AIR F RCE
Vol. 54, No. 11, June 21,, 2012
FLOOD DASH
H
Sale students
race to help P3
The official newspaper of the Royal Australian
Th
ralian Airr Force
Force
6TH WEDGETAIL
ETAIL
ound
New arrival bound
for Hawaii P77
2
2011
AWARDS
RDS
Showcasing our
best P10-133
HISTORY IN THE MAKING: SQNLDR
Paul “Simmo” Simmons, of 2OCU, with his
Oswald Watt Gold Medal, awarded by the
Royal Federation of Aero Clubs Australia
for “the most brilliant performance in the air
or most notable contribution to aviation by
an Australian”.
Photo: LAC Mark Friend
SQNLDR Paul
Simmons
follows in
famous
P2 footsteps to
be awarded
Australia’s
highest
aviation
honour
SIMMO’S GOLD
2 News
AIR F RCE June 21, 2012
RAAF FIRST: SQNLDR Jesse
Laroche, who flew the P-8A
Poseidon during Tamex.
Photo: AB Alan Lancaster
Pilot takes
controls on
Poseidon
MAN OF MANY TALENTS: SQNLDR Paul Simmons at the controls of a restored
s
former RAAF Sabre alongside a 75SQN Hornet at Temora; right, SQNLDR Simmons
displaying his certificate and Watt Gold Medal with CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown and
Marj Davis, the president of the Royal Federation of Aero Clubs of Australia, at the
Air Force awards night.
Photos: LAC Mark Friend and LACW Kylie Gibsonn
Following
in famous
footsteps
SGT Andrew Hetherington
A HORNET instructor pilot has been
recognised for his tireless work mentoring junior Air Force aircrew while
also flying a 56-year-old jet fighter
and running a youth charity.
SQNLDR Paul Simmons, of 2
Operational Conversion Unit, was
presented with the Oswald Watt
Gold Medal Award by Marj Davis,
president of the Royal Federation of
Aero Clubs Australia, at the 2012 Air
Force Awards night at RAAF Base
Amberley on May 31.
T h e awa r d i s p r e s e n t e d t o
Australians who display the most
brilliant performance in the air or the
most notable contribution to aviation
by an Australian or in Australia. It was
first presented in 1921 and past recipients include Sir Charles Kingsford
Smith, Bert Hinkler and Sir Reginald
Ansett.
It was last awarded in 1999 to
astronaut Andrew Thomas.
SQNLDR Simmons, known as
Simmo to his friends and colleagues,
said he grew up reading about and
idolising many of the previous award
recipients.
“To receive this award is hard to
comprehend; I am humbled and honoured,” he said.
“I don’t feel I’m anywhere near
being in the same category as those legends, however, I am humbled to accept
it and hope that I can help further aviation in Australia in some small way.”
SQNLDR Simmons divides his
time working as a Hornet instructor pilot and displaying the RAAF
CA-27 Sabre at the Temora Aviation
Museum.
“I was selected by Air Force to fly
it due to my background in low-level
jet aerobatics and I’ve flown the Sabre
at Temora since 2009,” he said. “It’s
FLTLT Dave Cusworth
Award citation
For a most notable contribution
i to A
Aviation
i i bby an
Australian for his unique combination of professional
mastery as an operational fighter pilot, dedication to
the mentoring and instruction of junior aircrew, commitment to the preservation of aviation heritage as the
Australian CA-27 Sabre pilot and establishment of the
LIFT youth charity.
an honour to fly it and see the veterans, their families and young people come alive when they see it in its
natural element.”
His real passion is operating
his charity LIFT, which stands for
Learning, Inspiration, Friendship and
Trust.
“The charity began in 2007 and
the Air Force has been a fantastic support by allowing me to work part-time
while pursuing its development.
“Along with Chris Teale, a former
Hornet pilot, we set about using the
magic of flight to help ‘at risk’ youth
get their lives back on track.
“In 2009, LIFT received official
registered charity status and we put
a yearly average of 75 young people
and their mentors though our educational flying-based programs.”
LIFT allows SQNLDR Simmons
to transfer his flying knowledge
and life experience to young people
Director
David Edlington: (02) 6265 4650
LS Paul Berry: (02) 6266 7606
Michael Brooke: (02) 9359 2494
EDITORIAL TEAM
CONTACT US
Editor/Deputy Director
Simone Liebelt: (02) 6265 2253
Deputy Editor
John Martin: (02) 6265 7219
Production Editor/Sports Editor
Sharon Palmer: (02) 6266 7612
Email: [email protected]
Fax: (02) 6266 7701
Mail: The Editor, Air Force News, R8-LG-048, PO
Box 7909, Department of Defence, ACT 2600
Website: www.defence.gov.au/news/raafnews
Reporters
SGT Andrew Hetherington: (02) 6266 7614
CPL Mark Doran: (02) 6265 1304
CPL Nick Wiseman: (02) 6265 4140
CPL Max Bree: (02) 6266 7608
LAC Bill Solomou: (02) 6265 1355
Andrew Stackpool: (02) 6266 7611
Advertising Manager
Tim Asher: (07) 3332 7651 or 0459 842 551
Email: [email protected]
ADVERTISING and SUBSCRIPTIONS
Assistant Manager Advertising/Subscriptions
Trish Dillon: (02) 6266 7607
Email: [email protected]
between the ages of 12 and 25 who
have not had a fortunate start to life,
and to help the amazing organisations
working to supporting them.
“We don’t label kids, but the definition ‘at risk’ means to us young people who are at risk of not being able
to achieve minimum education outcomes, juvenile detention, being incapable of entering the workforce effectively or becoming welfare dependant.
“Our programs are designed to
enhance a youth’s ability to understand risk, make effective decisions,
improve self-image and belief in their
individual worth and future potential.”
For more information on the charity LIFT and
to make a donation, visit www.lift.org.au/
For more information on the Oswald Watt
Gold Medal Award, including how to nominate, visit members.ozemail.com.au/~rfaca_
new/awards_oswald.htm
DISCLAIMER
Air Force News is published fortnightly by the
Directorate of Defence News. It is printed under
contract by Capital Fine Print. The material
published is selected for its interest. The views
expressed in published articles are not necessarily
those of Defence or Air Force News. Every advertisement is subject to Directorate of Defence News
approval and the Directorate of Defence News
may, at its discretion, refuse to accept an advertisement. The Directorate accepts no responsibility or
liability in relation to any loss due to the failure of an
advertisement to appear or if it appears in a form
not in accordance with the instructions received by
the Directorate of Defence News. The fact that an
advertisement is accepted for publication does not
mean that the product or service is endorsed by the
Department of Defence or Air Force News.
SQNLDR Jesse Laroche is charting a
new course as the first Australian pilot
to fly the P-8A Poseidon, the next generation Maritime Patrol and Response
Aircraft scheduled to replace the Orion.
The 10SQN C Flight Commander
was an observer on the aircraft during
Tamex, a two-week anti-submarine
warfare exercise held off the Western
Australian coast from June 5 to 15,
when he was asked to take the controls
during Poseidon’s first visit to Australia.
“I didn’t realise I was to be the first
RAAF pilot to fly the P-8A until I was on
board,” SQNLDR Laroche said.
“It’s a fantastic platform, very modern obviously, and a great level of automation throughout the aircraft.
“In terms of pure flying I found it
very smooth and easy to fly. It handled
well and the level of spatial awareness
you get is another step up from what
we’ve seen before.”
Two US Navy P-8A Poseidons and
a P-3C joined a 92WG AP-3C for the
exercise, held out of RAAF Base Pearce,
along with RAN Seahawks from HMAS
Stirling on exercise with HMAS Collins.
RAAF Orions fly west four times a
year for Tamex, which on this occasion
encountered the most intense storm to
strike Perth in 15 years.
Defence plans to acquire the
Poseidon in 2017-18 and the Orions
are scheduled to be withdrawn from
service in 2019.
Meanwhile, SQNLDR Laroche
expects to work closely with USN counterparts as the Air Force collaborates on
Poseidon’s development.
“We relish the opportunity to
exchange in the US,” he said.
“And obviously, the guys who
are lucky enough to get an exchange
opportunity will make the most of that.”
More on Tamex 12-2 and the P-8A Poseidon
project in the next edition.
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News 3
AIR F RCE June 21, 2012
LOADING:
FLTLT
Freddie
Church, of
SATC, loads
a sandbag onto
a truck in
Paynesville.
HELPERS: Above,
OFFCDT Geoffrey
Stewart, and right,
OFFCDT Michael Jones,
of SAW, help fill up
sandbags in Paynesville.
Photos: SGT Kirk
Peacock, CPL
Steve Duncan
Andrew Stackpool and
CPL Max Bree
SOME of them had only been in the
Air Force for a matter of days – but
when students from Officers’ Training
School (OTS) swung into sandbagging
action in pouring rain in the early, dark
hours of June 6, they set their careers
off at a cracking pace.
“ I n i c k n a m e d t h e m ‘ Te a m
Awesome’,” OIC of the group FLTLT
Geoff Young said.
“The majority of them were new
officers under training and this was
their first experience of how they can
assist the community as a member of
the ADF.
“They carried out their duties
enthusiastically in very trying conditions, with little sleep.”
Their effort was the first response
by Air Force personnel from RAAF
Base East Sale, who joined Navy and
Army colleagues to help emergency
services in Gippsland as flooding
threatened areas of south-east Victoria.
It was by no means the last helping
hand from Air Force.
FILLING IN: FLGOFF
Corey Siebel, left, and
SGT Robert Hutchings,
of SAW, fill them up.
Team Awesome
leads the way
The 40 students and staff members from OTS rolled out of the base at
1.30am on June 6 to assist police and
State Emergency Services personnel
sandbagging in the Lakes Entrance area.
The senior ADF officer at East
Sale, GPCAPT Gregory Frisina, said
OTS was the first group in because it
had just returned from a “cancelled,
rain-soaked, bush exercise and were
ready to go”.
“Some of the members had only
been in the Air Force for seven days
and they found themselves on their
first deployment,” GPCAPT Frisina
said.
FLTLT Young was proud of his
charges’ work.
“It was a very sobering experience
to supervise the efforts of my team
of 40 OTS colleagues working tirelessly at 3am, filling and stacking
sand bags in the pouring rain,” FLTLT
Young said.
“They truly represented ‘awesome’ in every way.”
As OTS joined the emergency, six
Unimog trucks provided by Army’s 4
Brigade, left Melbourne to assist with
evacuation operations around Lakes
Entrance.
Having driven through the night to
reach their destination, the Army drivers handed the vehicles over to relief
drivers from OTS.
The trucks joined the OTS team in
the flood-affected areas about 3am on
June 6.
Once they got some sleep, the 4
Brigade drivers replaced the Air Force
drivers.
Later that morning, 20 personnel
each from the Schools of Air Warfare
(SAW) and Air Traffic Control
(SATC) headed out to relieve the
weary OTS team.
They worked through the afternoon and then returned on June 7 to
continue operations in the Paynesville
area until about noon, when they
returned to East Sale.
FLTLT Kirsten Gunn, of 32SQN,
said squadron personnel on base
remained on duty in case they were
also required to assist.
CO SATC WGCDR Pat Cooper
said it was great to see the students
working well with the Army and Navy
personnel.
GPCAPT Frisina also congratulated the teams for their efforts. They had
been sandbagging important locations
like supermarkets and power stations
to keep the region operating.
“The community loved them,” he
said. “It was fantastic. I don’t think the
community realised how quickly and
efficiently our people could operate.”
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4 News
AIR F RCE June 21, 2012
Amberley
gets a Pig
of its own
SQNLDR Dennis Deering
TRUCKIN’ IT HOME: F-111 A8-142 passing through the countryside near Wyalong, in central NSW,
on the way to its final destination of RAAF Base Wagga.
Photo: LACW Kylie Gibson
End of the road ... at last
RAAF Base Wagga has finally
received its long-awaited F-111 for
display.
F-111 A8-142 initially departed
RAAF Base Amberley for its new
home last March but was forced
to return to Amberley because of
severe flooding in the Wagga area.
In a second attempt, the retired
bomber departed the base in a convoy on June 12 and arrived at Wagga
on the 14th.
Its journey took it through
Warwick, Goondiwindi, Moree,
Narrabri, Coonabarabran, Gilgandra,
Dubbo, Parkes, Forbes, West
Wyalong and Temora.
As with previous F-111 movements, the aircraft had its wings
and tail fin removed and carried on
another truck.
The aircraft now will be reassembled at Wagga by 82WG personnel
while plans for public display on the
base are still being prepared.
The F-111 fleet was retired by
Air Force in December 2010 after 37
years of service. A8-142 is one of 13
currently identified for preservation.
The aircraft is specifically significant as it was the first F-111 to complete the Avionics Update Project
in Australia in 1995 after initial trial
modifications were carried out in
America.
More on the road trip and how RAAF
Base Wagga plans to display the aircraft
in the next edition.
THE RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage
Centre celebrated its first birthday in
grand style on June 7, and received a
special birthday present – former reconnaissance RF-111C, A8-126.
It is only one of two RF-111 reconnaissance version F-111s on display
worldwide.
Director General Aerospace Combat
Systems AIRCDRE Axel Augustin
signed over the historic aircraft to
Commander Combat Support Group
AIRCDRE Tim Innes.
The aircraft had been lovingly
restored to pristine condition for public display by a team comprising personnel from Boeing Defence Australia,
Tasman Aviation Enterprises, the 82WG
Disposal Team and the F-111 Disposal
Team from the Disposal and Aerial
Targets Office.
Speaking at the handover ceremony,
AIRCDRE Augustin said the F-111 had
been one of the most important weapon
systems in RAAF history.
“After 40 years of service, it is fitting
that A8-126 should be selected for pub-
Did you know your rank can
affect your housing?
lic display at Amberley, which is after
all the home of the F-111,” AIRCDRE
Augustin said. “Now, A8-126 is handed over to the custody and care of the
RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage
Centre, to be preserved and displayed
for public appreciation in recognition of
this unique aircraft and the significance
of its contribution to the history of the
RAAF and the defence of Australia.”
A8-126 was the first F-111 to be
accepted at the General Dynamics main
plant at Fort Worth, Texas, on September
4, 1968.
It was the first RAAF F-111C to be
accepted and flown by a RAAF crew.
Following the major structural test
failure of a Wing Carry Through Box on
September 3, 1968, A8-126 was placed
in storage with the rest of the F-111C
fleet that had never been accepted.
With the problems finally resolved,
A8-126 arrived at Amberley on June 1,
1973, piloted by the then WGCDR Ray
Funnell (later CAF) with SQNLDR N.
Pollock as navigator.
It became the first F-111C aircraft
converted to reconnaissance configuration on April 18, 1979.
In addition to participating in a number of exercises, air shows and flying
displays at major public activities over
the years, A8-126 had a major role in the
retirement activities for the F-111 fleet
on December 3, 2010.
The aircraft was withdrawn from service with 5,980.2 flying hours.
Defence Housing Australia
Your housing update
Did you know that any changes in your rank or your
serving partner’s rank could affect your housing
entitlement?
4HElNEPRINT
Your Rent Allowance (RA) or Service Residence (SR)
entitlement calculation is based on the senior member’s
rank. This means that applications for housing must be
completed with the senior ranking member’s details.
The contribution for members
with dependants is detailed in
PACMAN volume 2, chapter 7,
part 5, division 9, paragraph
7.5.55.
What changes could affect you?
Where rank changes occur you
must notify DHA in writing, as
detailed in PACMAN volume 2,
chapter 7, part 5, division 9,
paragraph 4.5.49 and 7.5.50.
If the senior ranking member discharges or goes on
Leave Without Pay, your subsidised housing will be
affected. It could also be affected if your rank changes.
Any change to your contributions will usually come into
effect from the date of rank change or from the date you
or your partner goes on Leave Without Pay.
Going on Leave Without Pay?
You must notify DHA in writing,
as detailed in PACMAN volume
2, chapter 7, part 5, division 9,
paragraph 7.5.51 and 7.5.52.
PROUD OF OUR PIG: The Defence and civilian teams involved with the
restoration of RF-111C A8-126, which was handed over to the RAAF
Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre. Above inset, AIRCDRE Axel Augustin,
left, presents AIRCDRE Tim Innes with the handover certificate for
RF-111C A8-126.
Photos: CPL Peter Borys
MAKE USE OF ADF SUPPORT SERVICES
Here’s what to do:
To ensure your housing entitlement is correct, you will
need to inform Defence Housing Australia (DHA) if you or
your partner’s circumstances change. You can do this in
WRITINGORCONTACTUSTOlNDOUTMORE
[email protected]
CONTACT
139 DHA (139 342)
www.dha.gov.au
WITH the release last week of the
unredacted executive summary of
the DLA Piper Review Team’s Volume
1 report into allegations of sexual
and other abuse, Defence leaders
have encouraged members feeling
distressed to make use of available
support services.
ADF members can contact the
all-hours support line, a confidential
telephone service to help military
personnel and their families access
mental health services, on 1800 628
036.
Special arrangements have been
made to extend the Australian Public
Service employee assistance program
to include former ADF members, former Defence public servants and their
immediate family members who have
raised allegations with the DLA Piper
Review. Appointments can be made
through the program hotline on 1300
361 008.
Former ADF members may also be
eligible for access to services through
the Veterans and Veterans Families
Counselling Service on 1800 011 046.
For more information on the DLA Piper
Review, go to http://intranet.defence.gov.
au/People/sites/CultureReviews/
News 5
AIR F RCE June 21, 2012
Helping hand
for PNG poll
CAPT Bill Heck
WHEN two RAAF C-130s moved
more than 320 Papua New Guinea
(PNG) Defence Force personnel to
Wewak and Lae from Port Moresby
on May 31, it marked the start of
ADF’s support for the PNG elections.
The elections are scheduled to
be held between June 23 and July
6 with the polling stations moving
around the country.
Combined Joint Task Force 630,
comprising elements of the ADF
and New Zealand Defence Force,
is providing specialist support capabilities, particularly helicopters and
logistic assets that are not readily
available in PNG.
CJTF 630 Commander COL
Andrew MacNab said at the
peak of the commitment about
250 Australian and New Zealand
Defence personnel would be
involved.
“We will work across the country to support local authorities in the
delivery of a safe, free and fair election for the citizens of PNG,” COL
MacNab said.
“Australian and New Zealand
Defence Force aircraft will carry
electoral officials, monitors and
observers during the operation and
we will also assist with pre-position-
All in a day’s work
MULTI-SKILLING: FLTLT
Mel Russell is greeted by
the media.
WHEN FLTLT Mel Russell flew her
C-130 aircraft into Madang, she got
quite a welcome.
The Air Force crew, which was
transporting material for the coming
election, was beseiged by local media
eager to find out more about the giant
visitor.
FLTLT Russell stepped up to the
microphone like a seasoned veteran.
She said the reporters were very
polite and only wanted to know about
the aircraft.
“It’s really great to be able to help
these people out and I love talking
about my aircraft,” FLTLT Russell said.
ing of PNG security personnel prior
to the poll.”
The Hercules airlift to Wewak
and Lae from Port Moresby was in
preparation of the PNG soldiers’
move into the highlands.
PNG Election Task Force
Commander LTCOL Ezekia Wenzel
said he was happy to be deploying
with his men to support the people
of the highlands.
“We want to ensure a safe and
secure election where people can
make their democratic choice freely
without intimidation and without
fear,” LTCOL Wenzel said.
COL MacNab said it was an
important event for PNG.
“We are providing air and logistic support in a challenging environment to remote communities in
rugged terrain,” he said.
“Personnel from the PNG
Defence Force and the Royal PNG
Constabulary are responsible for the
security of the elections.”
ALL ABOARD: Members of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary
embark an Australian Hercules for transport to Madang from Port Moresby to
provide security for the coming national elections; inset, LAC Ben Crawford,
left, and WOFF Ken Flint unload PNG Electoral Commission ballot boxes from
the rear of the C-130H after arriving in Madang.
Photos: PO Phil Cullinan
6 News
AIR F RCE June 21, 2012
Getting ready for
major exercises
ABOUT 30 Air Combat Group (ACG)
F/A-18 and Hawk Lead-in fighters from
RAAF Bases Williamtown and Tindal are
conducting special exercises to prepare
them for coming major exercises.
About 300 personnel are supporting
them.
The exercises started on June 12
and will continue until July 20.
Commander Air Combat Group
AIRCDRE Tony Grady said the exercise
build-up period would involve a series
of scenarios that would test the aircrew.
“The scenarios are an essential leadin to Exercise Pitch Black [to be held
between July 23 and August 18], which
is our large multinational air exercise
held every two years in the Northern
Territory,” AIRCDRE Grady said.
“Pitch Black is a highlight of the
regional exercise schedule and will
allow us to further solidify our relationships with the armed forces of
Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and the
US.
“Over the next six weeks, our air
and ground crews will prepare for this
demanding activity, so that we can put
our best foot forward with our regional
partners.”
In addition, 2SQN has already
deployed to Alaska for Exercise Red
Flag, and over coming months 76SQN
will deploy to Rockhampton and
2 Operational Conversion Unit will
deploy to RAAF Base Townsville for
Exercise High Sierra.
ON WITH THE SNOW:
A Wedgetail lines up for
take-off from Joint Base
Elmendorf-Richardson
during Exercise Red Flag
Alaska; inset, 2SQN aircrew
board the aircraft for their
first mission.
Photos: CPL David Gibbs
Alaskan venture
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Base Richmond are participating in the
exercise.
The Hercules were scheduled to
practise a variety of roles, including airdrop of cargo and landing at deployed
airfields.
OC 84WG GPCAPT Donald
Sutherland said: “The C-130H and
C-130J personnel must be proficient
in operating their aircraft in a range of
environments and scenarios, in order to
support Defence operations.”
Aircrew were exposed to large-force
employment on a scale not possible in
Australia when they performed counter
air, precision strike and offensive air
support in packages of up to 60 aircraft.
Red Flag Alaska involves participants from Australia, the US, Germany,
Poland, Japan and the NATO E-3A
Component, together with Russian and
Bangladeshi military observers.
The exercise is being held in the
67,000 square-mile Joint Alaska Pacific
Range Complex, which offers adequate
space and ranges for crews to simulate
full-scale aerial battles.
THE Wedgetail has made its debut
in Alaska as a participant in the most
advanced international air combat training activity, Exercise Red Flag.
The Wedgetail – along with a
C-130H and C-130J Hercules – flew the
flag for Australia in the two-week exercise, which is due to end on June 22.
CO 2SQN WGCDR Paul Carpenter
said it was the biggest exercise yet for
the Wedgetail aircraft – involving a
series of air combat and surveillance
scenarios that would test operational air
and ground crews to the highest level.
He said the exercise, led by the
US Pacific Air Forces Command, was
important as the Wedgetail moved
towards initial operational capability
later this year.
“Red Flag provides excellent opportunities for our personnel to integrate
with a joint task force to learn how other
countries operate,” WGCDR Carpenter
said.
Up to 60 personnel from 2SQN at
RAAF Base Williamtown and more than
70 personnel from 37SQN at RAAF More on Exercise Red Flag next edition.
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News 7
AIR F RCE June 21, 2012
Straight to work you go
Jaimie Abbott
Bound for Hawaii
RIMPAC FIRST-TIMER: The new
Wedgetail on the hardstand at
RAAF Base Williamtown and,
above right, some of the US Navy’s
biggest ships alongside Pearl
Harbor during RIMPAC 2010.
Photos: LACW Katharine Pearson and
LS James McDougall
WEDGETAIL No 6 will join
an AP-3C, two RAN frigates, a submarine and other
ADF assets at RIMPAC.
They will be part of a
force of 42 ships, six submarines, more than 200
aircraft and 25,000 personnel in the biennial exercise,
which will run from June
29 to August 3 in the
waters around the Hawaiian
islands.
Participants this year
will come from Australia,
“With the help of our coalition
After participating in Exercise Red
partners, and in time our own tanker Flag Alaska, that Wedgetail will travaircraft, the Wedgetail can potentially el to Britain for the Waddington Air
fly anywhere in the world,” GPCAPT Show.
Friend said.
Commander Surveillance and
Canada, Chile, Colombia,
France, India, Indonesia,
Japan, Malaysia, Mexico,
Netherlands, New Zealand,
Norway, Peru, South Korea,
the Philippines, Russia,
Singapore, Thailand, Tonga,
Britain and the US, which is
host of the exercise.
Assets this year will be
challenged by a wide range
of scenarios designed to
test their capabilities and
interoperabilities to the
maximum.
Response Group AIRCDRE Stephen
Osborne pointed out the significance
of that.
“It will be the first time a
Wedgetail aircraft has been to a UK
W
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JUST a few weeks after arriving at
RAAF Base Williamtown, 2SQN’s
newest Wedgetail is preparing to travel to Hawaii for Exercise Rim of the
Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012.
All six of the modified Boeing 737
jets – which can maintain surveillance
over an area five times bigger than
Tasmania – have now been delivered
to Air Force.
It will be the first time a RAAFoperated Airborne Early Warning and
Control Wedgetail will feature in the
largest multinational maritime exercise in the world.
The other five Wedgetails, the first
of which came into service in 2010,
are no strangers to international travel.
The aircraft had its first overseas exercise in October last year for
Bersama Lima in the South China
Sea. In February, the Wedgetail was
in Guam for Exercise Cope North; in
May it was in Malaysia for Bersama
Shield; and it is currently in Alaska
for Exercise Red Flag. In August it
will participate for the first time in
Exercise Pitch Black.
Last year, the Wedgetail became
the first large RAAF transport-type
aircraft to complete air-to-air refuelling, joining with a Singaporean
KC-135 which was temporarily operating out of RAAF Base Amberley.
OC 42WG GPCAPT Tracey Friend
said air-to-air refuelling had huge benefits for the prospect of long-distance
global travel.
air show and is particularly relevant
given RAF Waddington is the home of
the UK combat intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance capability,” AIRCDRE
Osborne said.
Initial operating capability (IOC)
for the Wedgetail is set to be declared
towards the end of this year.
The aircraft is designed to provide
airborne battle-management capability
with advanced multi-role electronically scanned radar and 10 mission crew
consoles that can track airborne and
maritime targets simultaneously.
“The incremental delivery strategy
has allowed us to train and operate
the aircraft in all its developing stages while gaining experience with the
capability,” GPCAPT Friend said.
Before IOC can be declared, further training, operational test and
evaluation and final software configuration testing needs to be completed,
as well as certification of the mission
system.
“In terms of sheer operations it
has been a challenge, but we are as
prepared as we could have been to
operate a capability we’ve never had
before,” GPCAPT Friend said.
The Wedgetail’s surveillance surface area is 400,000 square kilometres
at any one time. Over a 10-hour mission its mission systems and advanced
radar will be able to cover four million
square kilometres in surveillance, with
its primary task being to detect air
threats and coordinate air defence.
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News 9
AIR F RCE June 21, 2012
WHO’S ON THE LIST
Member (AM) in the
Military Division of the
Order of Australia
CSM: Right,
PTI FSGT
Tony Benfer, of
HQ GTW, with
the medals he
won at the US
Marine Corp
Trials earlier
this year. Photo:
AB Richard Cordell
COMMDS:
Below, C-17A
pilot SQNLDR
Jarrod
Pendlebury,
of 36SQN,
just before
deploying to
the MEAO.
CSC: SGT Gary
Kilday, of 4SQN, in full
combat controller gear,
surveying an airfield.
Photo: LAC Mark Friend
AIRCDRE Tracy Smart
For exceptional performance
of duty as a medical officer in the Air
Force.
CHAP Ian Whitley
For exceptional service to the Air
Force and the Australian community
as an Air Force chaplain.
Member (OAM) of the
Order of Australia in the
Military Division
SQNLDR Michael
Duyvene De Wit
For meritorious performance of duty
as an instructor at Joint Terminal
Attack Control Troop and as Tactical
Operations Officer at 44WG.
SQNLDR Damien Farrell
For meritorious service in the field
of space-based surveillance for the
ADF.
SQNLDR Andrew Jackson
For meritorious service as 81WG
Standardisation Officer and ‘B’
Flight Commander, 2 Operational
Conversion Unit.
WOFF Kerry Mann
For meritorious service in the field of
airlift operations and support.
Commendation for
Distinguished Service
GPCAPT Andrew Heap
For distinguished performance of duty in warlike operations
as Air Component Commander, Joint
Task Force 633 on Operation Slipper
from November 2010 to May 2011.
WGCDR Jonathan McMullan
For distinguished performance of
duty in warlike operations as CO of
the Heron Remotely Piloted Vehicle
Detachment on Operation Slipper in
Afghanistan from April to September
2011.
SQNLDR Jarrod Pendlebury
For distinguished performance of
duty in warlike operations as an
aircraft captain at 36SQN, providing
air transport support to Australia’s
operational forces.
Conspicuous Service
Cross (CSC)
WGCDR Dean Ransom
For outstanding achievement as a Capability Management
Staff Officer for Surveillance and
Response Group.
SQNLDR Andrew Hoffman
For outstanding achievement as
the Targeting Flight Commander at
87SQN.
SGT Gary Kilday
For outstanding achievement as a
Combat Controller at 4SQN.
Queen’s honours
SGT Brian Hartigan
DIVERSITY of service across the Air
Force was recognised with a range of
awards announced on June 11 as part
of the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
Of note on this year’s list
were three Conspicuous Service
Crosses (CSC), five Conspicuous
Service Medals (CSM) and three
Commendations for Distinguished
Service.
Two Air Force officers were
appointed Members (AM) of the
Order of Australia while four members were awarded Medals (OAM) of
the Order of Australia.
Among those recognised this year
was SGT Gary Kilday, a combat controller from 4SQN, awarded a CSC
for his work in developing an airfield and assault-zone reconnaissance
capability within the combat controller category.
Conspicuous Service
Medal (CSM)
WOFF David Coles
For meritorious achievement
as the Maintenance Training Flight
Commander at 292SQN.
WOFF Craig Thomas
For meritorious achievement as
Warrant Officer Engineering at 2
Operational Conversion Unit.
FSGT Tony Benfer
For meritorious devotion to duty in
leading the Physical Training Section
at RAAF Base Wagga, and for service
to disabled sport.
FSGT Jason Morrison
For meritorious achievement as the
Senior Non-Commissioned Officer in
the Deployable Information Systems
at 1 Combat Communications
Squadron.
CPL Brendan Smith
For meritorious achievement as the
Unit Maintenance Training NonCommissioned Officer at 92WG
Development Flight.
OAM: Above, AIRCDRE Tracy
Smart, of JHC, and below,
CHAP Ian Whitley, of 31SQN.
SGT Kilday said he wasn’t too
sure about being singled out for such
a prestigious individual award.
“It’s just not in our culture to seek
individual accolade or place ourselves
on a pedestal, so it’s actually quite
uncomfortable being singled out
when there are so many high performers working here,” he said.
“Essentially, I look at this as a
reflection on the efforts of the entire
combat controller category capability.
By no means did I achieve this on my
own.
“So, I will accept this as recognition of the whole capability.”
No stranger to the limelight or the
pages of Air Force News, FSGT Tony
Benfer was also “surprised and very
humbled” when he heard he was to be
awarded a CSM for his work as a PTI
and for his service to disabled sport.
“You just work hard every day
doing the job you love and then
something like this comes out of the
blue – and it’s fantastic,” he said. “I
don’t even know who nominated me,
but I’m trying hard to find out, just to
say thank you.”
FSGT Benfer said that when he
read the letter telling him of his nomination, his face lit up with a smile.
“But then I read I wasn’t allowed
to tell anyone about it, and that was
very hard,” he said.
“I didn’t tell my wife or my colleagues [before the long weekend].
“I was even in Brisbane recently
and couldn’t tell my mum when I met
her, even though I was bursting to.
“It was very hard keeping that
secret.”
SQNLDR Jarrod Pendlebury, who
was recognised with a Commendation
for Distinguished Service in warlike
operations as an aircraft captain, said
he was most looking forward to giving back what he’s learnt.
He said some of the experiences
he has had over the past six or seven
years were amazing.
“Yes, it’s true I was asked to do a
reconnaissance of a small airfield in
Afghanistan – Tarin Kot – that HQ
said they were looking at using a lot
more frequently, so we did our planning, flew in there and dropped some
people off for a look around.
“It was only a dirt strip back then
and with very little infrastructure.
“I was back there just last week
actually, flying a C-17A. It’s really
good to come full circle like that.
“When I made that first flight, I
had a very experienced mentor with
me.
“Now, if I can give back just a
tenth of what I’ve learnt, I’ll be
happy.”
SQNLDR Pendlebury will soon be
posted as executive officer to 84WG –
back with the Hercules.
10 Air Force Improvement
77SQN
team of
the year
NUMBER 77 Squadron is the
inaugural winner of the Air Force
Improvement (AFI) Team of the Year
Award in recognition of its wholeof-squadron operating improvements
program in 2011.
CO 77SQN WGCDR Glen Beck
said that it was clear that improvement initiatives had to be linked to the
required flying output.
“We looked at what flying was
really required and how the resource
requirements changed based on those
flying demands,” he said.
77SQN ran a series of planning
workshops to identify causes of inefficiency which informed planning
of improvement initiatives. It then
implemented a range of improvements
across the squadron to improve coordination between aircrew and flightline
staff, and to maximise the ‘time on
tools’ for maintenance staff.
SPECIAL EFFORT
The results of 77SQN’s improvements have included:
➤ A higher quality of aircrew categorisation scheme upgrades.
➤ Better planning tools and better
communication, leading to a
reduction in wasted effort and a
higher quality of execution.
➤ A very high mission achievement rate.
➤ A more efficient and productive
work environment.
➤ A positive continuous improvement culture.
“The improvements have yielded
outstanding mission achievement levels, where flying program demands
AIR F RCE June 21, 2012
WELL DONE:
WGCDR Glen
Beck accepts
the award from
CAF AIRMSHL
Geoff Brown;
right, 77SQN
jets prepare for
take-off.
Photos: SGT Rob
Mitchell and LACW
Kylie Gibson
have been consistently met by maintenance and support personnel,”
WGCDR Beck said.
“In 2011, we had serviceable aircraft available for 99 per cent of programmed missions.
“The understanding of the close
relationship between aircrew, maintenance, logistics and administration
staff has led to the consolidation of
business processes throughout the unit.
“The planning and management
of flying operations has become more
efficient, and the broader effects on
maintenance and supply are understood
in detail from the beginning.”
WGCDR Beck said strong executive leadership had been central in both
the planning and execution of squadron
improvement activities.
“However, we rely on ideas coming
in from all parts of the squadron at all
rank levels,” he said. “This continuous
improvement culture is now becoming
part of the regular squadron business
routine.”
The AFI Team of the Year Award
was presented by CAF AIRMSHL
Geoff Brown at the Air Force Awards
Night at the RAAF Base Amberley
Combined Mess on May 31.
Acting Director General AFI
GPCAPT Kevin Downs said the award
provided an opportunity to recognise
the great work that units were doing to
improve Air Force.
“Through their willingness to
question how they operate as a whole
squadron and change how they do
things, 77SQN have established a reputation for excellence,” he said.
“The next generation of leaders
being developed within the unit are
now experiencing a better way of doing
business and effective improvement
leadership. This in conjunction with
the generation of a positive change culture will assure their success.”
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TWO
AWARDS:
FLTLT
Amanda
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in front of
a 37SQN
Hercules.
Photo: LAC
David Said
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FLTLT Amanda Gosling’s efforts in
launching the 37SQN Maintenance
Management Improvement Program
(MMIP) earnt her the inaugural Air
Force Improvement Leadership Award.
The MMIP identified a number
of improvement opportunities within
37SQN, ranging from major activities,
such as optimisation of aircraft wash
procedures and assignment of dedicated
maintenance managers, to a large number of ‘Just Do It’ activities.
Accepting the award on behalf of
FLTLT Gosling, CO 37SQN WGCDR
Mark McCallum said that under FLTLT
Gosling’s leadership, the MMIP had
directly contributed to an increase in
C-130 aircraft serviceability.
“In an environment characterised by
operational deadlines, overseas deployments and organisational stress, FLTLT
Gosling has gone beyond the straightforward requirements of her job as OIC
Flightline to envisage and deliver a better future for her people and the capability they support,” WGCDR McCallum
said.
He said FLTLT Gosling’s commitment to advise, guide and coach individuals in developing and delivering
reforms was a factor that clearly made
her a worthy recipient of the award.
The award was co-presented by
CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown and John
BIG IMPACT
The results of the MMIP improvements have included:
➤ Optimisation of aircraft wash procedures that could save 1200 man
hours a year.
➤ Assignment of dedicated maintenance managers for aircraft
undergoing maintenance which
has already reduced delays in
aircraft releases and increases in
aircraft availability for tasking.
➤ A flightline shift roster changeover
routine which has reduced fatigue
in the maintenance workforce
and maintenance issues on the
flightline.
Monaghan from BAE Systems Australia
at the Air Force Awards Night at the
RAAF Base Amberley Combined Mess
on May 31.
FLTLT Gosling also received a CAF
Commendation in recognition of her
efforts.
Acting Director General Air Force
Improvement GPCAPT Kevin Downs
said the leadership shown by FLTLT
Gosling in successfully engaging a large
workforce in taking on a substantial program of reform was to be commended.
Air Force Awards 11
AIR F RCE June 21, 2012
In a class of their own
Andrew Stackpool
AIR Force’s annual night-of-nights
was held at the Combined Mess at
RAAF Base Amberley on May 31.
Nearly 100 attended the 2011
Air Force Awards gala night, hosted
by CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown,
including ACAUST AVM Mel
Hupfield, WOFF-AF Mark Pentreath,
award recipients, their COs, Force
Element Group commanders and
WOFFs.
The Air Force Band provided the
entertainment.
In his welcoming speech,
AIRMSHL Brown described the occasion one of the most significant events
on the Air Force calendar.
He said it was about the extraordinary contributions made to the Air
Force and ADF by Air Force people –
both military and civilian.
“It provides us with one of the
few opportunities to showcase our
people and their achievements and,
importantly, recognise individual and
squadron achievements,” AIRMSHL
Brown said.
“As you might imagine, choosing
the recipients of our awards is a difficult task when so many of our men
and women consistently exceed the
demands placed on them and their
families.
“I see outstanding performances by
our people on a regular basis, operating at all levels across many different
environments.”
AIRMSHL Brown said the out-
TOP
BRASS:
Award
recipients
from the
2011 Air
Force
Awards
Night
proudly
display
their
trophies at
the RAAF
Base
Amberley
Combined
Mess. Photo:
LACW Kylie
Gibson
MORE OVER THE PAGE
standing performances behind every
one of the 2011 awards covered a
period of great pressure on Air Force
to reform the way it does business.
“This will be an ongoing challenge
as we make adjustments to ensure
we continue to deliver first rate air
power within a constrained budget,”
AIRMSHL Brown said.
“To the recipients, you are the
ambassadors of our continuous
improvement. Moreover, I see your
approach delivering real benefits
for Air Force, making the difficult
choices, cutting out the waste where
it exists and focusing your efforts on
adding value and delivering the quality
outcomes,” he said.
“What I need from your peers is
the sort of commitment that you have
given, to ensure that we remain a most
capable, responsive and flexible force
in our region, if not the world.
“I congratulate and commend
the men and women and those units
being honoured tonight as their
efforts have set them apart from their
peers during 2011.”
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Air Force Awards
12
AIR F RCE
Setting an example
Showcasing some of our top airmen of 2011
PHOTO OF THE YEAR
AIRFIELD DEFENCE AWARD
Awards night photos: LACW Kylie Gibson
Finding out he had
won the AIRMSHL
S.D. Evans and
Airfield Defence
Association Award
was a real shock
for LAC Justin
Campbell, of
2AFDS. “I found
out at the awards
dinner after they
got me there on a
pretext,” he said. “I
was over the moon
really. But seriously,
I owe this to the
boys I work with at
2AFDS Recon.” He
was presented with
the award, for outstanding leadership
and operational
performance by a
junior NCO within
an airfield defence
squadron, on the
night by former
Chief of Air Staff
AIRMSHL Dave
Evans, left.
Over the moon for
Matthew
13
FULL WINNERS LIST
Air Force Proficiency and
Leadership Awards:
➤ The Air Force Australian Public Service
(APS) Team Member of the Year Award: Mr
Gary Dobe, Headquarters Air Combat Group.
➤ The AVM B.A. Eaton Award: CPL Matthew
Brougham, 1 Combat Communications
Squadron.
➤ The AVM Tony Dietz Memorial Quality and
Achievement Medallions: FSGT David Kadel,
Health Operational Conversion Unit, and Mr
Dean Bzadough, Tactical Fighter Systems
Program Office.
➤ Her Majesty The Queen’s Gold Medal:
OFFCDT Maxwell Watterson, 2 Flying
Training School.
➤ The J.R. Bartram and R.A. Kee Sword of
Honour: AC Matthew Xuereb, 37SQN.
➤ The McCarthy, Rowbottom and Jones
Memorial Award: SQNLDR Kimberley Davey,
Health Operational Conversion Unit.
➤ The Lipshut Family Bursary: CPL Rhet
Tainton, Directorate General Technical
Airworthiness – ADF.
➤ The Chief of Air Force Instructor of the Year
Award: SQNLDR Peter Ferris, School of Air
Traffic Control.
➤ The SQNLDR W.T. Riggs Perpetual Trophy:
CPL Christopher Dickson, 1 Joint Public
Affairs Unit.
➤ The Thales Australia Leadership Sword:
OFFCDT Maxwell Watterson, 2 Flying
Training School.
➤ The Warrant Officer of the Air Force
Instructor of the Year Award: CPL Lachlan
Pegg, 1 Recruit Training Unit.
➤ The Air Force Improvement Leadership
Award: FLTLT Amanda Gosling, 37SQN.
➤ The Air Force Improvement Team of the Year
Award: 77SQN.
➤ The Duke of Gloucester Cup: 37SQN.
➤ The Hawker Siddeley Trophy: RAAF Base
Darwin.
➤ The Markowski Cup: Air Mobility Control
Centre.
➤ The RAAF Maintenance Trophy: 37SQN.
➤ The Stonehaven Trophy: 278SQN.
Air Force Safety Awards:
➤ The Leadership Award for Injury Prevention
and Management: Headquarters Ground
Training Wing, Physical Training Section.
➤ The Best Workplace Health and Safety
Management System: Headquarters 81WG.
➤ The Best Solution to an Identified Workplace
Health and Safety Issue: 292SQN.
➤ The Best Individual Contribution to Health
and Safety – Category 5A: Mr Scott
Dawson, 382 Expeditionary Combat Support
Squadron; Category 5B: FSGT Andrew
McGough, 11SQN, and SGT Sean Mohapp,
4SQN.
Royal Aeronautical Society
Aviation Safety Award:
➤ The Royal Aeronautical Society (Australia
Division) award: FLTLT Bruce Preston,
24SQN.
Chief of Air Force Essay
Competition:
➤ The Air-Vice Marshal H.N. Wrigley Prize:
FLTLT Alexandra McCubbin.
1RTU ADG beats talented field
AIRMAN
IRMAN
OFF THE
YEAR
CPL Matthew Brougham is the Airman
of the Year and his colleagues at
1 Combat Communications Squadron
(1CCS) are “over the moon about it”.
he
CO 1CCS WGCDR Nicholas Clarke said the
award was fantastic and justly deserved.
mely
“A more worthy recipient would be extremely
hard to find,” he said.
L
“There was broad-based support for CPL
nd
Brougham being nominated for the award and
people are delighted that he received it.”
Squadron XO SQNLDR David Clyde said CPL
sus
Brougham was nominated by broad consensus
oup.
from the chain of command and his peer group.
erfor“The nomination was based on overall performance, both within the squadron and while he
was away on deployment,” SQNLDR Clyde said.
he
“CPL Brougham's general maturity and the
oup
positive influence he has within his peer group
were key factors.
“He naturally assumes a leadership role.
“He has a 'can do' attitude and is willing to
kgive anything a go. He does not shy from tako
ing on additional responsibilities. He is also
ut
relatively unassuming. He stands out without
trying to,” he said.
sCPL Brougham was shocked when he discovered the news.
de
“We had a medals and promotions parade
s
at the unit for the Air Force’s birthday and as
part of that, the CO asked for the Air Force
Airman of the Year to step forward,” CPL
Brougham said.
k“Of course, nobody knew who he was talkd
ing about – including me. So when he called
my name, I was overwhelmed.
“Someone from our unit won it a couple
e
of years ago and I was aware of the work he
and some others had done over the years.
“So to be counted in that kind of company was amazing.”
June 21, 2012
WOFF-AF INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR
Christopher’s picture tells a thousand words
CPL Christopher Dickson, of 1
1JPAU, took out the SQNLDR W.T. Riggs Trophy for best official photograph of the year for the
second time in three years wit
with this image captured on October 27, 2011. Pictured is Air Force Band bugler LAC Jason Reeve
playing the Last Post in th
the hall of remembrance during a wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial of Korea, Seoul, to
commemorate those A
Australian airmen involved in the Korean War.
“I’m so proud to be lucky enough to win again,” CPL Dickson, pictured right, said. “I’m always trying to capture the true
feeling of the mo
moment, and that’s not easy. I’m constantly working at my art and studying as many photographs as I
can. That’s how I work to ‘capture time’ and at the right moment and in the right frame.”
LIPSH
LIPSHUT
FAMILY
FAMIL
BURSARY
BURS
Daniel Lipshut, right, presents the Lipshut Family Bursary
trophy to CPL Rhet Tainton, of DGTA-ADF. The bursary
assists with the educational goals of an outstanding
airman who has a view to commission in the Air Force.
SWORD OF HONOUR
AC Matthew Xuereb, of
37SQN, said he was “very
proud of the effort he put
in at the RAAF School
of Technican Training”
to win the J.A. Bartram
and R.A. Kee Sword of
Honour award. ACAUST
AVM Mel Hupfeld, left,
presented AC Xuereb
with the trophy, which
recognised his exceptional
efforts on the aircraft
technician basic course.
“It feels very good to have
that effort recognised,” AC
Xuereb said. “It was a very
humbling experience to be
singled out at the Air Force
Awards night, and I really
enjoyed the evening.”
THE progression from instructing at
squadron level to instructing at 1RTU
came naturally for the 2012 Air Force
Instructor of the Year recipient CPL
Lachlan Pegg.
CPL Pegg, an Airfield Defence
Guard (AFG), is a member of the Force
Protection Training Team that provides
military training to recruits from week
seven and eight.
“We instruct them on everything from
judging distances to target identification,
vehicle check points and prisoner of war
handling,” he said.
pecting the award, CPL Pegg
Not expecting
s nice to be recognised for his
said it was
efforts.
“It’s a very rewarde said.
ing job,” he
“It’s a very influene all have as
tial role we
instructorss at 1RTU.”
F Mark
WOFF-AF
Pentreath said the
Instructor of the
rd
Year award
was highlyy
Right,
WOFFAF Mark
Pentreath
presents
y
the trophy
to CPL
Lachlan
Pegg.
contested this year by a number of excellent candidates from across Air Force
and ADF training establishments.
“CPL Pegg displayed exemplary
instructional skills as the lead instructor
on recruit course graduation parades,”
WOFF-AF Pentreath said.
“This was particularly impressive
given Lachlan achieved this in the inaugural role of ADG specialist instructor.”
CPL Pegg said it was an honour
receiving the award “especially due to
the amount of talented instructors we
have currently within Air Force”.
14 News
AIR F RCE June 21, 2012
Kev’s big Bash
A WA R R A N T o ffi c e r f r o m 3 8 1
Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron
(381ECSS) has completed his 50th event
to raise money for underprivileged, sick
and handicapped children.
WOFF Kevin Leahy provided his
own car and joined 65 other vehicles on
the Newcastle Variety Bash through the
Hunter region and rural NSW from May
20-26.
More than 200 participants raised more
than $500,000 and handed out equipment
to rural schools and hospitals.
A small team of 381ECSS members
also assisted with the Bash, supplying a
truck to carry the entrants’ excess baggage
and material for presentations to schools
along the way.
WOFF Leahy said a highlight came in
Gunnedah when Variety presented an electric hospital bed to a very sick child.
“It was arranged as a surprise for the
family by the local physio department,
who had no idea that they were receiving
the bed,” he said.
“Seeing the faces and the emotions of
the mother and father of the child, who are
not in the best health themselves, is what
makes being involved with Variety worth
every moment.
“It was probably one of the most memorable presentations I have been involved
in.”
The Variety team also handed out playground equipment, learning aids, wheelchairs and walking frames.
“Lately donations have included computers, enabling contact with major hospitals, allowing on-call doctors to assist and
diagnose via the internet,” WOFF Leahy
said.
Following a few days of rain out west,
the cars on the Bash stuck to sealed roads
to avoid damaging dirt roads.
WOFF Leahy drove the sweep vehicle
that made sure all entrants were accounted
for at the end of the day.
Over the years since Variety started
in Australia, more than $120 million has
been raised in NSW.
WOFF Leahy said assisting the under-
DRIVING FORCE: Left,
WOFF Kevin Leahy, left,
and his brother Denis
with the Sweep vehicle
they drove during the
Variety Bash to make
sure all entrants were
accounted for at the
end of the day. Above,
Bash vehicles lined up
at Gunnedah in northeastern NSW. Below
left, entrants ready to
start another day on the
Bash from Gunnedah.
Below right, LACs Ian
Robinson and Mark
Barak, of 381ECSS,
with a truck used to
carry entrants’ excess
baggage and material
for presentations to
schools along the route.
Photos: WOFF Kevin Leahy
privileged, sick and handicapped kids of
the Hunter area was his driving force.
“This is what it is all about and why I
have been involved for so long,” he said.
“Seeing the results of our committee’s
hard work in Newcastle and the joy and
happiness for the kids and families makes
it all worthwhile.”
WOFF Leahy was awarded an Order
of Australia medal on Australia Day in
2010 for his support to Variety, along with
his work at Combat Support Group as a
ground support equipment fitter.
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Air Force
events
Call 1300 112 114
Air Force
Band
June 22: OTS graduation parade, RAAF
Base East Sale.
June 28: 2FTS graduation parade, RAAF
Base Pearce.
July 1: Victorian
Reserve Forces
Day Parade, Shrine
of Remembrance,
Melbourne.
July 4: 1RTU graduation parade, RAAF
Base Wagga.
July 4: Victorian RSL
State Conference,
Caufield Racecourse.
Roulettes
June 22: OTS graduation parade, RAAF
Base East Sale.
June 25: SAW graduation parade, RAAF
Base East Sale.
News 15
AIR F RCE June 21, 2012
Tragic loss recalled
Andrew Stackpool
FOR most Australians, May 19, 1992,
was just another ordinary day.
Fo r 7 7 S Q N a t R A A F B a s e
Williamtown, and the Defence Science
and Technology Organisation (DSTO),
it became a day of tragedy when an
F/A-18 Hornet, A21-06, piloted by
FLGOFF Robert Jepsen, crashed at
Cape Clinton, near Rockhampton.
Flying with him was DSTO scientist Michael Howlett.
Both men were killed.
To mark 20 years since the tragedy,
on May 17, 77SQN held a commemorative service in front of the squadron’s
headquarters complex at RAAF Base
Williamtown.
Joining the squadron were 15 members of both men’s families and representatives from the chaplain’s office,
81WG, Air Combat Group, Air Base
Command Post, Defence Service
Group and VCDF’s office.
VCDF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin
had been lead pilot on the mission –
as a SQNLDR – when the accident
occured.
VCDF said that 20 years on from
the tragedy, it was an opportunity for
the Jepsen and Howlett families to visit
the memorial site at Cape Clinton.
“It is also an opportunity for us to
again reflect on an accident that deeply
touched many people across the organisation, including myself,” AIRMSHL
Binskin said.
Following the service, a lunch
was provided and AIRMSHL Binskin
IN BRIEF
Spartan contract
A $63 million contract was recently
signed with Alenia Aermacchi for the
long-term operation, maintenance,
modification and upgrade of the C-27J
Spartan aircraft and support systems.
Defence Minister Stephen Smith and
Defence Materiel Minister Jason Clare
announced the contract on June 3. The
contract will also provide Defence with
the ability to compete and sublicense
third parties, including Australian
industry, to provide maintenance and
training services, and the ability to
modify the C-27J capability.
Russell rescue
REFLECTION: Above,
VCDF Mark Binskin with
Keith Jepsen and other
family and Air Force
members in front of a
commemorative plaque
at the crash site at Cape
Clinton. Left, from left, Keith
Jepsen, PLTOFF Benjamin
James Howlett and
Cherie Howlett remember
FLGOFF Robert Jepsen
and Michael Howlett at
a service at Williamtown.
Photos: David McClenaghan and
LAC Mark Friend
hosted a dinner for the family members, CO 77SQN and close friends in
Newcastle.
The next day, the families were
flown by 34SQN to Rockhampton and
then an Army Black Hawk to the crash
site, which is marked by a commemorative plaque. A wreath was laid there.
AIRMSHL Binskin thanked everyone who assisted with the 20th anniversary commemorative activities at
Williamtown and Cape Clinton.
“I especially wish to recognise
34SQN and the Black Hawk in transporting the families to the crash site,"
he said.
TWO Air Force members came to the
rescue of a Hyundai i30 on June 8
when they stopped it from rolling out
of its parking space and potentially
into other vehicles or pedestrians
in the R4 Russell Offices car park.
The two members were passing by
when they spotted the sliding vehicle,
quickly pushed it back into its space
and then chocked the front wheel with
a large rock. The two Good Samaritans
did not wished to be named but said
they did not consider themselves to be
heroes. “We are merely everyday men
of the Air Force,” they said.
United language
THE Defence International Training
Centre joined teachers from schools
that work with the ADF to provide
language training for the Regional
English Language Schools Conference
in Hanoi, Vietnam, from May 29-31.
Teachers from Australia, Cambodia,
Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Tonga,
Thailand, East Timor and Vietnam
came together to develop ways to
improve English language training and
discuss ways to maintain pathways for
teacher training in the region.
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perations 17
AIR F RCE June 21, 2012
Keeping count
of combat toll
CPL Mark Doran
COMBAT injuries and damage to
personal protective equipment are
closely monitored in Afghanistan
by Australian Casualty and
Protective Equipment Analysis
(AS CASPEAN).
AS CASPEAN is a research
project under the authority of
HQ Joint Operations Command
(HQJOC) and the Defence Science
and Technology Organisation
(DSTO), and the guidelines of
the Australian Defence Human
Research Ethics Committee.
Nursing officer SQNLDR Ken
Kemp is the AS CASPEAN liaison
officer, who collects and collates
data and evidence relevant to combat injuries or damage to personal
protective equipment and vehicles
in the MEAO.
The battle-damaged equipment and data collected by AS
CASPEAN ends up at HQJOC
and DSTO where research takes
place and recommendations for
redesign, modifications, purchase
of new equipment or changes to
tactics, techniques and procedures
are made to DiggerWorks and
other ADF authorities.
Based at Multinational Base
Tarin Kot, SQNLDR Kemp said
his medical background was
most suitable for the position
because of the need to liaise with
casualties.
“Although there is continuous
reporting to Australia, it is a largely self-driven position as you need
to have your ear to the ground,
check reports every day and be
available whenever there is an
incident,” SQNLDR Kemp said.
He said because of the nature
of war it was common for a soldier to disregard a minor injury or
damage, keep going and not report
it to the medical staff or their command chain in the post contact
report.
“What may be just a bruise or a
scrape to a soldier from something
which has passed through the PPE
may mean it is not performing
correctly or it saved the individual
from a further injury,” he said.
It’s writing from the
heart at Al Minhad
LAC Bill Solomou
THREE months into her six-month
MEAO deployment, environmental
health officer FLTLT Evelyn Wright
gained the motivation and inspiration to write an emotional poem.
The 6 Expeditionary Health
Squadron member, deployed to Al
Minhad Air Base (AMAB) with
Combat Support Unit 6.
Being her first operational
deployment, she said the experience
was new to her.
“The experience was something
I could commit to paper and have a
memory of,” she said.
“Not only for the other members
but especially for myself and my
daughter.
“I sat down one day and started
writing; it just flowed out.”
The inspiration for the poem
came from her day-to-day tasks and
her feelings from being away from
home.
“The poem follows the logical
order of everything we did,” she
said.
“The first verse is about submitting an expression of interest to go
on deployment, to being selected, to
going through force prep, to arriving
in the Middle East, to the bulk of the
deployment and finally going home.
“Poetry writing is always something that I have enjoyed doing.”
On the night she presented the
poem to her colleagues at AMAB,
many came up to her and told her
how much they enjoyed it.
“All the comments I got were
positive, everyone appreciated it,”
FLTLT Wright said.
“People said I summed up the
deployment really well.”
An avid writer, FLTLT Wright
also sent a daily journal back to her
family and friends every month during her deployment.
PENNED
EMOTIONAL
POEM:
FLTLT Evelyn
Wright at Al
Minhad Air
Base.
Excerpt from Yearning
Blood courses, the heart pounds true.
The familiar stirrings of facing something new.
Expressions were called, words submitted, the
wait begun.
Wondering each day, was I to be the one.
A hundred others, each with their own dream
and reason.
Waited silently to learn if winter was to be their
season.
Names announced, excitement grew as people
arrived.
A united goal for which all have strived.
Faces new, faces old, who is who.
Each person a piece of the puzzle created new.
We met, we laughed, we learned.
We played, we worked and respect we earned.
Time brought too quickly and too slowly the
moment of sadness and tears.
Hugs and goodbyes, bravely hiding fears.
Excitement and loneliness – an atmosphere
divided.
Emotions, commitment to family and service
collided.
Roar of the engines, murmurs of voices.
Thoughts focused on future decisions and
choices.
The landscape dark, silent and warm enveloped all.
Prayers for those around that throughout our
time none should fall.
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KEEPING THEM SAFE: CASPEAN Liaison Officer SQNLDR Ken
Kemp at Multinational Base Tarin Kot.
Photo: CPL Mark Doran
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18 Flightline
AIR F RCE June 21, 2012
LOADS OF FUN: Above, 37SQN loadmaster
WOFF Stephen Skudder on the ramp of a
C-130H during the Defence Force Air Show
at RAAF Base Pearce. Photo: LACW Kylie Gibson
TOWNSVILLE SMILES: Below, working dog
handler CPL Floyd Pandava, of 1AFDS, with
his dog Viking during the air show.
Photo: AB Jayson Tufrey
SHOOTING PRACTICE: Above, SQNLDR
Karl Matthews, of Air Force Headquarters, at
the Australian Army Skill at Arms Meeting at
Puckapunyal Military Range.
Photo: SGT John Waddell
HAPPY HOMECOMING: Above, at a welcome home parade in Townsville, CPL
Sam Foale, of Army’s 1RAR, reunites with fiancée LACW Lauren Beech after
her return from deployment to Afghanistan.
Photo: SGT Rachel Ingram
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OUT AND ABOUT IN ADELAIDE: Above,
LACW Dani Kirby, of 10SQN, and FLTLT Chris
Horner, of 92WG, raise their cups in the Cancer
Council’s Biggest Morning Tea at Rundle Mall
in the city. Left, LACW Kellie Lucas, of 1RSU,
completes her evaluation questionnaire at the
Defence 2020 Youth Challenge at Technology
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Personnel 19
AIR F RCE June 21, 2012
Train-the-trainer
scheme new to
logistics school
FLYING SUCCESS: DCAF AVM Leo Davies addresses participants of the Flying Females breakfast at
ADFA, where female cadets aspiring to be pilots or air combat officers can talk to women already serving
in those roles.
Photo: Steve Dent
Inspiring future
female fliers
WGCDR Dee Gibbon
FEMALE pilot and air combat officer (ACO) cadets from the Australian
Defence Force Academy (ADFA)
received a welcome update on their
chosen careers on May 29 when
DCAF AVM Leo Davies hosted
the second annual ‘Flying Females’
breakfast at the academy.
Director of Personnel Air Force
GPCAPT Andrew Elfverson and a
number of serving females joined him
at the breakfast.
The annual breakfast resulted
from comments by many ADFA cadet
pilots/ACOs that they had never met
or even seen other women already
serving as pilots or ACOs.
In addressing the breakfast, AVM
Davies said he welcomed the opportunity to discuss ‘all things aviation’
with them.
In his address, GPCAPT
Elfverson provided some helpful
career management advice and dis-
cussed some of the unique careerbased challenges faced by women
aircrew, especially during periods of
pregnancy and post-pregnancy periods.
“My team is committed to providing posting and employment opportunities for aircrew through all life and
career stages,” GPCAPT Elfverson
said.
Pilot, SQNLDR Samantha
Freebairn, of the Directorate of
Personnel Air Force, and ACOs
SQNLDR Sarah Stalker, of Defence
Space Coordination, and SQNLDR
Susan Lambert, of the Directorate of
Workforce Planning, answered the
cadets’ questions, shared their own
experiences, gave practical suggestions for passing initial training, and
encouraged the cadets to contact a
mentor if they ever needed helpful
advice in the future.
After the breakfast, OFFCDT
Essie Broadbent said she found it
inspiring, noting that it helped to rein-
force her motivation towards a flying
career.
OFFCDT Grace Scholl found the
timing of the breakfast (in her second
year at the Academy) helped to combat the renowned “second year blues”
and said she appreciated the opportunity to talk to more senior women
about their aviation careers.
The establishment of a female
network and developing mentoring
relationships between women within
the female aircrew community is seen
as a critical step in helping young
women to be successful through their
specialisation training and remain in
long-term ADF aviation careers.
The Flying Females breakfast is
one of the initiatives that has been
implemented as part of Project
WINTER (Women in Non Traditional
Employment Roles).
For more information on the project,
contact FSGT Adam Robinson at adam.
[email protected]
STUDENTS attending the RAAF
School of Administration and
Logistics Training (RAAFSALT) in
the future can look forward to two
new courses to upgrade their qualifications.
RAAFSALT is developing a new
train-the-trainer scheme to replace
the existing instructor and assessor
courses.
They are the Air Force Enterprise
Trainer and Assessor and the RAAF
Instructor courses.
RAAFSALT CO WGCDR Peter
Gibb said the requirement came
about to meet the current instructor
and assessor needs of the Air Force in
the most effective way.
“There has been an increase in the
prevalence of competency logbooks
in the workplace, greater legislated
impost on the Air Force registered
training organisation for instructor/
Photo: LAC
Bill Solomou
assessor qualification and changing
roles and responsibilities of workplace
assessors,” WGCDR Gibb said.
“This led to a rethink of the decade-old training regime for Air Force
instructors and assessors.”
The trainer and assessor course
will graduate personnel competent
and authorised to work as a registered
workplace assessor and/or a workplace trainer.
In future, this course will be the
primary training for all members of
the Air Force not employed in fulltime instructional roles.
The instructor course has been
designed to meet the needs of members posted to a full-time instructional
position. It is a longer, more intensive
course and will provide instruction
in lesson development, delivery and
assessment. Course members will be
trained in lesson delivery and alternate
training technologies.
WGCDR Gibb said the changes
would have no impact on any members who had completed the former assessor and instructor courses
and held either a TAA04 or TEA10
Certificate IV.
“The qualification is still valid and
there is currently no requirement for
holders to upgrade,” he said.
“Unfortunately, however, anyone who only holds the superseded
BSZ98 qualification will be required
to undergo further training to upgrade
their skills if they are instructing or
assessing in the workplace.”
For further information or enquiries about
the new courses, contact FLTLT Darrin
Gardiner on (02) 69375540 or email [email protected]
At a glance
➤ The Air Force Enterprise Trainer
and Assessor course is a five-day
residential course.
➤ The RAAF Instructor course is a
10-day residential course.
➤ The trainer and assessor course
includes instruction and assessment in four units of competency from the TAE Certificate IV
in Training and Assessment, while
the instructor course includes six
units.
➤ For both of these courses, all units
of competency are assessed on
course and not in the workplace.
➤ On completion of both courses,
graduates are eligible to apply
for the Certificate IV in Training
and Assessment through the
Headquarters Air Command
Accreditation Cell.
➤ Members must have successfully
completed or be enrolled on the
trainer and assessor course to
nominate for the instructor course.
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Never
Stand Still
Faculty
of Science
School
of Aviation
20 Finance
AIR F RCE June 21, 2012
Finding
the one
Photo: LAC Bill Solomou
We’re targeting relatives
of Defence personnel
turning 30 something.
With tax return time on the
doorstep, it’s time to find
an appropriate accountant.
Australian Securities and
Investments Commission
chairman Greg Medcraft
provides some tips.
B
ECAUSE ADF members may be entitled to
certain tax and other benefits, you might want
to engage a professional accountant to help you
with your taxes or other financial arrangements.
Choosing an accountant is much like choosing any
other professional, such as a lawyer or plumber. Take
some time to shop around and select an accountant that
meets your needs.
Tax returns
For most of us, the word accountant is closely associated with tax time.
This type of accounting service is widely used and
typically offered by suburban accountants and large
accounting firms with local offices.
Look out for the advertisements. Make sure your
accountant is a registered tax agent by checking online at
the Tax Practitioners Board website: www.tpb.gov.au.
If your finances are straightforward you can fill out
a paper tax return or use the Australian Tax Office’s
(ATO) online e-tax system. If you have more complex
finances you might want to engage an accountant to
give you general advice on specific tax situations.
Accountants may also be able to help you with investment issues, provided they have an Australian Financial
Services Licence. Check if they have a licence on ASIC
Connect’s professional registers.
BROTHER
DAUGHTER
SON
Business accounting
SPOUSE
SISTER
If you or your family run a business, you will need
the services of an accountant or bookkeeper because
there are specific laws about the records that businesses
must keep. Search the ATO website for information on
record-keeping essentials.
How to find an accountant
Once you’ve decided on the type of accounting service you need, the next step is to find an accountant in
your area.You can search the websites of professional
bodies such as the Certified Practising Accountants
of Australia, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in
Australia, or the Institute of Public Accountants. You
can also ask for recommendations from family and
friends.
PARTNER
Questions to ask
Don’t get hit by the Lifetime Health Cover penalties.
Call 1800 335 425 before June 30 and save!
Turning 30 something and don’t have hospital cover? The
government will add penalties to your premiums for every year
you delay taking it out. But you can fight back. Simply take out
Defence Health hospital cover before June 30 to avoid or minimise
the penalties. And if the Medicare Levy Surcharge applies to
you, you may avoid that too. Our hospital cover is comprehensive
and great value. So call now or visit www.defencehealth.com.au
Serving Defence families better
After you’ve created a short-list of accountants, contact each of them and find out about:
➤ Specialisation – what services do they offer? Do
they regularly deal with people in similar situations
to you? If you have specific needs, make sure your
accountant has experience in that area. If not you may
have to pay for a more specialised service.
➤ Customer service – do they provide a good service?
Make sure your accountant responds to phone calls
and emails promptly.
➤ Fees – what will you be charged, and when?
➤ Qualified – are they a member of one of the professional associations mentioned above? If they are,
they have to meet the standards of the association.
It also means you can complain to the association if
you’re not happy with your accountant or the service
provided.
For more information on choosing an accountant go to www.
moneysmart.gov.au
➤ Email ASIC at [email protected] with topics that
interest you.
Health 21
AIR F RCE June 21, 2012
Reflux: the burning facts
CPL Nick Wiseman gets to the heart of a common problem.
“Other factors such as smoking
can also make GORD worse.”
For some people, cutting out things
such as spicy foods, stopping smoking,
• Lose weight
reducing alcohol and losing weight can
reduce or eliminate their symptoms.
• Stop smoking
For those whose symptoms perAccording to the Digestive Health
• Reduce alcohol
sist,
medications are available such
Foundation, Gastroenterological
• Reduce consumption of fatty and
as
proton
pump inhibitors, which
Society of Australia, heartburn is the
spicy foods
suppress the amount of stomach
main symptom of gastro-oesophageal
• Get plenty of exercise
acid produced and reduce the risk of
reflux disease (GORD) and is a com• Eat smaller meals
heartburn and other symptoms.
mon condition with up to one in five
Dr Coote said although the inhibi• Check any existing medications
adults experiencing heartburn once
you take do not increase hearttors reduced stomach acid they did
a week.
burn, such as some anti-inflamnot affect the normal function of the
Senior medical advisor Dr
matory drugs
digestive system.
Dorothy Coote, of JHC, said heart“These medications are well toler• Pregnancy can cause heartburn
burn was typically a burning sensaated,” she said.
but the symptoms will usually
tion in the lower chest that tended to
resolve after the birth.
“Sometimes people may experirise up towards the throat during an
ence minor side effects but they are
episode of reflux or regurgitation.
usually insignificant compared to the
“Other symptoms people can
GORD are a breath test, which looks benefits from these medications.”
often suffer are nausea, excessive
for Helicobacter pylori, the organAnother remedy often used by
burping and chest pain,” she said.
ism that has been found to cause
people experiencing heartburn is ant“GORD may be confused with
stomach ulcers, and a gastroscopy,
acids available from supermarkets or
a heart attack and any person who
which looks for evidence of damage
pharmacies.
experiences undiagnosed chest pain
to the lower oesophagus and abnorThese antacids neutralise acids that
should seek medical attention in the
mal conditions in the stomach using
have been secreted by the stomach and
first instance.”
a camera.
are only useful in the short-term.
The diagnosis of GORD should
Dr Coote said these tests might
The best way to manage GORD
be made by a doctor.
is to get medical advice, however,
Various tests can be done, depend- not be conclusive for some people
with milder symptoms and often their lifestyle changes such as reducing
ing on the severity of the symptoms.
symptoms could be eased by simple
weight, stopping smoking and watchUnlike some other illnesses,
lifestyle changes.
ing what you can eat will not only
GORD symptoms such as heartburn
“Being just a few kilograms over- reduce symptoms of the condition
can be relieved with a range of medication while diagnostic tests are done. weight can predispose you to having but also lead to better longevity and
quality of life.
Two common tests for diagnosing GORD,” she said.
EARTBURN is a symptom
many people experience but
what a lot of people may not
know is lifestyle change can
often have quite an impact on the
condition.
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Graphic: CPL Nick Wiseman
22 Sp rt
AIR F RCE June 21, 2012
Counting
the beat
and days
to US run
John Martin
MINNEAPOLIS BOUND:
SGT Lance Purdon.
EXCERPT FROM
HIS APPLICATION
“My life has been
improved by medical
technology as I live each
day like it is my last.
“I have a hunger to
do well and I like showing people that having
a pacemaker/implanted
device is not a hindrance.
“I was told I couldn’t
play any contact sports.
So to fuel my competitive nature I needed to
do something. Running
and triathlon was the
answer.
“Not only have I
started to get better with
having my pacemaker,
I have learnt a lot from
listening and learning
about how to run and
to listen to my body. I
had never ever thought
in my wildest dreams
that I could ever run a
marathon.
“I believe I can, and
do, inspire people to get
out and about and do
their best. It’s not always
about winning.
“The following sentence is what I live my
life by ‘You don’t know
what you have until you
lose it’.”
SIX days after having surgery
to replace his pacemaker, SGT
Lance Purdon opened an email that
informed him he had won a place
in the Minneapolis marathon on
October 7.
The race is sponsored by pacemaker manufacturer Medtronic,
which invited pacemaker patients all
around the world to apply under its
Global Heroes program.
SGT Purdon was among more
than 200 applicants – but only 24
were accepted.
“This program is more than running the marathon,” the email from
Medtronic said.
“It’s an exclamation of full life.
Your accomplishments stand as an
inspiration to others.
“We look forward to meeting you,
and sharing your accomplishments
with thousands of other running
fans.”
SGT Purdon used to be captain
of the Air Force Australian football
team, and played for the ADF combined team.
But he fell sick in 2003 and was
referred to a cardiologist who diagnosed him with sick sinus syndrome
and third-degree heart block.
On the day after his 31st birthday,
he had a pacemaker implanted.
“Football was a huge part of my
life, and I was told that I would never
play any contact sport again in my
life,” SGT Purdon said.
“Little did the experts know that
I was a very determined person who
didn’t like taking no for an answer.
“I defied the odds and was told
that I could play football again in
2006, and did so for one more final
season before retiring at the end of
2006.”
In October 2006 he met his future
wife, Jodie Barker, a renowned runner and triathlete.
“Our first official date was an
11km run at lunchtime where we
both worked. For Jodie this was just a
standard lunchtime run, but for me it
was a lot more.
• History Plaques & Boxes
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•Hat Badges
•Desk Name Plates
•Canes & Stands
Noel &Sheralyn Vellnagel
P.O. Box 1258 , Morayfield Qld 4506
[email protected]
‘
– the Global Heroes email
“I pulled up pretty sore the next
day.”
It was not long before SGT Purdon
got serious about running though.
He started with a 6.7km fun run.
Seven months after taking up the sport,
he ran his first marathon – clocking 3hr
16min 15sec for the 42.2km.
“I was quite proud of my achievement but I wanted to go faster,” he
said.
“In July 2010 I raced in the Gold
Coast marathon and achieved a time
of 2:57.15.
“I was on cloud nine with this
result, a sub three-hour marathon.”
He also completed two ironman
triathlons in New Zealand and has
a burning desire to compete in the
pinnacle of ironman triathlons, the
Hawaii Ironman.
“The only way I will achieve this
is by winning a spot in the lottery, as
I am nowhere near good enough to
qualify in my age group.
“I have paid my $100 for the past
three years, hoping that I get a spot.
“It would have been great to have
raced on the same day as my wife last
year after our wedding; however it
wasn’t to be.”
But first things first. Minneapolis
beckons.
SGT Purdon’s pacemaker operation came on May 29 and it was routine maintenance rather than any sign
of a new problem.
Nine days later, despite his
stitches not yet having dissolved,
SGT Purdon was back training at
the Australian Institute of Sport in
Canberra – eight 800metre runs with two minutes’ rest between each.
Four days after that
he lined up in the Sri
Chinmoy half-marathon
in Canberra and was
ecstatic with his time of
1:25.41, which was just
more than two minutes
short of the best time he
has recorded for that distance.
His focus now is on
the
Gold Coast marathon
SPIT POLISHED PRESENTATIONS
which starts on July 1.
www.spitpolished.com.au
That race incorporates
the ADF marathon title.
Military
Plaques
Ph: 07 5495 8259
Fax: 07 5499 1231
It’s an exclamation
of full life. Your
accomplishments
stand as an
inspiration to
others.
ONE OF OUR BEST: LAC Brenton Leipper comes to grips with one of
his New Zealand rivals.
Photos: Ash Brennan
TEAMWORK: LAC Chris Rafter, left, and CPL Frank Scrimshaw work
together to stop an opponent.
International flavour
brings mixed news
THE Air Force was unable to wrest the
Burns-Merz Trophy from Royal New
Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) in Auckland
in late May. RNZAF won 27- 9.
Air Force’s best players included
CPL Frank Scrimshaw (36SQN), LAC
Zac Studders (37SQN), LAC Brenton
Leipper (76SQN) and LAC Zane Puna,
who was also voted player of the day by
the RNZAF.
In better news for Air Force rugby,
six of our players have been named in
the Australian Services Rugby Union
women’s squad that will tour Britain
in October. They are FLTLT Margie
Quinn, FLGOFF Kaitlyn O’Brien, OCDT
Sarah Hume, CPL Brooke Saunders,
CPL Rebekah Allen, and LACW Lucinda
Tomlinson.
The women were selected following
the ASRU-W Warriors’ 0-14 loss to the
British Army women’s team at Sydney’s
Victoria Barracks on May 24.
The Warriors had some early scoring opportunities in that match but
lost possession at critical times, while
the visitors scored two converted tries
against the run of play.
➤ The RAAF Mirages veterans rugby
team will play the ACT Veterans
Rugby Club for the Northrop
Grumman Cup in a charity match
at Portsea Oval, RMC Duntroon, on
July 22. Anyone 35 or over who is
interested in playing should contact
WGCDR Gavin Small, gavin.small@
defence.gov.au by July 6.
Sp rt 23
AIR F RCE June 21, 2012
Crossfit
team
ready
for US
P th tto
Path
adventure
in Tassie
THRILLED: Above, FLTLT Melissa Hill, right, with
CAPT Ally Muller; left, FLTLT Hill puts her back
into a challenge.
Photos: Andi Back
The countdown begins
for the world crossfit
games. John Martin
reports.
Want to see Tropic Thunder
in action in Wollongong?
Scan this QR code or go
to www.youtube.com/
watch?v=aMuDxQ_MqdQ
A
S FLTLT Melissa Hill looks
ahead to the world crossfit
games in Carson, California,
she can’t help feeling proud.
FLTLT Hill is one of four ADF
people in the six-person Crossfit
Townsville Tropic Thunder team
which qualified for the world games,
from July 13 to 15, by placing third
in the Australian regional games in
Wollongong in May.
“Crossfit as a workout is becoming more popular within Defence,
and the fact that the third-best team
in Australia has so many Defence
members really says something,”
says FLTLT Hill, who works for the
Combat Survival Training School.
Her teammates are CAPT Ally
Muller, PTE Scott MacKenzie and
PTE Trent Shannon, and civilians
Natalie Thus and Daniel Strickland.
They will be competing in
California for the title of the fittest
team on earth.
Crossfit contestants might be
asked to attempt all manner of events,
from Olympic weightlifting and
gymnastics-based movements to run-
Sprinter picked for
Oceania titles
FLTLT Spencer Cox will compete in the Oceania Area
Championships in Cairns from
June 27 to 29.
FLTLT Cox, of HQ Air Combat
Group, is one of nine ADF personnel selected to compete in
the Athletes North Queensland
and Athletes Northern Territory
teams.
FLTLT Cox will compete in the
men’s 200m event.
More than 200 Australians
will compete against athletes
from 22 countries, including Fiji,
Samoa, Solomon Islands, the
Cook Islands, New Zealand and
the Marshall Islands.
ning, rowing and swimming. But they
might also get some less conventional
tasks.
At Wollongong, the buddy carry
event was a curly one.
CAPT Muller, who met FLTLT
Hill in the gym, as did the others,
says: “Nat and Mel, and Scott and
Trent had to carry each other in whatever way they could.”
To make it harder, the men also
had to carry a 45kg dumbbell and the
women had to carry a 31kg dumbbell.
But Wollongong was comparatively easy, CAPT Muller says.
“The workouts that we had to
compete in were released four to five
weeks in advance and so we tailored
our training to those specific events.
“For the worlds games our workouts will only be released a couple of
days before so we need to be prepared
for anything.”
CAPT Muller says all the members brought a different set of skills
to the team. Strickland used to play
for the Cowboys, which will equip
him well for the glare of big crowds.
When this paper went to press,
FLTLT Hill was overseas on holiday.
Who knows what new skills she’ll
bring back from Europe?
The countdown to the games is
getting shorter.
“Due to such a small timeframe
there isn’t a great deal we can change
within our own abilities so we are
just concentrating on consistency and
intensity in our movements, working
on our weaknesses without neglecting
our strengths,” CAPT Muller says.
“We are generally training twice a
That’s my Olympic team
From Back Page
In the short term, LAC Stokes
has his sights set on World Cup
events being held in Mexico, the
United Arab Emirates, Cyprus,
Spain and Peru next year.
LAC Stokes has already competed in two world cup rounds
this year – in Tucson in the US
in April and then Lonato in Italy
in May.
He finished in a tie for 16th
out of around 120 competitors in
Tucson and finished 56th out of
200 competitors in Lonato.
“I was fairly happy with the
result in Tucson; however, the
result in Italy was a little bit disappointing.”
The bonus was that he got to
spend two weeks on holiday in Italy.
He visited Venice, Florence, Milan
and Rome: proof there’s more to
this man than clay targets (go on –
ask him about the Duomo or gondolas or the Colosseum.)
LAC Stokes has just come off
a three-week break which – aside
from a three-month hiatus while he
was deployed in the Middle East
in 2010 – is as long a rest from the
sport he’s had since he was 12.
By the time this paper goes
to press, he will be back into it:
going to the range at least once a
week and to the gym three times
a week.
“I can’t wait until 2013.”
day, with some short practice pieces
dotted throughout the day when we
have a spare 10 or 15 minutes at work.”
CAPT Muller, while excited, plays
down the complexity of the sport.
“Anyone can do this. The crossfit
games just showcase what people can
potentially do,” she says.
“This is obviously an unbelievable
opportunity for us to go overseas and
represent our gym and the Australia
region.
“We hope that this inspires people to just give crossfit a go if they
haven’t tried before, and for those
that currently do crossfit workouts,
maybe give the opens a crack next
year.
“You never know where it can take
you. All of a sudden you might be
heading across to LA.”
TWO adventure race competitors
(plus two back-up members)
from Air Force are being sought
to contest the five-day Mark
Webber Tasmania Challenge
being held from November 28 to
December 2.
The race will cover 350km of
terrain and involves mountain
bikes, kayaks and trekking.
As part of a safety promotion project, the Directorate of
Defence Aviation and Air Force
Safety (DDAAFS) will fund two
competitors in the challenge.
Expressions of interest are now
open for adventure athletes with
a proven track record. DDAAFS
will fund entry fees, travel and
incidentals.
The safety promotion project
will include a DVD launched in
early 2013 to improve the management of stress, fatigue and
workplace distractions. The DVD
will feature aerobatics pilot and
former RAAF pilot WGCDR Matt
Hall and F1 driver Mark Webber.
Although two athletes will be
selected, the directorate wants a
final list of four so that there are
two reserves ready to step in if
needed.
DDAAFS is also offering merchandise signed by Mark Webber
for the person who comes up
with a suitable name for the Air
Force team.
For further information, including
an application form, go to: http://
ra.af/TASChall2012. To nominate
a team name and be eligible to
win merchandise signed by Mark
Webber, email trevor.scholl@
defence.gov.au
FREE CERT IV
IN FITNESS
*Conditions Apply.
With a new
pacemaker,
invitation to
run in the US
SP RT
– Page 22
JJune 21, 2012
Heading
into the
unknown
WILL someone remember to remind
FLTLT Melissa Hill to pack her bathers
when she goes to the US next month?
She’s not going there on a holiday,
mind you, but you can’t be too careful.
FLTLT Hill is a member of the
Crossfit Townsville Tropic Thunder
team that will contest the world crossfit games in Carson, California, from
July 13 to 15.
If you think crossfit is a solitary
sport people just do in the gym, think
again.
At last year’s world titles, 11,000
spectators turned up – and this year’s
competition is already a sell-out.
When this newspaper went to
press FLTLT Hill really was on holiday,
soaking up the sun in Europe.
But one of her three Army teammates, CAPT Ally Muller, said the team
was heading into the unknown.
“They can throw anything at us,”
she said.
“Last year they threw in an ocean
swim and I remember reading that
a lot of the girls had to go and buy
appropriate swimwear as no one really
expected to be swimming.
“We are fighting for the title ‘the fittest on earth’ so we should be expecting the unexpected.”
ON THE WAY UP: FLTLT Melissa Hall midway through a set of a pull-ups at the Australian regional crossfit games in Wollongong in May. Inset,
on the victory dais: the top three teams at Wollongong qualified for the world titles.
Photos: Andi Back
Full story, Page 23
That’s my team
John Martin
TRAP shooter LAC Matt Stokes is
understandably disappointed he is not
actually competing at the Olympic
Games in London – but that won’t
quell his enthusiasm for supporting his
colleagues who have qualified.
Come July 28 when the shooting program begins, LAC Stokes, of
10SQN at RAAF Base Edinburgh,
plans to have his eyes glued on the
television. C’mon Aussie, c’mon.
Two of the sport’s best-known
names – Michael Diamond and Adam
Vella – beat him for the two available
spots for Australia.
SUM OF A GUN: LAC Matt
Stokes ... age is on his side.
“They are both genuine chances to win gold in London,” LAC
Stokes said.
Despite both being over 40, they
continue to command places in the
world’s top 10. Both have held the
world’s No. 1 spot.
Diamond is the world’s most successful clay target shooter, having
already won two Olympic gold medals, four world championship titles and
a brace of Commonwealth Games gold
medals in a career of more than 30
years.
LAC Stokes, at 22, is one of the
new kids on the block but he has
steadily climbed the rankings the past
year.
And when he settles back in his
armchair to watch the Games on TV,
he can do so with a sense of satisfaction because he knows he helped the
team get there.
Until late last year, Australia was
only guaranteed one spot in the clay
target competition in London.
But when LAC Stokes finished second at the Oceania Championships in
Sydney in late November, not only
was it his best result, he snared a second qualification for the team.
“To be able to contribute to the success of the team in such a big way was
a big moment in my shooting career.”
LAC Stokes was not surprised to
miss out on the Games team to two
such well-performing shooters.
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Although shooters have longer
careers than the average sportsman
(Diamond has declared he hopes he
has two more Olympics ahead of
him), LAC Stokes obviously has age
on his side.
With the focus on the Olympics,
there are several months of downtime ahead. He will use that time to
train “and hopefully improve enough
to give myself a realistic chance
of making the team for the 2014
Commonwealth Games in Glasgow,
Scotland, and the 2016 Olympic
Games in Rio de Janeiro”.
To Page 23