Leading by example - Department of Defence, Australian ... · Operation Bushfire Assist. Photo:...

Serving Australia with pride

SMNBM Malik El-Leissy views a fire from HMAS Adelaide as the ship arrvies at Eden, NSW during Operation Bushfire Assist.Photo: ABIS Thomas Sawtell

Operation Bushfire Assist

Special edition

NEWS

TO THE RESCUE

NAVYVolume 63, No. 1, February 6, 2020

Pages 2-11

Helping those in need - centre

Disaster response - pages 4-5

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NAVY NEWS

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

Leading by exampleCO HMAS Albatross CAPT Robyn Phillips updates MAJGEN Justin Ellwood on the local bushfire situation. Photo: SGT Bill Solomou

– MAJGEN Justin Ellwood

I thank you again for your service and and I personally look forward to continuting our important work supporting Operation Bush Assist.

‘‘Maj-Gen Justin Ellwood

TO ALL commanders, soldiers, sailors, airmen and women: as the National Emergency Coordinator for ADF’s response to the bushfire crisis, I want to thank Regular and Reserve members who have supported this vitally important endeavour.

At the start of my tenure I asked you all to lean forward and support our emergency management services and the community.

I asked you to act, without being prompted.

I asked you to make a difference.

To every man and woman, you answered that call.

I have had recounted to me and have personally witnessed actions that are too many in number to relay here.

Actions that are extreme in their diversity of scale, some massive, such as the evacuation of Mallacoota in Victoria, the recovery of downed aircraft in NSW and the provision of drink-able water on Kangaroo Island in South Australia, all the way to the smallest acts of kindness, such as helping people gain access to their properties or nursing injured koalas.

Regardless of their scale, all actions have been exceptionally meaningful to our community.

I have received nothing but praise from our Emergency Management Services, who have done such amazing work, and of course our communities. While

I say thank you and good luck to those forces that have left or are leaving, it is important to note the job is far from over. There is still work to be done.

This work is arduous, relent-less and can at times be exception-ally dangerous.

The environment we are work-ing in is unforgiving.

We will continue to work with state and national emergency and recovery agencies to finish what we started.

While we will continue to respond to local emergencies as they arise, it is the national and state recovery agencies that will lead the long-term recovery we now principally support.

We will have Regular forces and volunteer reservists continu-ing this important work, although we will continue to respond and provide relief as emergencies arise.

This bushfire season is far from over.

Our job is not done until the relevant state and national authori-ties declare it so.

Until that day, every day counts in making a difference to our community.

I thank you again for your ser-vice and I personally look forward to continuing our important work supporting Operation Bushfire Assist.

There is no greater honour than serving our nation.

Let’s continue to make our fel-low Australians proud.

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3OPERATION BUSHFIRE ASSISTFebruary 6, 2020 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

Saving towns and livesCN VADM Mike Noonan’s speech reflecting on Operation Bushfire Assist, on board HMAS Canberra.

WE’VE learned a lot of lessons as we brought Canberra and Adelaide into commission, and with Choules the three ships perform an amazing job, it’s an amazing capability.

When I walked on board the flight deck of Adelaide and saw 500 stretchers set up, there wasn’t a clearer indication to me that in extremis situation we could get people onto that ship immediately.

And this ship, in extremis, could carry not 500 but 5,000 people if we needed to evacuate a small town or a number of small towns.

Knowing that we have a capability that could not only save their towns but save their lives if called upon to do so, is something that shouldn’t be underesti-mated by any of us.

We have never evacuated Australians from bushfire affected parts of our country before. We’ve been involved in floods, we’ve been involved in cleaning up after cyclones, but we’ve never used

our platforms to do what we’ve done over the last month.

You’ve demonstrated to the people of Australia how important their Navy is, how important their Defence Force is. What it says about the sort of people who join the Defence Force is remark-able, because you see purpose, you see reason and a team of people that you want to work with.

You have a meaningful role to play in not just responding to things like the bushfires, but playing a leading role in our nation’s security and ultimately in our nation’s prosperity.

Without the support of contractors, Army, Air Force and ultimately our fam-ilies, we can’t do what we do, because what we do is extraordinary.

It’s extraordinary inasmuch as we are ordinary people that, when we come together, we form an extraordinary team.

Thanks for your great work, well done.

CN VADM Mike Noonan thanks members of Broadspectrum fire fighting 'B Platoon' at HMAS Albatross. Photos: CPOIS Cameron Martin

CN Mike Noonan greets 808SQN personnel to thank them for their efforts during Operation Bushfire Assist.

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Disaster response

Crew in HMAS Adelaide construct portable bedding in preparation for embarking evacuees. Photo: POIS Tom Gibson

LSA Ben Nixon, of 808SQN assesses the Tianjara Fire in the Moreton and Jerrawangala national parks out of an MRH90 Taipan Maritime Support Helicopter.Photo: CPOIS Kelvin Hockey

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DEFENCE Minister Linda Reynolds and CDF GEN Angus Campbell vis-ited personnel supporting Operation Bushfire Assist at HMAS Albatross and on board HMAS Adelaide on January 10.

The pair were keen to see what was happening on the ground and hear about the cooperation between agencies.

“Some of our people or their families are affected by these bush-fires. It really hits home that this is something touching all Australians,” GEN Campbell said.

“There’s enthusiasm to get out and do the job, and be part of this story of support, relief and rebuilding.

“I am deeply impressed with the RAN and Adelaide, working with

Leaders touch base with Navy personnel

state and emergency services to help our people.”

The Minister and CDF were flown to Adelaide and from the air could see the burned bushland near the base.

“I was quite shocked to see just how close they came here at Albatross and hearing the stories of what it was like on New Year’s

Eve when the fire came in,” Senator Reynolds said. “Talking to men and women who’ve lost everything and the sense of relief and happiness when they saw the Adelaide arrive, when they saw our men and women coming, just the huge impact when our ADF personnel fly in, drive in - they knew they weren’t alone, they knew help was there.”

– Defence Minister Linda Reynolds

I was quite shocked to see just how close they came here at Albatross and hearing the stories of what it was like on New Year’s Eve when the fires came in.

‘‘

Disaster responseDefence Minister Linda Reynolds and CDF GEN Angus Campbell visit HMAS Adelaide for an update on Defence’s assistance to the bushfire fighting and recovery efforts.Photo: Kym Smith

Warren Usher thanks LSA Brenton Menz of 808SQN after the evacuation from his remote property east of Moreton National Park.Photo: CPOIS Kelvin Hockey


Top work in crises

A Navy MH-60R Seahawk 'Romeo' refuels on board HMAS Adelaide. Photo: ABIS Thomas Sawtell

LEUT Jessica Craig

Navy engineers, contractors and their families who cut short their Christmas break to support Operation Bushfire Assist were recently recognised for their integral contribution.

WO-N Deb Butterworth and Command Warrant Officer - Navy Engineering WO Christopher Garner visited Fleet Support Unit - South East, Amphibious Afloat Support Group and Fleet

Engineering to thank those involved in preparing HMA Ships Adelaide and Canberra for sea.

“On behalf of the Chief of Navy, thank you for your sup-port, professionalism and abso-lute top work,” WO Butterworth said.

“The collaboration between uniformed personnel, contrac-tors and the ships’ staff has been terrific.

“We’ve all been focused on the same thing - working to save families in our nation.”

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LEUT Anthony Martin

For some members of HMAS Adelaide’s ship’s company, being part of the ADF’s bush-fire relief operation has been more meaningful because of personal connections to the communities affected by fire.

LS Medic Kiah Chapple has family in Batemans Bay and Bermagui who relocated to Wollongong because of the bushfires.

“I am glad that my family is safe and very happy that I can be here on the ship involved in the Navy response,” LS Chapple said.

This is the first time in her eight-year career in Navy that LS Chapple has been called out to provide humanitarian support during a natural disaster.

Specialising in underwater medicine and having previously served in Adelaide, LS Chapple was prepared to respond to the call to join the ship and quickly integrate with the embarked medical team.

“Everyone in the ship is great to work with. We have a professional medical team and everyone is ready to go if needed,” she said.

LS Chapple said she was proud to “be there for her fam-ily and community,” and knows her medical team and the entire crew of Adelaide feel the same way.

Adelaide, in conjunc-tion with Choules and MV Sycamore, worked off the south-east coast to provide aid to the communities impacted by the bushfires.

Helping the helpersFLTLT Courtney Jay

ON JANUARY 12, Fire and Rescue NSW and ADF members success-fully retrieved a helicopter that was forced to ditch into the Ben Boyd Reservoir, near the township of Eden January 9.

The Bell UH-1H was contracted to the NSW Rural Fire Service and was supporting the firefighting efforts of the Clyde Mountain fire at the time.

Operations Officer of Navy Clearance Diving Team One LEUT Michael Hutchesson said the retriev-al mission with Fire and Rescue NSW’s Hazardous Materials Team (HAZMAT) to float the helicopter to the shoreline was a success.

“Our team assessed the site and decided the best way to get the helicopter out of the water was to deploy lift bags in order to move it the approximate 500 metres to a recovery point,” LEUT Hutchesson said.

“Once near the shoreline, we then used a combination of lift bags and an Army Heavy Recovery Vehicle to turn and rotate the heli-copter upright onto its skids.

“I’m really pleased at how well our team did. This is unique tasking and they used their specialist skills really well to ensure a safe and suc-cessful outcome.”

Once the Bell UH-1H was floated to the shoreline and turned upright, Army personnel from 5

CSSB utilised a heavy recovery vehicle to then pull the helicopter safely to shore, ready for handover to the relevant authorities.

Since the incident, the site has been under the control of Fire and Rescue NSW HAZMAT, with Acting Inspector Jason Murphy saying the site was cordoned off to avoid contamination of the water, with the reservoir closed as a drink-ing supply.

“I’m sure residents of the Eden area will be very relieved to know that the helicopter has been retrieved from the reservoir and preparations are now being made to restore it as a drinking water source,” Acting Inspector Murphy said.

Too close to home for one medic

Fighting fires when off duty

CPL Veronica O’Hara

GETTING caught in a “hot and tense” bushfire is not where anyone wants to be, but it’s part of volunteer firefighter ABMT Matthew Gates’ role when not in an engine room.

“We were overrun by fire while work-ing behind a house and it got intense very quickly. We had to retreat to the vehicle with our hoses still out, then activate the emergency sprays and radio our situation,” AB Gates said.

The battle with nature occurred in the Shoalhaven region when at a fire front with the captain of St Georges Basin Rural Fire Brigade (RFB).

“As the front passed, other crews came to confirm we were okay. We checked our vehicle for damage, luckily there was only a burnt hose and the captain had a minor burn.”

They extinguished cars and other items

burning nearby before returning to base, making repairs and heading back out again.

As ‘officer on the truck’, AB Gates managed a vehicle and crew or multiple crews and areas of control.

“We had an escape route planned all the time, but due to the fire’s power and sudden change, there wasn’t enough time to drive out because our hoses were in use,” he said.

AB Gates said it was hard seeing ani-mals trying to cope with the conditions.

“Watching wildlife hop towards the burnt areas or fire and not being able to do anything is heartbreaking,” he said.

AB Gates grew up surrounded by most of his family serving the community.

“At 11 I joined the cadet brigade at St George’s Basin RFB and as soon as I turned 16, started going out with the truck to fires,” he said.

“My father was a paramedic and is a

Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteer, and my mother and older sister used to be in the RFS.

“I continue to do it because it’s some-thing I’m passionate about. It feels good to help out the community and volunteer my time.”

AB Gates has had the opportunity to share his firefighting experience while on HMAS Canberra which carries helicop-ters, vehicles and landing craft.

“I created a powerpoint presentation for the standing sea fire and emergency party on how vehicles can catch fire, showing safe ways to put it out with attack angles, nozzle techniques and the dangers associ-ated,” he said.

There can be a lot of vehicles on the ship, up to 40 at a time, and sharing his RFS-obtained vehicle firefighting training and experience was greatly appreciated by the damage control training team on board.

LSMED Kiah Chapple prepares medical equipment in the flight deck triage on board HMAS Adelaide during Operation Bushfire Assist. Photo: ABIS Thomas Sawtell

Army and Navy worked together to successfully recover a NSW RFS contracted helicopter that ditched into the Ben Boyd Reservoir, near Eden in NSW. Photo: SGT Bill Solomou

Volunteer firefighter ABMT Matthew Gates in front of an RFS truck.

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SGT Max Bree

FOR those at HMAS Albatross, it would have been hard not to recog-nise the irony of fires threatening the base that has helped to fight bushfires for decades.

Half an hour after the strong north-westerly winds started at about 10.30am on New Year’s Eve, CO Albatross CAPT Robyn Phillips saw flames at the western edge of the airfield.

“I didn't know what would be left of Albatross,” CAPT Phillips said. “We had fire licking at the doorstep and we knew it was going to be a bad day.”

CAPT Phillips enacted special emergency powers that allowed her to take command of all military and civilians at Albatross.

Fire travelled around the base’s western perimeter, then a spot fire burned across the grass around the runway’s north side and continued near the Fleet Air Arm Museum and the Parachute Training School.

“We’d see black plumes of smoke on the horizon and wonder if that was someone’s house that had gone up,” CAPT Phillips said.

By 3pm, no sunlight penetrated the black smoke enveloping the base.

Contractors and firefighters drove around the airfield extinguish-ing spot fires ahead of the main fire front.

“We were just waiting for that fire front to come up Nowra Hill and get us,” CAPT Phillips said.

Everyone who wasn’t supporting aircraft operations moved into one building, where about 40 people sheltered, including two civilians who had lost their home at nearby Nerriga.

“This was before we officially opened up as a civilian place of ref-uge, but I wasn’t going to turn them away,” CAPT Phillips said.

Volunteer firefighters protected the building with hoses and a fire truck at each end.

“I’d seen images on TV and wondered if those firies outside were going to be able to make a dif-ference,” CAPT Phillips said.

During the worst ember attack, small blazes ignited deeper inside the base, including one between accommodation blocks.

“My staff were discovering spot fires and pulling out hoses to put them out,” CAPT Phillips said.

At the last minute, the wind changed and pushed the fire back on itself.

It was a harrowing start to the

job for CAPT Phillips, who took command on December 12.

Albatross has been supporting this season’s firefighting efforts since late November when the RFS aviation element first arrived. In mid-December civilian firefight-ers and trucks began staging from Albatross.

Many rooms were reserved for firefighters transiting or staying on board and the junior sailors’ mess worked through the holidays to keep everyone fed.

Army engineers and plant equip-ment are staging from Albatross, while about 80 infantrymen on board are travelling to assist fire-affected communities.

The base is in the midst of a fire zone and provides firefighters a staging point to respond.

“We have the infrastructure, we have people to give them a hand helping their aircraft refuel and re-water. On some days it gets very busy,” CAPT Phillips said.

Charred gum trees and burnt grass surrounding the flight line are a reminder of how close things came at Albatross.

Despite this, firefighting and military aircraft stand against the charred landscape, ready for more missions.

Too close for comfort at Albatross

Governor-General GEN (retd) David Hurley meets HMAS Albatross fire station staff after the emergency at the base. Photo: CPO Paul Berry

Aircraft prepare to take off as smoke and fire approach HMAS Albatross on New Year’s eve.

www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS February 6, 2020 1110 OPERATION BUSHFIRE ASSIST10

NAVY amphibious ship HMAS Choules arrived in Western Port, Victoria on January 4, having evacuated 1117 residents and

holidaymakers from Mallacoota, after the devastating New Year’s Eve bushfires.

The transit to Western Port took about 20 hours, during which time the evacu-ees had the opportunity to gain an insight into life at sea in a Navy ship and enjoy some of Choules’ hospitality.

Mark Vos, of Maffra, was three days into a planned three-week holiday in Mallacoota when the bushfires devas-tated the local area.

“We’ve been visiting Mallacoota every year for a long time, and we have come to know many of the locals, many of whom lost their homes,” Mr Vos said.

“On New Year’s Eve we took shelter at the wharf, and it was horrific – it was difficult to breathe.

“What sticks in my mind is the sound of the explosions every time a gas bottle went off – you knew that each one was another house lost.”

Mr Vos was impressed with the evac-uation experience.

“Navy has been great – we were all well looked after and very well fed under what were very challenging conditions,” he said.

After arriving at Western Port, the 1117 evacuees, 135 dogs, four cats, a bird and a rabbit disembarked to meet a com-bined force of Defence and emergency services personnel standing by to assist the evacuees as they were reunited with

members of their family and friends.Among the many personnel on the

wharf were members of the Victorian Police, the Metropolitan Fire Board, Am-bulance Victoria, the State Emergency Service, the Australian Red Cross and the RSPCA, as well as Navy members from HMAS Cerberus and members of the Army.

CO Choules CMDR Scott Houlihan said there was a wide range of support services on hand to assist the evacuees.

“The response to the East Gippsland bushfires has been and continues to be a massive effort led by Emergency Man-agement Victoria,” CMDR Houlihan said.

“From our initial arrival offshore of Mallacoota, the success of this mission

has been based on the cooperative plan-ning and coordinated execution by so many organisations.

“A number of Victorian Police and Red Cross personnel travelled with us to support the evacuees en route, and we ap-preciate the efforts of all parties involved from start to finish.

“Of course, I am very proud of HMAS Choules’ ship’s company, who came to-gether at very short notice to sail on New Year’s Day to support fellow Australians in a time of need.”

After the completion of the disembar-kation, Choules was back on task, work-ing into the night to prepare the ship and load essential supplies and equipment to be transported back to Mallacoota to as-sist in recovery efforts.

OUR PEOPLE TO THE RESCUE

LEUT Geoff Long

FOR many of the ADF personnel involved in Operation Bushfire Assist there is an added personal connection to the emergency through family and friends directly impacted by the fires.

When POIS Helen Frank was packing her kit to join HMAS Choules at short notice on New Year’s Eve, she was also getting updates on the fires at her parents’ home in Orbost in Victoria’s East Gippsland region.

A few days later that personal connection came to the fore when she was interacting with the first group of people to be evacuated from Mallacoota, just down the coast from Orbost.

“On December 31 when we got the call-up, I’d been getting photos from my mum show-ing the fires, which came within two kilome-tres of their house in Orbost,” PO Frank said.

“So when I was talking to people in Mal-lacoota and they heard my parents’ house was also in danger, we had that instant connec-tion.”

ABMT Liliana Kleber experienced a simi-lar connection when interacting with evacuees. She was due to travel to the family home in Tathra before she was called to rejoin Choules at short notice on New Year’s Eve.

Not only was the NSW south coast town again under threat, but the fires that devastated Tathra in March last year were still fresh in her mind.

“Most of my friends lost their houses in the first round of fires and our family home was only saved after a water-bombing plane flew over and spared it,” AB Kleber said.

“If I wasn’t on Choules I would have most likely been in an evacuation centre, but having also spent time in the past in East Gippsland I was very happy to be able to deploy and help people.”

Many of the ship’s company came from far and wide in response to the emergency.

Australians in need got to experience the capabilities of their Defence Force personnel first-hand during the bushfire crisis, LCDR Des Paroz reports.

HMAS Choules’ Doctor CMDR Scott Squires, right, with an evacuee during the evacuation of Mallacoota. Photo: LSIS Shane Cameron

Personal connection for personnelLCPL Aaron Turk gives a safety brief to members of the Country Fire Association, Mallacoota, as they prepare for evacuation on board HMAS Choules. Photo: POIS Helen Frank

LSCIS Afton Mitchell was preparing for a music festival in the northern NSW town of Bryon Bay before returning to Sydney to sail for Mallacoota, just down the road from her family home at Lakes Entrance.

“I’d been home at my mum’s place in Lakes Entrance just a couple of weeks earlier so it was a complete turnaround to get to By-ron and then end up back on my home turf,” LS Mitchell said.

“I grew up in Lakes Entrance but we used to spend our holidays in Mallacoota, so it’s a

place I have a strong connection with.“My mum knows business owners in Mal-

lacoota and you’ll find that while East Gipps-land is large in area, it’s very close among the various communities.”

While she was heartbroken at the devasta-tion left by the bushfires, LS Mitchell said it felt good to make a positive contribution and know that other friends and family in the area were looking out for her mum.

WO Arthur Mitcherson, Choules’ CWO, said the personal connection with the bush-

fire emergency had impacted many people throughout Navy.

“It’s a credit to our people that they can support these communities while at the same time knowing that their family or friends could be struggling or in danger,” WO Mitch-erson said.

A Navy task group, comprising Choules, HMAS Adelaide and MV Sycamore, worked off the Australian south-east coast to aid vari-ous communities impacted by the bushfires.

People and animals from the district of Omeo are evacuated to escape the Bruthen bushfire in an 808SQN MRH-90 maritime support helicopter. Photo: CPOA Brett Kennedy

LEUT Harry Rees escorts an evacuee from Mallacoota as she disembarks HMAS Choules with her baby at Western Port, Victoria. Photo: POIS Nina Fogliani

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13NEWSFebruary 6, 2020 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

Toughest test passedLEUT Geoff Long

SEVEN sailors graduated from Clearance Diving Course 87 at the ADF Diving School on HMAS Penguin, which is one of the toughest courses Navy has to offer.

Commander Australian Fleet, RADM Jonathan Mead welcomed the Navy’s newest clearance divers (CD), including the first two female sailors to graduate from the course.

Addressing the graduates as head of the clearance diving com-munity, RADM Mead congratu-lated them on their achievement, saying it was one of the most excit-ing times to be a CD.

“You may, in the course of your careers, take part in day and night diving operations, in depths of more than 50 metres,” RADM Mead said.

“You may undertake airborne insertion and extraction, expedi-tionary reconnaissance and support operations in the maritime environ-ment.

“This requires special skills, mental fortitude and a level of fit-ness – attributes that you all pos-sess and I congratulate you on your achievement.”

One of the graduates, SMN Clearance Diver (SMNCD) Abby, said graduating was a proud and exciting moment.

“The course has been challeng-ing and I’ve loved the camaraderie with the other participants, but now

I’m looking forward to getting on with the job,” SMN Abby said.

Graduate SMNCD Kaine, who was awarded Dux of the course, said he was happy that all of the hard work had now paid off.

“I’m going to enjoy our final time together but I’m now looking forward to putting the skills I’ve learnt into practice and joining CD Team Four,” SMNCD Kaine said.

Australian Clearance Dive Team Four is based at HMAS Stirling in WA.

Over the 60-week course, the students learnt basic seamanship, small arms, mine counter-meas-ures, underwater damage repair, expeditionary reconnaissance and clearance and explosive ordnance disposal.

Trained in the disposal of explosive ordnance above and below the waterline, the new grad-uates will be posted to a variety of major and minor fleet units as well as CD teams.

OIC of ADF Diving School, CMDR Ryan Kelly, said it had been a high-tempo year for the school, with 17 clearance divers graduating.

The school also passed eight intermediate CDs, four advanced CDs and six mine warfare and CD officers in 2019.

CMDR Kelly also congratu-lated the seven-member cohort from Basic Clearance Diving Course 87.

Outstanding results in blood challengeLEUT Dave Devlin

NAVY came close to a clean sweep of all competition categories in the 2019 Defence Blood Challenge, winning four of the five categories.

The 2019 Defence Blood Challenge ended on December 08 with the final results recently advised by the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood.

Regional Partnerships Team Manager of Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Mrs Sally Gavin, said this event had come from humble beginnings and is Australia’s longest-running blood chal-lenge.

“With the goal of 9,000 donations; Navy, Army, Air Force and Defence Public Servants met the challenge with 9,007 donations,” Mrs Gavin said.

“Together with Defence industry organisations, the total jumps to 10,094 donations, helping to change over 30,000 lives.

“The real winners of this event are the Australian people who will ultimately benefit from this gift of life.”

The Australian Army won the award for the highest individual donations with 3340, Navy not far behind on 2446 donations and Air Force third on 2329.

Navy took out the awards for the highest number of new donors with 251 first time donors stepping up to the challenge.

Navy also won the highest donations per capita with 16.91 per cent, highest plasma donations per capita at 12.66 per cent, and highest year-on-year growth with 21.4 per cent.

CN VADM Mike Noonan, himself a regular donor, said he was pleased with the results Navy people have achieved throughout the challenge.

“Our Navy people will always rise to support their fellow Australians no matter what the cause,” VADM Noonan said.

“We all know someone who has need-ed the gift of blood in varying circum-stances, and there is no greater gift than the gift of blood or blood products that

go towards saving so many lives.“I am even more impressed with

the effort by Navy, considering we had over 20 ships and 2400 women and men deployed during the blood challenge.”

PO Jaylene Byrne was Navy’s Blood Ambassador during the challenge and has spoken of the over-

whelming results achieved by Navy.“It makes me very proud to be

part of an organisation that together has achieved these results,” PO Byrne said.

“The result that stands out for me is the 251 new or first-time donors – the challenge to them now is to keep donating and also, take a friend or

a family member with you and help grow more new donors.

“Just because the annual challenge is over does not mean you have to stop donating.

“Blood products are in demand all year round; an hour out of your day is all it takes so please keep donating.”

The challenge runs between

September and December annually and is coordinated by Australian Red Cross Lifeblood.

It raises much-needed donations for whole blood, plasma and platelets while pitching friendly competition between Navy, Army, Air Force and Defence civilians, and supported by Defence industry organisations.

Sailors and officers gather with Red Cross mascot 'Billy the Blood Drop' at HMAS Stirling to mark the launch of the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Defence Blood Challenge. Photo: LSIS Richard Cordell

Graduates of the Basic Clearance Divers Course 87 at HMAS Penguin, Sydney. Photo: ABIS Shane Cameron

Posting soon or just posted to a new location? Is your partner looking for work?Help is available through the Partner Employment Assistance Program.

In each posting location, partners of ADF members can apply for up to $1500 funding to contribute towards employment-related initiatives such as resume preparation, job search and job interview techniques, as well as job placement advice. It can also assist with professional re-registration costs when moving from one state or territory to another.

Want more information? Visit www.defence.gov.au/dco, call 1800 624 608 or email [email protected]

DCO 073-2018

073-2018 ADV PEAP.indd 1 12/12/2018 11:25:52 AM

14 AUSTRALIA DAY www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS February 6, 2020

Australia Day honours list Member in the Military Division (OAM)

CPO Raechelle Nadine For meritorious service in leadership, and advance-ment of service as a NPC.

CPO Anthony DonaldFor meritorious service to improving the capabil-ity levels and wellbeing of Navy Submarine Force People.

CMDR Richard SingletonFor meritorious service in the fields of exercise and operational planning and the introduction into service of naval capabilities.

CMDR Benjamin SpurginFor meritorious perfor-mance of duty as a legal adviser and instructor.

Member in the Military Division (AM)

CAPT Warren Bairstow For exceptional service in the field of command and leadership.

CAPT Shane CraigFor exceptional perfor-mance of duty command and management positions.

Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)

RADM Jaimie HatcherFor distinguished command and leadership in warlike operations as Commander JTF 633 on Operations Okra and Highroad from January 2018 to January 2019.

Commendation for Distinguished Service

CAPT Sands Skinner For distinguished per-formance of duties in warlike operations as Aircraft Maintenance and

Engineering Branch Chief within the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Resolute Support Train Advise Assist Command - Air on Operation Hightroad from July 2018 to February 2019.

Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC)

CAPT Michael DevineFor outstanding achieve-ment in the application of judgement as Commander Task Unit 641.1.1 and CO HMAS Anzac in the tactical planning and execution of Maritime South-East Asia Deployment from March to June 2018.

CMDR Bronwyn FerrierFor outstanding achieve-ment in the management of occupational hygiene and environmental hazards.

CAPT Daniel LerayeFor outstanding devotion to duty as the inaugural Class Lifecycle Engineering Officer in Collins-class sub-marines.

CMDR Jennifer MacklinFor outstanding achieve-ment in the promotion of diversity and inclusion.

CAPT Anthony Miskelly For outstanding devotion to duty during the introduc-tion into service of HMAS Hobart.

WO Christopher RowleyFor outstanding achieve-ment and dedication in leadership of the technical workforce.

CMDR Anita SellickFor outstanding achieve-ment as CO HMAS Newcastle.

CMDR Darlene WilliamsFor outstanding achieve-

ment in strategic organisa-tional development as mili-tary assistant to CJOPS.

Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM)

LEUT Peter AsimakisFor meritorious achieve-ment as a lead member of the Sea Training Unit Defence Cooperation Program.

PO Victoria ClarkeFor meritorious devotion to duty in workforce manage-ment.

LCDR Bernard DobsonFor meritorious devotion to duty during the introduc-tion into service of HMAS Hobart.

CPO Melita English For meritorious achieve-ment in the performance of duty as the Fleet Legal Assistant.

CMDR Lindsay Gordon For meritorious achieve-ment as Deputy Director Submarines - Platform.

CMDR Robert HalloranFor meritorious achieve-ment in the field of Navy training systems.

LS NFor meritorious achieve-ment as an Electronic Warfare Instructor at the School of Maritime Warfare.

CPO Zulkarnain NaimFor meritorious devotion to duty as Navy Adviser on Inter-Cultural Affairs.

LCDR Steven TaragalFor meritorious achieve-ment as XO HMAS Cairns.

The full list is available at www.gg.gov.au.

Half a century of serviceLEUT Geoff Long

IN 1969, Neil Armstrong walked on the moon and CMDR Richard Singleton walked into his naval career as a junior sailor in the Royal Navy.

His 50 years of combined service to both the Royal Navy and the RAN, has culminated in CMDR Singleton being inducted into the Order of Australia for introducing new capabilities into the latter.

CMDR Singleton was recog-nised for his role in leading the introduction into service of 13 new major capabilities, including HMAS Choules, the Canberra-class LHDs, the Hobart-class guided missile destroyers, Supply-class tankers, the multi-role aviation training Vessel MV Sycamore and an extensive range of Navy and ADF major and minor warfare systems.

CMDR Singleton said he felt “very proud and humbled” to have been recognised by his adopted country with an Order of Australia Medal, while also noting the significant changes that have taken place across half a century of naval life.

“In my first Royal Navy ship HMS Ulster, I slept in a hammock with broadside mess-

ing, no computers and the only entertainment was board games and the ship’s radio,” CMDR Singleton said.

“Apart from the technology advancements, individual com-munications and entertainment options, the other big changes I have witnessed are women going to sea, which was a good advancement and well overdue.”

As well as commissioning as an officer in Navy after six years as a sailor, CMDR Singleton nominates his career highlights as qualifying as an advanced specialist warfare officer and transferring to the RAN.

Two years after transferring he was awarded the Conspicuous Service Medal for writing the first version of the Australian Maritime Tactical Publication.CMDR Singleton has served ashore in numerous staff and operational roles, and served in HMAS Swan (III) and com-manded HMAS Warrnambool (II).

In 2010, CMDR Singleton was also recognised with a Chief of Joint Operations Commendation for excep-tional performance as Director Exercise Planning.

LEUT Geoff Long

AS NAVY continues on its path towards greater diversity and inclu-sion, SBLT Zulkarnain Naim, Navy’s Adviser on inter-cultural affairs, has been recognised for his work with a Conspicuous Service Medal in the Australia Day honours list.

SBLT Naim can trace his appre-ciation of diversity and multi-cul-tural faith back to his upbringing on the remote Australian territory of Christmas Island.

“Although most of my memories are misty, there are still moments that were character defining in my early childhood,” SBLT Naim said.

“The sense of community was alive and well with such a diverse collec-tion of people from various faiths and backgrounds.

“A lifestyle of vibrant cultural cel-ebrations and embracing each other’s differences were all small but signifi-cant exposures I had while growing up on the island.”

SBLT Naim joined Navy in 1997 as an ATA.

He was appointed as CN’s Strategic Adviser on Islamic Cultural Affairs in 2014 and in 2017 as the

Moving ahead together

Navy Inter-Cultural Adviser on the forma-tion of the Navy Diversity and Inclusion Council.

In his early career, SBLT Naim served in 816SQN and on HMA Ships Sydney and Parramatta, including deployments on operations Relex, Slipper, Catalyst and Falconer.

While the cultural adviser role was a major shift from naval aviation, SBLT Naim credits both phases of his career as instru-

mental in shaping his character.“Creating a more inclusive Navy that

will nurture and support young Australians who value service to country is the long-term goal,” he said.

“Being formal ly recognised for my efforts in cultural change and fo rwarding the intercultural agenda in Navy is not only rewarding and satisfying for me, but it also recognises the wonderful support I have received.”

SBLT Zulkarnian Naim takes part in a ceremony at the Australian War Memorial.Photo: POIS Phil Cullinan

LEUT Tanalee Smith

HMAS Canberra played a starring role in Australia Day celebrations as the centrepiece of the traditional salute to Australia on Sydney Harbour.

Among the hundreds of guests on board were 50 Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteers and their families, new

Australian citizens and NSW Governor Margaret Beazley.

CO Canberra CAPT Terry Morrison was pleased his ship’s company was part of the salute that acknowledged contributions to Australian society, including by Defence personnel.

“As Defence members, we are proud Australians and proud to serve our

country, as many of our fellow offic-ers and sailors have been doing during Operation Bushfire Assist, and as Navy does all year round," CAPT Morrison said.

“Commemorating Australia Day on board Canberra by welcoming new citizens, and hosting the Governor and other guests is a unique honour."

While on board Canberra, Governor Beazley received a 21-gun salute, fired from Bradfield Park in North Sydney, before guests took advantage of the best seats in the harbour for an F/A-18 fly-past coordinated by Air Force.

Guests were also treated to a lively performance by the Army Band, round-ing out tri-service contributions.

Governor Beazley recognised RFS volunteers who have battled bushfires.

“I commend the ship’s com-pany, Navy support organisations and Defence industry for their hard work in order to ensure Canberra was ready for sea,” CAPT Morrison said.

“We are prepared to assist in what-ever way required.”

Canberra celebrates

HMAS Canberra was the centrepiece of the traditional salute to Australia in Sydney Harbour. Photo: LSIS Christopher Szumlanski

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15AUSTRALIA DAYFebruary 6, 2020 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

Career of highlightsOne of the last serving Vietnam veterans reflects on his Navy career, writes Sgt Dave Morley.

VIETNAM veterans still serving are few and far between, but one was happy to share his experi-ences with Navy News recently.

CMDR Colin Maslen, now in the Chief of Staff’s Branch in Navy Headquarters, was a midshipman in the fast troop transport HMAS Sydney III when she arrived at Vung Tau in November, 1972.

It was Sydney’s 25th and final voy-age to South Vietnam, delivering a cargo of defence aid for Vietnam and Cambodia, then taking Army stores back to Australia.

CMDR Maslen said they sensed the Vietnam War was coming to an end.

“We were mindful it was going to be one of the last voyages Sydney undertook, but we weren’t aware then it was going to be the absolute final voyage,” CMDR Maslen said.

“As officers-under-training we had task books to complete, so we had to work in various departments within the ship and learn how the ship operated.

“Part of my duties were as a watch-keeper when we were in Vietnamese waters.”

The crew were reminded of the war by the number of precautions taken on board ship, particularly against incidents like a swimmer attack.

“We didn’t see any actual fighting tak-ing place, but the ship’s boats patrolled the area around the ship and they towed devices to snare any underwater swim-mers or objects, such as a mine floating down the river,” he said.

“Regular checks were made of the hull and ship’s cable while we were at anchor, and look-outs were posted around the ship to keep an eye out for threats or suspicious activity.

“We stayed in Vung Tau only during daylight so once the day’s unload was completed, the ship weighed anchor and went to sea, returning the next morning to complete the unloading.”

Sydney left Vung Tau on November 24, but the excitement didn’t end there.

They came across a disabled Panamanian freighter on their way to Hong Kong.

“The Kaiwing was disabled in fairly heavy seas so we took it in tow and sent a crew over to take care of the tow line,” CMDR Maslen said.

“As midshipmen, one of our duties was to monitor the tow from the quar-terdeck and we had a radio link to the bridge to report regularly on the state of the tow.

“The weather was quite bad and the tow broke, I think, about three times on the way to Hong Kong.”

Sydney towed Kaiwing the 450 nauti-cal miles to Hong Kong for repairs, arriv-ing on November 30.

CMDR Maslen chose a career in submarines, his first posting being to the Oberon-class HMA Submarine Otway.

“I was subsequently posted to her four times, so I spent a lot of time in her, but I also served in Otama and did a bit of sea training in Oxley, he said.

“After a while you get a fondness for a boat and each one has its own char-acteristic, but I was particularly fond of Otway because I’d served in her and pretty much knew her back-to-front.

“I also enjoyed the camaraderie asso-ciated with being a submariner and being a member of that fraternity.”

CMDR Maslen saw many changes during his Navy career.

“For a short while I commanded the trials and submarine rescue ship HMAS Protector which had two female crew, which was quite new then, so I think one of the significant changes has been women at sea,” he said.

“It’s a good thing; it had to happen and it’s certainly a major change.

“We had to change attitudes and obviously some accommodation arrange-ments on board ships to facilitate that.”

CMDR Maslen said new sailors in today’s Navy should make the most of it.

“There are so many opportunities available today for travel, adventure, advancement, it’s a fantastic career opportunity,” he said.

“The other thing I would say is in the Navy you really develop lifelong friend-ships.

“Just yesterday I had lunch with one of my former class-mates whom I served with on board HMAS Sydney.

“Some of our friendships are still quite close; we communicate regularly, we meet whenever we can and it’s very much like a family, so that’s something you develop in the Navy more so prob-ably than any other workplace.”

CMDR Maslen’s father was a petty officer radar operator during WWII and an influence on him joining the Navy.

“There was also a headmaster at my school who was a former naval officer and his tales of life at sea inspired me to join,” he said.

According to CMDR Maslen, being one of just two or three Vietnam veterans still serving makes him feel a little old.

“I’m quite conscious of the fact there are a lot of young men and women serv-ing today who weren’t even born when the Vietnam War was on, so to them, it probably seems like WWII did to me when I was a kid,” he said.

HMAS Sydney III was launched in the UK in 1944 as a Majestic-class aircraft carrier and served with distinction, as an aircraft carrier in the Korean War.

The ship was maintained in a reserve state from 1958-62, before being recommissioned in March 1962 as a fast troop transport, later earning the nickname, The Vung Tau Ferry.

Sydney III decommissioned in November 1973, was sold for scrap in October 1975, and was towed out of Sydney Harbour des-tined for South Korea in December 1975.

HMAS SYDNEY III FAST FACTS

RAN Midshipmen were responsible for overseeing the ferrying of troops and stores ashore in Vung Tau.

CMDR Colin Maslen, a reservist, works in Navy Headquarters at Russell Offices, Canberra, and is one of the last Vietnam veterans still serving. Photo: Megan Popelier

HMAS Sydney III with her six LCM-6s embarked enroute to Vung Tau.

16 FEATURES www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS February 6, 2020

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17FEATURESFebruary 6, 2020 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

Life of service honoured

A FUNERAL with full military hon-ours for VADM David Willoughby Leach who served as Chief of Naval Staff from 1982 to 1985, was held

on January 31, at Garden Island Chapel.VADM Leach had a distinguished 43-year

career and was the last former Chief of Naval Staff, now known as CN, to have served in Navy during WWII.

Hundreds of mourners including the Governor of NSW Margaret Beazley, the Mayor of Woollahra, Councillor Susan Wynne and CN VADM Mike Noonan, turned out to farewell VADM Leach.

The coffin of VADM Leach, draped with the White Ensign and with the admiral’s sword and cap placed on it, was transported on a gun-carriage flanked by 136 junior sail-ors and the Navy Band.

Eulogies and tributes were delivered by his family and Navy members.

As part of the ceremonial tribute, the three pound saluting gun battery at the end of Garden Island fired 30 times and an honour guard of 24 fired a three-volley salute.

VADM Leach joined the Royal Australian Naval College in 1942 at the age of 13.

During his career he served in Royal Navy ships of the British Pacific Fleet on board HMA Ships Australia (II), Murchison, Arunta (I) and Melbourne (II). He commanded Vendetta (II) and Perth (II).

CN VADM Mike Noonan praised his predecessor’s courage and expertise, nota-bly while captain of HMAS Perth (II) in the Vietnam War.

“While under his command, Perth pro-

vided accurate bombardment of shore targets and avoided 30 rounds of counter-battery fire from enemy shore emplacements,” VADM Noonan said.

“For this, the crew of Perth was awarded the US Meritorious Unit Commendation and VADM Leach was a made Commander of the Order of the British Empire for distinguished service and devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy.

“His leadership skills during this and other times of conflict were exemplary.”

VADM Leach served as Director of Naval Plans, the Director General of Naval Operational Requirements, the Australian Naval Representative in the United Kingdom, the Chief of Naval Material, and the Chief of Naval Staff.

For his service, VADM Leach was recog-nised when he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia and later a Companion of the Order of Australia and a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order.

VADM Leach retired in 1985 after three years as the Chief of Naval Staff.

He continued his commitment to pub-lic service as a member of the council of the Australian War Memorial and the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

He was also Mayor of Woollahra, an alder-man, chairman of the Australian Vietnam War Veterans’ Trust and a patron to many ex-service organisations.

VADM died on January 19 at age 91 and is survived by widow Pamela, and children Nicola and Michael.

An exemplary career was honoured at the funeral of VADM David Leach, LEUT Jessica Craig writes.

Reverend Colin Acton leads mourners at Garden Island Chapel in remembering the life and career of VADM David Willoughby Leach, a former Chief of Naval Staff.Photo: ABIS Jarrod Mulvihill

Members from HMAS Kuttabul fire three pound saluting guns from Garden Island.Photo: LSIS Tara Byrne

VADM David Willoughby Leach was remembered at a funeral service held at Garden Island Chapel.Photo: ABIS Jarrod Mulvihill

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18 SPORT www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS February 6, 2020

Racing into Tickford

THE ADF Retention Initiatives Working Group recently agreed to provide eligible ADF members with greater options in the use of reunion travel.

The revised reunion travel policy starts on February 6 and provides greater flex-ibility to ADF members in the manage-ment of their reunion travel.

Reunion travel allows members cat-egorised as a Member With Dependants who are posted to a seagoing ves-sel or as a Member With Dependants Unaccompanied posted within Australia

to reunite with their dependants at Commonwealth expense up to six times a year (pro-rated for periods of less than a year).

The change allows members to use multiple reunion travel ‘credit’ at one time to offset the cost of travel for more than one dependant to visit the member at their duty location.

For more information visit: defence.gov.au/PayAndConditions/ADF/Chapter-9/Part-3/Div-4.asp

Change to reunion benefit policy

– LSMT Colin Wilson

I’m a fan and watched a lot on TV, but being here and doing the work is going to be completely different. That’s what I’m really excited about.

‘‘LEUT Ben Willee

THREE Navy technical sailors have arrived at the head-quarters of Tickford Racing for the ninth rotation of the highly successful Navy Industry Outplacement Program.

The purpose of the partnership is to provide technical sailors with industry experience in the cutting edge and high-pressure environment of motor racing, while living and working as members of the Tickford Racing support team.

Tickford Team Manager Matthew Roberts said there was many parallels between elite sports and military operations.

“It’s a massive bonus for Tickford Racing because we get three qualified tradesmen,” he said.

“They bring their skills in, they mix in and we gel it with what expertise we have at Tickford Racing. We can’t thank the Navy enough for their involvement with Tickford.

“The skillsets that they bring, the fact that they’re very regimented already, that’s something that’s very hard to teach in this day and age.

“They’re always willing to listen and learn, which is an important nature to have these days.

“They adapt very well to our conditions. We’re a very finicky business, so what the guys bring is an asset to our business,” Mr Roberts said.

The three sailors this year are LSATA Phillip Cowan,

ABET Joshua Wakefield and LSMT Colin Wilson.Commenting on his first day at Tickford racing,

LS Wilson said he was looking forward to getting his hands dirty.

“I can’t wait to see the inner workings of the team,” LS Wilson said.

“I’m a fan and watched a lot on TV, but being here and doing the work is going to be completely different.

“That’s what I’m really excited about. “Thanks to Navy and Tickford for this really excit-

ing opportunity.”Outlining the importance of teamwork and atten-

tion to detail, WOET Luke D’Elton, the workforce manager for electronics technicians, said the Tickford Racing placement was a great opportunity for Navy’s technical sailors.

“The sailors learn some very modern and different practices from a highly competitive environment which will benefit the fleet,” WO D’Elton said.

The Navy Industry Outplacement Program is a developmental program for technical sailors which spans one year at Tickford Racing’s headquarters in Melbourne.

While playing key roles in preparing the team’s five Ford Supercars in the Supercars Championship and Super2 series, the sailors will also travel to all the Supercars events, assisting in car maintenance and repairs at the track.

The activities completed during the outplacement are unique and provide the opportunity for the Navy sailors to get involved with a wide range of activities, including high-end diagnostics in the engineering field, engine component design, production and assembly and composite materials production and assembly, just to name a few.

A call for expressions of interest for the 2021 pro-gram will be sent out via signal and ForceNet in July.

The first race of the season will be the Superloop Adelaide 500 during February 20-23.

For more information visit teamnavy.com.au

Navy’s newest Tickford Racing Industry Outplacement Program technical sailors ABET Joshua Wakefield, left, LSATA Phillip Cowan and LSMT Colin Wilson. Photos: LEUT Ben Willee

Navy’s newest Tickford Racing Industry Outplacement Program technical sailors are looking forward to the program in 2020.

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LEUT Jessica Craig

AFTER an 18-year hiatus from the Sydney to Hobart, the crew of Navy One proved Navy belongs in the world-famous yacht race.

In July 2019, the decision was made to re-enter Navy in the iconic event.

At that stage, there was not yet a boat or a crew.

Navy wasted no time and achieved in just a few months what would normally take a year: selecting a 10-person crew, sourcing a boat from HMAS Creswell, training to competi-tion standard and qualifying for one of the world’s top three most challenging offshore yacht races.

Navy One’s Captain, LCDR Nathan Lockhart said the crew were incredible in how they were able to come togeth-er and undertake the challenge.

“For all of us it was one of the proudest things we’ve ever done outside of joining the Navy,” LCDR Lockhart said.

“I have never seen ten people, in basically what was the size of a small caravan, not get upset or raise words with each other throughout the months of training, or the race.

“Most ranks were represented in the crew, from able seaman to com-mander, but it was always a level feel-ing, we all pulled together regardless of rank and that’s a credit to the entire crew,” LCDR Lockhart said.

The varied weather and chang-ing conditions made for a mentally exhausting trip but it was worth it when at the end a large welcoming

19SPORTFebruary 6, 2020 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

Sailing back into raceNavy One sails south to Hobart during the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.Photo: CPO Kel Hockey

party with a few surprise guests greet-ed them alongside.

“We arrived alongside at 5am and 50 people were there to greet us, including family who had secretly flown down and other Navy-connected supporters,” LCDR Lockhart said.

“The typical celebration for Sydney to Hobart is to go to Customs House for a few beers and when we did this

the crew was overwhelmed with pride at the amount of people who said how much they supported the Navy.

“I’ve never seen public support for the ADF like I did with this race,” he said.

Public support was also shared with Navy One’s friendly rival, the Army’s Gun Runner, which placed 152nd (line honours) and won the York Trophy

(fastest yacht under 9.5 metres). Navy One took out the coveted

‘Oggin Cup’, which is given to the fastest boat crewed by military person-nel on corrected time.

The team completed the 628-nauti-cal mile race in three days, 16 hours, 16 minutes and 44 seconds.

The Navy sailing team plans to enter the race again this year and

encouraged personnel interested in sailing to get involved.

“I encourage people to give it a go and join the Navy Sailing Association,” LCDR Lockhart said.

“I’ve found being on the water is really great for mental health and helps immensely with resilience.”

Volume 63, No. 1, February 6, 2020

SPORT

Navy One at the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.Photo: CPO Kel Hockey

BACK IN THE RACE

Navy competes in Sydney to Hobart after

18-year break

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