Casper hits P3 P5 the road - Department of · PDF fileCasper hits P3 P5 the road 11 Th P8-9...

AIR FVol. 53, No. 16, September 1, 2011 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

RCERCE

DOUBLE DOUBLE HONOUR

AP-3Cs fly 20,000hrs

Fifth C-17 on track

Casper hits the roadP3 P5

11 Th

P8-9

Air Force pair awarded for their bravery in SIEV 36 rescue mission

Full story

P2

REWARD FOR COURAGE: SGT Sharon Jager, of

3EHS at RAAF Base Darwin, reflects on her

involvement in the SIEV 36 rescue operation in 2009 off Ashmore

Reef. SGT Jager and Melbourne-based

reservist LAC Thomas Norton (below left)

have been recognised for their efforts in the

rescue in a Group Bravery Citation, along with one Army and 15 Navy members. Photos:

AB James Whittle (main) and LS Paul McCallum

2 September 1, 2011RCEAIR F

Editorial teamDirectorDavid Edlington: (02) 6265 [email protected]

Editor/Deputy DirectorSimone Liebelt: (02) 6265 2253Mobile: 0400 [email protected]

Deputy Editor and sportJohn Martin: (02) 6265 [email protected]

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Reporter/PhotographerLAC Bill Solomou: (02) 6265 1355Contact us:Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.defence.gov.au/news/raafnewsMail: Air Force News, PO Box 7909, Canberra BC, ACT 2610

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News

Graham McBean

CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown has congratulated two Air Force person-nel recognised by Governor-General Quentin Bryce for their contribution to the rescue effort in the SIEV 36 trag-edy in 2009.

Air Force members SGT Sharon Jager and LAC Thomas Norton were recognised in a Group Bravery Citation with 15 Navy and one Army personnel in the awards announced on August 22.

SGT Jager is a senior medical assistant with 3 Expeditionary Health Squadron at RAAF Base Darwin and LAC Norton is a Melbourne-based reservist carpenter.

The two members were assigned to the Transit Security Element (TSE) as part of Operation Resolute on Patrol Boats Armidale and Childers in 2009 when SIEV 36 exploded on April 16 near Ashmore Reef off Western Australia.

LAC Norton was on board Patrol Boat Childers when about 8am he saw the boat explode.

“I was due to go back to the [SIEV 36] at 8 o’clock but we were delayed for a few minutes,” LAC Norton said.

“The boat just disappeared into flame – it just completely disappeared in a fireball.”

SGT Jager had been on board SIEV 36 since about midnight and was blown from the boat when the ship exploded.

In the water, SGT Jager fought for her life. Her life vest did not inflate

➤ CPL Bradley Joseph Bendeich (Army)

➤ AB Quinton Royston Boorman➤ LS Kirsty-Lee Brown➤ PO Thomas Raphael Dawe➤ CPO Dean Andrew Faunt➤ AB Tomas David Gallant➤ PO Paul Christopher Hetherington➤ SGT Sharon Louise Jager➤ LS Matthew Thomas Keogh➤ AB Jason Cordell List➤ AB Michael Alexander Lordon➤ CPO Shane Gregory McCallum➤ LS Maria Therese Mathews➤ LS Adrian Carl Medbury➤ LAC Thomas Stephen Norton➤ AB Mathew Ross Pierce➤ LS Daniel Anthony Ryan➤ MIDN Christopher Alexander Saville

THE Air Force Balloon is drifting its way home after spending four weeks in remote Australia as part of Arnhem Drifter 2011.

The balloon and its crew, head-ed by Central Flying School bal-loon pilot SQNLDR Phil O’Donnell, have been travelling through Arnhem Land, the Kimberley Ranges and central Australia to bring aviation to remote communi-ties.

Arnhem Drifter, which began on July 28 and was due to end on August 31, provides young people the opportunity to experience the magic of flight, and allows them to have a ‘hands-on’ experience with one of Air Force’s key flying assets.

Pictured left is ‘Broke-Leg’ and Catherine, students of the Ngalangangpum School at Warmun, who took a tethered ride in the balloon in the remote Kimberley region of WA.

Drifting homeAir Force News was highly

commended at the 2011 Pacific Area Newspaper Publishers Association’s (PANPA) Newspaper of the Year awards in Sydney on August 18.

We were recognised in the category for non-daily newspapers of between 10,000 and 25,000 circula-tion.

PANPA is the peak body for the newspaper industry in Australia and this year’s awards attracted more than 1000 entries, the largest on record.

properly and she was being pushed under water as people clambered for the Navy RHIB (rigid hull inflatable boat).

If not for the actions of Navy RHIB crew in dragging her back on board, SGT Jager was in very real danger of drowning.

For LAC Norton, who was now on the water in a RHIB, SGT Jager’s pro-fessionalism after being rescued was inspirational.

“She [SGT Jager] nearly drowned, the poor girl, and when they did fish her out of the water she was soaking wet and she started giving medical aid to the people who were dragged out of the water,” he said.

While LAC Norton said he was “very flattered” to be recognised by the citation, he downplayed his role as “I just did what I was told”.

But SGT Jager was equally impressed by LAC Norton’s efforts. She said after they had returned to the patrol boats there was little pro-tection on the vessels from the sun and people had severe burns.

“We started giving people fluids and he [LAC Norton] started to hold the fluid bags,” SGT Jager said.

“We were tying sheets and blan-kets and doona covers together and he became the umbrella pole for hours on end.”

The citation reads the ADF person-nel on the escort vessels and the SIEV “reacted swiftly and professionally”.

“The escort vessels continually manoeuvred their crafts and rescued as many survivors as possible,” the citation reads.

“Ultimately, all nine Defence force personnel on board the SIEV at the time, and 44 passengers and crew of the vessel were recovered.

“Sadly, dozens of casualties

Recognised Recognised for braveryfor bravery

occurred sustaining horrific injuries and five people died.”

CAF praised the efforts of the two airmen.

“I congratulate them on their award, and encourage them to accept it with pride,” AIRMSHL Brown said.

“Air Force personnel are doing an outstanding job on Operation Resolute every day.

“I am pleased to see LAC Norton and SGT Jager recognised for their outstanding contribution, above and

beyond what is required by our per-sonnel.”

More information on Op Resolute is available at www.defence.gov.au/op/borderprotection/general.htm

THE RECIPIENTS

MUTUAL ADMIRATION: SGT Sharon Jager. Photo: AB James Whittle

FLATTERED: LAC Thomas Norton. Photo: LS Paul McCallum

FLASHBACK: The terrible scene of the SIEV 36 tragedy as it unfolded on April 16, 2009. Photo: LCDR Brett Westcott

➤

FLATTERED: LAC Thomas

MUTUAL ADMIRATION: SGT

Full wrap-up in the next editionPhoto: FSGT Glen McCarthy

3 September 1, 2011RCEAIR FF

Jaimie Abbott

THE milestones just keep on coming for the Air Force’s AP-3C Orions.

In July, the Orions commem-orated the fifth anniversary of Operation Resolute, the ADF’s contribution to the whole-of-gov-ernment effort to protect Australia’s borders and offshore maritime interests.

Now the aircraft’s Middle East detachment has marked 20,000 hours of operational missions.

The achievement was recorded on August 15 as one of the two deployed Orion aircraft flew an overland mission in search of insur-gents in southern Afghanistan.

Twenty thousand hours equates to 833 days of 24-hour operations or 2¼ years of continuous flying.

When the Orion arrived back at Al Minhad Air Base after the milestone mission, Australian and British firefighting trucks provided a traditional water canon welcome.

D e t a c h m e n t C o m m a n d e r SQNLDR Darren Lines said he was proud to have played a small part.

“This is a remarkable achieve-ment that is testament to the pro-fessionalism, dedication, and mis-sion focus of the team,” he said.

About 2800 personnel have deployed to the Middle East in support of AP-3C operations since 2003.

T h e A i r C o m p o n e n t Commander, GPCAPT Paul Nicholas, also praised the hard work done by 92WG detachments.

“The combined efforts of the AP-3Cs and the wider RAAF team have enabled the Air Component to support coalition land operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and maritime operations in the Arabian Sea and surrounding maritime areas of the Middle East,” GPCAPT Nicholas said.

For the pas t e ight years , the Or ion c rews have con-ducted overland Intel l igence Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) tasks in Afghanistan and Iraq, maritime patrols of the Persian Gulf and North Arabian Sea and more recently, coun-ter-piracy missions in the vicin-ity of Somalia, working close-ly with the US-led Combined Maritime Force and other inter-national task forces.

Commander Surveillance and Response Group AIRCDRE Jim Brown said the AP-3C Orion has an extremely versatile aircraft.

During Middle East operations, it can transmit real-time surveillance pictures, providing essential situ-ational awareness to commanders on the ground.

It is also capable of performing a multitude of roles including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, maritime surveillance, Naval fleet support and search and survivor supply.

“Upgraded senso r s have increased 92WG’s abili ty to include overland ISR and today about 70 per cent of sorties in the Middle East are conducted over-land,” AIRCDRE Brown said.

“Many of our AP-3C Orion people have done multiple deploy-ments to the Middle East. I under-stand the impact this commitment has on personal lives and I believe it is important to recognise and to thank their families for the support they provide.”

The Orions are deployed from RAAF Base Edinburgh. The detachment in Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates is made up of not only aircrew and maintenance personnel, but intelli-gence, imagery analysts, operations officers, logistics and many other combat support personnel.

perations

TO MARK the occasion of reaching 20,000 flying hours, the detachment unveiled nose art on the aircraft which clocked the magic number.

Designed by committee, the artwork was painted on the pilot’s side of the air-craft (which is tradition) by detachment member LAC Derek Lamb.

Detachment Commander SQNLDR Darren Lines said LAC Lamb had the task of applying the concept diagram to the aircraft and did “an amazing job with limited resources”.

“Derek is a 92WG aircraft structural fitter who happens to be extremely tal-

ented with paint. We were very fortunate that he was here, otherwise the nose art would be stick men in the medium of grease pencil,” SQNLDR Lines said.

The nose art depicts the 92WG Sealion gripping a globe displaying the Middle East Area of Operations symbolising the quiet achievers in the MEAO. There are also four banners displaying the names of the opera-tions that have been supported: Operations Bastille, Falconer, Catalyst and Slipper. There are four ribbons displayed symbolic of the support provided to Australian and coalition forces in Iraq, Afghanistan and the maritime environment.

20,000 hours up in Middle East mission

Another day, another achievement for our Orions

PROUD NEW ADDITION: Above, the new nose art on the Orion and, right, GPCAPT Paul Nicholas, artist LAC Derek Lamb and SQNLDR Darren Lines.

Passing with flying coloursPROUD NEW ADDITION Ab th t th

THAT’S A BLAST: Australian and British fire trucks provide a traditional water canon welcome home at Al Minhad Air Base. AP-3cs have now clocked up 20,000 hours in the MEAO. Photo: LTCOL Michael Harris

4 September 1, 2011RCEAIR FNews

DEFENCE and the Australian com-munity are mourning PTE Matthew Lambert who was killed in action in Afghanistan on August 22.

The Townsville-based 2RAR infantry soldier was a member of the third rotation of the Mentoring Task Force.

PTE Lambert was on a night mentored patrol with elements of the Afghan National Army and other coalition forces in the Khas Uruzgan region, 85km north-east of Tarin Kot, when he was critically wounded after what is believed to have been an IED deto-nated.

An ISAF soldier was also seri-ously wounded in the same incident.

PTE Lambert began his journey home on August 26 with a simple ceremony in Tarin Kot. The sol-dier’s casket was then carried on an Australian Light Armoured Vehicle to a waiting 37SQN C-130.

CO MTF 3 LT-COL Chris Smith said PTE Lambert was a highly professional and disciplined soldier.

“PTE Matthew Lambert never failed to impress me with his drive, personal philosophy and profes-sionalism,” LTCOL Smith said.

PTE Lambert was the 29th

Austral ian soldier ki l led in Afghanistan during Operation Slipper and the eighth Australian soldier killed this year.

P T E L a m b e r t ’s p a r t n e r, Ellesse, said he was the love of her life.

“He was the most special man in my life and we had planned our whole life together,” she said.

“Matty made me a better per-son, he is my best friend and I will always love him. Matty always protected me and was the best part of my life; he was my everything.”

PTE Lambert has been award-ed the AASM with clasp ICAT, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Australian Service Medal with clasp Timor-Leste, Australian Defence Medal and the Timor- Leste Solidarity Medal.

A COMMEMORATIVE service will be held at the site allocated for the Australian Peacekeeping Memo-rial on Anzac Parade in Canberra at 11am on September 14.

The day will mark the 64th anniversary of Australia’s first contribution to a UN peacekeep-ing mission in 1947.

The Canberra National Memorials Committee has approved a site for the memorial on Anzac Parade. The memorial

will be a focal point for national parades and remembrance ceremonies in recognition of Australian peacekeeping.

The approved project design has now progressed to the pro-totype stage. The design features two black polished monoliths separated by a passage of light leading to a courtyard for individ-ual reflection and commemorative activities which outline the story of Australian peacekeeping.

The memorial committee, chaired by retired MAJGEN Tim Ford, continues to widen its mem-bership base and to extend its fundraising campaign.

MAJGEN Ford said further support from veterans of peace-keeping, from businesses and from the broader Australian com-munity is being sought.

For more details on the project, visit www.peacekeepingmemorial.org.au

Peacekeepers’ commemorative service

He was my everything

HOMEWARD BOUND: PTE Matthew Lambert starts his journey home being flown out of Afghanistan on a C-130.

Sad farewell for digger in Afghanistan

HIGHLY REGARDED: PTE Matthew Lambert.

BYE, MATE: Right, close mates say their final goodbyes after the ramp ceremony. Photos: AB Jo Dilorenzo

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Eamon Hamilton

A WINTER wonderland in New Zea-land has delivered a chance training opportunity for junior Hercules crews.

The record snow dump across New Zealand in mid-August coin-cided with 285SQN’s latest C-130H conversion trainer to the country.

An Antarctic cold front, described as a once in a lifetime event, rolled over the Land of the Long White Cloud on August 15 as the C-130H crew was in Blenheim on the South Island.

FLTLT Glen Nelson, a Qualified Flying Instructor with 285SQN,

explained each Hercules conversion course normally spends a week fly-ing in New Zealand.

This provides aircrew with experi-ence of working in different airspace and dealing with challenging terrain.

“We don’t go there for cold weather training, but it was definite-ly good exposure for the students,” FLTLT Nelson said.

On August 16 the C-130H took off from Blenheim in snowy condi-tions and headed for Christchurch.

It was the first aircraft to arrive in the city after a 20cm fall had closed the city’s airport.

“The students were exposed to

dealing with inclement weather, as well as taxiing in the snow,” FLTLT Nelson said.

He said the crew could see snow blanketing the country, right down to the beaches as they departed home.

Up to 14 students and instruc-tors were on the trainer, including pilots, navigators, flight engineers and loadmasters.

Australian Hercules crews are no strangers to cold conditions during operational tasks. In the past 12 months, RAAF Hercules have trav-elled to Canada and Norway, while conditions in Afghanistan winters routinely fall below freezing.

THE purchase of Air Force’s fifth Globemaster is set to be a record-breaking affair.

A41-210, due to ar r ive in Australia by the end of September, has been acquired in record time by the Defence Materiel Organisation’s (DMO) C-17 Acquisition Program Office.

It took just three months from when the acquisition program began to when the letter was officially signed to buy the new C-17A.

Instrumental in achieving this was DMO’s C-17 Project Manager WGCDR Warren Bishop, Capability Development Group’s Airlift Desk Officer WGCDR Colin O’Neil, and Air Force Headquarters’ Airlift Desk Officer WGCDR Wayne Bradley.

In January, as 36SQN’s C-17As were central in the task of provid-ing disaster relief for the Queensland floods, an Integrated Project Team (IPT) was established to acquire a fifth aircraft under the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Program.

A Letter of Request was released

to the US Government seeking price and availability for the aircraft on February 10, and on March 16, gov-ernment approval was granted.

As Defence only had a small win-dow of opportunity to buy the aircraft,

the US Air Force requested its govern-ment process the request urgently. Just seven weeks later, on April 1, the US Government responded with a Letter of Offer and Acceptance.

Less than a week later, on April

Nearly here: fifth C-17A

6, staff at the Australian Embassy in Washington DC signed the Letter of Offer and Acceptance on behalf of Defence in the presence of the Air Attaché and incoming DCAF, AIRCDRE Leo Davies , DMO

Counsellor Defence Materiel David Marshall, and US Government and US Air Force officials.

An existing C-17A on the Boeing Long Beach production line was later selected to become A41-210.

On August 25, the aircraft took off from Long Beach for its first post production test flight on sched-ule.

WGCDR Bishop praised the efforts of everyone involved in the speedy acquisition.

He said the aircraft was sched-uled to be flown home to RAAF Base Amberley by a 36SQN crew, led by CO WGCDR Paul Long, in mid-Sep-tember.

“There will be no special ferry flight for the fifth jet, as it is expect-ed to return to Australia with a standard load programmed by Air Mobility Control Centre – so the jet will begin work immediately,” he said.

An acceptance ceremony will be held as soon as possible after it arrives at Amberley.

FINISHING TOUCHES: A41-210 at the Long Beach California plant, in RAAF livery, with a few of the people responsible for the program so far – from left, top row of ladder, Gavin Hopman (C-17 Project) and MAJ Joel Lane (USAF); second row, Marilyn Johnson and Liz Pace (Boeing C-17 Program Management); ground: WGCDR Warren Bishop (C-17 project manager), Ward Kerr (Boeing C-17 Sustainment), Rick Wilson (USAF Australian C-17 program manager) and Kurt Gentry (Boeing C-17 Engineering). Photo courtesy Boeing

LAND OF THE LONG SNOW CLOUD

WINTER WONDERLAND: C-130H student aircrew and instructors from 285SQN, inset, experienced big snowfalls when they conducted a regional training mission in New Zealand.

Photos: Phil Brown

Hercules crew flies into New Zealand’s cold front


Michael Weaver

SECRETARY of Defence Dr Ian Watt will become the Govern-ment’s key adviser when he leaves the department to become Secre-tary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C).

Dr Watt will enter what he expects will be the final phase of his public service career at PM&C on September 5, after notching up just more than two years at Defence.

Dr Watt said he definitely thought Defence would be his last public service position, how-

ever with the current Secretary of PM&C, Terry Moran, retir-ing, Dr Watt was offered what is acclaimed as the highest bureau-cratic role in the Australian Public Service.

“I don’t think you can aspire to a job like that [as Secretary of PM&C],” Dr Watt said.

“I am greatly honoured to be appointed to the position of Secretary at PM&C, but I leave Defence with considerable regret.

“The position of Secretary of Defence has been both challeng-ing and rewarding. I have enjoyed my time here and I will miss the people that I have worked with

during the last two years. The people of Defence, military and civilian, achieve many marvel-lous things for the country and it has been a privilege to have been a part of that.”

Dr Watt’s successor is Duncan Lewis, whose long and successful career in the ADF included post-ings as commander of the Special Air Service Regiment from 1990-1992, and later as commander Special Forces in 2001.

Mr Lewis is also well known as the National Security Adviser and will bring a wealth of experi-ence to Defence.

Likewise, Dr Watt will take

advantage of his experience at Defence at PM&C.

“I will go to PM&C with a bet-ter appreciation of the challenges facing major line agencies, which will help me provide advice on whole-of-government issues,” Dr Watt said.

He said his time at Defence has been “interesting, almost beyond measure” and was very cognisant of the challenges he leaves behind.

“You work for a terrific organisation,” Dr Watt said. “There’s some big challenges ahead, but I ask you to grasp those challenges and Defence will be a better place.”

DEFENCE Science and Personnel Minister Warren Snowdon announced a $3 million boost to the Partner Education and Employ-ment Program on August 11.

The increase effectively doubles the amount of program funding available for education and employment support to Defence families.

“Under these expanded arrangements, the partners of our junior personnel will be eligible to apply for a one-off payment of up to $3000 to access vocational training and other education opportunities to assist them become job-ready,” Mr Snowdon said.

Applications for the expanded Partner Education and Employment Program will be available from the Defence Community Organisation website every November, beginning this year.

Mr Snowdon made the announce-ment when he met the national executive of Defence Families of Australia (DFA) in Canberra during the organisation’s annual national conference on August 9.

He said 2011 was a significant year for DFA, marking its 25th year representing Defence families.

“Defence Families of Australia plays a key role in providing Defence families with a voice.

“It brings the views of Defence families to Defence leadership – and to me – and ensures that matters that are important to families are heard.”

Mr Snowdon said discussion covered a wide range of issues important to Defence families and he welcomed the DCA feed-back.

Applications are available at www.defence.gov.au/dco and further information on DFA is available at www.dfa.org.au

Mixed feelings on move

DRAWING ON EXPERIENCES: Dr Ian Watt chats with Air Force members at Al Minhad Air Base last year. Photo: CPL Chris Moore

Partner fundingdoubles to $3m

Tindal tackles bushfi re threat

Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron fire fighter LAC Bryan Barber operates a drip torch at RAAF Base Tindal as part of an annual plan to reduce the amount of ground fuel within the Airside Restricted Zone during the Bushfire danger period.

Photo: LAC Terry Hartin

IN BRIEF Battle of Britain firstFOR the first time, former enemy nations that took part in the Battle of Britain will be represented at commemorations alongside Australian veterans. The representatives will attend a wreath-laying ceremony to mark the 71st anniversary of the battle at the Western Courtyard of the Australian War Memorial in Canberra on September 15, starting at 10.30am. DCAF AVM Neil Hart will provide the address, Air Force Chaplain Mark Willis will offer prayers and music will be provided by Air Power Brass. For more information, contact retired SQNLDR Mal Davies on (02) 6231 6074, or email [email protected]; or Naomi Murphy on 04029 58344 or email [email protected]

COL Green, 102, diesTHE founding librarian at the Australian Defence College and WWII veteran, COL Vane St. Laurence Green, OBE, died in Canberra on August 7, aged 102. COL Green saw active service as an infantry officer in the Middle East and Papua New Guinea during WWII. His achievements in the field of military education have been of profound significance to the generations of students that have passed through the College at Weston Creek in Canberra.

Chief Scientist leavingTHE Department of Defence will be seek-ing a new Chief Defence Scientist and head of the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) when Professor Bob Clarke leaves in October. Professor Clarke was appointed the Chief Defence Scientist in October 2008. He brought with him signifi-cant national and international expertise and a strong reputation as an eminent scientist in the field of quantum computing. Deputy Chief Defence Scientist Dr Ian Sare will act as Chief Defence Scientist until Professor Clarke’s replacement is appointed.

Deal with UK labThe Defence Science and Technology Organisation and Britain’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for recipro-cal access to each other’s science facilities and equipment. The Memorandum provides for sharing information between the two organisations on current facilities and capa-bilities as well as plans for developing future facilities for research and testing, thereby developing greater cooperation on science and technology. Sharing these defence research facilities will also enable the two countries to reduce each organisation’s oper-ating costs.

EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCEINCIDENTS

For further information contact the EO Incident Cell on (02) 6266 4394

or [email protected]

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Healthcare views soughtLiane Nuttycombe

THE final evaluation phase of a Government initiative trialling the provision of basic healthcare to ADF families is under way.

ADF members and families are encouraged to have their say regarding the current and potential future delivery of healthcare to ADF families.

The trial began in May 2009 and is scheduled to end on June 30 next year.

The trial provides access to free basic healthcare for ADF families living in remote and regional loca-tions.

An estimated 16,000 depend-ants are eligible to participate in the trial.

Feedback from ADF families participating in the trial, as well as from Defence families in other Defence locations, is essential to ensure families are adequately represented when Joint Health Command provides trial outcomes and recommendations to the Government.

To participate in the survey follow the link provided on the ADF Family Health website at www.defence.gov.au/health/Dependant_Healthcare/i-healthcare.htm or contact ADF Family Health on (02) 6266 3547.

LAC Bill Solomou

AUSTRALIA’S ground communica-tions capability in Afghanistan may receive a major enhancement, judging from a recent trial at the Woomera Test Range.

Tests in July have proven the Airborne UHF Transponder for Radio relay (AUTRY) system a huge success.

Involved in the testing were Air Force, Army, Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) and contractor staff.

With AUTRY fi t ted and the Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) operating at altitude, clear and stable encrypted communications between handheld radios was verified at ranges well in excess of that required to cover the entire Australian area of operations in southern Afghanistan.

AUTRY will be integrated on the RPA, and the aircraft will have the ability to not only undertake surveil-lance imagery but also act as a flying UHF repeater.

Maritime Patrol Systems Program

Office Deputy Chief Engineer SQNLDR Rob Saunders was impressed with the outcomes.

“So far AUTRY has exceeded all expectations,” he said.

“AUTRY will now provide ground forces with the ability to communi-cate over larger distances using UHF, instead of satellite communications.”

The project was init iated by DSTO and the Command Control Communications and Intelligence Division in 2003. Since then a small team led by Dr Weimin Zhang has conducted a number of flight tests on smaller Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).

“The large coverage area is due to the size and altitude of Heron,” Dr Zhang said.

“The beauty of AUTRY is that it does not require a special antenna and radio for ground forces.”

The AUTRY units are manufactured by Australian company RF Industries. A cut-down version has also been installed on Scan Eagle UAVs used by the Army. Some AUTRY units have been sold to the US Department of Defense for use with Aerosonde UAVs.

Coming Coming in loud in loud and clearand clear

AUTRY TRIALS: The Heron at the Woomera Test Range where it was tested by Air Force, Army, DSTO, DMO and contractor staff.

Photos: LAC Scott Woodward

Thumbs up after Heron trials go well at Woomera

‘ The beauty of AUTRY is that it does not require a special antenna and radio for ground forces.

– Dr Weimin Zhang

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LAC Bill Solomou

EVERY two years, members from 324 Combat Support Squadron (324CSS) deploy on a special mission.

The detachment travels to Pulau Aur, Malaysia, on a four-day mission to maintain memorials at an F-111 crash site and to visit the local Teluk Berhala School.

This year the trip was con-ducted from July 20-24.

On April 18, 1999, F-111 A8-291 of 6SQN, which was on a night maritime strike exercise, crashed into the peaks of Pulau Aur, an island about 65km from

the port of Mersing on the east coast of Malaysia. Pilot FLTLT Anthony Short and navigator SQNLDR Stephen Hobbs were killed instantly.

Twelve months after the crash, a party of friends and colleagues of the crew travelled to Pulau Aur to erect memorials in their honour.

Two memorial plaques were placed on the island. One was positioned beside the actual crash site and a second near the flag pole at the school in the main vil-lage of Kampong Teluk Berhala.

324CSS have assumed cus-todianship of the two memorials, and have a responsibility to main-

tain and preserve the sites in a presentable condition.

FLTLT Leann McKeown, who participated in the latest clean-up campaign, said the wreckage was slowly being overtaken by the jungle.

“There were parts where trees had grown around so that you could see both sides [of the wreckage] jutting out of a tree trunk,” she said.

“The plaque at the crash site and the area around it was cleared and the plaque was pol-ished. The memorial at the school takes pride of place and is kept in immaculate condition by the teachers and students.”

Andrew Stackpool

TOWNS on the long haul between RAAF bases Amberley and Edinburgh received an unexpected visitor between August 8 and 12 when retired F-111C A8-132 was transferred to Edinburgh for permanent display.

The aircraft was partially disassem-bled and loaded on to a low-loader and semi-trailers, and then reassembled at Edinburgh.

It is the third aircraft earmarked for preservation after the fleet retired in December last year.

The first two, A8-272 and A8-125, were transferred to the RAAF

Museum at Point Cook on May 20, 2009, and May 24 this year.

The aircraft left Amberley at 3am and travelled via Coonabarabran, West Wyalong, Balranald and Waikerie.

Well-wishers along the route were given ample opportunity to inspect it as it stopped at Goondiwindi, Narrabri, Gilgandra, Dubbo, Hay and Mildura.

A8-132 was used as a flight tri-als aircraft by the Aircraft Research and Development Unit (ARDU) at Edinburgh between 1979 and 1988.

It arrived in Australia on July 27, 1973.

ARDU conducted more than 30 major trials with the aircraft before it returned to the fleet and resumed

duties as a strike aircraft. It logged 4991 flying hours and retired on May 24 last year.

It has been repainted from its ‘as retired’ gunship grey finish to the cam-ouflage upper and white lower colour scheme it wore while attached to the unit.

The F-111 disposal project man-ager from the Disposal and Aerial Targets Office, WGCDR David Abraham, said the use of A8-132 as the test bed for a large number of trials activities by the then ARDU makes it one of the more historically significant F-111 aircraft within the Air Force fleet.

The 82WG F-111 disposal team

was established in December last year with the specific purpose of supporting the F-111 disposal project in the tech-nical preparation of aircraft and other assets for disposal.

The processes to prepare the air-craft for display included removing flammable and explosive materials, draining the fuel tanks and lines, applying anti-corrosive chemicals, cleaning the aircraft, and removing and boxing the wings, stabilisers, fin and radome.

WGCDR Abraham paid tribute to the elements that came together to make the transfer a success.

“I am very proud of the collective effort undertaken by various units and

contractors at Amberley to prepare, transport and reassemble A8-132,” he said.

Peter Cavanagh, one of the deputy project managers within the F-111 dis-posal project, said A8-132 was nick-named Casper by the F-111 workforce.

“It got the nickname partly because of the white paint scheme and partly because the aircraft was seldom seen at Amberley,” Mr Cavanagh said.

“The aircraft would only return when it needed maintenance that couldn’t be performed at Adelaide or, as suspected by ground crew, the air-crew were chasing some respite from ARDU.”

They got their kicks

324CSS goes back to crash site

JUNGLE CREW: At the monument on the mountain, from left, CPL Rod Mattingley, FLTLT Terry Lewis, FLTLT Dean Leck, CPL Jason Bremen, FSGT Les Plapp, CPL Tai Ender, FLTLT Leann McKeown, FLTLT Dale Hooper and SQNLDR Al Cooper. Photo courtesy 324CSS

LOOK, MUM: Students of St Joseph’s School in the small NSW town of Balranald could hardly believe their eyes when the retired jet stopped outside their school unexpectedly. They were happy to pose for a photo with FSGT Steve Alcock (back row), who was travelling with the jet.

ARE WE THERE YET? Well, nearly. A8-132 crosses the Murray River at Blanchetown, South Australia at the beginning of the last leg of its five-day journey.

CAREFUL DOES IT: Retired F-111 A8-132, fondly known as ‘Casper’ at its new home in South Australia. Photos: CPL Andrew Eddie

ARE WE THERE YET?

LOOK, MUM: Students of St Joseph’s School in the small NSW town of


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CASPER’S THE KING OF THE ROAD: After leaving Coonabarabran in NSW, A8-132 heads south on the Newell Highway in the rain. Inset left, students and teachers at the south-western NSW town of Hay were treated to a very unusual sight when the aircraft stopped outside the Hay Public School. Inset right, on arrival at RAAF Base Edinburgh after a five-day, four-state journey, F-111 A8-132 had to be carefully removed from the truck by heavy crane. Photos: CPL Andrew Eddie

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IT’S going to be ‘bloody’ tough for Navy, Army or Defence civilians to beat Air Force in this year’s Aus-tralian Defence Organisation Blood Challenge. Air Force has won the challenge for the last two years.

“Bring it on!” were the fight-ing words from Air Force blood challenge ambassador FSGT Tony Benfer.

The challenge will run from September 1 to November 30.

In its third year, it has grown sig-nificantly with an expected increase of donations of 30 per cent from last year.

C o m m a n d e r J o i n t H e a l t h Command MAJGEN Paul Alexander said the blood products produced by the Red Cross were vital to our units and deployments.

“We in the Defence force really profile to the rest of the community nationally what the importance of blood donations is to our organisa-tion,” he said.

To keep up with demand, the Australian Red Cross Blood Service (ARCBS) requires almost 27,000 donations every week.

One in three Australians will need blood or blood products in their lifetime, and only three per cent of Australians donate blood.

ARCBS CEO Jennifer Williams said the ADF involvement played an important role in promoting blood donation to the community.

“Defence’s involvement is won-derful, it has a large impact on pro-moting the value of blood donation,” she said.

Ms Williams encouraged all Defence members to join the chal-lenge, and said “may the best team win”.

This year, each service has an ambassador. All three members have received donor blood and in all cases it was lifesaving.

After a hit and run head-on colli-sion in 2007, FSGT Benfer was fight-ing to stay alive. In fact he died during eight hours of surgery, when the flow of his own blood ran out. He lost his leg below the knee, half his little finger and has an artificial elbow.

“It could happen to you or some-one in your family, and when I say family I mean our brothers and sis-ters in arms,” FSGT Benfer said.

Navy’s ambassador is AB Paul de Gelder, who in 2009 required more than 300 units of blood after losing his leg and arm from a shark attack.

“Without people giving up their time to donate blood I wouldn’t be here today; blood was there for me when I needed it,” AB de Gelder said.

Army’s face of the challenge is WO2 Dennis Ramsay, who required a blood transfusion in 2008 when he was struck down by a life-threatening illness. Both his legs were amputated below the knee.

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LET THE DONATIONS BEGIN: Air Force’s ambassador for the 2011 Australian Defence Organisation Blood Challenge, FSGT Tony Benfer, whose life was saved by donor blood during surgery in 2007. Photo: Graham McBean

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FLGOFF Cath Friend

MORE THAN 360 people, 115 vehicles and 6000km of driving made up the Variety the Chil-dren’s Charity NSW Baulkham Hills to Buccaneer Rock Bash 2011 from August 6-17.

And this year – like the past 21 years – Air Force played their part in the charity adventure.

Through western New South Wales, to the dust and isolation of outback Queensland and the Northern Territory, and finally to the finish line, it took an excep-tional support team to keep the field moving.

Air Force was up to the chal-lenge – joining other support members of the Variety NSW Bash to ensure entrants and their cars survived the gruelling odys-sey from Sydney to Broome and arrived safely at their destination.

Air Force provided five members in two crews. The most experienced member, WOFF Kevin Leahy, of 381 Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron (381ECSS), is a vet-eran of more than 36 Variety Bashes nationally. He is due to receive a certificate later this year for 20 years’ service to the NSW Bash, specialising in logis-tical and management support.

Medic LACW Mylie White, of 3 Expeditionary Health Squadron a t RAAF Base Richmond, supported the Bash doctor and two paramedics, pro-viding vital medical assistance to the Bashers should an incident occur.

While both Air Force sup-port teams were put through their paces, it was the second crew that was under the pump.

CPL Aaron Bray and LAC Phillip Webb, of 381ECSS, pro-

vided a mobile mechanical work-shop, assisting all the Variety NSW Bash teams.

“The biggest challenge the mechanics faced was the vari-ety of vehicles they had to work on. Some of these cars are older than the mechanics themselves,” WOFF Leahy said.

Recruiting staff also followed the convoy from Sydney to Beagle Bay promoting Air Force and demonstrating its commit-ment to the Australian commu-nity.

Air Force first took part in the Variety Bash in 1990, enter-ing a Holden HR station wagon and providing two Toyota LandCruiser mobile workshops.

That year, a small Air Force team volunteered to go door knocking, raising $15,000. This money went directly to Variety, and over the next three years the team raised another $30,000.

In the years since, Air Force has supported the annual event with medical, logistical organi-sational and medical assistance.

Over that time Air Force increased its public profile, as well as that of the ADF, while assisting Variety NSW to drasti-cally reduce the cost of organis-ing and running a safe motoring adventure.

The Variety Bash aims to raise over $2 million by the end of the event. All money raised goes to providing equipment and support to Australian children in need.

At the time of going to print, some of the teams would have just returned home to RAAF Bases Richmond and Williamtown, having covered more than 12,000 km on the road.

See next edition for a full wrap-up of the Variety Bash.

AN ANNUAL charity golf day that began in 2006 to help out the family of a 37SQN member who died after a cardiac arrest is going from strength to strength.

On August 12, a cheque for $3077 was handed to Richmond Legacy House.

It was raised by nearly 100 37SQN members who participated in this year’s Tim Kelly Memorial Golf Day at Grose River Golf Course on July 15.

It takes the money raised since the tournament’s inception to $31,500.

CPL Kelly was a general hand who died in August 2006, leaving behind a pregnant partner and three young children.

“A few of us who were close to Tim organised various raffles and fundraisers to help his family get through the tough times ahead,” one of the event’s organisers, SGT Garreth McKnight, said.

“A golf day was organised as part of the fundrais-ing and we raised money through an entrance fee, food and drinks sold via the social club, as well as various raffles throughout the day and a fine system.”

About $13,500 was raised in the first 12 months and it was decided to make it an annual event.

“When Tim’s family had got back on their feet, we turned our attention towards charities that helped when Tim passed.

“This year the focus has been changed again to help organisations that assist all Defence members in times of need and hardship. Legacy couldn’t be a

Variety Bash dash for cash

Golfers honour memory to raise funds for Legacy

$60K coming for our fl ood victimsManaging Director of Frontline Stewart McGrow, left, and Chairman of Frontline Ted Moore, right, present a cheque for $60,200.85 to Deputy CAF AVM Neil Hart and Deputy CA MAJGEN Paul Symon on August 23 in Canberra. The funds were raised during the ‘Have a Coffee – Help a Mate’ appeal for Defence victims of the Queensland floods. During the appeal – held at Frontline canteens across Australia from May 30 to June 4 – Frontline pledged 10 per cent of all sales towards the worthy cause. Photo: Steve Dent

THANKS: Legacy’s Dianne Finch receives a cheque for $3077 from 37SQN’s SGT Garreth McKnight. Photo: LACW Casey Gaul

more fitting charity organisation.

“We will be making this an annual memorial day for all members from 37SQN that have passed away. As the years go by there are fewer and fewer people who attend the golf day that actually knew Tim, however this doesn’t deter the numbers willing to participate as we move forward with this great cause,” SGT McKnight said.

GOING THE DISTANCE: Air Force members who participated in the Variety the Children’s Charity Baulkham Hills to Buccaneer Rock Bash 2011. From left, LAC Phillip Webb, FLGOFF Cath Friend, WOFF Kev Leahy, LACW Mylie White and CPL Aaron Bray. Photo: LACW Casey Gaul


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Eamon Hamilton

POLICE are challenging Defence members to a race on September 24.

The track is only 10 metres, but there’s a handicap – a 47-tonne C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, which teams of 20 people must pull by rope.

It’s all part of the 2011 Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Plane Pull, which will raise money for intellectually disabled athletes with the Special Olympics.

Last year, RAAF Base Richmond supported law enforcement and emer-gency services teams from around NSW at an inaugural event. NSW Police Public Order and Riot Squad took the grand trophy when it hauled a Herc in 13.99 seconds.

The 2010 Plane Pull came about following an approach to Defence from Detective Superintendent Scott Whyte, of NSW Police.

In the past 12 months, Air Force Hercules have been used to fly Defence, police and emergency services person-nel alike around the world.

Detective Superintendent Whyte

encouraged Defence teams to face the challenge from law enforcement counterparts and participate in the Plane Pull.

“Last year’s event was great fun for all those involved, giving people the rare opportunity to pull a Hercules by rope and help raise $20,000 for the Special Olympics,” Detective Superintendent Whyte said.

“We had more than 500 people support or participate in the Plane Pull at Richmond in 2010, and we want to make this year even bigger.

“A team from Richmond’s 37SQN has already registered for 2011, and we welcome other Defence teams who want to participate.”

Defence teams within the work-place are encouraged to mobilise themselves to register through LETR. Each team must have 20 people.

Registration costs $1000 a team, and members are free to seek sponsor-ship however they wish.

More information for teams who wish to register, including video of last year’s event, can be found at http://ra.af/nCVf7q

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ON YOUR MARKS: NSW police and emergency services teams will descend on RAAF Base Richmond on September 24 to take on Defence in the 2011 Law Enforcement Torch Run. Photo: LAC Michael Green

TALISMAN SABRE WRAP14 15RCEAIR FFCentrepiece September 1, 2011

FLTLT Amanda Gosling was a shining light for the Air Force Alpine Sports Association team at the International and Na-

tional Inter-services Alpine Snowsports Championships at Mt Hotham in Victoria from August 7-12.

Despite the Air Force women’s snow-board team being narrowly beaten by Army, FLTLT Gosling was crowned the Australian Defence Alpine Snowsports Association (ADASA) women’s snow-board champion.

FLTLT Gosling took the gold med-als for the women’s snowboarder giant slalom and the parallel giant slalom, and bronze in the women’s snowboarder-cross.

Air Force also dominated the men’s boarder parallel giant slalom with a clean sweep of the event.

FSGT Steve Medaris was first with FLTLT Matt Daley and CPL Phillip Moult taking silver and bronze.

FLTLT Ewan Reid was a strong per-former for the skiing team, with first place in the giant slalom and third in the Slalom event.

The championships brought together the best of ADF, APS and British Combined Services alpine skiers and snowboarders for four days of focused training and elite competition.

Team manager FLTLT Andrew Mills said the event was about more than just

racing. “To strap on a set of racing skis or snowboard and head down a race course at full speed is a difficult thing to do; it develops courage and tenacity for ADF members of all ranks,” FLTLT Mills said.

“We are hoping to develop our wom-en’s ski team even further next year and are particularly keen to see applications from female skiers of all abilities, from beginner to advanced.”

The Patron of ADASA, retired AVM Chris Spence, said the championships were an outstanding example of joint activities in today’s ADF.

“The conduct of the championships reinforces teamwork, joint and collaborative endeavour and camaraderie among and between the three services,” AVM Spence said.

Army were the overall inter-service champions and a British Services con-tingent of four performed strongly, but was narrowly defeated by the ADF in the International section of the competition.� THE alpine skiers weren’t the only snow sports enthusiasts on the moun-tain in early August. Across the Mt Hotham resort, an Air Force team was contesting the ADF Inter-service Nordic Skiing and Biathlon Championships.

The close-knit team of 15 included veteran skiers with years experience and novices having their first taste of the snow.

The Air Force men’s team won the

coveted Biathlon Patrol race and the women’s track team finished second behind Navy.

SQNLDR Andrew Scholten was the best ADF Biathlon Shot of the champion-ships, with Navy taking out the overall ADF championship.

The president of the Air Force Nordic and Biathlon Association, SQNLDR Scholten, said the championships had been a great success building a good team spirit.

“These events are all self challeng-ing exercises so a lot of people come out knowing more about themselves and what they’re really capable of,” he said.

“The sport wraps up all of the aspects of leadership, team dynamics, logistics, operations and professional develop-ment.”

ACW Monique Schipp, a first-timer in the snow, said she had enjoyed the experience.

“The first few days were really intense and I was thinking ‘what am I doing here?’,” ACW Schipp said.

“But the competition was very lively and exciting with my team-mates cheer-ing me on.”

SQNLDR Scholten said the team had fun in a challenging environment.

“We’ve skied hard, we’ve participated well, represented our service and we can take ourselves home with pride in what we have achieved,” he said.

Air Force’s alpine skiing high achievers:FLTLT Amanda Gosling 1st snowboarder cross, 1st parallel giant sla-lom, 3rd snowboarder cross, 2011 Women’s Snowboard Champion.FLTLT Ewan Reid1st giant slalom, 3rd slalomFLGOFF Grant Targett2nd ski crossFSGT Steve Medaris1st men’s snowboard parallel giant slalom.FLTLT Matthew Daley2nd men’s snowboard parallel giant slalom.CPL Phillip Moult3rd men’s snowboard parallel giant slalom.

Photojournalist LS Paul Berry took his notebook and camera to the snowsports

FLTLT Gosling leads the way

FINISH LINE: Above, FSGT Steve Medaris crosses the finish line in the men’s snowboarder Giant slalom.

COMING DOWN: Left, SQNLDR Andrew Scholten (No. 10) tags SGT Carl Trindorfer in the Nordic skiing relay race as the snow tumbles.

SNOW QUEEN: Above, FLTLT Amanda Gosling, who was crowned women’s snowboard champion, looks determined as she heads downhill in the snowboard cross.

POWDER POWER: Above, CPL Phillip Moult crosses the finish line in the men’s snowboarder giant slalom.

FIRST-TIMER: Right, ACW Monique Schipp competes in the novice biathlon during the ADF cross-country inter-service championships.

POLE POSITION: FLTLT Ewan Reid races his way into third place in the men’s slalom event after winning the men’s giant slalom the previous day.

DUEL: Above, FLTLT Matthew Daley (No. 25), squares off against AB Kieran Revell-Reade in the men’s boarder parallel giant slalom.

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AiAiAir r FoFoF rcrcrce’e’e sss alalpipinenenee sssskikkikk ininngg hihihiighghghghgh aaachchchchieieieveveveversrsrss:::FLTLT Amanda Gosling 1st snowbwboaoarderer cross, 11st parallel giana t sla-lom,m, 3rd ssnonowbwboarddere ccrorosss, 2011 Women’s Snowboardd ChC ampip on.FLTLT Ewan Reid1st giant slalom, 3rd slalomFLGOFF Grant Targett2nd ski crossFSGT Steve Medaris1st men’s snowboard parallel giant slalom.FLTLT Matthew Daley2nd mem n’s snowboard parallel giant slalom.CPL Phillip Moult3rd men’s snowboardd paraallel giant slalom.

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FIT FOR AFGHANISTAN: Above, PTI SGT Bryce Madejewske at the Multinational Base Tarin Kot gymnasium where he oversees the fitness of International Security Assistance Forces personnel who are operating from the base. Photo: AB Jo DilorenzoTRY THIS ON FOR SIZE: Left, SGT Warren Blake, a 6SQN armament technician, places a bomb disposal suit on 12-year-old Brittnie Heaney at the explosive ordnance display during the 82WG Family Day at RAAF Base Amberley. Photo: LAC Dan Pinhorn

YODA FORCE: Above, LAC Andy Harper, a military working dog handler with 22SQN, poses with his dog Yoda outside the MWD operations cell at RAAF Base Richmond. Photo: LAC Chris Hall

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FIRE READY: Above, LAC Leigh Weston, CPL Michael Bywater, LAC Travis Peterson and LAC Mitchell Jones with student Travis Fisher, centre, in front of a newly acquired fire truck during a visit to RAAF Base Tindal Fire Section by students from Katherine High School. Photo: CPL Casey SmithALASKA: Right, 3SQN aircraft technicians LAC Alex Meakins and LAC Scott Wilson prep the spare engine for an F/A-18 at Eielson Air Force Base during Exercise Red Flag Alaska. Photo: CPL David Gibbs

SERVING IT UP: Above, ACW Sarah Guajardo, a cook working in the Airmen’s Mess at RAAF Base Darwin during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011, waits to serve the influx of Australian and American personnel for lunch.

Photo: CPL Mark McConnell

HOME SOON: Above, 3SQN armament technician CPL Ben Reeves is all smiles at Exercise Red Flag in Alaska. Photo: CPL David Gibbs

GOTTA FLY: Left, WGCDR Stephen Chappell (left) and MAJGEN Michael Snodgrass, who was visiting from the US Air Force, at RAAF Base Willliamtown before their flight in a 2OCU F/A-18. Photo: LAC Mark Friend

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ON A MUSICAL MISSION: The Beatles’ Abbey Road album cover might have been the inspiration for this photo, but these deployed guitar-carrying chaplains were on a different mission – to help arrange some guitars for the church services at the Ghan Chapel in Tarin Kot, Uruzgan. From left, SQNLDR Garry Hooper, MAJ Steve Cloudsdale and LTCOL James Cosgrove stride across a zebra crossing at Al Minhad Air Base. The Air Base Welfare Committee raised the funds for the guitars, stands and plectrums from the profits of the sale of snacks and merchandise sold at the Beaches canteen, as well as from pay-day raffles. Photo: PO Damian Pawlenko

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NameWOFF Terry FreemanWGCDR Andre KramarczukWGCDR Terry FiskSGT John FryWOFF Steven BrintonWOFF Paul KajewskiWOFF John BlandFSGT Peter FischerSQNLDR Nigel MeadowsSGT Mark DaviesCPL Gavin SnailumWGCDR Jennifer RobertsonSQNLDR Catherine StampFSGT Gregory WattWOFF Wayne RaymerFSGT John BryantLAC Nicholas ByenhofWOFF George CunninghamSQNLDR Anthony FaganSGT Glen GibsonWGCDR Paul WilmottSQNLDR Andrew ChadwickSGT David KerswellWGCDR Wendy PresneillWGCDR Tracey TimmsFSGT Paul BreenSGT Robert BrownSGT Jason HendersonFSGT Nicole McKelvieFSGT Narelle NeagleSQNLDR Lee ThompsonSGT Simon ArnoldSGT Daniel ButlerSGT Craig GriffinSQNLDR Philip GriggsSGT Glenn MorrellSGT Sean O’BrienSQNLDR Mark EsserySGT Gregory JohnsonSGT Matthew WhitworthSQNLDR Jocelyn HarveySGT Troy JohnsonSGT Peter Ticehurst

Must/SpecFLTENGACOATCSUPCLKFLTENGAVTECHATECHPLTGSEFITTAVTECHADMINOADMINOCLKMOVATECHCOOKATECHAEROAVTECHPLTPLTSUPADMINOADMINOSUPASYSTECHARMTECHCLKMOVPLTGSEFITTGSETECHARMTECHACOSECPOLATECHPLTASOPAVTECHACOATECHATECH

Last day July 3July 21July 17July 29July 17July 15July 3July 14July 14July 3July 20July 17July 4July 4July 27July 10July 3July 3July 3July 8July 3July 30July 25July 10July 14June 6June 30July 3July 25July 19July 20July 12June 6July 3July 1July 3June 30June 30July 11July 24July 3July 1July 3

Years36363535323230303029292727272625252525252524242424232323232323222222222222212121202020

EOIs

Role: Commission to legal officerClosing date: September 16, 2011...................................

Role: RespecialisationSpecialisation: Air combat officer, intelligence officer, joint battlefield airspace controller, electrical engineer Closing date: September 11, 2011...................................

� For information on how to apply, log on to People Central through the PSS portal on the DRN homepage.

� �

A TEAM of aircrew and strategic human resource staff within DGPERS-AF are researching new initiatives to improve the retention of female Air Force aircrew.

Heading the research is the Director of the Directorate of Workforce Flexibility and Diversity-Air Force (DWFD-AF), WGCDR Dee Gibbon, who analysed flying as a career choice for women in civil and military avia-tion.

“I think it speaks volumes Air Force’s most senior female permanent Air Force pilot is a junior SQNLDR and of the other 18 current serving women pilots, 18 are still under return of service obligations,” WGCDR Gibbon said.

“I found ADF female aircrew face a range of additional challenges beyond those experi-enced by women working in other fields, both within and outside Defence, because of the nature of their work.

“Air Force has consistently struggled to retain female pilots, air combat officers and Airmen Aircrew, especially when they are partnered with other aircrew.

“How do dual aircrew families manage six-day sorties, with deployed or absent partners, no 24-hour childcare options, a lack of feasi-ble options for part-time work and zero family support in their posting location?

“The fact was most don’t, and unfortunate-ly the female members of aircrew partnerships tend to be the ones who leave Defence at their earliest opportunity, especially after having children.”

The good news now for women serving in these roles is DP-AF staff are increasing-ly aware of the challenges and are currently implementing the barrier mitigation strate-gies recommended through WGCDR Gibbon’s research.

“We are starting with aircrew as we have to start somewhere and we’ll then broaden our scope to other non-traditional fields [of work],” WGCDR Gibbon said.

“Demographic studies clearly show our traditional recruiting pool of 17-25-year-old males will rapidly shrink over the next few decades.

“Other male-dominated industries are

Keeping Keeping them them flyingflying

already implementing creative measures to tap into untapped sources of future workers.”

WGCDR Gibbon said what her directorate was trying to do wasn’t about political cor-rectness or equal opportunity, it was about capability.

“If Air Force doesn’t act now to both broaden our recruitment base and retain skilled personnel, there simply won’t be enough workers of either gender to fly and fix our aircraft in future,” she said.

“DGPERS-AF and DWFD-AF staff are strongly committed to mitigating the known barriers existing for many Air Force women and finding creative ways to enable higher numbers to enjoy long term Air Force careers.”

DGPERS-AF urges personnel with ideas to improve female aircrew recruitment and retention rates to contact SQNLDR Samantha Freebairn at [email protected]

Exploring avenues

The DWFD-AF team is currently working on a wide range of initiatives to increase the retention of female aircrew, including:� Examining the days-per-week model

for Part-Time Leave Without Pay and exploring other models that might suit members.

� Developing mentoring, role model-ling and networking relationships for female aircrew, commencing with a Flying Females breakfast at ADFA.

� Developing a guide to assist female aircrew undergoing training, highlight-ing specific challenges that women face in the training context (such as their higher visibility compared to their male peers and the extra scrutiny and pressure this inevitably attracts).

� Facilitating a collaborative workshop with DP-AF and his AIROPS staff to examine how female aircrew employ-ment could be improved within flying units, both operational and non-opera-tional, especially after having children.

VOLUNTEERS are sought to present the ADF Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Awards to high school students between October and December.

The purpose of the awards is to encourage lead-ership and teamwork among school students, raise the awareness of the ADF, and highlight the core values which are shared by the Australian commu-nity and the ADF, such as mateship, striving to do one’s best, giving everyone a fair go, serving others and the tolerance of differences.

Members of any rank are encouraged to par-ticipate and should include the following details in their nomination: supervisor’s approval, rank, surname, given name, PMKeys number, unit, base, email, phone, current posting locality, and specifics of the local school preferred.

Nominations should be forwarded to FSGT Debbie Freeman at [email protected] by September 17.

ADF Long Tan awards presenters needed

STAYING THE COURSE: Air Force is looking at ways to keep female aircrew in the service, in roles such as pilots, air combat officers and loadmasters. Photo: LAC Scott Woodward

Tell us about the other hats you wearAll Reservists (Active and Specialist) should recently

have received mail asking about your civil skills (formal,

self-claimed, experience) for the Civil Skills Data e-survey.

It is very important that you complete this survey as it

helps the Australian Defence Force better identify people

with specific skills that can be drawn upon for emergencies,

exercises and deployments.

You will receive a half day pay for preparing and completing

the survey and it will also help your Reserve career.

It’s time to complete the Civil Skills Data e-survey

There’s still time for you to complete the survey. Make sure

you have all your paperwork ready – licences, degrees and

other qualifications – before you start.

If you have any questions about the survey, or any of the

information collected, please email your query and PMKeyS

number to [email protected]

You can complete the survey on your own or a Defence

computer, but you should complete it as soon as you can.

Visit www.civilskillsdata.com today

CIVILSKILLSDATASkills in Reserve

20 September 1, 2011RCEAIR FHistory

BULLETIN BOARD

Andrew Stackpool

THE bonds forged between a south Queensland pastoralist family and a RAAF squadron during WWII were cemented when a special memorial was unveiled recently.

During the war, a bombing range was established on the Wyaralong Station, owned by the Philp family, near RAAF Base Amberley. 23SQN, which flew Wirraways at the time, was given access to conduct gunnery and bombing training on the range before deploying overseas.

WGCDR Thomas Philp became the squadron’s longest-serving CO

and another squadron member, Colin Firth, married one of the Philp daugh-ters and subsequently became the property’s owner.

The Senior ADF officer at Amberley, AIRCDRE Noddy Sawade, CO 23SQN WGCDR Clive Wells and 35 23SQN personnel joined other guests and family members at a special ceremony on June 24 as Queensland Governor Penelope Wensley unveiled the memorial. She is the squadron’s honorary AIRCDRE.

The memorial comprises a large bronze model of a wedgetail eagle (the symbol of both the Air Force and totem of the traditional inhabitants of the area) and a bronze plaque with a

model of a Wirraway, both placed on a large rock excavated from the dam’s foundations.

Beside the stone is a post to which are attached perspex plaques with the Air Force and squadron badges and another telling the stories of the sta-tion and squadron.

Although the range site is on private property, the memorial is erected on the Wyaralong Dam Recreation Reserve and is accessible to the public.

WGCDR Wells said that it may be used for ceremonial activities in the future.

During WWII, 23SQN and other RAAF squadrons based in south-

east Queensland used the Wyaralong area as a deployed airfield for bombing and gunnery range prac-tice on a range set up in one of the property’s paddocks. Wirraways, Hudsons and Avro Ansons were a common sight there.

On January 14, 1942, an Avro Anson crash-landed on the property after suffering engine failure.

A number of observer’s huts were established along the ridge adjoin-ing the range while support personnel from Amberley camped out in tents alongside what was the Wyaralong Lagoon for two weeks each month.

Minor remnants of the range remain.

Forging WWIIWWII

PERSPEX PLAQUES: The newly unveiled 23SQN plaque at Wyaralong Dam.

AT THE CEREMONY: Left, CO 23SQN WGCDR Clive Wells with Jean Haughton Jones, a descendent of the Philp family, at the dedication ceremony at Wyaralong Dam.

Photos: LAC Benjamin Evans

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Women’s storiesTHE author of A Woman’s War, Jacqueline Dinan, is gathering material for a collection of mem-oirs and is interested in hearing from former WAAAF members about their WWII experiences. She has compiled questions that she can post along with a stamped and addressed envelope for return postage. Ms Dinan can be contacted on (03) 9499 5169 or email at [email protected]. The questionnaire can also be downloaded from www.eventive.net.au

315SQN reunionNUMBER 315 (AAFC) Squadron will celebrate its 60th anniversary on September 17 in Canberra. All former squadron members are invited to attend a parade and squadron open day at the Multi User Depot, HMAS Harman. For more information, visit http://sharepoint.westcom.com.au/315SQN/default.aspx

Cadets alumni callFORMER air cadets and former staff of the ATC/AIRTC/AAFC are asked to register their interest in forming an Australian Air Cadet Alumni Association. Current AAFC staff members (but not current cadets) are also welcome to register their interest. To find out more or register your details, go to the interim website www.aafc.org.au/alumni

Battle of Britain Church Service at St David’s Cathedral, Hobart from 3pm.September 10: The Air Force Wind Quintet and the Ceremonial Band will support the annual Battle of Britain Dinner in Hobart from 7pm.September 11: The Ceremonial Band will sup-port the annual Battle of Britain Service at the Hobart Cenotaph from 10.30am.� To confirm dates and tim-

ings, call (03) 9256 2514.

Air Force Museum

September 7: Battle for Australia in Melbourne.

September 18: Battle of Britain in Melbourne.� For information on events, visit

www.airforce.gov.au/raafmu-seum/

Air Force BalloonSeptember 10: Diamond Creek Town Fair, Melbourne.September 16: Australian Teenage

Expo, Melbourne.September 18: 315SQN AAFC, Canberra.� For more, visit the ‘Air

Force Balloon’ page on Facebook.

21HistorySeptember 1, 2011RCEAIR FF

Have you thought about your future workforce?

Have you considered offering placements through the Defence Work Experience Program?

This Program provides opportunities tostudents to experience the ADF or Defence APS as an employer of choice.

Send enquiries to:

[email protected] Visit:

www.defence.gov.au/workexperiencehttp://intranet.defence.gov.au/dsg/sites/workexperience

Air Force RoulettesSeptember 11: Battle of Britain in Canberra.September 18: Battle of Britain in Melbourne.September 18: RAAF Museum, Point Cook.

Air Force BandSeptember 3: The Ceremonial Band will sup-port the 76SQN Freedom of the City Parade in Glen Innes, NSW.September 10: The Low Brass Ensemble will provide music for the

Air Force on show

AUGUST 13, 1921, was the day the Royal Australian Air Force gained Royal assent.

On that day the Governor-General signed an order approving the ‘Royal’ title.

Ninety years later, RAAF historian Dr Chris Clark looks back on a his-tory of the RAAF’s founding that he rates as “quite interesting.”

“It involves several dates that could be considered the RAAF’s birthday,” Dr Clark said.

“During WWI, the squadrons of the Australian Flying Corps (AFC) were part of the Australian Imperial Force and were attached to the larger British formations of the Royal Flying Corps and, from 1918, the Royal Air Force.”

During WWI, air power had clearly demonstrated that it was an essential fighting element to any mili-

A right Royal day tary force and the Australian Flying Corps (AFC) had demonstrated that it was the equal of the air arms of any other country.

As part of the international dis-armament program, in 1919 the AFC – an Army-managed unit of the Australian Imperial Force – was dis-banded and there followed a period of considerable debate and negotiation between Army, the Royal Australian Navy and the new Defence organisa-tion as to what Australia’s future air arm should best be.

The debate had in fact started in 1917 and centred on whether the new force should be another air corps, again under Army command or a new, completely independent air force.

In January 1920, an interim solu-tion was found when the Australian Air Corps was formed but on March 31, 1921, it was disbanded and

the order signed by the Governor-General on August 13 approving the ‘Royal’ title, was published in the Commonwealth Gazette.

Consequently, it was that day

and not June 20 upon which the new RAAF took its first steps on its jour-ney to become the service that has served Australia well in war and peace over the subsequent 90 years.

replaced by a new, completely inde-pendent service; the Australian Air Force.

In February that year, even as the new service prepared to take its place in Australia’s military history, the Air Council proposed that the new service should called be the Royal Australian Air Force and wrote to the UK requesting the king grant the title.

Permission was not long coming and on May 11, British Secretary of State for Air Winston Churchill wrote to the Governor-General of Australia, Lord Forster, and informed him that His Majesty had “been graciously pleased” to approve the request.

For some reason, however, the Defence Department was not informed of the decision until June 20 and, although the newspapers reported the granting of the title just three days later, it was not until August 18 that

EUROPE: CAPT Reg Francis, AFC 3SQN pilot, with his RE8 in Europe during WWI.

MIDDLE EAST: Right, AFC gunnery class with a Lewis gun in the Middle East during WWI.

PALESTINE: 1SQN AFC 2 SE 5A on the ground in Palestine in WWI. Photos courtesy RAAF Museum

Stepping stones in a glorious history

mmmmmmmbebebebebeebberr rrrrr 1,1,1,1,1,1,11 222220101010101010 11111

Relocating over the coming months?COMPLETE YOUR AFR ONLINE! Help us raise vital funds for Legacywww.tolltransitions.com.au/defence

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

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

*Terms and Conditions apply.

** Valet Unpack Service includes: Furniture arranged in each room, beds made, goods unpacked and put away in cupboards, bench tops wiped down, cartons fully emptied and collapsed ready for collection by removalist.

Enter your AFR online today to help us increase our donation to Legacy and for your chance to win. Toll Transitions: Freecall 1800 819 167

www.tolltransitions.com.au/defence

Here are some useful tips and information to help you through the relocation process.

1 Make sure that your current home address is updated in PMKeys so we can send correspondence to the correct address.

2 Complete your Pre-AFR/AFR as soon as possible online via our website www.tolltransitions.com.au/defence. Alternatively, you can return the hard copy or advise the Toll Transitions Customer Service Centre by phone.

3 We will mail an AFR pack to your current home address following receipt of your Pre-AFR.

4 Once we have received your Pre-AFR, we will advise DHA of your relocation dates and housing requirements. DHA will then provide HomeFind access to you.

5 Should you contact DHA regarding your housing options in the first instance, DHA can also assist you with completing your Pre-AFR.

6 If you find a suitable house via DHA HomeFind, you can reserve it for a short period of time. Once you have completed and submitted your AFR and Inventory to Toll, DHA can allocate the house to you.

7 Complete your AFR online via our website as soon as possible.

8 On receipt of your completed AFR your Toll Transitions Case Manager will contact you by phone to confirm the details of your relocation.

$2,400

23 FeatureSeptember 1, 2011RCEAIR FF

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Feel secure with your spending knowing you’re in control with a Defcredit True Blue Credit Card. Use for daily expenses, or to buy something bigger, enjoying a 3.99%p.a. introductory rate* and up to 55 days interest free, to lower your repayments from the start. And with its competitive ongoing rate and low annual fee, it’ll help you stay true to your limits into the future.

To apply, logon to defcredit.com.au, call 1800 033 139 or visit your local branch.

Stay true to your limits with a Defcredit True Blue Credit Card

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Terms, conditions, fees and charges apply and are available on request. Approval subject to satisfaction of Defcredit lending criteria. Offer not available to existing True Blue Credit Card holders. *The introductory rate is applicable for the first six months, which then converts to the variable credit card interest rate. For current interest rates logon to defcredit.com.au

4133GOODTHRU

MONTH/YEAR MONTH/YEARVALIDFROM

WEARING safe protective equipment and clothing is essential when riding any type of motorcycle on any road surface.

Research into protective clothing by the Motorcycle Council of NSW (MCC) says well-designed and made protective gear can prevent or reduce some types of injury in a crash.

ADF RideSmart coordinator Dave Shipley said the research found it was important to choose the safest riding gear, which offered the best protec-tion.

“Many riders know motorcycle gear such as jackets, boots, pants, hel-mets and gloves can cost more than $1500,” Mr Shipley said.

“The research also said riders should ask themselves what are they paying for?

“Was it purchased as a fashion statement or for protection from inju-ry, weather or other road users.”

The research also found evidence from independent British testing which suggested some motorcycle gear for sale did not provide adequate levels of injury protection.

Motorcycle gear which was well designed can assist riders by keep-ing them alert by reducing, dehydra-tion and fatigue.

The next RideSmart courses will be held in September and October.

The courses include theory and practical instruction on:➤ Knowledge and techniques to

manage the risks riders face in normal traffic conditions, such as space management, observation skills, anticipation and response actions to minimise the risk of crashing.

➤ Aspects such as rider posture on the motorcycle, obstacle avoidance, emergency braking,

cornering techniques and slow speed manoeuvring.

➤ The need for suitable safety clothing.

➤ The need to ensure the motorcy-cle is roadworthy and safe to ride.Dates – September 9: Wagga. September 13: Nowra. September 17: Oakey. September 23: Sydney. September 24: Albury/Wodonga. Octo-ber 7: Williamtown. October 13: Perth. October 14: Brisbane. October 26: Adelaide. October 28 Sydney and Darwin.

Enquiries on courses can be made to [email protected]

Clothes maketh the Clothes maketh the motorcyclist safermotorcyclist safer

“While Australia doesn’t have set standards for motorcycle protec-tive clothing, established European Standards set minimum levels for the construction and test per-formance of motorcycle gear,” Mr Shipley said.

“These standards should be used by riders when buying items claim-ing to provide protection from inju-ry. Look for European Standards CE labelled items.

“Riders should also choose cloth-ing with bright colours and contrasts which will make them more visible on the road.”

Further information on how to choose the right protective clothing is available from:➤ Motorcycle Council of NSW Inc

www.roadsafety.mccofnsw.org.au ➤ Victorian Transport Accident

Commission www.spokes.com.au All riders should recognise there

are limits to what protective clothing can do in the event of an accident.

If you get hit or collide with a solid object, nothing they wear will protect them from the impact.

But wearing the right gear may help minimise some injuries and ensure a more speedy recovery by keeping wounds clean.

To assist with those incidents where good riding gear is not enough, help is available from the Ride Smart

program for ADF riders to improve rider knowledge and skills. To find out more, contact [email protected]

– Most of the information for this arti-cle was obtained from the Motorcycle

Council of NSW website.

Follow the links at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/armyweb/sites/ARMYSAFE to check out the Ride Smart Program.

CATCH A RIDESMART COURSE

Photo: LAC Bill Solomou

Are you eligible for a

DHOAS subsidy?

Our Australia-wide network

is easy to access.

For the cover you can count on

just call 1300 552 662.

Then you are also entitled to home and contents

insurance through the Defence Service Homes Insurance

Scheme—even if you don’t have a DHOAS home loan.

The scheme offers:

• Comprehensive cover

• Economical premiums

• No general excess

• Contents new for old replacement, regardless of age.

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24 September 1, 2011RCEAIR FHealth

All fizz and no fuel?Caffeine-filled drinks may give you a hit, but experts say they are not ideal fuel before working out, as CFN Max Bree reports.

A SUGARY, caffeine-laced ener-gy drink is often a favourite of those struggling with slow mornings or sluggish after-

noons, but now they are becoming the fuel of choice when getting ready for a big weights training session.

While the drinks are becoming more popular before a gym session, experts are divided over how much benefit they are giving.

Professor Jeff Coombes, an authority in sports performance and nutrition from the University of Queensland, said the drinks could help get people to the gym, but they would not offer much extra strength or speed.

“It’s probably promoting the behaviour associated with doing exercise,” Professor Coombes said.

“If someone’s having it then going to the gym, then that’s what we want them to do.

“There may be some increase in stimu-lation but it’s more of a boost to the cen-tral nervous system.”

Cpl Doug Bentancor, a PTI at 1HSB, said personnel should be careful of having caffeinated drinks before cardio training.

“Caffeine causes a diuretic effect that can lead to dehydration,” he said.

“During intense cardio this could put your body in a state where it can lose too much fluid.”

But Cpl Bentancor said caffeine before weights training was generally accepted, with most over-the-counter pre-workout supplements having more caffeine than an average energy drink, such as Red Bull, V or Mother.

“Caffeine is approved by the Australian Institute of Sport for use by athletes,” he said.

“But when having energy drinks, take into account that it’s not just caffeine – you’re getting undesirables like sugar.”

Professor Coombes sees this use of energy drinks as similar to other workout supplements, where the benefits can be restricted to expectations.

“In studies, if you give athletes a sup-plement that has no effects but tell them it’s the greatest thing since sliced bread, they believe it,” he said.

With workout supplement ingredi-ents being largely unregulated and not independently tested, Professor Coombes encouraged people to be careful when using them.

For Cpl Bentancor, the simple fuels for training remain the best fuels.

He advised gym-goers to eat carbohydrates 30 minutes to one hour before training to give the energy needed.

“Having energy drinks before training is just hype. But having proper nutrition, you can’t beat that,” he said.

NOT THE BEST BOOST: Consuming an energy drink before working out might stimulate the senses, but it can lead to dehydration. Photo: LAC Bill Solomou

Salary package your next car and take advantage of our

25September 1, 2011RCEAIR FF Sp rt

LCPL Mark Doran

HOCKEY player LACW Megan MacAuslan has been chosen to play in the Oceania Pacific Cup in Fiji in December.

LACW MacAuslan, of 1EHS at RAAF Base Amberley, was chosen in the women’s under-21 team after the Australian Country Championships in Port Lincoln from July 30 to August 6.

LACW MacAuslan said she felt very proud to be selected.

“I hope to improve my hockey skills, increase my fitness levels and try to be a member of the Australian open team next year,” LACW MacAuslan said.

“The best thing about this has

been getting the jersey with my name on it.”

LACW MacAuslan’s selection was one of the highlights of the tournament for the Defence men’s and women’s teams.

Four other ADF players were

selected for Hockey Australia’s Country representative senior teams which will tour Thailand and Malaysia.

They are MAJ Amanda Meech, CPL Jessica Antonovich, CFN Gareth Hoddinott and LS Talei Stoll.

The women’s team lost the play-off for bronze in South Australia and the men’s team fin-ished last.

FLTLT Peter Nugent received his 50th cap for ADF hockey during the tournament.

ADO personnel who wish to get in touch with the ADF Hockey Association should email [email protected]

Fiji trip for our hockey star

PROUD: LACW Megan MacAuslan.

Photo: CPL Aaron Curran

LINE OUT: Above, CPL Bodine Luscott.


GOTCHA: Left, LAC Chris Tuttiet makes a strong tackle on LAC Alex Chan.


MY BALL: Above, FLGOFF Andre Holmes negotiates some heavy traffic. Photo: LAC Bill Solomou

FROM THE ARCHIVES: No, pegging out the washing isn’t a new training drill. This is CPL Michael Wallace on a short-term deployment to Papua New Guinea in 2008. Photo: SGT Bill Guthrie

LCPL Mark Doran

SIX Air Force players have been named in the Australian Services Rugby Un-ion squad of 35 training for the Inter-national Defence Rugby Competition (IDRC) in Australia and New Zealand in October.

They are LAC Alex Chan (for-ward), of 10SQN; CPL Richard Falkenmire (forward), of 37SQN; FLGOFF Andre Holmes (forward), of 76SQN; LAC Bodine Luscott (for-ward), of 81WG; AC Chris Tuttiet (back), of 2OCU; and, CPL Michael Wallace (back), of 37SQN.

The squad was named after 60

players took part in a possibles versus probables in cold and wet conditions at ADFA in Canberra on August 17.

This is not the final cut though.The players in the squad have three

more trial matches in September to impress the selectors before the final squad of 27 is announced for the tour-nament.

And still in with a chance are two Air Force players who are among reserves on call if needed to cover for injured or unavailable players.

These reserves are AC Adam Dahmer (forward), of 2AFDS, and LAC Shaun Connelly (forward), of 76SQN.

In addition, two other Air Force

people have been chosen for off-field roles. They are team managers FLTLT Kris Scott (Air Lift SPO, DMO), and physio FLTLT Anna Lewis (HMAS Kuttabul).

ASRU coach CAPT Damien Cahill said the watchlist of 60 players had been running for seven months and the trial in Canberra gave the selectors an opportunity to see the players in their primary and secondary positions and judge their individual skill levels.

“I couldn’t have been happier with the weather we had,” he said.

“We will most likely encounter similar spring/wet conditions when we play in October, especially if we are good enough to play in the finals

in New Zealand. We now move into the domestic tour phase for ASRU which will provide us with an excel-lent opportunity to be physically and mentally prepared for the IDRC.

“Three solid games, each harder than the previous one, will see us in a really good position for the opening IDRC match.”

ASRU is one of 12 teams contest-ing the competition from October 1 to October 22, with games in Canberra, Sydney and New Zealand.

IDRC patron CDF GEN David Hurley launched the competition on August 24.

He said the IDRC was the result of two years’ work – from an idea

to fruition – which extended beyond rugby. “We have the Tongan Defence Services playing, and they will be hard, and having the People’s Liberation Army team playing is extraordinary and we are delighted they have taken up the challenge,” GEN Hurley said.

“The Royal Navy and British Army teams are very strong and both have been beaten by the French team who will be a very strong team as well.

“The IDRC will be a fantastic occasion, not only for us as spectators,but for the soldiers, sailors and airmen who will be participating in the com-petition.”

Bill blogs on ... fun runs

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LINE OUT:

READING a health article in the previous edition of Air Force News on fun run training has inspired me to participate in the Canberra Times Fun Run and Family Walk on September 11.

This will be my first fun run, so information from the article is going to help my preparation.

The challenge has come at the right time of my fitness campaign – the ‘Join Bill Campaign’.

Over the past few weeks I have extended my running routine and have incorporated an overload element.

I might be slow – well, you could say I have adopted the ‘Cliff Young shuffle’. – but as long as I keep up the momentum, then I will be fine.

Since its inception in 1975, the

event has raised more than $900,000 for the Heart Foundation, ACT Division. You can enter the 10km run or the 5km family walk/run.

I will be joined by fam-ily and colleagues, so once

again I put out the challenge to local Canberra-based service

personnel to join.The Canberra Times is offering

Defence News readers late registrations until September 4.

If you plan on joining, please contact me at [email protected]. We may be able to put together a team entry.

For more information about the event, visit www.canberratimesfunrun.com.au

DMO DMO MILITARY RESERVESexciting opportunities Australia wide!

LEAD TWICE THE LIFE

Exciting opportunities are available for Military Reservists in the following trades/ specialisations: » Project Managment » Logistics » Finance » Administration » Technical Trades » Engineering (mechanical & electrical) » Aircrew

DEFENCE MATERIEL ORGANISATION | www.dmojobs.gov.au or call 1800 DMO JOBS (1800 366 562)

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26 September 1, 2011RCEAIR FSp rt

IF YOU see a cyclist training frantically in the Mt Lofty Ranges overlooking Adelaide, it might just be reigning Defence road

champion FLTLT Damon Stefani.In a bid to get his body right for

this year’s titles in Sydney from September 15 to 17, FLTLT Damon Stefani, of RAAF Base Edinburgh, has set himself a punishing target of riding up to 300km a week.

Two or three times a week he rides his bike 35km from home to work and at weekends he and some mates from the base head for the hills and major pain.

You can probably blame Cadel Evans for this.

If Evans had not won this year’s Tour de France, FLTLT Stefani might have stuck to his plan to sit this one out.

He has had a busy work schedule this year, with short deployments to the Cocos Islands and American Samoa and 10 weeks in Dallas, Texas, where he assisted on the Project Coronis P-3 upgrade.

He took his bike over to the US. He did not compete in any races but he trained through January, February and March, including in seven-times Tour de France winner Lance

Armstrong’s home town of Austin, Texas.

It was Evans becoming the first Australian to win the tour, though, which provided the impetus for him to get serious.

“I watched just about all the stages of the tour on telly as it was an enthralling race and I could sense Australian sporting history being made,” FLTLT Stefani said.

“I’m now more than motivated towards experiencing some suffering on the roads around Adelaide to gain some form in preparation for the ADF titles.”

It left him with only seven to eight weeks to get into peak condition and whether that will prepare him well enough to handle the gruelling ups and downs of the 84km road race in Royal National Park remains to be seen.

The road race only partly counts towards the overall championship. To be crowned the champion, riders also have to do well in the 39km time trial at Holsworthy Barracks and the 50 minutes plus two laps criterium at the Sutherland Shire Cycling Club as well.

FLTLT Stefani loves the challenge of the road race and is obviously good at the event.

He has only entered the event twice and has a 100 per cent record.

The first time was 2006 when he won the road race but finished second overall.

Last year, he won the road race again but finished only seventh in the time trial and trailed CPL Chris Holbert by one point going into the criterium.

He didn’t win that race – that honour went to another RAAFie, SGT Mick

Rand, but FLTLT Stefani did hold off CPL Holbert to win the overall title.

CPL Holbert will be back for another crack this year and, interest-ingly, he too has had an overseas spell this year.

From late April to late June he was working on the Hornet Upgrade Program in China Lake, California.

Unlike FLTLT Stefani, he did not have his bike with him.

“I am back training though,” CPL Holbert, of RAAF Base Williamtown, said. “My form is well below what it was last year so I am not expecting too much this year but you just never know.”

Last year more than 50 cyclists from Air Force, Navy, Army and APS con-tested the titles.

There will again be varying dis-tances for A, B and C grade riders as well as female competitors.

For more information, contact LSET Suzie Peterson at [email protected], (02) 9359 4403 or 0404 518 541.

WHIRRING WHEELS: FLTLT Damon Stefani hadn’t intended defending his road title this year but he has had a change of mind and is now in a race to get into peak condition for the event in Sydney. Photos: LACW Shannon McCarthy

The road race course at Royal National Park starts and fi nishes at Watamolla Beach but don’t be fooled that it’s a fl at course. As one cyclist said: “While there aren’t climbs to put the French Alps to shame, it is just relentless. We do a series of ‘out and back’ laps that have some pretty vicious climbs in them. Not going to be any hiding in the bunch on this one.”

THE ONLY WAY IS UP

JUBILATION: SGT Mick Rand won the criterium last year.

Photo: ACW Nicci Freeman

SeSeSeSeSeSeSRCEAIR F

JUBILATION

On On the the road road againagainInspiration came at just the right time for defending ADF road champion FLTLT Damon Stefani. John Martin reports.

If you only do one thing this year to support Legacy’s widows and young families in Queensland, do it through The Sunday Mail Suncorp Bridge to Brisbane. Get behind the ADF teams at www.legacycares.org.au

Legacy in Queensland is the Major Charity Partner of the 2011 Bridge to Brisbane run - Sunday, 11 September.

27September 1, 2011RCEAIR FF Sp rt

From Back PageSQNLDR Wiseman is no stranger

to the ADF component of the upcoming event in Darwin.

For some years the Combined Services Natural Physique titles were an annual fixture at HMAS Cerberus in Victoria, and SQNLDR Wiseman was a four-time entrant, winning the Defence female title in 2006, 2007 and 2008.

SQNLDR Wiseman, who posted to RAAF Base Darwin in January, was at first asked to organise the Northern Territory titles and had the process well under way until she was asked to incor-porate the services titles, too.

It’s a busy job. Her initial tasks were finding a suitable venue (Darwin Entertainment Centre is climate con-trolled so once competitors are down to their bikini/posing trunks, those used to the chills of the south should adjust fairly seamlessly to the tropics), deciding on a date and finding sponsors for the event.

Just getting the word out to bases around the country has been challeng-ing.

“There is still a lot to do, from organising judges, trophies, stage sig-nage, prizes (I hope), helpers for the

day, coordinating the technical side of things ... and the list goes on,” SQNLDR Wiseman said.

“There will be a lot of little things to do in the days leading up to the titles, too. Registration only closes a week before the show, so I will not know exactly how many entrants I will have until then.

“I will have to make the final deci-sion on what categories will run, dependant on entries, then organise the finishing of trophies for each cat-egory, putting together competitor bags for everyone with t-shirts, sam-ples etc, organising back stage refresh-ments, registration the day before, including downloading music for com-petitor routines, setting the venue up on the day and clean up after.”

The event will feature a number of classes specifically for Defence full-time and reserve members as well as Defence civilians. Defence personnel are also eligible to enter the INBA cat-egories.

For more information, contact SQNLDR Wiseman, [email protected] or (08) 8923 5440.

WITH the ADF national soccer cham-pionships on the horizon, the Air Force Football Association (AFFA) is calling for nominations for players.

The AFFA will hold a training camp at RAAF Base Richmond from October 23 to 27. Players selected to represent the Air Force will then move into camp for the ADF nationals in Sydney from October 28 to November 5.

Expressions of interest close on October 3.

Nominations are sought for open men’s, over 35 men’s and open wom-en’s levels.

More information is available on the AFFA website at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/raafweb/sites/RAAFNSA or from FLTLT Ben Cowan, [email protected]

Calling players for soccer teams

With one eye on Reno, Kay has new role

LAC Bill Solomou

RUNNING an extra 170 metres dashed AC Shaun Ton’s goal of finishing the City2Surf fun run in less than an hour.

AC Ton, who is based in Canberra, complet-ed the 14km event in 1hr 1 sec. Yes, 1 sec.

He blames weaving around other competi-tors as a key factor for not breaking the hour mark.

And he has proof. After the race, he checked his sports watch which tracked his course.

“It indicated I ran 14.170km,” he said.AC Ton was in awe of the spectacle in

Sydney on August 14.“It was an amazing experience, spectators

were playing musical instruments, and the volunteers were fantastic,” said AC Ton, who came in 1560th place, putting him in the top 2.2 per cent of finishers.

Standing out in a out in a crowdcrowd

The tyranny of extra distance

BITTER-SWEET: CPL Cassie Fien crosses the finish line of the City2Surf to head the ADF women home.

Photo: CFN Max Bree

CFN Max Bree

THE Air Force women have again dominated the City2Surf fun run in Sydney, taking first and second among the ADF women on August 14.

CPL Cassie Fien finished the 14km event in 50min and 35sec while CPL Jessica Robson finished third in 1:04:00.

CPL Fien also finished sixth over-all among women’s competitors but was disappointed not to come close to her overall second place from last year.

“I just had a bad day,” CPL Fien said.

“And I was expecting the disap-

pointment because I hadn’t done the work.”

In fairness, she was returning from an injury to her left leg.

Second placed CPL Jessica Robson considered missing the City2Surf for a 100km race in Melbourne.

But CPL Robson eventually went with the Sydney event and took four minutes off her last run in 2009.

In the men’s category, SGT Lance Purdon took third place for the Air Force in 56:16.

Seven Air Force personnel ran the event as part of the ADF running team from Sydney city to Bondi Beach against 85,000 other entrants.

SGT Debbie Zigmantas raised $1003 for cancer research organisa-tion Cure for Cancer before she ran the City2Surf.

CITY2SURF

BSCFthliCtoAh

ROUNDABOUT ROUTE: AC Shaun Ton does some stretches.


Raising hair with Shrek

SP September 1, 2011

RTRT

TURNING UP THE HEAT AT MT HOTHAM FOCUS ON SNOWSPORTS: CENTRE PAGES

John Martin

BODYBUILDING champion SQN-LDR Kay Wiseman admits she will feel a bit odd at the Darwin Entertainment Centre on October 2.

SQNLDR Wiseman, pictured right, is the organiser of the International

Natural Bodybuilding Association (INBA) Northern Territory and Combined Services Natural Physique titles – and as much as she would like to compete herself, she’s almost resigned to having to sit this one out.

“I imagine it will be hard to watch others on stage and not be up there with them,” SQNLDR Wiseman

said. “It will be the first time I will have attended a comp and not compet-ed, but I am sure I will have my hands full with the organising.”

Even more frustrating for SQNLDR Wiseman is the fact that by that time she will be in full training.

The weekend after the Darwin event, she plans to go to Melbourne to

compete in the nationals. On October 22 and 23, she plans to be in Brisbane for Natural Universe.

And then comes the big one. She has already booked her flights to com-pete in the Natural Olympia in Reno, Nevada, US, from November 10 to 13.

Continued

With one eye on Reno, it’s a new viewpoint

SIXSIXOFOFTHE THE BESTBESTAfter a rain-soaked trial match in Canberra on August 17, six Air Force players have made the cut for a squad of 35 Australian Services Rugby Union players training for the International Defence Rugby Competition in Australia and New Zealand in October. Plus, we have two reserve players, the team manager and a physiotherapist.

THE big, strong prop his teammates call Shrek did not purposely come to Canberra trying to hide his identity.

CPL Richard Falkenmire, of 37SQN at RAAF Base Richmond, is a bit of a main-stay in the forward pack in Air Force and ADF rugby union circles.

Often he shaves his head for the big occasions which makes him more, well, ogre-like.

But when CPL Falkenmire fronted up for the probables v possibles trial in Canberra on August 17, he had a full head of hair as LAC Bill Solomou’s photo above testifies.

Any donkeys out there should give Shrek a break though, OK?

“It was time for a haircut but I just didn’t get it done before the trials,” he said.

Besides: “It’s been a bit cold in north-west Sydney the past couple of months so hair is a premium.”

Don’t fret though. CPL Falkenmire is one of the Air

Force players who has made the squad of 35 which now faces three trial match-es in the next few weeks after which eight more players will be jettisoned, and he’s getting serious.

“My head will be clean and looking good for the competition in September.”FIND OUT WHO – PAGE 25

SMOOTH MOVES: CPL Richard “Shrek” Falkenmire without hair playing for ASRU against the New Zealand Defence Force last year.

Photo: CPL Aaron Curran

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