AIRF RCEVol. 58, No. 7, May 5, 2016 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

Heron takes off at Amberley P3 Centre of innovation at Edinburgh P10

PROUD STEPS

How we marched on Anzac Day 2016

PAGE 2 and CENTRE

Air Force Band CO SQNLDR Mathew Shelley leads

band members towards the Australian Memorial

Park at Bullecourt in France during Anzac Day

commemorations.Photo: ABIS Chris Beerens

2 May 5, 2016RCEAIR FNews

DirectorDavid Edlington: (02) 6265 4650

EditorLawrence Dutrieux: (02) 6266 7612

ReportersWO2 Andrew HetheringtonSGT Dave Morley: (02) 6266 7613CPL Bill Solomou: (02) 6265 1355CPL Max Bree: (02) 6266 7608 CPL Mark Doran: (02) 6265 1304LS Jayson Tufrey: (02) 6266 7606CPL Sebastian Beurich: (02) 6265 4140

CONTACT USraafnews@defencenews.gov.auThe Editor, Air Force News, R8-LG-047, PO Box 7909, Department of Defence, ACT 2600www.defence.gov.au/news/raafnewsFax: (02) 6265 6690

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RCEAIR F

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

AIRF RCEVol. 58, No. 7, May 5, 2016 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

Heron takes off at Amberley P3 Centre of innovation at Edinburgh P10

PROUD STEPS

How we marched on Anzac Day 2016

PAGE 2 and CENTRE

Air Force Band CO SQNLDR Mathew Shelley leads

band members towards the Australian Memorial

Park at Bullecourt in France during Anzac Day

commemorations.Photo: ABIS Chris Beerens

CAPT Megan McDermott

FOR three members of the Air Force Band, participating in the Villers-Bretonneux Dawn Service at the Australian National Memorial in France was a particu-larly moving experience.

Tuba player LAC Brendon Lukin, flautist CPL Vicki Shelley and bugler LAC Jason Reeve each have relatives who sacrificed their lives fighting in France during the Great War.

Between rehearsals, the band members were given the oppor-tunity to visit their relatives’ bur-ial sites. For LAC Lukin, whose great-great uncle fought and died in France as part of the 28th Infantry Battalion, this had a profound effect.

“I felt really quite emotional and suddenly the whole purpose of this representational deployment made sense to me,” he said.

“What my relatives did brought peace to the world. Through my service I feel a connection to theirs.

“Serving in the military reminds me that we need to fight for the life that we live here in Australia today.”

CPL Shelley’s great-grand-fa ther, PTE Wil l iam Henry Williamson, of the 24th Infantry Battal ion, fought at Vil lers-Bretonneux and is buried nearby

at the Warloy-Baillon Communal Cemetery.

The accomplished flautist felt a deep connection to her great-grand-father and immensely proud to be performing on the ground where he was killed in action almost 100 years ago.

“Visiting my great-grandfather’s grave was an overwhelming experi-ence and one which I will never forget,” CPL Shelley.

“Performing on Anzac Day in his honour was the highlight of my experience in France.”

The Aus t r a l i an Na t iona l Memorial stands at the crest of the hill behind the Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery and lists the names of 10,768 Australians who died in France and have no known grave.

The name of LAC Reeve’s great uncle – killed on March 28, 1918, while fighting in the Somme Valley – is listed on the wall under the 40th Infantry Battalion.

“As a bugler playing the Last Post you can’t help but get caught up in the emotion and think about the soldiers who have completed their duty,” he said. “When playing, family connections often come to mind.”

These family connections remind us that the Anzac spirit lives in the hearts and minds of all Australians.

CAPT Megan McDermott

CPL Vicki Shelley performed alongside the Queensland-based Anzac commemoration choir Voices of Birralee at the annual Australia Week concert in Villers-Bretonneux, France, on April 20.

Each year, in the lead up to Anzac Day, the townspeople of Villers-Bretonneux host a series of activities to remember the role played by Australians in halting the German offensive at Villers-Breton-neux in 1918.

CPL Shelley said it was a won-derful experience to work along-side the choir.

“To perform in front of the townspeople of Villers-Bretonneux was a very uplifting experience. The townspeople were extremely welcoming and enthusiastically sang along despite the obvious

language barrier,” she said. “At the end of the performance, the townspeople gave a great round of applause in what felt like apprecia-tion for not only our performance on the night but for the contribution made by Australians during World War I.”

CPL Shelley was invited to join the Voices of Birralee choir to perform a leading flautist role for the anthem Ave Maria.

Voices of Birralee associate director and conductor Paul Holley said it was a pleasure to host CPL Shelley and to work alongside the Air Force Band.

Mr Holley worked closely with the band’s commanding officer, SQNLDR Mathew Shelley, in the lead up to the Anzac Day services.

They both wrote the musical arrangements for the commemora-tions.

Moving service for trio

CPL Vicki Shelley performs with the Voices of Birralee choir.

Air Force Band members CPL Vicki Shelley, LAC Jason Reeve and LAC Brendon Lukin pay their respects to the fallen during a visit to the Australian National Memorial in Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery, France.Photos: ABIS Chris Beerens

UPLIFTING CONCERT

3May 5, 2016RCEAIR F News

CPL Sebastian Beurich

AMID the noise and activity of air-craft constantly taking off and landing at RAAF Base Amberley, the Heron remotely-piloted aircraft is quiet and unassuming.

But that’s the point – as an intelli-gence, surveillance and reconnaissance platform, the Heron needs to be covert as it circles above its target.

Last month marked the first time No. 5 Flight had flown the Heron in an active military airspace alongside other Air Force platforms – outside of Woomera Test Range and Shoalwater Bay Training Area.

CO 5FLT WGCDR Matt Bowers said 5FLT was focused on maintain-ing and sustaining the skills learnt on operations in Afghanistan.

“We operated in Afghanistan for almost five years, achieving 27,000 hours of airborne operations sup-porting our men and women on the ground,” WGCDR Bowers said.

“In 2014 the Heron was brought back to Australia to ensure we didn’t lose any knowledge or capability we had established.

“We want to ensure the Heron can be operated safely and integrated with other aircraft in the airspace through-out Australia.”

Commander Surveillance and Response Group AIRCDRE Craig Heap said it was another step in the evolution in Australia of remotely-piloted aircraft operations.

“Since we brought the Heron back from Afghanistan, we have gone from training in remote areas such as Woomera to civilian airspace out of Rockhampton and now to a major Air Force base, where we will operate on a more regular basis,” AIRCDRE Heap said. “We will continue to work towards expanding Heron operations.”

5FLT’s work with its two Herons is helping to pave the way for unmanned aerial systems that will be introduced in the future, such as the MQ-4C Triton.

“Over the next few years, we will

continue to normalise unmanned sys-tems within Defence and the broad-er aviation community,” WGCDR Bowers said.

“When we are ready to transition to those new capabilities, we can draw on this training to ensure we operate them safely and effectively.

“We’re trying to break down the barriers of the unknown, we’re try-ing to show remotely-piloted aircraft are the same as any other. The only difference is the pilot is sitting on the ground. We have the same controls and safety mechanisms as regular aircraft.”

FLTLT Jayson Nichols transitioned

from flying AP-3C Orions to the Heron and said he wouldn’t look back.

“The biggest thing is there is no inertia, you don’t get the physiological effects you would if you were flying a manned platform,” FLTLT Nichols said.

“Instead of controlling it tradition-

ally, I control it with a keyboard and mouse. Everything else is the same as flying a light aircraft.

“I’m still an aviator, I’m still involved in flying operations, just not airborne.”

Asked what is the best thing about flying the Heron, he said: “After I’ve conducted a mission, I can land and go home to my family, or stay in one location without having to deploy or land somewhere else.”

FLTLT Nichols said at the moment personnel operate ‘line of sight’, but in the future will have a satellite com-mand data-link, “so we will be able to control the aircraft via satellite any-where around the world”.

Director of Unmanned Aerial Systems GPCAPT Guy Adams said introducing the Heron to civilian air-spaces would help other agencies to gain confidence in its abilities.

“The Defence White Paper talks about platforms of this type supporting search-and-rescue and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief opera-tions,” he said.

“It’s certainly an aspirational goal, or capability transition, because of our aerial endurance and the type of cam-eras we carry.

“Our cameras are a bit like a top-of-the-line digital SLR; we have both infra-red and daylight cameras, with multiple zoom options.”

FLTLT Nelle Sheridan moved to the Heron after working as a navigator on C-130H aircraft.

“The Heron is quite a change com-ing from a C-130 background, but I’ve loved every second of it,” she said.

“On the Hercules, my job was about getting from A-to-B. Heron doesn’t necessarily go from A-to-B, we can remain static for a lot longer.

“Being at the forefront of technol-ogy is quite exciting. It’s great to be a part of and have some influence on how it is shaped and formed.”

Operating out of Amberley has opened up opportunities for 5FLT to work with Army’s 20 Surveillance and Target Acquisition Regiment.

“There’s a lot more we can see and do with the Heron, including greater interoperability and conventional mis-sion profiles with the Army, which is really exciting for us,” FLTLT Sheridan said. “We maintain a good working relationship with 20 STA Regt, because we are both end-users, so it’s good to have a discussion and see how they do things.”

Heron at home

Unmanned aircraft and its pilots are quiet achievers

An A45 Heron remotely-piloted aircraft is towed down the runway at RAAF Base Amberley (above). FLTLT Jayson Nichols at the controls (left) and with fellow Heron pilot FLTLT Nelle Sheridan (below). Photos: LAC Brenton Kwaterski

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4 May 5, 2016RCEAIR FNews

CAPT Anna-Lise Rosendahl

OUT in the South China Sea, a No. 38 Squadron KA350 King Air nosedives at a Singaporean warship in a simulated enemy attack during Exercise Bersama Shield 16.

The King Air, along with an AP-3C Orion, were part of the Air Force’s contribution to the annual mul-tilateral exercise, held around Malaysia, Singapore and the South China Sea from April 18-29.

Six members of 38SQN deployed from RAAF Base Townsville to join more than 200 ADF members in the exercise, which aims to enhance the interoper-ability between the founding nations of the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) – Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand and the UK.

Overall, about 2000 people, 50 aircraft and 10 ships took part. All were coordinated from the FPDA Headquarters Integrated Area Defence System (HQIADS) at the Royal Malaysian Air Force Base Butterworth.

38SQN’s FLGOFF Tomas Czene said the King Air was a wild-card player in the exercise, taking on vari-ous roles.

“We either harassed the exercise aircraft, pretending to be a foreign aircraft that’s not supposed to be there, [or played] an unarmed military aircraft that’s just tak-ing photos or being nosey, or even just a neutral party like a non-government aircraft or media aircraft that’s getting too close,” he said.

“We were just testing the response from either the naval warships or air assets out there to test their inter-cepting capabilities.”

He said the small size of the King Air meant it was more flexible and less likely to be noticed than larger aircraft.

Commander of the exercise’s Australian contingent WGCDR Paul Webb said the long-running exercise helped to strengthen the professional and personal rela-tionships between the nations.

“We do things a little bit differently, so to come together and find out how our friends and allies work, and to also learn some lessons from them, is a very important task for us,” he said.

HQIADS Director of Operations and Plans from the UK Armed Forces WGCDR Colin Would said the main purpose of the exercise was to ensure everyone was integrated so they could work together if an issue did arise.

“It’s simple things like can we speak a common technical language, put a plug into a socket, speak to each other on the radios, all the way up to can we refu-el aircraft from one another, refuel a ship at sea and put munitions from one ship onto another ship,” he said.

The Commander of HQIADS, Australian AVM William Henman, said the exercise was a success.

“We’re fairly confident that the participants got what they were seeking … it really is all about prepar-ing for Exercise Bersama Lima in the second half of the year, and indeed we’ve done that,” he said.

Playing the wild card

Our aircraft demonstrate their versatility as five nations test

their ability to work together in the annual Exercise Bersama Shield

An Air Force KA350 King Air flies past the Royal Malaysian Navy ship KD Selangor in the South China Sea during Exercise Bersama Shield.Photos: CPL Steve Duncan

FSGT Mitch Cumming, of No. 10 Squadron, at his console in an AP-3C Orion during Exercise Bersama Shield.

CPL Troy Vanderkroft, of No. 38 Squadron, connects an external power supply to a King Air at Butterworth.

See videos of Bersama Shield at: http://video.defence.gov.au/play/4650# http://video.defence.gov.au/play/4649#

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5May 5, 2016RCEAIR F News

WOFF Paul Gregory, of No. 10 Squadron, conducts a pre-flight inspection of an Orion’s landing gear at Butterworth.

An AP-3C Orion passes an oil tanker in the South China Sea during Exercise Bersama Shield.FLTLT John-Paul Thorbjornsen, of No. 92 Wing, in front of an AP-3C Orion at Butterworth in Malaysia.

Farewell to an old friendCAPT Anna-Lise Rosendahl

EXERCISE Bersama Shield 16 was bit-tersweet for FLTLT Ronald Collier, who spent his last time in the cockpit of an AP-3C Orion before the aircraft retires.

The No. 10 Squadron maritime patrol aircraft captain is deploying to Jack-sonville, Florida, next month to train on the P-8A Poseidon – the AP-3C Orion’s replacement.

“It’s sad to be letting go of an old friend,” FLTLT Collier said.

“It’s an excellent aeroplane. It’s one of the safest aeroplanes in the sky. You can throw a lot at it, do a lot of things. It’s the most effective maritime surveillance platform in the world.

“To be letting go of that and moving into the 21st century with the P8-A Posei-don will be an interesting experience.”

FLTLT Collier said the AP-3C crew conducted antisurface and antisubma-rine warfare missions together with their New Zealand counterparts in the South China Sea.

“It’s really good to see how differ-ent nations operate particularly with the Royal New Zealand Air Force,” he said.

“We operate very similar aeroplanes. Theirs is a P-3K, ours is an AP-3C. Talk-ing to those guys and seeing how they operate their aircraft and how their crew interacts is very interesting.”

FLTLT Collier was one of 31 person-nel from 10 Squadron, at RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia, deployed to Royal Malaysian Air Force Base But-terworth for the exercise.

FLTLT Ronald Collier, of No. 10 Squadron, in the cockpit of an AP-3C Orion for the last time.

6 May 5, 2016RCEAIR FNews

THE junior airmen and women of the Air Task Group in the Middle East were praised for their “inspira-tional attitude” at a farewell speech by outgoing unit commander GPCAPT David “Chilli” Smith.

GPCAPT Smith completed a nine-month deployment as com-mander of Task Unit 630.1, ATG’s main operational task unit, with a ceremony at Australia’s main air operating base.

“I would like to take a moment to highlight the contribution made by the junior airmen and women of the Air Task Group,” GPCAPT Smith said.

“You have demonstrated an inspirational attitude to fixing air-craft, preparing and loading weap-ons, launching and recovering air-craft, working all hours of the day and night, working in extremes of heat, and to never stopping until the job is done.”

GPCAPT Smith reflected on a successful and productive deploy-ment and thanked members from other coalition nations who had supported him and the group.

“This ceremony is but a brief chapter in Air Force, which has clearly demonstrated that it has trained and prepared airmen and

women to deploy and sustain an air task group,” he said.

“There are so many people wor-thy of recognition who I wish to thank for supporting me and the task unit during my time in com-mand.

“My final thank you goes to my family. Without their enduring sup-port over my deployment, I would not have been able to focus my efforts to serve the men and women of the Air Task Group and the com-bat support element,” he said.

GPCAPT Smith welcomed incoming task unit commander GPCAPT Brendan “Buck” Rogers, who assumed command at the end of the ceremony.

“Buck, you have a strong, dedi-cated and professional team within your headquarters,” he said.

“Your squadron commanders and their teams excel at their mis-sion.

“The Air Task Group is rapidly developing the art of expeditionary combat operations.”

Task Unit 630.1 is the sub-unit of the ATG responsible for the operation, maintenance and support of the three aircraft types deployed with the group.

Thanks to inspiring teamTask unit commander bows out with plaudits for junior members who ‘never stop until the job is done’

GPCAPT David Smith, left, hands over command of Task Unit 630.1 to GPCAPT Brendan Rogers, while Air Task Group commander AIRCDRE Antony Martin looks on. Photo: CPL Nicci Freeman

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7May 5, 2016RCEAIR F News

FLTLT Bruce Chalmers

A CRITICAL part of all Air Force pilot training, the Pilatus PC-9/A aircraft, has clocked more than 500,000 flying hours.

The feat was celebrated with an interactive flying display by the most recognisable PC-9/A users, the Roulettes of Central Flying School, at the RAAF Museum, at Point Cook in Victoria, on April 17.

The display was also something of an occasion for the museum itself, being the first flight it has hosted since October last year, when a major refur-bishment of its runway commenced.

Following the display, Commander Air Force Training Group (AFTG) AIRCDRE Geoff Harland was pre-sented with a commemorative plaque by Pilatus representative Rob Oliver to mark this milestone.

Introduced into the Air Force in 1987, the Swiss-designed aircraft has been used for training pilots since 1989.

AIRCDRE Har land sa id the PC-9/A’s half a million flying hours were an achievement to be celebrated on behalf of the hundreds of person-nel who have involved with the aircraft since it came into service.

“The contribution of many talented people, including aeronautical and elec-tronic engineers, pilots and air combat officers, have made this milestone pos-sible,” he said.

After completing the basic flying training course, trainee ADF pilots

move on to the advanced flying train-ing course with No. 2 Flying Training School at RAAF Base Pearce, typically completing approximately 130 hours in the PC-9/A.

The PC-9/A is also central to busi-ness at RAAF Base East Sale, where it is used to teach qualified pilots to become flying instructors.

Also, qualified instructors are eli-gible to fly the aircraft with the Air Force’s elite formation aerobatic display team, the Roulettes.

Thirty per cent of Air Force’s fly-ing hours are conducted in training at AFTG.

“With that amount of flying time, it is not surprising that the PC-9/A has achieved this milestone,” AIRCDRE Harland said.

“Not only is it a testament to the people who contribute to keeping the aircraft airborne, the people who fly them and the trainers who train our pilots, it also says a lot about how Air Force selects its aircraft.

“When the PC-9/A reaches its well-earned retirement age in the next few years, Air Force will continue to ensure aircraft selected for all its needs meet strict criteria for equipment fit for pur-pose and for ADF interoperability under Plan Jericho.”

Information on the Roulettes, including photos and details of team members, can be found at www.defence.gov.au/raaf/roulettes. Information on the RAAF Museum, including its interactive flight display schedule, can be found at www.airforce.gov.au/raafmuseum/.

Air time hits the heights

Half a million hours in the sky is something to celebrate for veteran pilot trainer

The Roulette Pilatus PC-9/As turn on a display to celebrate 500,000 flying hours at the RAAF Museum, Point Cook. Photos: LS Dove Smithett

Pilatus representative Rob Oliver presents Commander Air Force Training Group AIRCDRE Geoff Harland with a plaque honouring 500,000 flying hours.

CPL Bill Solomou

RECEIVING the Federation Star has been the icing on the cake in the distinguished career of WGCDR Howard Thorpe.

Commander CSG AIRCDRE Scott Winchester presented WGCDR Thorpe with his star on March 29.

Enlisting in 1971, WGCDR Thorpe has undertaken several postings, his most mem-orable being his role as engineer desk offic-er in DPO-AF and his 2½ years conducting lateral recruitment activities in London.

“My father had been in the Royal Navy during the war and by chance I bumped into a RAAF recruiter at my old scout troop in Adelaide. The rest, as they say, is history,” WGCDR Thorpe said.

“I always expected to complete 20 years, but had not really thought too much about the 40-year milestone.”

WGCDR Thorpe acknowledged the sup-port of his wife of 40 years.

“Fran was prepared to sacrifice her career to allow me to follow mine,” he said.

“I certainly could not have achieved the things I did without her full and unflinching support.”

WGCDR Thorpe has been a Reservist since June 2009 and he intends to continue until he turns 65.

Continuing the family tradition, his son, SQNLDR Samuel Thorpe, is the B flight commander at No. 2 Squadron at RAAF Base Williamtown.

Marking 40 years since young scout signed up

WGCDR Howard Thorpe receives his Federation Star from AIRCDRE Scott Winchester. Photo: SGT Christopher Dickson

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HEALTH Support Wing at RAAF Base Amberley has hosted two Royal Air Force medical offic-ers from the UK during Exercise Longlook.

Both medical officers are from the Tactical Medical Wing, RAF Brize Norton (Oxfordshire).

Medical nursing officer FLTLT Wendy Norrie said she learnt how she could share her training, skills and experiences to support the delivery of patient care in the oper-ational environment.

“We have been welcomed at every unit and it has been a priv-ilege to work alongside a nation with which we share a proud mili-tary history,” she said.

Medical support officer FLTLT Rebecca Raw said the exchange had been an opportunity of a life-time.

“I have learnt so much dur-ing my time here. I have seen so many opportunities to develop best practice and greater interoperabil-ity between the RAF and RAAF,” she said.

“The long-term effects of this exchange and reciprocal exchanges in the future are very promising.”

Exercise Longlook is a triserv-ice annual exchange between the Australian and the UK defence forces.

The focus of the exchange is to broaden the experience and profes-sional knowledge of selected per-sonnel, while promoting continued cooperation through exposure to another culture and other proce-dures, equipment and personnel.

Both of this year’s partici-pants observed the workings of the Health Operational Conversion Unit, Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and Expeditionary Health wings. They also did the joint health planners and aeromedical evacuation courses.

The program provided a com-prehensive insight into the wider medical services, allowing them to absorb the many varied outputs of RAAF health services personnel.

Exercise Longlook project offic-er FLTLT Maria Storey said the exchange provided a valuable win-dow through which to view RAAF training and operational capability similarities and differences.

“In turn, the shared knowledge and experiences enable greater integration when we are teamed on operations and exercises,” FLTLT Storey said.

“Health Services Wing looks forward to the reciprocal tour of RAF facilities later this year to fur-ther augment our interoperability.”

Care under observationExchange officers have a long look at how our medical teams work

Exercise Longlook RAF exchange officers, FLTLT Rebecca Raw, fourth from front left, and FLTLT Wendy Norrie, third from right, with members of Health Operational Conversion Unit at Amberley. Photo: LACW Casey Gaul

8 May 5, 2016RCEAIR FNews

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AWARD WINNING RESUMES

Eamon Hamilton

A FULL-FLIGHT mission simu-lator (FFMS) for the C-130H Hercules has been farewelled from RAAF Base Richmond.

Operated by No. 285 Squadron from 2003 until 2012, it trained a generation of RAAF C-130H pilots, navigators and flight engineers.

The FFMS has a new home in Jakarta, where it will be used by the Indonesian Air Force.

The FFMS had to be pulled apart and a wall taken down to extract the simulator from its building.

The purpose-built headquarters building allows sections of the walls to be removed, making the process easier.

George Kollios, CAE train-ing centre manager at Richmond, said the FFMS would be used to support crews flying ex-Australian C-130Hs, six of which Australia is selling to Indonesia for a discount rate.

The first of these was handed over in February.

The C-130H will contribute to Indonesia’s capacity to provide humanitarian assistance and disas-ter relief, which the recent Defence White Paper identifies as a key area for bilateral cooperation.

The enhanced airlift capabil-ity provided by these aircraft also opens opportunities for more effec-

tive cooperation with Indonesia in response to regional challenges.

“The Indonesians already oper-ate C-130s, but the ex-RAAF C-130H aircraft they have acquired are a different model, including sig-nificant variances in avionics,” Mr Kollios said.

“To train properly, they need to have a simulator that replicates the cockpit more precisely.

“Indonesia’s acquisition of the C-130H simulator will allow them to increase their training, which will be more realistic and can be done in a shorter space of time.”

When the FFMS arrived at RAAF Base Richmond in the early

2000s, it replaced a very basic C-130H cockpit simulator that rep-licated the most basic of functions.

Advances in IT and computer graphics meant the new FFMS sub-stantially improved training benefits.

“It was originally commissioned in 2003, and was what we call a Level-5 Simulator, which is the highest quality that the crews can train in,” Mr Kollios said.

For C-130H aircrew, the FFMS replaced a range of training activi-ties conducted in a live C-130H.

Its commissioning coincided with the deployment of C-130Hs to operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

9May 5, 2016RCEAIR F News

Stealthy sight fills mirrorsCPL Bill Solomou

AIR Force crew at RAAF Base Tindal had the chance to get up close and per-sonal with a B-2 Spirit bomber when airmen from Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, conducted engine run-ning crew changes at the base.

SADFO RAAF Base Tindal WGCDR Andrew Tatnell said the mis-sion, on March 22, was an exciting combat support task for the Tindal per-sonnel.

“This mission provided an opportu-nity to provide a different scenario and test the support systems of the base,” he said.

“There are 12 units on the base all working together as Team Tindal to generate the fighting airbase air power capability.”

SGT Dave Neilson, the senior air-man in the Air Movements Section, was responsible for the ground han-dling coordination with the USAF airmen.

“To actually see a B-2 in real life is a career highlight,” he said.

“When it came into view on descent into the airfield, you could see the cross-section of the plane.

“Dropping to tree level just about to touch down, it virtually disappeared

from sight until the plumes of smoke came up from the touchdown.

“I drove the ‘follow me’ car to guide the aircraft to the parking posi-tion and it was quite a formidable sight having it fill my mirrors.”

WGCDR Tatnell said the training mission formed part of a long-standing program of combined training initia-tives and exercises between Australia and the US.

He said only the US Air Force air-crew had access to the flight deck.

“On the ground the crew spent time meeting the personnel from RAAF Base Tindal. They explained the purpose of the mission and how the aircraft flight was very smooth and enjoyable,” he said.

The B-2 was one of three deployed to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region from March 8 to 29 to enhance bomber crew readiness and proficiency and to inte-grate capabilities with key regional partners.

US Strategic Command bomb-ers regularly rotate through the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to conduct theatre security cooperation engagements with partners and to demonstrate a shared commitment to promoting security and stability in the region.

Arrival of US B-2 Spirit bomber an eye-opener for Tindal personnel

Simulator on the move

The C-130H Hercules full-flight mission simulator is removed from No. 285 Squadron at RAAF Base Richmond. Photo: CPL Oliver Carter

SGT Dave Neilson, of No. 17 Squadron Air Movements, talks with US Air Force personnel (above) as the US B-2 Spirit bomber conducts an engine running crew change at RAAF Base Tindal (left).Photos: USAF Senior Airman Joel Pfiester

10 May 5, 2016RCEAIR FNews

More than whiteboardsOFFCDT Oliver Jiang

THE Air Warfare Centre Innovation Hub is ready to help drive bottom-up innovation across Air Force, according to its manager, WGCDR Justin Porter.

WGCDR Porter said the hub would be a leader in innovative thinking and delivery.

“The hub will break down the ‘stovepipes of excellence’ identified in Plan Jericho, and will deliver solutions and products to Air Force and wider ADF customers,” he said.

“For staff, the meaning of inno-vation is ‘the successful implementa-tion of new ideas, or ideas success-fully applied’. In order to develop and implement new ideas, the hub facili-tates Integrated Project Teams (IPTs), helping them to innovate and to think beyond conventional wisdom.”

The hub was established as part of the AWC at RAAF Base Edinburgh early this year.

WGCDR Porter said it had a mix-ture of Air Force and APS personnel “who understand the potential that innovation offers the service, and are eager to develop that potential into real-world results”.

He said the hub was a logi-

cal progression from the Aerospace Operational Support Group’s contin-uous improvement (CI) framework, where CI people would meet each month to discuss improvement ideas.

Although the framework was well advanced, WGCDR Porter said inno-vation was not just about standing in front of a whiteboard to discuss ideas.

“To achieve successful innova-tion, you need a successful approach. Incorporating innovation into our existing CI framework just seemed to make sense without the need to create a whole new process,” he said.

“While the hub will certainly con-centrate on delivering innovative solu-tions for our IPTs, we have a second-ary role to deliver innovation aware-ness training across the AWC.

“This is where the modified CI-innovation framework will work.”

Hub staff will be trained at the University of Technology Sydney in how to facilitate innovation for IPTs and how to deliver innovation aware-ness training for the AWC.

There are also plans to collaborate with the University of South Australia, and with the defence industry via the Rapid Prototyping, Development and Evaluation Program.

Innovation hub to focus eager minds on turning potential into real-world results

Air Warfare Centre Innovation Hub staff, from left, Tia Gordon, WGCDR Justin Porter and WOFF John Wenham put their heads together inside the hub at RAAF Base Edinburgh. Photo: CPL Craig Barrett

Chance to study a recipe for successCPL Bill Solomou

FOR LAC Aytac Fuad, of No. 17 Squadron RAAF Base Tindal, receiving the 2016 Lipshut Family Bursary has been like winning the lottery.

“Being given this opportunity has been a life-changing experience for me, my wife, Kerrie, and my two children. We see it as if we have won Lotto,” he said.

“Words cannot explain the level of gratitude we have to the Lipshut family for giving us this grand opportunity to complete my degree in engineering.”

Sonnie Lipshut established the bur-sary in 2000 to allow outstanding air-men and airwomen ranked corporal and below, who might not have had the chance otherwise, to undertake full-time tertiary studies.

The bursary provides funding for a full-time undergraduate degree. The recipients choose the degree and the institution at which they will study.

While the bursary and completion of the degree do not automatically lead to commission, LAC Fuad said he hopes to commission as an aeronautical engi-neer to further his career, work with aircraft, be involved in innovation and, most importantly, improve his family’s prospects.

“Working as a cook was only tempo-rary. It was a way of getting myself in the door and seeing what was available later,” he said.

“What I find interesting is how the mechanical aspects on an aircraft work and how the various parts seamlessly work together.”

LAC Fuad has commenced a four-year bachelor degree in mechanical engi-neering at the University of Southern Queensland.

He is waiting to see if he will be accepted into ADFA to study to become a bachelor in aeronautical engineering.

Katherine’s mayor, Fay Miller, congratulates LAC Aytac Fuad on his bursary. Photo: CPL David Cotton

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11May 5, 2016RCEAIR F News

CONTEMPORARY armed conflict is markedly different from in the past, with women and children representing more than 80 per cent of casualties.

Beyond this, women and young girls are often subjected to human traf-ficking, sexual assault and abduction during conflict.

With this in mind, personnel from Air Mobility Group (AMG) held a Women, Peace and Security (WPS) workshop at RAAF Base Richmond on April 19, looking at how to apply WPS principles to operations.

AMG Chief of Staff GPCAPT Stewart Dowrie said the Air Force has begun to apply itself in earnest to the Australian national action plan for United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 on WPS.

“UNSCR 1325 calls for a glob-

al response to this appalling reality,” GPCAPT Dowrie said.

“And, just as importantly, we know that restoring peace is more achievable and sustainable when women join men in the decision-making and peace-building process.

“For AMG, applying WPS will be the key to becoming even better at what we already do. We provide the Australian Government with a highly responsive global reach, and part of that role means being the first on the scene during times of crisis.

“It is critical for us that our work-force understands the role that gen-der plays during the situations that we regularly respond to.

“These scenarios range from mass airborne evacuation of civilians to delivering humanitarian aid and

Key aims of UNSCR 1325: n Protecting the rights of women and

children;n Preventing armed conflicts and

war by implementing the gender perspective in national and interna-tional peace negotiations, activities and security policy;

n Increasing the participation and decision making of women in peace building; and

n Incorporating a gender perspective into peacekeeping operations.

Leading role for womenRights of women and children to be front of mind in fighting operations

deploying Australian or coalition per-sonnel to a battlefront.

“WPS and understanding gen-der also applies to our people work-ing among foreign nationals from a deployed airbase.”

FLGOFF Sarah Fraser, the WPS representative for AMG, will lead

the working group at RAAF Base Richmond.

“The working group will lay the groundwork for WPS objectives with-in AMG in the coming two years,” FLGOFF Fraser said.

“Representatives will gain a better understanding of WPS principles, and

their application to the work we do, both in Australia and overseas.”

“These principles are not just about how we respond to conflict, but how we shape our workforce, including better representation of women in key WPS roles, such as operational plan-ning and our loadmaster workforce.”

FLGOFF Sarah Fraser, who will lead the Women, Peace and Security working group for Air Mobility Group, facilitates the workshop at RAAF Base Richmond. Photo: CPL Veronica O’Hara

WPS GOALS

12 13RCEAIR FCentrepiece May 5, 2016

PAUSE FOR REMEMBRANCECAPT Megan McDermott

AT THE dawn service at the Australian National Memorial Dawn Service a t Vi l lers-Bretonneux in France, CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies told the crowd of more than 3000 that it was important to remember the stories of the individuals who fought in the Great War.

“After being on operations in the Middle East for the past 16 years, telling their stories gives us relevance and helps us to understand the significance of their sacrifice,” AIRMSHL Davies said.

“At times we ask ourselves, why are we on operations? It’s so we can give our children the opportunities afforded to us by those who fought before us.

“If we keep telling their stories then we may remember what they fought for and why we continue to have a Defence Force today.”

In the week leading up the event, blue skies and mild tem-peratures graced the fields of Villers-Bretonneux. The tem-perature dropped on Anzac Day eve, clouds rolled in and the atmosphere was set for another sombre Anzac Day commemo-ration.

In 1916, Australians arrived on the Western Front where they fought for three long years across 100km of bloody bat-tlefields. CAF quoted Jimmy Dowling, of the 57th Battalion, who described the conditions

endured by the soldiers at the Battle of Fromelles: “Hundreds were mown down in the flicker of an eyelid, like great rows of teeth knocked from a comb, but still the line went on, thinning and stretching. Wounded wrig-gled into shell holes or were hit again. Men were cut in two by streams of bullets. And still the line went on.”

Australia’s Federation Guard provided a catafalque party, flag party and wreath orderlies for the dawn service.

Cont ingent commander FLTLT Mark Schmidt said this year was particularly special for the AFG as the focus moved to the centenary of Australia’s first actions on the Western Front.

“I felt extremely honoured to bring the contingent to France and to be a part of this unique opportunity,” FLTLT Schmidt said.

The main effort for the AFG contingent was the catafalque party at the Australian National Memorial Dawn Service in Villers-Bretonneux, followed by commemorative activities including services at Villers-Bretonneux and Bullecourt.

Following the dawn ser-vice, ADF personnel joined the Governor-General and AIRMSHL Davies for a wreath-laying ceremony at the French Monument in the town centre of Villers-Bretonneux.

Joining the AFG contingent were 19 members from the Air Force Band.

FLTLT Shaun Donnelly

IN THE steamy mid-dawn on Papua New Guinea’s Huon Gulf, eight person-nel from No. 22 Squadron formed up to commemorate Anzac Day at the Lae War Cemetery.

The ceremony had an even deeper Anzac Day meaning for the eight air-men, who also paid their respects to 22SQN personnel and VC recipient FLTLT (Bill) Ellis Newton who were buried at the cemetery during WWII.

CPL Dean Cornish, a GSE Fitter and one of the squadron members to travel to Lae, said the trip and service held a special meaning.

“It really is a unique moment to be at the Anzac dawn service in the Lae. There are a lot of personal stories from their time here,” he said.

“There was a real moment where I looked around and saw the headstones of many servicemen who had been laid to rest. It’s a really special feeling to be able to pay your respects.

“I now have this tangible link between the battle honours on our Squadron Standard to the locations where they were fought and won. That’s amazing.”

Detachment commander SQNLDR Chris Meddens said the significance of the Lae War Cemetery was high owing to the number of squadron personnel buried there.

“Among the 151 officers and airmen from Air Force who are buried here there are four from 22SQN. That demonstrates

how important this area is to the squad-ron today,” he said.

“Probably the most well known member was FLTLT Bill Newton who is buried here. He won his VC in the skies above Lae, over the Salamaua Isthmus.

“That makes the journey and cer-emony for the squadron personnel all the more poignant.”

Australian Defence Staff–Lae hosted the dawn service at Lae. Army and the Papua New Guinea Defence Force per-sonnel also attended.

FLTLT Mick McGirr

THE Anzac Day dawn service was an oppor-tunity for the men and women of the Air Task Group to reflect on the service and sacrifice of their forbears while they themselves serve in the Middle East.

CO ATG AIRCDRE Antony Martin said this at an Anzac Day service at the Combined Air and Space Operations Centre (CAOC).

“It is always a unique experience to com-memorate Anzac Day while deployed on oper-ations, and a privilege to stand shoulder to shoulder with the men and women who are making their own sacrifices for the current and future generations of Australians,” AIRCDRE Martin said.

“Much like the mission of the original Anzacs, members of the Australian Air Task Group have deployed far from home to the

Middle East region to play their role in com-bating an aggressor, in this case Daesh, which threatens our way of life.”

Anzac Day was commemorated by ATG members and supporting elements in the Middle East with dawn services at Australia’s main air operating base, main support base, and CAOC.

The Commander of the ATG element at Australia’s main air operating base, GPCAPT Brendan Rogers, said the dawn service at the base was a moving experience and a great opportunity to share an important part of Australian culture with coalition counterparts.

“The dawn service was a very moving experience ahead of a spectacular desert sun-rise,” GPCAPT Brendan Rogers.

“I had the privilege of giving the Anzac Day address at the service, which along with the Australian contingent, was also attended by

a lot of our coalition partners here at the base – in fact there were probably as many of them as there were Australians.

“For most of our coalition partners it would have been their first Anzac Day service, so my address acknowledged our shared experiences and explained the symbolism around the occa-sion and why Australians commemorate the way we do.

“We were also able to project imagery prior to the service to help tell the Anzac story and showcase Anzac Day events in Australia and overseas.”

The dawn service at the main air operating base was followed by a gunfire breakfast and broadcasts of the march from Sydney and the football matches.

Flying operations and support tasks contin-ued on Anzac Day.

Members of the Australian Air Task Group, supporting elements and coalition personnel attend the Anzac Day dawn service at Australia’s main air operating base in the Middle East region. Photo: CPL Chad Warren

No. 22 Squadron members salute during the playing of the Last Post at the Anzac Day

dawn service in Lae. Photo: CPL Oliver Carter

AC Brodie McIntyre, from

RAAF Base Tindal and the Warlpiri Tribe, plays the

didgeridoo at the dawn service at

Gallipoli.Photo: CPO Phillip Hunt

From current operational bases to former battlefields in both world wars, Air Force personnel commemorated Anzac Day 2016

Respects paid at PNG war cemetery

Middle East reflections

Important to understand sacrifice: CAF

SQNLDR Gavin BRIGGS

THE clouds may have threat-ened a downpour, but nothing stopped about 40,000 peo-ple who gathered around the Cenotaph in Perth’s Kings Park for the Anzac Day dawn service.

R A A F B a s e P e a r c e ’s WGCDR Peter Kershaw, CO No. 25 Squadron, had the hon-our of delivering the address.

“In these early hours before dawn, we emerge from the dark-ness and gather here in respect-ful silence as ordinary strangers, united by the actions of extraor-dinary strangers who fought, suffered, bled and forged their way into Australian folklore 101 years ago,” WGCDR Kershaw said.

The speech drew reference to how the events of a century ago remain undimmed by time.

“From the grinding hard-ships and terrible sacrifices of the Gallipoli campaign, through the Middle East, and the horren-dous bloodletting of the Western

Front, there emerged a distinctly Australian identity,” he said.

He said it was not necessary to have worn the uniform to draw inspiration from the Anzac story.

“Our commemoration today binds us together as Australians, regardless of vocation, regard-less of race, creed, religion, and regardless of how long we and our forebears have called Australia home.”

Characteristics such as cour-age, teamwork, loyalty, selfless-ness, compassion and persever-ance, were described as shared attributes that continue to guide those who serve in today’s ADF.

WGCDR Kershaw noted that the great sacrifices made by many – whether in con-flict, peacekeeping, community rebuilding or nation-making mis-sions – would not be forgotten.

“For the fallen, the missing, the wounded, and all who have given of themselves, we unite in eternal gratitude and remem-brance.”

Undimmed by time

CPL Paul Lucano, of Australia’s Federation Guard, participates in the Anzac Day service at the Menin Gates in Ypres, Belgium. Photo: CPL Craig Barrett

CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies delivers the address at the dawn service at Villers-Bretonneux, France. Photo: ABIS Chris Beerens

LAC Adam Barneveld during the Anzac Day service at Bullecourt, France.

Personnel march with their children’s school as part of the Anzac Day parade through the main street of Katherine, Northern Territory. Photo: SGT Andrew Eddie

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FeatureRCEAIR F May 5, 2016 15

When failure is not an optionMaking a mess might have been OK for a child engineer but not when she became the real thing, Barrie Bardoe writes

IF ENGINES fail, aircraft don’t stay airborne. That is why, as officer in charge of engine structural integrity, SQNLDR

Samantha Hearne takes her job so seriously.

Based in the Directorate Gener-al Technical Airworthiness – ADF, SQNLDR Hearne is in a position of considerable responsibility.

“We have oversight of the en-gine structural integrity programs both in service and during the acquisition and initial certification of platforms,” she said.

“It is a bit like what CASA does for civil airworthiness. And we have a subject matter expert role, which is more varied.

“It can range from giving advice as to what documentation we need from the manufacturer to the level of risk associated with extending critical component life limits.”

While the manufacturers provide data on how long each component can be used, it is up to

experts such as SQNLDR Hearne to help make decisions about their management.

“Each platform has its own way of measuring the fatigue damage on the engine components,” she said.

“The damage is then translated into some sort of count, and when each component reaches its limit, it is routinely inspected, replaced, or refurbished. We get involved with any decisions beyond that.”

SQNLDR Hearne became interested in engineering at an early age and she was drawn to aerospace.

“When I was younger I really enjoyed making things and making a mess,” she said.

“I wanted to be a mechanic, but my parents pointed out that I would get paid more as an engineer.

“I didn’t really appreciate the difference between a mechanic and an engineer in the Air Force when I joined, but I really like my

job so it all worked out. I currently work with gas turbine engines, which I think is really interesting.”

SQNLDR Hearne was the only female aeronautical engineer in her class at ADFA and feels more women should be involved.

“I think anything worth doing is going to be tough,” she said.

“I have enjoyed my career so far. There have been difficult things to overcome, but I don’t think they were due to being a woman.

“I think they were just difficult things in life that we all experi-ence, like moving away from home, feeling a bit isolated at new postings, being stressed to per-form well in exams, trying to make long distance relationships work.”

She said the rewards of the job made it worthwhile.

“It’s very rewarding to have no incidents, or events or accidents, but ultimately it is a team effort from technical personnel.”

SQNLDR Samantha Hearne would like to see more women involved in aeronautical engineering. Photo: Robert Palmer

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Feature RCEAIR F May 5, 201616

WHETHER mil i ta ry or civilian, the work of an air traffic control offic-er is high stress.

But the challenge skyrockets when the complexity of managing the launch and landing of military aircraft takes place on a floating airfield that con-tinually moves with the wind and sea conditions.

As the senior air traffic control officer (SATCO) on board HMAS Adelaide, SQNLDR John Rozells faces this situation with a cool head every day.

“We have an airfield that moves, so every day we have different things to take into consideration. It might be airspace restrictions. It might be other aircraft in the area,” he said.

“For example, here in Jervis Bay, the East Australian Exercise Area is quite busy. In the last few days we have had a C-130J Hercules doing exercises, a helicopter squadron out of Nowra in training, a parachute training school doing parachute drops and also unmanned aerial systems activity in and out of the area.”

SQNLDR Rozells is one of two Air Force personnel posted to the Navy’s newest landing helicopter deck, which is going through her unit readiness work-up in Jervis Bay.

He said life on the high seas had its challenges and admitted to feeling “a little queasy on occasions”.

But understanding Navy lingo had proven the biggest test.

“It was a foreign language in the early days. The Navy certainly has its own culture and language,” he said.

“I feel like I am getting better, though. I have found myself using terms like cabin instead of room and ladder instead of stairs.

“I even use forward and aft now instead of front end of the ship and back end of the ship.”

SQNLDR Rozells was the SATCO at RAAF Base Pearce in Perth before posting into Adelaide in June 2014 as part of the inaugural crew.

The 47-year-old is used to control-ling F/A-18s but said he had found a passion for helicopters since starting work with the Navy.

“Helicopters are great. They are so versatile. You can tell a helicopter to stop. You can’t tell an F/A-18 to stop,” he said.

“A military air traffic controller is an exciting job in itself, but to do it at sea on a ship like this as part of her inaugural crew is something I never thought I would be doing. Every day I appreciate I am in a unique position.”

Working with wind and sea is just one of the challenges for a floating air traffic controller, LEUT Todd Fitzgerald reports

Going with the flow

SQNLDR John Rozells at different moments in his high-pressure role as senior traffic air control officer on board HMAS Adelaide. Photos: LS Nina Fogliani

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FeatureRCEAIR F May 5, 2016 17

IT IS courteous to introduce your-self to the neighbours when you move in, and that is what WGCDR Andrew Tatnell, CO 17SQN and

Senior ADF Officer of RAAF Base Tindal, did at a ceremony in mid-April.

On behalf of the traditional custodi-ans of the land on which the base sits, chair of the Jawoyn Association Lisa Mumbin welcomed WGCDR Tatnell and his personnel to their country.

She thanked military people for their dedication and explained the extent of the traditional Jawoyn lands, which cover 50,000 square kilometres.

They not only encompass Tindal but reach to Pine Creek in the north, Mataranka to the south, the southern expanse of Kakadu National Park and Bulman to the east.

Traditional dancers from the Ngukurr community performed their White Cockatoo and Eagle dances for the gathering, before it wound up with a smoking ceremony.

During the ceremony, Lead Chaplain SQNLDR Mark Kleemann blessed WGCDR Tatnell and his fam-ily, for the tenure of his command of

17SQN and the year ahead, along with the base personnel.

Basing his address on Hebrews 12:1, he spoke about perseverance.

“Let us all, from our commander to the very junior ranks, continue to work as a united team with an atti-tude of perseverance to ensure we are successful in getting the job done – namely, whatever is required of us by the ADF,” he said.

WGCDR Tatnell said it was impor-tant for Defence to maintain strong relationships with traditional land owners.

He thanked the Ngukurr dancers for their performance, noting many of the audience had never seen a live per-formance of traditional dancing.

The Northern Territory has a rich Aboriginal heritage based on continu-ous occupation, ownership and care of the land for tens of thousands of years.

Indigenous people have a unique status in the Territory, maintaining resilient and distinct cultures, laws, languages and traditions.

They also play an essential eco-nomic and cultural role.

Friendly relationsTraditional owners welcome base personnel to their land, SQNLDR Phil Ladner writes

Members of the Northern Territory’s Ngukurr community perform a traditional dance for personnel from No. 17 Squadron at RAAF Base Tindal. Photo: SGT Andrew Eddie

Feature RCEAIR F May 5, 201618

ROCKETS were launched and imitation bombs dropped in one of the scenes from Exercise Balikatan – a giant

role-playing war game staged across the Philippines.

In the air, it was serious “show business”. Air Force’s “maritime vet-eran”, the AP-3C Orion from No. 11 Squadron at RAAF Base Edinburgh, played a starring role.

These events were part of the multifaceted exercise, hosted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and US Pacific Command, from April 4-16. This was the third year Australia had been invited to participate.

Among the 85 ADF personnel who deployed for the exercise were 35 members of 11SQN.

No. 92 Wing detachment com-mander SQNLDR Michael Sleeman said the operating environment was completely different to Australia.

“Operating out of the Philippines provided us with a great training opportunity. Being able to work along-side the US Navy’s P-8A Poseidon was a bonus, as 92WG is currently transitioning to this aircraft, and expect to see the first one land in Australia shortly,” he said.

“The P-8A Poseidon is a funda-mental element of Australia’s future maritime patrol and response strate-gy as it will be replacing the current AP-3C Orion fleet.”

In the ocean, navy vessels steamed between hundreds of fishing and mer-chant ships. They rendezvoused with military warships from fellow coun-tries as part of the exercise.

Flying at the lowest an Air Force aircraft can manage – just 100 feet

from the ocean surface – the AP-3C Orion and crew had to sort enemies from the allies in the fictitious war scenario.

11SQN’s FLTLT Angus Wheeler manoeuvred the Orion into prime posi-tions so the crew could launch sono-buoys into the sea.

“The sonobuoys are a key com-ponent to conducting antisubmarine warfare missions, as they enable us to listen to what is happening below the surface,” SQNLDR Sleeman said.

The 11SQN technicians took deployable maintenance cubes to the Philippines and worked in a demand-ing environment.

Officer in charge of maintenance FLGOFF Justin Milverton took his hat off to the team who kept the AP-3C Orion serviceable.

“They worked in hot and humid temperatures to meet the flying sched-ule and we were proud to safely and effectively achieve a 100 per cent sor-tie success rate for the exercise,” he said.

Language barriers and procedural differences were overcome to ensure all countries were on the same page.

A family open day was held at the Clark Air Force Base and thousands of people turned up to tour the AP-3C Orion.

Commander of the Australian contingent WGCDR Bill Talbot said Exercise Balikatan was fantastic train-ing for everyone involved.

“There were valuable opportuni-ties, such as providing support to the amphibious exercise and participating in the humanitarian assistance program on Panay Island,” he said.

Orion plays a starring role in Exercise Balikatan, Jaimie Abbott reports

Flying low is part of the show

Jaimie Abbott

DURING Exercise Balikatan, the entire contingent of No. 92 Wing members attended a memorial service for Catalina A24-64, a No. 43 Squadron Black Cat maritime patrol aircraft that was lost during WWII.

The crew of the Catalina, known as The Dabster (Australian slang for “the best”), had just returned to Darwin after a mine-laying operation at Morotai when they were told they would be going to the Philippines.

The nine of them flew their final mission together on December 14, 1944, the night before Australian and US forces were to land at San Jose on the island of Mindoro.

Involved in the operation were 24 Catalinas, from No. 11 Squadron (based in Rathmines, NSW) and Nos 20, 42 and 43 Squadrons (based in Darwin).

Tragically, The Dabster never returned and neither the aircraft

nor the crew have been found. The aircraft is believed to have been shot down at night by Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Bataan penin-sula during an operation to mine the mouth of Manila Bay.

No. 92 Wing operations officer FLGOFF Danica Ellis, who attended the memorial ceremony at the Mari-time Academy of Asia and the Pacific in Baatan Province, said the Catalina “most likely came down somewhere over Manila Bay, approximately 1.5 kilometres from here”.

“I feel really privileged to have been a part of this service to remem-ber those who sacrificed their lives,” she said.

“The locals here have also put a great deal of effort into maintaining this memorial here at the academy.

“This is a very special place and now the families have a place to visit and honour them.”

Wreaths were laid as part of the ceremony.

11SQN CO WGCDR Nigel Ward said the Catalinas were a huge part of the squadron’s history.

“It has been said that the Catalina was for Australia what the Spitfire was for England,” he said.

Of the 320 aircrew members who lost their lives flying Catalinas during WWII, 94 were from 11SQN.

“They were the first enduring operations type of aircraft for the squadron and played a vital role in the defence of Australia, laying sea mines, bombing enemy-held airfields, conducting reconnaissance, inserting special forces and supplies, and rescuing many sailors and air-men,” WGCDR Ward said.

President of the Maritime Acad-emy of Asia and the Pacific VADM (retired) Eduardo Santos spoke during the memorial service and recognised the contribution made by RAAF members in the liberation of the Philippines.

THE DAY ‘THE DABSTER’ DISAPPEARED

SGT Wesley Lock loads sonobuoys on board an AP-3C Orion during Exercise Balikatan 2016 around the Philippines.

No. 92 Wing detachment commander SQNLDR Michael Sleeman with

an AP-3C Orion at Clark Air Force Base during

Exercise Balikatan.Photos: CPL David Said

Watch a wrap-up video of Exercise Balikatan at: http://video.defence.gov.au/play/4632#; and of the Catalina memorial service at http://video.defence.gov.au/play/4628#

CPL Philip Whitcher pays his respects at the memorial plaque for the crew of Catalina A24-64.

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SGT Dave Morley recalls the fate of an aircrew shot down during the WWII Greece campaign 75 years ago

ON APRIL 29, 1941, HMAS Perth I’s catapult-launched Seagull V amphib-ian aircraft of No. 9 Squadron RAAF took off for a reconnaissance patrol of

beaches earmarked for evacuation around south-ern Greece.

The A2-17 was crewed by Air Force pilot FLTLT Edward Beaumont, Royal Navy observer SBLT Gerald Brian, who was on loan to the Australian Navy from 1940-42, and air-gunner PO Daniel Bowden.

The Seagull was attacked by two Luftwaffe Dorniers off Anti Kyrethia, and was shot down after a 20-minute fight.

During the one-sided encounter, PO Bowden’s Lewis gun jammed and he was wounded in the hand, knee and the back of his head.

After landing the seriously damaged Seagull in the sea, the flyers took to their life raft and unsuccessfully attempted to make their way to a nearby island.

After some hours in the water, and with night approaching, the aircrew saw a destroyer and fired two Very flares. The crew of HMS Havock spotted the flares and rescued the men.

PO Bowden, who was awarded a Mention in Despatches for this incident, served as a career sailor from 1925-50 and, despite his injuries, lived to 101.

FLTLT Beaumont discharged from the Air Force as a wing commander in October 1945. His last posting was at No. 6 Service Flying Training School at RAAF Station Mallala, South Australia.

He joined the Air Force in March 1939, six months before the outbreak of WWII, and was awarded the Air Force Cross for being a most exceptional pilot and outstanding instructor in April 1943.

Survivors from the seaSeagull A2-17 is lowered at sea from HMAS Perth I in 1941. Photo: Supplied by Australian War Memorial

HistoryRCEAIR F May 5, 2016 19

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20 May 5, 2016RCEAIR FPersonnel

FLTLT Nick O’Connor

AIR FORCE communication and reserve career management will receive a significant boost with major improve-ments to ForceNet.

ForceNet is a secure website that pro-vides access to Defence services and information online.

It has more than 17,000 ADF users and will be expanded in coming months to attract new Defence users.

Deputy Director Reserve Integration WGCDR Tony Smith said the planned enhancements to ForceNet would usher in a new era of personnel communica-tions.

“ForceNet was initially developed to connect and engage ADF reservists,” WGCDR Smith said.

“However, we are now planning on a whole-of-force approach, expanding the focus from reserves to all ADF members and their support networks,” he said.

“As part of the planned improve-ments, ForceNet will become an integral tool for ADF members, Defence APS members, Defence families, Defence Alumni (former ADF and APS mem-bers), and members of external support services to interact and collaborate.

“Once the enhancements are fully implemented, it will enable the imple-mentation and application of the ADF Total Workforce Model.

“It will also improve the capability provided by the ADF through enhanced, more effective personnel communica-tions networks, and it will support the broader Defence community by enhanc-

ing communications with Defence fami-lies, Defence alumni and external sup-port services.”

WGCDR Smith said more than 2400 permanent and reserve Air Force mem-bers had already registered and used ForceNet.

An implementation plan is being developed to encourage all remain-ing reserve members to register for ForceNet.

The implementation plan will also outline the process for units and remain-ing permanent members to access ForceNet.

“Users can interact with other Defence members and access important information without access to a Defence Restricted Network workstation or a DREAMS Token,” he said.

“Reservists are able to search for suitable reserve opportunities through job advertisements.

“Conversely, career managers and unit personnel capability staff will soon have the capability to search for suitable reservists with specific skills and avail-ability,” he said.

Management of ForceNet has just moved from Vice Chief Defence Force Group’s Cadet, Reserve and Employer Support Division to Chief Information Officer Group’s People Systems and Innovation Branch.

For information contact WGCDR Tony Smith on 0407 663 797 or tony.smith1@defence.gov.au, or go to http://drnet.defence.gov.au/vcdf/cresd/MajorProjects/Pages/ForceNet.aspx.

Access to a new eraA boost for personnel communicationsas secure website casts a wider net

Enhancements to ForceNet will enable the implementation and application of the Total Workforce Model, which FLTLT Kathryn Harris, left, and SQNLDR Anna-Lisa Hernan are pictured discussing with WOFF Steve Brinton at RAAF Base Richmond. Photo: CPL Oliver Carter

AIR Force’s respect for and appreciation of different religions has received praise from the Chief of the Islamic Spiritual Welfare Service of the Netherlands Ministry of Defence, COL Ali Eddaoudi, on his visit to Australia.

“I am impressed by Australia’s acceptance of and respect for differ-ent religions. In your Defence Force I see expressions of this acceptance and respect – for instance, headdress such as turbans and the hija,” he said

“ I have l ea rned a lo t f rom Christian chaplains in developing the [Netherlands] Defence Islamic Spiritual Welfare Service. Christianity has a long history of chaplaincy and even the word Chaplain comes from Christianity. Our Islamic chaplaincy is also spiritual and religious.”

COL Eddaoudi visited a number of

ADF units, including the Defence Force Chaplains College and the Defence Force School of Languages. He also met some of the ADF’s Muslim members and Director General Chaplaincy – Air Force Chaplain AIRCDRE Kevin Russell.

AIRCDRE Russell said it was good to talk chaplain to chaplain.

“Our Australian model of chaplaincy is an integrated model primarily, but not solely Christian. We seek to support all of our members and their families, and our chaplains will connect other than Christian members with their local reli-gious leaders,” he said.

The Netherlands Ministry of Defence provides six distinct chaplaincy services for its members. They are Protestant, Catholic, Hindu, Muslim, Jewish and Humanist.

Islamic visitor notes respect for religions

East Sale open day RAAF Base East Sale will conduct a Community Day on May 8 from 10am to 3pm. There will be static, flying and ground displays of local Air Force and Army units. A number of new facilities recently completed from the RAAF Base East Sale Redevelopment Project will be open for inspection as well as informa-tion on proposed future base works.

Families weekDEFENCE Community Organisation will host events around the country to celebrate National Families Week from May 15-22. Every year Defence supports the week by recognising the important role families play in supporting ADF members. Visit the DCO website at www.defence.gov.au/dco for events in your area.

IN BRIEF

21May 5, 2016RCEAIR F Flightline

CPL Abigail Murray receives a DCAF Bronze Commendation from OC No. 95 Wing GPCAPT David Paddison during his visit to No. 382 Squadron. The award recognised her involvement in the rapid acquisition of equipment for No. 4 Squadron in her previous posting. Photo: SGT Chris Simpson

ACW Taylor Hoskinson (left) inspects the F-88 Austeyr of ACW Vicky Liu before participating in catafalque party training for Anzac Day. Photo: SGT Murray Staff

Air Force Ground Support Equipment Fitter FSGT David Covill having fun in the jumping castle with the kids during Camp Crystal, held at Samford Valley, Queensland. Photo: LAC Brenton Kwaterski

Handler SGT Anthony Tulk, of No. 2 Security Forces Squadron, holds military working dog Pedro as local veterinarian Amanda Dunn checks Pedro’s dental health during a visit to RAAF Base Tindal. Photo: CPL David Cotton

CO No. 31 Squadron WGCDR Kris Johnston and AC Ben Sheahan cut the birthday cake at RAAF Base Wagga’s celebration of the 95th anniversary of the Air Force.

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Patches are an effective aid for smokers who want to stop.Photo: CPL Bill Solomou

Let’s talk about quitting

AT THE time of writing, I haven’t had a cigarette in six days. There have been a few bad days but, all-in-all, I think I’m

quickly losing the habit.But let’s rewind. I went to my local

health centre and sat down with one of the doctors to chat about the options available to Defence members when it comes to quitting smoking.

The doctor presented two options – nicotine replacement therapy achieved through patches and gum, or prescription medication.

He also talked about the two aspects that needed to be broken when trying to quit smoking – the addiction to nicotine and breaking the habits developed, such as having a cigarette after meals.

Medications such as Champix work on the first factor (the addiction to nico-tine) primarily, by blocking the nicotine receptors in the brain, so it’s effectively going cold turkey with assistance.

Nicotine replacement therapy targets the second factor (breaking the habits), by feeding your brain a constant supply of nicotine. If you can resist the cravings, your habits change very quickly.

After a discussion on the merits of each option, I decided to try nicotine replacement therapy in the first instance. The doctor did say I was slightly under the threshold for Champix at only 10-to-15 cigarettes a day, but I could try it if I wanted to.

The doctor prescribed a month’s worth of 15mg patches, and gum, fol-lowed by two months’ worth of 10mg patches and gum.

He advised me to use a patch each day (but not while I’m sleeping) to keep smoking for the first week. When I decid-

ed to stop smoking, I was to use the gum when I had a serious craving.

I smoked for four days after starting the patches (though I reduced from 10-to-15 a day to five a day on the first day), then decided to quit on the Saturday.

I think on that first day I chewed about eight pieces of gum.

But it got easier with every day that passed. Six days in and I hadn’t chewed a piece of gum in two days.

I do occasionally get a strong craving, but I keep a liner of gum in my pocket or close at hand as a precaution.

At this point, I can pretty easily ignore any rogue cravings that may hit during the day.

But that’s not to say I’m out of the woods yet. Even with the reduced patches in three weeks, I will still need to effec-tively go cold-turkey at the end of the course, but that’s a challenge later.

I’d like to thank everyone who sent me an email over the last two weeks – whether they were encouragement, sharing their stories about quitting, or just sharing some tips and tricks to get through it.

One email in particular struck a chord with me. It mentioned being public about quitting helps to keep you accountable in your mission to quit.

I’d encourage anyone who is thinking of quitting to make their intention public when they have set their quit date.

Make sure your friends and family keep you honest and help you down your own road to better health.

I’ll check back in with another article in the near future to let you know how I’m progressing and what challenges I faced down the line. Hopefully, I can say that I’ve completely quit.

In the second of a series of articles on his journey to stop smoking, CPL Sebastian Beurich says he is on the path to success

Health RCEAIR F May 5, 201622

MEMBERS of No. 35 Squadron and other RAAF Base Richmond units took on the physical and mental tests of the Spartan Super endurance race, at Razorback in NSW, on April 2.

The Spartan Super race, part of

the Spartan endurance event, is a 14km cross-country course incor-porating 25 obstacles.

The aim of the race is to build individual fitness, resilience and tenacity, as well as team cohesion.

35SQN operates the newly

acquired Finmeccanica C-27J Spartan aircraft, so it was fitting that the Air Mobility Group unit was well represented in the Spartan event.

Plans are under way to increase the number of Richmond partici-pants in next year’s event.

Air Force participants in the Spartan Super endurance race at Razorback near Sydney.

Richmond takes on different Spartan

BOTH the ADF men’s and women’s All Stars Australian rules teams have won their respective Anzac Day chal-lenges.

Playing against traditional rivals the Australian Combined Emergency Services, in front of about 7000 people in Adelaide, the men’s team won the Anzac Challenge trophy for the third consecutive year.

Meanwhile, at North Port Oval in Melbourne, the women’s team thumped the Victorian Women’s Football League All Stars for the fourth consecutive year, winning 10.4 (64) to 2.6 (18).

The men’s game was a point-for-point, goal-for-goal affair until the third quarter, when the All Stars opened up a narrow lead and hung on to win 9.11 (65) to 8.10 (58).

Playing in the curtain-raiser to the AFL game between Port Adelaide and Geelong at Adelaide Oval on April 24, the ADF team was determined to keep the trophy, having won by fewer than six points in the previous two encounters.

LAC Matthew Gladman said the opposition put up a fight to the finish and he was proud to have been part of a game played at such a high level.

P lay ing coach Navy LEUT Matthew Cavedon was awarded best on field for the Anzac Challenge.

He said he was inspired by how his team lived up to its ethos of discipline, pride, respect and professionalism.

“I couldn’t have been prouder of

how the guys played and how they dug deep in the last quarter,” he said.

“Even though they were tired, they lifted in front of the crowd to bring home a win.”

Navy’s AB Daniel Fry was declared the team’s most valu-able player and Army’s PTE Craig Marshall was awarded the game ball by his teammates for his consistency and tough, hard-at-the-ball game.

The annual Anzac Challenge is the highest level of representation for ADF Australian rules players and the men’s team once again benefited from a week preparing for the game with the Port Adelaide AFL club.

In the women’s game, FLTLT Elizabeth Wilson, half-forward flanker from RAAF Edinburgh, was represent-ing the ADF for the first time.

“The fact we won by that much was a credit to the girls and our coach-ing staff,” she said.

“The whole team were well drilled in maintaining possession and made it hard for the Victorians to keep it.”

Despite the runaway scoreline, FLTLT Wilson said the opposition was not willing to concede defeat.

ADF coach LTCOL Dani Glatz said it was the biggest winning margin in recent years.

“The previous three years have been very close contests, right down to the final minutes of the game, so the Victorians were surprised by how much we won by.”

23May 5, 2016RCEAIR F Sp rt

Both All Star teams ruleADF men’s and women’s sides take out Anzac honours in representative games

THE Australian Command and Staff College team won the ACT Masters AFL carnival in Canberra on April 10.

ACSC Honeybadgers (pictured) defeated several teams from the ACT and NSW in a series of games at the RMC AFL ovals.

In the first match the Honeybadgers shredded the ACT Cats 3.6. (24) to 0.4. (4).

The next match was against the South Coast Buccaneers, in which ACSC proved too strong, winning 4.7. (31) to 2.3. (15).

To win the carnival, the Honeybadgers needed to beat their old foe, Combined ACT, in the final match.

In a fierce encounter, ACSC were convincing victors, 9.5. (59) to 2.3. (15).

Honeybadgers coach SQNLDR Glenn Orton said he was happy with the result.

“We have a lot of talent through-out the side, and seemed to have really gelled well as a team. I could

Masters of their game

The ADF men’s All Stars Australian rules players listen to playing coach Navy LEUT Matthew Cavedon before their Anzac Challenge game at Adelaide Oval. Photo: SBLT James Tew

The ADF women’s All Stars celebrate their win in Melbourne.

not be any prouder of the lads,” he said.

“Winning the carnival has been a huge achievement, noting we have first-time players from Canada, the United States, New Zealand, China, the Philippines and Queensland.”

During the post-match interview, star back-man LCDR Antony Pisani

said he was stoked to have made the starting team.

“Working in this triservice envi-ronment, both as a student and an AFL player, is really developing me as a professional. I love it,” he said.

The Honeybadgers were ably led by co-captains LCDR Dave Murphy, LCDR Glen Cross and CMDR Haibo Qu (Chinese Navy).

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DROP ZONE

Skydivers land on their feet at national eventA TEAM of ADF skydivers was offered the chance to be Australia’s back-up team at the World Championships in Chicago in September following its performance at a national competition at Nagambie near Puckapunyal from March 25-30.

The Stinger Defence team also took silver in the canopy formation event, where skydivers link their feet into team-mates’ canopies in various formations to score points in 60 seconds.

FLTLT Brendan Buell led and organ-ised the teams for the competition.

“It’s always hard to achieve consisten-cy in training with ADF teams but these guys have all worked hard to prepare for the event since Christmas,” he said.

“The standard of competition within

Australia has grown immensely even over the past year.

“There was a lot of pressure in this event as the winning team would repre-sent Australia in the World Champion-ships later this year in the US.”

About 20 Defence members formed five different teams to compete in a vari-ety of events.

The formation skydiving event was hotly contested, with three of eight teams in the intermediate competition being military.

Among the medal winners was SQN-LDR Sean Walsh, who won bronze in the open category formation event.

ADF teams will contest state champi-onships in the coming months before the military nationals in December.

The Stinger Defence team prepares to

land at the national championships at

Puckapunyal.Photo: Shane Sparks

SP RTMay 5, 2016

Starring roles P23