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NEWSNAVYVolume 63, No. 2, February 20, 2020

TOOWOOMBA ON POINT

Frigate back on mission in Middle East

Pages 2-3

ABBM Charles Quinn and POB Matthew Reiri scan the damage on an abandoned oil tanker from the bridge-wing of HMAS Toowoomba during patrol as part of the International Maritime Security Construct in the Middle East region. Photo: LSIS Richard Cordell

2 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS February 20, 2020

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HMAS Toowoomba and her ship’s company of about 190 personnel have commenced operations in the Middle East

region after arriving in Bahrain.The Anzac-class frigate will support

the International Maritime Security Construct in its mission to ensure free-dom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and continue Australia’s longstanding effort with the Combined Maritime Forces.

CO Toowoomba Commander Mitchell Livingstone said the crew was well prepared for the mission.

“Our deployment to the Middle East comes at a time of heightened tensions in the region providing an unpredictable and dynamic environment,” CMDR Livingstone said.

“My team of professionals are well trained and able to flexibly counter any number of scenarios. They have a selfless commitment to preserv-ing Australian and global interests in accordance with the rules-based order and international law.”

While in Bahrain, Toowoomba’s command team attended mission brief-ings and met key personnel and support agencies that they will work with over

the next five months. Toowoomba also hosted VIP visits

and an official reception, treating coali-tion partners and Bahrain officials to some Australian hospitality.

Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said Toowoomba would play a vital role alongside coalition partners in counter-terrorism, preventing piracy and ensuring freedom of navigation.

“Under the International Maritime Security Construct, HMAS Toowoomba will work with a range of international partners to monitor and deter destabilis-ing activity and support the safe pas-sage of commercial and civilian ship-ping,” Senator Reynolds said.

“HMAS Toowoomba will also sup-port the Combined Maritime Forces through Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150), which Australia currently commands.”

Commander CTF150 CDRE Ray Leggatt said Toowoomba’s professional and motivated crew was looking for-ward to supporting the task force.

“Royal Australian Navy vessels have a successful history working with CTF 150 on previous deployments and I am confident that this deployment will be no different,” CDRE Leggatt said.

The crew of HMAS Toowoomba is already continuing the good work of previous missions on her latest deployment.

Toowoomba flies flag in Middle East

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HMAS Toowoomba arrives in Bahrain as part of the ship’s

deployment to the Middle East.Photos: POIS Yuri Ramsey

CO HMAS Toowoomba CMDR Mitchell Livingstone and Commander Maritime Task Group Middle East region CAPT Michael Manfield greet members of the Royal Bahrain Naval Force on arrival in Bahrain.

ABCIS Kayleigh Fletcher and fellow crew members greet students from the Victoria Memorial School for the Blind.

ABML-P Rebekah Curry tries her hand at blind cricket at the Victoria Memorial

School for the Blind during HMAS Toowoomba’s port visit to Mumbai.

Photos: LSIS Richard Cordell

Crew goes in to bat for international relationsLEUT Jay Crutch and LCDR Jason Grivas

CRICKET was the community engagement tool of choice when HMAS Toowoomba visited Mumbai on her way to the Middle East.

Fourteen members of the ship’s company visited the Victoria Memorial School for the Blind, which provides free education and boarding for 300 students, aged six to 18, with visual impairments.

The school is run by a trust and is partially funded by the Australian Consulate in Mumbai.

Happy students from a range of backgrounds greeted the Toowoomba personnel.

After a tour of the school grounds, the sailors were invited to take part in a surprisingly difficult and thrilling match of blind cricket.

ABCIS Brittany Ely said the school side – the under-18 Indian blind cricket team – proved to be a formidable opponent, out-bowl-ing and fielding the Aussies.

“I was really impressed by their ability to overcome their impairment and become proficient cricket players,” AB Ely said.

Crew members of Toowoomba also took advantage of the Mumbai stop to play a match against the Cricket Club of India (CCI) on Australia Day.

Having won the toss, the home side’s opening batsmen took a long handle to Toowoomba’s bowling attack.

However, LSMT Matthew Lyons struck the first blow for the Australians, taking a catch in the midfield off the bowling of ABET Blake Rookledge. Wicketkeeper ABBM Shane Challis also took several catches as CCI was bowled out for 207.

Toowoomba’s opening pair of ABATA Jason Donohue and CPOET Scott Bradford put up early resistance before AB Donohue was given out LBW.

LS Lyons steadied the ship, combining with CPO Bradford to spur Toowoomba’s run chase into life.

When AB Challis came to the wicket, he quickly proved he was as handy with the bat as he was with the gloves, hitting a string of boundaries and earning the man-of-the-match award.

But it wasn’t enough as Toowoomba fell just short of the Indian target.

LSML-SC Benjamin Jenkins was philosophical about the loss, saying the result wasn’t as important as the opportunity to mix with the home side and reinforce the strong relationship between Australia and India.

“The opportunity to engage with the local cricket team was fan-tastic and the spirit in which the game was played was a highlight of our visit to Mumbai,” he said.

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THE latest of the Anzac-class frig-ates to go through its upgrade pro-gram came under scrutiny when Director-General Major Surface Ships CDRE Rob Elliott visited the Henderson Shipyard in Western Australia in January.

CDRE Elliott was checking up on HMAS Anzac’s progress through the Anzac Midlife Capability Assurance Program (AMCAP).

Along wi th Anzac System Program Office Director Gary Watson and All iance General

Manager Russell Parker, he toured the ship’s upgraded communications centre, operations room and galley.

CDRE Elliott was also given an in-depth look at the upgraded capa-bilities of the SEA1442 Phase 4 project (Maritime Communications Modernisat ion) and SEA1448 Phase 4B (Anzac Air Search Radar Replacement) project.

Anzac Weapons Elec t r ica l Engineering Officer LCDR Chris Bobridge said the visit allowed CDRE Elliott to gauge the progress

of the upgrades taking place on the ship.

“It also gave the command team the opportunity to discuss our cur-rent working arrangements and the efficiency of the Warship Asset Management Agreement (WAMA),” LCDR Bobridge said.

The aim of AMCAP is to upgrade the capability of the Anzac-class frigates to maintain relevance and to ensure the class remains effective until the introduction of the Hunter-class frigates.

The three major elements of the upgrade are a new communications suite, the new air-search radar and a platform systems remediation (PSR).

The PSR upgrades systems such as the propulsion control, fridges, waste management and water pro-duction.

The AMCAP upgrade is a WAMA project, a four-way alliance between the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, Saab Australia, BAE Systems and Naval Ship Management Australia.

LCDR Anne Mena

EMERGENCY service personnel gave a new boat ramp and training shelter at HMAS Moreton the thumbs up during a training exercise in January.

The Queensland State Emergency Service (SES) used the facilities to deliver flood boat operator training for 28 operators, involving specialist equipment, boats and vehicles.

CO Moreton CMDR Gerald Savvakis said the exercise demonstrated Defence’s support for emergency services as they prepared to respond to disasters and emergencies.

“Moreton’s upgraded facilities provide a great opportunity for cross-agency interaction and bodes well for joint activities,” CMDR Savvakis said.

Queensland State Emergency Service personnel prepare for training activities on HMAS Moreton’s new boat ramp.Photo: Col Hortshoj

Exercises ramped up

SES Operational Capability Officer Col Hjortshoj said the training sessions were a success.

“The operators enjoyed the ease of operating from Moreton’s boat ramp without impacting on the public and with direct access to a great training area,” Mr Hjortshoj said.

The boat ramp and training shelter are part of a $16 million base upgrade to reinvigorate operational capability at Moreton.

Other facilities on the base include a multi-user facility and conference centre, transit accommodation building, storage facilities and a new gangway.

Up to date with Anzac upgrades

CDRE Rob Elliott, left, tours HMAS Anzac with CO CMDR Brendan HornPhoto: POEW Johnathon Phillips Still prohibited

THE use or possession of cannabis by ADF personnel is still prohibited despite recent ACT law changes. A positive result under the Prohibited Substance Testing Program will mean a notice to show cause as to why the member’s service in the ADF should not be terminated. ACT legislation allows residents to possess a quantity of cannabis and a number of plants in their home. Presence of these in a ser-vice residence, rent allowance property and potentially a non-rental allowance property may make the ADF member liable for prosecution under the DFDA. Personnel requiring more information should approach their chain of com-mand or Service Prohibited Substance Testing Program coordinators.

Get in earlyADF members tasked to ceremonial duties for Anzac Day must have all requests for uniforms and medal mounting submitted to their cloth-ing store no later than February 28. The demand for clothing store ser-vices is high leading up to Anzac Day. JLC Clothing Stores, operated by Broadspectrum (Australia) Pty Ltd, provide made-to-measure uniform and medal mounting services to ADF members.

Health advicePERSONNEL are advised to be aware of the coronavirus situation. Symptoms are similar to other respiratory viruses and can include fever, cough, sore throat, headache and/or shortness of breath. Anyone who has returned from China and become unwell with respira-tory symptoms should seek medical attention. Anyone planning travel to China should check the latest advice on Smartraveller. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe lung infections. Joint Health Command advises further information can be found at health.gov.au/health-topics/novel- coronavirus-2019-ncov

Mardi GrasPERSONNEL have the opportunity to march in the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade on February 29. The ADF and Defence APS contingent has 160 places available. Uniforms must only be worn during the parade. Registration will be $20 per person, which covers pre- and post-event light refreshments. Personnel must meet their own travel costs. For further information contact the Diversity Directorate at dpg.diversity-events@defence.gov.au

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A PLAQUE in the heart of Mallacoota will become a strong symbol of the close bond forged

between the ADF and the local community during the devastating 2019-20 bushfires.

Members of HMAS Choules’ ship’s company involved in the two January evacuations of nearly 1400 residents were flown by the ship’s embarked MRH-90 to Mallacoota to meet commu-nity members and see the plaque unveiled.

The helicopter and two Army Bushmaster protected mobil-ity vehicles were put on display while the Navy Band provided musical support during a Lions Club barbecue lunch.

Commander Joint Task Force 646 BRIG Matt Burr joined residents in unveiling the plaque, which is mounted on a large piece of wood salvaged from fires in the local area.

CO Choules CMDR Scott Houlihan said the ship’s company and residents had been through a lot together in early January.

“It’s a really close bond between Mallacoota and HMAS Choules. It’s one of the tightest bonds I’ve seen between a ship, the community and the emergency services,” he said.

The visit to Mallacoota gave locals the chance to reconnect

with some of the Choules crew members who had helped them out during Operation Bushfire Assist.

“The plaque unveiling marked the end of the movement of the ADF out of Mallacoota and also a great opportunity for the ADF, Choules personnel, emer-gency services agencies and the locals to get together to say thank you and catch up after what was a really busy, stressful and hectic time so early in the year,” CMDR Houlihan said.

“The plaque is a marker in time for us to be able to remember for years to come what happened in Mallacoota in January 2020 and the unique bond between the ADF and the community.”

BRIG Burr said the ADF had been embraced by the community.

“The plaque unveiling sym-bolises our thanks – thanks to the community for embracing us and warmly welcoming us here and allowing us to assist.

“The plaque is all about a sense of where we are today and where we will be helping the community stand up with dignity as it goes into recovery.

“The sense of service that sol-diers, sailors and aircrew have felt towards this small community in Victoria has been reflected by the locals’ own outpouring during the unveiling of the plaque.”

A piece of burnt wood symbolises a devastated town’s strong bond with its saviours, LEUT Max Logan reports.

Plaque a mark of

gratitude

6 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS February 20, 2020OPERATION BUSHFIRE ASSIST

– CMDR Scott Houlihan, CO HMAS Choules

It’s one of the tightest bonds I’ve seen between a ship, the community and the emergency services.

‘‘

Mallacoota local George Preston and his young “passenger” watch HMAS Choules’ MRH-90 land during a ceremony to thank all services that helped the town during the bushfires.Photos: LSIS Kieren Whiteley

Local Jaquie Wilson hugs CO HMAS Choules CMDR Scott Houlihan during the ceremony.

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LEUT Geoff Long

THE ability of Navy and Army to combine for an expanded amphibi-ous capability was put to the test during the bushfire emergency in south-east Australia.

The success of a combined service effort was particularly evident on HMAS Choules, where the embarked amphibious beach team (ABT) from Army’s 35 Water Transport Squadron (35WTS) played a crucial role in the evacu-ation of about 1400 people from the Victorian coastal community of Mallacoota in January.

Team commander LT Declan Michell said the evacuations and the later resupply of essential fuel and medical needs during Operation Bushfire Assist had highlighted the capability benefits of both Navy and Army.

“Navy certainly increases our operational viability period because we have that ship back on the water, so we can be recovered, resupplied and rested prior to being redeployed,” LT Michell said.

“And, for Navy, our ABT spe-cifically provides that command-and-control connection between

the ship and the land forces. Our entire purpose was to facilitate the coming and going of all personnel, vehicles and vessels in and out of the beach head, so we were that link between land force and Navy.”

The ABT comprises marine and cargo specialists who can facilitate the rapid beaching, unloading and turnaround of landing craft during amphibious operations.

As well as the personnel, 35WTS brought its own special-ised equipment to Choules, such as its landing craft mechanised mark 8 (LCM8) and the squad-ron’s JD850 bulldozer and LX120 forklift. The LCM8 complemented the ship’s smaller landing craft and Army’s two amphibious cargo vehicles.

“The LCM8 landing craft has its benefits in that it can do over-night and extended duration tasks because it has kitchen facilities, it has beds, it has a large fuel range so it can go for up to seven days without support,” LT Michell said.

The evacuation at Mallacoota had been a textbook example of the two services combining to carry out an operation.

“I found Mallacoota

worked phenomenally well when the Commanding Officer of Choules went ashore and noti-fied his intent and allowed us to make it happen,” LT Mitchell said.

“We knew the capabilities, we knew the load capacities and then it was just a matter of getting peo-ple on those vessels.”

CO Choules CMDR Scott Houlihan praised 35WTS and his ship’s company while acknowledg-ing the role of emergency services throughout the bushfire crisis.

“Operation Bushfire Assist, from the outset, relied on the combined efforts of the triservices working to support the firefight-ers, police and other emergency responders,” CMDR Houlihan said.

“Having 35WTS as part of ship’s company showed how the two services can come together within a very short time and each provide their unique skills at sea and on land.”

An amphibious task group comprising HMA Ships Choules and Adelaide and MV Sycamore operated off the south-east coast in January to aid communi-ties affected by the bushfires.

A challenge met from ship to shore

7OPERATION BUSHFIRE ASSISTFebruary 20, 2020 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

LSATA David Cormack gives Mallacoota residents a tour of HMAS Choules’ MRH-90 during a return visit to the Victorian coastal town.

Left, the plaque recognising the work of all involved in saving Mallacoota from the bushfires.

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LEUT Jessica Craig

THE strength of French and Austral ian defence coopera-tion was on show when HMAS Parramatta and Marine Nationale ship FNS La Moqueuse sailed into Sydney Harbour in company on January 31.

T h e 3 6 0 0 - t o n n e f r i g -ate Parramatta manoeuvred seam-lessly with the 480-tonne patrol vessel La Moqueuse, entering Sydney heads in formation.

Before entering the harbour, the ships joined in a passage exercise, conducting officer-of-the-watch manoeuvres and replenishment-at-

sea approaches, which allowed both ships’ companies to work on coop-erative capabilities.

The two navies have a long his-tory of cooperation, having stood alongside each other in many oper-ational theatres since WWI and at present in the Indian Ocean and the Middle East.

CO Parramatta CMDR Anita Nemarich said such exercises were integral to maintaining a commit-ment to shared values, goals and security interests.

“Cooperative maritime activi-ties and interactions at sea allow us to enhance interoperability with our regional partners, including

the French Marine Nationale via La Moqueuse, which is based in Noumea,” CMDR Nemarich said.

“Both navies have a shared com-mitment to the peaceful settlement of conflicts and to strengthening international peace and security, particularly in the Indo-Pacific and Southern Ocean.”

The passage exercise also allowed the Sea Training Group on board Parramatta to conduct train-ing with the crew and ensure it was ready for a busy year.

La Moqueuse conducted a port visit to Sydney as part of her patrol passage.

8 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS February 20, 2020

HMAS Parramatta enters Sydney Harbour in formation with Marine Nationale ship FNS La Moqueuse. Photos: LSIS Ryan McKenzie

Marine Nationale sailors on the quarterdeck of FNS La Moqueuse as the ship enters Sydney Harbour.

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LEUT Jessica Craig

FAMILIES huddled under umbrellas to farewell HMAS Parramatta as she sailed away from Sydney’s Garden Island beneath grey skies on February 3 to start a four-month deployment to South-East Asia.

Parramatta will visit India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, participating in major military exercises.

CO Parramatta Anita Nemarich said her ship would also be part of two International Fleet Reviews.

“This deployment is a valuable opportunity to build relationships

with our regional partners and demonstrate the professionalism and capability of our navy and our people,” CMDR Nemarich said.

On the wharf at Fleet Base East, Vanessa McMillan and her children waved as the ship sailed, hoping for a glimpse of husband and father maritime warfare officer LEUT Daniel McMillan.

“I’m so proud of Daniel and the sacrifices he has made to get to this point,” Mrs McMillan said.

“He has inspired our children – my daughter Cassandra has applied for a job in the Navy – and I love being a Navy wife and being part of the community.”

Navy conducts regular military-to-military engagements throughout the Indo-Pacific each year and Parramatta was the first ship to depart on an international deployment in 2020.

Among the 190 crew were several sailors on their first deployment, including SMNBM Claire Brown, who joined Parramatta in January.

“It’s exciting to be part of something big like this for my first deployment,” SMN Brown said.

“I’m looking forward to the hands-on experience of doing my job at sea, getting to know my workmates and seeing more of the world.”

Waving in the wet as first ship departs

Vanessa McMillan and her children were at Fleet Base East to farewell husband and father LEUT Daniel McMillan as he sailed with HMAS Parramatta. Photos: ABIS Thomas Sawtell

CO Parramatta CMDR Anita Nemarich and partner Tim Rolfe before the ship departed on her

four-month deployment.

A member of Parramatta’s crew throws a line to a tug boat as the ship prepares to sail.Photo: ABIS Jarrod Mulvihill

www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS February 20, 2020 11TRAINING DAYS10

SOME of Navy’s saltier sailors may not give much thought to what MV Sycamore con-tributes to the service, but for

young officers and sailors, it forms an integral part of their initial training.

Known as the multi-role aviation training vessel (MATV) MV Sycamore, the civilian-flagged and crewed vessel is often the first sea-going experience for sailors and enables young MWOs valuable bridge time.

Manned by 20 civilian crew from Teekay Shipping, a medic from OP-STAR and a Navy liaison officer (NLO), the ship spends most days op-erating in the East Australian Exercise Area, focusing on Jervis Bay for avia-tion training.

“At any time, we can be doing up to six levels of training during the same activity,” NLO CMDR Karl Brinck-mann said.

“If we’re flying, we might be train-ing people on the bridge and down in engineering. We’ll also have peo-ple performing duties as helmsman, lookouts, flight deck marshallers and helicopter control officers; at the same time, the squadron is conducting deck landing practise.

SYCAMORE may be the first vessel in which many sailors have their first naval experience at sea, but it’s also the first ship Navy and Army aviation trainees will land on.

One reason the ship spends much of its time in the – usually – calm waters of Jervis Bay is proximity to HMAS Albatross, where 723SQN operates the Airbus EC-135 training helicopter.

The EC-135 can hold enough fuel for about 90 minutes of flying and the 15km trip to the bay enables about an hour of deck landing practise or utility operations with Sycamore.

The ship is also certified for most other De-fence helicopters, including the MH-60R Sea-Hawk, S-70-A Black Hawk and MRH-90.

“Pilots and aircrew conduct a graduated train-ing program that includes theory, simulation and practical aviation activities,” Sycamore Captain Zane Geary said.

“We provide an opportunity for students to conduct those activities in a live environment, while also under the close tutelage of experi-enced instructors.

“For warships to be able to dedicate the amount of time to aviation training that Sycamore can would come at a direct cost to operations and other required training in the fleet.”

A WEALTH of naval experience in Syca-more’s commissioning crew proved a boon when her responsibilities were expanded to include training MWOs and recruits.

There are a few members of each six-week swing who are ex-naval officers, including Captain Zane Geary, who was part of the ship’s commissioning crew.

They brought experience of naval con-ning orders and taught the rest of the crew Navy procedures for launching and recover-ing aircraft, and even underway seaboat operations.

“Navy took more than 50 years to learn how to conduct these activities safely, but not all lessons can be learnt from publica-tions,” Captain Geary said.

“So the previous experience of some of the crew is very beneficial to Navy.”

One of Teekay’s training officers, Grant White, found his Navy experience helpful in understanding what sailors were going through.

“It helps me sense what they need, from both a knowledge and confidence perspec-tive” he said.

“Whether that’s showing them something differently or just taking them through things a few times, I’ve found it easy to pick up on those things.

“A lot of our training material is driven by the crew and the NLOs, who we work with to figure out how to deliver what our trainees need.

“All of it is run from a very basic level that we can adjust up or down depending on the training audience and how advanced they are on the learning curve.”

Mr White said it was satisfying to see recruits or trainees come aboard leave with confidence gained through their time on board.

“I think it’s pretty special to see the trainees going back into Navy with a broader perspective,” he said.

“I haven’t seen anyone leave Sycamore saying they don’t want to do this anymore – they’ve all had a positive time on board and have taken something away from the experience.”

WITH Pacific-Island nations due to re-ceive new Guardian-class patrol boats over the next few years, their crews needed to update their knowledge from their old Pa-cific-class boats.

With her modern fit-out, Sycamore is the training platform for these sailors, with members of the Timor Leste Navy the first to spend three weeks on the ship in late 2019.

Teekay Training Officer Grant White said the 26 Timorese sailors spanned engi-neers, radio operators, navigators and deck crews.

“We were able to integrate them throughout the ship and provide a wide range of training, from one-on-one through to group and whole ship training in activi-ties such as damage control,” he said.

“We had to come up with some new ideas, as they’re a bit more experienced than the recruits we train – things like using a smoke machine to simulate fire emergencies and boost realism as much as we can.

“I think they got a lot out of the time they were on board. Activities were all low impact on the crew and ship’s operations, but high impact for them.”

Timor Leste CO LEUT Raul Correia said the program combined practise of ex-isting skills with new training.

“On our patrol boat, we don’t have the sophisticated equipment that’s aboard Syc-amore,” he said.

“We learn at the Australian Maritime College, but we don’t have the opportunity to conduct practical training, but we had the opportunity to ask lots of questions of the experts while we were here.

“There’s a universal language between mariners, which made it very easy to learn from them.”

The Timorese sailors were split into two groups – bridge crew and engineering and deck crew – so Sycamore’s crew could focus their training.

They also visited HMAS Canberra alongside at FBE,.

Timorese Engineering Officer LEUT Joanico Gama said Canberra – with a crew as large as his navy – was incredible.

“It’s out of my mind to express it, be-cause it’s my first time going on board a big ship like that. It was just amazing,” he said.

“The job the ship’s able to do is really

Apart from showing young officers and sailors the ropes, multi-role aviation training vessel MV Sycamore plays a vital role in training both Navy and Army aviators, writes CPL Sebastian Beurich

WHILE Sycamore was wrapping up flying operations on the morning of De-cember 2, she received a distress call: whale-watching boat Sensation had lost its steering motor and was being pushed towards Point Perpendicular.

When she arrived on scene, Sensa-tion, carrying two crew and six pas-sengers, was about half a nautical mile

from the point’s rocky face, with 40 knot winds pushing her closer.

The previous week, Timor Leste Navy sailors aboard Sycamore had been trained in towing operations using the ship’s RHIB.

Timor Leste CO LEUT Raul Correia said they weren’t expecting a live rescue.

“That was amazing, it was really

good learning for my crew,” he said.Sycamore NLO CMDR Karl Brinck-

mann said the rescue reinforced the need to practise basic seamanship skills.

“We set up the rescue exactly as practised,” he said.

“We had to fire two tow lines because the wind took the first, but once we had them connected up, we towed them

back into Huskisson. Inside the bay was sitting at about sea state three, so the weather was pretty bad for a small craft such as Sensation.

“I think they were all pretty grateful we got there when we did.

“The passengers were pretty sea sick and they would have been in a difficult spot if not for Sycamore’s presence.”

SCHOOL OF THE SEA

amazing because it’s actually all three branches of the armed forces on board.”

With almost three years until the first of the new patrol boats are delivered to Timor Leste, Sycamore’s NLO CMDR Karl Brinckmann said he was looking forward to further international training.

“It’s important Australia delivers some graduated training over that pe-riod and Sycamore is set up really well,” he said.

“This was the first time we’ve done international training. I believe we had some great concepts and were able to transition those to practical training out-comes.

“The ship was supplemented with trainers from Sea Training Group and the Defence Cooperation Program Sea trainers, who were instrumental in the successful outcome.”

Benefits for international partners A team fit to train all sailors

– Naval Liaison Officer CMDR Karl Brinckmann.

At any time, we can be doing up to six levels of training in the same event.‘‘“The concurrency of training we’re

able to achieve really highlights Syca-more’s value for money.”

With recruits spending a week in the ship as part of basic training, it’s often their first experience of life at sea in the Navy. So the crew endeavours to cul-tivate an enjoyable, relaxed experience while maintaining a professional edge to the training.

Both recruits and junior officers climb the main mast, providing a prac-tical demonstration of RADHAZ and working at heights procedures.

They keep watches on the bridge, including lookout and helmsman du-ties, drive a crash boat and conduct damage control exercises.

Interspaced with these mariner skills are motivational activities, such as participating in HMAS Creswell’s overwater obstacle course, a beach swim and an open-air cinema night, or a ship’s concert on the flight deck.

This first exposure to naval life

comes in time to catch those who might be considering departing Navy at “day 64”, when recruits can elect to dis-charge spending a number of weeks at HMAS Cerberus.

“Sometimes we see recruits believ-ing they’ve had enough and they don’t want to do it anymore,” CMDR Brinck-mann said.

“We try to give these individuals a broad range of experiences to enable them to make a balanced decision on their immediate future within Navy.

“After nine or 10 weeks at Cer-berus, I believe that being able to touch, see and experience the ocean is motivational in itself – we just add to that experience.”

While NEOCs may not get the same experience in Sycamore, phase three MWOs spend two weeks aboard, gen-erally after spending a few weeks in a minor war vessels.

The mature learning environment is enhanced by many of Sycamore’s ex-

Navy officers, including one of the vessel’s masters, former MWO Cap-tain Zane Geary.

He has been with the ship since it was brought into service, originally hired to assist the Teekay crew un-derstand how Navy operates its ships. He has also been instrumental in de-veloping the one-on-one mentoring available to trainees.

Apart from his role in Sycamore, Captain Geary also does Navy Re-serve duty training and assessing phase three MWOs.

A lot of the training conducted in Sycamore is challenging to achieve on a patrol boat when they’re work-ing with the Department of Fisheries or responding to refugee boats.

The experience trainees get on the ship, according to Captain Geary, is unique.

“Because the ship spends consid-erable time in Jervis Bay, which natu-rally lends itself to navigation train-ing, we have the time and resources to really individualise the training we deliver and focus on the needs of the trainee,” he said.

“If they’re not getting a particular type of evolution correct, or picking

up a simulated casualty out of the wa-ter, we can dedicate time and resourc-es until they have confidence in the application of those required skills.”

Seeing confidence build in the trainees during their time aboard is one of the most satisfying parts of the job for Captain Geary.

“They definitely have positive feedback about their experiences aboard,” he said.

“When I watch them from the day they arrive to two weeks later when they’re driving the ship down to Creswell, to conduct a boat transfer, they’re a lot clearer in their conning and start to become more confident in their knowledge and skills.”

The ship has been involved in sev-eral other training activities, includ-ing with Army’s 6th Aviation Regi-ment and 2nd Commando Regiment, as well as AUSCDT1.

It also acts as a test bed for devel-opmental capabilities within Navy, DST Group and CASG.

Technologies can be demon-strated in Sycamore before being procured for the fleet, potentially sav-ing the Commonwealth significant resources.

MV Sycamore in Jervis Bay during training exercises. Photos: CPL Sebastian Beurich

Teekay Shipping Training Officer Brendan Naylor watches Timor Leste Defence Force sailors conduct a pipe repair (above) while LSBM Ben Harder watches some of them splice ropes (right).

Training put to test in rescue

MV Sycamore tows whale-watching boat Sensation (yellow hull) into Huskisson harbour while being shadowed by rescue vessel Marine Rescue Jervis Bay 40.

Civilian crew

Aviator training

Ideal for practising deck-landings

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Give your daughter the skills to build an exceptional futureMerici College is an affordable secondary school, educating young women in a Catholic environment with a strong focus on pastoral care, and targeted support for ADF families with an ADF mentor on site.

Our curriculum is wide and varied within a technology rich environment.

Direct buses to the College are available from most suburbs and neighbouring NSW centres.

To find out more contact the Enrolment Officer Ms Narelle Patrick on 02 6243 4150 enrolment@merici.act.edu.au merici.act.edu.au

13PERSONNELFebruary 20, 2020 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

AFTER an annual review, new rates for ADF accom-modation assistance and contributions took effect on February 6 and will be reflected in members’ pay from February 20.

Changes to service residence and rent allowance contributions and charges have been adjusted in line with the national rental market. Other contributions and allowances have been adjusted using the Consumer Price Index and national average meal costs.

Member contributions for living-in accommodation have increased by 0.4 per cent across the five levels of accommodation and for all ranks. For casual meals, breakfast contributions have increased by 50 cents to $5.50 while the lunch and dinner rates remain at $8 and $7 respectively. The discounted fortnightly meal charge will increase by $5 to $205.

Information taken from Defgram 2019/631 and Signal 200413Z DEC 2019. Questions about the review of rates should be directed to your chain of command, or see the Pay and Conditions Manual at https://www.defence.gov.au/PayAndConditions/

Review of rates

AN INDEPENDENT commission has been created to tackle the issue of ADF and veteran suicides.

The National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention will have enduring power, scope and resources to investigate suicides and relat-ed issues as they arise.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the independent Commissioner would have the power to compel wit-nesses to give evidence.

“This is about being forever vigilant for the care and wellbeing of our veterans,” Mr Morrison said.

An initial investment of $40 million will support the Commissioner’s work with further expansion for extra resources. The Government will establish an immedi-ate independent review of historical veteran suicide cases, focusing on the impact of military service and veterans’ post-service experience.

The Minister for Veterans and Minister for Defence Personnel, Darren Chester, said the Commissioner would also deliver an Annual Veteran and Defence Suicide Death Report.

“This will be a transparent report directly to the Parliament annually on suicides within the Defence and veteran community, including an update on the implementation and evaluation of measures to reduce suicide risk factors,” he said.

An interim report will be delivered within 12 months, when families will be able to participate in the process.

Mental health support for ADF personnel is available from:  Defence psych teams ADF medical centres Member’s chain of command Chaplains  All-hours Support Line – 1800 628 036  1800 IMSICK www.openarms.gov.au

WHERE TO SEEK HELP

Ongoing eye on veteran suicides

Dallas McMaugh

THE new CO of 725SQN took up the ‘gauntlet’ of command at HMAS Albatross in January.

Outgoing CO CMDR Stan Buckham handed over the squadron’s symbolic gauntlet to CMDR James Hawley during a ceremony in front of the squadron and family members.

CMDR Hawley said he was excited about the challenge of preparing the motivated men and women of 725SQN for deployed flights and ships.

“725SQN is responsible for training and developing aircrew and maintainers to operate one of the most complex and capable bits of kit in the ADF,” CMDR Hawley said.

“The complexity of the maritime combat helicopter needs to be matched by the aggressive professionalism of our people.”

He said his main goal was to foster a broader understanding of the maritime strategic context to help the squadron’s

people become better warfighters. He flagged a program of training days, educational briefs, guest lecturers, reading lists and tactics development sessions to develop the squadron’s warfighting culture and professionalism.

CMDR Hawley first posted to Albatross in an operational conversion role with 805SQN in 2005.

He said returning to the base after the Christmas leave break was “bittersweet”.

“The amazing investment in Albatross as the home of the Fleet Air Arm is evident everywhere you look,” he said.

“However, the impact of the bushfires is starkly evident, with the charred earth stretching to the runways.

“I returned early from leave to assist in support of Operation Bushfire Assist and this provided me with a clear understanding of the extent of the devastation and the tragic impact on our Shoalhaven community.”

The change-of-command ceremony

allowed CMDR Buckham, who is now Deputy Director Future Domestic Plans in Military Strategic Commitments in Canberra, to reflect on his experiences at the squadron.

“725SQN is made up of a dedicated and a focused team of people all striving for excellence in training MH-60R aircrew and technical sailors,” CMDR Buckham said.

“Among the many highlights of my time as commanding officer, the main one was seeing aircrew and technical sailors achieve graduation or their authorisations and post to the operational space, be it a flight or 816SQN, and knowing that we had a small part to play in their career.”

He said the previous commanding officer’s advice to him when he assumed command in 2018 was: “It’s a marathon, not a sprint, so enjoy the ride.”

His own advice to CMDR Hawley was: “You can’t be the best commander you strive to be and look after the squadron if you don’t look after yourself.”

Better warfighting tops leader’s list

CMDR Stan Buckham, left, passes the symbolic gauntlet of command for 725SQN to CMDR James Hawley in a ceremony at HMAS Albatross. Photo: CPOIS Cameron Martin

SMN Mara Johnsen

UP TO 130 guests stood by the Brisbane River at HMAS Moreton as 37 young men and women were enlisted into the first New Entry Officers’ Course of the year.

CAPT Nick Woodley officiated at the ceremony and welcomed the recruits to their naval journey.

Two Navy candidates, Marc Ledwidge and Dwayne McColl, accepted one of the six $5000 officer’s awards offered by Defence Force Recruiting’s Manpower Group. The awards recognise excep-tional efforts throughout the recruit-ment process and officers’ selection board.

Mr Ledwidge’s parents, Ann and Peter Ledwidge, attended the cer-emony and said they looked forward to seeing where the Navy would take their son as a pilot.

Officers in the making

Marc Ledwidge, second from left, with Thea Dorman, left, and his parents, Ann and Peter. Photo: SMN Mara Johnsen

THE 14,000th young Australian to embark in STS Young Endeavour already had a close connection to the square-rigged tall ship.

Matthew Shelverton’s father, Andrew, was a member of the original delivery crew who sailed Young Endeavour from England to Australia in 1987-88 and encour-aged his son to apply for a voyage.

COMAUSFLT RADM Jonathan Mead congratulated the 16-year-old, from Hobart, after he completed his 11-day voyage.

“Reaching this milestone is a testament to the world-class youth development program delivered in Young Endeavour,” RADM Mead said.

“For the youth crew, this voy-age has provided an additional challenge as they learned to sail Young Endeavour across Bass Strait, from Hobart to Melbourne.”

Since 1988, the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme, in part-nership with the Navy, has been challenging young Australians during voyages in Australian waters and around the world.

While the sail training pro-gram teaches sailing skills such as helming, navigation and climbing aloft to set and furl sails, it also develops teamwork, leadership and communication.

“During a voyage in Young Endeavour, participants have the opportunity to broaden their horizons and to grow both as individuals and as members of the Australian community,” RADM Mead said.

“The confidence and self-awareness they gain through the program stands them in good stead for the future.

“I congratulate the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme and the Navy crew for their dedication, and for the positive impact they have made in the lives of so many young Australians.”

Matthew said the crew mem-bers were amazing and the pro-gram was well set out.

“We learnt how to sail a ship but also learned more about ourselves and others and were encouraged to challenge our-selves and step out of our comfort zones,” he said.

“It was character-building and I’ll definitely be able to use some of the skills I learnt back at school and in day-to-day life.”

For information on the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme and to apply for voyages in the ship, visit youngendeavour.gov.au.

A GROUP of young Australians took a deep dive into the life of a subma-riner when they participated in the National Submarine Competition

Tour and Immersion Experience at Fleet Base West.

Out of the more than 1800 people aged between 18 and 35 who competed for the chance to see what it takes to be a submariner, fewer than 20 won the privilege.

CMDR Cath Hayes, from the ADF’s Submarine Recruitment Team, said an endur-ing and potent submarine capability was a cor-nerstone of Navy’s national security role.

“This capability is provided by Navy’s six Collins-class submarines and the approximate-ly 850 officers and sailors who serve in them,” CMDR Hayes said.

“With the introduction of the future Attack-class submarines, this number will need to increase steadily over the coming years.”

She said the competition gave potential submariners an in-depth look at life in a submarine.

“It not only gave them the opportunity to tour a submarine and associated training and support facilities, but also gave them the chance to talk to serving submariners and learn first-hand what life as a submariner is really like.”

Competition winners, who came from around Australia, spent two days at Fleet Base West taking part in activities and tours.

Brisbane’s Bailey Nugent said he had been interested in a naval career for as long as he could remember.

“I’m studying engineering at university and it just seems that the ADF, and the Navy in particular, is more hands-on and offers greater opportunities than are available in the civilian world,” he said.

“The opportunity to work on a submarine

is completely different to anything else that’s on offer.”

Apprentice chef Caitlin Parmiter, from Moonta, South Australia, said she relished the chance to speak to serving chefs and learn about their experience as Navy submariners.

“After being a naval cadet when I was younger, I’ve always been interested in a career in the Navy and I’ve already applied to become a chef,” Ms Parmiter said.

“This competition gave me the chance to get on board a submarine before I undertake my Defence Force Recruiting assessment day so I could see the environment I will be working and living in if I’m successful in my application.

“The tour of the submarine has taken away any doubt I may have had about applying to become a submariner.”

Chantelle O’Donohoe, from Redfern, NSW, works for Indigenous Digital Excellence (IDX), teaching technology skills in Aboriginal communities.

She entered the competition as a way of widening the career choices of IDX students.

“I was already very familiar with the options available in the Air Force and the Army, but I hadn’t had the chance to get to know about the Navy,” she said.

“I was really excited to come over here and find out what sort of career opportunities are available for Indigenous people, and then to go back to the communities and make some recommendations.

“The submarine was incredible. I loved it – it was so fascinating.”

Competition winners were shown around training facilities at Fleet Base West, including the Submarine Training Systems Centre and the Weapons Training Simulation System. The group also participated in team-building and leadership exercises.

A close encounter with the submarine world was an eye-opening experience for a privileged few, LEUT Gary McHugh writes.

Life below the surface

Young sailor repeats dad’s endeavours

14 FEATURES www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS February 20, 2020

STS Young Endeavour under way in Sydney Harbour and Matthew Shelverton, inset, who followed in his father’s footsteps when he became the 14,000th young crew member in the ship.Photos: ABIS Leo Baumgartner and YEYS

CPOAWA-SM Jamie Dennis shows Jessica Walter, from Tasmania, a periscope in the control room of HMAS Rankin and, inset, Bailey Nugent, from Queensland, descends the hatch of HMAS Collins as winners of the National Submarine Competition Tour and Immersion Experience at Fleet Base West.Photos: CPOIS Damian Pawlenko and POIS James Whittle

15FEATURESFebruary 20, 2020 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

NAVAL pilots and observers who earn the coveted Wings of Gold are considered by many to be the best in the

world, especially considering their runways are in choppy seas.

Wings of Gold, the latest Navy publication by the Sea Power Centre of Australia, is the story of a group of young Australians who joined the Navy to take up the challenge of flying from an aircraft carrier in the mid-1960s.

Between 1966 to 1968, the Navy recognised the Australian system could

not produce the number of aircrew the service needed and sent 49 pilots and observers through the United States Navy (USN) aircrew training programs, primarily in Pensacola, Florida.

Wings of Gold authors Trevor Rieck, CDRE Jack McCaffrie (retd) and Jed Hart suggested readers “strap in” as the excitement in this unique story builds.

Incredibly fortunate to be selected to train as naval aviators, these young officers gave their all to achieve initial carrier qualifications and ultimately

gain their coveted Wings of Gold.Dr McCaffrie said their story was

unique because, unlike those who went before them and those who followed, they were sent to the US to undertake their flying training with the USN – an unusual chapter in the RAN story.

“This book follows the young men’s initial and sometimes almost accidental encounters with the Navy recruiting office, to their arrival as fully fledged naval aviators at the Naval Air Station Nowra, NSW, ready to join their first squadrons,” CDRE McCaffrie said.

Mr Hart said the story of Australian naval aviators who trained with the USN was a mix of narrative and often hilarious personal anecdotes.

“The book takes you along for the ride with the group as we land at the US Naval Air Station Pensacola, meet our host families and learn to adapt to American culture,” he said.

“Naval Air Station Pensacola was, and is still, a huge training system that turns out thousands of naval aviators each year.

“This excellent training equipped

all of us well, including those who went on to fly in combat roles during the Vietnam War,” he said.

Mr Rieck said Wings of Gold captured the efforts of the Navy’s Fleet Air Arm to meet the demands of a new generation of fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters at a time of great strategic uncertainty in our region.

For purchase enquires, please contact Sea Power Centre Australia via William.Singer1@defence.gov.au

Readers of a book about daring naval pilots in the 1960s are urged to ‘strap in’, LEUT Will Singer writes.

A wild ride with wingsFormer naval aviators and two of the three authors of Wings of Gold Jed Hart, left, and CDRE Jack McCaffrie (retd) in a UH-1 Iroquois helicopter at the Fleet Air Arm Museum at HMAS Albatross. Photo: CPOIS Cameron Martin

LEUT Anthony Martin

MAJOR redevelopment works are about to commence at HMAS Watson, Navy’s main warfare and navigation training establishment.

The role of Watson as the home of Training Authority Maritime Warfare is to prepare Navy officers and sailors to fight and win at sea. It facilitates training for about 1300 personnel each year.

CO Watson CAPT John Stavridis said the redevelopment work was significant.

“To ensure we continue to support high-end warfare and navigation training outcomes, HMAS Watson needs facilities that appropriately support current and future training requirements,” he said.

The project includes a new training precinct, accommodation for

236 trainees and a medical clinic as well as upgrades to water, electrical and communication services, base security and galleys.

Watson will celebrate 75 years of service next month. Located at Sydney’s South Head, it was commissioned as the Navy’s Radar Training School on March 14, 1945.

The base was named after Watsons Bay, which in turn was named after Robert Watson, the quartermaster in the First Fleet ship HMS Sirius.

Watson provides basic and advanced training for the combat system category and for junior seaman officers in ship handling, navigation and tactics.

Advanced training for principal warfare officers and newly appointed commanding and executive officers is also conducted at the base.

Construction is scheduled for completion by mid-2026.

Base begins major transformation

HMAS Watson, on Sydney’s South Head, is undergoing an extensive redevelopment.Photo: ABIS Leo Baumgartner

Call: 134 333 Visit: fleetcare.com.au/defence-force

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ADF ARRTS ProgramIt’s on again! Applications are now open for ADF ARRTS Program 20.1, which will run 17 May -13 June 2020 at the University of Canberra, in a rank and uniform free environment.

This innovative arts-based program assists permanent ADF and Reservist personnel facing health and well-being challenges, or seeking to ‘re-set’ themselves by rebuilding their confidence and resilience.

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Dallas McMaugh

OFFICIALLY formed in November 2019, HMAS Albatross’ Mako Paddle Club participated in its first regatta under the auspices of the Australian Dragon Boat Federation during the Sydney Lunar New Year Festival at Darling Harbour in late January.

The team was formed when Kristin Chick joined the Albatross human resources team and tested the waters to see who might be interested in forming a new dragon boat team.

Ms Chick, who has been a dragon boat coach and paddler at club, state and international level for more than 10 years, was ecstatic with the immediate interest in the club and its debut perfor-mance in competition.

“The team is made up of Defence and APS personnel from across Albatross and every single paddler in the club is brand new – an entirely rookie club, which is unheard of,” Ms Chick said.

“When you combine a rookie crew with a handful of death-defying surf-based training sessions in killer tides and throw them in cars for a road trip to

make their debut in Sydney, you can’t be sure of the result.

“When we arrived on site bright and early, we were surprised to see that most of the local crews looked like they had been camping there. Team mem-ber LCDR Wayne Langworthy said it resembled the great camp-out for tickets at the 1976 Bay City Rollers concert but wouldn’t say how he knew this.”

Ms Chick said the heat and nerves were building quickly as the crew took on its first PremMixed event and fin-ished third in its opening heat.

“The crew knew we had more, with our goal for the day etched in our minds – get faster each trip out,” she said.

“Everyone hardened up and attacked our second heat with a poise and disci-pline not expected from an L-plate salt-water crew in their first Darling Harbour outing.”

The Mako crew shaved off 1.5 sec-onds (a third of a boat) in the second run and finished the morning’s racing pleased with the result.

Mako is looking for “under-50, fit and feisty paddlers”. Those interested can contact kristin.chick@defence.gov.au .

Rookies on a roll in paddling debut

A crew from HMAS Albatross’ Mako Paddle Club lines up for a race in its first regatta, at Darling Harbour.

17SPORTFebruary 20, 2020 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

ABBM Brooke McManus is part of the ADF women’s national softball team for the second year running after her performances at the Defence National Softball Championships late last year.

AB McManus was one of 12 women and 12 men from Navy to be selected in their respective national squads after the championships in Canberra.

POCSS-MW Brooke Callaghan was selected for the women’s nation-al team and will also be the assistant coach for the men’s national side.

With more than 100 participants, the tournament attracted its best turn-out since 1997 and a record number of rookie players.

Four women’s and five men’s teams represented their states as play-ers vied for national selection.

AB McManus co-captained NSW to a 15-6 win in the sixth innings of the women’s final against close rival Queensland.

She said everyone pulled together for the final after the side had recorded a loss and a draw against Queensland in earlier games.

“Queensland had it leading up to the final and then we just pulled some-

thing out as a team and were able to get across the line,” AB McManus said.

The Queensland men won 18-7 in the grand final against Northern Territory after the match ended under the “mercy” rule in the fourth innings.

SMNML-S Filipe Crispim dos Santos had never picked up a bat before the competition but picked up the game quickly enough to be named men’s rookie of the tournament.

“I always put in 100 per cent in anything I do but I wasn’t expecting to receive this award,” SMN Crispim dos Santos said.

“I have always played individual sports and wanted to experience a team environment.”

During the championship presenta-tions, POET Chris Murray received an ADF Softball Lifetime Membership in recognition of his dedication to the game and POCSS-MW Brooke Callaghan received a Commander Jo in t Capabi l i t i es Jo in t Gold Commendation for her work as ADF Softball secretary.

The next challenge for the ADF national men’s and women’s squad will be to compete in the Queensland state championships later this year.

Navy players selected in the ADF national softball teams: Men’s WOML-C Scott Clarke (head coach), POCSS-MW Brooke Callaghan (assistant coach),CPOML-C Linden Mooney, PO Benjamin Elliot, POMT David Williams, LSMT Grant Cooney, ABCD Peter Dixon, ABML-P Damian Harwood, ABCIS Timothy Moore, SMNBM James Brookshaw, SMN ML-SC Rue Dalit.

Women’sPOET Chris Murray (head coach), CPOMT Philip Bopf (assistant coach), PONPC Kate Taylor (team manager), POB Alice Williams (captain), LEUT Lisa McArthur-Gibbs, PONPC Cassandra Baker, POCSS-MW Brooke Callaghan, POET Jaqueline Francis, ABCSO Billi Love-Dowling, ABBM Brooke McManus, ABML-SC Katie Nattrass Russo, SMN ML-SC Louise Clapham, SMNML-P Tayla Eguia, SMN Jane Rhodes.

Striking twice

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NSW co-captain ABBM Brooke McManus takes a swing during the grand final against Queensland at the Defence National Softball Championships.Photo: SBLT Samantha Brandstater

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18 SPORT www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS February 20, 2020

CPL Veronica O’Hara

KEEPING up with his water polo has not been easy for SMN James Smith while undertaking a clearance diver course, but it did not stop him play-ing well enough to be named the most valuable senior player during the ADF Water Polo (ADFWP) interservice carnival.

Apart from leading by example with his skilful game play, SMN Smith enjoyed sharing his expertise with the many rookies who took part in the three training days and two round-robin events at ADFWP’s Randwick Barracks headquarters in December.

ADFWP adapted the carnival to accommodate a host of new and devel-oping players, forming mixed-service teams from the 48 participants and splitting the competition into two tiers of skill level.

ADFWP vice-president, player and development coach CAPT Jemma Osmand said it was the most players she had seen in at least a decade.

“We knew we were getting a lot of new or developing players so we grouped them into mixed teams of seniors and juniors and it was good interaction for the men and women,” she said.

CAPT Osmand, who has played

the sport for 17 years and 11 of those with Defence, said the carnival had been held in different locations in the past “but we decided it was fitting to hold it at home and we’ll continue this tradition”.

“The ADFWP committee and Randwick Barracks staff did an amaz-ing job to improve the facilities and bring it up to Olympic standards,” she said.

“The Australian water polo team use it for training sometimes and it’s an ideal location – close to a major airport, which is convenient for our players and when our international counterparts attend.”

SMN Smith took up the sport in Drummoyne, Sydney, when he was 11 after tiring of swimming.

“It started to get boring following the black line so I went across to water polo, which I loved straight away,” SMN Smith said.

He represented Australia twice overseas and played about 15 times for NSW, which helped fill the waiting period before joining Navy.

“When I got the call, I felt I’d achieved what I wanted by represent-ing Australia and I thought ‘now’s the time to start making a living’,” he said.

He said water polo was a hard sport but he enjoyed the physicality.

“If you’re not comfortable in water you’d be caught out pretty quickly, especially with egg-beating and people pushing you down,” he said.

“But hanging around a good bunch of players, all pretty driven individu-als, that’s what keeps me coming back to the game.”

SMN Rebecca Payne was named most valuable development player of the carnival, while AB Samuel Perkins was the highest goal scorer in the sen-ior competition.

For information on ADFWP events, email defencewaterpolo.admin@defence.gov.au or search the Defence intranet.

Making a splash

SMN James Smith gets the ball past goalkeeper LSBM

Jarred Heiser during a warm-up session at Randwick

Barracks, Sydney.Photo: ABIS Thomas Sawtell

Historic win for the menCPL Julia Whitwell

FOR the first time in ADF netball history, Navy won the men’s competition at the ADF Netball Association’s interser-vice tournament.

The win, in December, came after four days of combined service games between states, which resulted in wins for the South Australian women’s, Victorian mixed and NSW men’s sides.

With just four teams in the competition, POCSS Nicholas Miller’s NSW men’s team knew it could afford to take risks.

“We played combinations to see how they worked together,” PO Miller said.

“We worked out each other’s

strengths and weaknesses early on.”

When it came to the interser-vice competition, Navy was lucky half its team had played together in the NSW squad, PO Miller said.

“Army was a tough match for us. They were well drilled and always put up a tough game. We managed to hold them off and take a win in a close game.”

The tournament involved almost 300 personnel from across the ADF. Squads were selected to play at the Australian Men’s and Mixed Netball Association tournament in Adelaide in April, and a wom-en’s squad was selected for a tour later this year.

ABML-P Madison Lee looks for a pass during the ADF Netball Association combined services tournament. Photo: CPL Oliver Carter

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19SPORTFebruary 20, 2020 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

CPL Julia Whitwell

NEGOTIATING the wind and waves of Sydney Harbour, more than 35 Navy members were among 110 participants in the annual ADF Sailing Association (ADFSA) carni-val.

The carnival, in December, encouraged people with a range of sailing abili-ties to challenge themselves in the Interservice Keelboat Championship, Interservice Yacht Regatta and Combined Services Dinghy Regatta. There was also a training course for new members.

I n h i s e i g h t h y e a r o f r a c i n g k e e l b o a t s , PO Nick Greenhill said his sailing improved each time.

“I always learn something new in every race, whether it be better boat handling or bet-ter communication between the crew,” he said.

“It’s also rewarding to be

able to mentor newer sailors, teaching them how to get the best possible speed out of the boat safely.”

LSNPC Kellie Nash said fun came from the unpredict-able nature of races and the teamwork to achieve a good result.

“There’s an element of suspense before you start the race because your adrenaline is pumping and you never know what’s going to hap-pen,” she said.

“I’m in the pit and the skipper tells me what he or she needs. If they say we’re tacking you just do it. It’s incredible, the level of con-centration from the skipper to be in a good position. It’s like a game of chess.”

RAAF teams won the keel-boat and yacht events and the top ADF team in the dingy event was a combined RAAF-Army team.

As old hands raced around

the harbour, 10 new mem-bers completed a two-day Australian Sailing Crew and Helm Training Course.

ADFSA president and carnival organiser WGCDR Sean Ahern said the course prepared new members for events.

“To compete in the races, you need some level of prior experience on the water so this course was a way to include novice sailors who weren’t yet at that level,” WGCDR Ahern said.

Australian Olympic silver medallist Will Ryan also made an appearance at the carnival, speaking to participants about his experience of competitive sailing.

A list of ADFSA events, including for new members, is available on the DRN at collab/vcdf/org/ADC/ADFSC/ADF_Sailing/SitePages/upcomingEvents_activi-ties.aspx

Chess game of tacking and tactics

A Navy team takes on Sydney Harbour during the ADF sailing carnival.Photo: AB Jarrod Mulvihill

Volume 63, No. 2, February 20, 2020

SPORT

LSATA Jake Evans shoots for goal during the ADF Netball

Association’s combined services tournament in

Wagga Wagga.Photo: CPL Oliver Carter

Navy men make ADF

netball historyPage 18

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