagged on the drogue and be pulled into the fairing and suffering impact or even possible crush injuries.”

Removing this risk by not placing ten-sion on the hose and guiding the drogue resulted in a greatly increased risk of hose miswrap, leading to damaged hoses and potential fuel leaks, as well as impact dam-age to the drogue.

The risk was such that KC-30A refuel-ling missions were halted until a fix could be found.

Aircraft structural technicians SGT Steven Longmore, CPL Phil Wilkins and CPL Tony Pettengell came back with a guid-ance assembly to protect the pod and tech-nicians during the post-flight inspection.

“It mates with the pod and creates

CPL Nick Wiseman

INITIAL operational capabil-ity (IOC) is nearing for Air Force’s fl eet of KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transports.

Having operated the KC-30A for just over 12 months, 33SQN has checked through the requirements for IOC, including air-to-air refuel-ling with the aircraft’s hose-and-drogue refuelling pods and airborne logistics support.

The Air Force has accepted four aircraft into service. Two aircraft are being flown by 33SQN, one is in deep maintenance in Brisbane, and another is with Airbus Military in Europe, assisting with further testing of the boom system.

A fifth aircraft is expected to be accepted into service later this year, but may also be used to assist in testing of the boom capability in Europe.

In recent months, the KC-30A has refuelled RAAF F/A-18 Hornets during Exercises Kakadu, Arnhem Thunder and Pitch Black.

A simulator facility already active at RAAF Base Amberley allows crews to conduct cockpit and air-to-air refuelling system training.

Following IOC, 33SQN will work towards achievement of full operational capability, which includes use of the aircraft’s 17-metre refuelling boom.

CO 33SQN WGCDR Geoff Fox said the KC-30A would be able to support international exercises and operations overseas.

“Once the refuelling boom is introduced, the KC-30A will be the best tanker transport in the world,” WGCDR Fox said.

“Having the boom capability will allow us to refuel a broad range of not only Australian but also inter-national aircraft.”

The refuelling boom is expected to be brought into service next year.

In the latter exercise, the KC-30A flew its missions from RAAF Bases Amberley and Townsville, and brought Hornets from Darwin to Williamtown with-out the need to land for refuelling.

These exercises and tasks are conducted by 33SQN as part of crew training and the testing and evaluation intended to meet the requirements of the IOC.

Tanker oh so close to op capability 33SQN ingenuity has

worldwide potential

AIRCRAFT technicians SGT Jeremy Wade and CPL Brooke Saunders are at the top of their field working on the Air Force’s newest aircraft – the KC-30A.

Responsible for mechanical and safety checks before and after flights, the technicians provide an invaluable service keeping aircraft serviceable and in the air.

SGT Wade said the new KC-30A was at the top of its class.

“The KC-30A is a very reliable aircraft, it’s great to be working on the latest technology,” SGT Wade said.

CPL Saunders said: “People just don’t realise what this aircraft is capable of until they see it in person.”

High praise for latest technology

a wider funnel, so that we can reel and unreel the hose-and-drogue equipment into the pod properly without endangering personnel,” SQNLDR Brandham said.

The pod’s manufacturer, Cobham, and the KC-30A’s through-life support partner, Qantas Defence Services, were consulted.

The decision to cease the unsafe activ-ity was made on September 6, suspending all air-to-air refuelling (AAR) operations.

The 33SQN solution was conceptual-ised, built, trialled and approved for use in 13 days, allowing AAR activities to restart.

This innovative solution has resulted in greatly improved safety for technicians and allowed 33SQN to continue to provide an essential AAR capability to the ADF.

The benefits of this solution will potentially be used by Cobham and Airbus Military to improve practices for other KC-30A operators worldwide.

The KC-30A is also an extreme-ly capable transport aircraft able to comfortably seat 270 passengers.

Its cargo hold is able to accom-modate standard civilian containers as well as military pallets meaning the KC-30A can move an Air Force unit, including their aircraft, keep-ing them in the air all the way to their destination.

WGCDR Fox said every per-son who flew in the aircraft was amazed. “It’s still a buzz for me getting out of the aircraft after a flight and realising just how large it is,” he said.

Once the KC-30A achieves IOC, 33SQN will then move towards final operating capability before full integration into service.

GETTING READY: Pilots SQNLDR Paul Bryan, left, and FLTLT Chris Nash in the cockpit of the KC-30A. Photo: CPL Nick Wiseman

TOP CLASS TANKER: Technicians SGT Jeremy Wade and CPL Brooke Saunders.

Photo: CPL Nick Wiseman

PERFECT FIT: 33SQN technicians CPL Phil Wilkins, left, and LAC Cody Schomberg after attaching the refuelling pod on to the KC-30A.

STATE OF THE ART: The KC-30A at RAAF Base Amberley.

Photo: CPL Nick Wiseman

TEAMWORK: 33SQN technicians safely reel the fuel hose into the refuelling pod. Photos: LAC Dan Pinhorn

16 17RCEAIR FF November 8, 2012

After nearly a decade in the MEAO, Air Force’s C-130s are racking up the milestones, reports Eamon Hamilton.

NEARLY a decade of Air Force Hercules missions in the MEAO has yielded impressive numbers.

Since February 2003, the fleet has been loaded with 42,000 tonnes of cargo and 211,000 pas-sengers, including 2801 aeromedical evacuation patients. The Hercules have completed 4500 missions with 13,500 sorties in-theatre, flying 24,500 hours.

In that time, more than a thou-sand personnel have been deployed with the Hercules contingent.

Current C-130 detachment com-mander SQNLDR Mike Werchon said operations remained the ulti-mate test of training and reason for being in the Air Force.

“People just get in and do the job,” SQNLDR Werchon said.

“It is hard to be away from fam-ily and friends for such long periods each year but we don’t get many complaints as our personnel recog-nise it is an operationally essential service we are providing.”

In 2002, a brief deployment involving C-130Hs and C-130Js was conducted to support operations in Afghanistan, before 36SQN returned in 2003 to support missions into Iraq.

Since then, a continuous deploy-ment of Hercules has achieved

Eamon Hamilton

NEXT year promises big milestones for 37SQN.

February will mark 10 years of continu-ous Australian Hercules deployment to the MEAO, initially begun by 36SQN.

And in July, 37SQN will celebrate its 70th anniversary.

These milestones coincide with 37SQN’s C-130J fleet embarking on a new phase in their life, according to squadron CO WGCDR Mark McCallum.

Originally delivered in 1999 for strategic airlift, the J-model quickly found itself pro-viding tactical airlift in the MEAO.

“The aircraft has transitioned to a point where the tactical role is its primary role, and strategic airborne logistics support is secondary,” WGCDR McCallum said.

“Introduction of the C-17A and KC-30A, and the soon to be introduced C-27J, that will absorb the excess 37 SQN workforce, will allow the C-130J to operate more of the time in its niche as a medium-sized tactical airlifter.”

The C-130J’s performance is unchanged – carrying more than 120 passengers or seven pallets of cargo to distant unsurfaced airstrips.

Upgrades are planned for the C-130J fleet, which will take it to far more chal-lenging environments.

The Block 6.1 upgrade was recently rolled out across the fleet, bringing updated communications, navigation, and surveil-lance/air traffic management systems.

It also included a Terrain Awareness Warning System improving the crew’s situ-ational awarness during flight at low-level in bad weather and at night, and improve-ments to the cargo ramp system to support high-altitude airdrop.

Further Block upgrades are planned, along with enhanced self protection sys-tems.

“Not only has the aircraft hardware and software changed, but so have our training and support concepts,” WGCDR McCallum said.

“We have established a workforce with-in 37SQN of four C-130J and two C-130H aircrew flights and eight maintenance

BIG HISTORY AND FUTUREAir Lift Group special

During a whirlwind visit to Afghanistan on October 14, Prime Minister Julia Gillard caught a lift with a 37SQN C-130 to visit ADF personnel at Multinational Base Tarin Kot. Left, Ms Gillard is greeted by the C-130 aircrew at Kabul, before being flown to Tarin Kot. From left is FLGOFF Daniel Kruger, FLTLT Conan Brett and C-130 detachment commander SQNLDR Mike Werchon.

Photo: SGT William Guthrie

No slowing down after the H retires

teams, which allows for a rostered system of deploying workforces to the MEAO.”

This leaves personnel with up to two years advance notice on their deployments, as well as guaranteeing a fixed workforce back at RAAF Base Richmond to support our Australian-based operations.

Perhaps 37SQN’s biggest change is the C-130H’s imminent retirement, closing a chapter which began when the H-model was transferred from 36SQN in November 2006.

The two H-model aircrew flights at 37SQN will be disbanded, with personnel converting on to the C-130J or posted on to other aircraft types.

The technical workforce will reduce from eight to six maintenance teams, according to WGCDR Ross Magno, XO of maintenance for 37SQN.

“37SQN will retain a maintenance, support and logistics workforce of approxi-mately 280 personnel, with the remainder to transition under an 84WG Detachment A,” WGCDR Magno said.

“These personnel will assist C-130J maintenance as well as C-130H preserva-tion servicings and other maintenance sub-ject matter expertise required at Richmond.”

Welcome aboard, PM

WORKING TOGETHER: Two C-130s are parked behind an AP-3C Orion at Al Minhad Air Base in United Arab Emirates, where they share facilities. While the Orion detachment will return to Australia by Christmas, the C-130 detachment will mark 10 years in theatre next February. Photo: CPO Damian Pawlenko

ONE OF THE CREW: C-130J pilot FLTLT Jack Appleton who deployed to the MEAO for four months this year. Photo: SGT Mick Davis

accomplishments such as support-ing the capture of an Iraqi air base in 2003, to delivering flood relief to Pakistan in 2010.

Today, responsibility for the deployment lies with 37SQN, which has largely shaped its C-130J work-force for this purpose.

SQNLDR Werchon said most missions involved transporting personnel and cargo to and from Afghanistan, but could also cover aeromedical evacuation and VIP support.

“I get great satisfaction from seeing those members for whom it is a first rotation in their role really develop and learn from the experi-ence,” SQNLDR Werchon said.

“Extreme temperatures, mainly hot but also extreme cold for about three months of the year in Afghanistan, provide challenges for both aircraft maintenance and flying performance.

“Poor visibility and high terrain are constant hazards before you even think about tactical or operational threats such as the possibility of surface-to-air weaponry.”

Deployments are rotated through four C-130J flights at 37SQN, each taking a three-month tour in theatre.

Eight maintenance teams from 37SQN likewise rotate through four-month deployments.

SQNLDR Werchon said approxi-mately 50 personnel were currently deployed in-theatre to support the three C-130Js based at Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates.

This will reduce as a C-130J is released from theatre later this year, as the introduction of Air Force’s fifth and sixth C-17A pro-vide increased airlift support to the Middle East.

NEW COMMANDER: Above, members of the C-130 detachment joined their JTF 633 colleagues in a parade to mark the handover of command from MAJGEN Stuart Smith to MAJGEN Michael Crane on October 1. Photo: CAPT Jay Ellul

SUPPORT KEEPS THEM FLYING: Left, 37SQN clerk LACW Tobi Fischer on the flightline at Al Minhad Air Base where she is currently deployed as part of Combat Support Unit. Photo: SGT Mick Davis

LOADING UP: Upgrades to the J-model Hercules have delivered improvements to the cargo ramp system to support high-altitude airdrops. Photo: LAC Chris Hall

BIG CHANGES: From January, 37SQN’s workforce will reduce to nearly half following the retirement of the H-model Hercules. Photo: LAC David Said

18 RCEAIR FF November 8, 2012

FREE sword stand when you order your sword

www.airforceshop.com.au02 6123 2930

Full Size Swords from $1,195.00 (Free Stand valued at $79.00)

Miniature Swords $179.00 (Free Stand valued at $49.90)

34SQN values road tested

King-sized need fi lledEamon Hamilton

AFTER three years of service with 38SQN, the King Air is well into its stride at RAAF Base Townsville.

CO 38SQN WGCDR Stewart Dowrie said the tasking board was always full, which meant lots of customers were using the services and the demand was there for that type of support.

“The benefits for us is that we’re flying a lot of hours and building vital experience in our junior pilots. We are also giving Air Force some insights into more efficient ways of doing aircraft maintenance, using an integrated military and civilian contract workforce,” he said.

In late 2009, 38SQN experienced a big change when it retired its Caribou trans-ports, which had been with the unit for 45 years.

Despite its enviable performance in short take-offs and landings, the ‘Bou’ was the product of 1950s technology.

It was frequently breaking down, delaying tasks and requiring expensive repairs – often away from home.

So in 2009, three King Airs were trans-ferred to 38SQN from Army Aviation, and five more new aircraft were leased from Hawker Pacific in 2010.

The King Air has proven itself a reli-able platform for 38SQN, which can eas-ily reach throughout Australia and into the immediate region from RAAF Base Townsville.

During support to the 2012 Papua New Guinea elections, 38SQN was able to effi-ciently rotate King Airs and crews from Townsville in a few hours when required.

The unit has also conducted tasking to Indonesia, Malaysia, East Timor, New Zealand, the Solomons and other areas of the South Pacific.

38SQN is also used to provide air mobility services across the top end of Australia, particularly for the Regional Force Surveillance units, but also cus-tomers from Combat Support Group and Defence Support Group in accessing the remote bare bases.

The King Airs are also frequently brought south throughout Australia for tasking, which can create capacity for Defence members needing to travel.

“Positioning legs in the southern states means we often have an empty aircraft, or near to empty, flying up and down the eastern seaboard,” WGCDR Dowrie said.

“Even if we take passengers for only 10 per cent of those tasks, that can repre-sent a significant saving to those units on their travel budgets.

“Especially for some bases, we can be significantly quicker and more flexible than the commercial travel options.”

Meanwhile, the King Airs will con-tinue to provide 38SQN with experience on a modern multi-engine transport. This is especially the case for its pilots, who are quickly developed into experienced captains, which is an important part of sustaining the Air Force pilot workforce as a whole.

“We have two jobs – better preparing our people for the Air Force of the future, and supporting Defence’s travel needs – so there’s an open offer to use us,” WGCDR Dowrie said.

Eamon Hamilton

THE work of 34SQN is often high profile and before a nation-al audience.

When the chance came for the unit to explore its core val-ues, it undertook a far more per-sonal and physical approach.

After the new Air Force Values were released, the squadron held a 34SQN Values Day on Mount Pleasant, behind the Royal Military College in Duntroon.

CO 34SQN WGCDR John Davidson said it involved a series of hands-on activities including a truck-pull up the side of Mount Pleasant.

“We wanted a very tactile exercise to show our values in play,” WGCDR Davidson said.

“Essentially, values have been an important part of 34SQN for some time, so a values day was an opportunity to embed them, rather than dis-cover them.”

WGCDR Davidson classi-fied the unit’s four core values as Professionalism, Integrity, Maturity and Camaraderie.

All sections of the squadron participated – from aircrew, operations and support, and security.

Unit members began by pull-

ing the truck together, before stopping to discuss the implica-tions of not living by unit values.

Members were either taken off the rope or put in the back of the truck, demonstrating the effects of not adhering to unit values.

“This showed that those who don’t live the values take others out of their job,” WGCDR Davidson said. “For example, if members do not demonstrate integrity, it invokes formal disci-pline that takes executives out of their job.”

Jerry cans of water were then loaded on to the truck, representing ‘baggage’ that poor behaviour can incur, until the weight of the truck brought it to a halt.

“At that point, we talked about reintegrating and rehabili-tating the people we had been carrying and get rid of our bag-gage,” WGCDR Davidson said.

“After that, pulling the truck was plain sailing again.”

FLTLT Matt Thomas, Logistics Officer for 34SQN, said “every person I have spoken to speaks positively about the activity and the day in general”.

“From a management per-spective, it’s comforting to know participants picked up on the key messages and values under-pinned by the activity.”

Air Lift Group special

VERSATILITY: A 38SQN King Air is refuelled at Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, in July, where it provided support during the country’s election.

Photo: CPL Melina Mancuso

LESSONS LEARNED: FLGOFFs Adam Francki, left, and Stephen Doherty conducting their pre-flight checks in the cockpit of the BBJ.

Photo: LAC Bill Solomou

CORE VALUES: Crew attendants LACW Ceridwen Morgan and CPL Vanessa Loudon on the steps of the Challenger CL-604 special purpose aircraft.

Photo: LAC Bill Solomou

TEAMWORK: It was all hands to the rope.

19November 8, 2012RCEAIR FF News

Eamon Hamilton

FOR three years running, NSW Police’s Public Order and Riot Squad has proven the champion of plane pulling.

The third annual Law Enforcement Torch Run Plane Pull was hosted at RAAF Base Richmond on October 13, attract-ing more than 700 people.

Throughout the day, 20 teams each had three turns in pulling a 40-tonne C-130J Hercules over 10 metres in the quickest time.

The Richmond team was first to the rope and posted the day’s fastest time with 11.68 seconds.

That entry all but guaranteed a place in the Plane Pull finals, but the Richmond team couldn’t repeat the performance.

The Public Order and Riot Squad retained its champion’s trophy by pulling the C-130J during the event finals in 12.42 seconds.

Detective Superintendent Scott Whyte, of the NSW Police, first approached Air Force in 2009 about running the Plane Pull on behalf of Law Enforcement Torch Run.

“The winners today are the athletes of the Special Olympics, which is an organisation which helps those with an intel-lectual disability,” Detective Superintendent Whyte said.

“The Law Enforcement Torch

Pulling together

Eamon Hamilton

TRADING in the C-17A’s heavy metal for running shoes, eight members of 36SQN have completed a 500km relay run from Bundaberg to Amberley.

Held as an adventure training activity by 36SQN, the ‘Back to Base’ relay from October 1-5 suc-ceeded in raising $15,000 for the Cancer Council of Queensland.

The money will assist with lifesaving cancer research, education programs and support services.

Team Leader SGT Richard O’Connell started the event in 2007 after a family member was diagnosed with cancer.

After some members were initially weary at such a long run exercise, SGT O’Connell said the team quickly warmed to the relay.

“By the last day they were already talking about next year,” he said. “They all felt a great sense of pride being able to represent the RAAF and com-plete the event for such a worthwhile cause.

“Most us have a family member or close friend who is, or has, experienced cancer.”

Donations can still be accepted through http://www.everydayhero.com.au/raaf

Back to Base for a relay good cause

FOR CHARITY: 36SQN relay participants, from left, ACW Cassie Collins, SGT Richie O’Connell, CPL James Woodbridge, LAC Cameron Rogers and LACW Adrielle Bossi. Photo: LACW Kylie Gibson

Run is a policing charity which is run worldwide, and has been run in the NSW for the past six years.”

The event raised almost $20,000 for the Special Olympics.

TUG-A-HERC: Above, CDR ALG AIRCDRE Gary Martin urges on the RAAF Base Richmond team during the plane pull, and right, the NSW Police Public Order and Riot Squad team give it their all. Photos: CPL Col Dadd

The Super Hornet provides Australia with an immediate next-generation air combat capability ideally

suited to RAAF requirements. All delivered on budget and ahead of schedule, Boeing and its industry

partners are committed to ensuring superior program performance in the air and on the ground.

21November 8, 2012RCEAIR FF Air Force Improvement

*Conditions apply. Use promo code “ADFXMAS” when joining. Offer not available to current or previous members of Navy Health.

navyhealth.com.au/adfxmas | 1300 306 289

Christmas comes early

Join before 31 December 2012 and we’ll waive two and six month waits on extras*

Increased benefits on dental, physio, chiro, natural therapies plus more from 1 November!

Health cover plus a whole lot more…

RAAF Base Williamtown Air Combat Domain personnel have significantly improved F/A-18A/B availability by reducing maintenance induced damage (MID) across the aircraft fleet.

MID occurs as an inadvertent outcome of routine or corrective maintenance, but has been estimated to cost the F/A-18A/B fleet an extra 4320 hours of maintenance time to rectify, with an associated loss of 540 flying days a year.

The improvement team, led by WOFF Craig Thomas, WOFF MAINT 81WG, said that they analysed maintenance data and dis-covered the main causes of MID. They includ-ed damage to the rudder bay caused during the removal and fitment of the rudder actuator and damage to the ejection seat caused during removal and installation.

“These two examples alone accounted for 900 hours worth of rectification maintenance,” WOFF Thomas said.

The project team worked with the Tactical Fighter Systems Program Office to devel-op simple engineering solutions to prevent these types of MID from occurring, and have decreased the number of occurrences by 32 per cent.

These solutions ranged from the use of new tools to remove and install the rudder actuator to the fitting of a protective Teflon strip on to the cockpit floor to protect the base of the ejec-tion seat from damage.

The improvement team’s outcome to reduce MID on the F/A-18A/B has so far delivered a saving of 1420 maintenance hours a year, with the benefit of increased fleet avail-ability by 178 days.

The Director of Logistics Capability Air Combat Group, GPCAPT David Langlois, said the project team, comprising both Air Force and DMO personnel, was to be congratulated on identifying and rectifying a maintenance deficiency with a significant positive impact on capability.

“I am delighted with the ingenuity used to develop new tools and procedures that will prevent maintenance induced damage recur-ring in these specific locations on the Hornet,” GPCAPT Langlois said.

“I am equally pleased that the squad-rons’ technicians have embraced these ideas, because the mindset of looking for and pre-venting future MID is just as valuable as these specific solutions, and the principle is equally applicable to all of Air Command’s aircraft types.”

NUMBER 3 Squadron at RAAF Base Williamtown has implemented a simple solution to reduce the overhead of com-pleting extensive maintenance documen-tation for carrying out F/A-18A/B aircraft washes.

The F/A-18A/B Hornet requires an aircraft wash every 60 days, which was performed at Williamtown by BAE wash crew personnel who used paper-based worksheets to record the aircraft wash completion.

3SQN Maintenance Control Section (MCS) staff have worked together with Tactical Fighter Systems Program Office (TFSPO) personnel and BAE Systems Australia contractor staff to give BAE wash crew personnel the necessary training and access to the Air Force’s electronic maintenance management system, therefore removing the need for paper-based aircraft wash work-sheets.

In doing so, they have generated nearly 200 more aircraft flying opportuni-ties a year for Williamtown-based Hornet squadrons, as aircraft are available for tasking much earlier in the day.

3SQN SENGO SQNLDR Brian Rowe said the solution to remove non-value

adding steps in the documentation and review the clearance process had reduced the total time to complete an individual F/A-18A/B wash and mainte-nance certification by up to two hours.

“This time saving is a very good outcome for the squadron MCS, by reducing paperwork overheads in recording aircraft wash servicings and also providing improved flexibility for Williamtown-based F/A-18A squadrons in the management of their respective flying programs,” he said.

SQNLDR Rowe also said that it was one of many improvement activities that 3SQN has implemented with the aim of improving F/A-18A/B availability and serviceability.

CO 3SQN WGCDR Tim Alsop said that the efforts of all personnel at 3SQN had shown it was possible to deliver unit and platform level improvements, while sus-taining high tempo flying operations.

“The empowerment of all mem-bers, from Wing Commander to Aircraftwoman, to promote and imple-ment change has been the cornerstone of the 3SQN improvement program, and will continue to be so for the future,” he said.

MID remedy, max savingsMID remedy, max savings

‘COSTLY CONSEQUENCES: Maintenance induced damage has been estimated to cost the F/A-18A/B fleet an extra 4320 hours of maintenance time to rectify, with an associated loss of 540 flying days a year; inset a 3SQN Hornet in flight. Photos: CPL David Gibbs and LAC Craig Barrett

How 3SQN cut out the paperwork

I am delighted with the ingenuity used to develop new tools and procedures that will prevent maintenance induced damage recurring in these specific locations on the Hornet.

– GPCAPT David Langlois

CF5

‘‘WHICH ONE

MAKES SENSE?

Should you

What’s a good rate?

Have you considered

Are you using your entitlements?

or

Call to discuss which scenario is for you

Spectrum is a Licensed Real Estate Agent, Registered Tax Agent & Accredited Mortgage Consultant.

CALL 1300 784 246 or visit www.spect.com.au

Spectrum is a Licensed Real Estate Agent, Registered Tax Agent & Accredited Mortgage Consultant.

CALL 1300 784 246 or visit www.spect.com.au

FOR FREE It’s smart to ask!Get help from accountants

who provide not just loans

With over 30 years

in assisting

Personnel, we can help you:

refund with

Planning

Invest in

growth assets

Home or

Investment

Property

Structure your

loan right from

the start

your

Entitlements

22 November 8, 2012RCEAIR FNews

LEADING Aircraftwoman Kylie Gibson says the Anzac tradition is alive and well.

LACW Gibson, along with other Australian personnel took

part recently in Exercise Anzac Exchange 2012.

The main aim of the exchange program is to promote continued interoperability between the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and the ADF as well as enhance existing, strong relationships between the two countries.

The exchange runs for 12 weeks. Australian personnel deploy to New Zealand for the first six weeks, experienc-ing life as a member of the NZDF. Then their New Zealand counterparts come back with them to Australia for their turn.

LACW Gibson, of 28SQN Photo Det Amberley, said she was proud to be an ambassador for her country and the ADF.

“As a RAAF photographer I got to experience a lot of what the New Zealand Defence Force had to offer,” she said.

“My most memorable experiences were meeting and photographing various VIPs such as the NZDF CDF, LTGEN Rhys Jones, having exposure to some amazing and very interesting Kiwi culture such as the traditional Powhiri and the Haka, and witnessing four courageous NZDF Defence members receiving med-als at the Governor-General’s House.”

LACW Gibson said working alongside Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF)

Different focusDifferent focus

ANZAC EXCHANGE: Above, photographers LACW Kylie Gibson, left, and LAC Maria Oosterbaan in front of a 40SQN C-130H at RNZAF Base Auckland; left, LAC Oosterbann gets an angle on MWD Duke at RAAF Base Williamtown.

Photos: Roderick J. Mackenzie and

CPL David Gibbs

AALAleOofatAuOanDW

Photographers exchange skills across Tasman

I have gained knowledge and skills that will help enhance my career as an Air Force imagery specialist.– LACW Kylie Gibson

servicemen and women gave her a new appreciation of the way another defence force operated.

“The professionalism, dedication and resolve that the NZDF displayed is a credit to all their personnel,” she said.

“I feel privileged to have seen this first hand.

“I have gained knowledge and skills that will help enhance my career as an Air Force imagery specialist, as well as contributing to my workplace at the squad-ron.”

For RNZAF photographer LACW Maria Oosterbann, her experience “across the ditch” was just as amazing and memo-rable.

Most of her time was based at Amberley alongside LACW Gibson, but she also visited other Air Force establish-ments during the exchange.

“The whole exchange has been fantas-tic,” LACW Oosterbann said.

“I have really enjoyed being involved with a larger and very professional defence

force and seeing how they operate at the grass roots level, especially within the photo-graphic trade.

“This has broadened my knowledge and skills and given me a new perspective on how we conduct our own business back home.

“Some of the highlights for me included going for a flight in a PC-9 at RAAF Base Edinburgh, seeing the amaz-ing work the staff do at the puppy breed-ing school at RAAF Base Amberley and flying the Hawk simulator at RAAF Base Williamtown.”

For information on how to apply for the next Exercise Anzac Exchange, visit DI(AF) PERS 20-6.

From October 1 our members will enjoy increased Top Extras benefits on dental, optical, physiotherapy, chiropractic, alternative therapies and more. All for no extra cost. So if you’re not already with Defence Health, it’s an extra reason to join. Especially as we’ll honour any waiting periods you’ve served with your current fund. So join now and save.

Call 1800 335 425 or visit www.defencehealth.com.au Serving Defence families better

With our increased Top Extras benefits you’re laughing.

23November 8, 2012RCEAIR FF Flightline

On the Flightline page last edition, we ran this photo of CPL Matthew Jarvis, of 1RSU, with his Airman of the Quarter award. The only problem was that the caption for the photo was left off the page due to a last minute change. So for those who were left wondering who this unknown award winner was – mystery now solved.

MYSTERY SOLVED

ALL TOGETHER NOW: Three members of the Enchong family all serving in the Middle East earlier this year briefly met for a family reunion at Al Minhad Air Base before they returned home to Australia. Pictured right, from left, is father FSGT Mick Enchong, who was deployed with FCU6, daughter LACW Tara Enchong, who was deployed with the Heron Detachment in Kandahar, and son TPR Jason Enchong, a soldier who was deployed with the Mentoring Task Force 4. LACW Echong said serving in the Middle East with her dad and brother was a “once in a life time experience”.

ON THE FORCE: Security Police member LACW Belinda Walters on the job providing Force Protection at Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates while deployed as part of Combat Support Unit. Photo: SGT Mick Davis

WAGGA CHARITY: Members of the RAAF Base Wagga Sergeants’ Mess raised $582 for Legacy at a recent dining-in night on base. Pictured above, from left, CPL Kristy Corbet presents the proceeds to Wagga Legacy President Norman Alexander, watched by WOFF Jock Joce and Legatees John Woods and Gerry Shilling at Legacy House. Photo: Oscar Colman, Daily Advertiser

Mention you saw this fl yer prior to completing your initial contract and we’ll give you a choice of either a Free Portable GPS or a $300 Fuel Voucher when your new vehicle is delivered

LimitedOffer*

Specialists in sourcing Salary Packaged Cars

Quick and easy Finance approvals

Choose the car of your choice

Pay NO GST on your new car purchase or its running costs

Save with national fl eet discounts

Novated Lease set up with your Approved Bureau

Buy a new car with your Pre-Tax Salary and save thousands $$$$

Air Force PersonnelAttention

Call us for an obligation free quote NOW www.fl eetnetwork.com.au1300 738 601 www.fl eetnetwork.com.au Lease Package Save

Fleet Network Pty Ltd *To qualify for this offer you must mention this advertisement to Fleet Network prior to the completion of your initial contract. Vehicle must be new and supplied by Fleet Network. Not valid in conjunction with any other current Fleet Network offers. Employees should consult their employer’s salary packaging policy before entering into a contract.

24 November 8, 2012RCEAIR FFPersonnel

AIR FORCE and Army personnel checked out the newest clothing and equipment dur-ing the second annual Clothing Expo at RAAF Base Amberley on September 18 and 19.

More than 200 airmen and soldiers from Combat Support Group, 82WG, 36SQN, 33SQN and 9th Force Support Battalion attended, giving feedback on the equipment directly to purchasing officers.

Held at Amberley for the first time, the expo focused on uniforms, accoutrements, combat clothing and equipment, and cold weather and extreme cold weather clothing.

WGCDR Grant Pinder, Chair of the RAAF Combat Clothing Working Group, said that Air Force was always looking for ways to showcase the work of DMO in the clothing area and was keen to host this year’s expo on site at Amberley.

“The Clothing Expo was held to better inform Defence members of what clothing and personnel equipment is being procured and also on issues through the DMO,” he said.

A detailed presentation was held for sen-ior officers on the first day, with the doors then opened to all personnel the next day.

Presentations covered ADF combat and non-combat clothing, field and aerial deliv-ery equipment, soldier combat ensemble and Reports on Defective or Unsatisfactory Materiel.

Individual uniform entitlements, wom-

en’s clothing, maternity wear, and the roll-out of new Australian Multicam Pattern (AMP) uniforms were discussed during question and answer sessions throughout the day.

WOFF Cary Thompson, of HQ Air Lift Group, said the expo was very informative.

“The expo provided a great opportunity for participants to look, touch and feel prod-ucts,” he said.

“It gave all members the opportunity to discuss their needs and requirements with equipment managers and subject matter experts.”

The equipment on display ranged from packs, rucksacks, boots and helmets to extreme cold weather sleeping bags, bivi bags and water purification systems.

The DPCU and AMP uniforms, mater-nity uniforms, and samples of the new Cold Weather Fliers Ensemble and Tri-Service Firefighters Ensemble were also on display.

Clothing Systems Program Office repre-sentative LTCOL Harry Marr said the expo emphasised the valuable role such an event could play in developing clothing and per-sonnel equipment.

“These events are vital in gaining the feedback from members required to make improvements in this area,” he said.

For more information on emerging clothing and person-al equipment, go to the CLOSPO site at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/dmoweb/sites/CLOSPO/

THE GOOD GEAR: Boots, combat equipment and cold-weather gear were among the items on display at the second annual Clothing Expo at RAAF Base Amberley. Photo courtesy DMO

Expo shows latest gear

Departure LoungeWho’s leaving after 20+ years

SGT Tanya RussellCLK26 yearsLast day: Sep 23FSGT Sara SkinnerSIGSOP25 yearsLast day: Sep 2WGCDR James YoungerSECPOLO40 yearsLast day: Sep 23FSGT John MaceSIGSOP(T)22 yearsLast day: Sep 24WOFF Anthony SyerCETECH33 yearsLast day: Sep 2WGCDR Neil MacphersonELECTR37 yearsLast day: Sep 1WGCDR Glen HeywardAFENG23 yearsLast day: Sep 17SQNLDR Dean LeckENVH26 yearsLast day: Sep 26CPL Stephen QuinnSUP22 yearsLast day: Sep 25SGT Grant TeeboonSECPOL33 yearsLast day: Sep 30

�

The world is complex. Your decisions don’t have to be.

Military aerospace and combined battlespace CONOPS are becoming

increasingly complex. Experienced across fixed-wing and helicopter

platforms, Thales solutions enable you to focus on your core missions,

make decisions and act quickly. Supporting aerospace operations we

provide a range of avionics systems, training and simulation solutions

and mission management systems. Our proven track record and

commitment to delivery offer reduced risk, scalability and low lifecycle/

whole-of-life costs.

To find out more visit thalesgroup.com.auImage © Australian Department of Defence

25November 8, 2012RCEAIR FF Personnel

AIR FORCE personnel can expect a number of changes to their range of uniforms, and the entitlements to them in the near future. Some items are being withdrawn and other new ones are making an appearance.

Many of the changes have arisen because of the requirement to make savings as part of the Strategic Reform Program (SRP). To meet this requirement, Air Force has under-taken a comprehensive review of its clothing inventory and associated entitlements with every category of uniform examined.

Uniforms goingAs a result of this review, three

uniform items have been withdrawn. These are:➤ Male tropical dress. This is an

optional uniform and the number of personnel wearing it around the bases has declined markedly, pos-sibly because of its lack of func-tionality compared to other forms of working dress and its somewhat outdated image. It will be with-drawn on April 21 next year.

➤ Medical whites. Nursing officers and medical assistants rarely wear this expensive uniform and similar outfits are also rarely worn in the wider medical world. It will be withdrawn after December 31.

➤ White attaché jacket. Issue of the jacket to personnel posted to certain attaché positions has ceased. The majority of person-nel in these posts have indicated that the lightweight 1A uniform provides a more practical and comfortable form of dress and gives the wearer a more distinct Air Force appearance.

Amended entitlements➤ New entrants will no longer

receive the plastic rain coat, shorts general purpose and gym shoes. Initial training units and a number of recent graduates advised that these items were rarely, if ever, worn during training and after graduation. In the case of the gym shoes, new entrants are advised to bring with them the sporting foot-wear which best suits their own preference and needs.

➤ The number of service dress caps, socks, shirts, trousers/slacks, towels and echelon bags issued to new entrants has been slightly reduced, based on the estimated

After a comprehensive review into its uniform inventory and associated entitlements, Air Force has made some changes.

Updating our wardrobe

need for these items during train-ing and subsequent employment, as well as an expectation that Uniform Allowance should be used for ongoing replacement purchases. In the case of echelon bags and towels, there was a duplication of issues between the operational and non-operational scales.

➤ ADFA cadets will no longer receive their 1A uniform in the first year; it will be issued just before their graduation at the end of the third year. The reason is that most cadets have not reached mature body size when they enter ADFA and after three years, the uniform often no longer fits.

Further SRP initiatives➤ HQAC staff are drawing up pro-

posals for changes to the type and quantity of combat clothing and equipment issued to personnel. The wearing of the current DPCU as working dress is also being addressed.

New items comingUnrelated to SRP, two new uni-

form items are being developed. These are:➤ All Seasons Mess Jacket. Air

Force Headquarters and the Clothing Systems Program Office

(CLOSPO) are arranging a final wearer trial for the new all sea-sons mess jacket. The jacket will be manufactured from a light-weight Air Force blue material, and will be provided on an off-the-hook basis. It will replace the officers’ blue winter mess jacket and the white mess jacket worn by WOFFs and SNCOs all year round and by officers during sum-mer months. CLOSPO intends to have the jacket available in the first half of 2013. Once sup-plies are available for purchase, DCOORD-AF will announce a period of transition from old to new jackets.

➤ New Footwear. CLOSPO has released a tender which includes patent leather shoes and female court shoes. These are expected to be available from mid next year.

Clothing prices➤ Recently, the ADF approved a

policy for pricing non-combat clothing sold in Defence clothing stores. This new policy ensures that all personnel will pay the same price for similar items, regardless of size, gender or ser-vice. In addition, Defence will only charge the purchase price (plus GST) and will not seek to recover storage or transportation costs.

➤ This change will be implemented on November 1. Personnel will see some items increase in price, yet some other items will decrease as a consequence of this first update to clothing prices in four years.

COOL trial➤ A trial of online ordering of non-

combat clothing items is being conducted with selected units in the Sydney/NSW area. In the case

of Air Force, this will involve personnel based at Glenbrook, Richmond and Williamtown. The trial will run until March 1 next year. For details, visit the COOL website at www.defenceclothing.com.au

Need to know more?➤ On dress policy matters –

WGCDR Terry Curtain, DDUNIF AFHQ, on (02) 6265 4206 or WOFF Richard Neal, AFHQ WOD, on (02) 6265 1084.

➤ On Scales of Entitlement matters and COOL – Mr Clem DeWitte, OIC Air Force Entitlements, on (03) 9256 3217.

➤ On the supply and development of uniform items and the Clothing Price List – FSGT Geoff Gillard, Air Force CLOSPO Liaison SNCO, or WOFF Keith Bagley, on (03) 9282 7215.

➤ On HQAC Combat Clothing pro-posals – SQNLDR Tony Blunden on (02) 4737 7022.

AMENDED

A lightweight all seasons mess jacket is being developed.

Male tropical

dress will be withdrawn next year.

The number of service dress uniform items, including shirts, issued to new entrants has been slightly reduced.

New women’s court shoes and patent leather shoes will be available next year.

COMING

COMING

GOING

0409726263medalbox.com.audogsbody@medalbox.com.au

The medal box package includesA fully lined Australian Jarrah storage case.

A high density EVA rubber insert behind the lining in the lid for the storage

and/or display of hat badges, ribbons, shoulder flashes etc.

A removable lined tray for holding or displaying the main set of medals.

Compartmented under-tray section for your miniature medals etc.

A heavy duty black cardboard protective case.

Complimentary personalised laser engraving on the top of the timber case

to your requirement including, text, service, corps or unit emblems.

IDEAL GIFT FOR MESS/SERVICE FAREWELLS

1-3 Medals $55.004-7 Medals $77.00 8+ Medals $95.00

LASER ENGRAVING

MMedal Box

UNDER TRAYSTORAGE

27November 8, 2012RCEAIR FF Personnel

Call 1300 76 35 75 24/7 or visit us online at

www.phatreturns.com.au

Defence Force tax specialists -We have extensive experience across all ranks and specialities, including:

� Members who are currently deployed or have served overseas� Members with investment properties� Members who have fallen behind on lodging their tax returns

Phone consultations - All tax returns are completed over the phone, so you don’t have to leave your base, ship or assignment.

One tax agent - We are not limited by locality so you and your family don’t ever have to look for another tax agent again.

Now the #1 tax agent for ADF membersMaximum returns - We know all the specifi c deductions, so you get a great tax return every year!

Mail deadlines to ease rush

GET IN EARLY: Correctly addressing mail and sending it on time will help ensure it reaches the troops by Christmas. Photo: LS Jo Dilorenzo

PERSONNEL NEWS

ACCF launchedA SIGNIFICANT milestone in the management and reporting of capability by Air Force occurred on October 15 when the new Air Command Capability Framework (ACCF) replaced the Air Force Capability Evaluation and Reporting Tool (AFCERT). The ACCF provides personnel with access to next gen-eration software; a one-stop data and information point that assesses current and future capability perfor-mance. ACAUST AVM Mel Hupfeld initiated the ACCF to provide shared situational awareness of the current state of capability across operations, exercises, management, finance and reform to support decision-making. AFCERT will remain accessible for information and data searching until the ACCF is fully implemented, which

is expected to occur by the end of this year.

Views wantedDO YOU want to make a difference? Do you believe the Air Force needs to change? Through the New Horizon Cultural Assessment Project, Air Force is seeking the views of mem-bers to assess Air Force culture. Members are being asked two ques-tions: “In the past two years, were you inspired by or offended by a work colleague within Air Force – what happened?” and “Over the last two years, what was the best or worst event that impacted your career in Air Force – what happened?” To partici-pate, log on to the Air Force intranet homepage and click on the RAAF Roundel. But be quick – the project closes at the end of November.

SENDING those vital messages and presents to deployed personnel during the busy Christmas period is being made easier via the Australian Forces Post Office (AFPO).

Cut-off dates have been imple-mented to ensure mail arrives on time.

Mail being sent to AFPOs 1, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, and 18 must be sent in time to arrive at the Australia Post facility in Sydney by December 7.

Mail for AFPOs 2, 5 and 11 must arrive in Sydney before December 14. Mail to these addresses is subsi-dised by Defence.

Mail to ships operating out-side these AFPOs attracts nor-mal Australian postage rates and is subsidised for delivery beyond Australia.

LEUT Chris Duke, of the Directorate of Supply Chain Operations and Plans, said people sending mail should also note that this service was only for families and friends writing to loved ones.

“Mail above 2kg will attract postal charges, so it’s best to keep it under 2kg,” LEUT Duke said.

“The best advice is get in early, but if there is any doubt, senders

ADDRESS DETAILS

within Australia should check with Australia Post to determine an appropriate posting date from their location to meet the closing dates.

“Deployed forces should check with their local AFPO to determine an appropriate posting date from their location.”

Senders are also reminded that some items such as alcohol, wom-en’s magazines or other types of publications can cause offence in some locations and that all mail is subject to border security.

Checking the Australia Post

� On operations (including HMAS Anzac attached to AFPO 10): PMKeyS number; rank; initial; surname; unit; operation; AFPO (add number); Australian Defence Force NSW 2890.

� Other HMA Ships; PMKeyS number, rank, initials, surname; HMAS, Australian Defence Force NSW 2890

website will ensure the item does not cause a problem.

All customs documentation and declarations must be filled out cor-rectly and attached to the parcel. Also, proof of identity is required when posting a parcel.

If a parcel doesn’t comply with international mail security require-ments, it may be held up or be rejected by security checks.

Defence subsidised mail sent through the Defence Postal Service is restricted to personal mail only for Defence personnel or approved agencies working with Defence.

These arrangements do not cater for any material of a humanitarian or goodwill nature. Anyone consider-ing humanitarian aid or bulk good-will donations must contact Military Strategic Commitments on (02) 6266 7515 through their Service HQ before making any plans.

Defence also advises dog care packages cannot be accepted because of training and diet requirements.

For more information on Australia Post requirements, call 13 13 18, or visit the website at www.auspost.com.au

28 November 8, 2012RCEAIR FFinanceDon’t take a risk on underinsurance, says Australian Securities and Investments Commission chairman Greg Medcraft.

➤ Email ASIC at ADFcolumn@asic.gov.au with topics that interest you.

Do you have enough insurance to cover all the costs of repairing or rebuilding your home if it is

damaged or destroyed by fire or flood?Even if you’re renting, you should

consider whether your contents insur-ance is sufficient.

Having your home or possessions damaged or destroyed in a natural dis-aster is devastating.

If you are not happy with your cur-rent level of cover, shop around for a policy that’s better suited to your needs.

Why you may beunderinsured

You are considered to be under-insured if your insurance covers less than 90 per cent of the rebuilding costs of your home.

You could be underinsured because:➤ It’s hard to estimate what it costs to

rebuild a home.➤ Your policy may be old (more than

three years) and you may not have updated your level of cover.

➤ You may have completed renova-tions, or recently bought jewellery or new electronic items.To work out if you are not ade-

quately covered use the online calcula-tors on insurance company websites to estimate the total cost of repairing or rebuilding your home, or replacing your possessions.

Compare estimates from at least three calculators as the results can differ.

Check your policy nowCheck to see how much your

insurer will pay and under what cir-cumstances.

Does your policy cover the cost of rebuilding and any extra costs you might incur?

Also check when your insurer will reject a claim.

Your policy will state what disas-ters you are covered for.

Make sure you understand the defi-nition of each term.

If you are unsure, ask questions until you are satisfied you know what’s covered and what’s excluded.

In June 2012 a standard definition of ‘flood’ was developed for home and contents insurance, to give people more clarity when choosing cover.

Insurers have two years to start using this definition, but can start using it now.

Insuring against disaster

Contact your insurer to find out if they are using the standard definition.

If you are not happy with your cur-rent cover, talk to your insurer and see what they can offer.

Shop around for a policy better suited to your needs.

Choosing contents insurance

The type of cover you choose will affect the premium you pay.

Some policies cover you for defined events such as fire, while oth-ers cover you for any accidental event.

There are two main types of con-tents insurance:➤ Policies that cover the value of your

possessions.➤ Policies that replace your posses-

sions with new items. For example “new for old”. “New for old” poli-cies tend to be more expensive.Work out what type of cover you

want and weigh up the costs. You can save money by choosing

a higher excess. For example, if you could pay the first $1000 of any loss, the premium will be cheaper.

Policies with the lowest risk of underinsurance are ‘total replacement’ policies, where the insurer agrees to pay unlimited replacement costs.

The golden rule is to get enough cover for the worst-case scenario.

For more information, go to www.moneysmart.gov.au.

FIRE FLOOD

Photo: SGT David Grant

Roll up your sleeves and give blood together Call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au/clubred

SUPPORT THE DEFENCE ORGANISATION BLOOD CHALLENGEDonate blood between 1 September and 30 November 2012Make your donation count by joining your Defence Organisation group at donateblood.com.au/clubred.

Your Donor ID is required to join online. You can ask for your Donor ID at the time of donating or call the Blood Service on 13 14 95.Family and friends are welcome to join the Challenge.

Get your seats allocated now!

Never

Stand Still

Faculty

of Science

School

of Aviation

Upgrade your professional

Programs in Aviation ManagementPostgraduate courses offered by distance education

Bachelor of Aviation

management options

Find out more: www.aviation.unsw.edu.au call Jamie on (02) 9385-6767

29November 8, 2012RCEAIR FF Health

THE new health services con-tract is designed to continue to provide “high quality health care in a timely fashion to our

people when it is needed,” according to Commander Joint Health RADM Robyn Walker.

Defence Science and Personnel Minister Warren Snowdon said Defence’s contract with Medibank Health Solutions contained strong-er monitoring and quality assur-ance measures than under previous health commercial arrangements.

“Under this contract there will be no reduction in health care enti-tlements to ADF members,” Mr Snowdon said.

“Our servicemen and women will continue to receive the highest quality of health care services.”

He said the contract included detailed performance measures and reporting requirements related to delivery of health care services and clinical governance.

Defence retains full respon-sibility for, and oversight of, the healthcare services provided, not Medibank Health Solutions.

RADM Walker said the new contract was designed to provide consistent services around the country.

Previously, regional health cen-tres established their own arrange-ments with medical providers.

The new agreement will stand-a rd i se a r rangements under a national system, which will also relieve the administrative burden on units with national invoicing.

Members of the ADF will retain the right to a second opinion if they are not happy with their ser-vice.

Existing specialist health pro-viders are in talks with Medibank about their individual circum-stances, but RADM Walker said the negotiations were a commercial matter between those parties.

She said a report that only med-ical practitioners who signed the new contract would be eligible to treat ADF personnel was untrue.

“If a member requires treat-ment and that is only achiev-able through a specialist who is not currently contracted to Medibank, we still reserve the right to use that person if it is the best medical option available,” she said.

For most treatments and servic-

Promise of better careMEMBERS who fall sick or become injured after hours or in stand down periods can expect better support under the new health ser-vices contract.

The existing 1800 IM SICK hotline will be cen-tralised to an existing established medical pro-vider focused on assisting with medical attention and advice to ADF members when service health care is not available.

Under the old system the number would route through to an available ADF health centre, which could have been interstate with a medical staff that may have been unfamiliar with the member’s area.

The new system will have the call answered by a central centre specialis-ing in triaging medical situ-ations over the phone and able to provide advice on regional medical facilities if needed.

1800 IM SICK

es, ADF members should not see a change.

RADM Walker said privacy con-cerns were also unfounded.

“No medical-in-confidence infor-mation will be released without the consent of the patients,” she said.

“The contract stipulated a report was expected back in a reasonable amount of time after a member had seen a specialist.

“This is no different to how it has been done previously; it’s now just written into the contract.”

Transition to the new four-year contract started in July and was due to be completed by November 5.

If any ADF member experiences medical treatment they are not pleased with, they are encouraged to contact their local health centre and use the health care complaint system.

The Joint Health Commander says ADF members will not lose services under a new contract, CPL Nick Wiseman reports.

HIGHEST QUALITY: Registered nurse Stacey checks blood samples at the Russell Medical Centre. Photo: LAC Bill Solomou

30 November 8, 2012RCEAIR FSp rt

From Back PageWhen the Australian Defence

Parachuting Association (ADPA) hurriedly put together a team to com-pete in the Asia Military Parachuting Championships in Indonesia in late September, that cameraman was WOFF Shaunn Segon.

There were two RAAFies in the actual team, SQNLDR Sean Walsh (the captain), and FLTLT Barry Calver, who combined with Army CPL Shane Pieschel and PO Marilyn Tomlinson.

But the job of the cameraman who flies above them capturing all the action is certainly not lost on SQNLDR Walsh.

“It’s his video that is used by the judges,” he says. “Without it, we score nothing.”

The judges were obviously impressed.

The ADPA team placed third out of 10 international teams, missing second by just one point.

Qatar won and the Indonesian Army was second. Both these teams were fully sponsored and had been training together for some time, unlike the Australian team which only had one training camp together.

WOFF Segon, of 285SQN, says:

“The other countries couldn’t believe we were a combined Army, Navy and Air Force team, and also included a female flying with the guys.”

ADPA president CAPT Fransisca Molnar, who travelled to Jakarta with the Australian team, says parachuting is regarded as an elite sport within the south-east Asian military community and as such is traditionally well sup-ported.

By contrast, ADPA is a fairly new organisation, gaining ADF Sports Council approval little more than a year ago, and it has been more than

10 years since an ADF team had com-peted internationally.

But it is growing in popularity here. ADPA now has 166 members and is planning the Australian Defence Parachute Championships, which will be held at HMAS Albatross in Nowra, from December 14-23.

ADPA has invited Indonesia, Singapore, New Zealand, Malaysia and Thailand to attend, hoping that some of the competitors the team met in Indonesia will make the trip to Australia.

SQNLDR Walsh, of 44WG HQ, has done about 3500 jumps since 1984.

He used to be a British naval com-mando with parachute wings.

He has been in Australia for 10 years, competing each year in the national championships and represent-ing Australia in France in 2008.

Up in the air, he calls the shots – communicating with his team members only via body language and eyes. But there’s no way of talking to the cameraman. He’s on his own and the others just have to trust he’s doing it right.

FLTLT Calver also comes from Britain. He transferred from the RAF to the RAAF in June 2007 and now

works as an armament engineer, working within the explosive ord-nance disposal (EOD) specialisation.

FLTLT Calver is now posted as an embed in the Army’s 20 EOD SQN, part of the 6th Engineer Support Regiment.

He has been doing big way for-mations for a number of years, right up to 200 people joining together in Australia and the US.

WOFF Segon, who is a C-130 loadmaster, lays claim to being the only Hercules loadie who jumps out of aircraft.

It’s a pastime that started in May, 1986 when he did his first jump with the Queensland Air Training Corps at Toogoolawah.

He was the first cadet for freefall. You might say he was the first to take the plunge.

Since then he’s done more than 2600 jumps, totalling about 35 hours freefall.

When the chance to jump with a camera first came in about 1992, he seized the opportunity because he says he’s always been interested in photogra-phy and it doubled with his other habit.

Those skills came in handy when he was a camera flier for the RAAF’s 75th anniversary celebrations in the Air Force Display Team, the Blue Eagles, in 1996.

He was thrilled by the competition in Indonesia.

“There was a good buzz about the event and it was an honour to represent not only Australia, but wave the ADF and RAAF flag.”

For more information on ADPA, email s ky.diving@defence.gov.au

Skydivers grab share of glory

HIS JOB DONE: Cameraman WOFF Shaunn Segon comes down to earth.

PROUD MOMENT: WOFF Shaunn Segon with his bronze medal-winning teammates, SQNLDR Sean Walsh, to his left, FLTLT Barry Calver, right, CPL Shane Pieschel, bottom left, and PO Marilyn Tomlinson ... “the other countries couldn’t believe we were a combined Army, Navy and Air Force team, and also included a female flying with the guys.”

PROPERTY INVESTORS

� Invest in property which is Positive Cash Flow from day one

� Turn your poor performing property into a Cash making machine

� Determine your Return on Investment before you invest - Ask us how?

Call - 0437 553 866 housebuyersolutions.com.au

31November 8, 2012RCEAIR F Sp rt

SERVICE personnel from Australia, the US and Singapore competed in the Tarin Kot Melbourne marathon in Afghanistan on October 14.

The event was conducted in a 6km loop around the dusty, rocky perimeter road of Multinational

Base Tarin Kot (MNBC-TK). The events included marathon, half-marathon, 10km and 5.7km for both men and women.

“Everyone had a great time,” according to SGT Cassie Fien, who is the MNBC-TK gymnasium

manager. “There were no injuries – however, there were a few sore peo-ple walking around the next day.”

SGT Fien said 130 people par-ticipated and part of their entry fee went to Acquired Brain Injuries. About $320 was raised.

Tarin Kot marathon’s long and dusty road

John Martin

RAAFies once again dominated the ADF cycling championships (ADCC), winning eight of the 11 titles on offer.

The titles were held in Canberra from October 15-20, for the first time combining mountain biking and road cycling at the same event.

For the third year in a row, FLTLT Damon Stefani won the overall men’s road championships, after he won the time trial and criterium and finished second to CPL Jarrod Hughes in the actual road race component.

FLTLT Stefani was lucky to get to the event at all because when he set on from Adelaide the preceding Friday he had a car accident before he had even left the city.

His car was a write-off but he escaped with whiplash.

Aside from winning the road race, CPL Hughes also won the men’s mountainbike cross-country for the third time and was also awarded the trophy for most aggressive rider at the championships.

“I recently got back from the Tour de Timor so I had some good fitness leading up to the event,” CPL Hughes said.

“The cross-country course was a good fast and flowing course. My aim again was to get to the front early and push the pace.”

Reservist LACW Philippa Roston won the women’s road race, CPL Sarah Booth won the women’s down-hill and CPL Jessica Robson, more often seen in running events, jumped on a bike this time and won the wom-en’s time trial.

The ADCC pitched the event as a carnival with the focus on partici-pation. So in addition to the champi-onship races the club ran many other activities focusing on developing the skills of newer riders.

It also included an excursion to the Australian Institute of Sport, where members were invited to participate in a study of post activity recovery methods.

The week culminated in an open road race involving more than 150 local and Defence riders. It came down

Eight cycling titles

to a sprint involving eight riders and CPL Hughes was chuffed to finish sec-ond.

LACW Roston and CPL Michael Crummy perhaps took participation a step further than most of the cyclists.

On the weekend before the ADF titles, both participated – and excelled – in the Scott 24-hour race in Canberra.

LACW Roston finished second in the solo female category and CPL Crummy partnered former Navy mem-ber Sean Bekkers for second place in the men’s pairs.

The very next day, the ADF cham-pionships began.

LACW Roston won the women’s road race.

CPL Crummy, who specialises in mountainbike endurance events, con-tested the men’s road race but he also contested the men’s downhill.

Last year he finished sixth when he had a crack at the same event.

This year, using a borrowed down-hill specific bike, he finished third.

CPL Crummy is the first to admit his long, lanky frame does not fit the traditional mould of a downhiller but

his turn of speed and bike-handling ability obviously gives him every chance to do well in the event.

But while some of his rivals chose the A line – which is the shortest way down the descent but traverses some big jumps and gaps – CPL Crummy played it safer.

“I’m not fearless,” he said. “I took the B lines over the major obstacles, keeping my tyres mostly on the dirt.”

PS: If CPL Crummy wasn’t saddle-sore enough after eight days of riding, the next day he fronted for a cross-country event in Sydney.

Combined event a hit in Canberra

THE DOMINANT HALF A DOZEN: Clockwise from top left, CPL Jarrod Hughes, FLTLT Damon Stefani, CPL Jessica Robson, LACW Philippa Roston, CPL Sarah Booth and CPL Michael Crummy.

FREE CERT IVIN FITNESS

*Conditions Apply.

Got a sports tip? Let Michael Weaver know: (02) 62667707 or michael.weaver@defencenews.gov.au

Calling all santasADF members will be among the hundreds of runners expected to com-pete in the inaugural Santa Fun Run around Lake Burley Griffith in Canberra on November 25 to raise money for Varitey – The Children’s Charity. To register for the Santa Fun Run, visit www.varietysan-tafunrun.com.au and click on ACT.

THE Australian Defence Softball Association National Championships will be conducted at RAAF Base Edinburgh from December 3-7. Women’s teams will compete for the WO1 Dowsett Perpetual Trophy and men will compete for the Pat Rawlings Perpetual Trophy. This will be the final formal Defence competi-tion before ADSA participates in the New Zealand Defence Force National championships in early March. For more information, contact either GPCAPT Peter Davis, peter.davis@defence.gov.au, or WO2 Virginia Morris, virginia.morris@defence.gov.au

Softball at Edinburgh

CPL Rebecca Allen played a big part in ensuring the Australian Services Rugby Union Women’s (ASRU-W) team made a big opening statement on its tour of Britain.

Women open UK tour in crushing style

CPL Allen, of 1RTU, pictured right, was judged the team’s Most Valuable Player in the team’s 52-0 triumph over the Royal Air Force in RAF Halton on October 23.

The ASRU-W touring team, which contains five Air Force players, is playing seven games against British military teams, culminating in a showdown against the UK Combined Services team on November 7.

When this newspaper went to press that match had not been played, but CPL Allen said the ASRU-W Warriors were hungry for revenge after losing to the touring British Army women’s team 0-14 at Sydney’s Victoria Barracks on May 24.

That match was played in cold, drizzling rain that robbed ASRU-W of their speed and the width of their attack while making ball handling a nightmare.

“The team is playing hard to achieve a measure of revenge after their loss on home soil,” CPL Allen said.

The other Air Force players on tour are LACW Lucinda Tomlinson, FLTLT Margaret Quinn, LACW Brooke Jacoby-Saunders and OCDT Sarah Hume.

DMO DMO MILITARY RESERVESexciting opportunities Australia wide!

LEAD TWICE THE LIFE

Exciting opportunities are available for Military Reservists in the following trades/ specialisations: » Project Managment » Logistics » Finance » Administration » Technical Trades » Engineering (mechanical & electrical) » Aircrew

DEFENCE MATERIEL ORGANISATION | www.dmojobs.gov.au or call 1800 DMO JOBS (1800 366 562)

SP RTRTNovember 8, 2012

John Martin

PICTURE this. Four people jump out of a light aircraft at 10,000 feet and link up for what’s known as a four-way formation skydiving competition.

For the next 34 seconds they hurtle towards earth at 200km/h while attempting a range of pre-determined formations together.

These include using particu-lar leg and arm grips, splitting into pairs, rotating the pairs 360 degrees and then reforming into

the same formation as before or a different one.

Then at about 4000 feet, they track away from each other and open their parachutes at 3000 feet.

Did you catch all that, judges?No? Well, no problem because

there’s a fifth person who jumps out of that aircraft: the camera-man and he gets it all on film so the judges can soak it all up on the ground.

CONTINUED PAGE 30

NICE NICE DROP, DROP, THATTHAT

Air Force skydivers share glory in IndonesiaAir Force skydivers share glory in Indonesia

John Martin

FLGOFF Rowan Beggs-French will finally be able to put the pain of Spain behind him when he takes his place as an Air Force-sponsored contestant in the Mark Webber Tasmania Challenge in Tasmania from November 28 to December 2.

Not that FLGOFF Beggs-French actually got to Spain.

On the heels of some impressive endurance races, he had won qualifica-tion to represent Australia in the long-course triathlon – 4km swim, 120km bike ride and 30km run – in Vittoria on July 29.

But a training accident ended that trip happening at all.

“I pulled a heave beam out of its mount while doing leg raises and fell two metres head-first on to a concrete step,” he said.

“The head and back were reason-ably unhappy about that.”

The good news is that FLGOFF Rowan Beggs-French, of 285SQN, is back in training. All he is waiting on is the starting flag from his doctor.

The Directorate of Defence Aviation and Air Force Safety (DDAAFS) will fund two competitors in the 350km challenge that involves mountain bikes, kayaks and trekking.

The other competitor selected is SQNLDR Tony Blunden, of HQ Air Command.

Two other competitors, SGT Kirk Peacock, of the School of Air Warfare, and FLTLT Rob McManus, of DDAAFS, have been named as reserves and are on standby.

The sponsorship is part of a DDAAFS safety promotion project which will include a DVD launched in early 2013 to improve the manage-ment of stress, fatigue and workplace distractions.

The DVD will feature aerobatics pilot and former RAAF pilot WGCDR Matt Hall and F1 driver Mark Webber.

SETBACK: FLGOFF Rowan Beggs-French who had to pull out of his trip to Spain after a training accident.

He’s back on track for Tassie

ALL TOGETHER NOW: Clockwise from top, SQNLDR Sean Walsh, PO Marilyn Tomlinson, SQNLDR Barry Calver and CPL Shane Pieschel.– Frame grab taken from a video shot by WOFF Shaunn Segon above Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, about 10km south-east of the Jakarta city centre.

HIS TURN TO SMILE: Cameraman WOFF Shaunn Segon receives his bronze medal.

th f ti b f

n

Our riders rule at ADF titles

– PAGE 31