SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE
NAVY NEWS
Volume 60, No. 3, March 9, 2017
Commitment to
duty honoured at
75th anniversary of
the sinking of Perth
and Navy birthday
celebrations
WO-N Gary Wight salutes the
raising of the Australian White
Ensign during the Navy’s 116th
birthday service in Canberra.
Photo: POIS Paul McCallum
SALUTE TO
SERVICE
Remembering Perth – P3
Fastest gun in the Fleet – Centre
2
NEWS
www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS
March 9, 2017
Flagship milestone
SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE
NAVY NEWS
Volume 60, No. 3, March 9, 2017
Commitment to
duty honoured at
75th anniversary of
the sinking of Perth
and Navy birthday
celebrations
LEUT Todd Fitzgerald and
James McPherson
WO-N Gary Wight salutes the
raising of the Australian White
Ensign during the Navy’s 116th
birthday service in Canberra.
Photo: POIS Paul McCallum
SALUTE TO
SERVICE
Remembering Perth – P3
Fastest gun in the Fleet – Centre
NAVY NEWS
Director
David Edlington (02) 6265 4650
Editor
Richard Mihaich: (02) 6265 7219
Deputy Editor
Shane Hendrickson: (02) 6265 7117
ed the traditional morning Colours
ceremony, hoisting the flag aloft.
They said the Ensign represented
loyalty, courage, service and sacriCLIMBING the Sydney Harbour
fice of the men and women who had
Bridge is an experience in itself,
served, and of those still serving.
but doing so to raise the Australian
DCN RADM Mike Noonan said
White Ensign to fly over the city on
the birthday was an opportunity
the Navy’s birthday is one to write
to reflect on more than a century’s
home about.
service to Australia and advances in
Three sailors were given the
honour of raising the Ensign on the maritime warfare.
“The Navy has a proud heritage
bridge to mark both the flag’s 50th
anniversary and Navy’s 116th birth- and is exceptionally capable for its
size.
day on March 1.
“The men and women who have
It was one of many events at sea
served in Navy have created a force
and ashore, recognising the vital
that is highly effective and well
service the Navy provides for the
poised for the century to come,”
nation.
RADM Noonan said.
A national commemorative ser“Today we pay tribute to all
vice was held at the RAN Memorial
those who have come before us, and
in Canberra for all Navy members
recommit ourselves to delivering the
who have lost their lives in service
Navy of the future, as it is an excitto the country.
ing time to be in Navy, with new
The trio who raised the flag on
platforms and technologies rapidly
the bridge described the event as a
approaching, and with a diverse and
proud moment in their careers.
committed workforce driving that
SWO Tim Badger, CPONPC
David Biddle and LSML-P Ashleigh capability.”
WO Badger said the Ensign had
John, of HMAS Waterhen, conduct-
been an important symbol in his
27-year career, especially while
serving far from home.
“I was in Afghanistan embedded
in the US Army’s 82nd Airborne
Division a few years ago and there
were eight members of the RAN in
the country,” he said. “During the
one-hour period we all managed to
get together, we ensured we had the
Australian White Ensign with us. It
provided us with a sense of identity
far from home, and made sure that
everyone knew the Australian Navy
was in the country and performing
its part.”
LS John was part of the commissioning crew of HMAS Adelaide in
2015.
She said the crew worked hard
to get the 27,000-tonne warship
ready for acceptance into the Navy,
and that she would never forget the
moment the Ensign was handed to
then CO CAPT Paul Mandziy, signifying the ship had commissioned.
“That really was a proud
moment and a sign of how much the
crew had achieved in the previous
two years,” she said.
CPO Biddle said the Ensign
meant three things to him: the security of the country, the safety of its
citizens, and the sacrifices made by
servicemen and women and their
families.
The Navy was founded in 1901
as the Royal Commonwealth Naval
Force and flew the British White
Ensign. Following the renaming to
the Royal Australian Navy in 1911,
this practice continued until 1967,
when Australia retired its use of the
British Ensign and adopted a uniquely Australian design.
The official changeover of
ensigns occurred on March 1, 1967,
with HMAS Boonaroo becoming the
first ship commissioned under the
new Australian White Ensign. All
commissioned RAN ships and establishments proudly fly the Australian
White Ensign today.
A full history of the Australian White
Ensign is available at http://www.navy.
gov.au/history/tradition/australian-whiteensign.
Reporters
WO2 Andrew Hetherington: (02) 6266 7614
SGT Dave Morley: (02) 6266 7613
LSIS Jayson Tufrey: (02) 6266 7606
CPL Mark Doran: (02) 6265 1304
CPL Max Bree: (02) 6266 7608
CPL Sebastian Beurich: (02) 6265 4140
CPL Bill Solomou: (02) 6265 1355
CONTACT US
Email: [email protected]
Fax: (02) 6265 6690
Mail: The Editor, R8-LG-038,
PO Box 7909, Department of Defence,
ACT 2600
Website: www.defence.gov.au/news/navynews
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DISCLAIMER
Navy News is published fortnightly by the
Directorate of Defence News and Multimedia.
It is printed under contract by Horton Media
Australia Ltd. The material published is selected for its interest. The views expressed in
published articles are not necessarily those of
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is subject to Directorate of Defence News
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Navy
CPONPC David Biddle, LSML-P Ashleigh John and SWO Tim Badger, of HMAS Waterhen, conduct Colours atop the Sydney Harbour
Bridge on Navy’s birthday. Photo: LSIS Tom Gibson
Malaysian program marks 25 years of cooperation
LEUT John Thompson
AUSTRALIANS and Malaysians
came together to mark the 25th
birthday of one of the ADF’s most
significant regional relationships.
The Malaysia Australia Joint
Defence Program was signed in
1992 and is the cornerstone of the
defence partnership between the two
countries, providing a framework for
bilateral defence cooperation across
a range of strategic, operational, professional, and non-military areas.
The cooperation includes a series
of bilateral training exercises, training for Malaysian Armed Forces personnel in Australia and similar programs for Australian officers at the
Malaysian Armed Forces Training
College.
Australia’s High Commissioner
to Malaysia, Rod Smith, said the
defence relationship between
Australia and Malaysia was an
important and enduring one.
“As we celebrate 25 years of the
Malaysia Australia Joint Defence
Program, we look forward to build-
ing on our existing ties to address
new challenges and contribute to the
continued security and prosperity of
the Indo-Pacific region,” he said.
CDRE Simon Ottaviano, who
represented the ADF at the celebrations in Kuala Lumpur, said the partnership was a critical one for both
countries.
“There are few sailors in our
Navy today who have not worked
with or alongside our Malaysian
defence partners,” he said.
“The defence program helps us to
improve our interoperability so that
we can strengthen our operational
capabilities.”
The program also provides
opportunities for training and professional exchanges, with 13 Malaysian
officers currently seconded in
Australia and seven Australian officers currently seconded in Malaysia.
The two countries have a long
history of co-operation pre-dating
Malaysian independence when
Australia helped in the region’s
defence during WWII.
March 9, 2017 NEWS
www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS
3
The ship’s bell of HMAS
Perth I is struck by
members of Australia’s
Federation Guard to begin
the commemoration at the
Last Post ceremony. Photos: POIS Phil Cullinan
Perth
heroes
honoured
The crew of HMAS Maryborough lay wreaths at the
resting place of Perth I and USS Houston in the Sunda
Strait. Photo: LSIS James Whittle
POIS Phil Cullinan and
CMDR Fenn Kemp
and USS Houston [the other
allied ship sunk in the battle]
were able to fight so valiantly for
so long against overwhelming
THE BELL of HMAS Perth I
odds.
rang for the first time in seven
“It is occasions such as this
decades at the Australian War
Memorial (AWM) on February that make me so proud to be a
28 to mark the 75th anniversary member of the RAN.”
As Navy’s representative at
of the sinking of the ship.
A special Last Post ceremony the ceremony, Director General
of Navy People CDRE Michelle
was held at the AWM for AB
Miller said it was humbling to lay
Ernest John Atkins, one of the
many Perth crew members killed a wreath in honour of all those
lost during the battle.
during a fierce battle with the
“The opportunity for any
Japanese Navy on March 1, 1942.
Australian to attend the Last
The crew of HMAS
Maryborough also held a ceremo- Post ceremony at the AWM is a
memorable one, and in my case,
ny over the site of Perth’s wreck
to be able to lay a wreath on
in the Sunda Strait at midnight.
behalf of the Navy at the pool of
Before the service at the
reflection was very humbling and
AWM began, the ship’s bell
something I’ll remember for the
of Perth I was struck after the
rest of my life,” she said.
still was piped by members of
“Hearing the bell salvaged
Australia’s Federation Guard.
from the wreck of Perth I echoCoordinator of the ceremony
ing in the courtyard, followed
CMDR Paul Cottier said it was
by the piping of the still was a
the first time the bell had been
struck since its retrieval, and was very special way to start the commemoration.
a fitting tribute to those who had
“It was also fantastic that
given their lives for their country.
“To think that the bell laid on the current XO and sailors from
Perth III were able to attend and
the ocean bed for 37 years – and
pay their respects alongside vethere we are in 2017 hearing it
erans who had served in Perth II,
ring once more – made the serand their families.”
vice even more special,” he said.
The service in the Sunda
“It is hard to believe that Perth
Strait, which took place at
12.30am on March 1 – the precise time that Perth sank – took
on special significance this year,
in the wake of increased efforts to
preserve the site.
CO Maryborough LEUT Tom
Mobbs said his crew had been
looking forward to the ceremony
since their departure from Darwin
and they “were proud to have
honoured those lost”.
“For most of the ship’s company, this deployment is their
first off the Australian area of
operations,” LEUT Mobbs said.
The story of Perth I remains
one of the most heroic and tragic
in Navy history. On March 1,
1942, the RAN light cruiser
and the US warship Houston
confronted a Japanese naval taskforce.
Outgunned and dramatically
outnumbered, both ships fought
with honour and courage until
each was sunk after running out
of ammunition.
Of the Australian crew, 375
died with 328 rescued, only to
spend the rest of the war in POW
camps, where many more died.
Houston lost 696 sailors
and marines with 368 captured.
Many of those captured suffered
a similar fate to their Australian
counterparts. The site of the Perth
I wreck remains vulnerable to
local shipping and illegal salvage
operations, which have damaged
the wreck in past years.
However, the future of the
site is looking brighter with
Indonesian President Joko
Widodo acknowledging the 75th
anniversary of Perth’s sinking.
The president also reaffirmed
a commitment to strengthen
cooperation in the area of
maritime cultural heritage, in a
joint maritime statement with
Australia’s Prime Minister
Malcolm Turnbull during his
recent Australian visit.
LEUT Mobbs said such
encouraging developments made
the ceremony even more significant for his crew.
“This site is as important to
Australians as the Naval Ode is to
us when recited on Anzac Day,”
LEUT Mobbs said.
“The qualities of heroism
and leadership shown by those
in Perth are as important now
as they were during the battle
in which she was sunk. These
qualities are present at all ranks
in Navy, guiding the way for us
all to be our best when it matters
the most.”
Director General Navy People CDRE
Michele Miller salutes after laying a
wreath at the Australian War Memorial
during the Last Post ceremony.
4
NEWS
www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS March 9, 2017
A mighty workload for a
Adelaide’s busy schedule
LEUT Todd Fitzgerald
CAPT Jonathon Earley is excited by
the challenge of what is shaping to be
one of the busiest and most significant
years in Navy’s recent history.
As the newly appointed CO HMAS
Adelaide, CAPT Earley, his crew, and
his 27,000-tonne warship will be at the
centre of a series of large, multinational
exercises designed to train and certify the
Fleet in task group-oriented operations.
He said the secret to success would be
“preparation and delegation”.
“Empowering your people to make
decisions that are aligned with your
intent is fundamental to the successful
operation of the platform, as are the skills
to communicate and, most importantly,
to listen,” CAPT Earley said.
“Physical and mental fitness are also
important elements to address as well.”
Adelaide and her crew of 400 Navy,
Army, and Air Force personnel will participate in exercises Sea Horizon, Sea
Explorer, Sea Raider and Talisman Sabre
this year.
She is currently taking part in
Exercise Ocean Explorer, after which
she’ll deploy to South-East Asia with
HMA Ships Melbourne and Darwin as
part of an amphibious task group.
“It is pretty awesome to be thundering around the globe in warships, making
a difference on so many levels,” CAPT
Earley said.
“You could be chatting to a head of
state during an official function one day
and then executing a humanitarian aid
and disaster relief or sea control mission
on another.
“There is no question it is a job that
pushes you to your limits, but it is also
highly rewarding in that you have the
privilege of leading capable people to do
some amazing things.”
CAPT Earley took command of
Adelaide from commissioning CO CAPT
Paul Mandziy, in January.
CAPT Mandziy said he felt privileged
to have had command of the Navy’s
largest warship and felt he had achieved
his aim of creating a positive and professional culture on board.
He said his proudest moment was
Adelaide’s involvement in the seizure
of 180kg of cocaine during a Southern
Ocean Border Protection Operation in
HMAS Adelaide conducts an early
morning security patrol among offshore
gas rigs in Bass Strait.
Photos: LSIS Peter Thompson and POIS Andrew Dakin
ABCIS Brooke Margetts stands watch
on the port bridge wing of Adelaide.
December. Working with Australia’s
Maritime Border Command, personnel
boarded the suspect vessel in international waters south of Hobart.
CAPT Mandziy advised his replacement to trust in the capabilities of his
command.
“This is necessary in a capital ship
where micro-management is neither
possible nor practical in managing the
complexity of a landing helicopter dock,
or a ship’s company of more than 400
people,” CAPT Mandziy said.
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During an aeromedical evacuation exercise on board Adelaide, POA Greg Doran (left) winches LSA Dylan nursing officer LEUT Shannon Evans (right) waits in the helicopter.
March 9, 2017 NEWS
www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS
mighty ship
5
The Bergamini-class Italian
frigate Carabiniere steams
in company with Adelaide
off the eastern coast of
Australia.
An MRH90
from Adelaide
on patrol.
A Mexeflote pontoon, from HMAS Choules, prepares to dock with Adelaide for
the first time during their shakedown period at Jervis Bay.
Skipsey and LSMED Kiah Chapple aboard an MRH90, then winches another “patient” (centre), as
6
NEWS
www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS A bloody good effort
LEUT Todd Fitzgerald
THE results of the Defence Blood
Challenge are in, with Navy picking
up the award for the highest year-overyear growth, increasing blood donations by a massive 38 per cent.
More than 1400 Navy personnel
rolled up their sleeves over a threemonth period to donate blood and
plasma to people in urgent need.
Blood Challenge Ambassador
LEUT Chris Boardman said everyone
should be proud.
“Navy personnel, both serving
and retired, as well as our family and
friends can feel justifiably proud of our
2016 efforts,” he said.
“We rose to the challenge and surprised even the blood service with the
significant increase over 2015 figures.
“While the challenge was a great
chance to embrace our intra-Defence
rivalry for a short period, the need for
blood is constant.
“I encourage everybody to continue
donating year-round. Recruit shipmates, friends and family to become
routine blood donors.”
On the Navy leader board, HMAS
Stirling made the greatest number of
donations with 196 recorded.
With each donation saving up to
three lives, this potentially provided
blood products to 588 people.
Russell Offices in Canberra came
in second followed by HMA Ships
Cairns, Cerberus, Kuttabul and
Albatross.
While coming close to its target of
1500 donations, LEUT Boardman said
Training
areas to be
upgraded
DEFENCE has finalised its master planning activity for upgrades
to the Shoalwater Bay and
Townsville training areas.
2016 Blood Challenge Ambassador LEUT Chris Boardman gives Billy the Blood Drop a high five as he
donates blood during the challenge in Canberra. Photo: CPL Bill Solomou
he thought the service could do better.
“I do believe Navy has much more
to give and I look forward to seeing us
maintain the momentum we gathered
in 2016,” he said.
Long-time donor CMDR Chloe
Griggs said increasing donations was
best done through donating plasma
and by recruiting others.
“You can donate plasma more
regularly than whole blood and it is
increasingly needed for products that
assist cancer patients, newborns and
people with immune conditions,” she
said.
“You can donate plasma every fortnight and it’s sometimes an option for
frequent travellers or those who take
regular medication. This year, we will
aim to increase donations by a double
digit percentage, and we need the
community to reach this goal.
“All members and veterans can get
their family, friends and colleagues to
join the Red25 team to ensure donations count to the service.”
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March 9, 2017
139 342
In 2016, Army provided the most
overall donations and the RAAF had
the highest percentage of donors (7.9
per cent of all members).The annual
Defence Blood Challenge runs from
September to December.
The push for donations sets a
friendly competition between the three
services and Defence civilians, while
saving the lives of tens of thousands
of people.
Find more at donateblood.com.au/red25
Following a round of consultation with local landowners, the
result confirmed Defence can meet
future training needs and increased
training with the Singapore Armed
Forces through the purchase of
land from willing sellers. Defence
Minister Marise Payne acknowledged the input of local landholders
to the process.
“The approach outlined in the
master plan will deliver significant
improvements for the ADF to enable us to fulfil our agreement with
Singapore, and drive much-needed investment in central and north
Queensland,” she said.
The enhancement involves considerable infrastructure works at
Townsville Field and Shoalwater
Bay Training Areas. As part of the
Memorandum of Understanding
with Singapore, priority will be
given to local businesses to deliver
this investment.
The master planning results and
ongoing KPMG socio-economic
study will form the basis of the
department’s initial business case
to government for final approval of
expansion.
More about the training areas is available at www.defence.gov.au/Initiatives/
SingaporeTraining
March 9, 2017 NEWS
www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS
SMNCIS Brionee Roderick at attention
during the USS Peary commemorative
service held at the Darwin Esplanade.
Honouring
the fallen
LEUT Desmond Paroz
THE nation’s eyes were firmly
focused on Darwin on February 19 as
the city paused to commemorate the
75th anniversary of the Bombing of
Darwin by Imperial Japanese forces.
VCDF VADM Ray Griggs (above) lays
a wreath and members of 103 Battery,
8/12th Regiment (left), take part in a
depiction of the Bombing of Darwin
Esplanade. Photos: ABIS Kayla Hayes
7
The commemorations held at the
Darwin Cenotaph were attended by
a number of notable guests, including veterans of the conflict, GovernorGeneral GEN Sir Peter Cosgrove
(retd) and Lady Cosgrove, along with
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull,
senior federal and state politicians,
ambassadors, and descendants.
VCDF VADM Ray Griggs said it
was a particularly significant commemoration for Australians.
“We often forget how dark 1942
was, from the fall of Singapore
through to the bombing of Darwin and
other cities in northern Australia, the
loss of HMA Ships Perth and Yarra
and other naval battles leading to the
Battle of the Coral Sea,” he said.
“It was a dark year, it was an uncertain year and the men and women of
all our three services did their best to
keep Australia strong and free.
“Darwin was then, and is now,
crucial to the defence of northern
Australia, and the ADF’s participation in these commemorations – led
by Army’s 1st Brigade and supported
by all three services – underscores this
importance.”
The raids were undertaken by the
same forces that attacked Pearl Harbor
in 1941, and residents and military
forces initially believed the incoming aircraft were of British origin, and
therefore were caught on the back foot.
The commemoration featured
the sounding of an air-raid siren at
9.58am, followed by a fly-past consisting of three RAAF Hornets and
an Orion, which was responded
to by anti-aircraft gunnery from the
1st Brigade’s 8/12 Regiment and the
Armidale-class patrol boat HMAS
Maryborough.
Maryborough was anchored over
the wreck of the USS Peary, which
was sunk in the harbour during the
raids, resulting in the loss of 91 men.
The focus of another service held
to mark the loss of life, also attended by many of the same dignitaries,
was the friendship forged between
Australia and the United States as a
result of the attack.
CO HMAS Coonawarra CMDR
Viktor Pilicic was pleased to see the
large turnout at the Darwin events.
“With 75 years having passed it
is important that we never forget this
massive and sustained attack on the
Australian mainland,” he said.
“February 19, 1942, saw a significant loss of life that included not only
members of the Australian military,
but also large numbers of civilians, and
notably the loss of United States military members that fought side-by-side
with Australia to defend our shores.
“To see members of the Australian
and international community stand
together with Australian Navy, Army
and Air Force personnel and US
marines shows that these important
connections stand strong to this day.”
The attack was the first of more
than 100 on northern Australia, and
remains the largest single attack by a
foreign nation on Australia.
Some 235 Australian and allied
personnel were killed in the bombing
by more than 240 Japanese aircraft.
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HMAS Kara Kara before the Bombing of Darwin and (inset) Leading Cook Francis Emms.
Heroic actions save mates
LCDR Desmond Woods
WHEN Darwin was under attack
during WWII, Leading Cook
Francis Emms fought back.
As the Japanese bombed the
harbour on February 19, 1942, LS
Emms, at the time a cook on board
HMAS Kara Kara, rushed to his
action post.
Firing his machine gun from
the ship’s weather deck, he was
wounded by the incoming fire from
the Japanese Zero fighter aircraft.
After the raid he was taken to
the damaged but still functioning
Hospital Ship Manunda, where he
died later that day. LS Emms was
a Navy veteran, unlike many of the
people who had joined the forces at
the outset of WWII.
A Tasmanian, he had been in the
Navy since 1928 and had originally
qualified as a gunnery rating.
While serving in the
cruiser HMAS Sydney in the
Mediterranean his eyesight began
to deteriorate. Rather than leave the
Navy he decided to transfer to the
supply branch as a cook.
Although married with a daughter by then, he loved the Navy and
wanted to continue to serve.
In September 1940, LS Emms
was posted to the Darwin shore
depot HMAS Melville where he
was employed as a cook at the
base, and also in the boom defence
vessels which operated the antisubmarine boom net stretched
across Darwin Harbour.
Later it emerged that LS Emms’
operation of the machine guns
had continued even after he had
been seriously wounded. His constant and accurate fire forced the
Japanese aircraft to break off their
attack and probably saved the lives
of several of his shipmates.
Buried at sea, LS Emms was
subsequently awarded a posthumous Mention in Dispatches for
courage and devotion to duty.
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8
REMEMBERING FALL OF SINGAPORE
www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS
March 9, 2017
‘No option but
to surrender’
CPL Max Bree
A WHITE flag and Union Jack
accompanied Britain’s LTGEN
Arthur Percival as he was escorted
through Japanese lines to sign
the surrender of Singapore’s
Commonwealth forces on
February 15, 1942.
S eve n t y - five y e a r s l a t e r,
flags of the Australian services
were slowly raised over the
Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial
in Ballarat to mark a dark day in
Commonwealth military history.
Veterans of the fighting were
on hand as hundreds of people
gathered to remember the disastrous fall of Singapore, considered at the time to be a bastion of
British imperial power.
MAJGEN Simone Wilkie,
whose grandfather was captured
when Singapore fell, delivered the
call to remembrance.
“It took just 10 weeks for three
Japanese divisions to conquer
Malaya,” she said. “There were
weeks of retreat, confusion and
fear; punctuated by local victories
and acts of astonishing bravery.”
By the end of January 1942,
the last retreating Commonwealth
troops crossed the causeway into
Singapore.
A massive artillery barrage and
Japanese landings followed on
February 8.
“The water supply began to
give out and the civilian population suffered terrible causalities,”
MAJGEN Wilkie said.
“LTGEN Percival had no
option but to surrender.”
About 80,000 Commonwealth
troops became POWs, joining
roughly 50,000 taken in Malaya.
This included about 15,000
Australians.
Governor-General GEN Sir
Peter Cosgrove (retd) delivered the
commemorative address.
“Singapore was supposed to
be an impenetrable fortress, the
Gibraltar of the east, the heart of
British naval power in Asia, the
guarantor of Australia’s security,”
he said.
“Suddenly and sharply
Australia realised our survival was
now at stake.
“Britain was no longer in a
position to defend its or Australia’s
interests in Asia. The ties that
bound us were not ruptured but
loosened.”
A s i d e f r o m t h e b l ow t o
Britain’s prestige, Australian
POWs went on to suffer blows of a
different kind as they were forced
to work as slave labour on places
like the Thai-Burma Railway and
Sandakan airfield.
“Tortured, degraded, starved
and beaten. Marched and worked
to the brink of exhaustion. To the
edge of death and beyond,” Sir
Peter said.
“But there was a form of slowburn courage, of daily sacrifice
and determination not to give in,
not to despair.”
Thousands of Australian troops
captured with the fall of Singapore
would never see home again.
“We will never forget those
who endured severe hardship to
give us the privilege of living in
peace,” MAJGEN Wilkie said.
“We will never forget those
who sacrificed their lives for the
sake of our freedom.
“We will never forget those
who gave their tomorrow so that
we might have our today.”
Ex-sailor
‘knew the
end was
nigh’
CPL Max Bree
NERVOUS soldiers wandered the
docks of Singapore hoping for a
way off the island as Japanese forces
approached in February 1942.
Speaking after the Ballarat service,
Ordinary seaman Derek Holyoake,
of HMAS Hobart, recalled being in
Singapore after escorting the final convoy of reinforcements from Fremantle.
“I was on the wharf tending the
motorboat lines and they’d say ‘mate,
is this ship going back to Australia?’,
I had to say ‘no, you can’t get on this
one’,” he said.
Mr Holyoake served in Hobart in
the Red Sea before it escorted British
and Indian troops from Colombo to
Singapore, then a final transport of
Australian soldiers.
Despite claims Singapore was
impregnable, Mr Holyoake said the fall
seemed inevitable.
“The writing was on the wall even
before we got there; the Japanese were
advancing so fast down the Malay
Peninsula,” he said.
“The reinforcements were not even
trained to use a rifle, let alone in jungle
warfare.
“It was such a slow convoy. We
knew they [the men on board] were
going to be POWs. It was so sad.”
Hobart left Singapore soon afterwards and joined allied ships attempting to stop Japanese forces landing on
Bangka Island, east of Sumatra.
The young Mr Holyoake would man
either a defence station on the 4-inch
anti-aircraft guns or an action station as
gun crew on Y turret.
Unfortunately for Hobart and allied
ships, they attempted to stop the landings with no air cover.
“We were bombed from 10 o’clock
in the morning until five o’clock at
night by more than 100 high-level
bombers,” Mr Holyoake said.
The small fleet manoeuvred chaotically as each ship’s captain tried to keep
away from falling bombs.
“The captain would watch when the
bomb bay doors opened, he’d judge
where they were going to fall and he’d
say ‘full ahead on one engine and full
astern on the other’,” Mr Holyoake said.
“He turned the Hobart around like a
motorboat and bombs would fall down
one side or the other.”
Looking back on the fall of
Singapore, Mr Holyoake said it was
preceded by a series of high-level
mistakes.
“I remember the folly of British generals and the incompetence of the whole
thing,” he said.
“They were trying to make ‘Fortress’
Singapore, when they didn’t have any
defences on the landward side.
“When we were in Singapore, the
naval base had been destroyed. We
knew the end was nigh. You didn’t need
to be an expert to know all was lost.”
Governor-General GEN Sir Peter Cosgrove (retd) speaks to some of the
veterans following a national commemorative service in Ballarat to mark
the 75th anniversary of the fall of Singapore.
Photo: CPL Max Bree
March 9, 2017 NEWS
www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS
9
Australian ships try to stem Japanese flow
John Perryman
THE island of Singapore, at that time a
British Crown Colony, surrendered to
Imperial Japanese Forces following a rapid
offensive that saw a succession of allied
strongholds fall throughout Asia and the
Pacific.
Derek
Holyoake at the
service held in
Ballarat.
Photo: CPL Max Bree
The advance south by the Japanese
came soon after the simultaneous attack
on the United States Navy fleet at Pearl
Harbor and other targets in South-East
Asia on December 7, 1941, and sought to
secure, for Japan, territories rich in natural resources to support its war effort and
economy.
Singapore, with a garrison of some
20,000 men, a large naval facility, air strips
and fixed gun emplacements, was widely
perceived as an island fortress that could
withstand even the most determined attack.
However, the destruction of the US naval
and air forces at Pearl Harbor and in the
Philippines, coupled with the sinking on
December 10, 1941, of HM Ships Prince
of Wales and Repulse, sent by the British
to reinforce the region, soon had many
recognising that excessive faith may have
been placed in Singapore’s defensive
capabilities.
Numerous ships of the RAN were
involved in operations to stem the Japanese
advance. The destroyer HMAS Vampire
was present when the aforementioned
British warships were sunk by waves of
Japanese torpedo bombers. Many of those
who survived the attack were rescued from
the water by Vampire’s crew.
Vampire later joined the British
HMAS Hobart in
Singapore before the
city fell to Japanese
forces.
destroyer HMS Thanet in a desperate bid to
intercept an enemy troop convoy bound for
Endau in Malaya. Early in the morning of
January 27, 1942, they encountered a superior enemy escort force and in the ensuing
action Thanet was sunk with heavy loss of
life and Vampire was lucky to escape.
The cruiser HMAS Hobart, having
arrived in Malayan waters in late January
1942, soon found herself withstanding
a number of heavy enemy air attacks as
the convoy she was escorting approached
Singapore. Hobart berthed at Keppel
Harbour on February 1 to learn that
Singapore’s famous causeway linking the
island with Malaya was by then the site of a
desperate allied rear guard action.
With the collapse of the island imminent, Hobart, in company with HMS
Tenedos, departed for the Dutch East
Indies the following day. Three hours
out of Singapore the destroyer HMAS
Vendetta was sighted under the tow of the
tug Stronghold. Vendetta had been immobilised in refit in Singapore and after a long
slow tow she eventually made it back to
Australia.
As Hobart and Tenedos continued their
voyage, the merchant ship Norah Moller
was sighted under aerial attack. Both ships
opened fire, driving off the first wave of
attackers before a second appeared. The
attack left Norah Moller incapable of proceeding and she was subsequently anchored
to enable the removal of her passengers and
wounded, including women and children.
The vessel was then abandoned before the
two ships continued on to Batavia.
Days later, the sloop HMAS Yarra
found herself in the thick of action after
arriving at Singapore as an escort to the
transports Felix Roussel and Empress of
Asia. Once sighted by the enemy, they soon
came under air attack and both transports
were set alight. The fire in Felix Roussel
was quickly extinguished but the Empress
of Asia was beyond help. Yarra’s captain,
CMDR “Arch” Harrington, quickly took
skilful measures to rescue those on board
with the assistance of the RAN corvettes
Bendigo and Wollongong. Other RAN corvettes performing useful work in the area
included HMA Ships Goulburn, Burnie,
Ballarat, Toowoomba and Maryborough of
the 21st Minesweeping Group.
As the situation in Singapore became
untenable, orders were received for the
Australian warships to redeploy and prepare for the defence of the Dutch East
Indies.
At midnight on February 6, 1942,
Wollongong was the last RAN ship to leave
Singapore before the island’s surrender.
CDRE Bob
Plath speaks
with Australian
Army nurses LTs
Ashleigh Capell
and Lauren
Turner.
Photo: CMDR Fenn
Kemp
Beach massacre
victims honoured
CMDR Fenn Kemp
A SERVICE was held in Indonesia to
honour the victims of a WWII tragedy
and pay tribute to their legacy.
On February 12, 1942, 22 Australian
Army nurses made it to shore on
Bangka Island after their ship was sunk
by Japanese forces in the Bangka Strait.
The nurses, along with British sailors and soldiers, men, women, and
children had escaped Singapore which
was about to fall to Imperial Japanese
forces. More than 40 ships had left
the chaos of Singapore Harbour days
before and most were attacked by
Japanese aircraft or hit sea mines in the
Singapore Strait.
The survivors washed up on or near
the remote Radji Beach. Women and
children walked to the nearby town of
Muntok to surrender, while the nurses stayed on the beach to care for the
wounded.
The Japanese patrol that found
them on February 16 ordered about 50
British soldiers and sailors to march
around a headland before executing
them and bayonetting the wounded.
As they returned to the beach the
women were in little doubt about their
fate. The Japanese soldiers ordered the
nurses and one female civilian to walk
into the surf.
Seconds before the machine gun
opened fire on the row of women, the
head nurse, Matron Irene Drummond,
spoke out, “Chins up, girls. I’m proud
of you and I love you all”.
Only one Australian nurse survived
the massacre. Sister Vivian Bullwinkel
was badly wounded but survived and
went on to give evidence at the war
crimes trial of those who murdered so
many of her friends and colleagues.
ADF members gathered with
the families of some of the nurses
killed, 75 years on. They included 12
Australian Army nurses from across
Australia and Defence Staff at the
Australian Embassy in Jakarta, led by
CDRE Robert Plath.
CDRE Plath said it was a special
day for all present.
“While the 22 Australian nurses
were the natural focus of the Bangka
Island story, we also reflected on the
Royal Navy sailors and British Army
members who died that day,” he said.
“Ultimately though, this event was
organised for the families.”
The ceremony on Radji Beach was
the most emotional of a series of activities to mark the anniversary.
DESERT CAMO SERIES
OLIVE DRAB SERIES
NAVY BLUE SERIES
MASTEROFG.SHRIRO.COM.AU
10
NEWS
www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS March 9, 2017
Engineer puts skills to use
CPL Mark Doran
IF LEUT Nabil Mikhail found last
year demanding, the pace won’t be
much different at his new posting at
HMAS Albatross.
Having graduated as a fight test engineer (FTE) from the UK’s Empire
Test Pilots’ School at MoD Boscombe
Down in December, LEUT Mikhail
will bring his new skills to the Aircraft
Maintenance and Flight Trials Unit
(AMAFTU).
The aerospace engineer said the
intensive one-year course included
training in detailed flight testing
and the analysis of aircraft and their
related systems. This ensured they
met safety and performance standards
and allowed Navy the opportunity to
realise its full capability.
LEUT Mikhail said he also gained
valuable experience working with
experienced pilots and engineers from
foreign militaries and industry, including representatives from Singapore,
France, Netherlands, Switzerland,
Germany, the United States and the
United Kingdom.
“The multinational environment
gave me an insight into how militaries and industry from other nations go
about their business, professionally
and culturally,” he said.
“Networking with engineers and
aircrew from various nations and
gaining insight into how they utilised
their aircraft in various operational
roles and environments was a priceless
experience.”
‘‘
was a syndicate preview assessment
involving a full flight test campaign on
an unfamiliar aircraft in a condensed
time period.
This assessment required
students to apply their knowledge
and demonstrate their understanding
of flight test, planning, teamwork,
problem solving and reporting
findings with recommendations to the
‘customer organisation’.
LEUT Mikhail and his team conducted their assessment on the Royal
Navy’s Merlin Mk2 helicopter for its
– LEUT Nabil Mikhail suitability in anti-submarine warfare
and anti-surface warfare roles.
Their efforts resulted in his syndicate being awarded the Patuxent Shield
by the Empire Test Pilots’ School
training of his Navy career so far.
on behalf of the US Navy Test Pilot
“I needed to study for up to 60-70
School for the best rotary wing prehours a week,” he said.
view report.
“I was fortunate to fly in 16 airLEUT Mikhail continued with
craft
and
four
simulators,
with
selfLEUT Nabil Mikhail, right, is presented with a plaque by United States
his studies and began a postgraduNavy CMDR Clark Childers during a presentation for the winners of the assessment on 12 aircraft, including
helicopters in utility and combat roles, ate Master’s of Flight Test and Flight
Patuxent Shield.
as well as powered and unpowered
Dynamics with the University of
six months working in Munich. After
His skill sets will be put to use by
gliders, a fast-jet and an airliner, total- Cranfield.
officer training he began on-the-job
the AMAFTU during a busy 2017,
ling 96 hours.
He plans to complete the course by
training at HMAS Albatross with
with flight trials scheduled for the
“The instructors would give us
correspondence while at Albatross and
817SQN on the Westland Sea King
LHD, FFG, FFH and the first mulwork during the week, but we would
submit his thesis by August 2018.
Mk50 and was the last trainee aerotirole aviation training vessel, MV
still need to sacrifice most of our
LEUT Mikhail said he was looking
space engineer officer before Navy
Sycamore.
weekends to get it done on time.
forward to being a part of the flight
retired the helicopters in 2011.
Sycamore is part of the upgraded
“It was a sustained workload and
trials for the in-service and new airLEUT Mikhail’s first posting
Helicopter Aircrew Training System,
we needed to manage our time well
craft on the LHDs and AWDs.
was to Brisbane as the MRH90 Fleet
which will train Army and Navy
throughout the year.
“It will be a fantastic opportunity to
pilots to operate new generation naval Coordinator before his first sea post“We would be finalising the report play a role in the future development
ing as the commissioning Deputy
combat and battlefield helicopters.
on an exercise we just completed,
of Navy’s aviation capability,” he said.
Aerospace Engineer Officer in HMAS while at the same time planning for the
LEUT Mikhail joined the Navy in
“In particular, it will be great to be
Canberra.
2010 after attaining a degree in aeronext exercise, while midway through
a part of the first-of-class flight trials
LEUT Mikhail said the FTE course another.”
space engineering at RMIT University
on the LHDs, particularly Canberra,
in Melbourne, which was followed by was the hardest and most challenging
The FTE course’s capstone project as she was my first ship.”
It will be a fantastic
opportunity to play
a role in the future
development of Navy’s
aviation capability.
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Exercise Ocean Explorer
www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS CLEAN
SWEEP
HMAS Anzac sails through Cockburn
Sound, Western Australia, during
Exercise Ocean Explorer.
Photo: LSIS Lee-Anne Cooper
March 9, 2017
CENTRE
13
The fastest gun in the Fleet
LCDR Jason O'Gorman
LIFE in the Navy is varied, and experiences like participating in warfighting
training, such as Exercise Ocean Explorer,
test the mettle of the people and platforms
involved.
Long-range escort frigate HMAS
Darwin is playing a vital part in the exercise with the warfighting muscle to counter simultaneous threats from the air, surface and sub-surface.
The frigate’s close in weapons system
(CIWS) is designed to be the last line of
defence against anti-ship missiles and is
maintained by LSET Nicholas ChallinorStevenson.
LS Challinor-Stevenson said the
Phalanx CIWS, or “sea-whiz”, was his
preferred choice of weapons system.
“It fires 20mm armour-piercing tungsten-tipped rounds out of six rotating barrels at a rate of about 75 rounds a second,”
LS Challinor-Stevenson said.
“It is capable of automatically searching for, detecting, tracking and engaging
any air target deemed a threat to its host
ship. CIWS is an important air warfare
asset, and as we all know, it’s the fastest
gun in the Fleet.”
LS Challinor-Stevenson was posted in
Darwin in 2014 as an able seaman and
deployed to the Middle East. Three years
later, he is back on board Darwin as the
leading seaman CIWS maintainer.
“It felt like I never left,” he said.
Following in his father’s footsteps, he
joined after hearing all the stories about
the Navy from his ex-serving father and
serving uncle.
“I’ve never regretted my decision to
join the Navy at the ripe age of 17 back in
2009,” LS Challinor-Stevenson said.
“I’ve experienced more, wearing the
Navy uniform, than is possible in any
other job out there.
“Why would anyone want to do anything else?
“I’ve enjoyed a great connection with
Darwin and take great pride in all the
work that I do on board.
“It will be kind of sad to see Darwin
decommission at the end of this year.”
Forces from various nations have converged on
Cockburn Sound, Western Australia, to take part
in one of Navy's biggest fleet training activities,
LEUT Adam Klyne reports.
HMAS Anzac joined Exercise Ocean
Explorer with a broom hoisted as a
symbolic gesture of achieving a “clean
sweep” during the ship's unit readiness
evaluation.
The achievement – the culmination
of six months of hard work and dedication by Anzac’s crew – is not only
important for them, as it represents
total unit competence, but also to the
ADF as a whole.
By successfully completing her
evaluation, Anzac can now confidently
be deployed in an array of maritime
operations around the world.
LEUT Matt Featherstone, who
posted to Anzac from HMAS Watson
in January, said the readiness work-up
had exposed him to a variety of exercises and activities while working on
the bridge.
“This has allowed me to consolidate
the skills learnt at the bridge simulator
and attain real-world context,” he said.
The multinational task group operations of Exercise Ocean Explorer are an
important step towards Navy's ability to
generate and deploy a self-supporting
and sustainable maritime task group, as
outlined in CN’s Plan Pelorus.
Augmenting the ranks of Anzac during this busy period were 10 SMNETs,
fresh from HMAS Cerberus.
Eager to learn, their efforts were
noticed by the crew and by Sea
Training Group.
Chefs share love of food
in Spanish galley
LEUT Mick Wheeler
THE arrival at Fleet Base West
of the Spanish Armada’s ESPS
Christobal Colon to participate in
Exercise Ocean Explorer has provided an ideal opportunity for the
showcasing of two great Spanish
loves – football and food.
A broom is hoisted in HMAS Anzac
to represent the crew's clean
sweep during unit readiness.
Photo: ABBM Thomas Darcy
They enthusiastically took part in
whole ship evolutions and the multitude of damage control exercises that
are the staple of any work-up.
The unit readiness evaluation was
invaluable experience for the young
trainees.
SMNET Liam Warren said it was an
eye-opening and valuable experience
to be a part of team Anzac during unit
readiness.
“It is great to see so many sailors
and officers come together to achieve a
common goal,” he said.
ABML-C Matthew Cole puts the finishing touches on a dish in
the galley of ESPS Christobal Colon as Rustico Tapas and Bar
apprentice Noah De Souza looks on. Photo: ABIS Richard Cordell
A football match was arranged
for the ship’s crew of the Christobal
Colon against a side from HMAS
Stirling, followed by a chef’s
exchange in the Christobal Colon
galley with chefs from Rockingham
Spanish restaurant Rustico Tapas
and Bar.
As part of the All Australian
Chefs Exchange Program,
Rockingham chef Jarrad Powell
and apprentice chef Noah De
Souza were assisted by Australian
sailors POML-C Peter Kenyon and
ABML-C SM Matthew Cole in the
galley of Christobal Colon.
Together with the Spanish galley
crew, they cooked up Hervey Bay
scallops with Ago Blanco and pork
crumbs along with steamed mussels
with tomato sauce and chorizo.
Chef Powell said the opportunity to be on board a Spanish ship
and interact with the crew was a
rewarding experience.
“It’s great that the RAN could
put together a chef’s exchange like
this,” he said.
“To work on a Spanish warship
and to talk to the galley crew here
about Spanish food was a fantastic
experience.”
One of the galley hosts, Spanish
sailor SMN Francisco Martinez,
was fascinated by the similarities in
the types of seafood that were available in both Spain and Australia.
“I found the cooking today
interesting in that even though we
are on the other side of the world
we used similar ingredients but
combined them in different ways to
come up with different tastes.”
Digitally altered image
LSET Nicholas Challinor-Stevenson checks HMAS Darwin's “sea-whiz” during Exercise Ocean Explorer.
Photo: POEW Mark Feggans
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March 9, 2017 FRAUD AND ETHICS
www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS
15
Ending allowance fraud
This is a quarterly column detailing cases of fraud in the ADF. This first column focuses on allowance fraud and, in particular,
rental allowance fraud.
F
OLLOWING an investigation
Defence Force
case studies
Group Fraud Control Coordinator Network
UNREPORTED CHANGE OF
CIRCUMSTANCE
OVER a 20-month period, an ADF member received more than $33,000 in rent
allowance they were not entitled because
of a change in circumstances. The member did not inform DHA of these changes
and the matter came to light as a result
of a report to the Defence Public Interest
Disclosure Scheme.
The member was charged with criminal fraud, found guilty and sentenced to
an 18-month good behaviour bond. All the
money fraudulently obtained by the member was recovered.
OBTAINED FINANCIAL
ADVANTAGE BY DECEPTION
OVER a six-month period, an ADF
member received full rent allowance
while secretly sharing their property with
several other people who paid rent to the
member. The ADF Investigative Service
was informed of the criminal activity by
an anonymous informant and investigated.
Under the Defence Force Discipline
Act, the member was found guilty of
‘Obtaining a Financial Advantage by
Deception’, fined $1500 and reduced in
rank. All the money fraudulently obtained
by the member was recovered.
GROUP Fraud Control
Coordinators are appointed
by their respective group or
service to form a departmentwide network.
They inform Risk Stewards
and Control Owners by
regularly liaising with the
Assistant Secretary Fraud
Control and coordinating
group or service-specific fraud
activities such as:
Group
♦B
iannual Defence fraud
report processes
♦ Whole of Defence fraud risk
assessment development and
evaluation
♦ I ndividual group and service
fraud risk assessment
evaluation and treatment
♦S
trategic intelligence threat
assessment capability initiatives for high fraud risks and
emerging threats
Name
Number
Navy
Michael Andrews
(02) 6265 3052
Army
Grant Warner
(02) 6265 6799
Air Force
Ernie Walsh
(02) 6266 6315
Assoc Sec
Chris Metha
(02) 6266 2626
CASG
Paul Mulholland
(02) 6265 7884
CIOG
Kim Daniel
(02) 6144 4422
CFO
Melinda Gabriel
(02) 6265 5669
DPG
Amber Brentnall
(02) 6265 5094
DPG
Peta Rafty
(02) 4034 6958
E&IG
Gavin Chester
(02) 6266 7981
DSTG
Peter Lambert
(02) 6128 6350
JOC
Anna Hackett
(02) 6128 4082
SP&IG
John Toohey
(02) 6265 4144
VCDF
Matthew Avakian
(02) 6265 4273
FRAUD CONTROL AND INVESTIGATIONS BRANCH
FRAUD Control and
Investigations Branch (FCIB) is
led by the Assistant Secretary
Fraud Control (ASFC) Meryl
Clarke. The ASFC is the
lead authority in Defence for
preventing, detecting and
responding to fraud, corruption
and related unethical conduct.
During 2017, FCIB will
undertake significant face-toface targeted ethics and fraud
training around Australia to raise
awareness across Defence on
the topics of ethics, fraud, conflict
of interest and the Defence Public
Interest Disclosure Scheme.
FCIB comprises three directorates
having responsibility for:
Fraud Control
♦E
thics and fraud awareness
training: Campus course and
face-to-face presentations
♦F
raud intelligence and
detection
♦ Fraud policy and ethics advice
♦ Fraud risk management
Investigations and Recovery
♦C
omplex investigations:
criminal, serious misconduct
and probity
♦ Consultation with service
police and other Defence
investigative authorities
♦ Receipt and assessment
of allegations of fraud and
corruption, serious misconduct
and unethical conduct
♦ Management of Defence Public
Interest Disclosure Scheme
♦ Recovery of fraud debts
Fraud Information Systems
♦ Management of the Defence
Policing and Security
Management System
into allowance fraud by the Fraud
Control and Investigations Branch
(FCIB), a former member of the
ADF was sentenced in the Toowoomba
Magistrates’ Court to six months’ imprisonment and released on a good behaviour
bond for two years, with a recognisance
of $5000.
The member was also ordered by the
court to repay $27,800.
The offender joined the ADF in 2005
and resided in service residences after
being classified as member with dependants (MWD). His situation changed in
2007 when his marriage failed coinciding
with an overseas deployment.
The marriage break-up was not disclosed to Defence, and at face value the
member’s spouse had returned to the
marital home. As the member failed to
disclose the change in circumstance, his
categorisation for rental allowance was
not reviewed and he remained as MWD
(unaccompanied). Over a number of years
the member submitted a number of additional fraudulent applications with respect
to that MWD (U) categorisation.
The member began a new relationship
and, in 2012, because of an unrelated
incident involving his new partner, the
member’s personal circumstances were
reviewed by his commander. When
questioned about his marital status
and categorisation for allowances, the
member dishonestly claimed he and his
wife were in an open relationship and the
relationship had only ended weeks earlier.
The matter was initially reported to
the ADF Investigative Service, which
investigated and identified a potential
overpayment of $31,000. During this
period, the member discharged from the
ADF and the matter was transferred to
FCIB to investigate.
The investigation revealed the member
dishonestly claimed a number of other
allowances including accommodation and
utility charges, reunion travel payments
and separation allowance.
Despite leaving the ADF, the former
member was located and charged with
Dishonestly Causing a Loss or Risk of
Loss, which resulted in a guilty plea to
the relevant offences.
Assistant Secretary Fraud Control
Meryl Clarke says cases like this remind
personnel of their requirements to advise
any changes to circumstances.
“It is imperative for members to advise
Defence of a change in circumstances in
order to avoid repayment and/or prosecution,” she said.
“The FCIB commits significant intelligence and resources to detect and respond
to behaviour such as that committed by
this former member. The consequences
are likely to include full repayment of
money, possible loss of career and criminal prosecution.”
To discuss any concerns, email Defence.Ethics@
defence.gov.au or check out http://drnet.
defence.gov.au/AssociateSecretary/AFCD/FCIB
To report fraud, corruption, or abuse of resources call (02) 6266 4322 or email [email protected]. Reports can be made
through the Defence Public Interest Disclosure
Scheme at 1800 673 502 or Defence.PID@
defence.gov.au
16
FEATURE
www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS March 9, 2017
Communication innovation
When speaking on a headset became a hazard, two electrical engineering officers in HMAS Albatross found a
modern solution, LEUT Todd Fitzgerald reports.
B
LUETOOTH headsets could
soon be introduced onto the
bridge of FFGs and FFHs
thanks to the enterprise and
innovation of two young engineers in
HMAS Newcastle.
Weapons electrical engineer
officers LEUTs Jeffery Mandryk
and Addison Clune researched and
developed a pair of headsets after
concerns were raised about the safety
of the old cable models.
Officers Of the Watch who wear
the headsets to speak with the ship’s
operations room complained the 10m
of cable that dragged behind them
restricted manoeuvrability around the
bridge and posed a trip hazard to the
crew, especially at night.
CO Newcastle CMDR Mark Sirois
tasked LEUTs Mandryk and Clune to
find a solution.
“We quickly found out it would not
be an easy project as we researched
more into the interface between the
old-style sound-powered technology
of the bridge internal communications unit and the modern technology
of a Bluetooth transceiver,” LEUT
Mandryk said.
“When we got them up and
running, the OOW reported the
headset was too quiet.
“We modified the design to
incorporate an amplifier into the
circuit. But then we experienced
munications were achieved,” LEUT
Mandryk said.
The new Bluetooth design has
now replaced the old cable headset in
Newcastle.
The system offers the capability
of listening to two different channels
simultaneously via the left and right
earphones, with the addition of mute
buttons for each individual circuit.
The still-functional cable headset
remains on the bridge. If the Bluetooth
headset should fail, the OOW is able to
unplug the Bluetooth transceiver and
plug in the cable headset.
The design is currently before the
FFG Ship’s Program Office, which is
responsible for ensuring the operational availability of the FFG fleet.
Chief Engineer Subrata Majumder
said the headset was a “smart, low-cost
and safe solution for eliminating hazards such as trip and neck strain”.
“They have proven themselves as
good innovators through successfully
designing and delivering a capabilLEUT Robert McRae (left), an OOW in HMAS Newcastle, trials a Bluetooth wireless headset on the bridge. The ity which will help the OOW,” Mr
result of the trials means the 10m-long cable – behind LEUT Joshua Maher (right), an OOW in HMAS Darwin Majumder said.
“FFG Enterprise has accepted this
– could become a thing of the past.
Photos: LSIS Peter Thompson and ABIS Sarah Williams
innovative solution and made a deciproblems relating to the amount of
on the amplifier and filtered out the
tions between the OOW and the opera- sion to implement it onto FFG platforms. Noting one capability manager
noise the amplifier introduced into the noise.”
tions room was critical. The results
manages both the FFGs and FFHs, it
circuit.
The headset was trialled in
were music to the ears of everyone
is highly likely this solution will be
“With the help of the FFG innoNewcastle during Warfare Assessment involved.
rolled out on FFHs as well.”
vation team, we optimised the gain
Week late last year, when communica“Loud and clear two-way com-
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March 9, 2017 PERSONNEL
www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS
Suite haven
for members
SGT Dave Morley
YEARS of hard work and intricate planning
came to fruition with the opening and dedication of the St George’s Defence Holiday
Suites at the Gold Coast’s Rainbow Bay on
February 17.
Anglican
Archbishop of
Queensland
Phillip Aspinall
and Queensland
Governor Paul
de Jersey unveil
the plaque; and
(inset), the view
from the suites.
Main photo: SGT Dave
Morley
Dallas McMaugh
LEUT Jodie Turkenberg has been presented with the Partington Shield for
her support of naval aviation at HMAS
Albatross.
CDRE Chris Smallhorn presents
LEUT Jodie Turkenberg with the
Partington Shield.
Support Manager CPOATV Philip
Copley for his contribution to enhancing FAA maritime air power and integration. The Aviation Technical Mastery
Award was presented to POATA
Gavin Mason for his demonstration of
exceptional skills and contribution to
resilience and effectiveness as a first
class maritime aviation warfighting
capability.
808SQN’s Tool Control Trade
Supervisor, LSATV Tristan Vercoe,
received the Naval Aviation Safety
Excellence Medal for 808SQN’s work
with charity Lifeline.
LS Vercoe said he was surprised and
gratified to receive the recognition.
“The initiative came about through
my concern with the level of support
for people suffering with mental health
issues at sea and my own feelings of
helplessness when trying to help my
mates,” LS Vercoe said. “Through
Lifeline I arranged for 21 of our members to receive the two-day ASIST
(Applied Suicide Intervention Skills
Training), in the hope that it would
make a difference for someone in the
future.”
1966-71 and was commissioned in 1969,
said he was especially pleased to receive an
invitation to attend the opening.
“In doing so, I am renewing a commitment made by Sir John Lavarack,
Queensland’s first Australian-born governor,” he said.
“Sir John was a hero of WWI, who rose
to the rank of lieutenant-general in WWII,
after distinguished service at Tobruk and in
Syria.
“He had a special affinity with returned
servicemen and women and those who
sought to support them, including groups
like the Sailors and Soldiers Church of
England Help Society, the antecedent of
today’s Service Personnel Anglican Help
Society.
“Today as governor, it is my immense
honour to meet returned soldiers from our
longest war, in Afghanistan, and those who
served in Iraq, in Timor-Leste, and in peacekeeping missions throughout the world.
“These suites will serve a new generation of Defence members and their families,
as well as members from our coalition forces. They will allow serving members, veterans and their families to enjoy this stunning
environment and its many attractions.”
Chair of the management committee
of the Service Personnel Anglican Help
Society, Army chaplain Jim Cosgrove, said
the society’s founder, Rev Canon David
Garland, returned from WWI after establishing diggers’ houses in Egypt, Palestine
and Syria.
CHAP Cosgrove said that as a result
of his experiences, Canon Garland saw
the need to provide resources to “guide
their footsteps back into civilian life” and
acquired the block of land on which the
holiday suites now stand in 1916. Tents
were replaced with sheds in 1918.
“As we gather here today under the
shade of our new building 100 years later, I
am proud to reassure everyone here, as well
as our founder Canon Garland, that his great
work has continued and will endure for decades to come.”
Queensland Governor Paul de Jersey and
Anglican Archbishop of Brisbane Phillip
Aspinall unveiled the plaque.
Mr de Jersey, who served in the For more information go to www.stgeorges.net.
Queensland University Regiment from au or email [email protected]
Recognising air
warfare excellence
The award, which was established
in 1992 in the memory of former
CO Albatross, the late CDRE Robert
Partington, was presented by COMFAA
CDRE Chris Smallhorn.
LEUT Turkenberg, a flight support
officer with 816SQN, said while she
was proud to receive the honour, she
felt the recognition should also extend
to her team.
“I’m fortunate to work with an
effective flight support team which
has worked tirelessly to represent the
requirements of the embarked flights,
to ensure a seamless transition from
S70B2 to MH60R,” she said.
“The new MH60R flights are kicking goals and achieving their ‘readiness
to embark’ on time, with few limitations, and the last remaining S70B2
flight is maintaining a high level of
output right until the end. This job is
incredibly rewarding, and to receive the
Partington Shield for something I am so
enthusiastic about is very gratifying.”
The award was presented as part
of the inaugural FAA Excellence
Awards in December, at which CDRE
Smallhorn also presented four new perpetual awards recognising excellence in
the areas of warfare, engineering, technical mastery, and safety.
“My intention in introducing these
awards is to recognise outstanding
service and it was gratifying to see the
range and level of innovation and commitment among the nominees,” CDRE
Smallhorn said.
LCDR Peter Thompson, of the
Australian Maritime Warfare Centre,
was the recipient of the Warfare
Excellence Medal. The award for
Engineering Excellence and Innovation
was presented to 816SQN’s Flight
17
Look forward
18
PERSONNEL
www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS March 9, 2017
Aviation sailor recognised
LEUT Todd Fitzgerald
skills. She said his devotion to
ensuring strong links between
the Navy and the local
LSATA Adam Kohler has
Shoalhaven community was
been named the HMAS
an example to all.
Albatross Sailor of the Year
“Regardless of the task at
for 2016.
hand, high profile or not, he
The honour capped off a
successful year for LS Kohler consistently delivered a level
who was also part of the team of service and dedication well
beyond expectation and his
that won the aviation section of the Navy Engineering personal sacrifice was commendable,” CAPT Sneath
Challenge.
said.
He said the secret to
“In doing so, he has made
his success was simple; he
a wonderful contribution to
enjoyed his job.
his squadron, establishment
“I am genuinely excited
and the reputation of Navy in
by coming to work each day.
the Shoalhaven region.
The role is challenging. It
“His achievements and
allows me to show initiative
manner, entirely aligned with
and the work is meaningful,”
Navy’s Signature Behaviours,
he said.
were of the highest order in
“I am learning something
keeping with the finest tradinew each day. I have access
tions of 723SQN and the
to the latest tools and mainNavy, and made him the wortenance equipment and I am
thy recipient of the Albatross
part of a close-knit technical
Sailor of the Year 2016.”
team.”
The Sailor of the Year
LS Kohler is a mainteaward is presented in bases
nance team trade supervisor
and ships across the Fleet.
at 723SQN.
It is given to the sailor who
CO Albatross CAPT Fiona consistently lived Navy values
Sneath said LS Kohler’s
and signature behaviours.
efforts had been consistently
The award recognises
professional, tirelessly dutithose who demonstrate
ful and always to the highest
innovation, continuous
standards.
improvement, fix problems
CAPT Sneath highlighted and take action, as well as
LS Kohler’s exceptional
strengthen relationships with
technical and leadership
local partners.
ABATA Nicole Otte and LSATA Adam Kohler work on their team’s aviation challenge during the 2016 Engineering Challenge.
Photo: LSIS Nina Fogliani
March 9, 2017 TRAINING
www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS
19
Partners
develop
tactics
LEUT Will Singer
UNITED States Navy Explosive Ordnance
Disposal Mobile Unit Five (EODMU5)
recently flew in to Perth from Guam
for mine counter-measure training with
AUSCDT4 and Australian Mine Warfare
Team16 (AUSMWT16).
Top: A diver from
the United States
Explosives Ordnance
Disposal Mobile Unit
Five (EODMU5) enters
the water during a
joint diving exercise
with AUSCDT4 near
Rockingham Beach,
WA.
Above: Members
from EODMU5
and AUSCDT4
drive their rigid hull
inflatable boats to the
designated dive site in
Cockburn Sound.
Left: Underwater
Navigation and
Integrated Sonar gear
is loaded onto Navy
dive launch Shark
before heading out
into Cockburn Sound.
Photos: CPOIS Damian
Pawlenko and ABIS Richard
Cordell
The training took place in the pristine
surrounds of Garden Island where the
teams shared valuable experience and
equipment during autonomous underwater
vehicles (AUV) and unmanned surface
vessels evolutions – bolstering their
deployable mine counter-measures
capabilities.
OIC of Expeditionary Reconnaissance
Clearance AUSCDT4, LEUT Beau
Mulraney, said the two weeks of training
provided an opportunity to enhance interoperability with the regionally-based US
forces.
“AUSCDT4 already has a strong rapport with our US counterparts and the
training provided an opportunity to stress
and develop our tactics and procedures in
consultation with the US Navy,” LEUT
Mulraney said.
He said the crew of EODMU5 was
keen to establish a continuing training relationship with Australian clearance diving
teams.
CO AUSMWT16 LCDR Ryan
Carmichael said partner nation engagement opportunities were a key part of the
SEA1778 spiral development plan.
“This tactical training activity was
designed to enhance individual and collective skills, and to develop techniques
and procedures in very shallow water mine
counter measures scenarios,” he said.
“The AUSMWT16 AUV capability
implementation crew has been embedded
within EODMU5 element throughout the
activity to gain practical experience in the
planning and conduct of AUV operations.”
US Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal
PO2 Ben Bachmann said it was great to
get perspective on how different teams did
things with different equipment, and how
they came together to get the job done.
“We like the Australian gear and it gives
us an understanding of what to expect in
the future and how we will benefit,” he
said.
“We also experienced the beautiful
Perth beaches, which are not dissimilar to
San Diego.”
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20
HISTORY
www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS
Marking Java
Sea disaster
Seventy-five years ago, HMAS Perth was a shining light on a dark night in our
naval history, writes LCDR Desmond Woods.
L
ATE February marked the 75th
anniversary of the Battle of the
Java Sea between Australian,
American, British and Dutch
cruisers and destroyers and a fleet of
Japanese heavy cruisers.
The brutal battle on February 27,
1942, resulted in a decisive Japanese
victory.
The Japanese used spotter aircraft
to improve the accuracy of their
8-inch gunfire and torpedo attacks by
destroyers.
After several hours, when the battle
was evenly matched, the cruiser HMS
Exeter, of Battle of the River Plate
fame, was hit by a shell which knocked
out six of her eight boilers.
She hauled out of the battle line to
return to Surabaya.
To protect the stricken cruiser
CAPT Hec Waller, of HMAS Perth,
ordered maximum speed and laid a
smokescreen across Exeter.
An officer from USS Houston later
wrote:
“Perth charged past us with her
throttles open and a billowing cloud of
HMS Exeter sinks
after being attacked
by Japanese ships
and aircraft.
white smoke streaming from her smoke
generators. From her yard arms and
the gaff three battle ensigns streamed
astern. She was firing rapid fire.
“It was the finest sight I have ever
seen. Perth was fighting off Japanese
destroyers in a confused night action
when the two Dutch cruisers were sunk.
“Thanks to Perth’s covering smoke
Exeter survived to repair herself, only
Back in...
March 9, 2017
March
1991
CPL Max Bree takes a look at what was
making Navy News headlines in years past.
S
EA mines were a
continuing threat in
the Persian Gulf after
the end of the recent
Gulf War.
Hundreds of mines were
thought to remain in the gulf
and ships of the Australian
task group posted mine lookouts on the bow of each ship.
They used binoculars and
night vision equipment to try
and spot drifting mines, but
could not detect fixed mines.
to be sunk on returning to sea.”
The Battle of the Java Sea was a
disaster at every level because of a lack
of a battle plan, inefficient communications, the efficiency and range of the
Japanese ‘Long Lance’ torpedoes, and
the presence of seaplanes which provided the Japanese with a radio-reported
real-time tactical picture to update their
battle plan.
than 39,000 miles and conducted 219 replenishments at
sea with ships from five other
nations.
HMA Ships Brisbane and
Sydney were on their way
home from the Gulf, while
HMAS Westralia would
remain on station as part of a
multinational force.
Work started on the second
Collins-class submarine HMAS
Farncomb at Osborne in South
Australia.
The work was marked with
The first two females in
a keel laying by retiring Chief
Gunnery Branch were ready to
of Naval Staff VADM Michael
join the Fleet after qualifying to
Hudson and Jean Farncomb,
operate light anti-aircraft and
widow of RADM Harold
heavy machine guns in action.
Despite women serving at sea Farncomb, after whom the boat
was named.
for some time, Quartermaster
Gunners Annette Orme and
Extensions were under
Tanya Wright were the first
way to the small craft comtrained as active combatants.
pound at HMAS Stirling.
The two-stage
HMAS Success returned
development would involve
home after about eight
15,000 cubic metres of
months’ service in Middle
limestone being dumped over
Eastern waters.
The ship had sailed more
an eight-week period.
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March 9, 2017 HEALTH
www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS
21
Making the right choices
Sugar and fats are necessary nutrients in a
balanced diet, PTE Renee Breeze reports, but
it’s important to make sure they come from
healthy sources.
U
NCOVERING sugary myths
and fat facts about diet and
weight loss can be a never-ending maze of seemingly contradictory information, but sound advice
depends on the source.
University of New England lecturer
in Exercise and Sports Science Mandy
Hagstrom said there was a lot of debate
over fat-versus-sugar and how it should
affect our food choices.
“Firstly, sugar is found everywhere,
it’s in every single carbohydrate,” Dr
Hagstrom said.
“There are natural sugars found in
fruit and in dairy, for example, lactose
in milk is a natural sugar.”
Sugar occurs in various forms, the
most obvious being processed sugar in
chocolate, soft drinks, table sugar and
muesli bars.
Whether it’s from a lolly or from an
apple, Dr Hagstrom said there was no
difference in sugar’s effect on the body.
“In the apple, you’ve got quite a bit
of sugar but you’ve got a lot of fibre as
well,” she said.
“Fibre is something that’s often
overlooked in the diet and a lot of
Australians don’t meet the recommended daily guidelines.
“The benefit of having your sugar
in the form of an apple is you get extra
nutritional value through vitamins and
minerals, but in realistic terms it has little effect on your bodyweight.”
If sugar is not the devil, is fat to
blame for weight gain? Dr Hagstrom
said this wasn’t necessarily the case.
“Fat is a necessary nutrient,” she
said.
“Fat helps with the synthesis of hormones in our body so it’s important we
have an adequate fat intake.
“A l l fa t s a r e n o t t h e s a m e .
Unsaturated fats that are found in things
like avocados and nuts are better for
you than saturated fats.”
Dr Hagstrom said the most overlooked dietary phenomenon was caloric
balance.
“A lot of current research shows that
energy balance, or making sure you
expend as much energy as you consume, is the biggest factor in weight
maintenance,” she said.
“Energy in equals energy out.
“If people are looking to change
their weight, it’s probably the first thing
they should look at.”
Whether it’s fat or sugar, Dr
Hagstrom said there was no single culprit to blame for weight gain.
“We’re becoming more aware
in terms of food choices, but I think
there’s also a lot of misinformation out
there,” she said.
“I think a lot of people who believe
they’re informed are unfortunately reading pseudo-science.
“Get advice from reputable health
professionals rather than only from
people writing blogs because they love
food or the gym.”
‘‘
I think a lot of
people who believe
they’re informed
are unfortunately
reading pseudoscience.
– Mandy Hagstrom,
University of New England
35 years of mental health support for veterans
The Veterans and Veterans
Families Counselling Service
(VVCS) celebrated its 35th birthday
on 29 January 2017.
Dr Hagstrom said there were a few
simple steps busy people could take to
ensure they were not overdoing their
daily energy requirements.
“Always ensure there’s a source of
protein on your plate,” she said.
“Having some kind of meat source
in your meal is really helpful if you’re
not a vegetarian.
“If you’re at a restaurant, ask for the
dressing on the side.”
COL Isaac Seidl, Director Garrison
Operations, said Joint Health Command
recommended taking advantage of
Defence’s resources.
“Any ADF member seeking information about diet or healthy lifestyle
options should see a medical professional at their local Garrison Health
Centre,” he said.
“They can provide advice and support for a better health outcome.”
Get all the numbers
straight up
VVCS, known originally as the
Vietnam Veterans’ Counselling
Service, provides free mental health
counselling and support to those
who have served our nation.
It has provided more than 1.6 million counselling sessions to more than 300,000
veterans and family members since the first office opened in
Adelaide on 29 January 1982.
The program is the legacy of our Vietnam veterans, who recognised a need for
mental health services specifically for those who had served in the military.
VVCS now provides services to more than 27,000 clients a year, with centres
throughout Australia and a strong network of outreach counsellors in regional
and rural areas.
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Sugar is found everywhere, so choosing the source of that sugar is more important than trying to avoid it
altogether. Photo: Jayson Tufrey
Support for service-related issues
such as anger, anxiety, depression,
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
and sleep disturbance is provided by
the program.
VVCS clinicians work with couples
and families on relationship issues
that arise from the unique demands
of military life, and run a range of
group programs including free suicide
prevention workshops for members of
the veteran community.
Our commitment to providing support to serving and ex-serving personnel and
their families remains as strong as ever.
For more information about the program visit
www.vvcs.gov.au or follow us on Facebook
22
SPORT
www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS Broken ribs no
barrier to race
TWENTY ADF members competed at
the Huskisson Triathlon on February
18-19, with the Navy contingent
hobbling away with bragging rights.
LEUT Rowan Walker was the first
ADF member across the line in the
long-course race, finishing the 2km
swim, 83km cycle and 20km run in
4hr 9min.
He finished 15th out of 750 competitors, first in the 45-49-year-old
division, and 20min ahead of his nearest ADF rival, MAJ Haydn Jervis.
LEUT Walker raced with injured
ribs, suffered the week before the
race, and had only resumed training in
December.
He said the race went smoothly
despite the hurdles.
“I hurt my ribs playing sport at
work, and was training with consider-
CPL Mark Doran
able discomfort. I was lucky to make
the start line. Every stroke in the swim
hurt, but it was manageable,” LEUT
Walker said.
“But there was no hiding how slow
I swam. I also lacked a bit of time
riding the bike and completing the specific sessions needed. I did, however,
control my pace on the bike and didn’t
exhaust myself, so I felt I got to the
run leg still in reasonable shape.”
LEUT Walker is the Canberra
Marathon defending champion, and
plans to compete in that event next
month.
LSMED Mikaela Millin was
Navy’s best female competitor, finishing the long-course race in 6:36.
It was a good result for the ADF
medics course instructor, who had not
competed in a triathlon since 2013.
“I had a long break due to a sea
posting, multiple new jobs and completing a paramedic degree,” she said.
“But the pain was worth it. It’s a
great accomplishment and I feel proud
to have finished.”
There are four races in the
Huskisson Triathlon: the ocean swim,
sprint, entice and the long course.
SBLT Chris Harrop finished the
men’s sprint – a 750m swim, 20km
ride and 5km run – in 1:23.
The conditions deteriorated considerably for the women’s sprint but
CMDR Jo Haynes competed strongly
and finished in 1:38.
Other Navy members to compete in
the long-course race included LCDR
Nigel Rowan (4:57), WOMED Dan
Freeman (5:28), and LSATV James
Knox (7:47).
LEUT Dean Helm and PONPC
Nathan Dwyer competed in the men’s
sprint race.
All Navy members are members of
the ADF Triathlon Club.
Acceptance of martial arts a real hit
LEUT Todd Fitzgerald
PIRACY and boarding parties
faced a Navy team as they tackled the Murrumbidgee River
during the iconic Gumi Race in
Wagga Wagga on February 19.
LSATA Wayde Silcock, of
RAAFSTT, said the team commandeered the Army’s old Gumi
Race raft and spent nearly two
weeks rebuilding it.
After a design for a version of
a Canberra-class LHD was drafted, the sailors spent many hours
rebuilding the craft using junk,
and only had rubber tubes for flotation in the wild 7km race.
“We raided the waste metal
bins for some of our supplies and
we were donated some metal by
a local business to make our paddles and other parts,” LS Silcock
said.
“I’m not sure if it really
looked like an LHD, but it was
pretty.
“It was probably more like
a paddle boat though. It took us
about 1hr 40min to paddle the
7km course because we had a
stand-off with the Army PTIs
who slowed us down.
“They boarded us, then we
boarded them – it was game-on
with water pistols and a lot of
fun.”
Behind the scenes CPOATA
To m R e a d e r a n d C P OAT V
Stewart Edwards ensured the raft
was shipshape and the crew was
ready for the race.
LS Silcock said there were 11
sailors on the team involved in
constructing and painting the raft.
“For the race we had a crew of
eight with three tagging along in
tubes,” he said.
“We came last among the
Defence entries while an Air
Force team placed second with
an Army team taking the lead
position.
“We were just too busy dealing with those Army PTIs.”
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EFENCE FORCE TAX SPECIALISTS
THE recent acceptance of martial
arts into the list of approved sports
by the ADF Sports Council, and
subsequent introduction of classes
at HMAS Kuttabul, has proven a
real “hit”.
Senior instructor of the Navy’s
Military Self-Defence Course,
POPT Michael Steffens said martial
arts had a lot to offer the individual
and the service.
“Martial arts improves confidence, humility, self-awareness, fitness, health, and resilience,” he said.
“Grounded defence, survival and
control techniques that draw their
roots from Brazilian Jiu Jitsu are
currently used in the Navy’s defensive tactics package.”
All members who make up a
boarding party must pass the Navy’s
defensive skills course, which
The crew of The
Dreadnought faced
many challenges on the
Murrumbidgee River.
River piracy and
boarding parties
hinder victory
LEUT Dean Helm cycles
around the corner during the
triathlon. Photo: ABIS Sarah Ebsworth
LEUT Todd Fitzgerald
March 9, 2017
We have extensive experience across all
anks and specialities, including:
Investment properties
Members who have served overseas
Late lodgement of tax returns
The first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class held at HMAS Kuttabul, with
instructor Ash Noble front and centre. Photo: LSPTI Zac Stanley
teaches basic self-defence techniques for situations that may occur
during operational activities.
Kuttabul is the first base to provide martial arts training for all
members, with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
classes held every Tuesday.
The classes are led by Ash
Noble, a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu purple
belt with years of experience.
LSPT Zac Stanley, a Brazilian
Jiu Jitsu blue belt and competitor,
said the Kuttabul classes were open
to all levels of experience.
There are also plans for a
women’s-only self-defence class.
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March 9, 2017 SPORT
www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS
23
Double serve of success
LEUT Todd Fitzgerald
TWO former colleagues from HMAS Albatross teamed
up to win the Burrell Cup, Navy’s annual doubles tennis
competition, at Garden Island in Sydney.
CMDR Marc Pavillard and LSATA Tim Holder, formerly of 816SQN, beat ABET Nick Desilas and LCDR
Trine O’Sullivan 6-3 in the final.
CMDR Pavillard said the match was “a real battle”
despite the score.
“They were the best and most consistent team we had
played all day, and they definitely tested us,” the former
CO of 816SQN said.
“The pivotal aspect of the match was at 3-3, when my
partner was serving. We were down several break points
and could have easily lost the game. Had we done so, the
momentum may have changed and we would have struggled to overcome them.”
CMDR Pavillard and LS Holder had not lost a game
during the day and went into the final feeling confident.
They took an early 2-0 lead but then lost their serve
and allowed their opposition to tie the match 2-2, then
3-3. The pair regathered to break the serve of their opponents and CMDR Pavillard served out the match to love.
“Our game plan was to be consistent and keep the
ball in play, make them make the mistakes,” he said.
“In the end, we were just slightly more consistent
than they were, although most games were very close
and the match could have easily swung the other way.”
CMDR Pavillard has a nose for a strong doubles partner, winning last year’s cup with CAPT John Metzl.
This year’s title is the third Burrell Cup he has won in
four years.
He asked LS Holder to partner him in the tournament
after losing to the sailor during the semi-finals of Navy’s
annual singles tennis tournament, the Carr Cup, last
month, which LS Holder went on to win.
“I knew he was good and needed to stack my team so
I asked him to partner me,” CMDR Pavillard said.
The Burrell Cup has been contested for 62 years. The
cup was donated by the late VADM Sir Henry Burrell, a
keen player.
LSATA Tim Holder serves as CMDR
Marc Pavillard prepares for the return at
the net during the final of the Burrell Cup.
Photos: LSIS Brenton Freind
ABCSO Jarryd Boyd, left, and
LSET Coby Smith rally at the
net during the Burrell Cup.
Biathletes set sights
high in elite company
CPL Mark Doran
Above, LEUT Sven
Howorth shoots from
the sitting supported
position during the
Exercise Rucksack
military patrol race at
Ruhpolding.
Right, LCDR Garry
Lewis ploughs
through the snow
during the event.
ian visitors. The aim was to foster
goodwill and esprit de corps while
SEVEN ADF Nordic Skiing and
enhancing courage, initiative,
Biathlon Association members
teamwork, fitness and resilience in
a challenging alpine environment.
spent Australia Day in the heart
Team Manager LEUT Sven
of the Bavarian Alps for a British
military nordic skiing and biathlon Howorth, of the Directorate of
Navy Safety, was awarded the
competition.
prize for first guest across the line
They competed in Exercise
in the 15km classic cross-country
Rucksack 2017, the British
race.
National, Interservice and
LEUT Howorth said it was a
Army Championships, held in
privilege for an ADF team to be
Ruhpolding, Bavaria (Germany),
invited to participate in such a
at the Cheimgau Arena from
high-profile event.
January 20 to February 15.
“The event was exceptionally
Exercise Rucksack is the
British military’s pinnacle champi- coordinated in a superb venue,
onships in nordic skiing and biath- which only two weeks earlier was
lon, with top-performing members host to World Cup biathlon races,”
selected to represent Great Britain he said.
“Exposure to these facilities
at World Cup and Olympic levels.
allowed us to develop our sportThe biathlon involved crossing abilities, and excel, over the
country skiing and competition
shooting in the prone and standing course of the competition.”
The ADF has been sending
positions.
The ADF contingent competed teams to participate in Exercise
against biathletes from the British Rucksack for 12 years.
Lead-up training for the 2017
Army, the Royal Air Force, the
Royal Marines and the German
competition was held in Austria
Army Reserves, as well as civiland Italy and consisted of 10
days of skiing and technique
development sessions in arduous
conditions.
The team then moved to
Ruhpolding, where members participated in eight races over 2½
weeks, including sprint (7.5km)
and Olympic (20km) events, and a
team relay.
The competition culminated
in a 30km military patrol race in
which members, carrying military
equipment and rifles, navigated to
checkpoints.
The ADF Nordic Skiing and
Biathlon Association promotes
cross-country skiing and biathlon with the annual two-week
Exercise Coolshot run by the
Army Nordic Skiing Association,
Navy Nordic Skiing and Biathlon
Association and the Air Force
Nordic Biathlon Association at
Mount Hotham in the heart of the
Victorian Alps.
For more information visit: http://
drnet.defence.gov.au/vcdf/SportsNordicSkiingBiathlon/Pages/Welcome.
aspx
Volume 60, No. 3, March 9, 2017
SPORT
A CUT
ABOVE
ABCIS Karl Benkendorff cuts
the ball during the HMAS
Harman annual XO’s XI
versus CO’s XI cricket match
Photo: POIS Phil Cullinan
INSIDE
Burrell Cup tennis
Page 23
Husky triathlon
Page 22
CPL Mark Doran
NAVY personnel in the Canberra
region, and a couple of soldiers,
tested their mettle in the annual HMAS
Harman CO’s XI versus XO’s XI cricket
match on February 22.
Each team was given 20 overs in an
afternoon promoting fitness, teamwork and resilience at the Sir Victor
Smith Oval.
The XO’s XI set a solid 131 on a
slow wicket, but the CO’s XI denied
them a second straight victory, winning with just three balls to spare.
Wides and no-balls were the greatest enemy for the XO’s team, assisting
the CO’s XI run chase.
CO Harman CMDR Alison Westwood said the CO’s XI started strong
by belting the ball into all corners of
the park.
“As the temperature rose the runs
began to dry up, though,” she said.
“CMDR Jenny Macklin hit the winning runs to steer us to victory and
secure the trophy for 2017 while the
XO took home the battered ball.”
The best and fairest player of the
match was awarded to LCDR Scott
Northey, who was forced to take a
mandatory retirement after scoring 31
runs.
XO Harman LCDR Mark Wilson said
CPOMT Darren Tobler, of the Directorate of Navy Safety, was the stand-out
as the XO’s XI captain.
“He played just as well as with the
bat as the ball. He was a true allrounder,” he said.
Assisting serving and ex-serving
ADF members and their families
in times of injury, illness
and crisis.
rsldefencecare.org.au
© Image courtesy of Department of Defence